This will be a background story about how Christie and Alak met, how their relationship developed and eventually leading up to where we are in Defiance. Please read, enjoy, and leave a review!

Extravagance

Part One: A Chance Encounter

Christie McCawley, the only daughter of one of the most powerful families in Defiance, was not having a good day. First she had gotten up late and had to rush to school. It had rained the night before so the soggy ground was muddy everywhere. That had led to the second problem when she took a spill and got mud on her jeans. So feeling like an idiot she had gone through the whole day with muddy knees and shoes.

School was different from the one her father told her about. When he was younger he had to go five days a week for about nine months every year until he was eighteen. In Defiance school was more of an optional thing to attend. Most of the younger children went five days a week like back in the old days because it was some place to send your young children knowing they would be safe while you worked, traded, or shopped. Christie usually went two or three days each week and helped the teachers with the younger students. It gave her a sense of purpose she didn't really get from any other aspects of her life. Now once the children turned about ten or eleven they could pretty much do what they wanted. A lot of the kids ran wild and did whatever they felt like. This factor led up to Christie's third issue of the day.

"All right guys you had your fun now leave me alone."

It was a gang of Castithan youths, probably around seventeen or eighteen. They had rarely attended school the past couple of years and spent long hours causing trouble or gambling at one of the bars. Right now the three of them had her surrounded. Two had the very white hair that the Castithans commonly possessed, one had it short just reaching below his ears and the other had it longer and curled. The last boy's was dyed black.

"Where are you headed?" the one with curled white hair asked.

"What does it matter to you?" Christie responded.

She wasn't really afraid of them. No one would hurt one of Rafe McCawley's children. She didn't even know why they had cornered her in the first place. She puffed out her chest and crossed her arms in defiance of them. One took a step closer and the others followed suit making the circle smaller. For a split second she wondered if they didn't know who her father was after all.

"Leave her."

Christie's eyes shot to the boy who was leaning against the side of one of the buildings. She hadn't even seen him there before. He had longish hair almost reaching his shoulders; it was white underneath and seemed to be dyed blue on the top. His face was flawless and his bone structure was prefect. Leaning against the building she couldn't really see his height, but he looked tall and sturdy. He was one of the most gorgeous men Christie had ever seen. He looked up then and their eyes locked for a moment across the narrow streetway. With beautifully fluid motions the other three Castithans stepped aside. The boy moved his eyes away from her, past her.

She moved around the boys. Was she supposed to say thank you or what? And why had they been so intent on her, just to give up the moment that one boy said something. Christie shook her head and just hurried her step out of the alleyway and to the bustling street on the other side. The temptation to glance behind her was too much and she looked. Not really knowing what she expected, she actually felt a pang of disappointment as she saw the four of them walking in the other direction.

Christie rarely thought about the Votans race. They were just a species that inhabited the planet along with them. She'd never known anything differently. Usually she kept to herself, did what she wanted and what was expected of her. She spent time at the school, worked hard at her job at one of the small local diners, was on good terms with her family, and never really did anything unexpected. This was the first time in Christie McCawley's life when she was actually curious about someone. She wanted to know who he was and anything else she could find out. It was an interesting feeling to say the least.

Alak eyed the entire street out of boredom. Causing havoc and running with his gang had been fun and exciting when they had started it about two years ago but you can only do something so many times before you grow tired of it. They had stolen, gambled, beaten up some people, and even a few more unmentionable things that Alak was not at all proud of, but if you wanted to be part of a group sometimes you had to keep your mouth shut and go along with it. Tanak and Renic seemed to enjoy the chaos they created more and more each time whereas Mertic was more ambivalent about the things they had been doing lately, like Alak. Both of them had been talking about disbanding the group and calling it quits recently. Alak wasn't really sure what he wanted to do but it was probably time for a change. He had started having these thoughts about a month ago, it was the first time he and Tanak had had an actual fight. Tanak had been getting bored with just roughing people up. He said he wanted to find a girl and then they all could have a little fun. Alak didn't know how he felt at the time, maybe he hadn't really cared all that much but when Renic pointed to a human girl with black hair and dark eyes, Alak's heart had constricted.

It was late and dark yet the girl didn't seem to notice at all. She was helping an older woman get up the steps to her apartment while carrying a bag. Once the woman was at the top the young girl handed the bag to her and told her goodnight. The woman thanked her profusely and said get home safely. And Alak who really never got involved in anything or anyone actually wanted her to get home safely.

"She's perfect, good eye Renic," Tanak praised.

Alak stared at the girl. She wasn't all that tall but she was slim wearing jeans, a tan button down top under a light jacket and boots. Alak had never really been interested in girls Castithan or human, but she was different. The way she walked with a spring in her step, the way she held herself with confidence, it was exactly those things that Tanak wanted to break.

"Tanak I don't think we should do this," Alak cautioned.

Tanak moved stealthily against the sided brick wall watching which direction the girl was going to head in.

"All right she's going left. Mertic, Renic you guys follow her. Alak and I will head her off at the front of the next street. I'll make the first move," Tanak explained the game plan as if Alak hadn't even spoken.

Mertic and Renic nodded and headed off after the girl.

Alak grabbed Tanak's arm, "We shouldn't do this."

Tanak yanked his arm free, "Would you stop worrying. We're just going to have a bit of fun. Your father is Datak Tarr, even if someone found out; we'd never get in trouble for it."

Tanak turned and sprinted down the alleyway. Alak moved rapidly, following after him. If he didn't do something quick they really were going to do something terrible to that human girl.

Tanak reached the other opening and Alak could just see the girl coming around the corner. I've got to do something, Alak thought miserably. Then an idea popped into his mind, something about what Tanak had just said.

Alak grabbed Tanak's wrist pulling his arm behind his back and flipped his friend against the wall keeping his body pinned to it, "You're right. Datak Tarr is my father and if you do anything to that girl ever there will be no place you can hide from him."

Alak watched as the girl passed their hiding spot, totally oblivious to the tragedy that could have occurred. He released Tanak and Tanak twisted around, pushing him roughly against the wall. He stormed out of the alleyway but to Alak's relief he went in the direction the girl had just come from. She turned and looked at the Castithan boy as he stalked down the street in the opposite direction from her, and then continued on her way. Alak stayed crumbled in his position on the floor and breathed a sigh of relief when she turned the next corner and was out of sight.

A moment later Mertic walked up to him. He offered Alak his hand and pulled him to his feet.

"Tanak won't forgive you for this."

"He doesn't have to forgive me; he just has to stay away from her."

Mertic said nothing and they walked home in silence.

To Alak's relief they had never mentioned the night incident and Tanak never mentioned having fun with girls again. At least not when he was with Alak. The Castithan boy had seen his trio of friends in the market earlier and had discreetly avoided them. He just wasn't in the mood to be a bully. In fact he was sick of being a bully period. His mother had been on his back about it too, lately she would discourage him every chance she got saying it was upsetting his father. As if that mattered to him at all.

Sighing he was about to turn around and head home for the day when he saw her. He had seen her a few times since that night, roaming around the market or heading into the school. Just seeing her could bring a smile to his face. He'd never talked to her, he didn't even know her name but he could only guess this was the thing people called infatuation. When people talked about being so in love or obsessed with another person he never really understood what they meant until he saw this beauty that night. He knew almost nothing about her and that was the only thing he desperately wanted to change. Today her lovely dark hair was blowing in her face from the wind, she had mud splattered on her jeans and sneakers but it didn't seem to faze her in the slightest. Alak was about to turn and leave when he saw his friends.

Tanak was whispering in Renic's ear. The other boy was nodding in agreement to whatever was said. Mertic who had been standing with them glanced at the girl and shook his head no. Tanak grabbed Mertic's arm and said something. The dark hair boy shrugged in acquisition and Tanak gave a triumphant smirk. Alak frowned. He had a very good idea what was about to go down and he didn't like it one bit.

She walked down one of the alleyway that was a shortcut to the busy street on the other side and Alak just shook his head. As if it could get worse. He watched the trio of his Castithan brothers follow her down into the streetway. He jogged after them and stuck his head around the corner. They had surrounded the girl. Amazingly though, she was holding her ground and didn't cower at the uneven odds. She barely even blinked.

After a moment she spoke, "All right guys you had your fun now leave me alone."

"Where are you headed?" Tanak asked her.

Slowly Alak eased his way into the alleyway. Thankfully Tanak and Renic were facing the walls on either side, in a triangle configuration and the girl was intent on Tanak, she could probably tell who the biggest threat was. Mertic looked up and his eyes locked onto Alak, he gave a sort of half nod and Alak knew he'd at least be on even ground if Tanak went after him.

"What does it matter to you?" she answered jutting her chin out. She had some guts; he had to give her that.

Alak positioned himself calmly against the wall and spoke in an even tone, "Leave her."

Tanak's relaxed posture went rigid when he heard Alak's voice. The girl looked at him when he spoke and their eyes locked. Alak wanted to capture her attention and keep it on himself forever in that one moment. Instead he looked around her, Tanak moved swiftly to the side with the ease and grace as he always did, Renic and Mertic moving the same way a split second after. At first she slowly walked past the three Castithans then she quickened her pace and was out of the alleyway.

Alak stared at her back for a moment then he motioned his head and started in the opposite direction she had gone. Even after she had been cornered by three men, she still didn't walk with an inclining of fear that made Alak admire her even more. The trio trailed after him. They reached the end and went to the right. Back in the market place Alak breathed a sigh of relief but it was short lived.

Tanak grabbed the collar of his jacket and shoved him hard against the wall, "What the hell was that?"

Alak thrust his arm between them for a bit of leverage. A few people had turned and stared but no one had actually stopped.

"What was what?"

"What is your fascination with that human girl?"

Alak frowned, he hadn't thought his feelings were that transparent, "There's no fascination."

"Then why are you trying to protect her so hard."

"Why are you hell bent on hurting her?" Alak yelled.

Mertic yanked Tanak off, "That's enough."

Alak adjusted his jacket and stared at Tanak.

Tanak was glaring at him, but then he just smiled, turned and walked away. Renic glanced at Alak and Mertic with a worried look but followed after Tanak nonetheless.

Alak glanced at Mertic. He could read his best friend's expression like he would a book, Mertic knew there was something about the girl that had Alak acting strange. Yet he said nothing just looked around the market and after a moment Alak started down the street with his friend following behind him. What was Alak Tarr supposed to do now?

Alak was in the market place. He was roaming around the stalls just looking at the knives, food, clothing, and other objects you could get. He hadn't spoken to or seen Tanak in three days and it made him a bit nervous. Mertic had come to see him yesterday and said Tanak wasn't planning anything that he knew of, but of course Tanak wouldn't tell Mertic anything if he was planning something, that would be idiotic, but Alak just nodded and thanked his friend. Alak picked up a knife from one of the stalls and flipped it in his hand. The balance was nice and if it had decent precision he would consider buying it. He was about to shift the blade part into his hand when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Expecting to see Mertic or Renic he turned lazily and the blade fell from his hand landing point first in the dirt.

The girl stared down at the dirt in startlement. Alak quickly bent and picked up the blade slid it back into the sheath and placed it back in its spot. He took a few side steps, leaving the awning of the stall. Whether in surprise or response the girl followed his lead and took a few steps to the right as well. Alak studied her now that he had the opportunity. This was the closest he'd ever been to her. She had startling dark eyes that you could just loose yourself in and her hair was pulled half up and half down in a clip. She was wearing a shear white long sleeve top with a tank top underneath. Her jeans were clean today and her black boots were shiny. She looked good.

"Hey."

"Hello," he drawled in his Castithan accent as he stared at her face.

"Can we walk?"

He inclined his head in acquisition. She turned on her heel and started in a direction. He took two long strides and then was next to her. They walked in silence for a couple of moments and then she spoke up, "I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"For the other day. When those guys were bothering me."

"You're welcome."

She stopped and turned to him. He took an involuntary step back in surprise. She smiled at him. He felt himself smile in return.

"What's your name?"

"Alak."

"I'm Christie."

Finally he could put a name to the face, "A beautiful name."

Her face lit up at the compliment. She definitely looked the most beautiful when she was smiling.

"Talk to me again sometime Alak."

"I will," he agreed immediately.

Christie is walking home from the school. Her hair is plastered to her neck as if she has been running a marathon, something her father told her people used to do for fun before the Votans arrived. She doesn't see how it could have been categorized as fun. Although maybe she might as well have been running a marathon from all the things she'd done that day. One of the teachers was sick and Christie had to go get the textbooks from her house then she'd been dealing with one of the more difficult children when he had to go to time out. He'd given her a run for her money too. She shifted her jacket from her left hand to her right hand and enjoyed the breeze that blew her tan embroidered shirt away from her sweating body. All she wanted to do now was go home, take a shower, and perhaps a nap.

As she walked through the market to get to the outskirts of town where her house dwelled she saw an Irathient child sitting on one of the corners. You could always tell which the beggar children were because of their ragged clothes, dirty appearance, and starved expressions.

She bent down to the child and asked what he wanted to eat.

His face lit up, "I want sweet stacked potatoes, radish meat, and stringed ragbeans."

Christie laughed, "You got it!"

She went to the vendor, plucked some coins from her pocket and ordered the meal the child asked for along with a couple of bottles of water. She walked back to the child and handed him his feast.

"If you ever see me and you're in need of a meal don't be afraid to ask."

"Really?"

"Yes really!" she smiled at him.

Irathients were very suspicious creatures, but this child was probably too young to understand the contempt some people felt. He just looked up at her as if he was going to try and memorize her face then nodded as if he completed his task, "Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

That definitely brightened up her day; she straightened up and turned intending to continue on her path home when she crashed into someone. Strong hands grabbed her arms to steady her.

"I'm so sorry."

"It's no problem," the white-skinned boy let go of her and bent to pick up her fallen jacket.

Once she got a look at him she yelped, "Alak!"

He looked at her oddly while holding out the jacket to her, "Yes. You did tell me to talk to you again."

Christie pushed hair out of her face, she probably looked a mess, "Yes of course."

Well he certainly didn't look a mess. His colored hair hung perfectly stylized against his face, his washed out jeans hugged his hips and he had the collar of his black leather jacket shifted up.

She reached to take her jacket as he spoke in a soft voice, "You're kind."

Her hand stopped mid-stretch, as if she hadn't heard him right, "What?"

Alak looked her in the eye, "You're kind," and dropped the jacket into her outstretched hand.

He started to walk forward at a very leisurely pace. She stared at his retreating form for a few moments before she ran to catch up and fell in step next to him. So he had seen what she did for the child. And he'd said she was kind. That was one of the nicest things someone had ever said to her.

"Would you like to get a drink with me?"

"A what?" she looked at him in surprise.

"Do you humans have to have everything repeated for you?" he asked her with mock irritation.

She grinned slowly, "I'd be glad to."

He smirked at her and she followed him until he stopped at a bar. When he said a drink apparently he meant a drink. She hadn't ever really had drinks outside of her house and only then when her and her brothers were fooling around. Christie moved her hair behind her ears and placed her jacket on one of the stools.

"What will you have?" Alak asked her.

"Whatever you're having," she replied instantly.

"Two Blue Fires," Alak said placing some coins on the counter.

After a moment two small glasses filled with blue liquid were placed in front of them. Alak placed his fingers around the cup.

"How old are you?" Christie asked suddenly.

"Eighteen," Alak answered immediately, then looked over at her, "And you?"

"Sixteen."

Alak pushed the other glass towards her. She picked it up, he clinked his cup against hers, "That is the human custom, yes?"

She laughed, "Yes!"

They smiled at each other and downed the drink.

"So you really enjoy spending time at the school, helping with the children?"

Neither of them had realized how much time had passed. The better part of the hour they had chatted about likes and dislikes interests and disinterests, anything that came to their mind and only two drinks down. Their third Blue Fire stood untouched in front of both of them as they were swept away by conversation.

"Well maybe if you had spent more time there when you were younger you'd know how enjoyable it could be!"

"My mother was really very against it. She preferred to have me home where she could keep an eye on me and teach me herself. Although it doesn't seem to have changed the outcome because I still ended up doing what I wanted."

Christie chuckled, "Yes I can definitely see that."

"I hope this isn't a rude question, but I rarely see you out and about with anyone. You're usually by yourself."

"I go out with my brothers sometimes," she said defensively.

"I didn't mean… I only wondered. You seem so likable."

Christie blushed, another compliment. He had really been pouring them on since they met. She wasn't sure if they were supposed to mean something or if that was just the way Alak talked, or if all Castithans talked that way for the matter. To be quite honest his question hit home. She rarely spent time with anyone besides her family and then when she was at the school or the diner. But that was always polite speech like hello, how are you today. Never a real conversation, not like this.

"I don't know. I never really thought about it before."

Before Christie could say more a loud bell chimed.

"The midnight bell already?" Alak said absently.

"Midnight bell?" Christie repeated. Then what he said really hit her, "The midnight bell?! Oh my gosh my father will be furious with me. I'm so sorry Alak I have to go. I didn't realize it had gotten so late!"

She stood up and grabbed her jacket.

"Please let me walk you home," Alak stood just as quickly and followed her out.

About ten minutes later they reached the outskirts of town. She would be fine walking the ten more minutes to her house on the abandoned street.

"Thank you so much for tonight. I had a great time, Alak."

"I enjoyed our time together just as much I assure you, Christie."

Christie's heart skipped a beat. After the hours they spent together she hadn't realized until that moment that that was the first time he'd said her name. With his Castithan accent her name rolled off his tongue as if he was always meant to say it.

He reached down and took her hand in his bringing it to his lips. He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand and gave her a dazzling smile, "Until we meet again."

"Yes," she said a bit breathlessly.

Two things flitted across her mind at that moment, she was most definitely falling for this boy after such a short amount of time and her father was going to kill her when she returned home.