Wine and Song (OPEN)

[Eric Calder]

Eric certainly enjoyed the way she seemed to hang on to every word he said. It was somewhat amusing and, although he would never the word cross his lips, cute. His brow arched when the cat suddenly leaped onto his lap and he couldn't suppress his chuckle when Laurel tried saving him from the cat, only to have the Professor climb back onto him. "It's quite alright Miss, I have nothing against cats, though I do prefer dogs." He gave her a smile, a sure sign that she had not offended him in the least.

Scratching behind the cat's ears and neck, Eric looked out to the house, the very house where the bodies had been found. "I can't be so sure just yet. The only possible thing I can think of is horrible, blood drinking beasts." He was joking of course. He smiled and then looked back to her. "But I'm sure we both know how absurd that sounds. He noticed she kept calling him detective, and while it filled him with a feeling of importance, he couldn't help but notice how impersonal it was. Sure, it was proper, but... well, this girl didn't seem like she always cared about being proper. That, Eric didn't mind at all, so it only made sense for- "Please, call me Eric." His smile grew more pronounced because he knew that if this girl's mother knew her daughter was addressing a man so familiarly... ha.

[Laurel Wayland]

As though he understood English, Little Brother, the adorable golden Corgi, trotted up and sat at Eric's feet, looking up at the detective with big brown eyes that said "I'm a dog, and I like you too." Laurel laughed gaily at her pets' behavior. "I don't know what's gotten into them," she said through her laughter. "They're never this friendly. But they do have an excellent judge of character between them, so you must be alright."

As Eric went on to explain his "theory" behind the grisly murders, Laurel thought about the idea of a blood-drinking beast wandering the neighborhood. "Yes... Yes, that sounds very much like my mother," she said in mock seriousness. However, she could not keep a straight face, and at once she began to giggle again.

Eric's invitation for her to address him by his first name shut her up. "Oh, I couldn't possibly!" She said, but secretly she liked very much the idea of being so familiar with this gentleman. He was very handsome, and very charming to boot. "If you insist, however..."

She averted her eyes from his face, trying to at least seem demure, which, of course, she wasn't in the slightest. "Would you like a tour of the grounds?" She inquired. She thought it might be nice for the two to take a stroll about the extensive property, perhaps visiting the stables and the little pond behind the house.

[Eric Calder]

Eric looked down at the dog, finding these animals somewhat amusing and wondering if they would get along with his own Francis, an English bulldog he swore was a human in disguise at times. He was happy that Laurel agreed to calling him Eric. "For your sake, I certainly do hope it is not your mother," he said with a smirk. "Although, if it is, perhaps I should be more worried about myself."

Once she mentioned taking a tour of the grounds, he got to his feet, allowing the cat to get down of him. "I'd very much enjoy a tour Miss Wayland," his smile was even more charming than before. He offered his arm to her politely, a gleam in his blue eyes. So what if he was there to ask questions? His excuse to himself was that he was there to observe the neighborhood... yes, that was a good excuse.

[Laurel Wayland]

Laurel lowered her eyes and smiled as Eric offered his arm to her. She accepted the gesture, placing her fingers gently in the crook of his elbow and rising to her feet. She suddenly wished she was dressed a little nicer. The black smudges on her white skirt seemed much more apparent now that she actually wanted to look presentable, but there was nothing to be done about it now.

Laurel led Eric off the porch and strolled across the lawn arm in arm with him. "As you can see," she said, beginning the tour with a tone of great formality in her manner of speaking, "this is the front lawn. It is meticulously kept. Small children cut the individual blades of grass with sewing scissors each morning." Her serious facade did not crack as they circled the house. "As you can see just there," she said, pointing off into the distance to the left, "we have extensive stables where my father and brothers keep their horses, and I keep my own mare, who is called Ma'ameselle." She led Eric toward the huge structure.

"My mother doesn't have a horse- she hates animals- and so we will not be disturbed here," she said, pushing the great, heavy door to the stable open. The place was not at all like what a regular stable would be. There were stalls for the horses along the west side of the building, but all across the east wall was carpet and a lounge area. The air here smelled fresh and outdoorsy, not anything like a stable at all. "Mum doesn't even know this lounge is here," she confessed conspiratorially to Eric. "My father built it for my brothers and me when we began to grow older so that we could still play together under the watchful eye of whatever servant was set the daunting task of watching over the Wayland Six." She smiled endearingly at the detective and took a seat on a chaise lounge. She patted the space beside her, indicating that he could join her should he wish to do so.

[Eric Calder]

Eric smirked somewhat, looking at the lawn. "Those poor children," he said with mock disapproval. He shook his head the slightest bit and followed her wherever she planned on leading him. His eyes took in the structure. "It certainly is a magnificent structure Miss," he stated, looking around as she led him in. Her mother wouldn't disturb them there... hmm.

Looking around for and then turning back to her, he paused and watched as she sat and patted the spot beside her. "I must say, I am still quite afraid your mother might find out I'm out here with you and chop off my head," he said... but that didn't stop him from sitting beside her. He knew just how scandalous this was for them to be out there, alone. Even more so scandalous than them having been on the porch. At least out there they had been in the open, where anybody could see them.

"I myself have five siblings," he said to her, eyes looking around the stables for... well, anyone else. Not because he was going to try anything! Dear god, no. That was out of the question. But... of course, he wouldn't stop her... Wait, what was he thinking?! Face going a little red, Eric cleared his throat and looked back to her. Even though she was worried about the smudges on her dress, he didn't mind at all. Honestly, he hardly even noticed them. Believe me, those smudges were the last thing on his mind.

[Laurel Wayland]

Laurel laughed musically at Eric's comment about her mother wanting to chop off his head. "I don't think she'd be quite that violent about it, but we probably have scandalized the neighborhood," she said nonchalantly. "Not that murders next door haven't already accomplished that task rather neatly."

Quite by accident, Laurel made eye contact with Eric, and it was
only then did she realize for the first time how startlingly blue his eyes were. They were clear and crystalline, and Laurel nearly forgot that they were in the middle of a conversation for a moment as she gazed into them, her own bright green eyes going glassy.

Laurel got a knowing look on her face at Eric's mention of his five siblings. "Ah, so you know what it's like! Are you the oldest, youngest, or somewhere in the middle?" She inquired, curious about her companion. "How did you become a detective, Mister Cal- I mean, Eric?" She asked. She had a lot of questions for this new acquaintance, and it took all her self-control not to blurt them all out at once.

[Eric Calder]

Eric was completely caught off guard when her eyes met his and his face and neck grew more red as their eyes stayed locked on each other. Actually, he was immersed by Laurel's glassy eyes stare that he completely forgot what he had been speaking of. He jumped slightly when she spoke and quickly turned his gaze away, getting his bearings back and smiling.

"I know exactly what it's like Miss Wayland," he said, looking down at the scar on his hand. "I'm the second born son." He smiled again an looked back up. "I have three brothers and two younger sisters. They're quite a handful sometimes. Mostly my sisters."

He leaned back a little when she asked about his work, sighing. "I spent a lot of time reading mystery novels as a child. I swore one day I would be a detective. So... that's exactly what I did. I couldn't think of anything else to do with my life." He didn't mind her questions at all. Actually, he liked it when she asked him questions.

[Laurel Wayland]

Laurel grinned at the idea of Eric chasing two younger sisters about. "I bet they are very proud of their big brother," she said sincerely. "I would be. But alas, my brothers are good for nothing but hunting and tormenting their poor little baby sister." She feigned a wistful expression, but her tone made it evident that she adored each of her brothers beyond measure.

"So as the second born, you must have a great deal of pressure on your shoulders to marry well," she said coyly. "Are your sisters out in society? Are they lovely young ladies?" Eric presented himself so well that Laurel assumed their family must be very wealthy. But then, she reasoned, why would the son of a wealthy family be working as a detective? Or working at all? Shouldn't he be a politician, or a doctor? For the first time, a hint of doubt about Eric crossed her mind.

Laurel had assumed, since Eric was in her own neighborhood, that he was of her own status. But if he was not... their meeting this way was even more scandalous than she had originally thought. And yet... something about him drew her in, and she longed to get to know him better.

Suddenly flustered, Laurel blushed deeply and said, "I apologize for my impropriety. I have been far too forward this morning. I hope you do not think ill of me. Perhaps we should..." She was going to say "return to the house," but she didn't want to be away from Eric just yet.

[Eric Calder]

"No, no, it's quite alright Miss Wayland," Eric said with a charming half smile. The last thing he wanted to do was return to the house with her friendly-as-a-rabid-dog mother. His family had once been of very high social standings. Until recently that is when his father's business went under. They lost a good deal of money, but with the help of Eric's grandmother, they were managing to stay on their feet and keep their problems quiet. Hardly anybody knew of the current financial problems the Calders were having. So they were still of high social standing... hopefully nobody would find out.

"My sister, Tara, is seventeen and a very lovely girl who certainly has her wits about her. She attends St. Augustine's and my mother is trying to marry her off to a wealthy man." He didn't mention that the main reason for this was that her parents hoped this would help with their recent financial issues. "As for my sister, Lelia, she's only nine years old, but the smartest little creature I've ever come across." He spoke fondly of his sisters, because he was quite fond of them. If anyone was ever to do his sisters harm... lets just say it wouldn't be pleasant.

He chuckled and cocked a brow at her when he next spoke. "I've already gone against my parents wishes and became a detective instead of joining my father in his line of business((Whatever you do, don't ask what business that is, I have no idea. LOL!)). So I don't think my mother expects me to marry the richest girl ever. She probably believes me to be such a rebel that I'll go out and marry the poorest girl on the streets of Devil's Hollow." He flashed her another smile. "Which is completely not true. I just believe in going for someone you actually care for." He winked at her and chuckled again. "I don't think I need to ask about your mother to know that she wishes for you to marry well..."

[Laurel Wayland]

[/blockquote]Laurel threw back her head and laughed heartily. "If my mother were to have her way, I would marry the King of England or the Prince of Spain or some other nonsense," she said through her laughter. "But even they, I fear, would not be good enough for the precious only daughter of Anne Marie Wayland." She adopted a snotty air as she said her mother's name, and it was not altogether a bad impersonation of the lady of the house. "I, for one, am a hopeless romantic and would love to run away someday with someone I simply cannot bear to be away from, no matter his income."

As Laurel's laughter died away, she wondered in earnest what her mother would do should she find her only daughter cavorting with a lowly detective. Laurel didn't think any the less of Eric for his profession, but she knew she would be in a great deal of trouble none the less.

"If it is not to bold to say, Sir, I would like very much to keep your company more frequently," she said, doing her best to be polite. "If, that is, you'd have me for a friend. I think it would be fascinating to hear about your adventures and cases, and perhaps I can offer my meager knowledge of my neighbors in the hope of helping you solve their murders." She looked at him hopefully, praying that he would accept her offer of friendship. [/blockquote]

[Eric Calder]

Eric had to say, he liked the idea of staying in contact with this lovely young lady. "I'd very much like that Miss Wayland," he said, reaching into his shirt pocket and pulling out a small piece of paper. It was a business card. He knew one day these things would come in handy. "So you know where to reach me... to tell me about those neighbors of yours..." he said, holding out the card for her, his smile charming.

His blue eyes rested right on her eyes, waiting for her to take the card and just thinking... She wanted to be his friend. He would be her friend all right... ok, so everyone knows that when a lovely young lady like this wants to be friends with a man like Eric, neither of them really wants to be friends. Eric's eyes slid, for just a moment, down to Laurel's lips before they flickered back up to her eyes. There was a gleam in his eyes as he waited patiently, wanting to see where this would go.

[Laurel Wayland]

Laurel took the card gingerly, her fingers brushing his hand as she accepted the little piece of paper. "Thank you," she said, her voice coming out a little breathy. For some reason, the brief touch had sent a tingle through her hand, and she couldn't say she minded the sensation.

"Perhaps..." Laurel began to speak, but she couldn't quite find the words she wished to use. She knew they should return to the house, and that she should send this young man on his way. They should absolutely not engage in any kind of romance, because it would only lead to heartbreak for her all over again. She would not be able to bear another loss like that of Henry two years ago.

But he was so warm and inviting. And those eyes... a part of her, one that was growing more and more dominant with every passing moment, longed to take his hand in hers and pull him close.

[Eric Calder]

Eric had to repress a shiver as their hands touched. a strange sensation passed over him as he looked down to their hands and then back to her. They should go back outside.... back to the porch and maybe he should be on his way. This was oh so wrong. But that didn't stop him. His hand let go of the card only to slide up and to the back of her neck, his touch so gentle. Before he could stop himself, his lips were on hers, gentle at first, testing his boundaries.

He sure hoped nobody came in, because then Mrs. Wayland certainly would cut of his head. Eric leaned against her, not being too pushy. He didn't want her to slap him, but he certainly wanted to see how far she would let him go. Eric may have been a gentleman, but he was a man... so of course he wanted this. He pulled on her lower lip gently with his own and backed up, just a little to see her reaction, his lips leaving hers...

[Laurel Wayland]

Laurel's eyes fell closed as Eric moved his hand to her neck. His hands were warm and rough and strong, but gentle at the same time. She relished the feeling of his touch, and a smile formed on her lips as she savored the tender moment they were sharing.

With her eyes closed, Laurel did not see Eric lean in to kiss her, and when she felt his lips on hers her eyes flew open in surprise. She let out a tiny noise of surprise, resistant at first to his advances out of sheer surprise. But after a moment she relaxed into the kiss, closing her eyes again and placing a pale, long-fingered hand on the side of Eric's face.

When Eric pulled away after a moment Laurel opened her eyes just a bit so that she could look at him and gauge his reaction to what had just happened. "You don't have to stop," she whispered tentatively.

[Eric Calder]

Eric was certainly happy she didn't slap him. Well, for a moment he thought she would, but then she relaxed, as did he. As soon as those words came out of her mouth, he smiled and leaned back in, kissing her more. His body leaned against her, leaning her back down against the chaise lounge chair, his kisses becoming more energetic, but in no way forceful.

Eric's free hand came down to her leg, holding onto it, the only thing keeping their skin from touching was her dress. The thought of taking a risk like this, when someone could easily come in and find them, gave him energy, adrenaline rushing through him. He would back of if she didn't want to go any farther, but.. well he certainly wanted to go farther. His heart was beating fast and his chest pressed against hers, a certain excitement coming over him.