Your Secret Admirer -Leah-

It had been a long, long ten years.

She was somewhat glad she'd made it to the strip; that way she was actually aware of something when it happened. That event, of course, had been the end of the Courier. It had taken its toll on all members of the Wastes, but perhaps it was the Strip members that felt it the most. Securitrons creeped her out now, knowing that no single person held the key to turn them off anymore. Yes Man was fucking scary, from what she'd heard. Overall, it spun her life into turmoil; but not to the extent that it had been a few years ago.

Her heart had been hardened by bitterness, stripped of its affection and replaced instead with steely looks and blunt words. Her one and only lover ultimately deceiving her, hurting her... The pain at first had been unbearable. Of course, time ran its course, and eventually the wounds mended themselves. However, after a few months of working, she found she was within reach of another relationship.. again.

With who, she didn't know. He remained a nameless entity, only personified in his simple gifts, which she of course hoarded in her room at the Tops. Ten years of love notes, gifts, anything that brought her happiness. At first it had been terrifying. Who could possibly obsess over her this much, except for him? And she wanted nothing to do with him! He, who had destroyed her... This possibility was soon ruled out by the devotion her admirer put into his actions. He seemed to know what she liked and didn't like, what made her swoon and what she thought was cheesy.

It was odd to have a stalker like this. At times she still got the iffy sensation of being creeped out, but for the most part, she was flattered. Leah was currently in her hotel room, gussying up for the audience. She wore a black swing dress with white polka-dots, a bow accenting the back. Her make-up was dark and smoky, but appropriate for the place in which she sang; the Tops itself. The next fifteen minutes was a rush; the elevator, the backstage, to the stage.

It was amazing that the lights didn't completely wash her out. She was so pale and fragile looking, the only scar she had across her neck, where one of his men had come close to killing her. However, her voice overshadowed her physical being. It rang out as she sang, both what she'd heard on the radio and occasionally what she'd written herself. Either way, it was beautiful, and she seemed to shine as she did so. her hair was in a perfectly messy bun, skin looking pale and perfect in the lighting.

She sang for a good half hour; exiting the stage with a tiny bow and smile. Like most nights, she went to the bar, asking for whatever was sweetest. Normally she was harassed after singing, but not tonight. She was happily alone, for now.

She sat up at a barstool, sipping her girly drink in content happiness. She crossed her long legs, smiling at the bartender and making a point of light conversation with him. She was always friendly to the patrons and employees of the Tops, no matter the situation. They'd helped her fend off more than one creep. Not only that, but they made up her home, and her meaning for existence.

Of course, the bartender left her on a whim, for some reason Leah couldn't remember for more than five seconds. What interested her more was the fact that Charles had approached her. They hadn't shared much conversation, but she admired him for his work, and was grateful for the job. Without it, she'd be on the streets, or worse, with him. She blinked as he started talking, his sentences all stuttery and not confident like she was used to-

And then he was holding her hand. He. The top dog of the Chairmen and her boss and all these other things that made him so much better than her, so much more interesting, made it strange for him to have any interest in her. Leah looked at him with er brows raised, a little bit of shock in her blue eyes. To answer his question, her hair really was as vibrant as it appeared on stage. Actually, it looked softer upl close, the shimmer apparent.

She was awestruck at his words. Him? Her admirer? It made no sense and yet fell perfectly into place at the same time. Leah gave his hand a nervous squeeze, nodding slowly. she wasn't really thinking, more dumbfounded by this annoucement, this discovery that threatened to flip her world upside down.

"I.. Oh my.. I don't know what to say." Well, she did. She wanted to say yes, while something deep within her pulled back with a no. She gently reminded herself it would be alright; Charles wouldn't hurt her. "A-are you serious? I didn't think you were the type of man interested in.. commitment."

She wrapped his hand in her own, which were much smaller. Leah looked up at him in blind shock, but eventually was able to think. "If you are serious, I.. I would be honored."

Charles was.. intimidated by her? He seemed to be holding his breath. Well, Leah didn't bite, or not without being asked to, at least. He was normally very... loud, outspoken. Charles was nothing less than life of the party, all the time. She studied him with soft eyes, her gentle blues wide and curious as to his sudden outburst of affection. Not like she minded.. not one bit. He was undoubtedly attractive, in more ways than just being physically appealing to her.

She grinned widely at his lame comparison of his affections for her. He wasn't exactly a wordsmith, but it was refreshing to say the least. After all, someone that was overly poetic would likely remind her of him, and she'd like to keep that individual out of her thoughts as much as she possibly could.

Nodding at his last comment, she giggled and took a step closer to him. "But of course. I figure someone like you has had quite a bit of practice?'