Underneath (Tag M. Saint-Just)

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny backed away from the door. She wouldn't come out and she didn't want anything to eat. Now what? He backed off. He sat down, his hands still shaking. What had he done? If she were not going to change her mind, then what? He was beginning to see the reality of the situation. She was frightened, thought hm a madman most likely and would undoubtedly never love him because he was a hideous monster. Why would she? He had hurt her and was trying to force her to love him. Now that he could think straight, that didn't make sense. He would never find anyone to love.

Danny was angry and hurt. But mostly, it was self pity. He couldn't do anything correctly. He took the wooden chair and threw it across the room at her door. He grabbed a stack of books and one by one threw them fiercely at the door. He tore one of the laptop computers off of its cords and flung it at the door. By this time, he was in such a frenzy, he wasn't thinking straight any more. He stamped his feet and kicked the table, the wall, anything, screaming curse words. He finally collapsed on the floor and began to sob.

A state of confusion ensued for a while. His mind almost completely shut down as far as any type of thinking. He came to a bit later and stood up. The place was a disaster. Everything was strewn about the main room; some of the things were broken. He picked up the laptop and plugged it in. He was surprised when it actually came on but there was something wrong with the hard drive. He left it for the moment, found an empty box from one of the storage rooms and threw the broken things into the box. He was hungry, but his stomach was upset. He would leave eating for later then. He took a long drink of water. That would help.

Then he set about to fix the computer. Danny had a recovery disk and with the help of that, and some tweaking and even a look inside the laptop to make sure everything was connected, he had it running again in a couple of hours. Now all he had was time on his hands. He wished he had never met Marguerite. He loved her so much but she didn't love him and a romance between them could never happen. He had almost forgotten, having worn the prosthetics for a while now, that he was still ugly and that frightened people. And some people would find out about it and hate him for it. It was a fact of life.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

She wanted nothing to do with him! The more she struggled to keep herself separated from him, the more difficult it was to the point it was emotionally traumatizing.
It was the sound of objects banging against the bedroom door that caused her to yelp in fright. When the onslaught continued and seemed would never end. Each crashing thud frightened her, caused little yelps of fear and made her wonder what was going on. Curling more into herself even as she grabbed something to protect herself just in case that door came apart and the furious beast would charge through and do whatever horrific act to her.
Finally... there was silence. Huddled upon the cot finally as she gripped white knuckled the lamp, gasping for air and finally sobbed. This was an absolute nightmare!

Silence hung about for a while as she whimpered and clung to the lamp as though her life depended upon it. She felt quite feral by now, ready to attack anything that would dare come through that door.
She remained awake for a while but then drifted off to sleep and didn't realize it until she woke up a couple hours later.

She woke with a start and dropped the lamp, gasped in fright while her mismatched eyes darted around the room. Still... it was still. Not a sound.
Breathing a little heavier as she desperately listened for any hint of Danny.

Eventually she rose from the cot and softly moved to the door. She listened for any hint of movement, anything really. She felt a bit hungry and took notice of food and drink in one of the rooms. Perhaps she could slip out and into that room to scavenge?

Silent pondering about nothing but to gain courage left her standing at the door for a while until that courage had built enough for her to open the door and emerge from the makeshift bedroom.

She spotted Danny but said nothing and made her way, as though he was a dangerous dog. She wouldn't even look at him other than barely sideways glances to gauge where he was and that he remained where he was. All in an effort to swiftly move to where the food and water was kept.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny sat back down on the couch after fixing the computer. He felt as if he had no heart left, as if it had been torn from his chest and run over by several hundred subway trains. He was still wearing his pyjamas and robe. He pulled his long legs up on the couch and put his arms around them and his head on his knees. He had taken his meds; he should be able to think straight, shouldn't he? But alas, the stress and anxiety had taken over and Danny, frankly didn't know what to do next.

Here he was with a prisoner held in his rather nice, he thought, prison. In fact, she had locked herself in the bedroom. Not that he didn't have another key to the door. He did, but wouldn't frighten her or take away her privacy by going in. Not unless he had to. And that situation had not come about yet.

Suddenly, a crash from the bedroom. He was startled and looked up. What had happened?

Then, after what seemed an eternity, he heard her come out quietly. There was no light save what she had in the bedroom, coming through the open door. He said nothing, and moved nothing but his eyes. He watched her in silence. She moved to the room where the food was kept. Good. She was hungry and wasn't starving herself. Now he was aware of the growing hunger in his stomach. He could wait till she had left the room though. He really wished he could do something to make up to her. Perhaps make her something to eat. He had quite a bit of food stored in his refrigerator and cupboards, for an emergency, he always thought. This seemed like an emergency.

He put his feet on the floor and stood up quietly. He went to the door of the room Marguerite had entered. He stood at the door and watched her. Then he spoke, quietly, so as not to frighten her. "Take what you wish, Miss Saint-Just. But I would be delighted to cook something for you...I expect you're hungry..." He smiled shyly, hoping she would say yes. He so wanted to do something for her.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Nearly startled by his presence and voice with a sharp inhale as she took a couple steps back, wrapped her arms around herself then lifted her head in defiance. "Why?" Curious but cautious. "Do you plan to poison me?" She didn't say it with a harsh tone, but sounded rather confident and quiet at the same time. "I hope you have more decency than that."
Her mismatched eyes finally gazed back at him. They were glassy, haunting, she was clearly upset with him and emotional. And still... a hint that she might still hold some fancy for him. Of course she did and she didn't want to admit it even to herself! How could she still like him after he kidnapped her and was holding her prisoner? It wasn't the face that bothered her, it was his actions.

She stood there and pursed her lips. "Why do you wear it?" and motioned to the right side of her face with a rather non-chalant gesture. "I know what you look like, why do you hide it from me?" She was a bit annoyed with Danny. Doing what she could to push his buttons.

A couple side steps as she relented, motioned to whatever as though to invite him in and allow him to do as he pleased, even make dinner for them both. "I do not understand why you brought me here, Daniel," she was stern, but not aggressive. She wanted answers now. She needed to leave, but now... she wanted answers. "What is it that you hope to achieve? Recognition? To use me? What?"

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

He stayed in the doorway. He was much more rational now and could see that he had done a terrible thing in his previous confusion. "I...I...never had a wish to hurt you. I was confused. I wanted you here so .... oh I don't know... I first of all, thought you might alert the police that there was a ... monster... or something terrible living in my apartment. And that would ruin everything. I can't have the police looking into my affairs. And then I thought if I brought you here you would begin to love me. To see that I'm not a monster in spite of how I look. Ridiculous, isn't it. I wasn't thinking logically."

He came inside the room cautiously and sat down. "I have been troubled by ... certain... odd moods.... that come upon me either quite suddenly or else creep upon me. I ... sometimes do things I regret later. This is obviously one of them."

He closed his eyes and put his hand on his forehead. "Marguerite, I'm so sorry. I never meant to put you through anything." Then she asked why he wore the prostheses. "I even wear them when I'm home alone, Marguerite. I suppose I like to pretend I'm like everyone else. But I'm not. I'm ugly and at times, I'm mad, out of my mind. You probably noticed that. I'm better now. I'm feeling much better. "

He looked at her quite seriously. "I have never hurt anyone, at least intentionally. I've not killed anyone, nor do I intend to do so." He remembered a couple of incidents where he had got into fights because he was in a manic mood and couldn't help it. He had assaulted people a few times. He had always eluded the authorities. It had been before. When he was much younger, back in England. He had managed to behave himself for the most part since he had come to New York City. Obviously his behaviour had taken a turn for the worse.

"There's only one problem. I still can't let you go. You see, you know too much. You know too much about me. I am afraid you will tell the authorities what I've done...kidnapped you...and that's clearly a crime. And they will come investigating. And I can't have that. I will surely be jailed and convicted of all my crimes. I frankly don't know what to do with you now."

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Simply watched him stand there in the doorway as he explained with such a meek and humiliated countenance. She believed him. Or wanted to believe him that he would never hurt her. For him to come clean with his weaknesses, what he did wrong, and his fears, only made her respect him. Her was quite clear with her reaction about the statement of he being a monster. It wasn't disgust or being agreeable, but one of 'what was he thinking?' for that was not how she saw him. Disfigured perhaps, but a monster? No. Only a monster would be evil and vile and the sort that would be like Hitler or some vicious serial killer or terrorist. But... Danny wasn't like that, was he? She certainly hoped he wasn't evil or vile. From what's she's seen and heard, he was only.. confused. A poor, lonely man who was afraid of what others would think of him... all because of his face. That tore at her heart. Yes, his appearance shocked her, she wasn't prepared for it in the slightest. It was more than a surprise when the prosthetic came peeling off followed by the horror of his nose falling off. Perhaps now, she might laugh at that since one had to admit, a nose falling off does NOT happen on a daily basis. That would be a hilarious gag to pull on some unsuspecting person.
Utterly absurd that he would think her so shallow to go running to the authorities or the media to blab about what Danny looked like for real. In a way... it hurt! She's learned that appearances can be deceiving. After all, look at her past beaus how charming and handsome they always appeared then they were too controlling and ended up to be vile actually, wanting her to do things for them, to say the least. It got to be too much when none seemed to really care about her in the slightest or though she shouldn't be smart, but just pretty. Often they were hypocrites, saying they loved an intelligent woman who can take care of herself. Well, that wasn't true. They didn't really like an intelligent, witty woman willing and able to fend for herself or even allow a man to be chivalrous. None of them could really do that.
She thought Danny would be different. And yes, he was quite different. But then... that difference also brought out his darker side. She snooped about and learned more of that darker side to second guess most of his issues were caused by all the hell he's received since his early childhood. She had to pity him.
Her heart stopped then sank. Ridiculous? His hope that she would love him? She struggled with her breathing but kept it shallow and quick, only stared at him with a partial blank catatonic look.

After a moment, she blinked a few times as he strode in, watched him sit down and never took her eyes off him. She wasn't sure what to do or say. That little portion in her was twisting and even fluttering with joy. In a way... yes, she was infatuated with him. But his actions since the reveal of his true face, had begun to push her away from him. Held as a prisoner was not a way to make her love him.

Yes, Danny had earned her respect. This was no ploy to lower her defenses to take advantage of her or kill her. It was an apology, a plea of dishonor.
And the more he spoke, the more she pitied him, even found a great amount of sympathy for him. She could only stand there, blinking, watching him as he further humbled himself.

She winced and blinked a few times when he stated he still couldn't let her go. That frustrated her. She had to leave! But she understood now his fear. At that, her eyes dropped to the floor. He had a point. Yes, she would pretty much do that and could so easily place a restraining order against him. She nodded in response that he mentioned and recognized kidnapping her was indeed a crime.
For a moment, she wondered if he had committed other crimes. What was it that he feared most? And was there more to Danny that could place her in a terrible spotlight, too?
Danny could be her greatest gamble.

She found herself struggling with her emotions and thoughts. Even logic was out the window when it came to Danny. All that was left... was to simply have faith.
Her eyes closed as she breathed heavily, struggling with her inner battles over what to do. Yes. She would take a leap of faith in Danny. Perhaps... he will have faith in her.

Taking a deep breath then released it aloud as though in relief but not quite relieved at all. So she would take that next step to show him that perhaps he could trust her, to have some faith in her.
Slowly pried herself from where she stood, convinced herself this was for the best, as she moved towards him and now... stood beside him, facing him, looked down at him seated there with a restrained look of sympathy, pity, understanding, and a little bit of love. But there was also those little bits of firm resolve and annoyance that he behaved like this. Not that she wanted to be upset any more, she had to do what she could to gain his confidence.
"Daniel, you have my word that I will not go to any authorities nor speak of you to anyone." She winced, and closed her eyes to slowly shake her head, "I am rather disappointed in you though. Do you think me shallow? That I would be so narrow-minded to draw attention from the public of an accident?" Her face twisted with sadness as tears threatened to well in her eyes. "Why would I wish to degrade you just so that I could draw sympathy from the world?" As she though of it, yes, that would be horrible and selfish and very vile. The pit of her stomach cramped at the idea that a person would do something like that. "I don't know all that has happened in your past Daniel. But... I am not that type of person to belittle others just to gain approval from others."

Her breathing continued to be quick and shallow with her pained face. It was obvious she was struggling with her words and emotions. "You cannot force me to love you, Daniel." Her French lilt was rather tormented and sounded as if it hurt her to say that. "Keeping me here will do you no good." She paused a moment, "If you wish to win my favor," again she struggled with her words, "you must let me go." She wanted so much to tell him that she still felt something for him but... no, she couldn't. To tell him such a thing just might make the matters worse. Or perhaps not confessing to him just make it worse instead of better. It was torture trying to chose what to do. First and foremost she had to convince him that releasing her was best for them both.
"Please, Daniel," her voice meek and sincere.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Thee realization of what he had done made Danny quiet and very sombre. He didn't know how to get out of this situation. Anything he would do would bring the authorities down on him. Keeping her here? Eventually she would be missed and there would be a search for her. Let her go? She might promise to keep all of this a secret, but sometime, somewhere the secret might come out, if only by mistake. Hurt her? He could never do that.

As she said, he couldn't force her to love him. And she couldn't force him not to love her. He left the room abruptly and started pacing aimlessly. His temper started flaring again. He started swearing and cursing in his frustration. He kicked at things and moved books and other items on the table, slamming them against the table. His temper was at one of its most vile and violent points. He knew he had to get away from here and think. He looked at his watch. It was late afternoon already. He took the key which he had started keeping around his neck under his clothes and unlocked the door, calling, I'll be back," before he locked it from the other side.

Now what? He walked determinedly to the service lift entrance and took the lift to his apartment. He realized then that he had not erased his earlier trip up and down the lift. Damn! If anyone saw him in the service lift, he could be questioned and the lift given new codes. Not that Danny couldn't break them, but it would take time that he didn't have and most likely the apartment security would think he should be watched.

Up in his apartment, Danny paced again. He stood looking out the window. He vaguely contemplated going up to the roof and pitching himself over, but he couldn't do that. Not now. He had Marguerite to take care of and he had to take care of himself as well, for she was locked in the office with only Danny's protection.

He began to pace again, then he went down in the regular lift to the ground floor and went outside. It was a lovelyevening, warm and the sun had just descended to the horizon. Danny started to walk aimlessly for what seemed hours, but it wasn't really that long. He looked at the window displays, really for something to do. But then he saw it. A lovely gown that would look stunning on Marguerite. It was of a filmy material over a satin. It was slung over one shoulder and the other was bare. It was a long sheath dress, to the ankles, but the top filmy material was in layers of uneven length, one side shorter or longer than the other in successive layers. It was of a lovely green, several shades from light to dark and a bit of pink gave it some brightness. There were shoes suggested as an accessory with the same colours. It was a designer dress and very expensive, but Danny didn't care about that. He went inside the store and purchased the size that he was sure would fit. The other clothing had fit, so he was rather sure of the size. The shoes were a bit of a puzzle as to size. But he made his best guess, having seen her barefooted. He picked up several other pairs of fine leather shoes in various styles just for good measure. He paid for it all in cash. One could not be too careful and he didn't want his name on a credit card paying for expensive women's clothing to be out there.

He noted the security cams and wold have to hack them to remove his image, a bit harder job than in his own building, but it could be done with a bit of patience. He returned and took the service lift, again hoping that there was no one taking it. It was past working hours now, so he should have no problem with that. He descended to the level of his office and, his mood completely changed because his meds had worn off, he was once again in a rather happy mood. He just knew that Marguerite would be delighted to see the new designer dress!

Unlocking the door quietly, he slipped in and locked it again quickly, replacing the key about his neck and slipped it under his shirt. "Marguerite? Where are you? I have something for you..."

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

She stood there beside him as he sat at the table so distraught and gazed down upon him with sympathy. Even she did not know what to do. Should she attempt to comfort him? Or not? In most cases, it would only play into their twist fantasies. Was Danny no more than an obsessive fan? Alas, she wasn't convinced that he was. He had not mentioned anything about her career. He was simply infatuated with her and enjoyed impressing her almost as if he knew her. Many of the red flag warning signs only pushed her deeper into confusion. What she felt for Danny, was glorious but now... frightened her. Was she a complete fool? When around Danny, she was... different. There were descriptions but she felt the conflict. It both disturbed and delighted her.
Simply put, she couldn't help but to feel something for Danny. Even if it was just sympathy. His life had been a challenging one. But she respected him for the fact that not only did he admit to his fault, but the fact he continued to live despite the challenges and his wrongs. Whatever those wrongs were. Hoping against fear that it was nothing too vile that would cause a major International incident.

She took a half-step back as he got up and departed from the room. A bit stunned, and even hurt. That little bit of her had hoped he would wrap his arms around her waist to rest his head against her bossom and whimper with more forgiveness and relent to her request. No, he did not do any of that. Instead he... walked away from her. Yes, it hurt. She wanted to see Danny as different than other men. Perhaps... she was wrong.

Barely moving from where she stood beside the chair now watching the stressed Danny pace around and become increasingly violent. Her breathing once again picked up, preparing herself for his wrath... perhaps even upon her. Winced a couple times as his rage continued until she had to turn away. She couldn't watch him any more. She couldn't find it in herself to even think of him. And now became dizzy since she was so tense and breathing fast to the point she was nearly breathless.

Because she had not been watching Danny at that moment, her attention shifted back to him when the door was unlocked and he left, shouting back at her.
Twisting around wide-eyed and began to panic. He was leaving her? Again?? With a mad dash as though her legs did not want to move, almost fumbling, raced to the door but it was too late. He had shut the door and locked it. She jiggled the handle, tried to force it to open and started to tear up, "Daniel! Monsieur Lenoir! DANNY!" Then pounded upon the door and jiggled the handle again, trying her hardest to force it up but without success! "DANIEL!!!" She cried out in panic! "DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!!!" She felt even more dizzy, couldn't breathe, and in a deeper panic now. Pounded upon the door again then slid down slowly to the floor as she rested against the door, hit the door with a weak slap and cried. "Don't leave me here," she whimpered softly, began to tremble, with her head rolling against the door pivoting on her forehead.

She remained on the floor resting against the door for some time, just cried and wallowed in her woes. The situation she was in was bad, to say the least. She thought she wouldn't survive the St. Cyr scandal, but she did. So she figured she would survive this kidnapping, now... she wasn't so sure. The world will ask 'what ever became of the beautiful sensation known as Marguerite Saint-Just? She was so afraid that she would never see her dear brother again! Oh, how she loved her young brother! After all, he was the only thing she had really left in life that stood at her side without falter. She and him had been through SO much, most of it the same battles - the loss of their parents in the tragic accident, he stood up for her when others made fun of her, they were inseparable during the St. Cyr scandal, he was her shoulder during breakups and her adviser on tough decisions. He even advised her to go for this new show, and chase her dreams. They resided together at the chateau outside of Paris, mainly because she was barely there it would seem so only made sense he would live there, too.
"Armand," she whimpered painful and continued to tremble to the point she was shaking. The tears were so many that they blurred her vision, stung her face as they streaked down because she had shed so many already that her face was sensitive. She slapped the door weakly and cried while she leaned against it. "Please," the word drawn out as she closed her eyes, sobbed heavily and felt that old feeling she had once before - hopelessness.

She leaned against the door for some time wallowing in her sadness to the point the tears no longer flowed. Her eyes stung slightly as they dried and were glassy to the point everything seemed to glare. She was weak with no motivation, no desires, just... empty. Her breathing was erratic while it tried to regulate and slow. Took her a while to really calm down though.
Silence. There was hardly anything other than the hum of the lights. Not even a train which it had been a while since one rolled through.
All thoughts had now dwindled to nothing from racing and wild. Just like her emotions. There was nothing more than a hollow, empty feeling deep within her, like great sinkhole that had swallowed every bit of humanity and love she felt for life, or even Danny. She no longer had a care that she couldn't believe he was doing this. Everything... just... vanished within that black hole in her soul. It had sucked out all the feelings in her heart, all the thoughts in her head, even her spirit was gone. All that there was now... was a hollow shell of a woman. A lost woman.

Time had blurred by now. Her mind was so silent. Eventually she stumbled to her feet, her glassy mismatched eyes scanned the room as she stumbled along like a zombie. She was now felt a new sort of determination. A need to fight. Her survival was kicking in. She was becoming feral and instinctive. Food. Water. That was on the top of her list. She felt a little sick with hunger. So she sought out the food and devoured a can of chicken and dumplings without warming it up. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she ate and just a little but made her full but she was still so very hungry. She drank three small bottles of water, and grabbed some bread. These food stuffs that Danny had was not helping her stomach any as she felt awful, almost like her stomach was cramping but she brushed it off. She was so used to fresh, wholesome food, well prepared and delicious. To eat what the very poor would eat or do, like a scavenging animal in a trashcan... only showed her desperation and her lack of care. Her will was teetering on the verge of complete loss or sheer strength. It soon came to light that her will increased and she began to wander about the 'office' once more seeking anything to use as tools or weapons. Even try once again to find a way out. At one point she began to take a metal rob and started scraping and picking away at the walls. It would be a very slow process but she had to try. She made sure it was in a place that Danny wouldn't notice easily what she was attempting to do. It was best to leave him in the dark. Again, her sheer will to survive was what kept her searching for anything that could give her an edge over Danny. She found a nice piece of glass - as tempting as it was to just cut her wrists, she couldn't do that. She wasn't depressed with life to end it, she wanted to escape not die! -, the metal rod she would use to chip away at the wall, even if it would take months or years, she had to try. The glass would be a good weapon. There were the cans... paper... all sorts of things that could be used as projectiles. She studied the 'office' to know exactly where everything was. Even to the point she shifted the filing cabinets around to create a hiding area for her. She tore at the curtain that separated the bedroom and the bathroom to make strips of bias tape to tie cans together, to make a type of boa or weapon. Anything that could give her an advantage.

Again, she lost all track of time, worrying about not making her performance would not help her any. She was simply reactionary at this point.
Just as she was wrapping up a couple pieces of glass, where she could hold it and it would cut her, even a metal piece that could be used as a very crude 'knife' like weapon, it was then that a sound at the door and Danny's voice made her tense up and become alert like a wild tigress that had been cornered. Quickly she finished wrapping the piece of glass and tucked it away out of view under the pillow on the cot.
Once her makeshift weapons and tools were well hidden, she straightened up and slowly padded to the bedroom door in a stalking feline manner then poked her head out to see Danny. There was no smile immediately, but the look in her eyes was haunting for sure as she assessed him. Glanced at the items he held, and wondered where the key was that allowed him to come and go as he pleased. How would she find it? She found no spare in the 'office' so that meant he was the only one to have the master key! It had to be on him as he never revealed any key or set it down upon the table.

Slowly she exited the bedroom, gliding almost like dancer or a stalking feline. She blinked a couple times and her haunting eyes melted away into a sort of childlike curiosity. Another blink and that childlike curiosity changed into bewilderment and restraint. Her eyes danced like a hawk all over Danny as if to seek answers from him silently, she was observing him. Her interest had shifted as she had to know more of his weaknesses, his strengths, and what made him tick. Already she was profiling him of what she knew of him already. It would help her figure a way to outsmart the genius and escape this place alive!

She didn't approach him right away, it was almost like some dog uncertain whether to trust a kind person offering food or not. And this showed in her body language.
But soon enough, that Acting talent kicked in and she shifted into a deceptive improvisation. A well played smile cracked upon her lips and she forced herself to look relaxed and open to Danny, even as her eyes sparkled still from her intense crying earlier. Perhaps he wouldn't know that, but perhaps it would work to her advantage, anything to get him to thinking she was submissive towards him. All part of her ploy to lower his defenses and she could over come him however way it was possible.
"Something for me?" Deceptively sounding like she was excited with childlike wonder and smiled with equal deception. "Qu'on me dise ... quoi?"*






Translation:
"Pray tell... what?"

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny came back to the office, and once he had entered, it was not apparent immediately where Marguerite was. She didn't immediately show her face when he called her name. He laid the gifts on the table. "Marguerite, you must be here. Come see, I have things for you...." Then she came out of the bedroom, almost dancing slowly. His face broke into a smile. "What's this?" She smiled and looked relaxed but Danny would have been aware that she was not acting quite normal, at least as she had acted yesterday, before all this drama happened, however, he was off in one of his fantasies again. He felt well and happy again, and although he hadn't forgotten the earlier events, he was back to thinking that it was rather a good idea that she was here with him and perhaps would, after all come to love him, however long it took

"Marguerite! I'm so glad you've not angry. I was a bit upset and I took a walk and while I was walking, I found something I think you'll like." He was grinning like a child ready to show off something of which he was proud. Here, please open them...This first." He handed her the bag with the beautiful designer dress. In the other shopping bag were the four pair of shoes that he had decided upon. "I hope it fits well...would you try it on for me? Did you find something to eat whilst I was gone?" Then his expression grew a bit annoyed. "Damn. I've forgotten to bring us something lovely for a late supper. But I suppose I can whip up something. If you'd rather I go back and order some takeaway.... and I'm not speaking of "fast food," no that's rather too salty and greasy. I'm speaking of something from a fine restaurant." He was blithefully unaware that she may not be impressed with his gifts or offers of food. But he was in a good mood for the moment and he wanted to share it with her.

"And once you've put tried on what I've bought you, I think I shall create a bit of atmosphere so we may dance." He picked up the violin case and opened it, pulling out the bow and quickly tuning the strings. He pulled the bow across the strings, then not satisfied with the tone, rosined the bow just a bit more and tried it again. He looked up at her with a smile. "And do you have a favourite song that you would like me to play for you?" Without waiting for her answer, he launched into a classical piece, a fast Hungarian dance, which made one want to kick up their feet. At the end of it he said, "I have cd's of myself playing with my virtual orchestra. We can dance to them unless you'd rather only hear the violin..." He was glad, she seemed in a good mood.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Oh, but she was still angry. She was livid in fact! However, her professional trade taught her to hide it well when necessary, when to play the part and when to turn it off. One would think she was a seriously mentally messed up person if they didn't really know her all that well or know that she was a professional Actress. And a damn good one at that!
Only a person who knew her well - VERY well - would know she was acting. She was testing and playing Danny at the moment, to manipulate him to her will. The roles were reversing now. So let the battle of wills begin!

A walk? That's what he called it? She was on the verge of meltdown and fairly much did that except in this case, she found the strength to fight back! That survival instinct kicked in.
Not really impressed that he bought her something. And from the sounds of it, he was going to treat her like his personal 'doll'. She was no one's toy!
Hesitantly she took the bag he offered her, to just gaze back at him with a slightly haunted look but a strained smile. When he asked her to try it on for him, her eyes automatically narrowed to brief squints, almost like a glare back at him. Then she took a barely noticeable deep inhale before slowly releasing it.
She nodded when he inquired about her finding food. Even if she refused to eat, she wouldn't tell him. She's feed him lies if it would get him to loosen up around her and force him to release her. Anything to get him to break or slack in his security. Anything to get out of this prison!
Dinner was the last thing on her mind. Lord knows why he was trying to be worried about her, because it wasn't working.
"If you wish," she said in a slightly wry but compliant tone while watching Danny.

He certainly was set upon her wearing the dress which finally she peeked into the bag briefly to see... something of a greenish shimmering color. She was a bit curious to say the least. Most of her screamed not to cave into his demands, but the rest of her wanted to play along with his little game.
Dance? That caused her to recall the other night when they danced, how blissful that was. In a way, it hurt now to even think of it. Things have drastically changed since those tender moments.
Now... to even think about dancing with Danny... it was hard to want that.

When he smiled at her, she forced a smile back. All to create the illusion that she was 'enjoying' herself. But she wasn't. Far from it actually. The fact that Danny had lied to her Company, stating she was ill and will be out for a week... that no one would come to look upon her for a week... it was starting to make her actually feel a little ill.
She hadn't time to really reply to the request. She couldn't think of anything off the top of her head. Figured one that she should suggestion should be one about going home or leaving perhaps? The uppity song that Danny played on the violin didn't spur her into any musical bliss, instead she thought hard of what to recommend and simply watched him play. He was good. Very good. Just as his voice was very good. His artwork was extraordinary. Remembering now the offer from him of painting her was a sad thought. And a very good dancer.... and a great kisser....
She didn't want to think of those blissful intimate moments with him for it would only soften her heart and right now, she wanted to harden her heart against him. Why? Because she felt hurt and used now. He was holding her hostage. A prisoner and no one knew of it!

She shook her head, "No. Just... play, Daniel," and slowly wandered over to the table, picked through the bags of stuff he brought her all while carefully watching him. She was frightened he might try something. After all... a man locked away with a woman... ANYTHING could happen! And if he was obsessed about her, no doubt, she believed, he would try something to compromise her. Again, so she believed.

Another peek into a bag, before she drew out the fine fancy dress to look at it, then folded it over her arm, she backed away to the bedroom where she closed the door and locked it.

In the bedroom, once again she looked at it. It was a nice dress. She tried not to allow herself to like it, it was fashionable but in an awkward way. Typical New York style. Nothing like something from Paris or Milan. She would play along with Danny's game. So she changed into the dress. It indeed fit. Smoothed out the dress and took a deep breath.

When she emerged from the bedroom, wearing the dress Danny bought her, she glanced about then locked her slightly haunting mismatched eyes upon Danny. She was a bit tense. Not sure what Danny will do. For her to play into his hands like this... it was a dangerous venture. Would he keep asking her to do things for him? Would he come to her and take hold of her to dance with her? Or would he force himself upon her in any way simply unable to restrain himself?
She remained at the ready and ready... to fight... if she was forced to. But she was already as tightly wound as a string ready to snap.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Marguerite took the bag, although she seemed to hesitate. Danny thought she was undoubtedly thinking how generous he had been and probably spent too much money on her. But money was no object. She had not seemed to like the clothes he had bought her before this, but those were simply so she would have something to wear while she was here. This dress was special. It was a designer dress and it looked lovely on the model. It wold look even better on Marguerite.

She took the bag rather hesitantly. She didn't seem to want to try it on, but she did give him a strained smile. Perhaps she hadn't been able to sleep well. She was nonchalant about food too. He frowned. Could she be angry at him for something?

Playing the dance tune on the violin made his spirits rise again. He put all of himself into his music. When he was finished, she pulled the dress out of the bag and went into the bedroom to put it on. He smiled with anticipation and launched into another fast dance tune.

Then she emerged wearing the dress. Danny stopped playing and stood there with his instrument in his left hand, the bow in the right. He smiled. "You look wonderful, Marguerite. But of course, you are the one making the dress look wonderful."

"Would you dance with me, Marguerite? I really enjoyed dancing with you the other day and well, I don't get much chance to dance with anyone, you see. I'm a little shy. You may have noticed. "

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Those mismatched eyes watched Danny as he played the violin while she emerged from the bedroom wearing the designer gown. She was feeling a little... violated already. She didn't know why. It was just a dress! But... perhaps it was the symbolism behind it. Perhaps a show that she was caving into his demands and fantasies? Would he take it all to the next level? What will happen to her?
She looked down, not wanting to see his eyes as he gazed back at her after he stopped playing for a moment. Oh, yes, no doubt she was a tempting morsel of desire. And in that moment, she felt like perhaps he was raping her with his eyes. Was he? She dared not look at him to find out and wrapped her arms around herself in a display of discomfort. More and more, she felt uneasy around him. It had nothing to do about his face, but with his keeping her here and dressing her up with clothes he obtained like a Barbie doll! She felt a little sick at the thought. What disturbed her most is that he did not recognize this at all. Was what she felt earlier nothing more than just a lusty desire? Because the more this continued, the more it chipped away at that feeling that perhaps she was falling for him. But now... now... she wasn't so sure.
No smile, just a few blinks as she stepped a little closer, her arms still wrapped around the front of her torso.

Dance? Oh, she could see why he doesn't have much of a chance to dance with anyone! If he does this with all the ladies he meets, it's no wonder! The face... well, yes, it was frightening at first. She was more upset that he hid it from her and yet she supposed she understood his situation about that. But the rest of his actions... especially kept prisoner here... that was what made him more a beast!
She breathed a little heavier. Beauty and the Beast was her favorite story. Was this her version? Was she living it? How could she be kind to a man who's twisted mentally and won't see reason? Who keeps her imprisoned Lord knows where! This whole situation was wearing deeply down upon her sanity.

Admittedly, she enjoyed that dance as well. But... that was before all this. When she didn't feel so... well, didn't feel like she was around someone who seemed to jump out of Criminal Minds or from Silence of the Lambs! Someone who should be on the FBIs Top Most Wanted List. That's how she was starting to feel. Started feeling disgusted with Danny, and disgusting towards herself.
She forced herself not to sneer or tremble or even show any hint of extreme discomfort. She finally looked up at him with a silently haunted look in her eyes, hinting that she was coming to a point of wanting NOTHING to do with Danny.
All she did was stand there, held herself and waited for him to just take her into his arms and force her to dance around this little prison with him and Lord knows what then. She still waited for him to have his way with her. That's usually how it went? Right? But when will he turn against her? When will he find that he's had enough of her and just dispose of her? That began to terrify her. She wasn't ready to die!
At the moment, there's nothing Danny could do that would ease her thoughts or tension... except to let her go. Right now, she was so wound up and tense that she would spring into violent action at any time.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

When Marguerite emerged from the bedroom wearing the dress he had bought for her, he complimented her. But for some reason, she seemed upset. She also seemed reluctant to dance with him. He put down the violin. He was concerned. "Don't' you like the dress? Perhaps we can remedy that. It appears that you don't like my taste in women's clothing. That's perfectly understandable, considering you are a famous model and you must have very exquisite taste. I imagine that perhaps I have insulted you with buying you something you would never choose yourself. Perhaps we can remedy that. If you tell me what you would like, I can sketch it from your description. Something like a police artist." He laughed at that thought. "Only I am a much better artist... Then I can send it to someone who will sew it for you. It will be one of a kind and I shall have it sent to me and bring it directly to you." He looked excited. "Don't you think that a marvelous idea?"

He continued to wonder what it was that she was upset about. She didn't seem to want to speak any more. Was she playing games, trying to make him guess? Possibly, but she looked so sad. "Did I say something to upset you?" He sat down on the couch and pulled his feet up in front of him. His manic, happy mood was leaving him quickly, leaving in its place only melancholy. What had he done wrong? Why wouldn't she talk to him or dance with him? Why wouldn't she eat something? "Did you want me to send out for a lovely dinner for two? I don't know what to do for you or bring you to make you happy. I've never brought anyone down here before, ever. Not even Bunny. I thought sharing my special place with you...well, never mind. It doesn't see that you like anything about me or anything I do for you. Why did I think you would be any different from anyone else? I try so hard but I can't seem to please anyone." Then he turned around to face the wall and put his head down. This was starting to become a nightmare. What could he do next?

Could he let her go and just forget about her? Surely she would have the police on him as soon as she arrived on the streets of New York again. He could blindfold her or drug her to bring her back up to street level. She wouldn't know where the office was. But she did know where he lived. It was a bad idea to bring anyone up to his condo. It was a bad idea to try to have any type of friendship or relationship with anyone. They never went well. Bunny only put up with him because he paid her.

So, what were his choices? There weren't any. Let her go and she would call the cops. Leave here here and she would hate him and be unhappy. It looked as if she would never love him. So what to do? He became anxious with the thoughts of really having no choice. He started to shake and breath heavily, going into one of his anxiety attacks. He closed his eyes and lost awareness of his surroundings for a considerable amount of time.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Not like the dress? It was a lovely dress, something she might wear to some gala, but the dress wasn't the primary issue. It was connected to the primary issue. His obvious oblivious nature was irritating her to the point she was dumbfounded and glared at him while her arms remained wrapped around the front of her torso.
She caught 'would like' and 'police' which is pretty much foremost on her mind! Generally to get out of here! And she opened her mouth to state it, but kept silent as he went on.

Still, she glared at him. No matter how many times she stated it, he still would not get it! She wanted to leave! She wanted him to let her go, to release her... free her! And yet, he seemed as dense as a rainforest and daft as a rock. She couldn't believe that she was falling for him! He seemed so intelligent! So talented! Like the perfect man who she dreamed of. Apparently... it was all a massive delusion.

His composure now was strange, becoming rather childish. Her mouth dropped opened as she stared at him. Finally she spoke with her strong French accent, "Daniel! I want to go home! I want to leave! I must leave! You must set me free!" She took a half-step towards him, her arms and hands splayed out at her side in a dramatic gesture.
As he went on, his words only confused her greatly but deeply moved her emotionally. Now she knew not what to do! To slap him back to reality? Or go to him and hold him? What ever was she to do? Was this a ploy or game? Well, she did read those files about him... and this... was no doubt brought on by a situation he could not handle. She was SO confused!
Finally he tore her apart, she staggered and choked, trembled visibly as she was walking that fine line of both furious and forlorn compassion. His words drew out the greatest dramatic reactions from her.
She was breathless for a while, almost gasping for air. Finally she spoke, her body all dramatically poised, "Daniel!" she cried out to him softly with such deep angst, her face reflecting her voice and just as twisted as her stomach at this point. "Mon Dieu, Daniel!" She swallowed, feeling her mouth dry, "Let... Me... Go!" Then she dramatically gestured to the 'office'. "Keeping me hostage here... a prisoner... will not make me love you! It's only driving me away from you!" she moaned with deep emotion as tears welled in her eyes. "Do you not understand? How can I love a man who behaves like a insensitive beast? Like a monster! It's not your face that makes you a monster, Daniel... it's your actions!" And in that emotional moment she moved quickly to Daniel, to grab his face and ripped off his prosthetic... again. This time... it wasn't an accident, it was on purpose!
"You COWER and hide from me! You... you," she was overtaken by her emotions by now and she wasn't really thinking clearly. She hated that! She was the most witty and cleverest woman in Europe! And this man... reduced her to a blithering idiot!
"You lock me away in hopes of what? That I would love you? Daniel, I was already falling in love with you! But.. now...." her face twisted in emotional pain as she shook her head. "Now.. you are forcing me to HATE you!" And at that she bawled, twisting away from him. It wasn't the fact of his horrifying face, but because he was being a terrible man towards her. He was letting her down in more ways than she could ever explain.
She was frustrated and hurt... and it was now showing. She was still tense like a wound up spin toy, or a mousetrap just waiting to be triggered.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Danny heard Marguerite shouting about something. His senses were not dulled, but his brain seemed disconnected and couldn't make sense of what she said. Her shouting frightened him. Even his thoughts were ragged and did not make much sense. He closed his eyes tighter and moaned a bit, his arms about his knees which were pulled up in front of him, and he rocked a bit from side to side, still on the couch.

Still she cried words of anguish which he didn't understand because of the state he was in. Her voice to him sounded angry, as if she would hurt him. But he couldn't even form a rational thought. They were all raw emotions now as he collapsed into himself. Her voice became as a sharp and screaming pain which would not subside. Then he felt her hands upon his face and she ripped off his prosthetics. He screamed in terror, not so much because she had torn the false skin from his face, but it felt as if she were tearing away the flesh too. His tormented mind only felt the emotion and made the vague discomfort of the pulling off of the false skin feel like a a terrible burning pain in his face.

Still screaming, he fell to the floor and crawled beneath the couch, sobbing. Still no normal thoughts formed in his mind. This was worse than the first time, because, although the first time was a terrible shock and Marguerite had not seen his face before, this felt like something else, like the ripping apart of his mind as well as his face. Her furious screaming only frightened the little boy who had been hurt so much in childhood that it was easy to bring him back to those painful times in his past.

Danny whimpered and sobbed, finally quieting down. But he stayed beneath the couch and was too afraid to come out. How long would it take him to return to normal this time? There was no way to tell...