Sugar and Spice {Noelle}

[CHLOE TASIA BROOKS]

Chloe hadn’t meant to take notice of anybody that day. She had her down, avoiding eye contact, attempting to accomplish all the shit she needed to before the day was gone. Ever since she’d reunited with her sister and well, whatever with Adam, she’d been deviating from her usually strict and controlled pattern of life. Luckily, she had Claude as an extra set of –believe it or not- trusted hands to pick up what extremely little slack she’d allowed herself to create. And there was something… something, with her and Kendra that also required further investigating, whenever she found the time. Really, she needed to get her ass in gear and finish her shopping and her work. The only reason she’d stepped in here was to buy herself a Chai and hope the sweet warm liquid would heat up her unusually cold hands.

’A Breve Chai latte, please, large,’ she said to the brusque young man at the counter, who gave her a bored look before going to make her drink. He was damn lucky she didn’t hop the counter and smack the hell out of him; she was in that kind of mood today. She’d always handled pressure beautifully, honestly, but for some inexplicable reason, she was feeling a mite… cranky. It was a wonder then, that her sensitive nose picked up the hint of somebody sweet and spicy, pulling her eyes from space to locate the delicate- coming from the petite figure of Chloe, the adjective was funny- brunette sitting by herself in the corner, talking on an expensive-looking cell phone. When she focused on the scent, her acute olfactory senses picked up the hint of blood she carried, along with… age. It was the best way to describe the distinctive signature of a vampire. Honestly, she smelled lovely, and the jaguar’s nose wouldn’t let her stay away from such a pleasant distraction on such a stressful day.

Usually, Chloe avoided making first moves- initiating contact- but this woman was lovely enough and distracting enough from her current plight that she was perfectly content to start, well, anything really, with her. After she retrieved her beverage, giving the boy a glare and a growl so heated he literally bounced away from her, she prowled- she couldn’t help it, given her nature, really, she walked that way everywhere- in the direction of the beautiful- upon closer inspection- woman in the corner. In a bold maneuver, she seated herself at the woman’s table- earning herself a look that Chloe couldn’t quite decipher in that moment- and waited for the conversation to end.

’My name is Chloe, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’d be flattered if you’d be willing to have a cup of coffee with me for a few minutes? Spare me my own rambling boredom?’ she asked with a gentle smile, knowing that most people she met could find her to be a bit… abrasive, and attempting to circumvent this quality by actually being nice.

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clicketh for clothes!

[NOELLE LISETTE GRAY]

It had been a good day for Noelle , at least it was so far she still had her pet in her room and was seeming to be properly trained. Which meant that she could soon give her to Katherine to work with the other girls she had. Noelle enjoyed breaking in woman it brought her a sick joy and pleasure. Just having the power agian over someone it brought her a thrill. Something that Katherine trained in her to use , use the darkness and don't be afraid of it. So she wasn't instead now Noelle would embrace it and hopefully help Reminy see the darkness again as well. That would take time but Noelle was able to do it once she had faith she would be able to do it again. While she didn't have anything planned with her today. She knew that soon her meeting with Lillith would commence and that would be nice. A day with an old friend who she could have good conversation with and talk about how things use to be. While Noelle was strong in her own right , Lilith also had a power to her. Something that Noelle always did admire about , that and well she was a classy woman as well. Class was important to Noelle . she was raised with it and Katherine enjoyed it all so it was how she was raised.

Now though she would enjoy her time out , it was a beautiful day so maybe she could find some entertainment. Grinning at that thought she left her condo and head out to no destination on mind but maybe something could catch her eye. After a few hours Noelle felt herself getting somewhat thirsty as well as tired of walking around , she needed to find a place where she could just seat and search for maybe something better along the way. Finding a small cafe she smirked at the name of the establishment . Slipping inside her heels clicked across the floor , finding an empty table Noelle slide inside of it. About to order a drink she heard her cell ring , only a few people had her number and those few most often she did not really enjoying talking to unless it was Remy. Flipping open her phone a soft sigh escaped her lips as she spoke softly into. Making sure her words were in French instead of English to hide it from prying ears.

It was Katherine of course , she wanted to know about how things were going god how she hated her sire. Yet at the same times she felt a love for Katherine that she couldn't explain. Maybe it was her bond or the debt she felt she owed , but Katherine was everything evil that Noelle was now . As much as she wanted to step away from it she couldn't help but be drawn to it. It was a blessing and a curse in her mind everything that Noelle didn't want to be yet at the same time loved. The power the control oh it was music to Noelle and she would love to drown in it. Her phone call was coming to a close when she saw a woman approaching her , she was beautiful and Noelle did have a taste for beautiful woman. Closing her phone she offered the woman a small smile.

" No please join me , Chloe a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. My name is Noelle it is a pleasure to meet you. " Her voice slightly filled with her French accent from speaking on the phone for so long. Nodding to this she slide her phone back into her purse. " Yes a cup of coffee sounds wonderful thank you. "

[CHLOE TASIA BROOKS]

Chloe was very glad, most days, that she owned her own business. She was independent and strong-willed, and that kind of project was good for her. Sure, it meant that her days were incredibly long, and she pretty much never got a day off to just… relax, but her personality allowed for that. The jaguar made her own schedules. She did her own thing. Made her rules. And nobody would ever tell her what to do again. Sure, she had little in the way of friends or serious relationships, but was that really so important as freedom? Sometimes, in very rare instances, she wondered. Was she missing something, being so busy all the time? Was there some vital tidbit missing from her existence because she had no confidantes or lov- well, she kinda had Adam on the side. That was a new, and fairly odd, development. They had great sex, and talked a little. They weren’t really friends, but the best term for their relationship- if one would be so audacious to call it that- was ‘friends with benefits.’ And that… that was beyond nice. Most of the time. Still, the independent jaguar missed a conversation that wasn’t imminently leading to anything. Maybe that was what prompted her to talk to the woman.

Chloe liked women. Not mousy, pathetic women with no spines, but most women. But when she approached the lovely brunette, there were no guarantees, and there was nothing promised in her initial greeting question. The beautiful lady could’ve told her no, and when she didn’t, the jaguar was actually relieved. It was pleasant to not worry about something imminently important. This woman, who was now Noelle, with the sexy French accent, was a fabulous distraction. And maybe someone she would actually like.. Okay, that look was unnecessary. Really, who liked most people, anyways? The shifter knew she was unusual, but people just weren’t her thing, even though she was in a customer service industry. Still, most of her clientele appreciated that she was no-nonsense, and didn’t believe that the customer was always right. She’d thrown out or killed quite a few people who had done some stupid shit in her building. Hopefully, she wouldn’t make a similarly fumbling mistake around this beautiful woman.

’Well then, thank you. May I get you something? My treat, sort of a repayment.’ When she got Noelle’s coffee order, she smiled, and continued speaking. ’I love your accent, by the way. And I’m glad you said yes.’ The jaguar returned to the bored boy, now much more wary and respectful, and placed the order for the vampire’s beverage, returning to the lovely woman shortly, and joining her at her table. ’So, Mademoiselle Noelle, what brings you here on this lovely day?’ Chloe asked a standard introductory question as she sipped her tea, humming lightly when it was actually good. Smart move, bored boy. The jaguar found herself actually interested in what the other woman had to say, and happily surprised that she wasn’t some scared delicate flower, who claimed ‘Oh, I’m not gay,’ as soon as Chloe asked to join her. She hated that. Just asked if you wanted coffee, not if you wanted to hop in to bed, goodness. Her mouth always ended up saying something smart like, ‘I don’t think you’re that pretty. You’re not my type. And I wasn’t talking to you,’ and then tapped the little Bluetooth conveniently hidden by her hair, making them feel incredibly foolish. Noelle had earned none of those responses, and the shifter was glad.

[NOELLE LISETTE GRAY]

The woman who approached Noelle was a stunning beauty she had unique features which Noelle couldn't helped but be entranced with her. There were many beauties in Manuka as Noelle was finding out. So many woman causing people to turn heads and stare at them , it was a good thing Noelle loved it. It seemed liked this city had more and more going for it then Noelle ever thought possible. Her fingers would idly running across the table top thinking about the conversation on the phone, god Katherine caused her temper to sour very quickly and she always hated that. A pretty face always did change her mind though and Chloe was very stunning. The coffee would arrive and Noelle would offer a pleased smile. Having not been to many coffee houses she did fine this one rather pleasing , the scents and aromas of the coffee was very soothing , wondering if Reminy had been here or not. Maybe they would need to go together and possibly bring Lillith since it seemed they were all getting closer together.

" Oh what has a woman such as yourself finding boredom , such a shame to hear." Noelle knew what she wanted and was trained in seduction at the moment though it was nice to just have conversation. Although with the woman wanting her company a little harming couldn't hurt right. " I am sure the both of us can think of things enjoyable to do to pass the time. " Even if it meant they would leave the coffee shop to do so , the town was plenty big and things had plenty of things to offer. If you knew where to look of course. " They do make good coffee here , I had never been here before so I am pleasantly surprised at all of it. Smiling at the compliment of her accent. " Thank you , I am rather fond of it as well , accents have a way of drawing people in don't you think. " Sometimes it was daring to be so bold but Noelle was never one to hide from risks so she would welcome them with open arms. She could tell Chloe had a something powerful about her , something more then human , walking the earth as long as she has she had a way semi knowing if she was talking to someone more then human. " Oh repayment isn't necessary I just am enjoying the company. I thank you for the offer it seems like manners have been forgotten by most. "

Offering a smile she would lick her lips and chuckle softy at the question. " I wanted to enjoy the fresh air and explore more of this city , I had free time and wanted to see if something would catch my interest. What about yourself what bring you out all alone." Maybe this day would become more enjoyable with every passing moment. Yes Chloe was very stunning and Noelle was finding herself enjoying looking at her more and more.

[CHLOE TASIA BROOKS]

‘Forward’ wasn’t really a word to describe Chloe. Strange, yes, given her other personality quirks, but she just wasn’t. She was bold, aggressive sometimes, confident in most things, independent and feisty, but not forward. Chloe didn’t speak to random people unless she was at work and had to, or they approached her first. So yes, speaking to the beautiful Noelle was unusual for her, but there was something about the woman that made her approachable. Maybe it was because she carried a silent, powerful confidence about her that the jaguar felt a kinship to. Whatever the case, it let her wander over on heeled sandals and ask the woman if she’d enjoy company. And what do you know? She did. Even let Chloe buy her a coffee and join her at the table she was occupying. She was also incredibly pleasant to talk to, the French accent rolling from between pretty lips with a practiced ease that the shifter appreciated. She’d always liked accents, and the one Noelle had was lovely, in that soft lilt and tone, and was extremely nice against her sensitive feline ears. She would, if at all possible, keep the woman talking, she decided in that moment.

’Well, I’m certain a lovely thing like yourself is never bored. I, on the other hand, do get that way occasionally. I find that it’s passing now though, like a forgotten dream.’ Chloe smiled at her gently, actually happy to spend some time outside her own head. It was a meticulous place, her brain, but not always the most pleasant. So yeah, talking to Noelle would be an excellent was ‘to pass the time.’ ’I think I’ve just found mine, dear. But if you’d like to do something else with me, I am more than willing to listen to whatever suggestions you’d like to bring to the table.’ Her grin was light, playful, and mildly disarming, though she didn’t know that. Chloe… well, she didn’t think she was beautiful, so she rarely was made aware of just how gorgeous she really was. But the vampire’s wasn’t escaping her, oh no. ’I’ve been here a few times, but I’m mostly pleased with the quality of things they have. I’m glad you like it. If it had been anything less than wonderful, I would’ve choked out the counter-boy over there. He was already a jerk to me, and it would be completely warranted.’ She nodded, playfully wiggling her eyebrows as though she was teasing. She wasn’t, really. The shifter would have happily kicked the young man’s ass through his teeth, and walked away smiling. But that had proven unnecessary, given that the coffee was good, and Noelle was enjoying her time with the jaguar.

’Not a problem, honey. I’m just glad you like it. It’s the least I could do, since you’re letting me bother you. Even though you might not call it that, given that you seem to think I have manners.’ She smiled and winked, before ducking her dark head with a chuckle and listening to the beautiful woman speak once more, of her reasons for being out here. Chloe’s sharp eyes didn’t miss that soft pink tongue darting out to wet soft pink lips, likely on purpose. Still, it worked, garnering her full attention. ’’Fresh air,’ huh? Well, in here is certainly not the place to achieve it. Wanna walk with me?’ She nodded her head toward the door, and arched an eyebrow. ’Does that mean you’re a newcomer to Manuka? And as to my own reasons, well, I have a mild break from running errands for my business. Independent women’s work is never done.’ The shifter shrugged, feeling like Noelle would sympathize, looking to be an independent, working woman herself.

[NOELLE LISETTE GRAY]

Noelle couldn't help but feel slightly entranced by this beauty in front of her , she was someone completely different then who she would ever go for. Exotic which was something very pleasing to the vampire. Also she had a way with words and a grace about her. Noelle could tell there was something different about her , she just couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was. Nor would she ask out loud either she had more grace and tactic then that. Although enjoying her company and good conversation was not out of the question and they seemed to be doing both of that. Which was good for Noelle because she loved that. Even more so with a beautiful woman beside her joining her in the conversation. Her fingers would trace against her warm glass with a smile. Taking in the scent and appearance of her with every take of her eyes. A softly laugh would escape those lips at her never being bored , while it was true that she often did have something to do. At the moment she was just trying to enjoy the day and not think about the things that were seeming to pile up in the young woman's life.

“Well I am glad I am able to help cure your boredom then , being bored is also an unpleasant thing. I am glad to hear that. A woman as beautiful as yourself should never have to be graced with being bored.” Was she flirting with this woman across of her yes , she wasn't going to try to hide that either. Sometimes it was just nice to be complimented and know that someone else finds you attractive , that they want to take you home with them in a bed. Yes maybe Noelle would do this with the woman sitting with her. “ Oh I am sure we can think of something if we truly put our minds together. A soft like human purr would escape her lips at the end of that sentence. It seemed like they both wanted something at the end of the night and who knows maybe they could actually have it this way. An eyebrow would raise at that and glance to the male across the counter. Maybe later she would come back and have some words with him , she was needing to feed eventually. While she didn't like men , blood was blood sometimes. “ Well if you had I wouldn't have said anything your secret is safe with me. “ Noelle always enjoyed a woman who take care of themselves and that seemed exactly what Chloe could do.

” Oh you have beautiful manners rest assured of that , it is nice to see some people seem to lack manners which is rather upsetting.” Taking another sip of her drink letting out a please content sigh with that. Eyes flicking to the other woman listening to her suggestion she would nod and slowly move to put her things in her clutch. “ A walk sounds pleasant I would love a walk with you. “ Setting aside her empty cup and slipping her jacket back across her shoulders , she would wait for Chloe to rise before she followed Yes I have only been here a few months as well , and you are quite right. A women's work is never done , but that proves we work twice as hard as men and can do it better then they could ever dream of. “

[CHLOE TASIA BROOKS]

So far, not weird to be talking to this strong-seeming vampire. Even though Chloe had approached her out of the blue, for no reason other than the fact that she had an air of confidence about her and a gorgeous smile, she was proving to be great company. Her words made the jaguar smile and grin with an ease that the shifter appreciated. The vampire even flirted back with her, making Chloe feel like she was actually accomplishing something positive. Of course, she had no idea where it was going, but this far into it, she really didn’t care. The petite black woman was having a pleasant conversation with a beautiful creature who wasn’t opposed to her company, what wasn’t to like? And all it had cost her was a little bravery and some coffee? Seemed like a more than fair exchange.

’You speak as though you’re acquainted with boredom, lovely Noelle. What a terrible terrible shame. And, um, thank you for the compliment.’ Chloe looked away briefly, almost uncomfortable with praise of a physical nature. The jaguar… well, she didn’t think she was beautiful, gorgeous, hot, any of that crap. She knew she wasn’t a troll, or anything, but she wasn’t attractive. Which was why it boggled the mind that she’d managed to pull Adam’s attention, ever. But she was convinced that was because she was a bitch who challenged him all the time, and ended up being really fantastic in bed. Because Adam… oh dear goddess, but that man was incredible to look at. Like, yum. Above and beyond. Manuka, somehow, managed to pull a large variety of people that were incredibly attractive. Noelle included. Just… look at her. Lovely brunette. Lovely accent. The jaguar let out a soft little, wistful sigh, looking at the woman across from her, currently making a saucy, tiny innuendo in response to Chloe’s comment. The purr hit her ears, making her refocus her attention on the pretty vampire again, grinning. Sure, she wasn’t a cat, but the sound was universal for pleasure. ’Intelligent women can think of a large variety of entertaining things to do with one another.’ Yep, she was flirting right back. And chuckling at Noelle’s assurance that she could have disciplined the barista without fear of retribution. ’That’s awfully thoughtful of you, Noelle. I appreciate that quite a bit. Especially because he’s a naughty little human.’ If that comment offended the vampire, she would know to get out right then, because supernatural creatures who sympathized with humanity just weren’t her cup of tea. So she attempted to say it in a mildly tactful way, like she tried to say most things until she knew a person well enough. But she was rewarded for her ‘good manners’ with another compliment.

’I think manners went along the wayside along with good vocabularies sometimes. Like the two were connected. It’s very sad. I’m glad we agree on that.’ It let her continue her conversation, and interaction with the woman, inviting her outside for a walk, which Noelle graciously accepted, causing a small smile from the shifter as the brunette stood up from the table, discarding her cup and retrieving her jacket. Chloe smiled and held onto her chai, opening the door and ushering the vampire outside before joining her. ’Well, I think that depends, darling, sometimes I don’t have to work nearly as hard at things as men do. Such is the gift of being a woman. So what pulled you to Manuka, business or pleasure?’ A combination of things had brought Chloe there, but it was generally a good starter question.

[NOELLE LISETTE GRAY]

Boredom something that Noelle truly hated, idle hands make idle minds and no good would come of that. While she truly wasn't bored things were starting to become dull for her, you could only take so many girls before it got boring and tedious. The trill of it hadn't lessened or the beauty of them woman but something wasn't sitting right with her. Maybe it was because Katherine was coming soon, that was the last thing Noelle wanted or needed. After her last brisk talk with Lillith her emotions were already high. Then getting off the phone with her wasn't helping anything either, so while she wasn't truly bored things were getting to be stale, maybe she just needed something to add excitement again, or maybe she needed to find someone else to feed from. It had been a bit since she had truly hunted so that could possibly add the spice that was wanted. All of those ideas sounded good, it was just a matter of going about them and seeing if it all fell into place. Although at the moment her meeting with this beautiful creature Chloe was showing promise. If Noelle had her way she would be taking this fine woman home with her tonight. It all would depend on how things played out though, she knew better then to rush anything so she would wait.

A soft smile would grace her lips as she listened to her speak about the boredom she was probably faced with. “ It's quite alright, I usually find things to do with my time, so that I don't stay bored too often or long. “ God that would be the last thing she needed to do nothing with her time, it was already hard enough not having a brothel to run here. Soon though things would happen that would give her something to do , all she had to was wait, like a snake in the grass. Watching as she turned away from the compliment her thoughts would start to slowly form together, maybe just giving this woman more compliments would turn in her favor. Then again it could also have the opposite effect and turn her away, which would be fun for no one. “ Oh then we might need to share our ideas of spending that time together. “ It was nice to be flirting with a woman again who didn't seem to mind it. At the human comment her eyes would roll as well as a passing noise of disgust, why were there so many humans these days didn't they have better things to do. Or at least have some common sense to know that creatures of the dark also lurked with them. Oh well a dead human was a good human in her mind, or at least a blood bag. “ Humans just need to learn their place again and it seems like it is long over due. “ Hopefully with that she would show Chloe that she didn't care for humans much either, and that their was also something else special about the woman she was sitting with.

With her coat hugging her body once again she would make her way out the door with a small smile and taking a breathe that didn't need to be taken. “ Yes woman due tend to be able to work wiser not harder, I am surprised men haven't figured out how to do that quite yet.” Business or pleasure well at first it was business then a dash of pleasure but now it just seemed to be in the middle but maybe things would turn around soon enough to get pleasure back into the fold. “ A little bit of both, but I am hoping for more of the latter to start happening because working all the time becomes dull after awhile. What about yourself what brought you to this quaint little town.”

[CHLOE TASIA BROOKS]

Chloe was well-acquainted, intimately acquainted, even, with boredom. When she hadn’t been in fear or anger or pain during her stay with Roberto, she’d been bored. Dreadfully, agonizingly bored. Lying there, in a cage that was far too small for her, with nothing to do, had left her mind to wandering. About nothing, about everything, her brain took a turn. At first, she had cried, but that had only lasted a month or so. Then, she started doing things with her mind, trying to keep it active. Random long division, multiplication, reciting poems she remembered, recipes, anything to give her an edge, keep her alert. But even that… even that had grown to where she had it all, and there was no longer a challenge. But by that time, her mind had circled back around to escape, and she started watching, timing, calculating and waiting. Waiting may have been one of the hardest things she’d ever done. Waiting and enduring. The woman before her didn’t look like one who had had to wait for much in her life… but perhaps that was because she had always gone out and grabbed it, in a similar fashion to the way she had grabbed Chloe’s attention.

She was striking, the vampire. Lovely hair, soft mouth, soft accent, great smile. And she was intelligent, the words that came out her mouth were articulate and pointed. As yet, there had only been a few double meanings passed back and forth between them, but Chloe was interested enough to stick around for a few more. Or more than a few, if things went particularly well. They were alleviating each other’s boredom, after all. ’Oh? And what are the usual occupants of your time? How do you kill the hours? Books? Music? Women?’ The last was said on a gentle purr, wickedness in her voice. She wasn’t often this forward, but something about Noelle made her comfortable enough to do so. The only other person the shifter ever spoke to in such a way- and even more boldly than that- was Adam. Ugh. She really needed to stop thinking about that man. Really. And she should certainly stop when there was a gorgeous woman in front of her, who actually wanted to spend time with her. ’Well, I’m free, and I’m open to suggestion. We already started with something small, after all.’ She wiggled her cup a little, teasing. ’Coffee, see?’ The jaguar grinned, looking at the vampire from beneath lowered lashes. The coffee had been served to them by the insolent human, and Chloe had to admit, Noelle had a good outlook on the matter. His place was obviously beneath her, them. Another quick swallow, and she voiced her agreement.

’Well, I concur, fair Frenchwoman. Unfortunately, without some combined efforts, such a recognition seems… a little out of reach at the moment. Change, however, seems to be in the works.’ Most of them, the supers, could feel it coming. Something bigger was definitely about to happen. The war was going to wake up in force, and the world was going to know. Still, even with that on the horizon, there was no reason to neglect themselves, or deny themselves the simple things. Like a walk in good company with good conversation. ’How are they going to figure it out, darling, if we don’t tell them how? And I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan to part with that secret,’ she said with a quick grin and wink, chuckling softly to herself as she strolled the sidewalk with Noelle, genuinely amused. Speaking of work, however, she was curious as to whether or not that had pulled Noelle to Manuka. While it hadn’t been Chloe’s original reason for being there, work was something that occupied most of Chloe’s days, and motivated her over and over again. Sounded like it was Noelle’s motivation, too, based upon her answer. ’I think we all long for a little bit more pleasure in our lives to counter the work… I feel you on that one. But, um, originally, neither one brought me here. Just… needed a change. Work consumed me after that. Owning a business will do that to a person, huh?’ They turned a corner, a quick breeze ruffling Chloe’s thick hair, making her shiver just a bit as they continued their conversation.