Escape (Hal) {FINISHED}

[vitani]

Vitani walked through the forest, carrying a frayed old shoulder bag. The day she had arrived at Yen Sid Academy, she got trapped in the library during a blackout. A library of all places. The only reason she was there was to get schoolbooks. Usually she would avoid a place like that. All those books that she couldn't burn, just sitting on their shelves and mocking her. Needless to say, she was relieved when the doors had opened. After getting out of the library, Vitani had gone straight to her dorm room. She still hadn't met her roommates, but she wasn't going to wait around for them. The first thing she did was check to make sure that Mili, her tarantula, was okay from the loss of electricity to the tank heater. After discovering that her pet was fine, Tani grabbed her shoulder bag, a sketchbook, and a few other things from her drawer before leaving the empty room again. She had headed to the forest to find a place away from the main school.

Vitani slowed to a stop when she reached a lake. Here was good. She walked over to a large rock and sat on it, crossing her legs and pulling her sketchbook out of her bag and onto her lap. She flipped it open, running her fingers along the burned edges of the yellowed pages. After flipping through for a few minutes, turned to a new page and grabbed her pencil. Her brow furrowed as her striking eyes searched the area around her for some sort of inspiration. Finally, the pencil led began to move on the paper, and her drawing began to form. She pretty much tuned out of everything after just a few minutes had passed, eyes not moving from her art as she worked diligently.

[Hal Fuoco]

Hal was walking through the woods. He frequented the area, usually alone or with some girl half out of her senses. Nonetheless the woods was his place to go and be away from his work and his workers and the ladies. He always went to the lake and smoked a bit of the merchandise and enjoyed the view. Today was like most others.. or at least it was supposed to.

As Hal approached the branches to the lake, he looked around and saw nothing but as he cane into the clearing by the lake, he saw a girl sitting on the rock in front of him. He usually would sit on that same rock and do his thing but it was occupied? He had rarely run into people here before as many people didn't come to the lake and if they did they didn't stay long.

This was unusual and Hal would have been angry but he could tell the person was a she and an attractive she at that. The fact that she was sitting around outside on campus told him that she was a student but since he had no clue who she was she had to be new. Hal's interest was piqued. He walked up behind her silently and looked over her. What he saw made his even more intrigued. Her sketch book was singed. What luck! He had stumbled upon a sexy firebug and he wanted to know more.

He decided he might as well let her know he was there. And so he stepped in front of the rock and flicked his lighter into life in front of him. Hey. I'm Hal. How ya doing? He truly wanted to smoke but wasn't sure if she'd leave if he did and so he just kept playing with his lighter as he looked at her and waited for her reply.

[vitani]

Vitani only looked up from her sketchbook when she heard a voice in front of her. When she looked up, she was surprised to see a guy flicking a lighter. She closed her sketchbook and slid it back into her bag with her pencil before replying. "I'm doing fine, Hal." She said. Her eyes moved to the flames coming from the lighter in his hand. She stared for a second, always mesmerized by fire, before looking up again. Hal wasn't a bad looking guy. Something about him seemed... Dangerous. Not that she had a problem with that. She herself was dangerous. It just made him more attractive. She leaned forward toward him. "And how are you? I somehow doubt you just wandered out here. Come here for any special reason?" She asked. She could tell he wasn't one to just drift around. He seemed to have a reason to be there. She thought about it for a second, figuring he was there for 'recreation.' Why else would he be carrying a lighter like she did? She pulled her own lighter out of her pocket and held the flame on for a few seconds, just watching Hal and wondering what he would say.

[Hal Fuoco]

Hal was drawn in by this girl. She seemed so enticing and dangerous. He approved. He wondered if she had issues with his line of work but he didn't feel like jumping right into that explanation. Instead he would ease his way into that. For now he just wanted to know who she was. He perched himself next to this girl and replied, behaving the best he could for being... well him. "I came down here to admire the view of course and look at my luck. I think I stumbled upon some of the sexiest view I have ever seen. Would this lovely view care to tell me her name?

He was beginning to itch for what he had truly come out here for but his desire for his treat and his hormones' desire for a SPECIAL treat were conflicted. And so he was holding out to see what this sexy broad's next move would be. If she showed more interest he would keep playing the game until sparks began to fly from somewhere other than their lighters. But if she started to push away he would end up just walking to another part of the forest for his sampling of the day. One way or another a part of him WOULD be more than content by the end of the day. He just hoped that this decision would be made sooner rather than later.

"Since we know why I'm out here, why are you out here? It's not often I see a lovely lady out here. It's also quite rare I don't know the lovely ladies on campus. Maybe YOU'RE the one who is out here for a special treat. A light or perhaps a burn?" His eyes flashed to the singed pages before returning to the lovely girl's face once more. Either she was a "customer" or she had a love for fire. He could relate to both and either way he only found her more attractive because of this.

[vitani]

Vitani raised an eyebrow as Hal sat on the rock next to her. At his reply and question, she looked at him with her piercing blue eyes. "The name's Vitani, and you're not so bad yourself, Hal." she said, a slight teasing tone in her voice. As she watched him, she noticed a sense of urgency in his body language. It seemed he was itching for something, and Tani didn't have a hard time guessing what. He was obviously interested in her, and Vitani also guess that he wanted something else. A familiar desire hung around him, one that she knew very well. Suddenly, Hal spoke again, and Tani let the corner of her lips tilt up in a sort of half smile. The way he talked was so controlled, yet so natural and smooth. "I was out here to sketch, Hal." She said, watching his expression. "I am a new student, just transferred from Internet Academy, so it's not surprising you don't recognize me. And saying I am the one out here for a special treat implies that;s what you are here for." Not everybody liked Vitani's quick mind and slightly sarcastic or blunt comments, but she couldn't care less. She was not your usual everyday girl. As Hals eyes shifted from her face to her burnt sketchbook and back, she flicked her lighter. To his last comment, she replied, "Oh, maybe both."

[Hal Fuoco]

Hal couldn't help but feel like he had met a woman he could truly love. This was hard for him to believe or admit considering he was not a man to commit to anything, especially women. He had a feeling this girl would be no different but she would be a fun friend and ally... maybe even more if he could work it right. Hal continued to smile as he spoke once more.

What a lovely name for such a lovely, sexy woman. It would seem we may have a few interests in common. We both seem to like fire and we both think you are sexy and we both like a treat if I understand you. Hal pulled out a baggy from his pocket and held it out fir Vitani to see. Care to share a smoke with me? It's first rate I guarantee and it's my treat if you would like some.

Hal loved finding people like him. He knew he could share his goodies with them without worry that he would have to get rid of them or their reputation should anything change. Leverage was simple enough to get but every now and than it was nice to just sit around and relax with a companion. If she took his offer, he could trust her a bit more and the thoughts of her as being one of his lovely ladies would be all the more likely. If she denied his offer, he would have to wonder if she could be trusted. After all, he couldn't afford to get caught now could he?

Hal was also a bit curious as to what Vitani liked to draw. Drawing could mean many a thing and sometimes you could find out a lot about people by what they drew or how they drew it. Nonetheless he would let her show it to him. Pushing her now could damage any chances. It would be better for her to make the move to show him. Curiosity did kill the cat after all and he would NOT let that kill his chances.

[vitani]

Vitani couldn't help but smile at Hals flattering words. She could already tell what kind of guy he was. "Well you seem to be right, Hal. We both like fire and a 'treat'. And I am damn sexy." She spoke with a laugh. Her striking blue eyes lit up when he pulled a baggy out of his pocket and offered to share. "Oh, good. My own stash ran out like a week ago and I had no idea who to go to to get more." Vitani smiled at Hal as she flicked her lighter again. She leaned back, her hand on the boulder for support. Noticing a curious look on his face, her eyes followed his to her charred sketchbook. She put her hand on the cover and pulled it closer to her. "Curious, hot stuff?" She said, a flirty tone in her voice. "Well, normally I keep it to myself, but since you have been so gracious as to share a treat, I'll let you look at it." She flipped it open to the page she had been working on a few minutes before. The drawing was a very detailed but unfinished image of the peaceful lake scenery, but there was surreal twist. A huge hand was reaching out from the center of the water. The palm side of the hand was on fire, all the way up to the fingertips, and the water around the wrist was boiling. Smoke rose from the flaming hand and into the sky, blocking some of the suns light, and flock of birds in the background flew away from the source of intense heat.

Vitani watched Hals expression, trying to read his reaction to her art. She really did normally keep it private, and she was always interested to see how people reacted when she shared it.

[Hal Fuoco]

Hal pulled out just enough of the supply for a smoke they could share and than rapped up the bag and put it away once more. He than proceeded to begin rolling the smoke, showing off one of his many skills in doing so, as he looked at her drawing. He was drawn in by the odd design. He loved it and tried to imagine what it might look like finished. He had to laugh at the thought that crossed his mind next. It reminds me of me. The flaming hand followed his motto that he was on fire as well as his love for fire, destruction and power. This picture showed all of that and he loved it. As Hal looked at the picture he spoke. I am the one trusted supplier around. If you ever need a little pick me up or a treat of any kind, let me know and I will see what I can do. I have lots of friends in low places and for the right price, your wish is my command. I usually charge for some goodies, but for such a pretty customer, I'll let you have a free sample.

After looking a moment longer, he finished rolling the smoke and held it out to Vitani, smiling his eerie toothy grin before speaking. Would you like the honors or shall I? Oh and as for your drawing, I enjoy it. It carries a certain tone of which I am quite familiar. Hal paused for a moment before leaning in and kissing Vitani long and hard. He had been wanting to do that since the conversation began and since nothing was ever truly free from Hal, that had been his desired payment. He chuckled before leaning back a bit, still holding out the smoke, and smiling. Some of the favorite payment he muttered to himself as he waited for her to take the goodies. He was content and loving his afternoon treat.

[vitani]

Vitani smiled as Hal rolled the treat and looked at her drawing. She watched his expression and he seemed as though he liked her unfinished artwork. When he spoke, she nodded back at him. "It is great to hear there is a supplier around here. Now I don't have to go through the trouble of getting it elsewhee." When Hal offered her the honors, she reached forward, but before she could take it, he leaned in for a kiss. Now, most girls would shy away at this point, or shove him off, but Vitani wasn't most girls. She instead leaned into the kis. In doing so, she found out that Hal is a damn good kisser. When the kiss ended, she laughed softly and took the treat out of Hals hand. "I knew you weren't the type to give free samples." With that, she flicked her lighter and lit the smoke before taking a long drag. She waited a moment before handing it over to Hal and speaking. "You are right, Hal, this is great quality stuff." She reached for her sketch book and pulled it over to herself, and began to flick her lighter over the edges of the pages. For a moment, the flames caught, and she watched, mesmerized as the flickering yellow-orange tendrils spread across the corner of the page. Before the ravenous fire got to her sketch, she slapped her book closed, immediatly blowing out the fire. She looked to Hal without saying a word, but a small smile was on her face. Finally, she spoke. "I like to control it."

[Hal Fuoco]

Hal was in a momentary daze once Vitani pulled away. Wow was she his kind of woman. She knew what he wanted and she did it without questions or complaint. He happily handed over the smoke for her to enjoy first. She had earned it by doing him such a sweet favor. When she was done he took the smoke and took a long drag of his own. As he exhaled the smoke, he smiled before saying "I pride myself on being able to get good merchandise. And this merchandise is only a small sample of what i have to offer of my goods if you know what I mean. Anything your heart desires I can provide for you and yes, it may not be free but I won't charge you the way I charge less... intriguing customers.

Hal took one more draw from his smoke before holding it back out to Vitani. He never took his eyes off of her as he did, checking her out over and over. His eyes fell to her sketch pad as she set fire to the edges. His eyes seemed to glow as he followed the path of the flames. He was snapped back to attention when she snapped the book shut, extinguishing the flames. Controlling the flames can be fun but sometimes... it is better to let the flames grow and see where they go. Maybe we can create our own flames together?

Hal's eyes were glowing as his smile spread across his face once more. He was hoping to make a personal sale and charm was everything. Well charm and the right price and he hoped he had it.

[vitani]

Vitani smiled and took a drag of Hals merchandise. "Well be proud, Hal. This is good." She said with a laugh. She looked staright into his eyes for a moment before speaking again. "Intrigueing? Don't you mean hot?" she asked, feigned innocence lining her voice. She watched as Hal let his own eyes wander to her sketch book, and smiled at his words. She didn't know nearly enough about this kid to go down that road just yet. Plus, most guys loved a chase even more than they loved an easy girl. "But, Hal," she adi, leaning in close. Her lips were inches from his as she continued. "If you let the flames grow, people could get hurt." with that, she grabbed her bag and slid off the boulder, a teasing smile on her face. She walked a few feet, careful not to go near the water, before turning around and speaking again. "Maybe some other time, hot stuff. I have to do some studying." she didn't want to leave him with no hope. And the studying wasn't a lie. She had transferred in late, and had to catch up on a few things she had missed. And unlike most people, school wasn't a joke to her. She didn't much like it, but she knew it was neccesary. With a wave and a playful smile, Vitani began walking back toward the school.

[Hal Fuoco]

Hal's face grew a bit dark as his mood crumpled in on him, blown apart by a few words uttered by a lovely woman. He had been shot down?! Most women would beg for a chance to be with him and this girl threw the offer away like it was a candy wrapper. Hal was confused between strong moods of anger, regret and sadness when he heard her finish what she had to say.

So the hunt wasn't over and he hadn't lost. He may have lost the battle but he wouldn't lose the war so to speak? He perked up like a dog being given a bone to chew on. The high returned and the color of anger ran from his face. He had regained his cool. He took a drag of the smoke to prove he was cool and smiled his toothy smile at Vitani.

Have fun cooking the books hot stuff and see you around. Hal was about to turn his back when he realized he had failed to get her number or give her his. As he went to give it to her, he realized she was gone. He took one last drag before tossing the smoke into the lake to destroy any evidence of what had occurred here. This little oversight didn't bother him much. He had eyes and ears all over the school. He could find out what he needed easily enough and than he could try yet again to lure the pussy cat to his lair and his trap. All in good time my pretty. All in good time he thought to himself as he began the walk back towards campus and to the shed where his goodies would be waiting for him.