We're all rotten, buried and forgotten,

Living it up underground

It was quite easy to look right through that hardened shell Sterling possessed in attempts to act like he was ok. She knew bringing attention to his morose attitude would not be productive to either of them. No if she wanted to spend any length of time with him she needed to at least try to pull him out of this slump. Even despite all the dismal emotions he was feeling he mustered up a small smile at her promise. Part of her hoped, she actually got that opportunity to go after the swindling gypsy. It would be challenging but Harley sure as hell enjoyed a challenge. The raven haired woman clearly not content taking no for an answer. A gypsy would certainly offer that. They were masters of the double entendre and selling dirt to a farmer. But this woman probably never met a person like Harley, she wouldn't know what hit her. In truth, the spitfire was like a hurricane that hit with an unwavering force. With a haughty devious smirk upon the woman's features she admitted. " Oh, I hope so. Let's hope she is still there, gypsy's don't stay in one place for long." She replied simply, with a knowing nod of her head.

What caught her eye as they moved within the apartment was how Sterling interacted with Ace, the man content to scratch the imposing dog behind the ear. He was rewarded with a hefty wag of that large fluffy tail, luckily not knocking anything over. It was clear the dog and Harley included enjoyed Sterling's company. It was by fate alone that they wound up here with each other again. It honestly felt like no time had passed, like they were still the same people blowing up old beater cars in a seemingly abandoned junkyard. He was still the same person and maybe she had the illusion that she was too. Perhaps part of her was still chaotic, that same storm still raging just beneath her skin. She was always such a beautiful and volatile disaster. But there had been so many tombs left in the wake of dreams that had long since died. Maybe all the people that had tormented her had won in some way, they had broken her in a way she refused to let anyone see. It felt subtle at first, but it was much greater than she dared to even imagine.

She mentioned her idea and she could see him contemplating it, her purple eyes glitter mischievously and she gave her best irresistible smile she could drum up. Whatever it was, the man seemed to give in! See, she was mighty convincing when she wanted to be. It was a natural born talent, maybe she and that gypsy had more in common than she would have liked to admit. She could not help her eyes rolling and an exasperated sigh in response to his stipulation. "Fiine. No fireballs at people..... unless they deserve it." Of course she just had to add her little two cents. "We can get started right away! I think it will be in your best interests anyway. You need to be able to defend yourself Sterling." That last bit was spoken in all honestly, her eyes meet his own from across the room. She was serious. He didn't want to another creature's victim, did he? Too often she had to be someone elses victim. She loathed it so much that her body tensed and her mind reeled as if mocking her. She was so strong in many ways but she was only human. In her opinion, it was one of her downfalls. That hatred of that weakness had formed a bitterness that was ever growing inside of her. She was getting so damn tired being someone else's punching bag, she was sure Sterling could relate based on his current situation.

Once again, the man was vague on the details. "That is one good thing at least." She added grimly after she questioned him about how he got his injury. He didn't seem to expand, but the woman could at least relate to that, she wasn't exactly forthcoming with the colossal shit storm that was her life. Those fang marks still stung, burning the delicate flesh of her neck were proof enough. She followed up that serious inquiry with a tease about turning into a were-chihuahua. His words felt like it slapped her. Jungle cats, as pretty as they were, are ruined for her. All thanks to that resident psycho cat vampire lady. She could still remember the hell she was put through at tooth and claw of such creatures. She shuddered, averting her eyes suddenly. She would be quite content to never see her or her pets again. She hoped to hell that she was still out of the picture. "You are lucky you are alive. Plus, I don't think Ace is a fan of cats." Surely he could think up some kind of magic to keep those creatures at bay, or use his fire to keep him safe in the future? She shook her head slowly from side to side. "Hell you are fortunate you are something other than human. It will keep you safer than the rest of us." She raised an idle hand as though she were gesturing to herself and humans as a whole. She wanted to sigh but she would be damned if she did.

Harley wasn't entirely sure of the capabilities of Sterling's magical prowess. But she knew the potential was there and she was safer here, with him than anywhere else in this death trap of a city. It almost took her by surprised by the way the man simply agreed. She was damn well near positive he was going to come up with a slew of reasons why they could not accomplish such a feat. An impish grin sprout upon her lips, mischief sparkling within her eyes. This is going to be good. She moved closer as she saw him rummaging within his fridge. She wasn't exactly sure what he was going to find in there, but she was damn well curious about it nonetheless. All they needed was magic right? You don't keep magic in one's fridge, she was pretty damn sure about that. Unless he intended to make a witch's brew? She prowled even closer, lurking in a roundabout way, hoping to capture a glimpse of what he had in there. Like eye of newt or brain of something.... The next question caught her off guard. I guess they were eating. "Oh I don't care, either one is delicious. I think it will have more of an effect on our iron levels than actually, you know, magic.. But then again I am no expert." She nodded before adding. "Put me to use my friend, I am at your disposal." She added, she knew very well she could eat something and he looked pale as a white sheet. Maybe he needed to garner some strength first before pulling out the big guns. That made some sense.

Harlequin Ray Westward