CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Nov 4, 2013 18:22:56 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward. I am both a hero and a murderer.”[/color][/font][/center] She was only here because Brendan and Apple thought it was a good idea for everyone to get a look at the Brave Little Mentor from District Seven. To put to rest all of these rumors about Aurora Noland being a budding leader of the Resistance. She just wanted to be left alone. “Are my eyes playin' a trick on me?” Aurora sighed. Didn't look like that was going to happen. “Or is the teetotaling pillar of purity drinkin'? Who let you drink?”Ember Clay... Ember Colton came to her side, glowing, wearing a black and red dress with golden accents. Aurora was puzzled as to who Ember always managed to do that; look dangerous but absolutely stunning at the same time. She was grinning. “You would be surprised to find that if you treat people with respect they are willing to accommodate your needs,” Aurora replied, falling into a slight Capitol accent. Ember shook her head. “It's scary how good you're getting at that.” Aurora took a sip from her second wine glass. And looked at Ember. “Is there something you desire of me? Would you like me to buy a drink?”“Whoa, easy there Tiny. I didn't come here lookin' for a fight. Or a drink. I just wanted to see how you were holdin' up,” Ember eased herself onto the barstool beside Aurora. “How are you holdin' up?” Aurora took another sip of wine. “I have never been better. Simply wonderful.”Again she allowed herself to slip into the Capitol's accent. Ember sighed and flagged down the bartender. “A water for me. Another glass of wine for Tiny over here. Put it on Hiriam's tab,” Ember told the bartender who nodded and got what she had ordered. It was Aurora's turn to look at Ember in disbelief. “Ember, how are you feeling?”“Oh, just peachy, Tiny. Just peachy.” Ember said, mumbling something else under her breath that Rory couldn't make out. She heard the word "bastard" and the phase "never again." but out of context she didn't know what Ember could be talking about. “I really didn't need another glass of wine,” Aurora said in her regular accent. Ember chuckled. “How many have you had?” “This is my second glass.”“Three isn't gonna feel to much different from two. It's that fourth drink you always gotta worry about. Sneaks up on ya.” Aurora finished her second glass and reached for the third. “I'll take your word on it.”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Nov 5, 2013 12:21:48 GMT -5
[/url] "From childhood's hour I have not been as others were; I have not seen as others saw."[/color][/center] When sponsors entered the hall, it was usually with a great deal more flair than Junius Laurentius. Even still, he had a certain aire that said 'Capitol', even if by Capitol Standards his wardrobe was 'drab' and 'dull' and what he--and perhaps even some of the Victors--would call tasteful and subtle. He'd worn this suit before. Twice, in fact. This summer, he'd left the jacket at home. Now, there was enough chill in the air that he felt alright wearing the scarf under it. He'd brought a book in his inner pocket. Where many in the Capitol had myriads of friends and contacts, Junius didn't. He spent a good deal of time alone reading or writing. Collecting various artifacts. Educating himself. One District tended to notice him, but as of now they had no reason to talk to him. District Ten was gone, and Junius found the Victors of his District Ten, confident strides taking him to the bar. "Whatever they drink tonight is on me." He squeezed Gosling's shoulder, and touched his forehead. In District Ten, they tipped their hats, but he didn't have a hat. He'd learned that if one didn't have a hat, one touched their fingers to their forehead. Gosling looked at him oddly, but Cane tipped his fingers the same way. "Don't be ornery, Gos. June may look all pretty and shiny, but he ain't..."It trailed off there because Junius moved. Stepped around tables and went to watch the Games. To watch 'The Feast' which was always an attempt at a second bloodbath. He got there just in time to see District 8's Tributes out and out attack District Six's Caleb. He always had money on the Careers, and Zale Sewell was an interesting person to watch regardless. Money was put into the coffers of all the Career Districts at the beginning of the Games, but he on a whim had handed a credit-chip to Nine. To Five. To Six. To Seven. He'd put a good deal of money into Ten, as he always did, but it had been for naught. And then there was Janus Colton, stepping into the room as though he owned it and honestly he probably could given enough incentive. He was one of the only people who'd liked Jan's brother much more than he liked Jan himself. Jace was real, and had he won Junius might have made a move in 'proper courting'. As it was, he hadn't. That girl Rory and her group had. Much to his chagrin. Jan, of course, made a beeline for his fierce lover, grinning and wrapping his arms around her waist. She looked less than happy at the moment, and the girl with her--Rory Noland--looked like she was halfway to getting drunk. As it was, June felt...very alone here. HE always did. He knew what he was and his prospects. There weren't many for a bastard half-breed, and there weren't many places for him either. The Capitol was a constant reminder of what he'd never really have, and the Districts were a constant reminder of what-could-have-been if his mother hadn't died. He could have been one of those ranchers from District Ten, and maybe he'd have belonged somewhere. Now, he was always on the outside. Aelia Balbus and others like her would truly accept him. Neither would any of the Victors or the Tributes. It was a lonely life... ...But if he were left alone, he could do as he pleased until someone needed money for their Tribute to be left alive. It was why he took a seat somewhat alone and yet not, taking out the small book and a pen to write his own notes in the margins. He'd have to stick around here for at least an hour or two so people would be able to tell his father 'Oh yes...Junius was there and being social' in order to keep the man off his back about becoming a recluse. It just wouldn't do for a high official's son--even the bastard son--to remain cloistered. Or he could watch what was happening at the bar with Ember Clay and Janus Colton, because the moment he'd wrapped himself around her she'd gotten an odd grimace on her face and looked like she wanted to kill him. That was interesting. "My lady, you look wonderful. Watchin' the kiddos?" Her kids, who were off away from his kids, and his kids, who were there at he Cornucopia. The cameras, though, were on the gathering with Theodore, Dupioni, Zale, Riva, Caleb and Olivia. Along with the District Seven Tributes. This was getting interesting. And ugly.
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Nov 5, 2013 17:46:44 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “There is only one god and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: “Not today.””[/color][/font][/center] Rory was going to town on that glass of wine. Ember thought she would have thrown the drink back in her face. To which Ember would have to promptly throw up back in her lap. And that would be bad. Ember Colton, the Butcher of District 12 couldn't been seen publicly becoming sick... or having a drink thrown in her face. But the latter was more forgivable than the former. She tensed, frowning when Jan put his arms around her, speaking sweetly as he always did. Which pissed her off even further. Because it was crap like that that got them into their present situation. Bastard. She'd kill him if she wasn't so bloody fond of him. “Oh, I look wonderful do I?” she asked, shrugging him off. “Soak it up while you can, Charmin'. 'Cause this ain't gonna last forever.”Tiny must have sensed what was going on because she excused herself. “And that is my cue to take my drink on the terrace. Janus, may the odds be ever in your favor.” “They gotta be in someone's. 'Cause they ain't in mine...”
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Nov 5, 2013 18:01:52 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward. I am both a hero and a murderer.”[/color][/font][/center] Aurora was just glad she was getting away from that train wreck. Whatever was going on between Ember and Jan that was none of her business. Aurora took a sip from her wine and asked someone if she could have one of those cigarettes that everyone seemed to smoke. Maybe she should become a smoker. Her father would disapprove. So would Gable most likely. But maybe it would help. Caught in her thoughts, Aurora didn't see the table that was in her path and she knocked into it. “Oh, I am so terribly sorry.”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Nov 6, 2013 6:23:24 GMT -5
[/url] "From childhood's hour I have not been as others were; I have not seen as others saw."[/color][/center] Whatever was happening, he had the feeling they wouldn't want him listening in. People just didn't notice him as well as they noticed others. Then again, Junius had never really tried to be the sort who wore the latest fashions and did all those things others did to be noticed. He found that in a sea of peacocks, the sparrow was more likely to stand out. This, apparently, was a private moment and it would stay that way. It was only proper, and he was losing himself in his little world poetry and prose when someone bumped his table, and while the drink didn't survive the fall, thankfully he was able to catch the little book he was reading to save it. Some of the liquid in the glass managed to get on his pants, which--if it were anything other than water--his stylist would be having a fit. "It is quite alright." Junius had the same Capitol accent as others, but there was something else there. A softness. A sort of low, less shrill pitch to it. Where others sounded downright silly, Junius sounded very nearly refined. The way one of those higher in the government tended to sound. That, and there was an underlying drawl to it. Similar to the one in District Nine, but less pronounced. As if it had been buffed away over years, and only this small amount of that lovely thing remained. "Just a mite wet. Thankfully, it is merely water." He did smile a touch, standing as the reaction of the Avoxes was instant. Righting the table. Cleaning up the mess--which wasn't truly a mess--and Junius looked down at the diminutive Victor of District Seven. "Perhaps while they are righting the table, I could escort you onto the terrace, Ms. Noland. I do think that neither of us want to be here for the quite inevitable explosion."His eyes flickered meaningfully to what was being referred to as 'Janber'. Jan, who had his hands up as Ember had turned on him, and the poor boy looked more than a little pathetically confused. "Alright. What did I do in the six hours we haven't been together to make you mad at me?" Other than sleep with a Capitol Official.Yes. Junius had eyes and ears too. He knew what went on in some circles. How for the right price you could have a Victor as your doxy for the evening. Or a day. Or in some extreme cases however long you liked. Janus Colton was lovely and charming, and it sickened Junius more than a little to know that some of the people older than his father had.... ...Janus was only seventeen years old. Sixteen when he'd become a Victor. He offered the somewhat...inebriated girl his arm. "I do believe we should leave them to it."
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QuinnTalon
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For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
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Post by QuinnTalon on Nov 6, 2013 8:45:23 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “The brightest flame casts the darkest shadow.”[/color][/font][/center] "Okay...what did I do?" His drawl was more pronounced in a room full of those tittering Capitol accents. Perhaps not as pronounced as the one from District Ten, but it was definitely there. Especially now, when Ember seemed upset with him for something that he couldn't quite place. He hadn't done anything.... ...He took a deep breath, trying to deduce if he still smelled like...that person he'd been with. He'd taken a shower. Two of them, in fact. Had scrubbed until he was red and had washed his hair three times. His stylists didn't understand it, and were livid that he was going to be a bit more than 'fashionably late' to the Sponsor Hall for the Feast. Whatever 'fashionably late' meant. He watched Theo take that boy down to the ground with a knee in his back, and he could see across the room that big man from Four whispering under his breath. Something about I taught you this.. He could only assume he taught his son how to get free from a person bigger than himself. Zale was many things--a complete badass was certainly one of them--but he wasn't very big. Thankfully, he got free. What the hell was going on with Eight, anyway? Did they just breed psychos there? "What does that even mean: Soak it up while I can? You always look perfect to me."
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Nov 6, 2013 16:31:05 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward. I am both a hero and a murderer.”[/color][/font][/center] “It is not alright,” Aurora said, quickly. “I was not paying attention to where I was going. Engrossed in the Games...”She paused. Mite? Did he just say “mite wet?” Who in the Capitol used words like mite? Aurora looked up at him. Everyone always towered over her. Giants. She was small by most standards. In District Seven this was positively miniscule. Of course he was gorgeous. But not Capitol beauty either. Handsome the way some of the most symmetrical tributes from districts were. She shook her head. “Nevertheless, it was careless of me and I apologize, Mr...”He knew her name and she was at a disadvantage in that regard. Jan's words pulled her attention away from this new person back to the bar just in time to hear Ember's response. “Its not what you did when you weren't with me, it's what you did when you were, Charming...”Aurora nodded. “Yes, I could not agree with you more.”
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Nov 6, 2013 16:38:40 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “There is only one god and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: “Not today.””[/color][/font][/center] She sighed and rolled her eyes. She didn't want to tell him the news. What if he wasn't happy about it? Or worse yet what if he was thrilled? Ember couldn't think of anything worse than Jan's eyes brightening up like a proud daddy. She wanted to punch in the stomach. Not the face of course because she liked the way it looked. And not the obvious place because she was currently using that and had grown rather fond of it, despite it landing her in her current predicament. Ember didn't punch him. Instead she just blinked at him, trying to find her words. “You'll always think I look perfect... Even when I get as big as house? 'Cause I'm thinking I'm gonna get fat... somewhere around this area...” she pointed to her stomach. “And I'm pissed at you, because you did it. This?” Ember pointed to her stomach again. “This is your fault.”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Nov 6, 2013 17:43:47 GMT -5
[/url] "From childhood's hour I have not been as others were; I have not seen as others saw."[/color][/center] "Of course, how rude of me. My name is Junius Laurentius. Those who know me somewhat well call me June." Somewhat well, because Junius didn't have anyone who knew him completely. Since he'd come of age, he'd kept himself away from his father and his father's family for the most part. They were not very nice people. And he was sad to realize that he wasn't even really too shocked at that. "And I assure you, Ms. Noland, it is quite alright. Still, I accept your apology." He looked at the screens, frowning just a bit. They would likely miss the end of the Games out there, but she needed air, and honestly so did he, and there were enough Victors in that room to come and get them when everything happened. "Ah..yes. It is easy to get engrossed." For him, it was. Like everyone else in the Capitol, he had what others would call his 'favorites'. It wasn't like that with him, not that they'd ever understand. June related more to some Tributes better than others. "I am sure someone will come to retrieve us if...well...right." If anything happened. If her Tributes died. Or if they won. He was sure someone would come. June caught the gaze of Aelia Balbus as they moved across the room, and very nearly groaned. Of course, his father would hear this. That one was one of the people who often corralled poor Janus into a tumble. She fell into the same camp as his own father. A camp he wanted nothing to do with. "And besides, I could use some air as well."
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QuinnTalon
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For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
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Post by QuinnTalon on Nov 7, 2013 6:42:32 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “The brightest flame casts the darkest shadow.”[/color][/font][/center] Jan never claimed to be the smart one. Sammy was the smart one. The wise one. The one with all the fire and none of the fear. Jan was the charming one. The pretty one. So it took him a second. "For real?" And then his face broke into a full on, genuine grin. It was the only time these people would probably ever see him smile for real, and even Jan Colton, master manipulator of all things Capitol, lost his mask in that moment. "Even more when you're as big as a house."He was completely oblivious to the fact that this was 'bad' news. For him, it wasn't. They were already symbolically married, and would be getting married for real in the very near future--he turned eighteen in two months--so it was all fine. Everything was fine. "...Wait a minute. Why are you mad at me? If I recall, you were there too."
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Post by Seryna on Nov 18, 2013 17:50:53 GMT -5
Beatrienne's Visit (ATTN Rory, Ember, Jan)
"Interesting afternoon, hm?" Three new patrons entered the Sponsor's Hall, one a female clad in green brocade. She spoke to her two female companions, one clad in sky blue barely there fashion, one in plum purple gown of higher taste. The woman wearing purple had a black lace shawl wrapped around her head and obscuring her face.
The speaker glanced around the Hall, eying Junius and Jan closely. The second two took seats at the bar. The green clad woman remained standing behind the women.
"What can I get you ladies?" The barrel chested bartender Kyros asked.
"Cherries and chocolate," The first spoke. "Three neat martinis. Belle-"
The third woman turned on her seat cushion, looking behind her. She spoke quickly and quietly. The woman in green approached Rory, speaking quietly.
"A moment of your time, Miss. Noland. Mrs. Beatrienne Larue wishes to have a word with you."
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Nov 19, 2013 12:56:33 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “I will see you again. In this life or the next. I will see you again. Know...Know that this one is proud of his son.”[/color][/font][/center] He was living his destiny. Dreams. He wasn't living his 'dream'. Zale's dream was to be a priest. A true Priest of the Old Ways. Reading portents and baptizing children and officiating funerals. Reading fortunes and other people's destinies. Standing on the banks of the sea and being the truly faithful man they all knew him to be. But his destiny was in the Arena, and Zale felt that he couldn't be a true Priest to a Warrior Clan unless he knew war. There was much happening around them. The 'Mentors'--The Living Dead--had come to talk to them but in the end, it mattered little. Caspian would watch his son. Mairan would watch her son. Whatever happened in this duel, he would be proud. He would honor his son by witnessing him meeting his destiny, and if it came down to it, he would mourn. In private with his wife. He had children and grandchildren but that would not lessen the loss of Zale. Zale who followed in his footsteps. But there had been no Mairan to show Zale that there was something other than death to live for. Zale would have to find his Mairan some other way. When Riva had come along, Caspian had selfishly hoped... ...But she was too much like his son. Too much of a warrior. Mairan had her hand on his arm, and they looked at each other as their son fought. And then...he smiled. At the girl he was fighting. He smiled at her. She smiled back. His wife blinked. Tears. And she smiled. "Caspian.""I see." He whispered. "I see it, Mairan."
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on Nov 20, 2013 9:09:28 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.”[/color][/font][/center] They hadn't watched much of the Games since the fiasco with Rory and that District Two person. Between them, she and Wistar had been invited to parties upon dinners upon brunches--whatever a brunch was--because of 'who they were'. Apparently, the family of Victors were psuedo-royalty themselves. They hadn't put her hair up in some dramatic updo this time, instead putting it in a long fish-bone braid and leaving pieces of it artfully framing her face. The shirt was simple and loose though a bit low-cut for her taste, and she was wearing--shock of all shockers--pants. They were loose pants and were comfortable and light, but they were pants. She hadn't worn pants since she'd gotten here. Just dresses that ran the gamut from too tight to walk in to so floofy it looked like fabric had exploded on her. This was a nice, welcome change. And even the shoes she was wearing were 'functional'. She wasn't clinging to Wistar's arm as a means of keeping herself upright. Instead she was walking next to him talking, and as they stepped into the Sponsor Hall, she felt a bit like she didn't quite belong. Her outfit was simple, but elegant, and it seemed like almost everyone else was dressed to the nines. It was 'the end' of the Games, after all. "Jan looks like...wow. Jan hasn't smiled like that since..." Jace. Since Jace died. Sure, he'd smiled. Real smiles too, but not like that. Whatever Ember had said to him made him extremely happy, which was odd because she looked like she wanted to punch him someplace unpleasant. "So...where do you want to start?" Or where did they want to disappear to. After they made an appearance and got drinks--or something--because if they didn't find someplace to look like their new little sobriquet, no one would leave them be and they'd be up all night. Again. "Wistine is terrible." She said offhandedly, slipping her arm through Wistar's. "We can't just be Wiss and Max?"
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Nov 23, 2013 19:01:41 GMT -5
[/SIZE] “A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward. I am both a hero and a murderer.”[/color][/font][/center] Aurora smiled, softly. She hid behind her gentle words, her coy grin. It was all a mask. And as much as she wanted to keep this up for the sake of the people she loved. “People that know me call me Rory... And thank you for not making my clumsiness any more embarrassing for me. You've done me a kindness.”She nodded and glanced into the sponsors' hall, her eyes held a far off look like; memories floating to the surface. “Yes... it is easy, isn't it?”They stepped out into the terrace and took a breath, making a face. Aurora hated the way the Capitol smelled. There was no scent of fresh pine or the giant redwoods. She couldn't smell any moister in the air. She hated this place. And everyone... well almost everyone in it. She was about to say something to June when someone came for well her. “What is it...”“If you will excuse me, Mr. Laurentius,” she said with a slight nod. “Perhaps we will continue you this another time. “Ma'am, please lead the way.” [/SIZE] “There is only one god and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: “Not today.””[/color][/font][/center] Ember nodded. “Yes, for real. Nurse told me after I got back. Though I had my suspicions...”She still wanted to be mad, annoyed, whatever. But it was hard to stay angry when Jan was smiling the way he was. It was his real smile. The one that she, herself had only seen a handful of times. He was happy about this. Like actually happy. How could she tell him that this meant the Capitol had something over them? She never wanted to give them any leverage on them. Ember had lost her whole family. Jan still had his. Still, he was just so happy. And even she began to smile. “Lay it on thick, Charming... That's how we got here in the first place. You started to talk pretty and I gave you that look...” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Yea I was there. But we're married any everyone'll tell you it's always the husband's fault...”[/SIZE] “All we need is something to believe in. I believe in my cousin. I believe in the Resistance. I believe that one day the Hunger Games will be a thing of the past. I believe in Aurora and Jan. Because, you know it'd be foolish not to.”[/color][/font][/center] Max might have thought the shirt was too low of a cut for her tastes, Wiss was just fine with the view. Though he had to quickly look up as if he wasn't admiring said view, because he didn't want to be "that guy." They had dressed him a shimmering soft almost silver cream colored suit with what he could only guess were diamond cufflinks. They lightened his hair so it would match the hue of what they had done with his cousin, the golden girl of District Seven. Wistar thought he looked ridiculous. “I like your design team more than mine... I actually think they hate me.”He glanced to where Jan and Ember were and nodded, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It's good that he's smiling like that.”Wiss wished Aurora smiled like that. But it had been awhile since he saw any signs of the girl that left for the Capitol two years ago. He was starting to wonder if he lost that side of his cousin. Because Aurora now was like a living ghost. “The bar is a good place to start. Buy you a drink?” he asked with a smirk. “Because that doesn't sell. It's all about a gimmick. They want us to be some Power Couple. Like Jan and Ember. Or Rory and Gable. They want it to be flattering when really it's just annoying.”
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Post by Seryna on Nov 23, 2013 20:36:37 GMT -5
Hey Tiffany, I locked this thread since its the 23rd of the month already. Kelly won't be able to respond here. There is a new Sponsor thread that I put up last night in place of this one.
I'll make us a new thread for our conversation. This damned computer won't let me use the cbox or format worth a damn. I'll delete this when you've seen it. I'll be posting tonight at 9:30. but I'll be trapped here until 11:30. Full time & carpooling sucks.
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