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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 9:59:32 GMT -5
*He knew he should stay away. That is, it seemed only logical to avoid places he'd find Valerie Lambert, and that she would be likely to show up in the same places over and over. His favorite coffee house being one of them.
But it was his favorite, damn it, and he wasn't about to leave it to her. What right did she have to take his spot?
When he got there--a copy of La Nouvelle Heloise under his arm--he cursed himself for conjuring her with his traitorous thoughts. But he was prepared. She would not chase him out. And her behavior from the other night would be returned in kind.
Valmont sat at a table without looking at Valerie. She didn't look as she had the other night, frothy and pink and surrounded by callow fops. She looked herself. Valmont put the strange twinge in his gut down to his hatred of her and read his book.*
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Post by Valerie on May 6, 2008 10:02:32 GMT -5
*As a passing waiter stumbled, dropping a cup of fresh espresso onto Valmont's immaculate suit, Valerie looked up at the commotion for the first time, concern creasing her brow for a moment before she saw who the victim was and instead made no effort to hide her grin of amusement behind her book.*
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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 10:28:51 GMT -5
((Oh no you didn't!))
*Valmont glared at the waiter. He'd have his job for this. Did he have any idea how difficult it was to get espresso out of cream silk? He'd probably fire his cleaner, as well.
The man babbled an apology, mopping ineffectually at Valmont as Valmont tried to wave him away.*
"Leave off, man!"
*He could not help but steal a glance at Valerie, who was clearly entertained. Well. Not above recognizing him if it provided amusement, hmm? He was torn between confronting her and ignoring her entirely.
Only it wouldn't hurt her, would it? He could ignore her for the rest of his life and she would find only satisfaction in the state of affairs. On the other hand, her campaign to torment him had to be intended to wind him up, which meant reacting to her was out, as well.
Infernal girl.
He decided on a tactic of cool acknowledgment. Rising, he offered the waiter a final glare and then turned to Valerie. He inclined his head, his expression the noncommittal half-smile reserved for the barely-known.
On his way out, he collared the manager and demanded the waiter's dismissal, which he was assured would be effected immediately.*
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Post by Valerie on May 6, 2008 10:44:17 GMT -5
((Stop whining. All you need is something to lift oil-based stains and then once it dries you can beat the espresso sediment out of it.))
*Valerie checked her pocket watch and noticed she was late. She paid her bill and left to return to the library, noticing Valmont still stood on the sidewalk grimacing at the stain on his suit.*
"Vinegar will take that out, you know," *she said helpfully even as she raised a hand to hail a cab.*
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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 10:54:01 GMT -5
((OMG godmoding! Just kidding.))
*Valmont glanced at Valerie, surprised at her address. She was being... helpful, now? So her plan was to drive him crazy?*
"I'll be sure to tell my maid," *he said dryly.*
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Post by Valerie on May 6, 2008 11:46:19 GMT -5
((I godmoded some coffee into your lap and not a peep outta you. Now I make you stand still for two seconds and suddenly I'm oppressing you? ![:P](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/tongue.png) )) "Wouldn't hurt to try doing it yourself. You'll appreciate it more," *she replied with equal trenchancy. A cab stopped and she gestured for him to get into it.* "Step inside. You'll embarrass yourself less." *She turned to begin walking back to the library.*
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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 11:59:48 GMT -5
((I meant to mention it then but I thought I might dissuade you. Then I couldn't resist. But I don't mean to dissuade you.))
*He wondered which utterance offended him more--the one directing him to clean his own clothes, or the one about embarrassing himself. He wasn't going to call after her, or give chase.
He was done. Finished. He'd had her, and he'd forgotten her. Moved along to... Well, to insults and vapid virgins. She was the one who couldn't let go, who kept following him around.
Stupid coffee.
Valmont did not take the cab, but made an effort to clear his mind by walking, stain be damned. He was Valmont, and by definition therefore could not be out of fashion.*
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Post by Valerie on May 6, 2008 12:23:12 GMT -5
((I kid, I kid.))
*Valerie realized her bag was surprisingly light and found she'd forgotten her book back at the cafe.*
"Merde," *she muttered, turning back abruptly only to knock boots shoulders with Valmont.*
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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 14:06:29 GMT -5
*Valmont rolled his eyes and turned to snap at whoever had nudged him, but his mouth snapped shut instead.*
"Come to taunt me with your indifference yet again? It won't work, you know."
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Post by Valerie on May 6, 2008 15:52:16 GMT -5
"Don't flatter yourself. I forgot my book. And when I taunt you, be assured there will be the purest possible form of spite behind it, so do not assign me the idiocy of indifference."
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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 15:57:45 GMT -5
"Then you should try harder," *Valmont said, stepping aside.* "Last night's performance was beneath you. I much prefer the open scorn. Which one did you go home with, hmm?"
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Post by Valerie on May 6, 2008 15:59:49 GMT -5
*Valerie turned to him with a raised eyebrow.*
"What in God's name are you ranting about?"
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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 16:28:43 GMT -5
*Valmont sighed. There went that plan.*
"I wasn't going to call you out on your silly little game, Mademoiselle Lambert, but pretending one doesn't know one is a very childish thing to do. I expected something much more interesting from you, and frankly, I'm disappointed."
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Post by Valerie on May 6, 2008 16:33:39 GMT -5
*Valerie crossed her arms across her chest and did that thing where she locks her knee and Dane Cook says there's no way in hell any man can win this fight, now..* "Oh, really? And when was all this, did you say?" ((The bit I'm referencing really begins around 2.40.))
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Post by Valmont on May 6, 2008 16:38:35 GMT -5
"You know very well," *Valmont said smoothly, but with an undercurrent of irritation. He felt strange around her and he didn't like it.* "Last night. Pink is not your color, by the way."
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