{The Rebellion}

[QueenofDorks]

Jade tucked the curled strands of hair behind her ear as a minimal distraction while she watched their plates be settled before them, the waitress already scrambling to question if anything else was needed. She glanced to Maddox as he silenced the woman with a hurried quipping reply, the witch further raising her eyes to watch her make a brisk exit. Her fingers clinched the soft cloth of the napkin and draped it over her lap, concealing her dress from any spills and proceeding to pluck the fork at her placemat. "An ideal date huh?" She echoed aloud, a smile twisting at her lips -- expressing an amount of sultry mirth. "Well... a more relaxed environment for one. Not that I don't enjoy this restaurant, I just want to have the opportunity of privacy. Gives the chance of opening up and discussing various personable topics." She mused, shoulders dipping upwards to offer a shrug. "Like I said I'm a romantic. So the cliche walk on beaches, picnics, road trips, a night in that involves homemade cooking and a marathon of movies." She listed absently, suppressing any further ideas. He must've gotten the gist of it by now, romantic and secluded. Carefully she raised her fork to her mouth after scooping up a good amount of the chicken tetrazzini and chewed on the bite, savoring the delicious taste that lingered on her tongue. "Would you kiss a woman on the first date?" She asked daringly, brows raised with the slightest interest of what his answer might be.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox listened carefully, and nodded as she explained the kinds of dates she'd enjoy. That opens vistas of possibilities. Though I'll scratch out the home cooking and marathon movies unless she invites me to the mansion. I don't need my father around her. He thought to himself as he took a cautious bite of his meal. He blinked, coughing slightly at her following question, and laughed, lifting his napkin to cover his mouth as he recovered from the slight startle. He took a sip of wine, and laughed, "My apologies." he noted, spreading his napkin back over his knee once he was feeling more calm. He lifted his eyes from his lap once the napkin was in place, resting his gaze on Jade's face. "I would. If the woman wanted me to." he said, though the meaning behind his words were clearly more directed at her rather than addressing any woman he'd find himself on a first date with. After a brief pause, he took another bite of food, letting his eyes drop from her face to the general area before him as he chewed slowly.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade had assumed her question wouldn't stir that kind of reaction, let alone for him to cough on his food because of her curiously intended flirt of a question. She tittered softly as he had to incline a sip from his wine glass to most likely compose himself, the ginger haired woman allowing the slightest smirk to expose itself as she listened to his reply, sticking to the point on the prompting matter. "Really? I suppose that's good to know then... just for future reference. As in perhaps for later tonight." She surmised coyly, toying with the briefest of ideas within her mind. Her fingers remained in a clinched grasp around the fork as she dined on her meal, more so wordlessly now and indulging in the fewest sips from her wine glass. Silence had managed to ebb its way between them but she didn't seem to mind. Her eyes averted from Maddox, instead observing their surroundings and the various types of people that sat in the vastly large dining room. She wondered if the cause of so many people couldn't help locate her father's minions, perhaps even he had wielded them too be particular scarce around her -- to be less noticeable for the witch and saved only for increased discussions with Maddox.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox let the silence settle for a moment, eating his meal, before it seemed like he was going to go mad with the quiet between them. He dove into different stories, mostly telling tales about the people he recognized in the restaurant. Nothing ever seemed to have a point, except to merely fill the silence as they ate. Their wine glasses were filled whenever they became emptied, upon their request of course, and eventually he set his fork down on his empty plate and slid it forward to signal he was finished. He sighed, and smiled at Jade. "That was delicious. Did you enjoy the meal?" he asked warmly, leaning back in his chair. He had opted to only having two glasses of wine during the duration of their meal, knowing he would be driving them wherever she decided they go after this, or back to the bar. He hoped he didn't have to attend the latter so soon after dinner, but he wouldn't force Jade to remain in his presence longer than she wished.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Despite the pointless stories that poured from Maddox's mouth throughout dinner, Jade still listened, partaking with intrigue and prompting few questions about several politcians he spoke of. Most of the useful information became tucked away into her mind, to be used if need be and when only necessary. She enjoyed her meal, and three glass of wine that emitted the slightest buzz for her to endure but remained clearheaded enough. She had finished a few minutes before Maddox had, discarding her napkin onto the side of her empty plate that sat only with the fork teetering on it's surface. "I have never tasted a chicken tetrazzini that was so well cooked. It was amazing. Really great." She complimented flourishingly, a warm smile settled against her mouth. Her hands daintlty brushed over any creases that were made in the flowing skirt of her dress, ridding of them from the material. Moments afterwards her gaze traveled back up to peer at him, "Thank you, Maddox, for dinner tonight. It was nice. I managed to actually have a night that's stress free from work." She commented, using the term 'work' loosely to express the troubles that came with handling the rebellion as best as possible. "I really needed it... just this, relaxing and talking. Having a good time. We should do it again."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

(Another tick to his familiar mannerisms Stories with no point! xD )


Maddox smiled, "I'm glad you enjoyed it." he said lightly, inclining his head in her direction. He sat up as he spotted their waitress, raising a hand toward her to signal they were ready for their check. He was thinking of ways to extend their time, and grinned as he looked over at Jade. "Do you like dancing?" he asked abruptly, seeing as it was still fairly early in the evening. "There's a club nearby that should be opening very soon. If you care to extend your time with me this evening." he said with a light laugh, looking up as the waitress sidled over with the check. He reached into his back pocket, producing his wallet. He opened it, grabbed a silver plastic card, and handed to the waitress who still held the small black folder that held the check.

 

[QueenofDorks]

"I do in fact enjoy dancing." Jade voiced a reply in return, quite content with spending more further amount of time with Maddox. Ruse or not, he was rather comfortable to hang around with. Perhaps that sense of familiarity he frequently boasted at times helped with that. The familiarity that constantly nagged at the back of her mind, tugging to be thought about; pondered more clearly. But she didn't want to think of that. Not at the current moment. She wanted to enjoy any event she could indulge with the man before heading back home to the rebel base. "I wouldn't mind going clubbing. It's been a while since I last did... but it should be fun, regardless. Just know I'll probably a bit rusty on my dancing skills so don't make fun of me." She chirped, a more proper response to his suggestion. Her eyes casted a glance towards the waitress as Maddox relinquished a plastic card into her care, no doubtingly paying the check with a credit card. The witch stood once things had been taken care of, teetering on her heels as she stood besides the table, waiting for Maddox to gather himself and stand so they abandon the restaurant, to focus upon their next location of the drawn out date.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox chuckled lightly, "Don't worry. My dancing skills are the best either." he said lightly as he retrieved the returned card, sliding it into his wallet again and replacing it into his back pocket. He signed the paper slip, writing in a tip for the woman, and then stood, offering his arm once again to Jade. Together, they walked outside, and Maddox handed the valet the ticket stub that would inform them of which car was his, the boy trotting off to collect it and bring to the front for them. Moments later, Maddox handed the boy a twenty in cash, and then helped Jade into the car. He moved around the sleek vehicle, and climbed into the driver's seat, and soon they were once again moving down the street. The following building, no more than five minutes through town, was another large, fancy building. Only this time, the decor was muted, and accented with neon lights. Music streamed loudly through the open door where two men stood checking identification. He found a parking place, and then climbed out of the car, almost rushing around to get the door for Jade before she did so herself. He smiled warmly, holding his hand out for her, and then walked with her to the doors, sliding out his wallet once again. He showed them his I.D, and they allowed them both entry without bothering to ask for Jade's. "Guess that's the perks of being known by my father." he sighed, shaking his head with a light chuckle.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The drive through town was rather quick, a total of five minutes. She had recognized the various areas they passed, high end locations that usually swarmed with politcians or support groups of their embedded laws -- more of areas were more acknowledgeable, ones that were closer to prisons or politician homes. She weaseled her hair out of the messy bun she had tucked it into for tonight, letting the curly locks down to rest around her shoulder; an attempt to spice up her look for the matter of clubbing. Once secured in a parking place, and outside of the car, she strode to keep up with Maddox as they approached the double doors -- widely open, flashing lights peaking through. "There are a vast assortment of perks for being related to a well known politician." She quipped as soon out of the body guards' range of hearing. The witch kept a good grasp on his hand, willing herself not to let go as they became emerged within the increasingly crowded environment of the club. The interior thrummed with the bass of music, bodies swarmed against each other as they danced and writhed to the beat. It was loud, and stuffy. But the air was filled with a static, energetic and fun. The club had a secluded bar, filled to the brim with customers that desired their chosen alcoholic beverages. She made a note to grab one from them later on, instead squeezing her way past to reach the dance floor.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox chuckled, glancing over at Jade as she commented about his father, and shrugged. "Sometimes. Other times it can be very annoying." he said with amusement as they entered into the main room of the club, the crowd pressing in around them. His eyes drifted to the bar, seeing that was full, and had thought to ask if Jade wanted anything right then. What stopped him was the tugging feeling on his hand as the ginger haired woman pressed toward the dance floor. He smirked slightly, their hands still firmly grasped together, he followed after her. The music was nearly deafening, drowning out much of the surrounding background music, forcing people to stand extremely close together if they wanted to be heard over the music. Of course, there were VIP rooms for a quieter, much more private setting, and he knew he'd be able to get them one. Yet again, his gentlemanly side said he'd only do that if Jade requested a quieter place, and even then they couldn't guarantee privacy. This place was much darker, far more shadows for her father to hide his minions to watch them. He pressed the thoughts from his mind, though he kept their knowledge close to keep from making a slip of the tongue and blowing their cover. As they reached the out edges of the dance floor, Maddox was grinning. He chose to play a little bold, and when he could, he began to dance, pulling Jade around to face him with a smirk.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Maddox hadn't been the only one that considered the thought of John's shadow minions, Jade noting it too. The club was dark, carrying little light -- mostly around the bar and then the strobe lights that passed over the dancing crowds. It was the perfect place for them to linger and observe. Except there wouldn't be much to observe. They were here to dance -- quite happy that Maddox had suggested it in the first place --, and perhaps grab a few more drinks at the bar. Not much talking if anything maybe the slightest comments. As long as nothing else was spoken between the two then things would ensue perfectly. That was enough reassurance to relax the woman, as well as the fact they had reached the edges of the dance floor. The slightest look of surprise casted across her features as she was pulled around, facing him and the smirk that splayed at his mouth. She quirked her eyebrows, giving a "really?" look before emitting a grin of her own. Moments afterwards she began to dance. Her hips swayed along to the beat, her moves light and sensual whilst dancing. Albeit she did put a fun flair to it all as best as possible. Daringly she inclined herself closer to Maddox, arms circling around his neck as she moved her body against him in the most impishly coy way, a coquettish smirk flittering across her lips.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox let out a short laugh, the sound nearly lost to his own ears in the music. It was easy enough to follow the rhythm of the music, and relax in this setting, mostly thanks to the fact they didn't need to speak with their voices, which made it easier not to slip up and say something other ears didn't need to hear. It was amusing to see the witch relax as well, beginning to dance, and sway with pounding music. She was surprisingly good, and the sight wasn't lamentable either. His heart seemed to skip a near beat and then speed up slightly as her arms circled around his neck. but he merely replied with his own titillating smirk. He regained himself in mere moments and continued to dance along with her, his hands moving to rest loosely on her hips.

 

[QueenofDorks]

For the first time in these vast months of fighting against the government's impending laws, organizing the rebellion together with Andras, saving survivors and recruiting others that were too angered by it all, Jade was relaxing. This whole entire night she had barely scraped any thoughts against their situation, let alone the slightest reminder to be cautious with her words. She was having fun, enjoying the time she was having with Maddox -- ruse or not, their date had been pretty damn entertaining. It still was, as they danced together. The witch had found amusement within his faltering composure at her boldly made moves, although it seemed he managed to even smirk in return to it all. His hands settled on her hips was the encouragement she needed to continue, dancing and swirling her hips against him in the slightest motions. Her stamina diminished as they continued to dance to the embedding beat of the music, the witch ceasing any movements and withdrawing her arm backwards from his neck. "I'm going to get a drink from the bar. Do you want anything?" She questioned, having to raise her voice over the beating sounds of the bass.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox enjoyed the dancing, the pounding music finally hitting a slow note to help people calm and and encourage a rest. Though it was still loud, and the bass thumped through the air almost tangibly. He was breathing heavily, but not gasping for air and he gave her a smile at her question. He nodded, and helped press their way toward the bar, several spots having opened that he spotted, wanting to get there before they were taken. A hand still lingering on Jade helping her to follow after hI'm through the crowd. Once they had made it to the bar, he withdrew his hands to himself, offering her a seat before sliding onto the barstool beside her. It was a little easier to hear now that they were at the secluded bar, though the music was still decently loud. He smiled, "What would you like?" He asked, motioning to one of the many bartenders that were there to supply drink to the many patrons.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade was nearly thankful for the pause in dancing, the activity itself tiring all together. She followed ambly behind Maddox, allowing him to press through against the crowded dancing bodies, their clasped hands the only thing that prevented them from getting split up. His touch was warm, and familiar. A certain caring in it that she remembered from long ago, when Edwin was still alive and how he would adore her and every slightest aspect she possessed. Even if it was a touch she yearned for again Maddox won't, never will, compare to her late husband. She suppressed the thoughts of her mind, burying them deep inside her. She perched upon one of the few stools available, her hands raking upwards through the curly strands of her hair as she sighed. "I'll take a glass of whiskey sour." She decided after Maddox's gesture to order, observing the bartenders with her gaze.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox smiled, and looked at the bartender that approached them, small square napkins being placed before them. "I'll have a jack and coke to start. The lady would like a whiskey sour." he said casually, the man nodding and moved about to get their drinks. Maddox turned his gaze back to Jade with a grin, "I'm glad you agreed to come dancing." he said lightly, leaning against the bar. "It's nice seeing you smile and look relaxed." he added as a sort of explanation, though he meant it more as a compliment. Her smile was certainly beautiful, he silently noted to himself, and the relief of stress on her shoulders was clear and evident, almost making her appear younger than she already did. Moments later, the bartender placed their drinks before them, and was zipping off to care for more patrons. Maddox nodded a thanks just as the bartender stepped away, and reached for his glass, the dark liquid fizzing slightly still. He raised it to his lips, sipping at the beverage, and sighed with a laugh, setting it back on the napkin that was meant to keep condensation and spills to a minimum. "Having a good time?" he asked with a smirk.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade leveled her gaze to meet Maddox's, the faintest of smiles interlacing at her lips upon hearing his words. She nodded, "It has been a while since I last relaxed. Tonight almost feels surreal. In a good way." She commented lightly, and perched her elbows against the bar counter in a leaning posture. "So I'm happy you suggested dancing. Means I don't have to slip back into stress just yet. Plus a bonus is spending more time with you." It was an intended flirt, the corners of her mouth twitching to reveal a grin and she turned her eyes towards the bartender that returned with their drinks. She uttered her own thanks, cupping one hand around the glass and raising it to her lips to sip. Afterwards, she settled the alcoholic beverage back down upon the napkin in front of her, and adjusted her posture upon the stool. "'Course I'm having a good time. A great time. What about you?" She inclined the question towards Maddox, raising her eyes back to him.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox smiled, and nodded, "Oh yes. I'm having one of the best nights I can recall." he said warmly. He glanced toward the dance floor, and his mind slipped to only moments ago when Jade had an arm around his neck and the way they had been dancing. He had to quickly move his mind away from that particular memory, opting to reminisce at a more... convenient time. He let his eyes flit back to Jade quickly, "I prefer to think the bonus I've gotten was the dancing." he chuckled lightly, "Spending more time with you was my main goal." he added, a smirk toying it's way across his features. He glanced over her shoulder as a body sauntered past, stumbling and swaying with a drunkenness. Maddox quickly recognized the man to be Burk, one of his father's lesser friends as the older man would put it when speaking of him. He stuck his arm out just as the man was about to sling an arm around Jade's shoulders boldly, "Good evening, Burk. Please restrain yourself." he said politely, with an underlining tone that was almost of a threatening nature.


The fishy smelling man blinked, clearly having had to much to drink, and a smile burst on his face when he realized who had spoken to him. "Doxie! I didn't know you danced here!" he cheered, though his words were hard to decipher with how slurred they were. Though the unfortunate nickname was easily understood. Maddox groaned softly, rolling his eyes. "You're drunk, Burk. And don't call me Doxie. I've already told you that was a name from when I was kid, and only my mother is still allowed to use it." he snapped, shaking his head. Burk only seemed to blink, as if he hadn't heard Maddox, "You've a lovely woman at your side, Doxie. Where'd you find such a beauty?" he asked drunkenly, swaying sideways. Maddox glared, "Get lost Burk. You're scum, you know that? She's a person, not a piece of cake." he snapped, moving to stand, but the drunk man took a step back, laughing. "No harm meant, Doxie. I've plenty beauties of my own. Wish you'd have met my pet before she flew the coop. You'd have liked Trixie. Feisty she was." he laughed boisterously and stumbled off to find some other lonesome girl to sway to keep him company.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade didn't quite have the time to respond, too distracted by the deflecting arm of Maddox's that came to block another that attempted to wrap around her shoulders in a bold manner. The man reeked of fish, the smell pratically coming off him in waves and she crinkled her nose slightly, warily watching as Maddox conversed with drunk in a near reasonable tone. So they knew each other. Perhaps another politician? Though she stiffled, tensing her shoulders, upon the sight of Maddox preparing to stand which, notably, made the drunken political man to step back. Not only was it Maddox's reaction that she found unnerving but it was the name that came from the drunk man's mouth. Trixie. This man -- Burk, knew Trixie. She couldn't exactly question the name, not in public. Though she wasn't about to let it go. The nephlim seemed to have political friends, a fact that had been placed in the dark. A discussion on the matter would ensue as soon as tomorrow came.


"Doxie?" She finally echoed once Burk was gone, sounding out the name that rolled from her tongue. A grin burst out onto her features, devilishly devious. "Oh, I'm so not letting that down. That's too cute to not use, especially when teasing." She surmised with laughter, compressing her grin into a slighter small smirk. The ginger haired woman leaned in, and raised her brows with coquettish coyness, fingers absently toying with the noticeable strands of his hair. "If I may ask, why exactly do you think of dancing as an added bonus? It's what we came to do... unless you didn't except me to dance against you."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox sighed, groaning over the teasing note to her words as she echoed his childhood nickname and threatened playfully to use it when teasing him. Of course, his first instinct was to ask that she not, but something in his mind figured it wouldn't be so bad as long as she was the only one to use it. He sighed and a short chuckle escaped him as he lifted his gaze to address Jade once more. "Only because it's you, I'll let that pass. It's a childhood nickname from happier times when I didn't have to worry about how I acted because of who my father was." he said with a smile, and chuckled at her question. He shook his head slightly, "Okay, so the kind of dancing was certainly a bonus. One that I'm certainly not going to complain about." he chortled, "Then the answer to your question would be exactly that." he said when his laughing had died down some. "But I would have been happy with whatever we had done, as long as I didn't have to return you to your own car just yet." he said warmly.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade adjusted herself back into the bar stool, and released a content filled sigh. Albeit casting aside a glance to peer at Maddox. "I'm that special that I get to earn a pass? Huh. Certaintly a first." She quipped, fingers clicking against the glass of her whiskey sour. Her smirk faded and replaced with a more less of a sad smile, staring at what remained of the alcohol she requested. The slightest movement made the liquid slosh within it's containment, rippling around the reflection it displayed. "I don't exactly want to let this night to end so soon... I wanna relish in this date. The fun, the relaxation of it all. Before I have to go home and resume the stress that I live in." She admitted softly, heaving her shoulders into half of a delicate shrug with a certain absence. "So... if you have any other ideas after this, preferably ones that involve a secluded place, then I'm willing to comply." She offered, words warm and merely directed towards him.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox couldn't, in all honesty, keep his eyes off of Jade as she spoke. How the playful smirk faded from her features to be replaced by a sad smile, her eyes intent on the liquid in her cup. Her words surprised him, and also made him smile slightly, glad she was enjoying herself. Almost as if by habit, he reached over and brushed her hair from her shoulder, his fingers brushing over her skin, and ended with him tucking it behind her ear. A warm, soft smile was on his lips, "Then how about we get out of this crowded place? We can stop and I'll buy us a bottle of whiskey and some coke, or whatever you'd like to drink, and we can have another night like before. Secluded in privacy of a hotel room where no one can spy on us?" he asked with a small chuckle. The words were easy enough to figure on the 'natural' ways a person could spy on a couple, by sight or eaves dropping, though he was sure since she knew what they were dealing with behind the shadows, she'd understand what he actually meant. His statement being innocent enough, and easily explained, something any person would say to another if they were trying to "get lucky" as the term was so generously put in most cases.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The slightest breath hitched in Jade's throat as she felt his fingers across the skin of her shoulder, warm and gentle, even for the briefest of moments before he had brushed the strands of hair behind her ear. The action had been surprising, but one she didn't welcome or imply an underlining comment of warning. In fact, she nearly savored the contact of his fingers against her skin. Her gaze had moved back to him to listen, noting his smile that wavered on his mouth -- lips that she now observed more than other. The witch soon surveyrd her eyes back upwarss to meet his own. "That sounds amazing." She breathed out in a whisper, agreeing to the idea. She managed a finalizing nod, another wobbling smile, and swept herself up to stand, abandoning her drink she no longer desired anymore. Her hands smoothed away the creases in her dress, awaiting for Maddox to join her at her side so they could ditch the overcrowded club, the music pounding out to another widely energetic beat for the dancing bodies that surrounded the dance floor.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Maddox nodded, and stood as well, sliding their discarded drinks together and toward the back side of the bar, showing they were finished with them. He flagged down the bartender, once again producing his card to pay for the drinks before tucking it back into his pocket and walking with the witch out of the crowded club. As more people were filing into the club, and causing the crowded area to be even more packed, he slipped an arm around Jade's waist to help keep them from being separated as they made their way for the exit, and out into the darkened street. He laughed, and shook his head, "Now I remember why I don't come to this place often." he chuckled, and sighed, brushing a hand through his hair and out of his face. He escorted Jade back to the car, opening the door for her as he had done when they had met up at the Crow. "Ladies first." he smiled, allowing her to get into the vehicle before closing the door and walking around to the driver's seat. It wasn't long after they had stopped at a liquor store, and then returned to the same hotel where they had met up previously.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jade couldn't help but feel fervently relieved as soon as they exited the growingly stuffy club, the night's cool air a welcoming feeling against her skin. Her heels clicked softly against the asphalt as she allowed Maddox to escort her back to the door, sliding into the passenger seat of his car. After the short stop at the liquor store, they soon arrived at the hotel they had previously been at. She eased her seatbelt off and casted a brief glance at Maddox. "I can pay for our hotel room. It's the least I can do after all you've done for me tonight." She mused, producing her wallet from where she had tucked it away in the compartment console of the car. She trifled out her ID, notably known under a different name, and a wad of bills she carried on whim. "Accept it as my way of thanking you for helping me let loose tonight." She concluded with a flashing smile, evidently expecting little to none argument from the man. The witch climbed out of the car and onto the sidewalk, closing the side door before sauntering into the warmly lit lobby of the hotel, curtly greeting the woman behind the desk.