sweet reprise {Open}

[AOIDE HARPER]

central park, new york, 10.17pm
November 14, 2008.

The night was a cold one. A bitter wind rustled the tops of the trees, the chill biting at her cheeks. Despite this, there was a sense of calm in the air and noise was at a minimum. Her partner had offered to drop her home once their shift have finished, but she politely declined with thanks. She'd rather take the short walk home, have a chance to relax and clear her head. And so she was still in her uniform; a fitted blue blouse, accompanied by a pair of unremarkable black trousers. Since the start of her shift, it had been a rather busy day, as days go. There were a few minor accidents, a major and a death. Even in the such lucrative position she found herself in, she couldn't save them all. Each death was a sting and it would be a crime if she didn't feel anything for the life that slowly ebbed away.

Her wandering brought her along the edges of the resevoir. Traversing the park for home wouldn't take anymore than an hour and with the day off in the morning, she took the walk at a leisurely pace. At this time of night, the park was mostly empty. All the tourists had left and save for the odd late night jogger, she was alone. While not cloudless, the sky was fairly empty and the reflection of the moon glistened in the water. Pausing to take in the sight, she relaxed, leaning on the railing. Her mind drifted to why she was here. To assist the angels in protecting the human race. But it seemed like there were no angels here for her to help. While she had not expected to see her bosses, for lack of a better word, she had yet to have any word from Gabriel, Michael or Raphael, moreover, it seemed she was the only one of her kind in New York city. It almost seemed futile. She was there to protect them from the invading demonic plague, yet she was yet to see any demons! It seemed all she was protecting them from was themselves.It almost seemed wrong to hope for something more. She'd never wish harm unto any living soul but what was the point in being down here instead of heaven? Her healing skills proved useful in her vessels job and she had saved countless lives but without true cause, was it right for her to meddle in the affairs of human beings?

[LACHLAN BALLARD]

Every single one's got a story to tell

A heavy sigh left Lachlan's lips as he buttoned up one more button on his wool coat. He had just gotten out of work from the Museum and actually had to cross the park on his way home. He actually didn't mind working late at night, the city was a lot more peaceful and so was his walk to the park, unless it was the weekend. The air was crisp and he took a deep breath before letting it out, being able to see his breath because of the chill. Lachlan's day at the Museum wasn't too bad, actually it was rather interesting. He was meeting a lot of new people lately and they actually needed his help. It was quite refreshing. Lachlan went from walking around the Museum and cleaning artifacts when he can, to having people actually needing his historical expertise. It had been a few weeks since anyone came in. But still, it was a lot better then what he was doing.

He reached up and ran a hand through his blonde shaggy hair as he continued to look in front of him. In all honesty he had a lot going through his mind lately, from work to his father. Actually he hadn't heard from his father in a while and it was driving him nuts, sure they had some disagreements actually a really big disagreement. But still it had been just them for so long, it worried him when he didn't hear from him. Another sigh left Lachlan's lips as his steel blue eyes looked down at his nice black dress shoes. The clicking on the concrete of the walk way seemed to create a rhythm that helped him relax a little. It was nice that it was working, but in all honesty he wouldn't be able to relax til he was in his studio apartment with a drink of scotch in his hand.

Lachlan's head moved up as he saw a fellow someone walking down the central park path. His head tilted a little and he stuffed his hands in the front pockets of his over coat. His attire was that of a nice black buttoned up shirt, with a grey blazer, pair of matching grey pants, and of course nice black shoes. Which of course this was all hidden underneath his wool over coat, except for his pants and shoes. Lastly a little bit of stubble was on his English face."I see I'm not the only one who fancies the night life"

[/color] he spoke with a light chuckle as he was a few feet behind her.

Word Count: Who cares =P
Music: Seven Nation Army The White Stripes
Notes: I was bored and Lachlan needs to get out more
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[AOIDE HARPER]

The breeze ruffled her dark hair as she leant on the railing, contently watching a pair of ducks frolic on the waters surface. How nice it would be to let the world idly pass you with by with your loved one by your side. But most of us don't have that luxury. Aoide sighed a gentle sigh, lost in a thought. "I see I'm not the only one who fancies the night life", she heard a voice say from behind. To say she whirled around would be a bit too fast, but neither did she just turn around. Some speed in between. He had startled her. Startled her but not frightened and she returned his comment with a smile. You heard stories, and on several occasions she'd even been called out to attacks in the park at night but the young man seemed genuinely just out and up for a chat and she instantly doubted is ability to cause her any physical harm. "Don't get me wrong, I love the tourists and all, but I actually enjoy walking through the park, rather than being stuck in what feels like a herd of cattle" she replied with a giggle. In the middle of the day, you'd be lucky if you got a square foot to yourself, nestled between the hustle and bustle of the tourism but as the night got later, you could quite easily spin around, arms wide and no one would be the wiser. "It's a nice night for it though. Nicest in a long while.". The sky was almost cloudless so they had escaped the rain for another evening at least. She turned her head back to watch the ducks but her lingering gaze invited him to join her by the railing. She didn't want to jump in, cramming conversation down the young man's throat. Wrapped up in his thick over coat, and with shiny black shoes she noted, he was probably already on his way somewhere and didn't much want to be held up by a random woman's chatter. Still, she welcomed his conversation if he was happy to stay.

[LACHLAN BALLARD]

Every single one's got a story to tell

A small smile fell on his lips as she talked about being cattle in the crowds. He definitely knew what she was talking about, in the day time, the streets of New York got a little ridiculous. That's why always tried to take a cab when he could. His body stopped as he continued to have his hands in his coat pockets, watching her as she looked down at the railing. Two ducks were there and he smiled down at them, they were cute. "It is, it is a really lovely night"

[/color] he spoke gently as he agreed and nodded a little. His steel blue eyes moved from the ducks to the stars and then to all around the park. It was a crisp night, but still cold.

Finally his body moved as he decided to stand next to her at the railing. His body moved as he leaned over the railing, looking at the ducks again as they lightly quacked at each other. "So did you have a late shift or something?"[/color] he asked gently as he looked over at her attire.

Word Count: Who cares =P
Music: Seven Nation Army The White Stripes
Notes: My post sucks XD
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[AOIDE HARPER]

"I've actually just finished for the night", Aoide explained. It hadn't been a particularly long shift, only since the afternoon but it had been a busy one. "I started at noon but it was a busy day, though I'd rather not depress you with the details". Working in a job that revolved around pain and death was not always the best conversation starter. But it was a necessity for some people. Despite a recession, people were always going to need some sort of health care. People were always going to hurt each other, hurt themselves or were just plain unlucky. She was thankful for the job and did actually enjoy it despite all the dying.

"Do you work around here too?", she asked, curious. It was obvious that she worked here, given the fact she hadn't been home to change out of her uniform yet. "I hope you don't mind me asking, it's just, your accent?". The English accent was quite charming. So he was quite obviously not from around here originally and she thought she'd ask, fearing that she might have offended him with her prior comment about tourists - incase he was one, just out to see the night life. She had actually been to London a few times, both in this form and her true one. "London, right?" she offered up. The last time she had visited London, she had been singing. For singing was another talent of hers. Being a paramedic alone was not enough to pay for an apartment bordering Central Park and a good part of the money that paid for it had come from a fruitful singing career in her youth.

"I'm not keeping you, am I, Sir?" the woman quickly added, incase in addition to offending him, she was making him late. As of yet, neither of them had introduced themselves formally, but there was enough small talk to warrant an introduction. "It's Aoide, by the way.", her lips curled into a smile and she extended her hand to shake. "My apartment is just a walk through the park, so don't feel you have to stay. "

ooc. i wrote it last night..then couldn't read it, so it's a sort of rehash of my originalness which was better.
wordcount. failurez
distractions. listening to dancing with myself by Nouvelle Vague.

[LACHLAN BALLARD]

Every single one's got a story to tell

"Oh I see"

[/color] Lachlan spoke gently as she talked about just getting off and being a long day at work."I had a long day as well, though it wasn't busy just...dragged on" he spoke with a small smile at the end. Lachlan turned his head as he looked from her to the ducks, who were still quacking, they must of had a lot to talk about it. His head tilted up a little as she asked him a question "uhh sort of, I work at the Metropolitan"[/color] he spoke as he motioned his head in the direction of the museum. "Have you been there before?"[/color] he asked curiously as his accent showed again.

"Oh no it's alright, yeah I'm from London, I moved here a few years ago"[/color] he spoke with a light nod. She had actually hit it on the nose, however his accent wasn't very hard to place. It was nice that he kept his accent from his homeland rather then developing the American twang, it distinguished him out of most blonde haired boys. However some American words did get to him, mostly because when he referenced something using a different word, no one knew what he was talking about.

"Oh no you're not keeping me"[/color] Lachlan spoke gently with a light shake of his head. He had nothing better to do and he honestly could use the company. "Am I keeping you?"[/color] he asked gently and then heard her say her name."Ah pleasure Aoide, I'm Lachlan"[/color] he spoke gently as he reached out shook her hand for a few second, before letting his hand fall to his side. "Mine too, well a little more then a walk through but I don't mind, I enjoy company"[/color] he spoke with a small smile before he looked back at the ducks."Too bad I don't have any type of food to throw to them"[/color] he spoke with a light shrug.

Word Count: *facepalm*
Music: On the Floor Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull
Notes: That's alright lol I still like it ^^
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[AOIDE HARPER]

"It's very nice to meet you, Lachlan" the young woman smiled as they shook hands. "It means warrior from the land of lakes" she added, "But you probably already know the meaning of your own name..." she laughed, feeling a bit silly. "I've been to London a few times, it's a nice city."

"I've never actually been" Aoide admitted, almost shamefully. She'd lived permanently in New York for almost the last three years but hadn't actually visited the metropolitan museum. She'd not visited all that much of the city's main attractions when she thought about it. When she came here, it was for work and that was really all she had the chance to do. In addition to her regular shifts, she was often on call in case they needed extra assistance. And she was the first person her colleagues would call if they needed time off because she'd always cover. Living on her own, with no partner or dependents made her the perfect choice. The few days she did get off were spent doing the necessary chores. "I really should go.." she smiled, deciding that she definitely make the effort to visit. Perhaps you could let me know of any interesting exhibitions to see?" Aoide asked, for fear of "Perhaps you could give me a tour" was a bit forward considering she'd only just met the young man.

"You're not keeping me. I'd only be going to bed. It's much nicer out here, meeting new people" she replied honestly, admitting to her lack luster evening plans. "I can give you a walk back to your place, if you'd like" Aoide offered. The offer was purely platonic and she hoped he wouldn't misconstrue her words. She merely meant to give him some friendly company on the way home. Changing the subject, she glanced down at the ducks. They were probably the most well fed ducks in the world, considering the amount of tourists who passed them everyday. "I normally have the remains of a sandwich at this time, but my partner ate it around nine-ish. Her stomach gave a low growl, as if confirming the face she had been sandwich-less tonight.

ooc. I wrote it in the pub with a bunch of drunk golfers being loud next to me...so...yeah.
wordcount. don't know, didnt count.
tags. lachlan & still open.
muse. alcohol fueled.

[LACHLAN BALLARD]

Every single one's got a story to tell

Lachlan smiled gently and nodded towards Aoide "It's nice to meet you too, though I just said that"

[/color] he spoke with a light laugh as he waved his hand, as if to say it didn't happen. His eyebrow arched as she straight away new the meaning of his name "Actually no, I had no idea what that meant"[/color] he generally didn't look up the meaning of his name or anything. Though he's guessing his dad did, why else would he name him that? "What does Aoide mean?"[/color] he asked her curiously. Another smile fell on his face as he nodded "It really is, I do miss it at times"[/color].

"It's a rather large museum but it gets a lot of visitors each day. We are currently doing an African exhibit, that's our large one for the month. Just you know, their different cultures and some of their history. But we do have our other small exhibits as well"[/color] he spoke with a small smile "If Africa is not your thing"[/color] he spoke with a light laugh. The only reason he knew a lot about the museum was well, he worked there. Often when he was off, he would still go down there just to actually look at the exhibits or see if anyone needed any help. Sad right? Well he never really knew what to do with himself, other then go the stables and ride around. When his father had business parties he always had to be free for those.

"I agree, actually I would just be relaxing and drinking right now. But it is a nice night out and it's always a pleasure meeting new people"[/color] he spoke with a grin. "I think I would rather walk you home, a girl alone at night? Sounds like a bad combo for some nutters around here"[/color] he spoke rather seriously, then he heard her stomach growl."Would you like to get some coffee? There is a nice diner down here some where"[/color] he spoke as he looked around.

Word Count: Who cares =P
Music: Nada
Notes: <3 Zooey
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[AOIDE HARPER]

I wanna heal, I wanna feel, what I thought was never real.
I want to find something I've wanted all along. Somewhere I belong.

"It's a nice name, a strong name" she smiled to Lachlan. Her vessel's name represented that of her true form, but it would be safer for the young man if he didn't know the truth behind the name. "It's actually Greek, Aoide. It means 'to sing'" she explained with a laugh. "My parents were getting rather inventive with their naming of us". Her both American parents had given her a Greek name - though their was some heavenly injecture on that part - while her mortal brother Calin, had an Irish name.

"Thank you for your concern, but you really don't have to". His concern was touching, especially from a stranger. The truth of the matter was she was almost invincible and when you're invincible, you can enjoy a walk in the park without any fear. And he called her a girl. How sweet. She was much too old now to be a girl though. The thought brought a smile to her face and a light laugh but she was distracted by the growling of her stomach, like a little dinosaur, crying out for attention. "You know what, I would love to get some coffee" she decided. "I'm off tomorrow, so why not?" she smiled, leaning off the hand rail, stepping back from the resevoir.

She waited from him to make the first move, unsure of what diner they were heading to. There were a number of nice eateries around here. The quiet ones, tucked away that a lot of the tourists didn't know about where you could have a coffee and a bite to eat in relative peace. "The Africa exhibition sounds exciting. Africa's one place I'd love to go, I've never been before.". "But you know what, I'd probably just end up on safari the whole time" she sighed. A typically girly response. You can't take them anywhere with them wanting to look at cute animals. She continued to ask questions as they made light work of the walk to the dinner. The wind had picked up, enough to cause a slight chill in the air but nothing to alarm either of them. "What do you do at the museum?" Aoide wondered, with a slight cock of her head in curiousity. "Oh, I'm being so rude asking all these questions. Don't feel you have to answer anything you don't want to".

"I haven't been to this one before..." she mentioned as they reached the diner. She had passed it a few times, but she had her own favourite coffee shops to visit on this side of town that she'd never been here. "I guess a Latte would be good around now?" she decided as she pushed the door open gently, her spare hand fishing in her trouser pockets for some change.

ooc. hope you don't mind I just moved them on a bit towards the caf.
wordcount. didnt look.
tags. Lachlan/Open
muse. alcohol fueled again -.- must make me seem like an alcoholic.

[LACHLAN BALLARD]

Every single one's got a story to tell

"No no it's alright I'll let you know when questions are getting too forward"

[/color] he spoke gently with a wave of his hand as he walked into the diner. "That sounds great do you want me to get them and you get a table, or?"[/color] he asked curiously as he let her decide. His hands fell into his coat pockets as he watched her, she seemed to be fumbling with change. "Don't worry, my treat"[/color] he spoke with a soft smile.

"Well Aoide is a lovely name and I would have to agree that it is very unique."[/color] he spoke with a smile as he looked up at the menu "Don't be so modest, I don't mind. Tomorrow sounds lovely, do you want to do lunch?"[/color] Lachlan asked gently as he looked back at her. "I've actually never been to Africa, but you should go, it's always nice to do things that you want to do. Take a vacation"[/color] he spoke with a soft smile down at her.

He soon looked around the joint to see if there were open tables. Of course there was open tables, it was late at night. "I'm an Archivist, I umm clean the artifacts and take care of them"[/color] he spoke with a smile, he seemed to be smiling a lot tonight."What about you, are you the head nurse or paramedic?" he asked curiously.

Word Count: Who cares =P
Music: -
Notes: sorry took so long XD hopefully my muse comes back !!
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[AOIDE HARPER]

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[atrb=background,http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7033/aoidebg.jpg] "If you're sure" Aoide smiled as he offered to get the coffees. It was quite nice to be having coffee with someone other than herself or her work partner and it was quite nice to be asked to go somewhere that wasn't in to work. "I'll get the next ones" she promised, turning away from him and choosing a table. The cafe was quiet at this time but not completely empty. A young couple shared a drink through the same straw and a few others sat alone at dotted tables around the shop. She picked a table against the wall, near the middle of the cafe. From here she had eyes on both exits, and they were far enough away from the window which would give them time to move if any accidents were to happen (because cars driving through glass windows on cafes did occur more than you'd guess), though she was always concerned for supernatural threats. She pulled out one of the menus as she sat down, flicking through it idly. "Lunch would be nice, thank you for offering", smiled Aoide, gladly accepting his offer. Her stomach continued to rumble softly, awaiting its coffee. "I guess I better get something now too, or it'll be doing that all night" she laughed, flicking to the pastry section of the menu. She had a sweet tooth. "Shall I meet you somewhere?" she asked, flicking her thick brown fringe from her eyes. Her hand slipped to her pocket, rummaging around before pulling out a small piece of card. "It has my number on it" she smiled, pushing the business card over the table towards him. It wasn't as dramatic as they made it seem in the movies, where the woman seductively writes her number on a napkin with a lipstick kiss, slipping it to him secretly. She didn't have a pen. "It must be quite interesting, getting to see all the artifacts everyday, especially the things the public don't get to see " Aoide noted. "I don't think I could do it, I find it a struggle to tidy my own room" she chuckled, casting her mind to her 'floordrobe' where most of her clothes ended up. "I'm just a paramedic. I don't think I could be a nurse" Aoide tried to explain. "I'd hate to see the suffering, people in hospital for months on end. At least being a paramedic, I sort of know right away, we do all we can and it's either enough, or not. I don't like to see people suffer" she explained with a slight sigh, bringing a solemn mood to the conversation. "Sorry..." she grimaced, "I didn't mean for it to sound so depressing." The waitress bringing their coffees over was a welcome relief and a chance to change the subject. Aoide took the latte with a smile, blowing on it gently before taking a sip of the milky coffee. "Enough about work, what sort of things you do like to around here?" ooc. I'm sorry it's not too exciting x.x wordcount. almost 500, soz. tags. Lachlan <3 muse.

[LACHLAN BALLARD]

Every single one's got a story to tell

A small smile formed on his lips as she spoke of getting the next one. It meant that there would be a second meeting, which was always nice. The clerk asked for the order and Lachlan quickly ordered two lattes. His body moved as he walked over to the table she picked out and he sat down across from her, his hands clasped in front of him. "It would, tomorrow right? Or do you think you would be too busy?" he asked curiously referring to lunch.

His steel blue eyes gazed down as her stomach growled and he chuckled gently, "I guess so, I hate when your stomach growls so loud that everyone in a quiet room could hear it. It's happened to me a few times since I get caught up in my work"

[/color] he spoke gently and his eyes flickered at her as she asked where they should meet. "How about the Metropolitan, in the African exhibit? And then we can go from there"[/color] he grinned.

His eyes moved down as she fumbled in her pocket and fished out a business card. He grinned larger and gently took the card from her, as he reached into his inside pocket and took out one of his own. "I see"[/color] he spoke slyly "Mine does too"[/color] he spoke as he held the card out to her. His eyes watched her as she began speaking, the waitress came over and each placed a drink in front of them.

Lachlan's hands folded around the cup as the woman replied that she would be right back, noticing that Aoide was looking at the menu. "I love it I'm a I guess you would say history buff? It's very interesting to me"[/color] he spoke with a soft smile."But don't worry I'm not really a clean freak or anything, it's just when I clean artifacts I find it relaxing and well I feel privileged"[/color] he spoke with a light laugh."Silly I know"[/color] he spoke with a shrug.

"I understand, I would hate to see suffering children, that would be the worse for me"[/color] he spoke gently as he looked down at the foamy cup of latte in his hands. The cup moved as he brought it to his lips and took a sip of the liquid. "It's alright please don't apologize, depressing kind of comes with your job"[/color] he spoke with a smile to reassure her. His eyes flickered up as she asked him what he liked to do, "well there is the Art Gallery, photography, my father's parties though I don't really care for those, I do go up state every now and then to ride horses"[/color] he spoke gently, realizing he sounded pretty boring."Other then that its work, how about you?"[/color] he asked as he tilted his head and waited.

The waitress soon made her way over as she looked from Aoide to Lachlan "Can I get you two anything?" she asked. Lachlan soon replied "Nothing for me thank you, but Aoide get what you'd like, it's on me"[/color] he spoke with a smile and a wink.

Word Count: Who cares =P
Music: -
Notes: Whoops I think I messed up XD So so so so sorry this took so long, my muse is back finally ^^
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