Street Art

[Raelena St. John]

--open

One of the best parts about being famous is that you can get away with just about anything. In the words of an infamous song "no matter what you do, people think you're cool." Rae firmly instantiated that believe, what with her shady past and all.

And she couldn't walk down the streets of St. Louis without getting several stairs. A rockstar was still a rare enough sight for them, and they had to gawk. Let alone a rockstar wearing a flirty pink and black checked skirt accompanied by a sleeveless button up blouse. A brilliant pink tie slid down the center of her body, and a grin lit her face.

Of course, Rae played to the attention. Right now she wheeled an amp, with a single microphone attached. She would have drawn stares even had she not been famous. As it was, people were beginning to put two and two together.

They hit four about the time the rock star paused at a street corner, kicking the amp into action. She then jerked a small MP3 player out of her shirt pocket, and hooked it up. Soon music could be heard coming out.

Rae quickly snatched up the mic, winked at the closest person and began:

"This was never the way I planned
Not my intention
I got so brave, drink in hand
Lost my discretion
It's not what, I'm used to
Just wanna try you on
I'm curious for you
Caught my attention"

One of her latest hits, though tinged with irony, given Rae's background and confessions. Still, the rock star could sing, and already she was gathering a crowd.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen was in town. Mae Lee's birthday was in a few days, and Cerridwen had a soft spot for the girl, treated her as if Mae Lee were her own child. She would spoil the fae rotten, though Eryk would probably kill her she didn't care.

Exiting a toy store, Cerridwen had at least three bags on each arm, a few bags filled with clothes, others contained toys, while others were simply things Eryk needed for their house. Most though, most things were for Mae lee, and Cerridwen was seriously starting to doubt she had enough wrapping paper at home to get all of these gifts wrapped, and enough ribbon, and boys, and misc. things. The thing with the Corrigan sister's were, they LOVED LOVED LOVED holiday's, Fae holiday's and birthday's. They would not let anyone go,(That they liked or had a close connection with) go without having a marvelous birthday. This being said, Mae lee would just be spoiled and cooed over, and everything else that could make her day special.

Cerridwen's goal, was to try and beat Minerva, more gifts, more love, more fun, Cerridwen knew it was only a friendly competition, and of course both Minerva and Cerridwen were VERY competitive.

Seeing a crowd gather as she left the store, Cerridwen was slightly curious as to what was going on. She had tons more shopping to do, but stopping for just a minute wouldn't be a bad thing. It would maybe give her arms a break. As she grew closer, she heard a voice. Oh...so this was a street act. She got the idea, she was about to turn when she...recognized the voice.

Rae.

Cerridwen smiled and turned and circled the crowed to find and opening in which she could wiggle through. Doing just that, she stood now, in front watching Rae, smiling Cerridwen just watched until she finished and with that, Cerridwen clapped. "Lovely Rae...simply lovely" Cerridwen commented, unsure if Rae heard her or not.

[Raelena St. John]

The song continued as if it had a mind of its own, carrying Rae along with it. Her powerful voice drove it, making it sound truly beautiful. Some people were digging into pockets as if to toss change Rae's way. If she did get any cash, it would simply be deposited into a charity somewhere. The last thing Rae really needed was money.

The lycan smiled as she saw Cerri wiggle toward the front, nodding at the girl. It was always nice to see someone she knew out in the city like this. Though there was always tension between them. Probably because Rae had to admit that Cerri was passingly attractive, while Cerri seemed convinced that Rae was some threat to the awkward arrangement which was Eryidwen.

When the song finished, Rae winked at Cerri. Some members of the crowd looked at the Faerie girl, guessing her to be one of Rae's numerous lovers, the most logical guess, of course. Rae quirked a smile at Cerri.

"'ello lass," she greeted. Her eyes flicked to the packages, and her grin widened. If Cerri was shopping, it was most likely for Eryk or his sister. Either way, Rae approved whole-heartedly. "Ye takin' care o' m'mate Eryk, righ'?"

Rae nodded to the friend of a friend, then gestured at her amp, "Ye have any requests, lass? Have ta give 'em at least one more afore packin' oop an' leavin'."

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen shrugged and nodded "I'd request maybe lunch? If you've got time?" Cerridwen asked. Cerridwen watched Rae for a minute. Cerridwen was POSITIVE, that if anyone even asked them if Cerri was a current lover of Rae's she might just go spastic. She was tired of hearing that question, because CLEARLY she was in love with Eryk and NOT Rae. She didn't even look at Rae with adoration, why would people assume such a silly thing? Wasn't Rae allowed to have friends?

Cerri smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I am taking care of him. Course I am." Cerridwen promised and looked to her bags. "His sister's birthday...and she's just...I treat her as if she's my own, so it's my duty to spoil her" Cerridwen grinned nodding.

Cerridwen looked around as the crowd started thinning. "So...if your up for some lunch that would be great..." Cerri admitted. Alas, it was just another excuse to put all the bags down, that and Cerridwen really was hungry. Her blue eyes moved about, people watching for a minute as she waited for a reply from Rae.

As she waited, Cerridwen snuck a glance at her things. She really hoped Mae loved the things. Cerridwen had tried so hard...she cared about the girl deeply. It was Eryk's sister, she felt like she needed to, and Mae stayed with them all the time, how could she not have a fondness for her? She had bought such precious things, which only made her want to buy more, and more. She was going to go broke eventually and then Eryk would be doubly mad at her, for one going broke, and two going broke buying all these things for Mae.

Oh well. Cerridwen smiled at the thought and returned her attention to Rae.

[Raelena St. John]

"Righ', the wee lass," Rae nodded. She'd heard of Maelee, of course, though she had yet to actually meet the girl. Eryk was probably saving his younger sister from horrible influences, and Rae honestly couldn't blame him all that much.

At Cerri's request, Rae rolled her eyes, "I was talkin' aboot a song. I can certainly do lunch afta I sing, but I ought at belt one more tune fir these folks."

Rae nodded at her gathered audience most of whom were already shifting. Clearly no one wanted to leave, not with the promise of a free live performance from a famous rock star. Still, they clearly wanted to be entertained, and watching Rae talk to some random girl juts wasn't doing it.

"Any suggestions?" Rae asked the group at large. She stepped back to her amp, carefully adjusting the microphone cord as she did so. Again her eyes went to Cerri, and she arched her eyebrows, suggesting that the Fae lass make a request.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen watched her and smiled. "Ooooh. You meant a SONG" Cerridwen said in pretend innocence. "I'm so terribly sorry Rae..." Grinned Cerridwen as she pretended to think about a song. She had one request. The one she always requested when Rae asked her. Rae should know it by now as well. Cerridwen shrugged and stood there, as the crowd watched her, growing more and more agitated with her by the second. "I don't know Rae...I just..hmmm" Cerridwen said bring her fingers to her face as if to portray someone who was clearly deep in thought.

Finally Cerridwen shrugged "I guess my usual, the only one I ask you to sing Rae." Cerridwen guessed.

Rae really should have saw this one coming. Cerridwen was not one for change, and this, well changing her song request would be change, and plus, she liked this one song. "That first one...I heard you sing, when I and Eryk were at the bar..." Cerridwen smiled nodding.

Cerridwen had to admit, out of all the songs Rae sang this must have been the only one she really liked. Cerridwen was partial towards, soft soothing music, where Rae, well Rae did hardcore rock, pop whatever it was that girl sang these days.

Cerridwen waited and watched. Her stomach growled and she motioned for Rae to start, before Cerridwen passed out from being deprived of food.

[Raelena St. John]

Truthfully, Rae couldn't remember exactly what song she'd sung when Eryk and Cerri had first heard her. But she understood the undertone, the suggestions behind the suggestion as it were. Nodding to Cerri, she flicked her own sound system, and soon the music poured out.
The words were soon to follow:

"always needed time on my own
I never thought I'd need you there when I cried
And the days feel like years when I'm alone
And the bed where you lie
is made up on your side

When you walk away
I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now?

When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
All the words I need to hear to always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you" of all the songs Rae knew, this one most reminded her of the relationship between the two of them. It suited Rae's voice, as she perfectly drew the emotion out, pouring it into each word. It also perfectly suited the strange relationship shared by the two Faerie lovers. Rae's eyes closed, and she let her voice lead it's own way through the song, smiling all the while. The last notes trailed away:

"When you're goneThe pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
The words I need to hear will always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you," and Rae lowered the mic. The audience began clapping, all impressed. You couldn't help it, with Rae's vocal prowess.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen smiled slightly as Rae sang. Smart girl she was. Swaying back and forth, she watched for a long while. This was nice. It was great. She was determined to tell Rae. Tell her exactly what was going on. She had a right to know yes? Or maybe she could...just let Rae figure it out on her own? Eh. Rae wouldn't believe if her if she just flat out told her. This had happened before, and then Eryk's father had screwed everything over...and now they were engaged again.

Cerridwen clapped and nodded looking to her ring for a minute and then to Rae. "Brava Rae" Cerridwen teased "Though the pitch could use some work" She laughed and shook her head. "You were perfect like always" She assured her.

"Now you owe me lunch my dear. " Cerridwen reminded smiling as she held out her hand. "Come...?" She asked as she scooped her bags up with her free hand and smiled, expectantly at Rae. As much as she may claim to hate rae, or dislike her, the girl really wasn't that bad, and could be a good friend. She just took some getting use to first. Cerridwen had learned this first hand, and for once she was glad. She was glad she met Rae.

[Raelena St. John]

Rae snorted, "Perfect indeed, o' course I'm perfect, tis wha' I do. Ye play wit' plants, I warble like a bloody songbird."

The lycan began packing up her amp and microphone, looping them together. Of course, she was barraged by fans, and she had to sign a few things, and pose for a few pictures, and kiss a few cheeks. She even slid one number into her shirt pocket, winking at the girl. Nothing more than a peck on the lips though, mustn't embarrass in public.

"Righ', lunch," Rae agreed. Finally she picked up her things and began walking toward Cerri. She waited only a moment for the other girl to catch up before nearly speed-walking down the street. Sometimes getting overwhelmed by loving fans wasn't a fun thing to do.

"Ye have somit in mind, lass?" Rae asked, casting a glance over at Cerri. "I can afford jus' aboot anythin' ye wee heart desires. Twouldnae bother me ta feed a mate o' a mate. Pack takes care o' it's own. 'sides."

Rae winked, "Ye cute on ye own righ'."

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen rolled her eyes. "I don't play with plants Rae...I work, you know what normal people do?" She asked and sighed. "And I take care of them, I only play when in my home...or if I'm with Eryk and trying to impress him you know" Cerridwen murmured feeling almost embarrassed. The way Rae had said it...'playing with plants' it made her just seem so...useless.

Seriously, hello, I'm Cerridwen and I play with plants? How lame did that sound? And Eryk wanted to marry her? Gah! She was always paranoid about this...Eryk loved her. She knew that. She needed to push those dreaded thoughts out of her mind. Honestly, they weren't good.

Cerridwen backed off as people crowded around Rae. Cerridwen honestly couldn't see...what was so amazing about her? SHe was an amazing singer yeah, and she was nice, and sexy and all, but really? Attacking her on the street? Oh the life of a celebrity, one she would never want to live, and thank god, never would be stuck with, unless possibly her magic was exposed, but that wouldn't happen, so it's all quite alright. She waited for a few minutes, my, Rae was getting a lot of attention today. That was quite alright, except for, Cerridwen felt just slightly like an outcast, waiting by the lamp post on the corner alone.

When Rae finally did get back to her though, Cerridwen's face lit up, and all was good again. "I really...I don't care where we eat Rae, I'm just happy to see you, and setting these bags down for a bit would be nice, and resting my arms" Cerridwen admitted sheepishly. "I almost was tempted to fly home...and I realized I couldn't...sadly." She added on at the end. "And you don't need to pay, I've got money" Cerridwen said firmly nodding. "Plus, Eryk would get mad if I let you pay, I'm sure, so that's that" She said stubbornly and picked up her bags again.

"And thank you Rae...er...for that..." Cerridwen paused to think "Special comment" She said still slightly irked out that Rae still hit on her, or said things like that to her, especially now that she was not only in love with one of her pack mates but engaged to him. That, well that was just slightly weird to her. "How about that place over there? Yeah? Chinese then?" Cerridwen asked looking at it. "Looks different...interesting" Cerridwen observed as she looked at the sign out n front. It certainly did look interesting alright. Kind of dark, eerie, but she was just drawn to it. Felt compelled to go in at least, and look around. Very odd.

[Raelena St. John]

"I work, I jus' disnae do it like normal people do," Rae argued. She still grinned all the while. Truth was, she enjoyed what she did far too much to really call it "work." "An' if'n ye really want ta impress Eryk by playin' wit' plants, ye should try jus' wearin' an ootfit o' ivy or someit."

Rae scanned Cerri again, allowing herself the altogether pleasant image. After all, Cerri certainly did have some pleasing aspects to her. If it weren't for Eryk, Rae would certainly try her out. It had been too long since she'd enjoyed a Faerie anyway.

As soon as Cerri complained about the bags, Rae stole them out of her hands, easily shifting the weight along her muscles arms. The lycan managed to carry all the bags, and still drag the amp and microphone behind her.

"Alrigh', here's how this works. I'm rich an' famous, an' I love ta throw m'money in people's faces. 'specially if'n I get ta treat m'friends. Tha's where ye come in," she nodded to Cerri, "I'm gonna treat ye nice, an' ye can go gush ta Eryk aboot how wonderful his packmate is. Fir tha' matter, find some o' ye Faerie lasses an' tell them too. Been far too long."

She headed for the Chinese place, nudging the door open with her foot, holding it for Cerri, "Chinese works fir me, lass. Ye first."

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen walked with her a little before sighing. "Rae, just because..I'm getting married to Eryk...doesn't mean I'm going to let you pay for me...really. It's just...you know awkward" Cerridwen admitted smiling slightly and shrugged. "He's allowed to do it...but his friend? His packmate?" She whispered and shook her head as she lowered her voice. "not so much" Cerridwen whispered and sighed. "Thank you for the offer though" Cerridwen offered a soft smile and continued up the stairs into the Chinese restaurant.

Once inside, she looked around the oriental surroundings and decorations. Well, my this was different. Something she was not use to in the Fae walls. Maybe she would have to convince Eryk to open up a Chinese Restaurant, just to have these really cool decor's along the wall. It was just...so...quaint. Small, and it was just quiet and peaceful. That's what she loved about it so much. How quiet it was versus what was outside, the hustle and bustle of the busy city.

"Anyways Rae, thank you for having lunch with me, and certainly for getting the bags. Maelee is going to be spoiled rotten." Cerridwen grinned as she looked to the bags for the girl. Such a sweet deserved this, and now sh had not only her father and Eryk to spoil her, but Minerva, Cal, and herself. And when Minerva and Cerri did something of this sort, they went all out. This would be Mae's best Christmas, so far at least.

A small Chinese woman came over to the pair, taking the bags from her and then guiding them to a table. Cerridwen silently followed, and once she sat, she looked to Rae, well more like around to make sure she followed. This...was so nice, and the booth's were squishy and bouncy...and so amazing. Ah! They need to get more of these in the Fae's maze!

[Raelena St. John]

At least there was a low chance of a Chinese person recognizing Rae. Last she'd checked her albums hadn't sold in that sphere yet, and if they had, they certainly hadn't done all that well. Which meant that the singer could enjoy a certain degree of anonymity here.

"Lass, I isnae aboot ta let someone pay fir a lunch unless they be tryin' ta by m'favor. So, unless ye plan on havin' me fir a private concert or ye decided ye wanted ta give th' lasses a quick shot afore ye settled wit' m'mate, then," Rae arched her brow dangerously, "I'm payin'."

She let the hostess take the bags, and followed to a seat, rolling her eyes whenever Cerri turned to look. Did the Fae girl really think she was about to be abandoned?

"I havnae gotten ta meet th' wee lass yet," admitted Rae. She rolled her amp next to her seat and plopped down. Unlike Cerri, she didn't bother to look around. "I ken tha' ye be keepin' me from her. Nae a bad idea, really, I'm a horrible influence."

Rae waited as two menus were handed to them, quickly scanning the menu. "So, when's th' bloody date? Eryk willnae tell me, I ken he be worried aboot me throwin' him a bachelor party, which is m'righ', by th' by."

She looked over her menu, grinning at Cerri.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen looked to her and crossed her arms. "Maybe that's it Rae...you've got me. Before I settle down with Eryk, maybe I should take a trip to the dark side and see just what I'm missing out. Hmm?" Cerridwen asked leaning back in the booth, arching her brows just as dangerously in a suggesting manner. "And if this conversation EVER gets out to Eryk then...I will deny it all" Cerridwen added proving she was completely serious. Cerridwen left it at that and yawned unfolding her arms once more and leaning in on the table setting her elbows on the table. Such horrid manners. Eh. Rae would just deal.

"So in that case...maybe I should pay" Cerridwen suggested shrugging and letting a now small coy smile play upon her lips as she stared Rae directly in the eyes. She was simply horrible.

As the topic changed, so did Cerridwen's expression. A serious suggesting expression turned to a soft, loving one in almost two point five seconds. "Mae...I love her." Cerridwen murmured. "She's Eryk's sister, of course I wouldn't let you go within a hundred feet of her without a RESPONSIBLE adult being present" Cerridwen made sure to emphasize on 'responsible' and Eryk, was NOT responsible when it came to Rae, nor was Rae, in other words, Cerridwen was referring to herself. She hardly let Mae out of her sight and when she did it was only for a short while. "Though Rae...your not that bad really, I'm just to protective over both Mae and Eryk...it's a bad habit of mine...I know Eryk hates it." Cerridwen admitted sheepishly. "But I just sometimes can't seem to stop you know?" She asked and shrugged.

Cerridwen took her menu eagerly and grinned at the question. "we were thinking winter...hopefully you'll be willing to get up at the crack of dawn though...because I want to be married during sunrise...I just don't know how well Eryk's going to take that little piece of news...though I've hinted at it, so hopefully he got the big picture..." Cerridwen trailed off as her eyes scanned the menu of thing's she'd never heard of or even seen before. "And you can throw one for him...hell you could throw him a huge party I don't care..." SHe murmured as she scanned. "Anyways Rae feel special I don't want people at the wedding and your apparently on the must have list" She looked up grinning. "Eryk wouldn't stand it if you weren't there, so it doesn't look like I have a choice if you go or not, and I doubt you will either...he'll force you, you know?" Cerridwen asked as the waiter brought them some water to start.

[Raelena St. John]

"Disnae toy wit' m'feelings like tha'," insisted Rae, waving her bracelet clad hand. The charms jingled against each other and Rae frowned at them, as if they'd planned to do that at the exact moment.

Having selected her meal, she folded the menu and set it to the side, locking eyes with Cerri.

"I can understand th' whole protective thin'. I'm a bloody alpha, after all. I'll be protectin' m'pack fir as long as I live," Rae drummed her fingers on the table. She paused as a waitress arrived, sliding water glasses before both girls. Rae quickly ordered, and the waitress waited until Cerri did so as well*, then left.

"Hell, I wouldnae want me anywhere near a kid. I curse, I'm violent, an' I have way ta much sex. Pretty much a poster child fir wha' nae ta do, aye?" Rae took a sip of her water, holding the glass out and grunting at it. Water, puh. She still kept her hand on it though. "I'm sure I'll meet th' tyke sometime. Tain't tha' big o' deal."

The idea of a party simply lead to Rae grinning, and the grin grew wider and wider as Cerri elaborated. Eryk was certain to have a bachelor party now. A private party at a trendy night club, no less, with a famous rockstar as the hostess and as many hot girls as money could buy. Which, in Rae's experience, was quite a lot.

Still, she did have something to complain about: "Dawn? Wha' th' bloody hell would you want a f**kin' weddin' at dawn fir? Is tha' ta drive away all th' guests who'd want ta sleep like normal? F**kin' hell, Cerri, ye ken I have ta be at th' d**m thin', an' ye be holdin' it at dawn? An' a low guest list?"

Rae moaned, sliding back in her seat, "Does tha' mean I have ta bring a f**kin' date? Tha's nae goin' ta be awkward tall. Naeeee, nothin' like bringin' a lass ta a weddin'. Hell, th' only reason I even go ta th' bloody thin's is ta hit on th' lasses there. Tis one o' th' easiest places ta pick oop a lass, a weddin'."

Sighing, Rae turned her glass. "F**kin' monogamy. I bet I have ta wear a d**m frilly dress too."