Dr. Love(s to Cut People)

[Doctor Nationis]

This was utterly stupid.

A knife hovered inches over the face of a shivering child, held down by an angry Loki. Hunting for food had become so much better with a companion. Now Iugo held an average knife in both hands, straining to push it forward. The big cat looked at him with something similar to concern. The doctor was not going against some invisible force. He just felt like he... shouldn't cut this kid. But why?! Grunting against his own mental struggle, an idea struck him. Looking around, he spotted a small clock in the hallway. His eyes went wide when he saw the time.

12:03 in the morning... on this most wretched of days.

"SON OF A BITCH!" The man roared, throwing the knife away, it clattering to the floor harmlessly. The cat tilted it's head, moving off the child as it watched the boogie move away from their kill. Unable to bring itself to kill the kid itself, it followed after the doctor. Grumbling worse swears, Iugo returned to the labs, limping quickly and roughly on his leg. The cane was tossed aside half way through and Iugo sat down at a desk, a small white box with a purple ribbon. It took him so long to tie it properly.

Looking at it, Iugo sighed, rubbing his forehead and closing his eyes. Jasmine and him had not spoken for so long. Over those days Iugo had felt a new sense of... loneliness. Loki could accompany him, but then there was always a lack of communication. The silence that surrounded him was almost maddening. Not even the strange language that Agony spoke. It was not that he felt sad his familiar was gone... just noise other than his work or his own voice would be a sweet tune.

Frowning, Iugo decided that he would venture out in the morning and find Jasmine.

--

The next morning, Iugo woke up, actually feeling happy. Never would he admit it to any breathing being! Iugo took the time to comb the wild hair, pick out a clean outfit and grab the box. The box was key. Sighing, Iugo swallowed his pride and limped out of the room, locking the large cat in the laboratory with plenty of meat to survive the day.

Box in hand, the doctor moved past all the lovers that found one another as he made his way to Jasmine's room, hoping to find her there. If not there he would lurk the palace until he found his prize.

[Jasmine Krisp]

Since a rather...'interesting' encounter with a certain human-sized flamboyant smurf, Jasmine had been keeping a lower-than-average profile. And for the little Boogie woman who, before the ball, was literally off the map, that was quite a feet. Jasmine sighed as she sat on her bed at roughly 2 a.m, looking at herself in a floor-length mirror on her wall. She was so tiny. And she had so many flaws. She was stubborn, childish, naive, horribly needy, and had a tendency of getting into awkward situations. Being plain was not one of her flaws, but sometimes Jazz wondered if she was, indeed, plain.

Always wearing dark clothing, always with the same pale face and sly smile, always with her long braid that was as tall as her...

Jasmine reached behind her head with her little hands and pulled her braid around so it was in front of her. Maybe? It had been weeks since she'd put this braid in. It was going to be hell to comb, much less get back into the braid. But maybe just for today? After all, she was looking for a little change in her appearance, something that might catch somebody's eye. That'd be nice.

And if that somebody was Iugo...well, that was double nice.

With a snap of lithe pale fingers and little bit of a swear, Fuck you, pony-tail headache, the bind on her long plum hair came loose. After that was undone she reached to her side and picked up the black brush she'd fetched from down in her lab-room and began to comb out the long twists. This was going to take a while...but once it was done, her lovely lavender hair was out in waves, down to her ankles like a cape. She smiled a little at her reflection.

So...today is Heart Day...

~~~~~

A little nap for the nocturnal Boogie seemed in order after a night of taming her wild mane. Normally she wouldn't rise with the sun at all, but today was a special day. Holidays, balls, carnivals...it was too much fun, and too much noise, to sleep the day away. With a little hop Jasmine was out of bed, her silken hair bouncing behind her as she moved the the pretty-much-empty closet and pulled out the outfit she'd bought only the night before. It had been too cute to pass up, and just her size. Of course it wasn't black. Black was her signature color, but not on a bright day like today.

She felt a little silly putting it on. Damn the frills and lace and bows. But once it was finally on right, Jazz felt like she'd pick the right dress. A little chirp-like giggle escaped her as she spun with her reflection. She looked like a little princess out of a story book.

Now all I need is a prince...wow, never thought I'd be saying that.


((The dress: i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww119/Aione-chan/Decorated%20images/1120925198_tterflygal.jpg))

[Doctor Nationis]

The hallway was disgusting. Hugging, kissing, and giggles... The sight and sounds made Iugo want to vomit. The brave boogie pressed on, avoiding looking at women and men try to gain more affection from their special someone. One of the worst parts of this day was that humans could openly show their affection... right next to a boogie. It was bad enough that Iugo could not eat for the day, but to not have the power to remove this scum from his presence? It took a moment for the boiling anger to subside, leaving the mission at hand all on his mind.

Reaching the door, Iugo simply stood there. A box in one hand and the black cane in his other. It was not knocking that was the problem. It was the nerve to do so. This boogie was not nervous to speaking to Jasmine in the sense of a shy lover. He was uneasy about their last meeting and how dreadful this one would be. It could go sweetly, poorly, or worse. The odds were not in his favor. What was the last thing he said to her? Something about leaving the laboratory joined with an expletive. Iugo truly was a charmer.

After a good three minutes of standing at the door the doctor decided to gather his moxy and go forth. Raising the cane, he used it to rap on the hard wood. His outfit may not have been as nice as Jasmine's, but at least there was not blood on it. And he wore his jacket closed for once. Perhaps this man could be a gentleman after all?

As he waited for a response, his eyes drifted to a couple walking by. Humans? Boogies? It was difficult to tell today... But Iugo's stomach growled in agony as it watched the meals walk away. No food for the day and he was already starving. Chocolates that were served all day were for his brethren. Nothing seemed right to eat unless it screamed and bled. Sadly, the day was not even half spent, leaving Iugo to wonder how he might survive this holiday, both emotionally and physically.

[Jasmine Krisp]

For a good three minutes Jasmine was busy fixing a few little details. The dress she'd picked had a few little bits a pieces that went with it. A few fake flowers for her hair, which she'd used to keep out of her eyes...a little bracelet and a matching anklet. Violets and whites and blues. She giggled again and looked over herself in this utterly out of character attire. How silly, and yet how beautiful she felt. It was that feeling of being a different person, and yet, being very much herself. The appearance of a porcelain doll.

The bite of a snake in the grass.

Jazz jumped at the sound of somebody knocking at the door. Who could that be on this day? Automatically her mind wandered to the one person she desperately hoped it was...Iugo. But why would he seek her out on today? After the way he'd cursed her out last, the mere thought of him coming to her on this day of lovers and romance was a laugh. Instead she wondered if it was Shaehern, coming to take her to the carnival. Both of them had a great time together, and there were so many practical jokes she could imagine him and that blond friend of his making among the crowds of happy lovers...

...alas the name of such friend eluded her.

"Coming! Just a moment!" she called back to the door and adjusted one of the flowers in her hair. Then, with her usual jump, she hopped up to her door and opened it. It wasn't Shahern's carefree grin she met. Her own eyes widened in surprise.

Iugo. No way. Iugo...here? Now? Today?

Breath, moron!

One little hand rested against her chest, the other holding the door open still. Her lips made a little 'o'. "I-Iugo...good afternoon..." Jasmine stuttered, a light blush lighting her pale face. What was he doing here?! Could it be...he was here for her? Well, duh, he was standing at her door. But the way he'd sounded last time they'd met was like he'd never want to see her again.

Gold orbs landed on that little white box. Her blush only got hotter.

No way...

"Wh-What brings you up here...today...?"

...oh God, please...!!

[Doctor Nationis]

Iugo was prepared to see his short muse in a delightful outfit. Given that fact, he was still surprised at how wonderful Jasmine looked. Her usual braid was replaced with a gentle cascade of lavender. It was different, but a welcomed difference. The dress itself was bittersweet. Her beauty was once again evident, much like on that day... Shoving those thoughts aside, the doctor pushed away the light blush that was threatening to grow. Iugo would be damned if he followed suit to those soliciting the halls.

The original speech Iugo had come up was both eloquent and polite. Nice was a relative term when addressing this boogie, but he thought that it would bring a smile to Jasmine. Unfortunately, he forgot all of it as soon as he saw her. "Look," He started, trying to act as if her appearance had not caught him off guard (which he failed at). "We both said some things that... I know we didn't mean to..." Sighing, Iugo held out the box, giving up on his speech. "Here."

The box fit easily in the palm of his hand and was tied neatly with the same purple Jasmine was associated with. In her own hands it may be the wise choice to use both to make sure it was balanced and would not tumble to the ground. "I'm not good at this thing," He added, shaking the box so she would just hurry up and take the damn thing, "So don't make a big deal out of this, alright?"

Within she would find a small sculpted piece of chocolate that would resemble a phoenix, rising out of a cloud chocolate. There was only the plain color of chocolate, as Iugo had to actually bargain for this piece of work. Jasmine may not realize it, but the adventure to acquire this gift was quite... difficult. One he would not divulge so easily.

Iugo remained leaning on his cane as he held his present out to Jasmine, hoping that no one saw him being so kind and generous... Oh, and that it would repair what damage had been done to their relationship. When that crossed his mind, he did not flinch as much when he had blurted it out the other week. Day? Time still meant little to him.

[Jasmine Krisp]

Exactly as planned, though maybe quicker than she'd expected, her outfit had managed to stun Iugo. That made Jazz smile a little brighter and a little of her worry shrink. That little blush she almost saw sneaking onto his face only made her glow a little brighter, and the hand on the door dropped from the wood to meet the other one at her chest. He was...kind of apologizing, kind of forgiving. It was an odd mix when coming from the doctor, but a welcome one. It was true, he hadn't been the only one who'd egged on the shouts and curses.

Jasmine had helped. A little. A teensy bit.

Liar.

Gold orbs blinked as the box was held out to her. "Th-Thank you. I won't," she said in her fluttering voice, reaching both her little hands out to take the box. It was still a little big in them, but there wasn't a risk of her dropping it. Jazz might have been childish at times, but klutzy was not one of her traits. Carefully she undid the ribbon and opened the box. The light in her eyes brightened like a spotlight. "Oh, Iugo..."

It's so beautiful...

Jasmine looked up at Iugo with a gentle, warm grin. "Thank you so much. It's...it's lovely..." that was saying the least in her mind, but he'd asked her not to make a big deal out of it, so she wouldn't...until she had the chance to fan-girl over it with Shae. Stepping back into her room for a moment she moved over to the bedside table and placed the box there carefully. Then she placed the top back in place and tied the ribbon as it had been before. Soon as it was set she turned back to the door and blinked at the doctor.

"You can come in if you want. I was just going to find something to wear on my feet, then I was going to go to the festival..." a little spark of a question filled her heart, and the blush crept back onto her face.

"...w-...would you like to go? With me?"

She had to breath before saying the next part of the sentence.

"L...like on a...d-date...?"

[Doctor Nationis]

The joy in her voice did not match that of her words. Thankfully this meant she really did like his gift and would not attack him by wrapping her arms around his waist. Though he Iugo did not show it, he was glad. It was very cliche, but she seemed to like it none the less. When the gift left his pale hand it placed itself on top of the cane. The cane was moved before they made contact, leaving it centered. A smile itched at his lips and won for a split second while Jasmine's eyes were gazing at her sweet. Glancing to his left and right the doctor did not spy anyone that would dare to mock him for this.

When invited in Iugo limped in to the room, but remained close to the door. The doctor was still barefoot, as always. Looking at her petite feet, he mentally noted that she looked just fine without shoes. Juuuuust fine. Iugo even took the time while Jasmine's back to her to admire the other side of the dress. His eyes quickly turned away before he could be caught.

Iugo visibly went rigid when Jasmine asked him out. On a date. On Heart Day. The sharp mind went blank. Did he really want to expose himself to the public with Jasmine? The doctor was silent as he mulled this over. The down cast eyes locked on the floor, before raising up (only slightly) to meet Jasmine's. "...You know this is not my sort of thing," He said flatly, before closing his eyes and sighing heavily. One hand moved to his forehead and began rubbing away the headache he knew this day would bring.

"But... I think I can make an exception." Taking his hand from his forehead and looking up to meet Jasmine's golden gaze. "This once." A single finger accompanied this, indicating he was serious. Deep within his mind Iugo felt as if he may have to endure other events, despite his begging and pleading. That forethought required that they remained with one another for a prolonged period of time.

Alright. But he wouldn't be happy.

[Jasmine Krisp]

Jasmine did not see the smile the doctor flashed for barely a second, nor did she notice him eying her as she set the chocolate on the bed-side table. She did notice when he went rigid at her request. Immediately worry lit up her golden eyes. Was he going to say no? She knew how Iugo was, or rather, how he felt about balls and carnivals. If she was asking too much of him so soon, she would understand if the date idea was shot down.

In fact, the little Boogie was prepared for 'no' to be her answer.

She was wrong.

Bright eyes glowed even stronger, much like the smile that returned to her face. Like him she raised her hand and extended one finger, mimicking his motion, but it was cuter when she did it. After all, she was more adorable than the doctor, even when he was blushing so sweetly. "Only once? I can live with that," Jazz giggled a little and pointed at him, "Long as you're around, it'll be fun."

The plum woman blushed a little more after saying that. God, that sounded much less cheesy in her head.

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the shoes she'd wanted to wear today. A pair of white, lace-up-to-the-knee sandals. Though how they'd ended up under her bed was interesting. With one of her signature hops she reached where they sat and bent down to pick them up...and saw that right under her bed was...that pair of fuzzy handcuffs. SON OF A BITCH!! He didn't take them with him when he'd left!!! Once her shoes were in her hands she kicked the incriminating pair of cuffs farther under her bed discreetly.

Then she sat on said bed and proceeded to lace up her sandals, letting her dress slide down to show off her legs on purpose.

What's wrong with showing off to the boy you like?

Jasmine was quick with her hands to lace up the sandals, then she was back on her feet and walking toward Iugo with her little smile and her hands together behind her back. "Shall we go then?"

[Doctor Nationis]

Her cliche comment went unremarked. It was far from what Iugo could even begin to approach. Leaning on the doorway, his eyes wandered around the room. There was probably some place that was reserved for him to sleep in a regular bed with windows and furniture. How... boring. It would never be his style to sleep in a room most thought of as regular. Iugo frowned at this, wondering how he could possibly learn to have to view this on a regular basis. To visit Jasmine may mean sacrifices after all...

The doctor's attention was drawn back to his little friend. Her dress seemed to have moved a little to show more leg than it was designed for. Obviously a mistake on her part. Allowing himself an extended glance, the doctor continued to examine the room. As much as he longed to stare at her petite body, he thought that it would be better to be polite on this first date. The thought seemed sour. Iugo Nationis on a date. That would certainly dampen his prestigious reputation.

When the little boogie was done getting gussied up Iugo returned his attention to Jasmine. There she went again, trying to be cute... It was not that Iugo could not see what she was trying to do, just that too much was... annoying. But today he would let it slid. Who knows what could trigger either of them to go off into another rage. It would be sad to have wasted his money he took from corpses on such a nice gift and then have to crush it so she could no longer have it.

Moving aside, he motioned for Jasmine to continue on. "I do hope that you have a plan for us." One that was hopefully not too painful for the doctor to bear. Hell, it was Heart Day... He would be sucking it up for the entire day if he wanted to revive what little hope there was for this abysmal relationship.

[Jasmine Krisp]

Iugo and Jasmine seemed to think rather alike in their views of the 'quarters' assigned to them. While he saw them as boring and drab, she saw them as a waste. The woman never used her room for anything but storage. But other than that the room was often empty. Jazz preferred to spend her nights roaming and her days sleeping in the lab or the woods, as was her nocturnal life. Of course another more common use of the room was "fooling around". Though she seemed to do more "screwing around" of late...which was the same as "fooling around"...without dinner.

And unless drinks counted, there had been no dinner that night.

Stop thinking about that!

The good doctor moved aside and the little woman started forward, her arms still behind her back. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I've survived nearly four thousand years of this day..." just before she'd stepped though the door Jazz back-pedaled. Oh. Oops. "One moment?" The plum Boogie pulled away and back to her closet and poked her arm inside. After a moment or two she pulled out what looked like a pair of white sunglasses with flowers decorating it. She placed them on and looked back at Iugo, the glass almost completely hiding her eyes.

"I'm...err...really sensitive to the sun..." she explained, "So I need these. Anywho...where was I...oh, right!"

Back to the Boogie man and then out into the hallway, a couple steps away from Iugo. Jasmine adjusted a flower in her hair as she waited for him to follow her. That coy little grin of hers was in place, as usual. "As I was saying, four thousand years of this sort of fluff gets boring. And when I get bored, I get...well, antsy. To say the least," she giggled softly, "Since physical harm is out of the question, the best you can do is play pranks on the young lovers. And I've got a few in mind that I could use a hand in."

So, are you in are you out, Doctor?