Come on...treat me mean..(Kenlie/Dominique)

[Victor]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Backdated to October 25th.

Victor: [T] Dom, it's Victor. Just texting to make sure you're ok. I sent Kenlie a letter hoping to find something out. If you need anything, let me know.

Dominique: [T] Missing you guys. I have tried to reach her but no answer. I figure she is doing whatever she needs to. I am just trying to tie together what never will hold no matter how much I try. Knowing you are still out there trying makes it worth another try. If you find her bring her home.

Victor: [T] I have never given up, Dom. Never. She is my existence. I am going to do whatever I have to to bring her home to us. I promise. Don't give up, Dom. We have to believe she's coming home. I need to believe it.

Dominique: [T] I feel her. One of the reasons I keep opening my eyes. She is out there trying to find what we all are searching for. Answers that we never will get. I will be there when she returns. I know what you feel like. I waded in wondering so long I still feel like I drowned in the process.

Victor: [T] You feel her. You feel her? -Pause in the texting-

Victor: [T] She's safe then. You don't even want to know the horrible things I've thought of in my head. I don't know if I can feel her. I don't know if I'd feel her if she...died outside the city. I'm ******* terrified. Because what scares me most, is the monster that is our Kenlie, the beast she is...will suffer so horribly. She's not weak. It will take far too much to bring her down and I'm ******* terrified of not being there to protect her. Dominique...I need you...NEED you to tell me if something happens to her. Just incase I don't have that connection with her.

Dominique: [T] I feel her but it's like she is moving, traveling. Doubt. Pain. Why isn't she responding? I can go after her. Not sure where to look. Did she say?

Victor: [T] ...From our last conversation over a month ago...we had a miscommunication. She thought I wanted a break from our marriage. I meant I wanted a break like a vacation. So..she packed her stuff one night and just left. Suddenly without a word to me. I've been trying to bring her back ever since. Ever since the **** with Vel and Micah, nothing has been right. And I just want a chance to prove to her that I'm trying.


Dominique: [T] She needs to listen more. Hell, I need to take my own advice. Why does everything need to be so ******* complicated? We are dark gods that are supposed to be able to swallow the world around us whole yet it is matters of the heart that choke us and bring us to our knees. You ever wonder if it is easier just to stop giving a **** anymore?

Victor: [T] I'm sure it would be. I'm sure I would be living a ******* awesome life of sex and debauchery if I didn't worry so much about Kenlie. But then it would just be an emptiness. A monotonous end of ******** shenanigans. Caring about Kenlie, loving her the way I do..she gives me a reason to make the next night more amazing than the last. Loving that woman with my soul makes every new experience so astounding. And what's the point of being dark gods if there is no real pleasure in it?

Dominique: [T] As long as she is out there being stubborn then you have that hope worth fighting for. I would hold on a thousand years and wait if I knew I could hold him one more time. If anyone can find her, reach her and bring her back it will be you, Vic. It took me over twenty years to find out she existed. I suck *** at tracking. I text her the world was on fire and that I used her toothbrush. Not even that worked.

Victor: [T] I hope the words in my email mean something to her. I don't know how else to contact her. I don't even know if her phone is on. So I emailed her. I might have been incredibly inebriated but the point definitely was made. I need her home. Her scent is almost gone from her pillow. I'm dying inside.

Dominique: [T] And you search for it in everything with the hope it will discovered so you can hold on to it just a little longer. I wouldn't leave vita Bella for weeks and then I couldn't bring myself to walk back in. I know all about it.

Victor: [T] I love my family..but they don't get it. They just don't ******* get it.

Victor: [T] They think I'm just being emotional. Irrational.

Dominique: [T] You are fine Vic. If you give a **** at all you are fine. There are assholes around us trying to sell the idea that love... What you feel and what I have known to be worth dying for is a weakness. Someone around here has to have heart. You two give me hope.

Victor: [T] Thank you, Dom. Thank you so much. I've felt so ******* alone in all of this. I should have come to you sooner. I wish there were words enough to describe what she is to me. Soulmate is the closest and it's just not enough. I just can't give up.

Dominique: [T] You can text, drop by, call anytime. It is what family is about. She is everything and we are lost without her. I already feel closer to her just because you reached out.

Victor: [T] You're not alone, Dom. Sis. I promise.

Dominique: [T] If you see anything with four or even two wheels that is bad enough to be under my *** let me know. My baby was blown to the heavens two nights ago. She rests in pieces.

Victor: [T] Aw ****..I'm sorry to hear that. I'll definitely look into it for you. Can't have you without a ride. You have a ride, yes? I could let you borrow my truck until we find you something else.

Dominique: [T] I would be likely to use it to run someone over...several times. I move like a bullet. Just can't replace what was hard to find to begin with, ya know? I am good. It is worth waiting for the right one. Always was.

Victor: [T] I feel ya. Alright. Let me know if you need a ride and I'll pick you up or something. I'll put my feelers in the air for you.

Dominique: [T] Thank you. Love ya and bring my sister home. We can both kick her *** after we squeeze her tight.

Victor: [T] Perfect. Love ya too, sis.

Dominique: [T] xoxo -sends out the love and hits send. Sets the phone down and turns up the music to work on the rally sport waiting in front of her.

[Victor]

Location: Vita Bella

Dominique: Dominique had finished up feeding the last of the zoo that had grown since Vita Bella opened two years ago. The sounds of Vader clawing to get out the front door finally did its job and had her running down the stairs to set him free. The bolt and alarm were barely released when the bull terrier took off like a bullet at the back of her legs sending her to fall back on her ***. She growled standing up and watched the usually calm dog tear across the yard barking in alarm. That was all it took and the shadow was running with the same urgency. If her heart could it would be pounding at what her eyes found becoming more clear the closer she got. Kenlie?! Without a second thought her cell was out of her back pocket mid sprint and her thumb hit Victor for a call. "God damnit ..." She panted passing Vader by."****! Pick up!"

Victor: Victor was behind the bar at The Handle, glass of water in hand as he stared at it like the plague. Clover told him no more drinking...certainly that was just his emotions away, right? Nothing wrong with a beer...and whiskey chaser. He sighed and drank his water. He'd been feeling pretty off since he got off the phone a few hours ago with Dom. He felt better. Not so alone. But there was something in the back of his head that he just couldn't shake. His phone vibrated and he glanced at the caller id. Instantly he hit the green Talk button. "What's wrong? Is she ok? Is she gone? Sweet **** don't tell me she's gone." His voice tightened the faster he spoke, impatient for an answer.

Dominique: Dominique heard the sound of Vic's voice and now she felt like she could handle what she was about to find on the ground when she skid to a stop on her knees. "I need you now. Stop if you are riding, drop what you are doing." Panic laced every word for the usually calm shadow. "I found her laying on the ground at Vita Bella." Her hands were shaking as she brushed the hair from her sister's face. "Three, two...one!" Dominique ended the call and didn't lift Kenlie. Her husband was about to land on top of both of them. Energy surged through her as she moved back and pulled Victor from wherever he was and summoned him to his wife.

Victor: Victor heard only ...laying on ground...need you...drop everything... and the glass in his hand shattered on the floor. Patrons around him jumped and his give a ****-o-meter exploded like his water hitting the ground. "Do it now, to hell with everything else." He needed to be there, needed to know. And he felt that sudden surge of energy after the count of three. He was dragged away through time and space and his balls ached. Kenlie learning how to do this same task was just...the best amount of pain she had ever given him. Suddenly he was standing nearly on top of his wife and sister in law. His eyes went wide as he really looked down. There she was...not moving. Panic began to rise once more. "Dom..what's wrong with her?" He spoke as he backed away and knelt beside them.

Dominique: Dominique HOPE shook as petite fingers patted at Kenlie's cool cheek. Her eyes desperate in their search for signs of what her sisters closed lips could not reveal. "I don't know. We need to get her inside." Vader's barking grew louder than tolerable and Dominique spun to stand releasing a growl that sent the dog bolting back to the house. "Can you take her in? Do you want me to call Doc?" She would have scooped her sister up and carried her in without asking but that was before Victor had claim to her as her husband. She was not about to step on his toes now.

Victor: Victor didn't even hear the dog until Dom made it a point to shut it up. Only then did the shock of his wife's appearance really settle on him. With a nod and ease of adrenaline and love, he slipped his hands beneath Kenlie's thin soft body and lifted her up off the ground. She was thin and gaunt to look at and his fears came tumbling back into his head. He would give his life for this woman ten thousand times and more if she would just wake up this once. "Monster...Kenlie..wake up, baby." His words were gentle but firm hoping they might pull her from this silence. He carried her inside the Vita to the safety of its walls. "Dom..blood bags."

Dominique: Dominique was already racing back to the house. Her energy flowing like the blood she had to offer was on fire and linking her to the woman she would give her last drop to keep from fading. The elevator took too long to respond and she raced the winding stairs upward. She pounded the casing that held the blood bags. "Jesus...F*ck!" She broke the door and pulled out a bag for every amount that she felt leaving her own body as she did the only thing she could while juggling the packets. Hopefully the healing would work.

Victor: Victor found the nearest flat surface, which was the island in the giant kitchen. He placed a roll of paper towels behind her head, every moment to comfort this woman he would take it. He then stood at her side and put his hands above her body. It wasn't often that he cast this spell but he had it memorized for moments just like this. Repeating the words of the spell, he seemed to pull blood straight from the shadows of death. She was still unmoving and he knew she wasn't quite out of the woods. Where the **** was Dom and that blood? He cast the spell again...and again..and again until he was dripping with sweat and exhausted, panting. His hands were holding the woman's face as he looked down at her, willing her to just stir a little. "Baby, please.."

Dominique: Dominique fumbled the packets as she was like the wind back at Victor's side. Her body feeling weaker as she worked to give what she had to offer and hand over what was in her hands to Vic. "Here.." She put another to her lips and used that cursed set of fangs for something of good use. The aroma was so powerful it might as well been a set of flying fists in her face and gut. She caught herself and kept her focus."I have been giving her everything I got."

Victor: Victor lifted his head to look at his sister in law as she walked back in, arms laden with blood packs. The moment the one was opened, he pulled it from Dom's hand and lifted Kenlie's torso off the table to cradle it in his arms. The corner of the pack was pressed in between her lips, head tilted back enough so her jaw hung open. He slowly began pouring blood into her mouth, lifting her back up so it closed. "Swallow Kenlie. Wake up."

Dominique: Dominique popped open another bag and waited patiently while Vic poured the first one down Kenlie's throat. "I wonder where the hell she has been." Dominique took the empty packet from Vic's hand and replaced it with another. "She couldn't have been out there that long because I just got home and would have seen her." While Vic worked on getting the second packet into Kenlie she popped another open for him. "Here you need this too." She imagined getting that beer hat with the dual tubes on each side and rigging it up for the two of them. She would grab the bottle and take hers that way. Maybe Kenlie was currently in lala land but damned if it was not a reason to celebrate. "I need a drink. A strong one.”

[Dominique]

--The following transcript was a live chat roleplay--

Victor: Victor poured each bag consecutively until he counted ten spells and bags total. He wasn't sure if it was going to be enough but he did know that if she was starved, her body would be in mild shock from the sudden blood intake. Like a human starved for food, it would take the body time to accept it. He placed a tender kiss to his wife's forehead before pressing his own to it. "I love you so much, Kenlie." Only then did he take his attention from the sleeping woman to Dom. He let out a half laugh exhale of relief. "Let's make it shots until she wakes."

Dominique: Dominique felt the relief from the panic wash through her. Victor's laugh permitted her own to surface. Kenlie would be okay. There wasn't anything in the world that could take her from where she was while they were with her. She came home and her world as well as her brother-in-law's just got the boost of all that is good shot back into it. It was always Kenlie who held them together. "You got it. Soon as she wakes up we can get her set up and she can catch up." Dominique disappeared briefly to the bar that was expertly stocked for any party large or small. She grabbed three shot glasses and was a chorus of clinking bottles as she made her way back and took a seat next to Kenlie and Victor. The snap of the seal erupted and the scent of the most unforgiving whiskey filled the air. "This a good one to start with?" She didn't wait for an answer as the amber fluid filled the double shot glass. Last time she did this she needed Kenlie and a pair of scissors to get out of her costume. Good thing both were on stand by. Oddly enough it was almost Halloween. She raised her shot glass in the air. "To Kenlie coming home!"

Victor: Victor fussed around in the kitchen while Dom went to grab the booze. He emptied the linen drawer of all it's clean dish rags and he replaced the paper towels with the folded stack. Thick fingers brushed away the hair from her face with such gentleness, even so far as wetting a folded paper towel and brushing it over her face to clean away dirt and debri from the ground. Once Dom returned, clinking like chimes, he had to force tear himself from touching Kenlie, making sure she didn't disappear suddenly. But that scent of whiskey cleared his mind and he took a full shot glass, raising it to clink it against Dom's. "To our Monster coming home." And he knocked back the shot, coughing a bit.

Dominique: Dominique was more prepared for the kick that was expected from the whiskey she chose. It had a bite and then some. She mirrored Victor's lead and down the fluid went blazing a trail that had her sucking in the cool air to keep her from getting the reaction he did. "Whoo.."She released the fumes from her mouth and licked her lips. "It still does the trick." Her body was warming up and her muscles relaxed while she poured another round of double shots."Anything good should be followed by more." She handed over the full shot glass and then filled up her own. "Other than playing 'Where is Kenlie?' what have you been up to?" She settled back and got comfortable keeping the bottles close to both of them.

Following evening...

[T] You ok, Dom?
[T] Yes, why?
[T] Just checking in on you.
[T] Yes. I am fine. On my way back to Vita Bella. Just had to check on something.
[T] No problem, sis. I think she moved bit, called out your name. Nothing else though.
*Dominique didn’t have to check on something as much as 'someone'. She was still baffled as to what compelled her to go linger outside Doc's office door until she set eyes on him. Worse yet his nosey *** secretary caught her and gave her a funny look. The woman needed to mind her own business. She was about as annoying as Gertrude was.
[T] I am on my way!
[T] No rush...we are back to waiting. Just be safe.

Dominique:Dominique was glad that the underground garage door opened faster than she was driving. The customer's Mercedes she was driving needed a spoiler adjusted not the front end. The drivers door popped open and she sprinted to the back of the onsite garage and took to the stairs like she was trying to win a gold medal. Nothing stopped her until she reached the fourth floor door. Pulling off her sunglasses that made no sense to be wearing at night she paused to toss them on the coffee table she passed on the way to where Vic was sitting beside his sedate sister.

Victor:Victor looked up to the woman as he heard her slip into the room like a gust of wind. Elbows were propped up on the edge of the island as he leaned against the edge, beard covered chin resting beside one of Kenlie's arms. Having just wanted to be near her, to touch her in some manner, this little brush of fur against that perfect flesh soothed months of anxiety and fear. "Hey, sis."

Dominique:Dominique offered up a smile while leaning in to kiss his cheek then leaned in deeper and kissed Kenlie's forehead. She brushed some of her hair back then looked to Vic as she settled in on the opposite side of Kenlie. "Just my name?" Part of her insides were doing flips. Was that a bad thing? Did she **** up somewhere and Kenlie was telling her now? What was she trying to say. Her eyes settled on her sister while HOPE threaded between Kenlie’s equally inked fingers.

Victor: A bit of a smile was offered in return as he sat up and brushed a palm over his wife's arm. It was only then that he realized just how filth covered she was. "Yeah..like she was looking for you. It was nice to hear." To be honest, he didn't care if she started singing about Nazis and unicorns so long as he heard her voice. It meant that the blood was working on her body and maybe soon she would wake up.

Dominique:Dominique's eyes followed Victor's hand across her sister's arm. She slowly smiled at the display of affection that coupled the energy that was impossible to miss between the couple. He loved her. Dominique sighed. Wherever Kenlie was she wanted to trade places. Kenlie didn't belong anywhere but awake and surrounded by all those who were missing her, lost without her. She had a husband waiting for her. "I hope I am not in trouble. I replaced her toothbrush." Dominique lifted the hand that was holding Kenlie's and checked out her nails. A subtle attempt to dust them off didn't do the trick. "She is your wife. Want me to get some hot water, soap and towels? You can clean her up? She looks like she was digging ditches with those hands."

Victor:Victor chuckled at Dom's concern over a toothbrush, but he knew his wife and knew her obsession over that damn thing. He knew, but he understood. Between the two of them, he was the neat freak and he had to curb his cleaning habits whenever she was home. Last thing he wanted was to have her walking into a medical supply closet of a house. So, if tossing about a few shirts and throwing out her favorite pink shoes beside the door made his wife happy in their home, he sacrificed. But that damned toothbrush..."You might be...she sounded like raging dragon about that toothbrush." He looked up at her with a deadpan expression and a glint of amusement in his steel colored eyes. A soft nod as he lifted up Kenlie's other hand, bringing those inked fingers to his lips. "Yes..please. Unless getting a bath set up would be easier. Then she can soak a while and we can set up something more comfortable for her to rest on. I'm sure the island is just doing wonders on her back."

Dominique:Dominique leaned back over and kissed Kenlie's forehead again as if it may be the last time she would get the chance. "I will get the bath set up and you can do the honors." Slowly she lifted up from the stool beneath her and walked around and gave the large shoulder beneath her hand a gentle pat in passing."You guys want the third floor or if you wish you can sleep up here." Her eyes moved slowly to the bed that was left behind as she made her way to the bathroom. Thankfully she pulled her focus to where she was going and barely avoided stepping on Rufus who was en route to his greens bowl. "Your call." She pushed the bathroom door wide open and began preparing a hot bath complete with those scented candles lighting up that Kenlie loved.

Victor: "Uh..yeah. Just anything for her to be comfortable on. Doesn't have to be anything special for us." He wouldn't sleep regardless..infact, he couldn't remember the last time he slept. But giving her question real thought, he looked over to her. "Is Kenlie's room still available? Maybe if she woke up where she is familiar, she'll be able to stay awake." They had amazing memories in that bedroom, bathroom...that bed. He'd remembered when he would wake up, she'd be bringing him a cup of coffee that would only get cold on the nightstand, untouched but a sip. She was his addiction. Especially when clad in nothing but a black t shirt, hair a mess from sleep. The most beautiful creature he'd ever seen.

Dominique:Dominique was blowing out the match when she listened to Victor mention their bedroom downstairs. She shook her hand then tossed the match in the basket. She smiled at the memory of Kenlie seeing her Mickey Mouse bed the first time. The parties that took place, the security video feeds of ...well okay so she didn’t need to remember that but yes it was certainly 'their' floor and Vita Bella belonged to them just as much as it did her. It was what it was built for. She stood up and leaned over and shut off the water. She only wished Kenlie was in better shape when she returned home this time. "I think I just made myself a bath, Vic. I will get the elevator. The hot tub is meant for at least two and all your stuff is still there." Dominique left the bathroom as it was and headed to catch the elevator and hold the door open.

Victor: "No, don't waste the hot tub. That's going to be a ***** to clean out afterwards. I just want her clean. Make sure she's healthy and comfortable." He stood over his wife and the mess of her beautiful body and clothes. One arm slid under her neck, propping her up just beneath the shoulders before his other arm slipped below her knees, and he lifted her up off the kitchen island. The weight of her body was a bit back to normal, but the lack of movement always betrayed his emotions. He cleared his throat and followed after his sister in law. He was about to thank Dom but he cut himself off. There was no reason for that. The woman loved Kenlie as much as he did, this was something that just needed to be done.

Dominique: Dominique was already moving back into the bathroom. She stepped to the side and waited for the wall of moving muscle to bring her sister through. She watched the limp inked arms of Kenlie slip then dangle to her side. Warm chocolate orbs rolled up while she blinked fast. There was no way in hell she was accepting anything but Kenlie pulling through wherever she was and coming back to them. Dominique made a vow to her sister and she was keeping it. She would never let go. Ever. Wherever her mind was it was going to have to accept it was time to pack up. She was being called back. "I will go down and get some of her clothes. Take your time and relax. I will get your bed ready."

[Kenlie (DELETED 4989)]

Victor:He was busy in the kitchen. Phone kept going off, buzzing on the counter in the tiny kitchenette. Sink ran as he fussed with dishes and the pans on the stove meant he was cooking. It smelled rather amazing if he did say so himself. Medium sized steak with a side of rosemary potatoes. Simple dish but it was a comfort food. In a time like this, waiting for his wife to finally come out of her coma, he really needed the comfort he couldn't get anywhere else.

Kenlie: Her head was pounding by the time she'd made it past her sister and Kaelyn. It had been bad when she woke up, but **** if all that socializing right from the start didn't make it worse. She knew Victor had to be somewhere in this house, and the more they spoke the more she wanted to break away and go find him. She needed him. It was why she worked so damn hard to get home. Finally, she found an excuse to break away, and the smells carried her down the stairs and towards the kitchen. Her feet padded against the wood floor at the bottom, and then she reached the tile, where her socks slid gently across the surface, brushing. She paused just out of his sight, listening to the sounds of his utensils clinking and the steak sizzling. Waiting to see if he noticed her smell, her presence.

Victor: Meat was placed on a plate to rest before being sliced thinly and placed on another plate, potatoes slid beside them still sizzling from butter. It was a perfect meal. Hands touched the island and he leaned over the plate, eyes closed as if he were praying. There was the sound of an inhale through his nose, an exhale through his mouth, and the sounds repeated while growing faster, more deliberate. Then the sound of that plate shattering against the wall across the room ricocheted throughout. He just wanted her back. There was so much he had to deal with and her not being around made everything seem empty. He missed her so much...he was probably imagining her scent. "I swear to god...stop tormenting me. Just wake up..."

Kenlie: Kenlie gasped when something shattered against the wall, and instantly brought a hand to her mouth. "Vic..."

Victor: Simply a sound shook him and he jerked away from the island like it was on fire. He looked around, seeing noone. "I'm going ******* insane." His hands scrubbed at his face before smoothing back his hair. He took another deep breath in through his nose and startled again. "The ****..." He headed off toward their room, only to stop the moment he came around the corner. "Kenlie..."

Victor: He figured he was hallucinating, exhausted from lack of sleep. His features softened and he reached out to touch her, stopping just before incase she faded away. This **** was killing him inside. "I wish you were really awake. I love you, Kenlie."

Kenlie: Kenlie finally reached up to wrap her fingers around his wrist, and squeezed tight so he couldn't walk away. She stepped forward, holding him there, and then placed her mouth against his knuckles.

Victor: The moment she touched his flesh he let out a ragged breath. It couldn't have been true. This was just another dream. But it felt so real, so good, so perfect. "Please say it's you. Please..just..say something to me."

Kenlie: Without a single word, she released his wrist and grabbed both sides of his face. Her fingers sank into his hair so she could drag him close, and then her lips met his.

Victor: He nearly collapsed with relief when she took him into her palms. The scent of her so near, of the soap from when he bathed her and the lingering scent of the candles Dom lit for her, everything was perfect. She was perfect. And then those lips pressed against his and the world disappeared. All he felt was her. All he knew was her. He kissed her back, arms slipping around that thin figure.

[Victor]

Location: River Rock/Vita Bella

He needed to get back to Vita Bella. It'd been a few nights, since he'd only dropped by twice during the week Kaelyn was gone with Stagger. The engine of his Harley revved louder at the thought of the human sweeping his daughter out of the city, there was no amount of self analyzing that was going to help him get over that. The ride tonight was especially helpful getting his head straight for the tasks ahead. He didn't want to be thinking about the ******** drama going on in Fforde when he was taking care of his wife. She deserved his full attention, deserved every ounce of affection and doting he could muster.

There was a slim chance it might help bring her back to him.

The travel through River Rock always was his favorite. The winding roads, the escape from the city for a ride by the river, the dirt roads that blocked out the sounds of traffic and the **** going on at home. It was beautiful this time of year as well, if it was daylight and he'd been able to actually enjoy it. One of the many reasons he secretly despised being a vampire. All of the day time activities he used to love and was no longer relevant to his existence. These were just a few of the thoughts he began sifting through as he rounded one of his last streets before making it to the river. Thank you, Jesse...if you really want to feel more self loathing, that's one good reason. Nothing like a neurotic mess of a vampire to rip away any semblance of daylight and humanity from you.

Smoke escaped his nostrils as he grunted through his mild frustration and he turned the throttle to head faster to the large hidden estate. Last night was a boot to the dick when he went to find his sire. There was no rational reason for the sudden need to see Jesse. But that absence, that silence that suddenly became far too emotionally penetrating, it filtered in through his drunken haze and sent him on frantic hunt. But when he found the guy...he was fine. He was with Clover. The night went horribly wrong. Victor was really pleased with the theft of that jasmine bubble bath though, holy **** it was worth the emotional trauma of that visit. His skin still smelled amazing.

The four story building came into view and he pushed the buttons of the keypad and the gate opened, metal rubbing smoothly against metal. This was his favorite place to be usually, home away from home. Where he wooed Kenlie for weeks before they finally made love for the first time. The restraint between them was explosive and he was sure Dominique close to forcing them to break the seal. He really loved tormenting Kenlie with desire and passion and her own sexual frustration. Kicking the stand and turning off the engine of his bike, he dismounted with a smile behind that beard. It was always thoughts of his Monster that had him hustling to the elevator and punching in F3. He and Dom agreed that Kenlie would rest on her floor so Dom could keep an eye on her while he was at work. When he did come to be with his wife, he usually just slept in their old bed on F3. It was the scent of her that lingered there that helped him actually sleep. Otherwise he'd just pass out in a drunken stupor. The elevator dinged and the doors opened.

He took a deep breath. Every time. Leathers were taken off and draped over the kitchenette bar. Boots took him to the bathroom and he started running the bath, adding in the oils that kept Kenlie's skin from drying out in her sleep. While the tub began filling up, he headed to the closet and pulled out towels, washcloths and the new set of Mickey Mouse pajamas he bought her a few nights ago. This was becoming a new routine. Every couple of nights he would bathe his wife, making sure that if she were to wake up, she would be fresh and clean and stress free. Anything to coax her out of this coma and keep her out of it. The items were placed on the bathroom counter. He turned off the water and headed back to the elevator. He was on the fourth floor within moments, kneeling beside the bed where Kenlie's body rested. Thick fingers lifted up her inked hand and brought the back of it to his lips.

"Hey baby. It's time for a bath." Eyes settled on her resting face, hand rising to brush a thumb over her cheek. He exhaled again, softer this time and smoke rolled slowly from his nose. "I miss you..."

Rising to his feet, he slipped an arm underneath Kenlie's knees and one beneath her shoulders and pushed up with his legs to lift her from the bed. Her body settled in against his chest and he cradled her there while heading back to the elevator. Dom had provided a wheelchair and it sat folded against the wall in all it's glory, but there was nothing better than to just hold his wife in his arms. They made it back to the third floor and he brought her to the bathroom. As per routine, he sat her on the toilet lid and began pulling away her clothes. Her shirt was black with a DeathStar on the front and it was tossed into the hamper across the room. One arm went around her back beneath her arms and he stood her up, pulling down her Star Wars shorts. They dropped to the floor and he lifted her up to settle her into the warm water in the tub. He sat on the toilet lid and reached over for a wash cloth, dipping it into the bath.

"So, Kaelyn and I are getting along again. Figured you'd be happy to hear that. Things feel better at the house. Spaz has been quiet but I figure she's been busy with her own activities." He began wiping her face with the cloth, squeezing water into those black tresses. "You'd be so proud of our girls, baby...they are becoming really amazing young ladies."

He reached across for the mobile shower nozzle and cut the water on once more, soaking that hair before applying her favorite shampoo. "I took Kae for a ride on the bike. I've never seen her so happy before. I feel like that's something I've been ruining, really taking for granted this last year. That smile on her face, yanno? I know it was rough to begin with but I think she and I have a strong bond now that we can communicate." Fingers lathered in the shampoo and the shower spray returned so he could rinse her hair. Head was tilted back over the rolled towel beneath her neck so none of the suds could drain into her eyes. His hand smoothed through her hair, making sure it was clean.

"Oh...I guess there is debate on who is throwing the Christmas party this year. Honestly, unless you're able to make it, I think I'll just make the girls a nice dinner and we can throw a few decorations around the house." He knew how much she loved the holidays. This time of year was her jam and usually by this time she'd have most of her shopping done. The woman was damned ridiculous. And perfect. And wonderful. He rubbed his forehead on his shoulder. "I need to get shopping, on that note. Ugh..all of the malls are going to be packed for weeks. I wonder if I could get away with just making cookies for the girls." No. He wouldn't. Kenlie wouldn't let him.

He added in the accompanying conditioner to her hair and rolled it up into a hair clip to let the creme rinse set. It took a lot of reading instructions and asking Dom what the hell went into her hair for this to get done right. The body wash came down and he squeezed a dollop onto her bath poof. He then started with her arms, over her chest and upper back and neck and began working his way down to her feet, taking his time. He adored her toes. The ink tattooed over the tops of her feet and the dainty little wigglers that she'd freeze him with during the day in bed. There pretty much wasn't a thing about this woman that didn't take his breath away. She was his soulmate, if there was a mediocre word that could barely come close to describing how he felt about her.