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Cristiana pulled out a crisp linen sheet of paper, linen paper was thicker and better than those thin flimsy tree pieces of papers they had now in stores. She laid it on the desk and sat down staring at the sheet as blankly as it stared back at her. Finally she dipped her feather tipped pen into the inkwell and began to write. The cat laid at her feet purring softly keeping them warmed up. She did love that cat. Did Zo even know the cat would come by and visit her?

My Dearest Zo Ho,

I know things didn't go off as we thought they would. I am terrible at keeping touch and even communication. But I do love you and this is me trying to salvage everything, everything I have inside of me screams for you. My whole existance is not complete without you beside me. The bed is a cold lonely place without your icy form laying and oddly warming it right up. The day is bleek and withered without your smile to give one singular ray of moonlight through the cloud infested night. *****, I love your sparkling ***! Can we stop fighting at some point?

I know fighting is the spice of life and all that ****, but it blows worse than a $5 whore behind the Met. Not that there is $5 whores behind the Met anymore... I mean they were delicious, erm there was never any! Anyway, instead of fighting, instead of hearing harsh words, when you are ready, and you want to... please write to me back. It is better than texting and well more personal. I do love you, and I want to be there for you. I know I suck at staying awake but you are and for a long time been the only one on my mind. Even though the divorce and all... I could not stop thinking of you. Please say you will forgive me?

All my love,
Crissy
You diamond kitty queen and Ho number 2


She rolled up the piece of paper and sealed it with the wax crest. A little ribbon formed just enough that the tiny mouth of Ginny fit there to hold it.
She looked at the cat, "Are you sure?" The cat just stared at her, picking up the piece of paper and walked out carrying it without so much as a meow. She was pretty sure Ginny got into her head and told her to write the note, telling Zo how it was, what was in her mind ... that she was on and in her mind far too much.

She would soon see, or perhaps not. No one can predict.... who is she kidding both her and Zo both could.

The food was untouched.

It did not disturb the gypsy. Ginny kept her own hours when it came to prowling about the town, so time was never a deciding factor. ”How could I put that? If cats could tell time, they wouldn’t and always be early or late anyway.”

She smirked at her bad joke. The image of the cat with a pocket watch around her neck was amusing, but not that much.

Time did not concern her but what was her familiar doing out there? Now that was a reason to worry. Ever since Ginny returned with a deep slice in one of her forelegs she had gotten while playing ‘Tease the Theodosian Mooncalves’ had put the girl in a over protective mode. It was the first time the cat had lost a round of that particular game. Was she distracted at the wrong moment or was age catching up to her? After Ginny had healed, the girl had tried to keep her indoors but that was impossible. The cat had a talent for getting in and out of places most would consider impossible.

”Come back to me, cara mia.” the girl whispered in her mind as she went back to her book keeping. ”In one piece, preferably.”

An hour later, the cat door was pushed open (the girl had given up trying to lock them shut) as the large black cat entered the residence. Like a silent missile, it went directly for the gypsy and jumped into her lap unannounced. The girl was startled and let out an audible cry, only to take the beast tight in her arms. Her hands inspecting for any new injuries while she nuzzled the animal’s head.

”And just where have you been? Who have you been annoying now?” her thoughts asked. When her fingers found the scroll, she sat back in surprise. ”So what is this? People starting to give you messages? Fancy complaining on their parts?” She smiled while encouraging the cat to let go of its small burden. ”Your supper awaits you, little goddess.” she turned her chair and pointed to the small feast awaiting the cat. Ginny chirped, then jumped down to the floor to feed. Zodiac watched for a few moments before directing her attentions to the scroll.

Her fingers told her this was not cheap paper. ”You annoying the rich now?” she jested. There was part of a familiar scent on the paper as well. The ribbon removed and the wax seal broke, she leaned back in her chair and read the message.

Then read it again, and a third time. Each time her eyebrows raised in surprise at certain parts of the letter. ”Does my *** actually sparkle?” That was a new one. She laid the letter on top of the keyboard and took a sip of her bloodwine. Cristiana was a subject she had avoided as of late. She had found her when she had decided to awaken and found Harper Rock a far different town than it had been. They had talked much that night and things she had never admitted before had been revealed in a kiss. But also, the venom that had been building within her these past months came out as well. Positive and negative emotions flared up and the results had the pair going their separate ways.

She stood up and got some parchment from her desk along with her own ink and quill. The modern world would never remember the unique and special experience to receive and send hand written letters. So much more than words could be discerned in the process. The laptop was pushed out of the way as she sat up. Violet ink graced the parchment as she began to write.

Dearest Cristiana,

First things first. Anything I know about hoe-ing I learned by watching and hanging out with you.

Second, I have much regret for how our last conversation ended. As I can hope you may have gathered, I had my own set of negative emotions boiling away inside of me. As much as that moment held promise it also brought a flash back of all the negatives I have endured on the subject of romance. I apologize. Fighting has never been something I wished between us, and have no desire to start now. Disagree? That is something that will happen no matter how perfect a situation is, but fighting is more enjoyable in other ways rather than matters of the heart.

There is nothing to forgive you for (other than being a lazy assed hoe who sleeps for months at a time. Speaking of, I knew some of those girls who hung out behind the Met. Sorry to hear they are no longer employed.) but I hold no anger at you.

Yes, we can talk and we can see what may truly come of things. I am not going anywhere and no one is tearing down my doors to pledge their undying affections for me at the moment. And thank you for the idea. I was not aware Ginny made such an effective messenger. I might have to explore the possibilities of hiring her out for special messenger duties.

I missed you too.

Mistress Zodiac

Gypsy queen.
Mistress of the Mystic Arts
The all seeing Eye
And apprentice behind the number one hoe– Cristiana

p.s. Does my *** actually sparkle? I need someone to take a picture so I can see that.


She re-read her missive as it finished drying. Light, some humor and to the point. When she stood up to get candle and seal she used for things like this, she found Ginny looking up at her by her feet. ”You feel like making a return trip?” It did not surprise her that the cat had taken refuge at Crissy’s place. Ginny had all manner of resting places around the town and some of them were occupied. She would only rest where she felt safe and apparently she felt safe with Cristiana just as she did with others at times. She sealed the letter and reused the bit of ribbon to make a holder. She offered the letter to the cat.

”If you want to, please do.” She watched as the cat sniffed the note and took the loop into her mouth. ”Be safe out there!” her thoughts called out as the cat slipped back out the cat door into the darkness. Zodiac grabbed her lap top to finish the last bits of accounting work she needed to do. This was going to prove to be interesting-to say the least.

She went on with her life, walking back and forth from the Metronome Club to Lascivious Legacy everyday. When she arrived at the building and seen the cat sneaking in a window that was left cracked open, in what looked to be where the bathroom was with steam coming out.... wait did Ginny just sneak in while either Becky or Taylor was showering. The thought cracked a smile on her face, but she put nothing past the cat.

When she went into the apartment building she called out for Ginny. It took a few minutes for the cat to join her and what looked suspiciously like the remnants of a towel being shaken off her paw as she joined Cristiana waiting by the elevator. As the two stepped on she heard the scream coming from the bathroom. With a small chuckle she looked down at Ginny who yawned and kept a straight face, that is what broke Crissy into full belly laugh laughter. Ginny tilted her head up to the woman laughing, and let out a purring sound that matched the laughter. It was the little things in life. The cat nuzzled against her leg long enough to be picked up and carried over the threshold, into the apartment and set down on the counter. With a meow, a bowl of freshly made catfood from the slow cooker still warm was put under her nose. At first, even though it smelled like heaven she turned her nose up to it. It wasn't until the short lithe female waved the spoon at her threatening to not make more did she plunge in face first and nibble at the food a little to appease the female in question. After a few bites she left the paper on the table beside the bowl and really delved into the delicious dish of fish and veggies letting the woman have her paper.

Cristiana took the paper and opened it quick, sitting down with a diet coke and bowl of grapes reading the letter. She stopped mid grape to her lips and dropped it back on the plate. She squeezed the letter to her chest getting up twirling around the room. "She isn't mad at me Ginny!" The ony reply was "Meow." But Crissy pet the cat between her ears anyway, "Please please one more?" She looked at the little ball of fur that she sometimes swore was a human in cat form. The old look in the cats eyes spoke of times when things were different in the world. If at first she disliked being a cat, now she relished in it and watching the trivial times of humanity pass by. The cat purred a response and went to curl up on her lap, only after stretching and clawing at the womans leg until she jumped and picked her up. She curled into a little ball while Cristiana wrote a note in return.

My Dearest Zo Ho,

Oh darling you were always the Queen ho and I your princess ho. But I shall always cherish going to the art museum, it was a memorable time indeed. We should visit there again soon.

I know it is a deplorable thing to sleep so much, especially when I was so awake once upon a time. The depression has hit us both hard. We've both lost so much, but the thing that would kill me is losing you. I regret a lot about what we said last time we seen each other, which is why it took me time to think of this.. Instead of seeing each other and fighting, to air out what is wrong and work through it this way before we see each other.

Honestly I don't have anything I am upset about.. it was and is my fault. But maybe if you look at it this way: I always wake up to see you. Instead of wow she sleeps a lot... maybe you can see it from a different perspective. And I do, I wake up to see you because I miss your very sparkling ***. And yes it does sparkle! Like a diamond.

So If I were to ask Santa for something for christmas, do you know what it would be? Look in the mirror. I don't want to fight, but I want your negative feelings aired out before we move on. And to figure out what the next step is... which I don't know what it is but I know who I want it to be with.

Love your ho,
Crissy
The Metronome *****
The Wedding Maker
Princess Ho to her Queen Ho

P.S. There is a picture, but only I have it.

She slipped the note to the cat after it was sealed, but instead of running off to deliver it Ginny jumped off her lap and laid on the make shift bed in front of the fireplace. With a glance to Crissy she meowed waiting for the heat from the fire to start. And as if on cue, Crissy pressed the button to start the gas on the fireplace causing the room to glow with the warm soft light. She took her grapes to the chair, pulling the purple blanket around herself and curled up waiting because Ginny would do things in and on her own time. Shortly after the fire warmed her up, Crissy fell into a deep sleep. The cat slipped out, with what looked like a grin on her face carrying the letter out with her. Silly humans!

The cat laid in front of the fireplace in patience as it watched the girl. How deep an understanding did the animal have of things was always a subject of debate, but there were a few things in this world where understanding would overrule instinct. Instinct urged the cat to interrupt the girl and deliver the message, but understanding suggested she sit and wait till the mystic had finished her meditations.

Zodiac ‘sat’ in the center of the pattern she had painstakingly painted onto the hardwood floor in a lotus pose. Eyes closed as the outer world was blocked out-allowing her to think clearly. ‘Sat’ was a term that described her body language and not her actual point in physical space. She floated a foot above the floor and held her spot over the center. The cat was confused how she could do that. PEOPLE DO NOT FLOAT IN AIR would sum up her thoughts on the matter, but her owner did it with ease. Once she sat in the girl’s lap as she did this and found the experience calming.

When she finally opened her eyes, she smiled at the sight of Ginny and encouraged the cat to approach. She jumped up into the girl’s lap. The effect caused her to sink down about an inch but then she returned to her original place in the air.

”There you are, and with new mail from the wild child,” she laughed as she stroked the cat lovingly. She stood up with Ginny in her arms and began to sink back down till her toes just touched the floor again and the pair drifted into the living room.

”Now,” she took a seat and accepted the letter. ”Let us see what she has to say now.”

Much like the first time, she read the letter several times. Ginny sat in what she considered the place of honor– on the lap of her girl swaddled in the folds of silk that made up Zodiac’s skirt. One hand petting the miniature panther as she read.

Eventually, she began a reply.

Dear Crissy,

Why am I picturing you dancing round the room while listening to Mariah Carey singing ‘All I want for Christmas’? Trust me, the mental image made me laugh. It is flattering, to be sure. I remember the art museum. We should go again one evening. I could use a fresh taste of culture to be sure.

I do feel I was somewhat angry with you for the wrong reasons. You mention the excessive sleeping. Hell, I have discovered myself doing it at times as well. I think what truly hurt me, in general, was the fact others I have cared about– be they lovers, close friends, etc– sleep as well…

But then they never wake up again. Not a word or reason why. They simply vanish one day and never return. I have searched high and low for some and never a clue to be found. (So much for being immortal, eh?) Most people seem able to shrug it off and move on, but I can’t. It does hurt. I care too deeply when I do latch on to someone in an emotional manner. Apparently I am not very good at being a vampire if part of it involves turning your feelings on and off like a light switch when it comes to loss.

That is basically it. The fear. To get uber close to another again and simply have them go poof like a fart in the wind. We all nap. I think it’s a vampire’s way to keep from being overwhelmed by the passing of time. (wasn’t there a movie where they did that? The three leader vamps took turns running the show. One ruled while the other two slept?)

Can you promise that you would always wake up again? Truthfully, you can’t and neither can I. Change has come to our little town. More and more of us are simply fading away and not being seen again. I am sorry if this missive is of a more somber quality, but you asked me to air out my concerns. You are among the few of the ‘originals’ I met when I was first turned that is still around. We were always friends, and if you know me you know I do not hand out my affections easily.

I am not sure how many more losses like that I can survive.

So, I guess we will have to see. I have always adored your company no matter what the situation was. (by the way, you still owe me a full gypsy dress from the time at the Met you covered me in paint on purpose) I see no reason why not to enjoy what we have for the time we have it.

With love,

Zo

P.S. And I hope Santa spanks us both for being naughty this year. Don’t tell me one of your ‘Crissy is SO innocent’ lies. I can admit mine. Why can’t you?

Again she prepared the letter for delivery, but when she looked down she found Ginny asleep on her lap.

”When you feel ready, my love.” Zodiac turned on her laptop and began working through the supply orders for the shops. It would be one of two final orders to keep the customers happy during the holiday blitz.

The next night while Zodiac was out checking her stores in person, Ginny took hold of the letter and vanished into the night.

Normally the cat visited her at home, she really didn't seem to like the hustling and bustling of the club during the busy hours. It was a surprised when Ginny not only seemed to have meandered into the office, but jumped on the desk because truth be told, Crissy hadn't seen her come in at all. She was so engrossed in the numbers flying through on the screen that when the cat jumped up on the desk and stuck her butt right into Crissy's face as if to say well I am here now kiss my *** because I deserve a little brown nosing... She almost laughed herself. She grabbed up Ginny off the desk, placing her on her lap one hand pet the cat while the other put the numbers in from the order stocking the bar with all the best booze, and some decent ones. There was always the hidden stock and also the drinks specially made for vampires. All in all you could order the same drinks for vampires as you could for humans. What people didn't know was how she infused them. It was one of the reasons she needed to keep waking up or returning to town. The stocks going low or even running out, which only happened once.

The ball of fur on her lap suddenly attacked, clawing and biting her hand because she wasn't really paying mind to her as much as she should have been. Instead she started to lean forward and crunching the numbers because the brandy and vodka order didn't seem to match up. It seems she was shorted a case in each. With a yelp she withdrew her hand. "I'm sorry Ginny! Ouch!" She said shaking her hand in the air as if that would be the cure for the sting of ripped flesh sliced down from her wrist over the thumb to the knuckle.

"Ok ok I get it... you are here, take a break! I swear I need more of you to come around and pry me away!" She chuckled. "Just let me text..." And as soon as the words left her mouth, the cat gave a small hiss ready to pounce but really was giving her a bemused look. "Nevermind then, just taking a break." That was when she noticed the letter the cat dropped on the other side of the computer. Scooping the letter and the cat, she went over to sit on the lounger in front of the fire place where it was nice and toasty. A smell throw blanket around her and Ginny as they snuggled together to read.

The truth of it was, she couldn't make that promise. But, if her record held up she did wake up ... and Zo was one of the main reasons she was waking up. That was the best she could promise. If only that were enough... nd how to word it right. But, it wasn't just Zodiac, she had lost that way too. A cruel twist of fate. Were both of the two bonded to other people? Another sick twist of fate, but there was different kind of bonds. That was for certain.

It took her some time of snuggling with the feline and gathering her thoughts together. When her wits had been gathered enough, she took the little ball of fur who she was still nuzzling with, texted Becky to come finish the paperwork and left the office heading for home. Ginny instead of having to walk was tucked warmly into her jacket. It wasn’t just for that reason though. As soon as she found it clear, in the alleyway, she clicked on celerity and ended up tucked between her housing building and who ever owned the one beside her. Ginny didn’t seem to like the fast traveling, when she lifted her eyes to meet Crissy’s they did not spread joy and happiness. In fact it seemed more like her saying “More than your hand will be shredded before I leave today!”

Crissy placed the cat by the fire and started up the gas fireplace from the remote. The cat padded her pillow down in circles before finding the best spot and curling up her lithe body. She covered Ginny with a small knit blanket perfect for the cat and walked over to her desk where she withdrew the same thick linen paper, used the same ink and well, and began writing back to Zodiac.

My Dearest Zo Ho,

Don’t make me come over there prematurely and throw tinsel on you! I will add the sparkle of your *** everywhere.

She had to pause a second and laugh, because she could picture doing just that all while Zodiac stood there trying to keep a straight face, but breaking down and laughing causing her to laugh as well. Then they would end up in a pile on the floor both laughing till their sides hurt. She could envision it like it was actually happening and chuckle. Getting back to the letter though.

We’ve both fallen asleep and awoken, for our own reasons. Can I say I will always wake up? No, but given the record I have had so far, I wake up to see you. I can’t promise I will always wake up but I can promise the longing for you keep waking me, keep me returning to longing to see you. That is the best I can promise, and I hope it is enough, that I am enough. We both have doubts and insecurities. We can either work on them together or apart, I picked together. What about you?
Check yes or no if you are willing to:

Cristiana drew one box with the word Yes under it, then a second with the word no under it.
It kind of made her giggle thinking about how grade school kids use to pass notes like this in the movies she had seen. She was trying for cute and kind of obnoxious, but in a silly way. Her head ducked back to the note where she drew a heart and their initials in the heart with a + sign tying them together.

But on a more serious aspect, she continued.

Zodiac, my dearest, YOU are what rouses me from my slumber. YOU are what draws me back to this town. YOU are the reason I want to be here. YOU are the one I am drawn too. Even while both of us couldn’t be together it never stopped that desire to be together. Hidden glances, the barest of touches letting the other one know. Is it all gone? Was it only the forbidden aspect that drew us together? We are making this far more complicated than it needs to be. I am not perfect, and neither are you but I accept our imperfections. I accept one or both of us will not always be around, but we are always drawn into each other. We shall always remain there for one another. Just how? I am hoping your heart longs as much as mine does. Do you wear the ring?

All my heart,
Cristiana
P.S. Come help me pick fabrics and I will make you the grandest outfit by hand.

She sealed the letter leaving the little bit of ribbon for the cat to carry it, when she woke up. After setting a bowl of warmed up food out for Ginny, with some fresh sparkling water, she resigned to laying down in her bed. The cat wondered in and snuggled up purring to her, perhaps hearing the soft sobbing from the nightmare that began after she had drifted to sleep. Or perhaps she just wanted the body heat. One could never tell with Ginny, she was such an odd feline. Sometimes, just sometimes, you swore she wasn't really a cat after all. Maybe someone who shapeshifted and was pretending to be a cat. Or maybe someone who was cursed into a feline form or…. So many possibilities. When wasn’t a cat a cat?

It was a day or so before the gypsy managed to read Crissy’s latest missive. It was, after all, the holiday season and she had spent the last two evenings bopping back and forth between her shops making sure all was running smooth, restocking done quickly and adapting to the trends in play this year. The projections Jennifer and her self calculated in October/November were sadly playing out. Things were not as they had been in past years. With people vanishing and the general mood set as of late, sales were not going to match previous years, but there was enough to put them in the black (barely) once things were finally finished.

She finally remembered the letter while taking a break in her office at the teahouse. She pulled it out of her pocket and sat back to read while her felt melted into the embrace of the shag carpet under her chair.

”What In the actual **** have you been smoking, woman?’ she snorted as she saw the little check boxes down the page. Her eyes went back to the top and read the letter in full. Smirking as she made her way past the checkboxes and heart again. How would her grandmother put it? Smitten like a schoolgirl. She could not deny the bulk of her writing. The two of them always did play such games. Little things like that would tear through the gloom of the moment and such things can only be shared between people who care.

The ring? Oh yes. She did not wear it, but she knew exactly where it was. In a ring box that sat next to the legendary ‘Diamond Kitty’ in her private safe. She had little things like that from people she kept tucked away. Mementos of more pleasant times.



Crissy,

Tinsel war? Just try it. I can always sneak up on you later and deliver a glitter bomb laced with itching powder down your shorts. (Top that)

Yes, we can see and work on things. I never meant to suggest we could not. However now, both of us have an idea of what each other is seeing, feeling and thinking. That is always important in such matters as this. All I can add to this is that in my time here, there is only a handful of people like us I could ever totally have faith in. You have always been one of them. A fact that has never changed.

Forbidden? I suppose you could put it that way. (I was accused of having a harem once.) But I would not say it was the ‘forbidden’ quality that drew us together at times. We was already hanging out long before things began to creep over certain lines. We were always close, even before being close would be considered somewhat taboo.

What is so different now than it was then? There is no one left to complain or object. I swear. While writing these letters back and forth I almost expect someone to jump out of the shadows and scream ‘You can’t be doing this!’ or something. So many times the answer was always no. It’s almost hard to accept that ‘no’ is no longer an answer.

So yes, we can try to figure this out and in the process be loud, silly, bop each other with pillows, make each others possessions vanish and cause each other to be late for work and a hundred other things we usually pulled on each other when we were hanging out. Checkboxes are for children. What we face now will be answered in blood and desire.

With love,

Zo

After the letter was sealed and made ready for delivery, she stood up and stretched. Just in time to hear the delivery doors opening in the back of the teahouse. Zo grabbed her clip board and made her way to the back to check in the deliveries and hopefully to bargain for extras. It happened at times during the holidays. Too much stock loaded or other shops unable to make their full purchase. A bit of extras never hurt to have on hand. No one could perfectly predict the whims of the paying clients. When she finished she would go home and change into something more colorful. ‘Totally Zodiac’ as Jennifer would put it, and then head to Wickbridge. She was overdue to sample the quality of bloodwine the Met served again.

It was the start of the night, her eyes fluttered open while she slowly rose up from the couch where she’d fallen asleep reading by the firelight. Her book was miscellaneously discarded to the floor flipped upside down on a random page. After a stretch, she rose up from the cushions and made her way into the bedroom with the adjoining bathroom. Her mirrors were a series of screens that were set to turn on the second she turned on the lights, as if a real mirror was casting a reflection. It was that very same reflection that caused her to jump a moment, scaring herself.

With the music turned on her phone, she had the water spew little droplets of liquid lava causing her skin to turn beat red the moment she stepped under the water. The moment of pain was a refresher of why she was sort of alive. As alive as an undead gets, that is. She didn’t hear the front door open, or even the bedroom, let alone the bathroom door open because the music blasting out of the speaker on her phone from her spotify list.As she scrubbed away the first layer of skin, singing (or what might be considered singing in some parts of the world) to the random song on the playlist, all this had her distracted from the fact someone else was in the bathroom with her. It was when the shower curtain moved did she jump sky high, really almost hitting her head on the ceiling which was a fete in itself because she was only just over five foot tall.

The cat had managed to move the shower curtain and give what sounded much like a little laughing meow when she’d seen the reaction to her presence. “Merouw” She said in what seemed like a chuckle.

“Ok, ok, I see you Ginny.” Cristiana said shaking her head. After such a fright she finished up in the shower, and polished off her skin with the oil before wrapping a towel around her chest to cover parts of her. Her hair went up in a turban style of the towel while she walked into the bedroom. The clothes she wanted to wear lay out on the bed already. Where the bathroom was set to turn on with the flip of a switch, the vanity was not. She turned on the ‘mirror’ with a slide of the finger over the little switch. With a clean palette she applied her make up quickly. It wasn’t much, just eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. No shadow, blush, foundation, concealer or anything else. It’s not like she needed it. She would have it tattooed on but who knew when the style would change, and she would be stuck with it on her face. Even she knew that was a lie, she could make all the tattoos on her bleed out the ink, it was more to concentrate to keep them than getting rid of them.

The cat reminder her of her presence by brushing up against her leg. She reached down to pet the cat and retrieve the note. Only, there was no note this time. She picked up the cat and examined her. “Ginny, did Zo not send one back?” Her face contorted into a frown. The cat looked over to the bed where her outfit lay waiting, her eyes followed. It seems Ginny was so kind to get fur all over her white corset top. It didn’t matter, fur or not she would wear it. The note lay on the black skirt waiting for her. She smiled and pulled the cat in close for a nuzzle. “Well your bowl is still full and I set out warm milk…” She didn’t bother to get the rest out because the cat already pried herself away and jumped down to go get a drink of the warm milk, but since Cristiana wasn’t the most average person she never had cows milk unless she was cooking. This was warmed soy milk, which she had learned it seemed Ginny was quite fond of. She got dressed in the black A line skirt, thigh high stockings, white corset and black blazer to complete the look. Her feet were shoved into the thick 1 inch heels as walked out of the room running her fingers through her still drying hair. She sat by the fire watching Ginny lap up the milk before she read the note.

As she was setting down to write back, her phone went off. The alarm reminding her she needed to get to work. “Well Ginny, I can either write this at work or be late?” The cat looked up with a little milk mustache and meowed, as if to say pick one. “Or after work?” The cat came over putting her paws on Crissy’s leg and using her to stretch out before she went over and curled up on her spot in front of the fireplace. “After work it is. Thank you for helping me Ginny.”

She left the note from Zo and her partially started note, sitting and waiting for her return. Ginny would return if she wasn’t still there when Crissy got back. It was strange how the cat would find ways into the apartment. It was like the cat had a key to every area, seeing as no vent was disturbed or door seemed to open. She once tried to catch the cat on camera, but it wasn’t there then meandered over from the side of it out of the blue and looked straight at the hidden camera and meowed. It was like she knew. … strange as it seems, she knew. Between that and thoughts of what to write back, she set a pace behind the bar once she got in and started.

A pointed statement, she was the boss. Bosses did not get to work late! And yet, here she was walking in past the bouncer who instantly checked his watch because he thought the time was wrong. She ducked in as he tapped the face of his watch and put it to his ear like he could tell if it was working or not. She didn’t go out to the main floor just yet, instead she immediately ducked down the hall toward her office. The main reason was Ginny slipped in with her and she was too afraid of the cat getting trampled on with the amount of people who were walking in and out.

After getting to the office, she finished getting ready by pulling her hair up. It was then the scent caught it. She looked around as though she could see passed the thick walls into the club itself. Ginny meowed pulling her attention from the wall. The cat was sitting in the middle of the cushioned chair by the fireplace that was off. Picking up a remote, she turned on the gas to the fireplace and ignited the flame. The cat purred softly, rolling herself into a ball under the small throw blanket on the chair and out she went for a nap.

Crissy pulled open the closet door, turning on the camera mirror she had set up with the new technology. Plain mirrors with their horrible reflections terrified her. It was while she was away, one of the first times she’d ever left the city, did she find someone who could create this set up. It wasn’t always perfect, and she needed the camera a certain way.. It wasn’t always the most ideal but it did the trick. She applied her make up a little thicker, giving it a night look. The scent lingered in the air and she knew who was out there.

As she left the office, she gave the corset top a little shake boosting up her chest a little. She walked out onto the floor and grabbed one of the waist lining aprons, tying it instantly at the front of her waist as it wrapped around her from the back. She stood behind the woman she knew oh so fondly and asked in a seductive voice, “Can I get you a refill?” The award winning smile plastered on her face as she gazed at the woman. Her scent was intoxicating, a drug to the woman. The smile so big that it was actually hurting her face smiling that much. She had missed the woman and it took everything in the world to not jump over the bar counter and tackle Zodiac in a series of kisses and hugs. That would be so obvious to everyone in the bar. She wanted to play it cool and calm, as calm as she could be ignoring the people who were trying to get her attention from down the bar as her focus was on one person here. Everyone else in the bar melted away into nothingness. It was just her and Zodiac. Like in the movies, as the woman did damn near every time she seen her, the woman lit up the place with just her presence.

The quality of the air changed, She had been sitting quietly. Enjoying her drink, a smoke, and listening to the music. Nothing had visually changed, but something had shifted. The vibe or aura of the place had a new echo in it. It was calming, and a tad exciting, all in the same breath.

“Can I get you a refill?”

She turned slowly at the sound of the words. A small curl of smoke softly drifting from the corner of her lips as she took in the sight of Crissy standing there. A part of her wanted to laugh, but not in meanness. If the woman’s grin spread any farther she’d have to start calling her The Joker. (or would it be Jokette?) One elbow rested on the bar and she leaned her head against her hand and smiled softly, slowly, in reply. In the corner of her eye she saw the other customers impatience. Like she cared. Her movements would remind someone of a cat as her free hand lifted the glass she was drinking from and drained the remains of it slowly. Her eyes never left Crissy’s and she batted them as she used the tip of her tongue to clean the edges of the empty glass as she turned it. Finally she sat the glass on the tray her friend was holding.

”Why yes, please. Perhaps you can suggest something with more ‘life’ to it as well.” Her mental voice cooing in a teasing tone. She was glad to see her as well. A small sense of stability bloomed in her mind now. She inhaled her scent and knew that if this went in directions of forever or just this moment, she felt alive inside again. Of all those she had known since the beginning of this night walk, she could count on one hand who was still here, Christiana was one of them. Who knew the laughter, the tears, the mistakes and where the bodies (literally and figuratively) was hidden in the past. Who would simply have to die because they knew too much, yet this life would be very dull without them in it. It was Crissy.

Her hand reached out and gave Crissy’s free hand a gentle squeeze, only to let go. Two fingers were used then to teasingly poke her backside.

”Well? I’m thirsty and so are those people down the bar.” her voice still holding that playful tone as her eyes continued to tease. ”Take care of your customers and then make me something unique, tavern wench. I’m not going anywhere tonight– promise.”