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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 11, 2011 21:46:43 GMT
It had been a good night, up until that point. Dressed up in his skinny jeans and fitted shirt, Arthur had had more than enough attention, and the drink was flowing. He’d not paid for one yet, but hadn’t yet had enough to tip him over the limit. He danced in the midst of the crowd, moving easily with and against them, letting his lithe body twist and turn in time with the overly loud music.
At some point he was joined by another man, and Arthur had no qualms about pressing up against him when he was encouraged, using him in his dance, letting his body slide against his in the hope of another free drink. They danced together for a song, the man getting more and more free with his hands, until the song ended, and only a signal to follow kept Arthur from finding somewhere else to dance. He’d put up with a bit of groping for a drink.
However, the man didn’t lead him towards the bar, and Arthur hesitated. He wasn’t stupid enough to follow someone into the dark corners of the club, and he turned away to head back to the dance floor, only to feel something sharp against his ribs. The man stepped in, against his back, and Arthur tensed. “Out the back. Now.”
Arthur paused, but a twist of the knife made him reconsider, and he let the man guide him from behind to where fresh air was spilling into the club from a back door that opened out onto an alley. As he was pushed down the steps, Arthur saw a chance and took it, jumping away with a cry for help that wasn’t particularly audible over the noise of the club. From that angle, though, and unaided by his previous drinks, he was unable to maintain his balance, and he skidded over into the dirt. The man picked him up by his hair, but Arthur wasn’t one to go down without a fight, and he spat in his eyes, any thought of gentlemanly conduct obscured by fear. Quickly, he followed it up with a punch to the face and a kick to the shins, and for a moment he was free, before large hands caught the back of his shirt, ripping it as he was pulled back. He was rewarded for his insolence with a punch to the gut that doubled him up, and then the knife was back, against his throat this time, and Arthur stilled, panting a little as he looked up at his attacker with disgust and fear.
The knife was pulled away, but only so that Arthur could be slammed up against the wall of the alley, and before he had a chance to struggle free, his shirt was slit up the back and pulled off. “Get your filthy hands off me!” Arthur complained, trying to arch free of the man’s hands, but the knife was pressed up against his throat again before he could move too far.
“Better keep that pretty mouth of yours closed.” A warning was muttered into Arthur’s ear as he man pressed up against him, and Arthur paled. He desperately tried to think of a way free as the man relieved him of his wallet before undoing his flies, eyes darting left and right in the hope of sudden inspiration.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 11, 2011 23:09:21 GMT
It had been a pretty slow night that night for him, and a lone figure was just wandering, staying out of sight of lamp posts and generally doing a very good impression of a shadow. Even the clubs seemed to be on their best behavior tonight with all the drunk people, and that was saying a lot for one of those places...However he paused when he heard a small scream, and arching a brow, moved to investigate.
Staying out of sight, the young man was easily able to quickly assess the situation, and faintly frowning, he quietly took off his bag, gripping the heavy thing in his hand. While the large man was busy with whatever poor sap he had decided to attack tonight, Alfred got into a better stance, then swung the bag hard, getting the guy right in the temple. As if that wasnt painful enough, Alfred had hooked a foot around his ankle, and jerked, sending his face flying into the cold, rough asphalt. Quickly he moved though, and the mans hands were easily pinned behind his back in a painful angle in the confusion while his knee pressed heavily into his back, making it even more painful for him. "It's bad enough that you're planning on doing something as disgusting at that, but to do it to a defenseless drunk..?" He muttered, his eyes dark before hhis hand moved. Gripping the strangers head, he jerked back then smashed his head right down into the ground, effectively knocking him out.
Once that wasdone, and he was completely sure that the mugger/rapist was out cold, he stood and brushed his hands off before snagging the wallet that had been dropped, holding it out to Arthur with a bright smile. "Here you are."
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 11, 2011 23:37:21 GMT
With his back to the alleyway, Arthur had even less chance than his attacker to spot the young man coming, so he tensed up with shock as the man behind him went limp, dropped the knife with a clatter, and then was pulled off him. Arthur was quick to straighten up and turn around, stepping on the knife so that it was definitely out of the picture.
"Hey, I'm not drunk!" He complained, as he reached up to check his neck for blood, letting his ruined shirt fall down his chest. Perhaps it wasn't entirely true, but cold air and a knife to his throat had done wonders in sobering him up. Once he had checked that the small mark on his throat wasn't bleeding too much, he put his hand to his ribs instead, where a shallow cut was bleeding a little.
Still, he was relieved to be saved, and as he was offered his wallet, Arthur let out a little smile, reaching out for it with his free hand. "I... thank you." He said, suddenly lost for words, faced with his saviour. In the dim light, he tried to take him in, before finally smiling properly, not quite matching Alfred's bright one, but still sincerely. "Thank you."
He found himself lost for words, unable to properly articulate himself, so instead he shifted his other hand, wiping the blood off on his hands and then ruffling through his wallet, taking out what he had in there, save enough to get him home. "Here. Or can I take you for a drink? A meal? Is there something you need?" He didn't know how else to thank him, though he wanted to.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 11, 2011 23:47:31 GMT
"Yeah? You smell pretty boozed up to me." He said cheerfully as he picked up his bag once again. Seeing blood made the teen frown lightly, and he was glad to see the cuts werent very deep. When the older man pulled some money out though, he blinked, stepping back. "You don't need to pay someone for saving you, y'know.." He chuckled, rubbing his neck. However, the word 'meal' did make his stomache faintly growl in response. "I...don't really like accepting payment for this." He said then, just tugging his bag up and over his shoulder.
He still smiled though, then nodded his head towards the unconcious man. "You need to go tell one of the bouncers that this guy is here, and make sure you don't touch the knife so it only has his prints on it." He couldn't even go in, seeing as he didn't have an id on him. "I'll stay if you think another witness is needed though." He said, smiling fully once again.
It was odd, he was smiling so happily, but everything about him was saying impersonal, professional. And it of course seemed like he really was used to this sort of thing. Anyway, he could see how much was in the wallet, and from the id he had seen flashed at the searching the other was a highlander. It'd be bad for his rep for him to be seen with him for too long.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 12, 2011 0:14:39 GMT
Pulling the remains of his shirt off, Arthur shivered lightly in the cold air as he pulled it on the other way round. It was a little uncomfortable, but it seemed a little more natural to have it open at the front, even if it was clearly ripped open rather than designed that way. "O-oh, well..." Arthur put the money away and frowned a little. "A meal then? I want to thank you some way."
He followed Alfred's gaze towards the unconscious man, and paused. He didn't want to get caught up in a court case, because it'd go badly for him, having to admit that he was in a Lowland club. On the other hand, the idea of letting this man free to hurt someone else was abhorrent to him, and he was torn. "Can you wait here for a minute?" He asked, pocketing his wallet again and pulling the remains of his shirt around him.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 12, 2011 0:41:13 GMT
"It's alright, really, I'd feel bad accepting something..." Looking slightly amused as Arthur turned the shirt around, the younger man just smiled faintly and then nodded, resting his hand in his pocket while he turned and just went to lean against the wall. He could kind of tell that the other was torn because of that reason. Luckily for Arthur, because this happened in the lowlands it was very unlikely it'd even come to that.
While he waited, he searched his pocket and managed to find a hard candy, sucking on it contently and enjoying the sweet sugary treat in his mouth. It wasnt much, but hopefully it'd keep his stomache from making noises of hunger at the man. He wasn't desperate, and he had eaten two days ago! Jeez.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 12, 2011 1:04:38 GMT
Arthur frowned at the man still not accepting his offer, but left it at that for now. Heading back into the club, he got his coat from the cloakroom, ignoring the looks he was given for his ripped shirt, and then pulled the bouncer over for a chat. They talked quietly for a couple of minutes, and then Arthur slipped him about half of the contents of his wallet, before the man nodded, and Arthur quickly made his way back out.
Buttoning his coat up to cover himself, he looked around, half worried that Alfred would have disappeared. "The bouncers are going to deal with it." He said. "We have five minutes to get out of here. Look, I need a cup of tea and to sit down. Are you sure you don't want a cup yourself, or a coffee maybe?" He offered again. He had heard that growl before, and was determined to get the young man something for his efforts.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 12, 2011 2:58:11 GMT
Glancing up as Arthur returned, he arched a brow before he sighed lightly. He'd go with him to escort the guy at least, he looked shaken up. "Well...I do like coffee..." he mumbled softly, but looked slightly upset at agreeing to take something. But this guy was kind of giving off a stubborn feeling anyway, so.
"You really don't have to though..." was stated, but after glancing left and right, he motioned for the older man to follow. "I know a cafe that's open even this late...If you don't have another place that's in mind?" It was kind of close to the 'line' where it kind of seperated highlanders from lowlanders as well.
To be honest though he kind of wanted to get it over with then go on back to that nice warm spot he had found to get to sleep, he was tired with no adrenaline in his system.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 12, 2011 13:29:17 GMT
Arthur looked pleased that the young man had accepted his offer, and he finished buttoning up his coat, then shoved his hands in his pockets. Now that there was nothing immediately to distract himself with, he found himself a little unsteady, and his head was throbbing from the sudden, sobering effect of the attack.
"No, I don't have to." Arthur agreed, though personally he disagreed. He owed this man a lot. "But I want to. Do you want to lead the way? I don't... ah, know this area too well." It was true, aside from the clubs, he hadn't spent too much time exploring. Falling into step beside the young man, he took advantage of the street lights to take a sneak at his face, and smiled a little, taking him in. He looked younger than he'd thought, but he was handsome. Looked like he could do with a decent meal and a bath, though, Arthur couldn't help but think, and for a moment he wondered just what he was doing out with such a heavy backpack. "Is it far?" He asked, quite wanting to sit down.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 12, 2011 21:33:26 GMT
The unsteadiness of course had blue eyes on him, watching to make sure he wasn't about to fall into anything, and he just nodded with an amused smile. "Wouldn't expect someone from the highlands to." He agreed, just going at a relaxed pace so the other would have some sort of balance to maintain. "From here, it's about...Ah, I'd say ten minutes? Do you have a car parked somewhere that you need to pick up?" The teen asked, realizing he forgot about that possibility.
Well if he had a car Alfred sure as hell wasn't going to a cafe, he wouldn't want to get it dirty or anything. He had been doing some construction work today, so he was a bit dusty. Not to mention...Well, drunk driving. Alfred COULD drive, but not legally, and he tended to enjoy being on the speedy side when he did so. For now he snuck a few glances at the older man curiously, noting his appearance and of course noticing those amazing eyebrows he had...Well that was kinda funny. Luckily for him he was too tired to laugh, he didn't want to be rude.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 12, 2011 21:51:58 GMT
Arthur blinked, and then blushed, realising that he'd been caught out. Damnit. While only tipsy, he was too far gone to tell if Alfred was serious about that, or just teasing with him, so for now he bit his lip and didn't comment. "Heavens no!" Arthur answered quickly. Cars were rare; there was no oil on the island and electric cars were still unperfected, but there was a decent tram system, and trains for longer distances. "Ten minutes... Is it near the rail station, then?" Arthur asked. They were at least heading in the right direction and Arthur had a good sense of direction, so he was sure he'd be able to get back.
"Oh, I forgot... I'm Arthur Kirkland." He barely even thought of giving a false name as he offered the other man his hand. He owed him too much. "Thank you."
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 12, 2011 23:10:55 GMT
Well at least that gave him another idea about the others wealth, not that it really mattered to him. "Um...Kinda. It goes past it, but you can get to it by just going back like three minutes." Nodding lightly, the younger man blinked when Arthur spoke, looking at him curiously before he just smiled brightly, shaking the hand offered. "Alfred Jones. And it's no problem, really."
After releasing the others hand, it took around another five minutes before they reached the cafe Alfred had mentioned, and he opened the door for Arthur, noting that as the moments had dragged on he probably wanted to sit down even more.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 12, 2011 23:34:55 GMT
Nodding at that, Arthur made a note of checking where it was so that he'd be able to find his way back. "I should be able to find it, then." He said, smiling a little. He was pleased when Alfred told him his name, smiling back at him. It was nice to be able to put a name to a face. Besides, he liked the name Alfred. His grandfather had been called that. He did wonder if the surname was a lie, but didn't think that Alfred was the kind to lie.
As they reached the cafe, Arthur let out a pleased sigh. He was looking forward to sitting down. He nodded his thanks to Alfred for holding the door, and slipped in, picking the table closest to the door and flopping down with a sigh. Then he sat himself up, and smiled a little at Alfred. "Get what you want and I'll pay." He took another look at Alfred and frowned a little. "You know what, I might get a sandwich too. Would you like a cake, or a sandwich, or both?"
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 13, 2011 0:11:43 GMT
"Yeah, it's a bit hard to miss if you're looking for it anyway, unless you want me to get you there too." Was the reply, smiling a bit teasingly. Relaxing in his own chair as he set the bag down under his chair where it'd be out of the way, a small frown crossed his pace but then he shook his head in reply. "Just coffee's fine, thanks. "It was with sheer will power that his stomache didnt growl at him demonically in reply to that.
Soon the waiter came over though, and asked them what they wanted, but he obviously recognized the younger boy, arching a brow questioningly. "Taking another client to dinner, Al?" he asked, which made Alfred glare at him darkly. "I told you, I'm not a damn prostitute! Just because I walk around at night doesnt mean I'm doing that!" He growled, sitting back and crossing his arms, looking a bit irritated now.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 13, 2011 0:24:43 GMT
Rolling his eyes at the teasing, Arthur made an irritated noise. "I'll be able to find it fine, thank you very much." He said, stiffly. He didn't mind the teasing too much (usually he would, but he owed Alfred), but that didn't mean that he was going to encourage him.
Arthur blinked at that. Did he really look like a punter. "Do you know him? Can you get him something to eat, please? A proper meal, preferably, but I understand that it's late. And a coffee, as he likes it, and um..." Arthur quickly pulled a menu over, glancing over it. "And some tea and a ham sandwich, please." He waited for the waiter to go away, and then frowned a little at Alfred and leant over. "Alfred, are you homeless?"
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 13, 2011 1:13:25 GMT
"Hmnn? Well if you think so." Was the airy reply, but he dropped the teasing for now. Of course, the waiter grinned and winked, writing something down. "Can do. I havent seen this guy eat once in the two months I've known him. Be back in a few~" And with that the young man was gone. Alfred of course turned red in embarrassment, at both of them, and he frowned a bit more.
"I don't need your sympathy you know.." He mumbled, letting the slight anger at being ignored about that go for now and furrowing his brow. At the question though, he rest his elbow on the table and his cheek on that, arching a brow. "I prefer the term "Drifter". " He responded with a lazy smile, confirming it but obviously making light of it.
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 13, 2011 10:53:36 GMT
"I don't make it a habit of pitying others." Arthur said, with a slight smile quirking his lips. "I'd just rather yet that hungry look out of your eyes so it doesn't look like you're going to try and eat anything that gets in the way." He was teasing, of course, partly to make Alfred feel better, and partly to make him forget to be angry. He was worried about what the waiter had said about him not eating, and curious too. Arthur himself wasn't brilliant at remembering to eat: his few attempts at cooking had created culinary masterpieces, but had a tendency to set off fire alarms. And last time had gassed everyone out of the building somehow. So he lived off take aways, sandwiches and ready meals - when he remembered. But coming to a cafe for two months and not eating, especially when you were homeless? That was worrying.
Sighing out, Arthur watched Alfred. "You're an idiot." He thought, and said it out loud too, before blushing. "I mean... It's good that you're making light of it, but shouldn't you try and find somewhere to live? It's not too hard to find work, and you'd be more comfortable." He paused, and smiled a little again. "Even if you wouldn't be around to save people like me, then."
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 13, 2011 21:34:16 GMT
A brow arched in response to being called that, and he just stared before he hummed and then shook his head lazily. "I'm used to it. Plus even if I had a house, I wouldn't use it. I move around too much." And at that moment, the waiter returned with Arthurs food and drink as well as Alfreds, a hamburger and fries with a large chocolate milk shake instead of the coffee he had asked for.
"You'll thank me later when you're not running around on empty." The man said before Alfred could complain, and just winked at Arthur amusedly. "Call me over if you guys want anything else~" And with that he went on back to whatever he was doing. Alfred stared at the large meal infront of him, frowning deeply, and obviously feeling bad about this. However, he did tug the milk shake over and took a few sips, thirsty. "But really, I've been living like this for a long time, so it'd be a hassle to try and adapt."
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Post by Arthur Kirkland on Jan 13, 2011 22:01:28 GMT
Arthur frowned at Alfred's reply, pursing his lips and resting his elbows on the table so he could rest his chin in his hands and look at Alfred. He didn't say anything though, distracted by the food, and he nodded to the waiter. "Thank you." He said, nodding, not too impressed with the choice of meal, but at least it was food, and would fill Alfred up for now.
Pulling his own sandwich over, Arthur ripped a piece off and nibbled on it, not really hungry, just wanting to soak up the alcohol a bit. "You must have lived in a house at some point." He said, frowning at him. "And it would be more comfortable, and more secure." He sighed, but resolved to leave it at that. It wasn't his place to tell Alfred what and what not to do, after all.
Nodding towards the meal in front of Alfred, Arthur smiled at him. "You should eat it before it gets cold. I'm paying for it now either way and it'd be a shame to waste it." He pointed out.
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Post by Alfred Jones on Jan 13, 2011 22:17:58 GMT
Alfred just hummed noncommittedly, and lightly he shifted before he frowned at Arthur pointing that out....Sighing, he pouted slightly, staring at the food, then started on the fries first, managing to hold himself back from eating like a starving person. Which he wasnt! He was fine, totally fine.
Still, when he got to the burger, his eyes closed faintly, enjoying that immensely. It'd been so long since he'd had a burger, and it was one of his favorite foods...Finally he opened an eye though, just looking at him. "I'm just eating it so you don't waste money. So you know." He mumbled, attempting tosave some face while at the same time trying to not look like he was a starving, pitiful thing.
"So, how often do you decide to visit the clubs?" He asked, attempting to make conversation and draw it away from his lack of home. Plus, judging by the others clothing, he seemed to be quite often a visitor to the seedy clubs of the night.
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