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Post by whisp. on Jul 8, 2010 18:39:04 GMT -5
This was all just too much. It seemed like she and Dorian were just on two different planes, which rarely seemed to happen. She, for once, was looking towards the future and he seemed to be shrinking away from it. Right now, she just wanted something happier in her life and wanted some planning to do. She was afraid Logan would one day pull everything out from under her and she wanted to be ready for that.
It was true that Iris didn’t really want children. God knows she’d be the worst mother on the planet. But she would and wanted someone to come home to her every night and keep her warm when snow brushed against the windows outside. She wanted what she never had: a happy home.
She wasn’t asking Dorian to be that man. She knew that was too far ahead and too much thought for the time being. All she wanted to know was if…he could ever see them that way; together. Instead of just being those long time, best buddies, be something more. There were times where Iris had fallen asleep in his lap or on his bed, but never in the way she was picturing it now. And somewhere deep inside her, she was craving that.
And then words were spilling out of his mouth and Iris watched him as he talked, nodding slowly and smiling slightly. But mostly she just looked blank as she thought and mulled over what he just said. She shouldn’t be this surprised inside or this hurt. She knew she shouldn’t have rushed things and brought this on him. Geeze, what a bitch she was being.
Finally, she just nodded slowly and took in a deep breath. ”Thank you for being honest.” She said with a slight smile as she reached over to take his hand. ”Friends. I don’t think that’ll be hard for us.” She said, laughing lightly. She patted his hand before letting go and cleared her throat. ”If you don’t have any questions for me, then you need to show me that chord again. I want to get it just right.” And just like that Iris had put on her Pretty Face and was smiling at Dorian once more.
He didn’t deserve to feel what she was feeling inside and she wouldn’t let it out on him. Because she was sure if she let out what was trapped, there’d be nothing left to mend. And she valued their friendship more than that. She would just deal with this in other ways. Dirty ways. just sayin'.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 10, 2010 0:09:03 GMT -5
One of the last things Dorian ever wanted to think about was marriage, or even having kids. The idea of small children running around the house was too much for Dorian to want to think about at this age. It was just scary to think that he was, one day, going to be in charge of some children. He was going to impact their lives, decide where they would go to school, and push these small people out into the real world.
Definitely too much to think about now.
He already knew of one family that had completely failed at parenting, and that was Iris' family. He just was afraid of making that same mistake, and knowing the child's side of the story, he didn't want to put a child through that. No, that would be way too much for a child, and Dorian would rather die than make someone go through the same horrors as Iris had. And for Dorian, a relationship to him could always mean a marriage in the future, which was one of the main reasons why he was not a big fan of one nor wanted to be in one, even if it was with the lovely Iris Smith.
But, forgetting that now, now was the time to explain to Iris all of this. And... she seemed to be okay with it. Knowing Iris, though, she probably wasn't okay and was just hiding her true feelings inside. But as long as she wasn't outwardly yelling at him, Dorian was fine. He knew that if she wanted to talk about this more, then she would. So he would stay silent like all those times with Logan, and would not speak of this incident unless she wanted to talk about it. That's what he was there for, and he wasn't going to let her down.
"Yeah, here's that chord again," he murmured softly, playing that same chord again for Iris. He then played another chord, this time also adding in the left hand. "At some point, you'll have to learn how to play with both hands, which is a lot harder than it seems. But I'm sure you'll be fine, Iris," he said with a laugh. Dorian could feel the tension rise out of the room and out of the window, and the room now filled with what seemed like a peaceful feeling once more. Thank goodness for that. Dorian didn't want any more drama today than what he had managed to get himself into with Iris.
yeah, jealous?
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Post by whisp. on Jul 10, 2010 0:36:45 GMT -5
There were so many fears in Iris’ head about her future. For starters, she was terrified at the idea of marriage and with marriage the idea of children. Her childhood had been nothing close to the ideal, happy childhood many others had. She didn’t even know what it’d be like to take care of someone so small and tiny, innocent and helpless. She was terrified she’d mess them up like she was.
She was also afraid of getting stuck with the wrong man, or one who was like her father. Iris was afraid that she’d grow up and be away from her old nightmares just to be tossed into a new one. And she didn’t know if she was strong enough to live through that again. Not again, and not now. She wouldn’t bounce back like she had before.
Shaking the thoughts from her head, she turned to Dorian and smiled. She listened to him play the chords over again and positioned her hands. Taking a slight pause she repeated the tune to him over and over again until it was done with ease. ”Lets just concentrate with one hand for now.” She said with a slight chuckle as she played the beautiful notes over and over again.
She was silent for a while, letting the comfortableness of his presence wash over her again. The room wasn’t stiff anymore and she felt considerably relaxed. She hadn’t gotten the answer she wanted and she still felt gnawed up inside, but while the thought was pushed aside, she could just concentrate on the music and that’s all she needed for now.
After a while, she finally cleared her throat and stopped her playing. She fished in her dress pocket before slipping out a letter and handing it to him silently. Her blue eyes kept trained on the piano as she played the notes, refusing to watch him as he would read what the note had to offer…
Dearest Iris, On the 18th of this month, I will be stopping in to visit you at the Academy. I would like to make sure that your education is still in tact and you are learning to be a young lady in society. Also, I have some matters of business that I wish to discuss with you that cannot wait until summer break. Please inform the Headmistress of my upcoming visit so she can make the right accommodations.
I will not be alone. Yours truly, Logan Smith
”That’s in two days.” She said softly when she was sure he was done reading. ”I thought you’d like to know when he’d be coming.” The words came out in heavy sighs and she rubbed her forehead for a moment before resting her hand back on the keys. It was much better to be distracted with thoughts of Logan than face what she was feeing inside. She had learned over the years that distraction was the best protection.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 10, 2010 1:01:11 GMT -5
Unlike Iris, Dorian had grown up in a safe environment, with two loving parents who would do almost anything for him. They did get what he wanted, and tried to please him as much as they could. Dorian, although sometimes did not like his parents decisions, did always prefer this to his friend's household. He always felt thankful that his parents did not treat him like Logan treated Iris, and did want his children to know that feeling, instead of the one Iris had.
But he was scared. What if he messed up? What if he wasn't there for them when they needed him most? Messing up his own child's life was always his biggest fear, besides being poor. But that would also mean messing up the child's life, so the two fears usually went hand-in-hand. All he wanted was for his kids to be happy, and to not bad-mouth their parents because Dorian and his wife did not give the kid the life he wanted. That was just scary to think about on its own.
Dorian chuckled when she told him to only stick with one hand. "I guess, the left is a bit tricky. I'll teach that to you another day," he said as he played yet another chord. It was during this time with Iris where he could just be in a different world, with the multiple chords just surrounding them and taking the two into their own little worlds of beautiful music.
But suddenly, there was only one set of chords being played, and that set was Dorian's. He frowned when she had stopped playing, glancing over to her with a look of confusion until he saw the letter in her hand. He reached out towards it slowly, not quite sure what to think of it. He turned it over so he could read it quietly, rubbing his index finger along the side of the letter as he read.
And his heart leaped into his throat.
He put the letter down in his lap, his hand forming a fist where he was holding the letter and crumpling it up slightly. "Iris, when did you get this?" he asked quietly, not wanting to look at her just at that moment. He let that letter settle in for a few moments before wanting to continue. Important matters? Won't be alone? What what Logan doing now, to ruin iris' life even more?
The poor boy searched for words of condolence to say, but could not find any. Instead, he simply grasped her hand and squeezed it, letting her know that he was still there for her. "Do you want me to be near when he comes?" he asked her quietly. "Or should I just beat him up as soon as he steps on campus?"
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Post by whisp. on Jul 10, 2010 11:27:08 GMT -5
The chords circled the room, echoed off the walls, and came bouncing back just as the new set of chords were being unleashed. It didn’t sounds completely organized but it wasn’t an unsettling sound. In fact, Iris quite liked how it was sounding and how much control she had over it. If Dorian wasn’t there, she’d probably just be dragging her fingers up and down the keys to hear from high to low. It was intoxicating.
In her fathers study, tucked neatly in the corner was a piano. She’d never heard him play it and she assumed that it was her mothers. Most things in his study were either dedicated to her mother or her mothers. For example, above his desk was a large painted picture of a woman who looked too strikingly like Iris to be anyone else. But she was never allowed enough time to study it; all she knew of it was in passing.
That’s another reason why she never wanted kids. She was afraid that something would happen to her and she’d end up leaving them behind with minds too soft to barely remember the sound of her voice. Iris would never want to abandon someone like that and with the fear of turning into her father floating in her head, the idea of kids went right out the window. She’d probably have a hard time explaining that to her husband, but if he cared for her enough perhaps it wouldn’t be a problem. And as Iris glanced over to Dorian, she smiled to herself lightly. She knew he’d be a good father someday, whether he wanted to believe that fact or not.
As he read the note, she played the notes more slowly as if she was concentrating more when the reality was, she was concentrating less. The young woman did not want to see his reaction but she knew he’d have something to say about it sooner or later and she wanted to be able to hear it. ”I received it about a week ago. I didn’t tell you right away because I didn’t want you to have to worry about it. I know that you would and it wouldn’t be fair to you.” She said softly, playing the chord once more.
Her eyes did wander over to his hands and she watched them for a moment and took a deep breath. His hand felt tense when he took hers and she gave a light squeeze back and finally turned to meet his eyes. She looked tired and anxious in the expression of her eyes but the only other emotion she showed on her face was a tiny smile. ”I would like it if you were close by. I don’t think he’d do anything at the school seeing as he does have a high reputation here and he wouldn’t want to ruin it.” She said, letting her thumb stroke the side of his hand.
Then her eyes widened slightly and she shook her head. ”Dorian, you will not beat him up. Okay? He’s a lot more dangerous than you think he is. And don’t you dare say ‘oh I can take him!’, “, which she said in an interpreted mans voice, ”because it isn’t his fists you should be worried about. He can ruin your status and your future. Get you expelled, ruin your name. You can’t do that to yourself or to your family or to me. You hear?” She studied his expression seriously and then ran her free hand through her curls. ”One day I’m just going to poison his food, and then we’ll have no worries.” and this time she smiled slightly, attempting humor despite the seriousness of her words.
”I’m curious as to whom he’s bringing or why he’s coming.” She said, taking a deep breath. ”I’ve been sort of preparing myself for him to take me out of school. I wouldn’t put it past him. He’d make up some excuse why Florence was doing a bad job and then just pull me out.” As she said this, she swallowed hard. ”I can’t leave here, this is my home.” And that was the first time that Iris had shown fear, and she really felt it.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 10, 2010 21:04:04 GMT -5
Dorian had never quite had that fear of leaving children. He didn't really know anyone whose parents left them, so it was just an idea that never really came up for the Eye. His only fear was really just not taking care of his children in a proper way. If he did anything to mess up their future, there was absolutely no reason to keep parenting. Logan had done that for Iris, and Dorian knew that he would never, ever forgive him for that, or forgive himself if he became like Logan.
If there was only one thing that he learned from Mr. Smith, it was how to be a terrible parent. Besides his own parents, Logan was one of the other few that he was able to see. So, he had only truly seen two sides of a family--his own, which was nice and loving; and Iris', whose was anything but nice and loving.
Dorian was sure that he would be a fine father, but that fear of messing up was always at the back of his mind. However, he was also sure that Iris would be a fine parent, even with her poor family background. At least she would try to not treat them like Logan treated her. The brunette wasn't even sure if Iris wanted kids after being traumatized so, but he knew that either way, she would be great. Maybe he'd even ask her to look after her kids if he and his future wife ever had a night out, and Iris needed something to do. That was unlikely, though, since he was sure that Iris was to be the life of the party when she grew up. He was sure she'd be fine, so matter what she did.
He listened to her quietly, nodding along at what she was saying. Dorian understood that Iris didn't want to worry him, but now he was stressed out even more. If he had a week, then at least he would be able to take some time to realize that he was coming and calm down. Instead, he only had two days to process that Logan was coming. That was way too short of a time, and Dorian was now trying to think about of multiple ways to make sure that Iris would be safe when Logan and his mysterious visitor came.
"I appreciate that thought, Iris, but is it also not fair that you brought this upon me so suddenly? I don't need yet another thing stressing me out." As soon as he finished that, he realized that it sounded extremely rude, and he didn't want that. He was trying to comfort her, not make her even more upset. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. But shouldn't you tell me at least a little before? I'd like to know when he would be coming, next time. I mean, in case I accidentally planned something for that day." He chuckled, trying to bring some humor into an obviously somber moment.
He laughed as soon as she started talking, shaking his head. "Iris, you must know that I'm joking! I'm quite aware that he has power, as much as I'd like to not believe that. Don't worry, I'll make sure that I won't damage myself, literally and socially." He actually did not mean that at all, and he certainly would beat up Logan if he had the chance. However, if Iris didn't want him to fight Logan, than he wouldn't. Even if he really, really wanted to.
"Yeah, probably just some family friend. I think you should be worrying more about if Logan wants to to leave than about the friend. I mean, if you leave the school then..." He didn't even want to finish that sentence. Dorian knew that if Iris left Florence, then he would most likely never see her again. He was well aware that Logan had much (flower) power over Iris and over the school, and definitely abused that power. And if one of them was taking Iris away, Dorian wasn't quite sure what he was going to do. Which was why protecting Iris was the only thing on his mind.
"Just tell me the time, and I'll stay as close to you as you want me to be."
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Post by whisp. on Jul 10, 2010 23:20:55 GMT -5
Perhaps it hadn’t been fair of Iris to wait until the last minute to bring this up to Dorian, but she really didn’t want to worry him. It was her burden to carry and she knew he’d stress for the entire time until the day finally came so she waited until that day was closer. Besides, she didn’t want to feel pitied, if anything, that’s what Iris hated the worst. And she loved Dorian, this was true, but she was worried he’d give her those pitied looks if she’d told him right away and she just…couldn’t handle that.
She took a deep breath and ran another hand through her curls. ”I knew you’d stress even more anyway. This has you stressed for less time. It’s my burden you know.” She said softly, looking over at him and swallowing hard. She hated to worry him and knew that she did far too often. ”I’ll tell you earlier next time then. Though, I’d prefer if there really wasn’t one.” Iris said off handedly as she patted his hand gently.
The young woman studied his face as he laughed and she rolled her eyes, chuckling a bit too. ”I wouldn’t put it past you. I see how you look at him. “ And she did and maybe it was because she knew Dorian so well she could see past the fake smiles and hand shaking and greetings that he put out. She knew very well that he’d rip Logan into itty bitty pieces if he could. And honestly, some days she really, really wanted him too. Just…not right now.
”I just want to know what’s going on. He always leaves me in the dark and I hate it.” she commented, tilting her head to let it rest on his shoulder. She knew that if Dorian was there, he’d keep her safe. And that made Logan’s visit a little better knowing that she had someone near by who had her back.
”I’ll let you know. Now, let’s get back to piano playing.” She said, looking up to him with a smile.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was sunny the day of the 18th, much too pleasant weather for a visit from her father, Iris thought. She was in the lobby; the headmistress had allowed her to miss class so she could take her father around the school. Though today, she was wishing she was writing notes. Iris had on a dress that her father had bought her once and knew he liked, and her black curls were out of her face and pulled up halfway. She was presentable for such a visit.
And she waited with Dorian by her side. She refused to pace around the room but as the seconds ticked on she’d would fidget with her fingers, her dress, her hair, and she shifted her weight from foot to foot every few minutes. ”I hate the waiting.” She murmured. ”Thank you for being here.” she said, taking his hand and giving it a light squeeze. It meant so much to her that he was here with her, it kept her relaxed.
The previous night she had laid awake in bed long into the morning and her shoulders ached with the tenseness that held them. Even when she had finally fallen asleep it was just filled with nightmares from her past and she was sure they’d come back for at least another week. They always seemed to when Logan came around.
Finally, a carriage appeared in the distance and Iris tensed even more (if that was possible). She found herself straightening out her clothes and checking her hair and fidgeting even more. It wasn’t that she /wanted/ to impress Logan she just…had to.
Dust spilled into the air as the carriage came to a halt and the driver hustled down to open the door and out came Logan. He was wearing his normal black suit with accented red tie. In all honesty he didn’t look much different from the last time Iris had seen him. He still had this serious, yet demanding power about him. It sent shivers down her spine. She watched silently as he stepped to the side and held her breath as the guest emerged from the dark box.
And he definitely wasn’t what she was expecting.
He was a young man, probably not much older than she was and he was gorgeous. He was tall and in the sun, his hair had a slightly reddish tint. As the young man stepped out, he looked around the school slowly and almost critically before following Logan into the school. Iris shot Dorian one last look before stepping forward when they entered the school.
For a moment, they all looked at each other before Logan finally said ”Iris, aren’t you going to at least give me a hug?” And then Iris was stepping forward and embracing her father stiffly. The young male was watching this curiously and almost seemed to be studying Iris with his blue eyes. ”Iris, this is Vladimir Sidorov.”
The young man stepped forward and took Iris’ hand in his own and while he was studying her face, leaned and pressed his lips to the top of her hand. ”It’s lovely to finally meet you. Your father has said many nice things.” He spoke his English well, but it was coated heavily with a Russian accent. Iris just blinked and blushed very lightly.
“It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”
Then Logan looked past Iris and noticed Dorian in the background. Smiling he stepped forward to shake his hand. ”Dorian, it’s always a pleasure to see you too. If you’ll excuse the three of us, we have much to discuss.” And then he was ushering Vladimir and Iris back outside to have a loop around the grounds, leaving Dorian inside.
They passed the man carrying luggage into the school and went out towards the lake. Eventually they settled in a spot and Logan started talking. Sometime during the conversation, Vladimir’s hand found Iris and laced his fingers with hers.
Iris just remained stony and still.
After an hour or so, they trio finally meandered back to the school and the headmistress was there with all smiles and giggles and how-de-do’s. She told Iris she should probably get to class while she took Vladimir around the school and she could catch up after her next class. ”Education is very important, you know!” She told her with a smile as she took Logan and Vladimir off on a tour.
But of course Iris did not go to class; instead she circled around to go back to the music room as quickly as she could. And as soon as the door shut, she screamed. Vladimir and Logan.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 10, 2010 23:59:55 GMT -5
The past two days for Dorian had been extremely long, mostly since he was anxious about Logan's visit. The Handsome Eye was not excited for this day to come, and hell, he didn't even want to be near Logan when he did arrive. Yet here he was, sitting next to Iris in the lobby of Florence waiting for him. Dorian, luckily, had a free period and was somewhat willing to spend that free time with her, waiting for her father and this mysterious guest to arrive. "Not a problem, Iris. You know I'd much rather be making sure you were safe than just sitting around in my room doing nothing," he said with a soft smile that attempted to hide that white lie. He glanced over to Iris, pursing his lips in the slight silence before speaking once more.
"That dress is horrid, Iris."
As soon as he had finished speaking, a bowl of dust appeared as the carriage finally arrived. Dorian's face immediately went into a scowl, but he tried to hide it as Logan did step out of the carriage. He couldn't have Iris' father believing that he hated him, right? So, he put on his best happy face as Logan walked closer to the two with the mysterious guest. ...who wasn't that bad looking.
Dorian carefully watched as the guest--Vladimir?--said his hellos to Iris, leaving her (and himself) a bit stunned. Who even was this guy? He seemed much younger than Logan, so they might not be friends-per-say. Perhaps, they worked together? But then why would he be here with Iris?
He shook Logan's hand, about to say his hellos when Logan immediately dismissed him, and took Iris about on a tour of Florence. Leaving Dorian alone, without looking out for Iris? Oh no.
He was carefully able to follow the three, making sure to keep a safe distance away so that Logan or Vlad wouldn't see him. He, sadly, was not in ear-shot though, so even though he wasn't able to hear what the three were discussing, he was able to see what was going on. Like when Vlad's hand came in contact with Iris'.
For some unknown reason, that just made Dorian tick. How dare this Russian stranger try to take Iris' hand? Had he no respect for a woman? His hand clenched into a fist, and he knew that if he hadn't promised Iris that he wouldn't, he would go right up to that Russian bastard and punch him right in the nose, and then go for Logan right after and--
Ah, they were coming back! Dorian unclenched his fist, waiting for the group to leave before he continued his stalking of the three. But that was so short, since they dropped Iris off and the headmistress took over for the tour. Oh, Dorian just knew that Logan was probably sweet-talking the headmistress, hopefully not into allowing Iris to leave. He watched the group go on without Iris, and turned back to make sure she was oka-- Where'd she go?
In what seemed like a flash, she had completely disappeared, leaving Dorian once again all alone. Damn, and he was keeping such a good eye on her! Well, she'd probably want him to come find her, and there really was only one place that he knew she'd be in, which was the music room. He hastily made his way towards the room when he did hear the scream, now running and opening up the door quickly. "Iris," he started with a look of confusion and anger on his face. "who the fuck was that guy?"
He knew how to make an entrance.
look at Dorian be more attractive than Vlad. LOOK AT HIM.
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Post by whisp. on Jul 11, 2010 0:23:47 GMT -5
Nothing could add to her nervousness than when they were waiting for their guests to arrive. There could have been a tornado blowing by and Iris would hardly blink an eye. Too much of her attention was elsewhere. She would glance over at Dorian and smile softly, especially because he was here and he was okay with being here. It was so much comfort that he’d never understand.
And then he commented on her dress and she couldn’t help it, but she laughed. She laughed like she was crazy and she was sure it sounded that way. It was all the nerves but it was just…hysterical and true and she couldn’t flat out deny it. But of course as soon as she remembered why she was here, the laughter died inside her. And then it was back to greeting and looking presentable and normal.
Everything was coming in a whirlwind of emotions. She was caught, tangled in her emotions towards and about Logan when he added Vladimir to the list. Not to mention, somewhere out there Dorian was watching them. At least, she hoped he was. She occasionally would let her eyes dart out to the grounds past Logan but she knew she couldn’t let her eyes linger. She had to pay attention and she needed to.
What he was telling her…it all shocked her. It wasn’t at all what she was expecting or how she wanted it to turn out. She didn’t want to think what this meant and how much this changed her future. And if it hadn’t been for all her years of hiding her emotions, the young lady would have jumped at the strangers hand on hers. At one point, he had leaned in to brush a stray hair out of her face. It just felt so wrong…
Yes, Iris could be a flirt but not with strangers and not with her father around. This man next to her was so different and so…forward. Iris didn’t know how to handle it and it honestly didn’t surprise her when Logan didn’t seem to blink an eye. He always knew how to throw things at her and she wondered if this was all a test. If her whole goddamn life was just one giant test he had designed because it certainly seemed that way. She could never get a break.
And then she was on her own again and she just ran. Iris didn’t want to handle this, couldn’t handle this and just…running from it seemed right. She knew it wouldn’t be long until Dorian was there and when he burst into the room, she didn’t jump or was surprised. By now she had slumped in the corner of the room with her knees up to her chin.
”He’s my fiancé.” She said flatly, closing her eyes and running her hands through her hair. ”And he’s coming to Florence to be closer to me so we can get to know each other before the wedding.” The words felt like sand in her mouth and she struggle to swallow. This was worst than the gnawing feeling. She felt completely helpless with no where to go. Tears threatened in her eyes, but they never would fall.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 11, 2010 0:49:07 GMT -5
Dorian had smiled at Iris the whole time, trying his hardest to comfort her. It was an easy thing to do, since he was so used to it from doing these things before. He practically knew every thing to make her feel a bit better, and to at least distract her for a moment before her thoughts wandered back to Logan. And it did seem like it was working, especially with the dress comment. Her laughter made him start to laugh as well, and for just a slight moment, it didn't even feel like that terrible man was coming after all, and instead it was just those two, laughing and simply hanging out.
But that image was shattered when Logan and Vlad came, as especially as he watched them drag off Iris to speak about God knows what. In Dorian's naive little mind, he was just hoping that it was nothing bad, but he knew that something was up. Just the way that Logan shooed Dorian away so quickly, and this new man being here... many things just didn't feel right on this fine, sunny day.
The jealous brunette watched the three, trying so hard to catch Iris' eye but failing every time. And there was good reason--if Logan caught her looking off into the distance, he might find Dorian and who knows what. He was doing a great job by staying mostly out of the distance, but the things that damned Russian was doing was just making him want to get even closer and closer.
He watched as the stranger's hand reached across to tuck away a strand of hair behind Iris' ear. Again, Dorian's anger rose, and it was taking almost every fiber in him to make sure that he did not just go down to the lake and let his anger loose. He really wasn't sure what he'd do if he managed to see that Russian again without Iris in sight, probably many bad things...
Dorian didn't even get a great look at the guy. For all he knew, the Russian's eyes could have been purple and he would not have noticed. He just knew that there was something off about this man that Logan brought along, and he was going to find out. Which was why he had rushed to find Iris, sitting alone in the corner of the music room looking like a lost child.
He closed his eyes as he listened to her speak, trying to let this all settle in. Fiancé, huh? Moving to Florence, huh? Well, this guy was just going to have a blast here at Florence, he would make sure of that. Now everything made sense, with Logan wanting to see Iris. Damn, did that man just never want Iris to be happy? Sure, arranged marriages were common, but not with Iris! And he was certain that if she married this guy, the chances of seeing her again were slim to none.
He walked over to Iris, not making a sound except for the clacking of his shoes on the floor. He knelt down to her height, getting on his knees and looking her straight in the eye. Dorian noted that she was tearing up but didn't say anything, mostly because she would deny it and rub those tears away. Instead, he pulled her into one of the tightest hugs he had ever given her, nestling his head into her shoulder. "Iris." he murmured into her shoulder, "Iris, Iris, Iris..." He said the name a few more times before stopping, but still kept that firm grip on her.
Dorian didn't even know what else to say, at a loss for words just like Iris was. He wasn't even sure if now was the right time for words, just hugging her and trying to comfort her as much as he could. And hopefully he was doing a fine job of that.
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Post by whisp. on Jul 11, 2010 1:16:56 GMT -5
If there was one thing about Dorian that Iris could count on, it was his ability to make her smile and laugh. She spent most of her days tearing people down and being generally unhappy. It was a breath of fresh air to be able to smile and laugh so comfortably in someone’s presence, especially his.
There weren’t words to explain how grateful she was that he was here. If she had to have waited here by herself she would have gone crazy. And despite the fact she already felt crazy that day; it wasn’t so bad with Dorian here. Iris knew she couldn’t hide in his safety forever though and that eventually she’d be on her own again. She knew it was dangerous getting so attached to someone like Dorian, but she couldn’t help it. He was her rock and she was more dependent on him than she was even aware. And Logan seemed to threaten that relationship.
Iris didn’t know what Dorian was thinking about how friendly Vladimir was being. How he would purposely brush against her, touch her hand or her arm, maybe play with a curl of hers. It was something that lovers did, or people with relationships like hers with Dorian. Not complete strangers who were promised to each other just because a piece of paper or handshake said so. It terrified her.
Perhaps that’s why she ended up in the music room, a safe place for her. When Dorian came in, she didn’t even want to see his reaction to what she was saying. She couldn’t handle the idea of his emotions on top of hers. And yet, there she was, being pulled against him. Her arms locked around his just as tightly as she buried her face in him. She hadn’t noticed before, but she was shaking and occasionally her body would twitch due to her adrenaline and fear.
”Once we’re married he’s going to take me back to his hometown in Russia.” She said hoarsely. ”Logan said that Vladimir reminds him a lot of himself when he was that age. “ She wouldn’t say it, but she was terrified and she knew it wouldn’t take a genius to figure that out, especially Dorian.
This new man just frankly creeped her out: the way he watched her as if she was a prize, the way he touched her, and the way he talked to her. He talked to her as if she was beneath him, as if he was the man and it was final. Iris knew she would never be looked at as equal in the Russians eyes. And she knew that surely this was some punishment from Logan. She could just see him saying, ”it’s for all those years you disobeyed me.”
She sighed heavily on Dorian’s neck and swallowed hard. ”I don’t know what to do Dorian. Two weeks after school gets out and I’ll be somewhere in Russia with a husband who expects lots of children and a tidy house.” she shuddered and buried herself deeper into Dorian’s arms. ”what am I going to do, Dorian?” She said meekly, defeat-idly, and sadly.
Honestly, part of her just felt like giving up.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 11, 2010 16:24:22 GMT -5
Dorian was always happy to know that he could make Iris happy by just staying and talking to her. Anything besides making her wait for Logan alone--that'd just be awful. He knew from experience that being alone was never the right way to be, and that having at least one person was better than none. Which was why he treasured Dante's friendship so much as well; with Dante, Dorian was never alone, and even if Dante did make him annoyed, Dorian appreciated his friendship greatly.
To be honest, at first Dorian didn't know what to think of Vladimir. He was aware that he was Russian, so maybe that's why he had his hands all over Iris? But no, then he remembered Viktor of the Handsome Eyes, and he certainly was not like that. Sure, he loved to flirt with the ladies, but he at least talked to them a bit more before touching their faces. Something just felt off.
So Dorian was pleased to know that his instinct was correct when he heard Iris scream, and that he wasn't wrong. It was odd, but he knew that if Iris actually liked this guy, well... he didn't know. He'd feel guilty, jealous, annoyed, just about any angry adjective he could think of. Vladimir did not seem like the nicest guy in town, especially since he had come with Logan..
He listened to her, trying his hardest to not just scream himself. Take her back to Russia? Dorian figured that he probably wouldn't see Iris as often as he'd like, but this was taking it a bit too far. He was extremely disappointed in Logan for making this decision to send her so far away. It was obviously his idea to send her off to some unknown destination, probably not even caring where. Hell, Vlad could be going to Siberia and Logan would not have cared, only to get his daughter out of the way.
But... why?
Dorian just continued to hold onto her, trying to find words to say but failing. What else was he to say to her? I'm sorry that you're going to Russia? To him, just holding her was enough for this moment, as he didn't want to make the situation any more worse than it already was (even though the situation was already pretty bad).
He had plenty of time to figure out how to keep her at least somewhere closer to him, and out of the hands of this horrid Russian. Thank goodness, he could probably think of how to get her away from him by then. He just wanted to make sure that she wasn't with that creepy Vlad guy, and he was sure that she didn't want to be with him either. "Iris, I swear to you, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you do not have to spend the rest of your life with that man," he said quietly, looking at her right in the eye with a stern look of complete determination. He really did mean it.
"I promise."
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Post by whisp. on Jul 11, 2010 17:26:43 GMT -5
Iris didn’t know how much time she had. She knew that eventually Logan, the Headmistress or even Vladimir himself would come looking for her. And if they did find her, they’d find her curled up in Dorian’s arms like a baby. Perhaps that wasn’t the best look for the newly engaged Iris Smith, especially to the group who would find them, but what could she do about it? She hadn’t had time to wrap her mind around this and therefore hadn’t had time to deal with it.
She just wanted to know how much time she had.
Iris saw her life as a timeline of things she needed to have done and by when. For example, she knew how many days until the leader of the Pretty Face’s birthday and by what date she needed to get a gift. She also knew how many days until Christmas break, and how many days until her report for school was due. It had been a mechanism she had developed when she was younger. How many days until she got out of the house, how many days until school started, how many days until she had to go home again. It allowed the young woman some control of her chaotic life.
”They are probably going to be here soon.” She murmured, burying herself more in her arms despite what she said. Iris almost wished that they’d get caught in such a compromising position. Maybe that would change the game plan or mix things up or just change the situation. Maybe…it’d just make things worse.
Iris just found comfort in Dorian’s arms and when he told her that he’d do everything he could, she believed him. She didn’t know what he had in store or what consequences it’d bring, she just simply believed him. The Pretty Face was not shocked that she was going to be shipped off to Russia. She knew Logan had no attachment to her and that he only saw her as a way to further himself by marrying her off.
”Vladimir is the son of a rich business man in Russia whom my father wishes to work with. The marriage is a way to further the partnership for the company.” She murmured, sighing slightly and snuggling into him further. He felt like home.
Then, as suddenly as the comfort came, it would have to end. Voices filled the hallway outside the tour came this way. And in a flash, Iris was up on her feet taking steps away from Dorian. She settled in front of the window as she quickly smoothed her dress and fixed her hair and evened out the expression on her face. She glanced to Dorian and sent him some distressed and worried look before it disappeared as the door opened.
”…and this here is the Music Room. As you can—oh. Miss Smith and Mr. Crictern.” The headmistress beamed brightly at the young student. ”Didn’t I send you back to class, Miss Smith?”
Iris turned and smiled a fake smile. ”Yes, you did, Headmistress. But I had so much to say that I wanted to talk to my dear friend first.” She said, indicating Dorian. She noticed that Vladimir now had his gaze on Dorian and seemed to be sizing him up. Lovely. ”Headmistress, why don’t you let Iris take us to her classroom so I can meet her teacher. We can catch up with Vladimir on our loop back.” Logan suggested and there wasn’t much about the way he asked that indicated it was to be done any other way. Hesitantly, the headmistress nodded.
”Well then, come along dear. Vladimir, we’ll be back shortly. I’m sure you and Dorian will get along just fine.” Logan said, resting his hand on the small of Iris’ back as he led her out of the room. He did pause to allow Vladimir to kiss her on the head before he escorted her out.
And then it was just Dorian and Vladimir.
”Mr. Smith tells me that you and Iris were good friends.” Vladimir commented as he stepped further into the room, looking at all the instruments. ”But nothing more? Interesting.” He said in his Russian accent. ”I hope you aren’t going to try and ruin our engagement. But you wouldn’t do that, right? You’d only want what’s best for Iris.” The foreigners eyes were now on Dorian, serious as ever.
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Post by Yuki on Jul 11, 2010 17:54:03 GMT -5
In all honesty, Dorian was sure that he would think of something to save Iris. It was only October after all, and the end of the school year was not going to come anytime soon. He would discuss this issue with Dante and the rest of the Handsome Eyes, who were sure to help. Besides, Dorian had friends in high places, so surely at least someone would be able to help him and Iris out of this predicament.
He only nodded when she mentioned that they would be here soon, not really caring and just hugging her anyway. He didn't want her to go just yet, and he was sure that there would be at least some sort of warning before they came in.
"Ah, that does seem like a good reason for Logan to do such a thing," Dorian mused quietly."But honestly, Russia? So far away? Does Logan have no other business in England, at least?" The brunette hated that Logan would send his own daughter off to Russia, just for another business plan. It was ridiculous and stupid of him, in Dorian's opinion.
As soon as he heard the voices, Dorian jumped up and walked over to the piano, running his hand over the closed top before the small group entered the room. A smile appeared on his face as Iris explained the situation, pleased that she could think of something so quickly. Dorian only nodded along, staying quiet as the Headmistress talked. A frown threatened to come onto his face at the idea of staying alone in a room with Vlad, but after evaluating the situation, he figured that it might not be a bad idea. He just didn't want Iris to leave, but what could he do? Maybe he could get something out of this Russian.
Then again, watching him kiss Iris on the forehead made Dorian just want to punch his nose in, instead of just talking to him. Damn Russians.
Dorian carefully listened to what Vladimir had to say, getting past the thick accent and growing hatred for him, only paying attention to the important words. "Yes, we are close friends. I knew her since I was a child, so we've just been very close. Is that such a crime, Mr. Sidorov?" he asked, raising an eyebrow up at him. And that was the honest truth. There was no romance between the two, excluding the "incident" a few days earlier but he did not count that. But the venom in his voice could have easily proved otherwise, if the Russian had been paying attention.
Oh, the things that Dorian would have said to Vladimir if the time was right. "Oh, there's nothing in the world I would rather do than destroy your wedding! What's best for Iris certainly is not you." But he did not--Dorian knew better than to say such cruel things. Especially since that would probably send Vlad off running to whine to Logan, who would only ship iris off to Russia faster. And he couldn't have that.
A grand smile appeared on his face then. "Oh, don't worry, why would I ruin your engagement? I know that Iris is so happy to be engaged to such a man as yourself, Mr. Sidorov. I'm sure she couldn't be happier." He then put out his hand, almost attempting to offer a truce between them. "We haven't properly introduced, have we? Dorian Crictern," he said, keeping all of that venom he had inside of him instead of having it come out. If Vladimir was really going to be staying at Florence, then at least Dorian would like to pretend to be friends with him. Somewhat.
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Post by whisp. on Jul 11, 2010 20:04:57 GMT -5
The main thing that Iris hated about a situation like this was that her father was involved. Any other time she would have rolled her eyes and waved Vladimir off with a piece of her mind. But because her father was here, and because she knew a threat was weighed heavily over her head, she was trapped.
”I don’t know. Apparently this one is more important than the others. And Logan always gets what Logan wants, no matter what the cost.” Iris whispered softly as she ran a hand through her hair, thinking. ”I’m honestly just surprised he told me this early. Normally…normally I don’t think he’d tell me until the week before. Vladimir must have wanted to get to know me better.” The young woman sighed and tilted her head against the wall.
But she didn’t have much time to think as the group came into the room and she was being escorted out. Inwardly, she had shuddered at Vladimir’s kiss but outwardly she just smiled sweetly and went with the headmistress and her father. Some point along the way, the headmistress was called to some emergency and it was just her and Logan.
”Why are you doing this to me?” She asked softly, daring the words to come out of her lips. Logan just looked at her and smiled slightly.
”He’ll make a good husband. I think at Florence you’ve become too independent of a woman. Vladimir will be good for you. He’ll put you in your place.” Logan said sternly, glancing along the empty hallway.
”Mother wouldn’t approve of this.” There was a loud slap as the back of Logan’s hand came in contact with Iris’ cheek. Her head whipped to the side and she exhaled sharply, swallowing hard and biting back the burning pain. Tears sprung to her eyes sharply from the sensation.
”It’d be wise to stop making opinions of what your mother would and wouldn’t like.” Logan said quietly, adjusting the collar of his shirt. ”Where is your classroom?”
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Vladimir circled the room slowly until finally settling near the window. His blue eyes scanned out the view before he turned back to Dorian. Of course Logan had told the man about Dorian Crictern and it was becoming evident to him that those stories were true. At least the ones about Dorian and Iris.
Vladimir wasn’t an unobservant one and the venom that crept into Dorian’s voice made him chuckle lightly. ”No, I never said it was a crime. I just don’t wish Iris to have any other distractions during our engagement. Once we move to Russia it will get much easier for her.” He said, watching to see if the other man would react.
Reaching from his spot, he tapped an instrument that made a tinkling sound. The young man wasn’t sure how he’d like Florence Academy, and he knew he really didn’t have to like it. All he had to do was graduate and get to know Iris. And even the second thing didn’t matter too much. He just had to make sure she’d behave; Logan had warned him about that. Apparently she could be a right out bitch, and that just wouldn’t do.
”I could see you ruining it because you are so close to her. Logan told me that Iris always ran to you when she had problems and you’d try and fix them. I could see this being a problem in her life and you trying to fix it.” The Russian eyed the mans hand before reaching out and shaking it slowly. ”I’m just letting you know right now, there’s nothing you can do to change what is already set.” He studied Dorian seriously, not letting go of his hand before adding ”Vladimir Sidorov.”
Unlike Dorian, Vladimir was perfectly fine with putting venom into his words.
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