Forum Thread

I dismissed the strange stuff, returning my attention to Maurina. Perhaps it was her body's way of reciprocating the pleasure it was being subjected to. Whatever it was, I was enjoying it immensely. My mind was drunk with the stuff. I ran my hands down her sides, Loving the fell of her soft, hot skin. My lips found there way back to hers. The hot water soon ran out, and we stood in the cold flow her a while longer, kissing and stroking. Eventually the water cut off completely, signaling that we had been in long enough. I smiled at her. "Seems as though we may have spent a little to long in here."

---

I groaned as my gills and fins retreated. I had been enjoying his touch there! I didn't know if I would ever be satisfied with this form again. I smiled at him and kissed him deeply. "I guess so. How long do you think we've been in here?"
I stepped out of the shower and grabbed a couple of towels, handing him one. My stomach growled at me, demanding to be feed this instant. At least now that we weren't busy trying to devour each other. I looked up at him and laughed, bending over in half as that thought crossed my mind.

Chuckling, I began to towel off. "I'm not sure. A couple of hours at most. All I know is that I'm starving!" Once I was fully dried, I pulled a comb out of one of the sink drawes. With quick precise movments I brought the teeth through my dark strands, soon bringing the unruley mess under control. As I was brushing I was hard pressed to look anywhere other than at Maurina. Her soft pale skin, reflecting the light as water ran in small rivlets across it. Her soft, silvery blue hair, draped over her shoulder. And her eyes. Those beautiful golden orbs, that seem to shine with an inner light. She was the image of perfection, a radient angel! And she was my wife. A sigh of contentment escaped my lips, and a smile fixed itself firmly on my face. I then began to pull on my clothes. Picking up my shoes, I inspected them. Their once shiny leather surface had been dulled through constant use. Grabbing another towel, I began to clean them, gently removing any dust and grime that might have acumulated. These old things had been with me through thick and thin, and I surely wasn't going to be the one to let them fall into disrepair!

(Yay for longer posts!)

---

While he got ready, I completely dried off. I sighed as the last of my scales took their leave. I rubbed my light hair, managing to make it damp instead of soaking. I looked up and noticed Jacob smiling down at me. I blushed and kissed him. Oh! How I loved doing that! Then I brushed out my hair and braided it. I skillfully starting it at my left temple and braiding it tightly, wrapping the braid around the back of my head so it ended in a long rope down my right shoulder. I pulled on my jeans and t-shirt. When I was finished, I leaned against the counter and sighed, watching my husband-my husband!-clean his shoes. I knew I should just let him finish, but I just couldn't stand it any longer! I moved to stand behind him and wrapped my slim arms around his middle. He was so muscular and physically attractive. But that wasn't wait drew me to him. I placed my ear against his back and listened to his strong, steady heartbeat. I laughed lightly as it raced ahead at my touch. My own heart picked up in response. I loved his heart most of all. He was my night in shining armor. He was my savoir and lover. I kissed the tender spot behind his ear and whispered, "...thank you. For everything. I love you more then there are stars in the sky."

(Yush! So happy! :3)

Her touch sent shivers up my spine. My heart raced, reacting to her kiss. I didn't have words to respond. There wasn't a word ever invented that could describe the depth of my love for her. So I didn't speak. I just turned my head back and kissed her. I would never get tired of doing that! When we pulled apart I smiled at her, stoking the side of her face. Brutis suddenly pushed his way between us, demanding to be noticed. I laughed giving him a pat on the head. "Sorry buddy, but you're going to have to share her from now on."

---

Brutis sneezed on us, letting Jacob know exactly what he thought of that. I threw back my head and laughed.
I looked back at Jacob, my husband, my lover and smiled shyly. I couldn't believe he had picked me to love. I leaned into his touch, enjoying how my heart raced at the simple act of him touching me!
"Should we go get something to eat?" I asked, looking up at him from his arms.
Brutis barked when I said that. He wagged his tail, wanting something to eat too.

"Sure." I said, taking a moment to pull on my shoes. Standing, I took Maurina's hand, enjoying the feeling immensely. After only a moments pause we headed to the elevator. When the doors creaked opened at the bottom, we were greeted by the grinning face of Jeff. "Finally! You guys were asleep forever!" I shot a glance at Maurina, smirking. We stepped out of the elevator and started across the lot. Jeff followed, walking backwards and chattering incessantly. "It's been so boring! I had to get up early and stand watch on the wall. I don't like it because there's nobody to talk to, and the Ex that come close enough to see well are never very interesting. Uncle Pete say that it has to be done though, so that everyone stays safe. I wanted to come and wake you up, but uncle Pete said I couldn't" He made a fairly good impression of the man's deep smooth voice. "I swear, if you step foot in their room I will go and whip you in front of God and everyone!" He frowned deeply, returning to his normal voice. "He says he feels responsible for me, but I have my Mom and Dad for that. Once they finally wake up maybe Pete will stop bossing me around." His face brightened suddenly. "Oh! You should come meet my parents! Come on!" He grabbed our hands, dragging us to the west side of the lot. Brutis bounded aloung side, letting out a few excited barks. Ahead I could see an odd structure. It seemed to be a rough circle of cars, about forty feet in diameter. A single oak tree rose out of the center. I suddenly had a terrible sinking feeling. I looked over at Maurina, a worried expression creeping slowly across my face. Please, I thought. Don't let that be what I think it is. Jeff led us through a small gap between the cars. Spread evenly around the circle were several headstones. At the center of the makeshift graveyard, directly beneath the tree two stones sat side by side. Jeff released our hands quickly moving to sit between them. He smiled widely at us, gesturing for us to sit across from him. "These are my parents! This is Mom." He pointed to the stone on the left. "And this is Dad." He patted the other rock.

(.3. Character development!)

---

I listened to the boy chat insistently. He seemed starved for attention. He seemed to need friends of his own age. While Jacob and I were older then him, I still thought he would be like a little brother. I laughed as he mocked Pete's deep voice. Brutis seemed to love thee boy. He ran circles around him, yipping and barking excitedly. When Jeff lead us back to a structure, I shared a look with Jacob. This poor sweet boy! He...Oh! I tried to keep the pity and sadness I felt for him off of my face. He certainly seemed happy.
"Hello," I told the graves. I sat down across from Jeff. I had a feeling he would talk about it when he was ready.

I sat down beside Maurina, a deep melacholy settling on me. Poor kid. "They're sleeping right now, but they'll wake up someday! I just have to be patient." Jeff smiled at us without a care in the world. I breifly considered trying to explain to him that his parents were never going to wake up, that they were gone forever. No. Let him keep his blissful innocence as long as he can. Soon enough he'll realize that the world is sick and cruel place. I forced a smile. "How long have you been waiting?" Jeff put his fingers out, indicating the number six. "Almost six months now, but I can wait as long as they need me to."

---

I almost cried out in pain for this poor boy. Keeping my face schooled for his sake, I reached out and put my hand on his knee.
"Well, I'm sure they are proud of you. They will be so happy to hear you waited for them. Though I think they would want you to spend more time playing. They'll probably laugh fondly when they hear you waited here for them most of the time," I gave him a small, warm smile and held out my arms, letting him choose whether or not to except my hug.
Burtis, the ever sensitive wolf that he was, sneezed all over Jeff's shoes at that moment.
"Bru!" I groaned, "You have the worst timing! I'm sorry, Jeff. As far as I can tell, that's his way of saying he likes you, wants food or attention, or just has allergies."

Jeff grinned, patting Brutis on the head. " He's nice. I like dogs." I was about to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind us. Turning I saw Pete, his face grim, entering the graveyard. "Sorry I have to do this guys, but I have to take you to meet the council." I stood, turning to face him. "Whats the council?" He sighed. "As much as it might seem like I'm in charge, I'm not totally. There are four others that help run the compound. Together we decide what's best for everyone. The others don't trust anyone. At all. So they sent me to bring you two to meet them." He glanced at Jeff. "I see you met Jeff's parents?"

---

"Oh! I'm sorry if we got you in trouble, Pete," I told him, standing and curling myself into Jacobs side. "We will respect any decision they make. Unless it puts either of us in harm way. And yes, we did meet them."
I gave Pete a look that expressed my grief, concern and sadness for the boy. I planned to treat Jeff like a little brother. He already had Brutis hanging on his every action!
I looked back to see Brutis licking Jeff relentlessly.
"Looks like Brutis has decided to add to the pack," I told Jacob.

I put my arm around Maurina. "Why don't they trust us? I thought we were supposed to be the people from your prophecy." Pete rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish look spreading across his face. "Well, actually, I'm kind of the only one who actually believes the stuff the old coot spouts." Jeff pushed Brutis off, giggling. "I believe him too Pete!" Pete smiled at the boy. he then turned back to us. "They only asked for you two, so if you don't mind, I think Brutis should stay with Jeff."

---

"I think that's a good idea. Brutis can help him...come to terms," I told Pete sadly. Then I looked up at Jacob, smiling, "I used to be afraid and think only Bru could protect me. But I have someone much nicer to protect me now."
I gave him what I hoped was a sexy smile. It probably came out looking silly though.

I gave Maurina a kiss as we headed for the main building. Hopefully I could live up to that expectation. Pete simply sighed, as he glanced back at Jeff. "I really wish I could help that kid, but he doesn't understand. Either that or he's in outright denial. I tried to explain it to him once, but he just wasn't getting it." He sighed again. "I guess it will just take time." A few moments later we were entering the mall. Pete led us down a side corridor and into a large confrence room. two chairs sat side by side in front of a large raised table. "Don't worry." Pete whispered. "The others insisted on having the room like this for dramatic effect." He exited, leaving us in the dimly lit room. I offered the nicer looking chair to Maurina.

---

What I really wanted to do was curl up in Jacobs lap and feel his chin rested on my head. But I sat down next to Jacob and raised an eyebrow at the whole situation after Pete had left.

"This isn't going to end like those TV shows and movies, right?" I asked Jacob. "They aren't going to turn out to have some crazy man with a gun running the place and making threats to get people to follow him, right?"

"Nah, probably not. I don't think Pete would put up with that anyway." I squeezed her hand. "They're probably just trying to keep their people safe, the best they know how. You have to remember that they look out for the interests of their own above all else." I gave her a relaxed smile. "And besides, Pete will be up there with them." A door on the left open and five people entered, moving to take their seats at the table. Along with Pete there was a lanky grey haired man wearing glasses, an older teen with very dark skin, a tall elegant woman in a silvery blue dress, and a girl, who looked about thirteen, with sleek black hair. Once they were seated, the old gentleman spoke softly, a small smile brightening his face. "Good morning my friends. My name is Charles Hamilton. May I inquire of yours?"

---

I gave Jacob a grin when he said that.
"No, I don't think Pete would put up with any of that. It was silly to suggest that," I squeezed his hand back.
When they walked in, I didn't know what to make of these council. They ranged in age and size. After the man, Charles, asked after our names, I was about to habitually respond with Waters as my last name. I turned to Jacob and smiled at him excitedly.
"I'm Maurina Finestro!" I positively beamed! I wasn't Maurina Waters anymore, I was Jacobs wife!

"And I'm Jacob Finestro." I said with a slight nod. Hamilton adjusted his glasses. "Then you are siblings?" The woman snorted. "Are you going senil Charles? With the way she looks at him, they are obviously the newlyweds from yesterday." "Ah. Yes. I had forgotten about that." A slight british lilt cut across his words, a by-product of his fluster. "Anyway," he continued. "This shouldn't take long. We just need to ask you a few question, and explain our rules for if you plan to stay." He gestured to each of the others in turn. "These are Miss Zeta, Thresh, and Delilah." Hamilton continued talking about the different rules while I studied each. Miss Zeta seemed to find the whole thing highly amusing, while Thresh looked bored. Delilah was different however. She stared at me with unblinking eyes, totally transfixed. Her stare sent shivers up my spine. I realized that her gaze rarely landed directly on me. Instead she seemed to be studying the air around me. She suddenly interrupted Hamilton's chatter, raising a finger to point at me. "He cannot stay. We should not trust his words." All eyes went to the girl. "Now Delilah," Hamilton stutterered. "We can't just kick him out. He has done noth-" She cut him off "We cannot trust one who would decieve us." Her cold blue eyes locked with mine, as I opened my mouth to protest. My throat closed, preventing me from speaking. "He hides a dark secret. A terrible deed he commited. Something awful, filled with blood and death and screaming." Her face hardened in a mask of fury. "And he enjoyed it. I don't know what it was that he did, but he loved every second." Thresh lened forward, a closed pocket knife in his hand, and a wary expression on his face. Zeta put a hand on his arm. "That's enough." She said sternly. She turned her chair to face Delilah. "If you feel so stongly about this, then we will put it to a vote." The girl relaxed slightly at that, nodding. Anger boiled in my blood. How dare she! That nosey bitch had been poking around inside my head! And now they had decided to be my jury for a crime, long since past, which they knew nothing about. I kept my mouth shut, knowing that shouting at them wouldn't help my situation. As I stewed in my anger I could feel a tingling across my back, and a stinging on my face. I quickly calmed myself, and the sensations passed. That would have been bad... "Fine then. Hamilton grumbled. "All in favor of kicking the man out?" Both Delilah and Thresh, raised their hands. The girl's face twisted back into one of anger when she realized that she would be overuled. "And all in favor of him staying?" The other three raised their hands. Delilah stood quickly, knocking her chair over in the process. She stormed out of the room, Thresh quickly following. The door slammed shut behind them. "Please forgive that little outburst." Zeta said. "She hates when we don't listen to her." She raised an eyebrow. "Though I would like to hear what she was talking about." I crossed my arms sullenly. "Ask what you brought us here to ask, and I'll consider talking when you're finished."

(so tired... brain is mush... can you think of question for them to ask? I think I've written plenty for now xD)

---

Oh! I was furious with that girl! I wanted to go give her a piece of my mind! Did she not see how inappropriate she was? I glared after her.
"Alright," Zeta said, "Where did you both come from? What are your powers? What is your story?"
I looked up at her, schooling my face so that I didn't offend them. I didn't want them to think I would cause unneeded drama.
"Well, I lived in Michigan before things went south. I hid in my family home as things got bad. I did everything I could think of to guard against danger. I was taking a shower one day when it happened. My scales just kind of exploded all over my body. But what freaked me out the most was my gills. My lungs and gills were fighting for dominance in that form. Thankfully I had Bru, my wolf. He forced me out of the house and to the lake. My body finished attacking itself and I began exploring," I laughed a little, "I always wanted to be a mermaid when I was little. Now I guess I am one, of sorts."