These Lights Can Blind You

[Alistair Holmes]

Few places in the world managed to draw that calm, familiar comfort attached to an environment for Alistair Holmes like the cold, bright lights of the city that never slept. Even now, nearly a year since he'd last walked it's well worn sidewalks, it still stirred that settled in warmth of familiarity. The signs may change, the adverts plastering the subway and lighting up Times Square may shift and change with the days, but New York's base blueprint remained the same... And Alistair could trace it's lines as easily as the ones that ran on the back of his hand.

The bodyguard hummed softly, his eyes casting over the bright lights of the cityscape below him, the dark touch of the winter's evening making them appear all the brighter. He sighed, his brow furrowing as he turned from the glass of the window; It wasn't that he regretted the destination that Selina had chosen, but more the bodyguard felt... Out of place, in a city where he felt at home. It had been some time since Alistair had been out of company with his employers; While he had been sent over the years to various locations without them, it had always been under the Conner title... This however was not that, but a formal leave of duty for a few weeks... Which left Alistair understandably uneasy. He wasn't used to not being in the work mentality, and frankly so far was finding the entire thing more of an annoyance then any sort of relaxation. While he was certain Drew's forced holiday upon him was meant well, Alistair honestly felt as though his time could be better spent back in Kalispell.

His fingers ran over his chest, buttoning up his formal shirt, the bodyguard adjusting his cuffs with the effortless skill that comes with well used action. The Nicholas New York hotel held rooms offering simple, modern elegance, and seemed the ideal choice to fit in with Alistair's tastes and Selina's comfort. As the bodyguard made his way across the suite, he plucked his tie from the bed, where his finely cut suit jacket lay laid out. With a further intake of breath and a sigh, Alistair caught his reflection in the large bedroom's large mirror, flicking up his collar in order to slip the black trail of fabric around his neck. He wasn't certain when his companion would be ready... And while he enjoyed each moment he spent in Selina Taylor's presence, he still felt as though this entire upheaval from Kalispell for the sake of a "vacation" was utterly unnecessary. Alistair tied his tie with expert hands, before turning down his collar, glancing over to where his phone rested on a coffee toned sidetable, the display gleaming the time. It was almost their earlier established meeting time... He did hope Selina wouldn't be late.

[Selina Taylor]

    Selina knew just how dedicated Alistair was to his work, but that was a large part of the reason she’d been so eager to draw him away from it. There was so much more to life than their job, and she wanted Alistair to be able to genuinely relax and have a good time. Besides, he had done so much for her over the years, she wanted to be able to do something for him in turn. The fact that he’d been so kind as to pick a place that she knew probably wasn’t his first choice for the sake of her comfort, made her even more determined to make this something he wouldn’t think of as a waste of time.

    She glanced at herself in the mirror, her long dark hair down and natually framing her face, the sleeveless floor length dress she’d chosen a deep blue in color. The backless garment had a low neckline, but nothing too daring… she hoped. Selina had tried to pick out something tasteful, but still something that she liked and would feel comfortable in. She almost never wore dresses like this though, as even when she was attending formal events with the Conners, she always made sure she had freedom of movement and that the dress was practical over everything else. Tonight, however Selina had no job to worry about so she’d been allowed to wear what she liked… which felt a little strange. She’d taken what time off that she was allowed over the years, but most of that time had been spent with her family and close friends, none of which she’d ever dressed quite this well for.

    Selina slid on a simple delicate silver bracelet, and felt a slight tinge of… self-consciousness? Butterflies in her stomach were not a normal occurrence for Selina, and the feeling was almost foreign. Then, she’d never cared much for what others thought of her, but Alistair was different. She cared quite a bit about his opinion of her, as she respected him and had worked hard with the hopes of earning some level of that in return. Working with him in the field and relaxing in a casual bar was one thing though, going out with him like this was completely different.

    He had been born to class, style and elegance and she… hadn’t. Selina usually didn’t let it bother her much, mostly because she’d always been far more concerned with her job than with her attire… but tonight, she wasn’t on the clock. Selina took a deep breath and gave herself another cursory glance, briefly noting how her dangling silver earrings glinted in the light, and despite herself, Selina smiled. She felt pretty at the very least. She glanced down at her phone and swore as she noticed the time. Placing her phone in a small purse that matched the color of her dress, Selina made her way out the door and over to Alistair’s room grateful she still had roughly two minutes left before the time they’d set.

    Knocking on his door, she took a breath and steeled her nerves. Selina wanted this to be a good experience for him... and her being late wouldn't have been the greatest way to start.

[Alistair Holmes]

He didn't suppose she would be late. The Conners did not take lightly to misjudgements in timing, and while granted this was supposed to be a break from the usual strict code they lived by, he couldn't help but expect at least that would carry over. Having taken in the time, the bodyguard gave a soft sigh, forcing his gaze from the screen and moving to the bed where he took hold of his suit jacket. Alistair still could not shake the feeling that his entire upheaval was more of a hinderance then anything else. As much as he felt the need to check on the wellbeing of Drew and his family, he knew doing so would only further cause the CEO to urge him to take it easy.
Taking it easy wasn't generally in Alistair Holmes's description.
He smoothed out the material, which was of course already near seamless. He slipped it on, shrugging his shoulders and adjusting it as the garment fit to his form perfectly. He turned slightly, catching the mirror in the corner of his eye.

Alistair took a brief moment as he gently tilted his head slightly to one side, taking in his appearance. It was an all too familiar reflection; Clean cut. Smooth lines. Even out of the restraints of work, his suits were a part of him. A small smile crossed over his lips as he buttoned it up with quick hands, giving a further gentle sigh; He knew he should embrace this small respite given to him so graciously by his friend, and at the very least he wanted Selina to enjoy her time here... She deserved it. Since their talk back in the bar in Kalispell, the bodyguard had been growing steadily more concerned for the young woman he'd taken under his wing.
She had not shown the fragile glass of herself that lay beneath her surface since that moment, and weather she was trying purposefully to hide it or his words had truly steeled her, Alistair was unsure. He knew she respected him, and from that he knew she would taken some weight from his words... And yet she had still attempted to push him away, to distance herself emotionally, by offering for him to spend the night with her. She was far from addressing and accepting everything that had happened to her just yet.

A knocking brought him from his thoughts, and the bodyguard snapped his gaze to the door, crossing the short distance to open it. Alistair stood a moment, a warm smile finding it's way onto his expression.
There stood Selina Taylor, her hair trussed in soft dark waves, the blue dress lining her figure as though it was made of fluid rather then material. She looked different... A step back from the stern, practical look of a bodyguard, Selina... There was a softness to her. An elegance. Selina was stunning; But then, she always had been.
"Well. Don't you scrub up nice, eh?" He teased with a raised brow, before his expression softened. "You look stunnin' Miss.Taylor. Seriously."

[Selina Taylor]

    Selina’s mom had always impressed upon her that ten minutes early is five minutes late when regarding anything to do with a job, so Selina felt a bit guilty about taking such time getting ready, but her thoughts fell away as Alistair opened the door. He always cut a striking figure, his suave gentility and sophistication evident in everything he did, but tonight he appeared even more devilishly handsome than usual.

    Selina grinned at his teasing question, her eyes sweeping over his finely chiseled physique, “As do you,” she responded easily with a flirtatious undertone lining her words. As Alistair turned more serious however, Selina felt her usual affectation of casual confidence slip. She could banter, flirt, and talk sex all day, but when people gave her genuine compliments without playfulness or expectation lingering in their tone, Selina had no idea how to react to it.

    Selina glanced down and felt her face flush, “Ah- thank you, Mr. Holmes,” she replied, her voice softer and far less assured than normal. He’d found a chink in her armor that she had yet to harden, and she almost felt vulnerable…. Shit, Selina almost never blushed, and now here she was in front of Alistair looking like a goddamn… Selina took a breath and deliberately focused on something far less embarrassing, “Shall we?” she asked, forcing her gaze to meet his piercing hazel eyes.

    She had no idea where they were going, as she’d never been to New York before, and Selina was curious about where he was taking her so she purposefully forced her thoughts onto the subject, not that it was all too difficult. She was genuinely interested in seeing the place, and as a bonus, the focus helped her to regain her composure. Selina’s brief slip would soon be but a memory to be forgotten… hopefully.

    Avoidance and changing the topic. She was so predictable in some ways, but Selina wasn’t one to linger on shaky ground. Sometimes the habit resulted in her merely setting herself up for a harder fall later, but Selina didn’t focus on that either. She knew her strategies weren’t exactly foolproof, but they’d worked well enough. Sort of. Selina knew she still had a long way to go, but there would be time for that later. For tonight, she would enjoy the time she had with Alistair and see if she couldn’t convince him to savor what time they had away from work.

[Alistair Holmes]

Alistair had grown used to preparing for prestigious events in his time working for the Conners, although granted his attire did not differ too greatly from his usual day to day wear, he'd developed a rapid preparation time. Not that he minded too greatly had Selina been a touch overdue; She deserved to take her time... This was her break from the strain of the work they undertook more then his. At least to him.

His teasing comment brought a heated undertone to her voice, and an amused smile to his own lips. Alistair had always taken delight in their playful teasing; Selina was a woman who met each comment he dealt effortlessly. It was almost as though the fragile quiver in her usually steeled manner had never occurred... The bodyguard was fairly certain she'd like for him to forget about the incident, to let her shaken words pass over with no more comment; But that was something Alistair had no intention on doing. He cared for her... He wouldn't let her faultier, not when she deserved to own the past that plagued her.
Not that he intended to bring it up now. This was... Her respite. He wasn't about to take that from her.
Her reaction to his genuine compliment however aroused a slightly quirked brow from the bodyguard, a gentle tilt of his head.
The warm flush which seeped into her cheeks felt so distinctly out of character for the hardened Selina that it softened Alistair's expression instantly; The momentary soft heat in her face may have been unlike her, but if anything, it enhanced her elegance, her beauty; Everything she was. Instead of making some teasing comment on her reaction, Alistair instead gave her a warm smile.
It also seemed to cause a now unfamiliar warmth to stir in his chest, which he quickly ignored as their gaze met; The last thing he needed was unnecessary complications.

"Heh... Just hold on a moment, kid," The bodyguard smirked, turning from the doorway to slip back into his room. His long, black winter coat lay across his bed; Selina seemingly hadn't taken the harsh New York winter into consideration, and knowing what he'd decided to put it place for the evening ahead, she was going to need thicker clothing. He took hold of his coat, returning to his companion and sweeping it round her form, draping it over her shoulders. "Don't want ya freezin' to death... The New York winter ain't exactly forgivin'." 

[Selina Taylor]

    Selina was a bit surprised he didn’t tease her for her reaction, but she was grateful as well. She did pick up on the change in his expression out of the corner of her eye, and she felt… she wasn’t certain. Selina was always a bit stunned on the rare occasions when she noticed that people cared. It was a good feeling, and warmed her in a way she didn’t expect, she was merely unsure of how to respond to it. However, a small smile that she couldn’t hide crept onto her face and she found herself wondering if her blush had deepened further. Her face certainly felt hot enough.

    There was also something else that laid just underneath the surface which Selina couldn’t quite identify... She swiftly wrote it off as part of the general unknown of being in a situation that she wasn’t at all familiar with and shoved it down to be managed at another time. Dealing with emotions wasn’t exactly her strong point, if what she felt was even an emotion to begin with. Selina refocused her thoughts relatively quickly.The skill of diversion, even when regarding her own mind, had been necessary in the past and it still served her well.

    Selina was slightly puzzled when Alistiar went back into his room, but understanding dawned when she belatedly realized she’d forgotten her coat. When he gave her his own, she offered him a warm smile of gratitude, “Thank you. I realized the time and was in such a rush I completely forgot that it wasn’t quite as warm outside as it is in here,” she offered a bit sheepishly. Honestly, his coat was warmer than her own, so she didn’t mind the switch up in the slightest… Besides, it had pockets. Selina had a weakness for clothing with practical pockets. If anyone ever bought her anything with pockets that still looked fashionable, they instantly became a friend.

    Selina pushed her arms into the sleeves and grinned up at him, “You’d think I’d have learned after living in Montana for four years,” she added with a rueful half-smile. The winters certainly weren’t much kinder in the mountains, but perhaps she could be forgiven. Alistair hadn’t seemed to mind her mistake a great deal. Selina paused as she studied him for a brief second. She could still easily slip into her own room and take what she needed… “You’ll be okay without it?” she asked as she indicated the coat.

[Alistair Holmes]

Alistair found he was wondering even himself why he hadn't opted for his usual reaction of a teasing remark when Selina's cheeks flushed. It would have been the perfect moment for a sly, mischievous comment... If it had been anyone else but her. Alistair couldn't recall another incident when he'd seen her blush; It felt rare. Almost an honour, that he'd been witness to seeing a softer side to the young woman he'd taken under his wing.
A small, faint smile crept onto her delicate lips and the warmth in her face appeared to deepen... And what a stunning tone it gave her complexion.
The heat Alistair felt somewhere in his chest flared, an emotion he battered down violently in the moments it took to take hold of his coat and return to his companion. A man who prided himself on controlling his emotions, Alistair had contended with this before. Beat it down hard enough and it would merely simmer beneath the surface; Unknown. Unheard. It worked before... Why wouldn't it now?

The bodyguard stepped back, tilting his head slightly and smiling at the young woman. "No, no," He commented, before waving a hand at her with a small chuckle. "Miss.Taylor, this is my town. New Yorkers are kinda born immune to the cold o' this city." A little twist of the truth perhaps, but Alistair had spent most of his life in New York and Montana... So he was used to the cold. Being able to manipulate his blood to keep warmer was another factor; It wasn't as though they were going to spend the entire night outside either. Either way, he was more then happy for Selina to use his coat.
He stepped forward, smirking. "Besides, it looks good on ya," He then turned, locking his hotel room door, before turning to his companion. He delved into his suit jacket pocket, retrieving his leather gloves. "... You know as well as I do kid that this ain't exactly my idea of a vacation," He commented, his tone softer as he pulled on his well fitted gloves. "But I'll be honest...
I'm glad I got ta endure with ya." He then gave a nod to the modernly decorated hallway of the hotel, which led to the elevators. "Shall we, Miss.Taylor?"

[Selina Taylor]

    Selina laughed as Alistair mentioned immunity, “Well, if you ever find the chill getting to you, I’m more than willing to share the heat,” she offered, a confidence returning to her tone as she grinned up at him. Solid ground, she’d found it again. She could do this... And if she were completely honest, she didn’t mind that Alistair was aware of the fact that she wasn’t cold, hard steel all of the time. He hadn’t yet betrayed her trust, and she was almost relieved she didn’t have to constantly be on guard. Not that she would suddenly let her guard down for no reason, but it was nice knowing that if she did, she wouldn’t end up regretting it… as much.

    As he complimented her, this time Selina smiled up at him and gave a turn as if she were on a catwalk, “Why thank you, good sir,” she offered playfully in response. Selina was quick in recovery, and she almost felt normal again… almost. There was something a bit less reserved in her manner, hardly noticeable even to someone who would know her well, but she suddenly didn’t feel quite so reticent as she usually did.

    Selina’s expression sobered slightly as she listened to him and nodded, well aware of how he felt about this trip. She wondered what would be a fun vacation for him, or if he even knew. When he said he was glad he was with her though, she almost blushed again. The hell was wrong with her? “Thank you. I’m glad you’re willing to be here with me as well,” she replied sincerely. “Even if this isn’t ideal, I still want you to be able to enjoy your time off,” she admitted as she looked up at him.Part of her had been worried he’d resent her for this, but she had also genuinely wanted him to be able to have a good time and relax without having to worry about work for once. Time away from work like this was rare for the both of them, and she hoped to make the best of it.

    Selina offered him a smile and nodded, “Of course,” she agreed as she made her way down the hall with him. “Can I ask where we’re going?” she questioned in interest.

[Alistair Holmes]

Her playful comments returned with full vigour, the heated undertone all too pleasantly familiar. What crack his comment had found in her armour was quickly patched up; Likely with her usual metaphorically thick steel walls. Still... The moment he'd seen the softer side to Selina Taylor he knew, despite himself, would be one he would hold close to him. Selina rarely allowed anyone in close enough to see the parts of her she so desperately hid... For fear of being hurt, of being judged... And knowing she held his trust so highly, enough to let Alistair see the gentler parts of her emotions... It meant more then perhaps he could put into words. He found a laugh escaping from him at her little turn, an amused smile dancing on his lips. "Kid, you would own any catwalk," He commented, before following her lead down the hallway. His companion then turned to slightly more serious conversation, stating that she wanted him to enjoy his time off as much as she did, that she was glad he willingly came with her.
Alistair hummed softly in response, glancing to the young woman at his side; Under most circumstances, he would have politely declined Drew's offer... Or at least insisted on remaining in Kalispell.

But as soon as Selina found out about the offer of an all expenses paid trip... She'd seemed so enthusiastic. She wanted not only to go away for their holiday break, but wanted to spend it with him... The whole idea felt more... Bearable. Alistair had come for her, because she'd asked it of him. All she'd done was ask, and something Alistair would have usually avoided like the plague became something he simply had to do. He couldn't deny he also throughly enjoyed the time he spent with her.

"Hmm, that would be tellin'," He responded lightly, giving Selina a knowing smile. "But I'm just hopin' ya like it... I ain't used to plannin' vacations, but i do know the best way to see my city." He led her to the elevators, which were styled in the same manner as the rest of the hotel; Elegant, yet modern. Simple, stylish. A rushed decent in the mirrored lift led them to a stunning large lobby, guests going about their business as hoteliers worked at a rapid pace to check people in and out; The time of year was perhaps the most hectic for New York, as it prided itself on being a destination of choice for the holiday season. With casual sophistication, Alistair gave a polite nod to one of the receptionists, who gestured beyond the doors of the lobby with a well used grin which oozed customer service. They were right on time... As Alistair had hoped.
"... Ya know, this place ain't the easiest to get around in," Alistair commented casually with a light shrug of his shoulders. "... But when my Mother used ta take me and my siblings here into heart of it... Well. The best way is always to go for the public method of gettin' around." He walked up to the large double doors which served as the hotel's entrance, which automatically swung open at their approach.

The cold breath of the winter's air rushed in, Alistair taking a deep breath; The air even tasted different here... New York had a taste to it no other city in the world could replicate. He nodded to their transport, which was parked just outside of the hotel's doors. The small double decker tour bus in a brilliant red looked a little out of place, even with the hotel being a less extravagant affair then Alistair's usual choice; But in a city like this... The best way to see it was from the second level of a bus. It was also an effort on his part for making Selina feel more comfortable... He doubted she'd enjoy herself as much in some overly indulgent limo.
The bodyguard looked to Selina, an amused smile across his expression. "... The best way to see New York is from the top of a bus, kid. The best views in town." He grinned.

[Selina Taylor]

    “Perhaps I should get into modeling,” she returned with a wry smirk. Selina had honestly considered it, but she was too short. Besides, as much as she liked fashion… she still far preferred working in private security. The job fit her personality and challenged her, both physically and mentally. Her job wasn’t something she would give up very easily, even regardless of how much she earned… though she highly appreciated being more than financially stable for the first time.

    Selina offered a playful pout as he refused to tell her where they were going, but the smile that quickly followed was amused and perhaps softer than normal, “I’m sure I will,” she replied sincerely. His taste was exquisite and she didn’t doubt for a moment that he’d picked some place wonderful. Selina enjoyed taking her time to study more of the hotel as she hadn’t truly gotten a chance to study the place yet. Her work mind was running the logistics of the place, even without her being fully cognizant of why she knew exactly how many exits were in the building.

    Selina glanced up at Alistair and quietly noted with amusement how the receptionist didn’t even need a word to do Alistair’s bidding. After three years, she was still in awe of how he handled himself and other people. Selina could try to imitate his naturally refined grace, but she would never be able to pull it off with such innate ease. Selina nodded as he mentioned New York being difficult to get around, and took in his words with a grin. “That so?” she asked in curiosity, wondering what he had planned as she braced herself for the cold. Alistair’s jacket kept her plenty warm however, and there was something… oddly comforting about being wrapped up in the coat of someone she trusted.

    Selina’s eyes lit up as she saw the bus and she almost kissed him right then and there. Buses were what she’d always used to get around in both Santiago and Kalispell even after she’d gotten her job, but this was different and she knew it. Even despite his words, she guessed that this wasn’t the way he typically traveled the streets of New York. Somehow he’d managed to make her feel simultaneously excited and comforted and she was just… ecstatic. Selina almost felt guilty and ridiculous for feeling this happy at seeing a mere bus, but he’d clearly put some thought into this and she was both pleased and slightly surprised at how well he knew her… though she supposed she shouldn’t be at this point. Selina grinned and looked up at him, “You are amazing,” she stated honestly.

    She’d been with so many people, she’d honestly lost count but a very rare few knew her beyond a physical level and even fewer gave a damn about what she did or didn’t want. Sure, some had tried to impress her, but it was almost always on their terms. Selina had never minded as she was the fuck-buddy, and occasional friend so she never expected anything to begin with, but this stood out from the rest of her experiences with ease. This was personal in a way that she’d remember for a long time... of course, Alistair had always been exceptional. Selina felt a little foolish for being so affected by mere transportation, but at the same time… people just didn’t do things like this for her.