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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2819633" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p>Ruby’s eyes meet Jake's briefly before she begins heading upstairs to their room with her glass in hand. She stops quickly at the main desk to ask for a bath to be set up in their room.</p><p></p><p>Once back in her room she sits on the bed and drinks her whiskey fast. She tosses the glass into a pile of towels with a laugh. She lifts her skirts and brings her feet up to the bed, pulling off her shoes and stockings. She hugs her legs to her body and rests her head on her knees as she tries to straighten her thoughts out, stopping every once in a while to rub her sore neck.</p><p></p><p>Kate had stayed down in the dining room only because she didn't want the others to worry if she retired too early. Once Ruby made her excuses Kate only waited a minute to follow suit.</p><p></p><p>Upstairs in her room, she got into her nightdress and brushed her hair. She talked to Tom while she did, as she did most nights. It was an odd feeling, talking to air but knowing he heard. And knowing no matter what he thought he couldn't change things. Maybe it would be kinder not to tell him about her life. Or perhaps it would be cruel not to.</p><p></p><p>She picked up a book and settled herself on the bed. Ruby was weak and trying not to show it. It could be the bite, but Kate was certain it was a weak poison and not likely to affect her long. More likely she was trying to stop the Laudanum, and that would make anyone a little shaky in the knees.</p><p></p><p>The rest of the evening was uneventful as Kate read her book, then went to sleep early.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet finished his whiskey and sits with the others until it is just he, Minerva and Chester. "Well Chet, I hate leaving you all alone but uh..." he glances over to Minerva, "I think we need to get some sleep, it's been a long day. See you in the morning."</p><p></p><p>He gets up and waits for Minerva to do the same saying "Do we need any refreshments for the room?"</p><p></p><p>Nanuet finished his whiskey and sits with the others until it is just he, Minerva and Chester. "Well Chet, I hate leaving you all alone but uh..." he glances over to Minerva, "I think we need to get some sleep, it's been a long day. See you in the morning."</p><p></p><p>Chester shakes his head and chuckles. "Good night you two. I'm going to stay here for a while longer. Not often I get a chance to relax."</p><p></p><p>Minerva looks to Nanuet, masking her face in a serious expression. "Si, Mi amor, you have had difficult day. I believe that bed is just the thing to help you regain your strength." She stands and bids Senor Chester a good night. "Gracias Senor Chester, for all you have done. You have been a gods send in these perilous times. Sleep well, and may the wolves stay in the hills." She bends and kisses him on the cheek before taking Nanuet's hand and sedately making her way to the stairs.</p><p></p><p>Chester blushes. "You're welcome, Minerva. Nanuet sure is blessed to be wit' you. Don't tucker him out too much. He needs his rest." He winks at her. "Have a good night."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet waits for Minerva to arrive at the foot of the stairs and then he chases her up the steps playfully tickling and pinching at her as they go. He fumbles with the keys at the door as he leans over to kiss his lover passionately. Nanuet unlocks the door with one hand as he uses the other to press Minerva against the wall next to the door.</p><p></p><p>She giggles as they tumble into the room. "Mmmm. You are feeling much better by the minute!" she says as she wraps her arms around him and begins tugging at his vest in earnest.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, better and with an appetite for something other than food. I feel revived, more alive than I ever have. I love you Minerva, let me show you that love tonight!" he says as he tosses the vest to the side and begins working feverishly on whatever fastens holds on Minerva's clothing.</p><p></p><p>A throaty laugh bubbles up from deep within her as her impatient lover continues to tear at her clothes. "I am very pleased that you have regained your appetite and are once again full of vim and vigor, Mi Amor, but let me help you or I will be forced to ride the train home tomorrow in nothing more than my bloomers!"</p><p></p><p>She untangles herself from his embrace and takes a step back. She releases her mane of coal black hair from the comb that holds it in place and drops it to the floor. She unbuttons her blouse and slips it from her shoulders to land in a pile at her feet and then deftly steps out of her skirt. She turns to allow Nanuet to unfasten and help her out of her undergarments and stands before him in nothing more than her riding boots.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet's jaw drops faster than Minerva's blouse and his eyes grow as large as saucers. He swallows hard as his eyes take in the site before him. He regains his senses and steps forward his hand tenderly touching Minerva's cheek. "You are simply stunning. There are no other words..."</p><p></p><p>"Then let us have no words between us." she says and unable to resist her own longing or the hunger in his eyes, she steps into his embrace and opens herself to his savage desires. She thanks the gods for the Miracle of Nanuet and as she loses herself in his love, she begins to let go of the fear and horror of this past week.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Minerva abandon their fears and find love in each other's embrace. The night passes slowly for the lovers as they comfort one another and eventually fall asleep holding one another.</p><p></p><p>Jake watches her climb the stairs and go out of sight. Deciding to give her a little time alone, he chats with the others for a time and manages to empty two more glasses of whiskey while doing so. "It appears we will be seeing you in the morning," he says rising a little bit unsteadily and tipping his hat. "Sleep well all." Smile firmly entrenched on his face, Jake carefully makes his way to their room.</p><p></p><p>Ruby hops off the bed to get the door when she hears some fumbling outside, thinking it's the bath. Finding Jake looking for his key she smiles, "What took you so long?"</p><p></p><p>"I thought you wanted a little quiet time," Jake replies smoothly while nearly tripping on his own feet. "I figured if you had wanted me to come up with you, you would have said something like," Jake enters the room and closes the door, "Jake, come on up with you.... uh, me. That would be you saying that." He points to her and then to him, and nods like it must now be clearer to her.</p><p></p><p>"Right." Ruby nods her head up and down and smiles tiredly. She reaches up and takes Jake's hat from his head. "Come on honey, time to get ready for bed then," she says, popping the hat on her own head. She guides him further into the room, then helps him with his duster. She starts taking off his gunbelt but does it slowly, to see if he will object.</p><p></p><p>Ruby notices that one side of his duster is heavy.</p><p></p><p>Jake laughs, "I get it! You think I am really, really, really drunk and need all this help." He lets her finish unbuckling the belt and says, "I bet you know where to hang that by now." He laughs again. "I will have you know that I am only really drunk, not really, really, really drunk. No need for you to worry or anything." He sits on the bed. "I also know you are still feeling sore and tired from that nasty arachnee... arahk... arahnid.. spider bite. I think we will just have our night on the town here instead. The bottle is in my coat, if you feel up to it. You need to be all better by Tombstone you know."</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs as she places Jake's gunbelt on the bed post on his side of the bed. "Oh, why do I need to be all better by Tombstone? You have some plan I don't know about?" She steps back and looks at the gunbelt, steps forward and adjusts the handle into the correct position.</p><p></p><p>She strides back to Jake's duster and retrieves the bottle from his pocket. She takes a long drink from it, glad it was still more than half full. She slides back onto the bed next to Jake, swinging her feet off the edge. "I still don't think this place is up to par," she says, "They forgot about my bath. Oh well."</p><p></p><p>Sighing she says, "So you're right, I do feel a little...funny... I guess from the bite," she again rubs her neck. "I feel sorta weak, just off somehow." She faces Jake, still swinging her feet, "But I bet by tomorrow I'll feel much better." She puts a cheery face on, "Time to celebrate, right? We can go out if you want to, I just need to lay down for a few moments first." She takes a sip of whiskey then hands Jake the bottle.</p><p></p><p>Ruby pulls her feet up onto the bed and falls back into the blankets, Jake's hat falling off and her hair fanning out around her head. "Although you seem pretty happy already, I don't know if you need to go out," she smiles.</p><p></p><p>There is a knock on Ruby and Jake's door. "Sorry I took so long, but I didn't forget about your bath! Just busy and two other's called in sick. Do you still want it?" a young male voices yells out from the hallway beyond the door.</p><p></p><p>"Bring it on in," Jake replies without looking to Ruby. Jake stands, steadies himself and opens the door. He lets the boy bring in the tub, when he runs off to start the hot water delivery he says to Ruby, "I do not give a rat's tail about Albukacky... Abaquacky... this little city. I am just interested in the company, everything I need to enjoy in this city is right here." He yanks his boots off and tosses them in the corner and then takes the bottle for another swig before handing it back to Ruby. "Tonight, my dear Ruby, Albequacky is the most wonderful city in the world, and this room is its highlight."</p><p></p><p>Ruby finally lets some tension out and laughs. "I'm sure you'll make Albequacky memorable for me darling." She sits up and starts unlacing her bodice. "Are you going to enjoy a bath with me then, Mr. Cook? That is always a highlight for me."</p><p></p><p>"That will be the highlight of the highlight then." He says smiling crooked. "Yes, I mean."</p><p></p><p>"You're funny Jacob Cook," Ruby replies. "I like that."</p><p></p><p>She waits patiently for the bath to be drawn and as soon as the boy leaves she throw off the rest of her clothes and slides into the steaming hot water. "Oh gods, that is good," she moans.</p><p></p><p>"Well, hurry up!" she laughs, flinging some bubbles at Jake.</p><p></p><p>Jake complies, removing his clothes and somewhat less than gracefully inserts himself behind Ruby in the tub. He does manage to do so without spilling the bottle of whiskey.</p><p></p><p>Ruby leans way back in the tub, snuggling up against Jake's warm body. She takes the bottle from him and has another long drink from it before resting her head on his shoulder. "Now this is nice."</p><p></p><p>As Ruby gets comfortable in the tub there is a loud pounding on the door. "Miss Ruby! Miss Ruby! It's Thom! Are you in there Miss Ruby and Mr. Ja-Jacobs? It's Thom Miss Ruby!" BANG BANG BANG BANG!</p><p></p><p>Jake mutters a curse.</p><p></p><p>Ruby eyes slowly open and an eyebrow raises. "What the..." She takes a deep breath in and relaxes. "I'll be right back," she says to Jake, looking over her shoulder as she climbs out of the tub, "Don't you go anywhere on me."</p><p></p><p>"Sure I'll just wait here. Heh, I warned you, he probably needs to be let out to relieve himself. Just like the puppies when you first brought them home."</p><p></p><p>Ruby throws Jake a dirty look over her shoulder and hisses, "Be nice..." before turning back to Thom.</p><p></p><p>She grabs the nearest thing to her, Jake's shirt, and throws it on quickly, haphazardly buttoning it up. She opens the door a few inches, "What's wrong Thom? Is everything ok?"</p><p></p><p>Thom smiles sheepishly at Ruby and then his cheeks turn red as he sees that she is wearing nothing but Jake's shirt. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss Ruby, I didn't know you were taking a bath," as he points to her damp hair. "I just ain't never slept in a place like this before and I was scared. Mr. Greely used to tell me stories at night when I was scared, but Mr. Greely isn't here any more and I... I just didn't know what to do. Please don't be mad at Thom, Miss Ruby. I'll just go back to my room and be quiet." Thom starts to turn around and walk away.</p><p></p><p>Ruby sighs but speaks up anyway. "Hold on a minute Thom. I'll come and tell you a story, just give me a minute." She shakes her head as she enters back into her room. "I have to go with Thom for a few minutes Jake. I'll be right back." She holds up her hand, "No, don't say it. Just wait here and think of how you're going to entertain me when I get back."</p><p></p><p>Jake starts muttering as soon as she leaves. "Entertain you? Who is going to bloody entertain me while you are off wiping big Thom's behind." He growls and takes a long pull from the bottle. "Oh, Miss Ruby please help me," Jake does an imitation of Thom's childlike booming voice, "You killed the horrible dangerous vampire that used to tell me bedtime stories and now I am afraid." Jake suddenly bursts into a fit of laughter. After sitting there quietly for some time he takes another drink from the bottle and then balances it on the end of his finger.... </p><p></p><p>She throws on a bathrobe and makes her way down to Thom's room. She knocks and enters finding the big man squeezed into a small bed.</p><p></p><p>She sits on the edge of his bed. "How about I sing to you, instead of telling stories. I can tell stories too but singing makes me happy and I haven't done it in a long while." She smiles as Thom nods his head yes.</p><p></p><p>Ruby chooses a few lullabies and begins singing. The first song is done out of habit, but the next two are sung with feeling as she lets herself enjoy the calming effects of her own singing, really getting into it at the end.</p><p></p><p>Thom claps his hands together gently when Ruby tells him she will sing to him. He rolls over so he can see her when she sings and pulls the blanket up to his chin. He smiles as Ruby's sweet voice soothes him and erases any fear and worry from his mind. Soon he can do nothing but listen to the sounds of Ruby's voice. It is not long into the third song that Thom is fast asleep a large grin painted on his face.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles as she quietly rises off the bed. "Good night Thom," she whispers, and slips out the door. It was strange to have someone need her like that, and she was confused over the fact that she liked it.</p><p></p><p>She returns to her own bed room and Jake in the tub. "Now," she smiles, letting the robe and shirt slip off, "Have you thought of how you're going to entertain me tonight?" Ruby gets back in the now much cooler water, but this time she faces Jake, resting her feet on his chest. She lazily takes the soap and rubs her arms, waiting for his response.</p><p></p><p>When Ruby climbs back into the water, Jake is still doing balancing tricks with the whiskey bottle, though it is not as heavy as it was when Ruby left the room. "I must honestly tell you, Ruby my love, that the subject of your entertainment slipped out of my head a little while ago. Perhaps it fell in the tub?" Jake stops balancing the bottle and hands it to Ruby. "Wait! Is that it there?" He pushes her legs apart and thrusts his face into the water and tickles her about the midsection for a moment before coming up for air. "Nope, that was not it." He tries to keep a straight face but fails miserably and finally begins to laugh.</p><p></p><p>Ruby squeals, kicks and splashes as Jake tickles her belly. It felt like a huge release to her, moments of pure uninhibited happiness like she hadn’t had in a while. Some of her fears melt away, even if only temporary Ruby felt really good, better than she had in a long time.</p><p></p><p>When Jake stops she leans back in the tub and tries to catch her breath from all the laughing, watching the bubbles slide off his face. She takes a long drink from the almost empty bottle as she smiles easily, tracing hearts with her toe across Jake's chest. “You’re ssoooo cute, have I told you that lately?” Ruby laughs, starting to slur her words. “Wait! No, not cute. You’re not cute, you’re handsome. Very handsome. Extremely handsome?” The last part comes out more like a question than a statement. Ruby holds the bottle up in the air, “To my cut-no, handshome, intelligent, smhart, witty, funny, silly, smhart, caring, paranoid, sometimes goofy, protective, smart lover and best friend, Jacob Alishtair Cooke. Who shaved my life, yet again.” She raises the bottle then takes a huge gulp, coughing when she’s though. “Whew,” she wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, “Thats was a lot.”</p><p></p><p>Jake sits up and feigns a couple of little bows, "Yes, yes, thank you. I would drink to that, 'cepting we seem to have an empty bottle. I suppose we must settle for this instead," and with that he pulls her up onto him in the tub and proceeds to generate some warmth via intimate contact in the now cool water.</p><p></p><p>Ruby and Jake stay in the tub for a long while, doing as best they can to keep each other warm. If they are cold neither of them feels it as they enjoy each other's company.</p><p></p><p>Finally Ruby proclaims, "Take me to bed lover, I don't want to, ahem, shleep, in the tub all night!"</p><p></p><p>Amid much laughter and staggering, the two manage to climb out of the tub and dry each other with towels. Which leads to further fondling and intimate contact that finally ends up in the small bed. After some time and considerable rolling about they end in a tangle of bodies and bedclothes where they finally find sleep and some peace. </p><p></p><p>Jake wakes early when nature calls, his head throbs and his mouth is dry. He still manages a smile when he remembers the night before. He extricates himself from the tangle, kisses Ruby and covers her with the sheet.</p><p></p><p>"I am going to get the tickets," he tells her and she mumble back something that could have been either 'yes, do that' or 'where's my hat'. He shrugs, finishes dressing and leaves quietly.</p><p></p><p>Jake takes Thom with him. After getting enough tickets for all of them, he makes a stop by the bank. He enquiries about stock certificates and makes arrangements to wire Thoms money back west, $1,000 to the Tombstone bank and $1,500 to the Promise City bank. Both into accounts in Thom's full name, which Jake remembers to ask him just before stepping into the bank. </p><p></p><p>The banker looks at the certificates and eyes Jake suspiciously. "Where did you get these young man?" he says as he examines the certificate closely.</p><p></p><p>"They were found in an abandoned house in an old trunk. The owners were deceased, with no heirs apparently." Jake pretends not to notice the suspicious nature of the tone, and continues in his most diplomatic manner. "Came upon them while helping out a local sheriff, he had deputized me and a friend to help chase out some rather nasty fellows who were terrorizing his town. Funny, hardly knew what I was in for and nearly got killed in the process. Anyhow, since he could not afford to pay us I think he looked the other way and let me take these instead of having them tied up in probate for years only to have some corrupt clerk snag them when no one was looking. I only hope they are worth a couple of bucks, you know to cover our costs and such." Jake looks wide eyed at the man, "You are not going to tell me that they are worthless junk are you?"</p><p></p><p>"I'm telling you that they are counterfeit. Your story sounds interesting, but I'm going to hand these back to you, take care of your other business and pretend I didn't see these. That sound good to you sir?"</p><p></p><p>"That sounds like an excellent idea, thanks for the consideration." Jake folds up the documents and puts them away.</p><p></p><p>When all the business is done, they go back to the hotel and Jake brings Ruby a coffee up to the room.</p><p></p><p>The rich smell of the coffee fills the room when Jake enters and sits on the bed next to Ruby. She breathes in deeply, stretches then snuggles deeper into the blankets. "That must be my baby," she smiles as her eyes peek open. She reaches for the coffee and sits up cautiously. Her eyes wander around the messy room and her eyebrow shoots up, "What did we do last night?"</p><p></p><p> "Perhaps a better question is what didn't we do," he replies and has a sip of his own coffee.</p><p></p><p>Jake encourages her to get dressed so they can pack and make the train. Once all there gear is together, he finds Thom and they bring all the stuff down, have some food and when the others are ready make their way to the train station.</p><p></p><p>Ruby drags herself out of bed to get ready. Her spirit is lighter but she notices her hands shaking. She rubs her neck unconsciously but catches herself doing it in the mirror. She guesses the effects of the poison are amplifying the effects of not partaking in her little silver flask today. She attempts to hide it from Jake but as the minutes she is out of bed wears on she realizes it's not just her hands that are shaking.</p><p></p><p>She sighs out loud but to herself she thinks, <em>It's going to be a bad train ride back...</em></p><p></p><p>She keeps a fake smile on her face and puts the actress in her to work, pretending like absolutely nothing is wrong as she attempts to make idle chatter. She wraps her shawl around her shivering shoulders to hide them and joins Jake for breakfast.</p><p></p><p>Ruby does not eat for fear of it coming right back up. No one mentions her health and she does not bring it up.</p><p></p><p>She waits quietly with the others at the train station. She was certain they would all be glad to be home.</p><p></p><p>Luna flutters through the window and perches on the bed, eyeing Minerva and Nanuet with wide unblinking eyes. She gives a small hoot and hops onto the bed to lightly peck on Minerva's ear. Minerva opens her eyes and manages to unfurl herself from the tangle of blankets. "Buenas Dias, Luna. and How are you this fine morning?" She looks over to Nanuet who is once again is just lying quietly beside her. She bends forward and kisses him. "And how are you this morning, Mi Amor? Are you ready to go home?"</p><p></p><p>Nanuet smiles when he sees Minerva wake. As peaceful and beautiful she looked asleep, the part that he loved the most about her, her spirit, was only present she she was awake. "Home. That word has meant so many things to me over my life, but never more than it does now. I am ready to return home and put this whole thing behind us. I do not enjoy the train, but if it brings us closer to home then I can't wait to ride it. Yes, I am ready and eager to go home." With that statement Nanuet stands up and looks out the window trying to make out the location of the sun.</p><p></p><p>"We should have something to eat, I don't think it is long before the train arrives."</p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Minerva share a quick breakfast, it is quiet but full of smiles between the two. Soon they have their gear ready and join the others waiting to board the train.</p><p></p><p>The train arrives promptly at 09:52 and begins unloading. The conductor hops off and runs into the office while porters begin the process of loading and unloading luggage in an orderly manner.</p><p></p><p>The companions board the train, all of them eager to get home after an emotional and arduous journey to the small town of Thomaswell. They leave knowing that they certainly did some good, but doubts to the finality of the whole thing still linger.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2819633, member: 12815"] Ruby’s eyes meet Jake's briefly before she begins heading upstairs to their room with her glass in hand. She stops quickly at the main desk to ask for a bath to be set up in their room. Once back in her room she sits on the bed and drinks her whiskey fast. She tosses the glass into a pile of towels with a laugh. She lifts her skirts and brings her feet up to the bed, pulling off her shoes and stockings. She hugs her legs to her body and rests her head on her knees as she tries to straighten her thoughts out, stopping every once in a while to rub her sore neck. Kate had stayed down in the dining room only because she didn't want the others to worry if she retired too early. Once Ruby made her excuses Kate only waited a minute to follow suit. Upstairs in her room, she got into her nightdress and brushed her hair. She talked to Tom while she did, as she did most nights. It was an odd feeling, talking to air but knowing he heard. And knowing no matter what he thought he couldn't change things. Maybe it would be kinder not to tell him about her life. Or perhaps it would be cruel not to. She picked up a book and settled herself on the bed. Ruby was weak and trying not to show it. It could be the bite, but Kate was certain it was a weak poison and not likely to affect her long. More likely she was trying to stop the Laudanum, and that would make anyone a little shaky in the knees. The rest of the evening was uneventful as Kate read her book, then went to sleep early. Nanuet finished his whiskey and sits with the others until it is just he, Minerva and Chester. "Well Chet, I hate leaving you all alone but uh..." he glances over to Minerva, "I think we need to get some sleep, it's been a long day. See you in the morning." He gets up and waits for Minerva to do the same saying "Do we need any refreshments for the room?" Nanuet finished his whiskey and sits with the others until it is just he, Minerva and Chester. "Well Chet, I hate leaving you all alone but uh..." he glances over to Minerva, "I think we need to get some sleep, it's been a long day. See you in the morning." Chester shakes his head and chuckles. "Good night you two. I'm going to stay here for a while longer. Not often I get a chance to relax." Minerva looks to Nanuet, masking her face in a serious expression. "Si, Mi amor, you have had difficult day. I believe that bed is just the thing to help you regain your strength." She stands and bids Senor Chester a good night. "Gracias Senor Chester, for all you have done. You have been a gods send in these perilous times. Sleep well, and may the wolves stay in the hills." She bends and kisses him on the cheek before taking Nanuet's hand and sedately making her way to the stairs. Chester blushes. "You're welcome, Minerva. Nanuet sure is blessed to be wit' you. Don't tucker him out too much. He needs his rest." He winks at her. "Have a good night." Nanuet waits for Minerva to arrive at the foot of the stairs and then he chases her up the steps playfully tickling and pinching at her as they go. He fumbles with the keys at the door as he leans over to kiss his lover passionately. Nanuet unlocks the door with one hand as he uses the other to press Minerva against the wall next to the door. She giggles as they tumble into the room. "Mmmm. You are feeling much better by the minute!" she says as she wraps her arms around him and begins tugging at his vest in earnest. "Yes, better and with an appetite for something other than food. I feel revived, more alive than I ever have. I love you Minerva, let me show you that love tonight!" he says as he tosses the vest to the side and begins working feverishly on whatever fastens holds on Minerva's clothing. A throaty laugh bubbles up from deep within her as her impatient lover continues to tear at her clothes. "I am very pleased that you have regained your appetite and are once again full of vim and vigor, Mi Amor, but let me help you or I will be forced to ride the train home tomorrow in nothing more than my bloomers!" She untangles herself from his embrace and takes a step back. She releases her mane of coal black hair from the comb that holds it in place and drops it to the floor. She unbuttons her blouse and slips it from her shoulders to land in a pile at her feet and then deftly steps out of her skirt. She turns to allow Nanuet to unfasten and help her out of her undergarments and stands before him in nothing more than her riding boots. Nanuet's jaw drops faster than Minerva's blouse and his eyes grow as large as saucers. He swallows hard as his eyes take in the site before him. He regains his senses and steps forward his hand tenderly touching Minerva's cheek. "You are simply stunning. There are no other words..." "Then let us have no words between us." she says and unable to resist her own longing or the hunger in his eyes, she steps into his embrace and opens herself to his savage desires. She thanks the gods for the Miracle of Nanuet and as she loses herself in his love, she begins to let go of the fear and horror of this past week. Nanuet and Minerva abandon their fears and find love in each other's embrace. The night passes slowly for the lovers as they comfort one another and eventually fall asleep holding one another. Jake watches her climb the stairs and go out of sight. Deciding to give her a little time alone, he chats with the others for a time and manages to empty two more glasses of whiskey while doing so. "It appears we will be seeing you in the morning," he says rising a little bit unsteadily and tipping his hat. "Sleep well all." Smile firmly entrenched on his face, Jake carefully makes his way to their room. Ruby hops off the bed to get the door when she hears some fumbling outside, thinking it's the bath. Finding Jake looking for his key she smiles, "What took you so long?" "I thought you wanted a little quiet time," Jake replies smoothly while nearly tripping on his own feet. "I figured if you had wanted me to come up with you, you would have said something like," Jake enters the room and closes the door, "Jake, come on up with you.... uh, me. That would be you saying that." He points to her and then to him, and nods like it must now be clearer to her. "Right." Ruby nods her head up and down and smiles tiredly. She reaches up and takes Jake's hat from his head. "Come on honey, time to get ready for bed then," she says, popping the hat on her own head. She guides him further into the room, then helps him with his duster. She starts taking off his gunbelt but does it slowly, to see if he will object. Ruby notices that one side of his duster is heavy. Jake laughs, "I get it! You think I am really, really, really drunk and need all this help." He lets her finish unbuckling the belt and says, "I bet you know where to hang that by now." He laughs again. "I will have you know that I am only really drunk, not really, really, really drunk. No need for you to worry or anything." He sits on the bed. "I also know you are still feeling sore and tired from that nasty arachnee... arahk... arahnid.. spider bite. I think we will just have our night on the town here instead. The bottle is in my coat, if you feel up to it. You need to be all better by Tombstone you know." Ruby laughs as she places Jake's gunbelt on the bed post on his side of the bed. "Oh, why do I need to be all better by Tombstone? You have some plan I don't know about?" She steps back and looks at the gunbelt, steps forward and adjusts the handle into the correct position. She strides back to Jake's duster and retrieves the bottle from his pocket. She takes a long drink from it, glad it was still more than half full. She slides back onto the bed next to Jake, swinging her feet off the edge. "I still don't think this place is up to par," she says, "They forgot about my bath. Oh well." Sighing she says, "So you're right, I do feel a little...funny... I guess from the bite," she again rubs her neck. "I feel sorta weak, just off somehow." She faces Jake, still swinging her feet, "But I bet by tomorrow I'll feel much better." She puts a cheery face on, "Time to celebrate, right? We can go out if you want to, I just need to lay down for a few moments first." She takes a sip of whiskey then hands Jake the bottle. Ruby pulls her feet up onto the bed and falls back into the blankets, Jake's hat falling off and her hair fanning out around her head. "Although you seem pretty happy already, I don't know if you need to go out," she smiles. There is a knock on Ruby and Jake's door. "Sorry I took so long, but I didn't forget about your bath! Just busy and two other's called in sick. Do you still want it?" a young male voices yells out from the hallway beyond the door. "Bring it on in," Jake replies without looking to Ruby. Jake stands, steadies himself and opens the door. He lets the boy bring in the tub, when he runs off to start the hot water delivery he says to Ruby, "I do not give a rat's tail about Albukacky... Abaquacky... this little city. I am just interested in the company, everything I need to enjoy in this city is right here." He yanks his boots off and tosses them in the corner and then takes the bottle for another swig before handing it back to Ruby. "Tonight, my dear Ruby, Albequacky is the most wonderful city in the world, and this room is its highlight." Ruby finally lets some tension out and laughs. "I'm sure you'll make Albequacky memorable for me darling." She sits up and starts unlacing her bodice. "Are you going to enjoy a bath with me then, Mr. Cook? That is always a highlight for me." "That will be the highlight of the highlight then." He says smiling crooked. "Yes, I mean." "You're funny Jacob Cook," Ruby replies. "I like that." She waits patiently for the bath to be drawn and as soon as the boy leaves she throw off the rest of her clothes and slides into the steaming hot water. "Oh gods, that is good," she moans. "Well, hurry up!" she laughs, flinging some bubbles at Jake. Jake complies, removing his clothes and somewhat less than gracefully inserts himself behind Ruby in the tub. He does manage to do so without spilling the bottle of whiskey. Ruby leans way back in the tub, snuggling up against Jake's warm body. She takes the bottle from him and has another long drink from it before resting her head on his shoulder. "Now this is nice." As Ruby gets comfortable in the tub there is a loud pounding on the door. "Miss Ruby! Miss Ruby! It's Thom! Are you in there Miss Ruby and Mr. Ja-Jacobs? It's Thom Miss Ruby!" BANG BANG BANG BANG! Jake mutters a curse. Ruby eyes slowly open and an eyebrow raises. "What the..." She takes a deep breath in and relaxes. "I'll be right back," she says to Jake, looking over her shoulder as she climbs out of the tub, "Don't you go anywhere on me." "Sure I'll just wait here. Heh, I warned you, he probably needs to be let out to relieve himself. Just like the puppies when you first brought them home." Ruby throws Jake a dirty look over her shoulder and hisses, "Be nice..." before turning back to Thom. She grabs the nearest thing to her, Jake's shirt, and throws it on quickly, haphazardly buttoning it up. She opens the door a few inches, "What's wrong Thom? Is everything ok?" Thom smiles sheepishly at Ruby and then his cheeks turn red as he sees that she is wearing nothing but Jake's shirt. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss Ruby, I didn't know you were taking a bath," as he points to her damp hair. "I just ain't never slept in a place like this before and I was scared. Mr. Greely used to tell me stories at night when I was scared, but Mr. Greely isn't here any more and I... I just didn't know what to do. Please don't be mad at Thom, Miss Ruby. I'll just go back to my room and be quiet." Thom starts to turn around and walk away. Ruby sighs but speaks up anyway. "Hold on a minute Thom. I'll come and tell you a story, just give me a minute." She shakes her head as she enters back into her room. "I have to go with Thom for a few minutes Jake. I'll be right back." She holds up her hand, "No, don't say it. Just wait here and think of how you're going to entertain me when I get back." Jake starts muttering as soon as she leaves. "Entertain you? Who is going to bloody entertain me while you are off wiping big Thom's behind." He growls and takes a long pull from the bottle. "Oh, Miss Ruby please help me," Jake does an imitation of Thom's childlike booming voice, "You killed the horrible dangerous vampire that used to tell me bedtime stories and now I am afraid." Jake suddenly bursts into a fit of laughter. After sitting there quietly for some time he takes another drink from the bottle and then balances it on the end of his finger.... She throws on a bathrobe and makes her way down to Thom's room. She knocks and enters finding the big man squeezed into a small bed. She sits on the edge of his bed. "How about I sing to you, instead of telling stories. I can tell stories too but singing makes me happy and I haven't done it in a long while." She smiles as Thom nods his head yes. Ruby chooses a few lullabies and begins singing. The first song is done out of habit, but the next two are sung with feeling as she lets herself enjoy the calming effects of her own singing, really getting into it at the end. Thom claps his hands together gently when Ruby tells him she will sing to him. He rolls over so he can see her when she sings and pulls the blanket up to his chin. He smiles as Ruby's sweet voice soothes him and erases any fear and worry from his mind. Soon he can do nothing but listen to the sounds of Ruby's voice. It is not long into the third song that Thom is fast asleep a large grin painted on his face. Ruby smiles as she quietly rises off the bed. "Good night Thom," she whispers, and slips out the door. It was strange to have someone need her like that, and she was confused over the fact that she liked it. She returns to her own bed room and Jake in the tub. "Now," she smiles, letting the robe and shirt slip off, "Have you thought of how you're going to entertain me tonight?" Ruby gets back in the now much cooler water, but this time she faces Jake, resting her feet on his chest. She lazily takes the soap and rubs her arms, waiting for his response. When Ruby climbs back into the water, Jake is still doing balancing tricks with the whiskey bottle, though it is not as heavy as it was when Ruby left the room. "I must honestly tell you, Ruby my love, that the subject of your entertainment slipped out of my head a little while ago. Perhaps it fell in the tub?" Jake stops balancing the bottle and hands it to Ruby. "Wait! Is that it there?" He pushes her legs apart and thrusts his face into the water and tickles her about the midsection for a moment before coming up for air. "Nope, that was not it." He tries to keep a straight face but fails miserably and finally begins to laugh. Ruby squeals, kicks and splashes as Jake tickles her belly. It felt like a huge release to her, moments of pure uninhibited happiness like she hadn’t had in a while. Some of her fears melt away, even if only temporary Ruby felt really good, better than she had in a long time. When Jake stops she leans back in the tub and tries to catch her breath from all the laughing, watching the bubbles slide off his face. She takes a long drink from the almost empty bottle as she smiles easily, tracing hearts with her toe across Jake's chest. “You’re ssoooo cute, have I told you that lately?” Ruby laughs, starting to slur her words. “Wait! No, not cute. You’re not cute, you’re handsome. Very handsome. Extremely handsome?” The last part comes out more like a question than a statement. Ruby holds the bottle up in the air, “To my cut-no, handshome, intelligent, smhart, witty, funny, silly, smhart, caring, paranoid, sometimes goofy, protective, smart lover and best friend, Jacob Alishtair Cooke. Who shaved my life, yet again.” She raises the bottle then takes a huge gulp, coughing when she’s though. “Whew,” she wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, “Thats was a lot.” Jake sits up and feigns a couple of little bows, "Yes, yes, thank you. I would drink to that, 'cepting we seem to have an empty bottle. I suppose we must settle for this instead," and with that he pulls her up onto him in the tub and proceeds to generate some warmth via intimate contact in the now cool water. Ruby and Jake stay in the tub for a long while, doing as best they can to keep each other warm. If they are cold neither of them feels it as they enjoy each other's company. Finally Ruby proclaims, "Take me to bed lover, I don't want to, ahem, shleep, in the tub all night!" Amid much laughter and staggering, the two manage to climb out of the tub and dry each other with towels. Which leads to further fondling and intimate contact that finally ends up in the small bed. After some time and considerable rolling about they end in a tangle of bodies and bedclothes where they finally find sleep and some peace. Jake wakes early when nature calls, his head throbs and his mouth is dry. He still manages a smile when he remembers the night before. He extricates himself from the tangle, kisses Ruby and covers her with the sheet. "I am going to get the tickets," he tells her and she mumble back something that could have been either 'yes, do that' or 'where's my hat'. He shrugs, finishes dressing and leaves quietly. Jake takes Thom with him. After getting enough tickets for all of them, he makes a stop by the bank. He enquiries about stock certificates and makes arrangements to wire Thoms money back west, $1,000 to the Tombstone bank and $1,500 to the Promise City bank. Both into accounts in Thom's full name, which Jake remembers to ask him just before stepping into the bank. The banker looks at the certificates and eyes Jake suspiciously. "Where did you get these young man?" he says as he examines the certificate closely. "They were found in an abandoned house in an old trunk. The owners were deceased, with no heirs apparently." Jake pretends not to notice the suspicious nature of the tone, and continues in his most diplomatic manner. "Came upon them while helping out a local sheriff, he had deputized me and a friend to help chase out some rather nasty fellows who were terrorizing his town. Funny, hardly knew what I was in for and nearly got killed in the process. Anyhow, since he could not afford to pay us I think he looked the other way and let me take these instead of having them tied up in probate for years only to have some corrupt clerk snag them when no one was looking. I only hope they are worth a couple of bucks, you know to cover our costs and such." Jake looks wide eyed at the man, "You are not going to tell me that they are worthless junk are you?" "I'm telling you that they are counterfeit. Your story sounds interesting, but I'm going to hand these back to you, take care of your other business and pretend I didn't see these. That sound good to you sir?" "That sounds like an excellent idea, thanks for the consideration." Jake folds up the documents and puts them away. When all the business is done, they go back to the hotel and Jake brings Ruby a coffee up to the room. The rich smell of the coffee fills the room when Jake enters and sits on the bed next to Ruby. She breathes in deeply, stretches then snuggles deeper into the blankets. "That must be my baby," she smiles as her eyes peek open. She reaches for the coffee and sits up cautiously. Her eyes wander around the messy room and her eyebrow shoots up, "What did we do last night?" "Perhaps a better question is what didn't we do," he replies and has a sip of his own coffee. Jake encourages her to get dressed so they can pack and make the train. Once all there gear is together, he finds Thom and they bring all the stuff down, have some food and when the others are ready make their way to the train station. Ruby drags herself out of bed to get ready. Her spirit is lighter but she notices her hands shaking. She rubs her neck unconsciously but catches herself doing it in the mirror. She guesses the effects of the poison are amplifying the effects of not partaking in her little silver flask today. She attempts to hide it from Jake but as the minutes she is out of bed wears on she realizes it's not just her hands that are shaking. She sighs out loud but to herself she thinks, [i]It's going to be a bad train ride back...[/i] She keeps a fake smile on her face and puts the actress in her to work, pretending like absolutely nothing is wrong as she attempts to make idle chatter. She wraps her shawl around her shivering shoulders to hide them and joins Jake for breakfast. Ruby does not eat for fear of it coming right back up. No one mentions her health and she does not bring it up. She waits quietly with the others at the train station. She was certain they would all be glad to be home. Luna flutters through the window and perches on the bed, eyeing Minerva and Nanuet with wide unblinking eyes. She gives a small hoot and hops onto the bed to lightly peck on Minerva's ear. Minerva opens her eyes and manages to unfurl herself from the tangle of blankets. "Buenas Dias, Luna. and How are you this fine morning?" She looks over to Nanuet who is once again is just lying quietly beside her. She bends forward and kisses him. "And how are you this morning, Mi Amor? Are you ready to go home?" Nanuet smiles when he sees Minerva wake. As peaceful and beautiful she looked asleep, the part that he loved the most about her, her spirit, was only present she she was awake. "Home. That word has meant so many things to me over my life, but never more than it does now. I am ready to return home and put this whole thing behind us. I do not enjoy the train, but if it brings us closer to home then I can't wait to ride it. Yes, I am ready and eager to go home." With that statement Nanuet stands up and looks out the window trying to make out the location of the sun. "We should have something to eat, I don't think it is long before the train arrives." Nanuet and Minerva share a quick breakfast, it is quiet but full of smiles between the two. Soon they have their gear ready and join the others waiting to board the train. The train arrives promptly at 09:52 and begins unloading. The conductor hops off and runs into the office while porters begin the process of loading and unloading luggage in an orderly manner. The companions board the train, all of them eager to get home after an emotional and arduous journey to the small town of Thomaswell. They leave knowing that they certainly did some good, but doubts to the finality of the whole thing still linger. [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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