Kei kept himself entertained for quite a bit of time with just browsing the internet on his phone, but in reality that can only keep a person entertained for so long before seeing some of the stuff repeat a couple times over. With a loud audible sigh he slid his phone back into his pocket and stared up into the sky. Despite all the light pollution from the surrounding buildings the night sky was still nicely visible. The stars were slowly beginning to show themselves and the moon itself was slowly making it's way into position. It was definitely a nice night, nothing could really make it turn weird. Well that was what Kei thought until a rather unexpected turn of events happened right next to him.

As Kei was spacing out while staring up at the night sky he suddenly began hearing the sounds of leaves being violently rustled. Really it seemed as if someone was doing a number to a bush near him. COming back to his senses he brought his head back to eye level and began to scan the area around him. It took 0.2 seconds for Kei to realize where the sound of rustling vegetation was coming from. It was quite literally right next to him. He watched in confusion and amazement as the man next to him was literally destroying a bush before his eyes. It sure was something else. As Kei watched the man continually beat the bush senseless a voice called out to him from his other side, turning towards the voice he saw a man extending out his hand towards him. WIthout missing a second Kei reached out and grabbed said hand and spoke out.

「I mean it definitely caught me by surprise seeing a defenseless bush being beat senseless but aside from that nothing more.」

Kei let out a light friendly chuckle as he shook the man's hand.

「My name is Kei by the way. It's nice to meet you.」

As Kei and Jimmy were getting introductions out of the way, another voice sounded out to the two of them. This time it was someone rather familiar looking to Kei, they hadn't personally met fully, but he knew the face. Upon hearing the words of utter evisceration Kei could not keep a laugh in for some reason that was hilarious to him, it just caught him so off guard that Kei just let out a very audible laugh. Wiping away tears from his eyes he recomposed himself, taking a deep breath he was finally able to stop the unexpected laugh. Looking towards the voice that wasn't Jimmy's he gave a small smile.

「Well I guess it is nice to meet you too.」

@aladdin_sane@SgtEasy

"Olivia is a nice name. I guess that makes you my half sister, then. Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

Olivia sat her tea cup down as Victor went to try some of the biscuits. "I'm afraid not, Victor. You're the first person who had spoke of the notion of having a sibling so far." Olivia explained, feeling quite proud that Victor enjoyed the baked goods. She wasn't quite on par with her grandmother's baking, but Olivia knew her stuff when it came to baking. "I'm glad you like them. It's my... or well, our grandmother's secret recipe." Olivia replied, expressing a warm smile.

It was then Victor entertained the notion of going to the festival that was taking place in the city. "I don't think it would be too much of a big deal if you accompanied me to the festival. I had plans to go, anyway, and I'm sure our grandmother would love to meet you." Olivia stood up from the chair she was in, and went to collect the empty cups and plates. "Just let me collect my things and close up shop, and hopefully the two of us can make the bus. Don't worry, I won't be long."

With that, Olivia disappeared for a few minutes. Walking back into the kitchen section and the rest of the house, Olivia made sure everything was shut off so they wouldn't come back to a high electricity bill or a burning down bakery. Once everything was in the clear, Olivia returned to Victor with her coat and hat, putting both on and waiting by the door for him. "Are you ready? The bus will be here soon, but I don't want you to forget anything here." Olivia explained, standing by the door with a coat that looked almost bigger than herself.

---

There was a sort of bond shared between people who are placed in ridiculous situations. It was a sort of icebreaker between strangers which made them more relaxed then they otherwise would have been. The more ridiculous the situation, the more comfortable everyone seems to be. This might have been one of the most ridiculous situation Jamal's been in at a long time. He smiled as the seemingly shy wallflower shook his hand, introducing himself as Kei. As a man of few words, he usually wasn't very comfortable in introductions such as these but again, watching a man who was beating a bush to death made for a very ridiculous situation. A second man introduced himself, clearly not very right in the head but alcohol could do this to you. He let himself have a little chuckle, an unexpected laugh in an unexpected situation. He would later note this and vow to control his emotions a bit more. He was a man of ice, not flowers and sunshine. Seriousness was his name and emotional restrictiveness was his name. But he let himself go for now and laughed with Kei.

It was an odd sound, his laugh. It was deep and booming but even it this light of a mood, it felt restricted. It came from a man who didn't laugh often but when he did, it was powerful, just like the man himself. Jamal smiled at the newcomer and introduced himself. "Name's Jimmy, guy next to me is Kei and that bushwhacker hitting the bush," he lazily pointed towards the man currently putting bark between his teeth "is an unfortunate companion of mine."

Jamal kept his head and finger pointed to the man currently "choking" the bush to death. Instead, it looked like he was simply pushing the bush around while firmly gripping a bundle of branches. "This drunk sob took a few too many drinks this evening and decided that this poor bush was Ralph. Now Ralph is some poor man who, let's say, bedded with his wife and now this sob somehow found out. I really wonder who pointed him in this direction, the man is lookin' like a straight damn fool." The sarcasm dripped from his voice, watching as the man ripped a branch and flung it at Jamal's face. His face turned into more of a deadpan as the offending piece of nature flicked him on the forehead.

"Make that a very stupid mothafucka." The amusement in his voice was clear however. He put his hand down and nodded at both men, his eyes looking back at the man. He seemed to be... trying to slap the bush? "I have to take care of the guy even though he's physically assaulting a bush and could serve a sentence. Baby momma wants him back in one piece." Jamal grinned, making up half-truths about people were always fun. Referring to Delossantos as a baby momma sounded funny in his head. He glanced back at the police around the square, seeing if any of them wanted to handle a drunk man beating up a bush. None of them made a move but several kept a keen eye if it went bad. He nodded at them, acknowledging their intelligence.

More branches went flying as the drunkard eviscerated the bush as the man started roaring. What a fuckin' night.

Ren was still puzzled with a feeling of familiarity regarding the redheaded woman (@Almalthia). Something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Oh well. His mulled wine was warm in his palms, and he took careful sips to avoid burning his tongue. There sure were a lot of people at this event.

"I didn't really want to come in the first place, so dancing Ren is definitely not present." He mumbled into his drink. "But what the hell. Let's go." Ren held out his hand for Marinalia, looking towards the made up dance floor. (@PrinceAlexus) They made their way through the crowd, loud music blaring from several speakers. Ren noticed a rather buff looking thug, seemingly just overlooking the event (@SgtEasy), and a tall woman with a scarred face in the same area (@Silver Fox). And - What the- Is that Joseph? The self proclaimed wanderer was shuffling about in an utterly ridiculous outfit made out of cardboard boxes. Ren had to give him some credit for the effort though, no matter how unbelievable the result was (@Rabidporcupine).

@PrinceAlexus@aladdin_sane@Furiosa@SgtEasy@Robo27 probably more.

Joseph looked around the party, a small smile on his face. Everywhere he looked, people seemed to be smiling and enjoying himself. Hell, even Rens boyfriend seemed to be having some fun socialising with new, clearly not retardedly rich folks. Honestly, he'd been a little worried when he'd first heard the fat ones rather distinct voice echo through the crowd, but he hadn't really heard it again after that, so he assumed things were going pretty good.

Then again, he clearly hadn't been that ready for them, considering the nearly empty bottle of rum in his left hand.

Wow. That was... When had he even picked that up?

"Jesus tap dancing Christ, that's probably not good..."

And then he took a couple of steps, stumbled over, managed to do a perfect forwards roll and stumble back onto his feet. Of course, this left him a little disoriented, but thankfully it also let him see someone he knew, who was looking at him with clear disbelief.

"Oh, Ren!" He shouted, giving a wave as he carefully walked over to his new friend. "Hey man, thanks again for helping me not starve to death on your lawn before! I don't know if I actually thanked you at all that day, so yeah, thanks!"

However, it was at that point that he realised Ren was not actually alone. In fact, it looked like it was Snowgirls sister.

"Oh hey, you're Snowgirls sister!" He said happily, before frowning slightly. "Actually, I don't think she liked that nickname, did she... Instead I'm meant to call her Vi-... Vic-... Victo... Victory. Pretty sure that was it."

And then he looked between the two a few times, before the gears in his head finally began turning properly.

"Oh. Shit. You guys were... Sorry, I'm interrupting. Alcohol induced tunnel vision. I'll leave you two crazy kids alone now. Have fun! Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

And then he stumbled away, not actually sure where he was going until he'd already arrived.

He was surprised to see that, as a matter of fact, he found himself standing beside the group that included Rens boyfriend, the suited man who was glaring at him before, a... nother guy, and a man fighting a shrub.

"Well, this is an interesting group..." He said, smiling. "Hi drunk, I'm guys. Also Joseph. I'm Joseph."

He looked to the blonde man, an alcohol induced, lopsided grin on his face.

"Hey, so you're friends with the fat Cuban guy who was trying to make jokes about me the other night, right? You know, I thought you'd suck after I listened to you guys at the jazz night, but right now, you actually kinda seem alright... Downright tolerable, even! You think it'd be possible for someone as rich as you to be friends with a lowly wanderer like me? Would it help if I told you that my grandparents were richer than some full countries?"

And then he turned to the guy who had glared at him and pushed him earlier.

"You too, guy-who-doesn't-like-me!" He shouted happily. "I know we didn't exactly get off on the right foot before, with you glaring at me and shoving me, and me doing absolutely nothing to provoke you, but I reckon we can still be friends!"

And finally, he turned to Kei.

"I'll be honest, I don't actually know who you are. You know what though? The rum says it doesn't matter! So whaddaya say? Do you wanna be my pal as well, pal?!"

He was beginning to giggle now, as he swayed from side to side in his feet.

"I'll... Uh... I'll just wait until that guy finishes up on that bush before asking him."

Victor Henson

Friday Night >>> inside of the Flour Meadough Bakery <<<>>> Central Point

“Hmm well I don’t have any other siblings either… err other than you now I guess. So you don’t run this humble little shop by yourself then? I wonder what your grandmother will say about me.” He paused for a moment lost in thought of how he now had to remember to change his grammar when it came to the two of them. At the mention of the bus he broke his train of thought, “alright, remember to grab a warm coat it’s kind of chilly out there.” He called to her as he stood up and waited next to the front door.

Victor turned back to the girl as she came back out wearing a big coat and a fancy hat that matched her clothes, “my don't you look stunning, yeah I’m ready to go” he said with a smile while he walked out the door and to the street. He waited patiently for the girl to lock up the door, double checking to make sure everything was off before she joined him. Their walk to the bus stop was quiet with only a bit of awkward conversation between them and when they were on the bus. At least he remembered to give the girl his cell phone number, so she could contact him when ever, pointing out that he didn’t know what his work schedule would be like yet.

The bus trip was pleasant enough, stopping now and then as public transportation does, many of the other travelers looked all fancy and dolled up to enjoy the festival. Still, Victor tried his best to keep up a civil conversation with the girl mostly about current events or about the last few months of his life and what he did before security. Until eventually the bus came to a stop a few blocks away from the party and let everyone off. He smiled at her again as they followed the group of people down closed off streets full of winter kiosks and places to buy food and gifts, “this place looks good in the evening.”

@Poi

Centre Point . Public Party . Firday evening

---

Marinalia watched as Ren and Milo seemed to not introduce selves, well that was strange but hey. They seemed like they would be OK freinds of they got to know the other if Victoria was right about Milo, and Marinalia was right about Ren.

Well things seemed to be going well anyway. Reacting to thr offer of a dance, he seemed strange but what the hell ans it Seemed Vika night not be heading home tonight if she got lucky. After her time with Morgan, she could hardly judge anyone for it though. Taking Rens hand, this was a Suprise anyway, after Sasha.. Was he into guys or girls... This was confusing to say the least.

sure, I cannot drink tonight so how about two odd ones have some fun.

About to show off abit, she could dance when she wanted to and screw it, they where going to have some fun if it killed someone. No wait... That was a strange thought. Shaking her head suddenly the cardboard clad wandering Knight came by, obviously having had a few too many drinks and a few too many more. He was the guy Victoria described! And starve? Surely they had more freinds than Ren to help him?

Snow Girl... You mean Victoria.. Don, t call her Elsa whatever you do!

Sisters.. Yeah. Very close Sisters. Marinalia, Marlin easier of you drunk!

Oh.. Well it's more fun with a dance partner. And who knows what the night will bring.

He took her by Suprise at first but snow girl was a reference that could only match Victoria and her ability to blend unhealthy with the snow and winter backdrop. Ghost, snow girl, and more had been used. He knew her, did not hurt to introduce self. He seemed reletively harmless if not a a rather heavy drinker at parties. Smiling back to Ren slightly before answering. Well they where two freinds sharing a dance, nothing wrong with that. He had been abit flirty at the Jazz night, playing with her hair, complements, then Sasha, enigma.

Ending with a cheerful tone, well there was a what if in there if things went that way. If not it did not, some things you could not force and he still seemed a freind regardless of everything.

Watching the new comer stumble on. He was certainly drunk. Turning back to Ren with a swarm twinkle in her distinctly grey eyes. Even if he was a downer Dhinsour she was going to try and have fun.

Time for part two.

The previous evening had been a disaster, maybe this one would work out better.. Surely. Dancing along with Ren and spinning out in showy fashion before closing back in, smiling at the odd jealous glance before moving along close and deciding to see if Ren reacted or not. Either Ren would end up with someone, even of or was that guy from thr jazz night. Everyone deserved abit of fun.

---

Victoria watched the strange interactions with Ren and Milo, there was somthing strange about him and from what Marinalia told him, well things definitely where intresting between her sister and the medical student.

They headed off to dance and was not sure if they where happy or what, or even if he was into she.. They both had found Ren a intresting indevidual for sure. It made her and Milo seem pretty normal in comparison bar even with there various past issues, injuries and pains.

OK that was peculiar.

Mali said he was... Changeable I think is the right word for that man.

Things still seemed to be going well and no one had managed to crash into there date with the bulldozer yet. Despite thr possee who moved on. Though things. Ah not be entirely calm when thr cold forced them to head for warmer places. Or maybe not of things went that way. If anything like thr norm this week anything could change in a heart beat.

Watching Joseph stagger past to gathering by a man assaulting the foliage, it seemed that Ren was not the only strange thing going on tonight. Looking round and unsure which way to go. Did she dance, socialise? Be selfish and nudge Milo under the mistletoe or go try and find one of thr people she met at thr Jazz night.

The rapid pace of events and drink her hand was making her head spin slightly as she leaned her weight against Milo as at least one thing was a point of reference.

so.. What do we do now?

---

@aladdin_sane@RoccanIronclad@valckyriie@SgtEasy@Rabidporcupine@Furiosa@Almalthia

---

Milo stood for just a moment, shocked by the kiss he was given out of the blue. His mind hummed now, the past hour a haze and lost to time itself nearly, he was so surprised that he couldn't even kiss her back properly, it was enough to make him not even notice that his introduction to Ren was wholly blown off. He just kind of looked at Vika a tad stunned as her sister and Ren left to dance.

"Vika, I... Nope, not going ruin that."

Milo placed his index finger under her chin and tilted her head back to kiss her again, though a bit more properly than he had before. All these time that the two of them had spoke of their issues and injuries, he still feels as though he hasn't once seen her as anything less than amazing, this brazen attitude against all comers, her unyielding personality, none of it could, in his mind, be from someone that thinks themselves so broken, maybe she just hasn't had the chance to be whole yet.

"I'd go with you anywhere, dear. Just tell me where."

Milo smiled at her happily, he had felt this once before and didn't think it was a feeling he could have twice, back home in Delta city, he and Anna, the love now lost, were just like this, but he could tell that this was different, this time everyone around them seemed to be happy for them, all but one, the same one as before, she couldn't hurt them this time though. As Vika leaned into him, he put his arm around her and let himself not worry about anything for a moment, one lovely moment.

@PrinceAlexus

@SgtEasy, @Robo27, & @Rabidporcupine

Sasha licked his gums, closed his eyes, and let his rapid heartbeat overtake all noise, the rhythmic sounds emanating from his body were a testament to his continued perseverance in face of his enemies. He quelled the rising wave of paranoia before it overtook him completely. There was a certainly a logical reason this Jimmy character looked familiar or perhaps it was just his drug addled mind attempting to manufacture an outlet for his more primal desires. Dr. Huxley was always extoling the values of dark chocolate and perhaps the guru had a point in a metaphorical sort of way. It seemed to Sasha that Fortuna herself was rewarding him with a plethora of desirable men in his life…the mysterious stranger, that Thor-esque biker, and this handsome specimen before him. Opening his eyes Sasha blatantly moved them slowly down Jimmy’s body, he was certainly a hunk of a man and his suit seemed to be well fitting in all the right places. Rawr. Sasha nibbled on his bottom lip as he internally fawned over this well-endowed individual. It was clear that this gentleman truly knew the meaning of strenuous living.

“The name is Sasha darlings and it is certainly a pleasure to make your acquaintances. Though I am sure we’ve all met before at some point. Think I ran into Kei twice before…well now makes thrice and Jimmy you also look awfully familiar. Cannot seem to put my finger on where I know you from, though I’d never forget a handsome face. Have we had the pleasure of dinning together before? Barcadia? Pastels? Crayons? No, wait do not tell me. I have this mental image of dinning with you at this quaint little Native American joint that recently opened I swear you had the barbecued foie gras with the cactus pear salad and I had roasted quail with polenta and green beans… or was it vice versa. Shit…”, Sasha trails off as he fails to suppress some cocaine related sniffles.

Disposing of the hot chocolate mug in a nearby garbage can, he pulls out some liquid sanitizer from his clutch and cleans his hands before picking up the conversation again. “…Sorry about that. One of the downsides of snow I suppose. Where were we. Oh, yes I remember…how rude of me. It is a Slavic custom to great one’s fellow male acquaintances with a kiss. Remember it is only weird if you make it weird darlings.”

Before anyone could object Sasha moves in and plants a quick kiss on Kei’s lips and does the same to Jimmy’s, though he lingers slightly longer than what would be considered socially acceptable. No surprise, but Jim’s lips tasted like orange sherbet…that mixture of vanilla and orange juice was quite alluring. It took all of his inner resolve not to completely shatter the boundaries between a gesture and an inappropriate advance.

Sasha raised an eyebrow at Joseph’s cardboard get up and let out a chuckle, but it was far from the worst outfit he’d ever seen in and it was at least a unique display. At the mention of Lupe Sasha momentarily wondered where the fat bastard was and endeavored to eventually track him down. “You sir are quite maggered, but I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless and harbor no ill will towards you. With all this talk of a lone wander with a noble inheritance are you sure your name is not Strider or spoilers Aragon, but I digress.” Sasha shrugs and kisses Joe on the lips. Might as well sample the wildlife per say.

After unlocking lips the petite Russian whispers in the wander’s ear. “As Elrond says in the movie and perhaps even in the book. ‘Put aside the Ranger, become who you were born to be.’”

Sasha felt like he needed some more cocaine as some clever devil hid the prior stash in his bloodstream.


@Pilatus

Lupe was not particularly fond of unneeded physical activities despite what the tracksuit might suggest, and he was unsurprisingly quite winded by the time he reached Paige. A more self-conscious man might attempt to hide their apparent shortcomings, but Lupe valued the realness between himself and Paige too much to put on some sort of front. Lupe was glad to see that her new law enforcement position was at least slightly more stimulating than protecting his old man and it was clear that she was getting the respect that she deserved. It would be pointless to mention that she only grew even more beautiful in her absence as that was to be expected. A rare genuine smile crosses his visage complimenting his rosy cheeks as he approaches his crush and friend. He embraces her in a big bear hug.
“Paige? Wow! Bless up! Longtime no see. So, stoked to have caught you before you were dragged off on another mission to save the world. Hopefully things are going well for you. I am let’s just say an honored guest of the Sol City for the time being.”

Lupe lets out a hearty laugh as he roles up a pant leg to reveal an ankle monitoring device.

“I was warned that leaving the city proper entails some sort of additional punishment, so I decided I could take in some of the local entertainment while I wait for the charges to be dropped. What about yourself? I can’t see you as some clueless tourist? So, what's the sitch? No need to go into specifics. Someone going to you know go after the mayor or something? Is it Aliens? Is it finally Aliens? Are we going to go full on X-files?”

Khorshid was about to butt in, but the ringing of his cellular device caused him to excuse himself and found a seclude area to take that call. Seemed Bubba had the nerve to call him after all. He felt like laying into the bikers, but while he was not the sharpest crayon in the box he was not that stupid. He would let them do the talking.

@Silver Fox@Pilatus@PrinceAlexus@RoccanIronclad



Siobhan blushed and smiled at Ashton. "A young man with white blonde hair, glasses, and about six foot. Or a blonde police woman...at least I think she's a police officer. She might be harder to find since she's shorter than myself."

Siobhan stood on her tip toes and looked around a bit. When she saw Ren she smiled and was bout to point him out just as she noticed the girl that came up to him. Blonde petite and beautiful. Standing still she smiled in a self deprecating way. Of course he'd have a girlfriend. Not that she should have expected someone that attractive to be interested in her. Shaking off her depressing thoughts Siobhan looked around for Paige and not seeing her she sighed and laid a hand on Ashton's upper arm and on top toes pointed at Ren, the blonde petite pretty girl, surprisingly Ms. Ice Queen and Milo...or was it Miles...she couldn't remember exactly what Paige had said. "Shall we introduce ourselves, Ashton? Always good to make friends, right?"

Rajvi Bapodra

"Suck it! Get destroyed, motherfuckers!"

Rajvi stood at her desk with her chair shoved behind her, thin sheen of sweat covering her body as she mashed her keyboard rapidly. A tense grin was spread across her face. After another few seconds, she stood up, arms pumped. The tense grin exploded into a gunpowder smile and she let loose an exultant laugh. "Hell yeah!"

Picking up her discarded microphone from the ground, she held down the PTT button and shouted a few choice triumphant obscenities into it.

We get it, Bardcore! You won! Jesus...

"You fucking know it!"

She stood up fully and stretched, yawning as she checked the time. Wow, it's getting pretty late...I should order dinner. Picking up her phone, she punched in the number of a particularly prompt restaurant in town. After a few rings, someone picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hey, J-Jack," she stuttered, flipping back to the nervous wreck she usually was as soon as she spoke to a person not separated by the endless gulf of WiFi and screen names.p

"Oh, hey, Rajvi. Sorry, no order out tonight. Night of the winter ball, so everyone's staffed up and delivering to Central Point. If you want food, you gotta come grab it yourself."

With a click, the phone went dead. She looked at it for a moment, wide-eyed, before taking a sudden deep breath and breaking out into cold sweat. She crept up to the window, looking outside of her apartment at the snowy night below and shuddering in a way that had nothing to do with cold. I have to have something in the pantry, right? No such luck. She was out of food. And that meant...I have to go outside.

Ten minutes later, she edged out of the door of her apartment building, bundled up in a thick parka. She released a surprised sneeze as a snowflake landed directly on her nose, but otherwise was closed in and quiet as she could be. She began the walk down to Central Point, already beginning to dread the heavy crowds. Sol Silverside, a small, quiet seafood restaurant and her typical eatery, was closed for the festival, so Point it was. It was colder than she was used to; then again, she hadn't left her apartment since mid-June. She shivered as she walked, squinting against the brilliant Christmas lights that has been strung up over the city.

Luckily, she didn't live too far from the city center. As she approached, a sudden press of people assaulted her, leaving her terrified. Come on, Rajvi. You can do it!

At that exact moment, she was bumped into by a large, burly man who shot her a venomous glare. With a terrified squeak, she skittered away, trying her best to make it through the loud, close crowd. Her head was pounding. As she broke away, she popped out, only to find herself running slap-bang into a petite young lady with bizarrely white hair and a very large, very intimidating man. She panicked, only barely managing to stop herself from falling over and scrambling to retain her footing.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry," she rambled hysterically, "I wasn't looking where I was going and then I ran into you and I bet I hurt you and you probably hate me now!" It was quite evident that she was close to tears as she backed away like a deer in the headlights, just about ready to bolt again.

@PrinceAlexus@RoccanIronclad

Centre Point . Public Party . Firday evening

---

Marinalia was too distracted at first by Ren to not notice the change very tall woman looking over at her, and a red head she was sure she had seen earlier. A long green cloak now. Least she was sensible to the weather. Cute dress was cute until you turned blue and then it was definitely not, unless you wanted to try for a good looking ER Nurse.

Not unfreindly but more just curious her grey eyes scanned thr crowd and looked out for any of thr people she bumped into at the old Starboard. Noticing her sister seeming to have abit of fun with Milo, they seemed to be happy and deserved it. Prrtty obviously related if you had time to look, thr matching grey eyes where a big give away though, abet a rare one for half sisters to match so well.

Glancing, hmm somthing about that woman made her think and her look at Ren, did they know each other? They seemed to be heading that way towards them and thr happy couple by the dance floor. Hmmm... Ren was not bad looking, it was expected that he might attract a few girls.

New City seemed to be doing good alright for at least one Romus Sister, even if the older one had had to deal with her own issues. Nudging Ren, with a slightly giggle.

I think ice and fire are doing just fine. No Dragons yet... Thankfully less Incest...

Game of thrones, Ren had a brain, he was younger than her so he should have seen it, students had plenty of time to watch netflix. It was not like she was old, surely...

---

Victoria smiled at the kiss, ruin this he was not likely to ever want to, managing to forget the world around her, her frailty and worries. The evening was certainly spicing up and things became a lot more intresting. Alot more relaxed and content, how long had it been since she had felt like this, good things rarely worked out like that for Victoria Romus, maybe this time was different.

Feeling a reassuring arm, it felt safe.

Looking out from the polar bear eared faux fur hood, long white hair however intricately platted was just doing its own thing though, though even with thr Suprised blush at the kiss, her skin could still worry a medic.

Even ghosts cannot ruin this.

Well, it's kinda turning so I blend into things... City hall? There's a fish a chip and place nearby too... Frying Nemo or somthing...

Before she could think on if she had the right place a slighter taller but very slim woman seemed to fly out thr crowd causing the smaller 4'9 Victoria to stagger and force the walking stick against a curb for balence crunching on snow and fallen litter.

Lighter built, much more tanned but still taller despite being a smaller woman, she did not seem dressed up the party and more for warmth compared to the glittery 1930,s style dress, costume tiara just viable and low heals abet with a warm faux fur coat as not to get pneumonia.

hey... Don t worry ive had worse. Im tougher than I look.

I Don t hate you! I never met you before. Relax. Il heal. Bruise at most.

With a softer English accent, almost fresh off the boat, slightly feeling sorry for the woman's clumsy mistake, it was kinda embarrassing.

how about a clean slate. Victoria Romus, or sometimes Lady De Winter. This rather handsome chap is my... Boy... Date this evening Milo.

Stuttering, she was utterly unsure how to define there relationship and they never had talked about it, afraid to scare him off and say the couple word too soon. They had only been on 2 dates after all, kissed a few times, properly anyway.

Lady de winter was a name she used when she was nervous, it was easy to hide behind the pretence and hide Victoria behind a false confidence. It also linked to her business name. Having done a few larger websites, apps and a couple of projects she could not list publicly. Very few cared about the person who wrote the code to help you order your coffee or check the news and your email. She was just one small person working to try and make some money when she could.

---

@aladdin_sane@RoccanIronclad@valckyriie@SgtEasy@Rabidporcupine@Furiosa@Almalthia@Lemons

---

THe two people in front of Kei seemed to be nice people, they did not seem to harbour any ill will or any plots against Kei so he relaxed near the two and didn't really go as stiff as a board while talking to the two of them. The situation that Jimmy painted for the bush whacker was quiet a situation, he was drunk and was mistaking the poor defenseless bush as someone he held a grudge against, it sure was a sight to behold. The man was still going at it. slowly turning the bush into a lifeless pile of leaves. Kei was still laughing in the inside but it was very hard for him to keep it to himself. Every now and again a laugh would escape him as he glanced over at the man roughing the bush up.

It wasn't long before the person named Sasha introduced himself. He seemed to be pretty nice and so far did not seem too much as bad person. The way Sasha spoke was interesting and definitely a way Kei was not used to hearing, but nonetheless it wasn't anything bad. Kei quietly listened to them speak between the two of them, but out of no where, as Kei was quietly spacing out in-between the two of them he felt a pair of cold but warm lips connect with his. He was taken by complete surprise, it was such a surprise that he stumbled backwards and was for a lost of words. He almost lost his balance in the middle of the street, he wasn't sure how to really react. He had caught the whole bit about it being tradition but he was still so taken aback, it show visibily on his face. Without even realizing words escaped his lips.

「What the hell just happened.」

@aladdin_sane@SgtEasy

This was raw fear. A fear so unprecedented, so unwanted, so overwhelming that he ignored anything anyone said. Even as the cardboard man addressed him, he was silent. He had only felt this type of fear once before, when he entered a gentleman's strip club for an undercover drug operation. The amount of pure lust in the air, the sudden sexual frustration building tension within the rooms he entered. Not everyone was like that of course but many of the men who were there had very pent up sexual lives. They had been free to express themselves in that little club of theirs. It was horrifying to him, the amount of desperate looks sent towards his way. Although no prune, the acts they had conveyed in their eyes... It shook Jamal to the core. It made him feel this special type of fear that was different from any other. He wasn't immune to it, he couldn't be the invincible ice man when he was confronted with it. A sexual fear which crept into his mind and promised so many things to him. So many things that he disapproved of. As Sasha introduced himself, he felt that familiar chill up his spine. That tingle at the back of his throat and the widening eyes. He felt that same attraction from that man, that lust. He suppressed a shudder.

As Sasha spoke of his Slavic customs, Jamal took one small step backwards. His dress became tighter and sweat was starting to drip down his forehead. The clothing felt like it was a second skin, the muscles very obvious now. He doubted it was of any consequence to the man approaching him. Time slowed down and he steeled himself for the kiss to come. It would be simple contact, nothing more. There was nothing to worry about, he should just let it be. There was nothing behind it. Nothing behind it. Ignore the man smelling you, ignore it. Be a man, be man, be a man. Cool as ice. Those aren't lips against your lips, those are donkey scrotum. Donkey scrotum was innocent. It wasn't weird. Ignore that you're kissing a donkey's scrotum. Ignore. Ignore. Ignore.

After 3.06 seconds, and he knew because Jamal counted, the donkey scrotum parted from his lips and he allowed himself to breathe. In, out. In, out. He opened his eyes to another distressing sight. Sasha kissed the cardboard man and proceeded to whisper in his ear. The cardboard man, the one he despised. The one he so rudely, but pleasantly, ignored earlier when they officially met a few moments earlier. Before he kissed Sash- the donkey's scrotum. He muttered Urdu curses under his breath before turning to Kei. He put on a big smile at his remark. He glanced back at the duo still entangled and started whispering "Pretty fuckin' trippy, gettin' kissed aye? I dunno 'bout you but I gotta take this asshole" he gestured towards the drunkard ripping the leaves "towards the ballroom. Before I kiss the donke- Sasha again, I mean Sasha. Come with if ya want homie."

Jamal nodded once at Kei before walking towards the drunkard. Hurriedly, as if spurned on by some unknown force to do things quicker, he smacked the drunkard on the back of the head. The man went out cold and before long, started snoring in the snow. The half-Pakistani grimaced before dragging the snoring man up and slapping him a few times. The drunk's eyes flew open and flicked towards Jamal before muttering "Jimmy? Did I fuck 'im up bro?"

The undercover cop just grunted before starting to walk towards the ballroom with the drunk in tow. He gestured for Kei to come but with a look that said he could stay if he wanted. He took time to say a small goodbye to cardboard man and donkey scrotum before leaving quickly towards the ballroom. Away from donkey scrotum. No more donkey scrotum. Donkey scrotum no kiss.

Good thing the drunk was too drunk to hear Jamal's crazed mutterings.

---

Glancing around before feeling Siobhan touch her arm, the tall firefighter looked toward the direction to see a man with quite striking white hair. Spotting the collection of people, Ashton's face visibly brighten in affirmation and nodded excitedly in response to the question. Wrapping a long toned arm hidden beneath the baggy jacket around the red head's shoulders, the tall blonde gleefully made a straight beeline toward the group. Using her size to push pass the crowd and help her newly made friend with traversing foot traffic. Occasionally gently pushing through to those who got a little to close like drunks trying to topple them with their fumbles. In which case Ashton would help the stand upright before moving on.

Once getting notibly close is only when Ashton noticed they had arrived at a dance floor, which the blonde scratched her scarred cheek shyly but gave a goofy grin. Gently moving behind Siobhan and walking behind her, she waved her left hand high in the air energetically toward the man Siobhan had been looking for and his current pretty companion. Having a bright cheerful and friendly smile on her marred face, Ashton was soon upon them and towering above and give a few encouraging gleeful pats to Siobhan's shoulders. As if to say they had successfully done their mission!

Amethyst eyes glittering curiously as she looked at all of them, much like a dog that was just cheerfully wagging its tail, even if it had no idea what currently was happening. Was just happy being there with people.

Once the dust settled with Victor's arrival, Olivia and her newfound brother set out for the bus stop. Her coat and hat matched Olivia's clothing, but she couldn't help but to feel huge in her winter coat. While she wasn't frail, Olivia didn't have quite the same amount of meat on the bones, and winter coats were sometimes unreasonably bulky to protect the wearer's warmth. What was once a tiny girl became a cute yet oversized monstrosity of warmth. It seemed Victor wasn't going to helpful either with his comments, as her cheeks flourished with red as Olivia tried to hide them from him while locking up the business.

The wait for the bus to arrive wasn't long, but it was as much awkward as it was short. No one was sure of what to say, and only a few words and sentences was uttered by either party. Victor did remember to give Olivia his phone number, in case she needed to call him later in the future, although he wasn't sure what his schedule would be like. Eventually, the bus had arrived, and together Olivia and Victor got on, and several others had followed in their footsteps at the next few stops the bus stopped at. Victor tried his best to keep what little conversation they had, although Olivia knew hardly anything about the current events of Sol City. After all, Olivia had only moved here earlier this week.

Soon enough, the bus made its final stop just outside the party itself. The place was decorated with kiosks and people selling food underneath a brazen glow of lights. "It's quite a sight, Victoooorrrr..." Olivia spoke, her voice trailing off as it grew quieter upon noticing a peculiar, and friendly sight. Two sights--a bush-beater and someone she had recently met dressed in some odd garments made of tape and cardboard. "Joseph?" Olivia called out, once in range of the crowd that was forming around the bush-beater that was now being escorted out of the place and back to the ball room.

---

The cool winter air was all but forgotten on the dance floor, except for a multitude of red nosetips amongst the crowd. Ren and Marlin (@PrinceAlexus) were just getting started when cardboard Joseph (@Rabidporcupine) came clunking over. Unsure if he should pretend not to know him or not, Ren sighed and gave him a curt nod. "Joseph." He said, as an acknowledgement of him being there. "Don't worry about it. I didn't want the smell of dead hobo to contaminate the entire building, so it's not like I had much of a choice." Seriously, why did you say that. Is it so hard just to be nice from time to time? You don't have to be super energetic or excited; just normal polite and friendly. Is that too much to ask? Ren scrunched his nose when Joseph suggested that Marlin and him were here as something more than friends. He was about to open his mouth to protest, but Joseph was already staggering away with an empty bottle in his hand and disappeared in the crowd. Sheesh. What a guy... By the looks of it he'll be too drunk to remember meeting me at all so that's something.

Ren snorted at Marilania's remark and the memories of the disastrous jazz night. "Let's hope the sequel can surpass episode one. That shouldn't be a tall order." They moved around the dance floor, trying their best not to bump into too many people. Ren was still feeling pretty grumpy - for no apparent reason - but moving his body gracefully to the music always had a soothing effect on his busy mind. Perhaps he would even come to enjoy himself during the evening? The night was still young - if only he had some more alcohol. Sigh.

Marlin made a geeky comment about her sister and the guy from the jazz night (@RoccanIronclad) - currently making googly eyes at her - that made Ren chuckle. "Hopefully they will have to endure less decapitations in their love story at the very least. Am I imagining things or did that buff guy Viktoria is dancing with say something to me? I only realised just now that he might have been addressing me. By the looks of it I just assumed he was being all lovey-dovey with Queen Elsa." He knew this was a nickname Viktoria would hate to hear, but he couldn't help himself when it was just the two of them. Her resemblance was uncanny. "Didn't take you for a series geek? Perhaps we should have that movie night you suggested after all." Ren was a sucker for films and series. Also, watching a movie was a perfectly good way to be social without actually having to be social - and that was something he could appreciate.

The looming presence of another person caught Ren's attention. Well - two actually, but it was hard to see the redheaded woman (@Almalthia) from before behind the taller one (@Silver Fox) in the front. Siobhan, wasn't it? The tall, blonde looked like she was having a good time, patting Siobhan on the shoulder even. Ren usually considered himself to be pretty tall, but this woman was probably towering an entire feet above him. Three parallel scars running across her face. The question was what did she want with them? Ren - being the not-so-friendly guy he was just stared at the strange woman, squinting his eyes for a second before shifting his gaze to Siobhan, giving her a weak smile.

Milo held on to Vila as the newcomer slammed into her, he immediately looked up at the woman with a tad of anger, he assumed it would have been Paige or someone trying to bring his night back to a crawl, however the woman in front of them was just a panicked young woman who seemed a bit overwhelmed. The woman began to apologise profusely almost comically so, and he couldn't help but laugh as she asked them if they hated her now. Vila seemed as though she was fine and tried to calm the girl down, but Milo felt the urge to make light of the situation.

"I only hate you a little bit don't worry.... I'm kidding its perfectly fine as crowded as this place has become its a wonder we hadn't been run over by a stranger til now."

As Vila gave the girl a bit of an introduction he chuckled at her hesitation at calling him her boyfriend, title didn't mean much to him so she could call him whatever she wanted but it was cute to see her flustered a little.

"Milo Ventri, no fancy titles here."

@Furiosa@Silver Fox@PrinceAlexus@RoccanIronclad@Lemons



Siobhan's smile slips a little seeing Ren looks annoyed with the world in general. "My apologies Mr. White for the intrusion but I was hoping that I could invite you and your friends inside City Hall for a round of drinks, some less inclimate weather and possibly ask questions on the city itself. I'm new here and would like to know where to go and not to go."

Her smile is a bit uncertain but a split second later she's just as bright as the sun. It was so fast that unless you knew her you wouldn't have caught it. She gestures toward City Hall and smiling broadly she turns back around and laughs softly. Her laugh is barely noticeable over the extra noise but is light and musical and extremely distinctive, upon hearing it you know that you'd be able to pick it out in a crowd; the innocence contained therein would make even Scrooge smile. "Oh this is Mr. Ashton Griffone. Mr. Griffone this is Mr. Ren White."

Rajvi Bapodra

The man's laughter only made the situation worse: Rajvi, in her panicked state, immediately assumed that he was laughing at her. Then, if things weren't bad enough, "I only hate you a little bit," too. The logical part of her mind recognized that it was likely meant as a joke and that the man—Milo, apparently—didn't actually hate her. She even heard what he said afterwards, about being kidding and not being upset in the slightest. The logical part of her mind wanted to introduce herself gregariously, and perhaps see where the night would take things as she made a pair of friends, something she hadn't actually done in well over three years. Sadly, the logical part of her mind generally had problems when it came to decision-making in a social environment, and more often than not, the emotional, fear-driven part of her overrode it and had the greater say. So it was here. For as long as she'd lived, she'd been unable to introduce herself to people properly, and that didn't look like it would change tonight

So instead, she said in a quavering, anxiety-filled voice so quiet that it was likely wouldn't be heard at all over the music and the crowd,

"I-I'm...Rajvi. Bapodra. I'm sorry."

As the young woman introduced herself a thoughtful expression came onto her face and her eyes widened fractionally. Lady De Winter? she thought. I've seen that before. Didn't she help code for the new LightMail website and app?

Shuffling uncomfortably in her heavy parka, she moved slightly closer to the pair, away from the thick crowds around them. Not too close, though. Scrambling desperately for something—anything—to say and gradually becoming more and more overwhelmed by the bright lights, loud noises and large crowd, she began to look and feel slightly ill as she turned to Victoria. "I l-l-like your h-hair," she said, smiling tremulously.

@PrinceAlexus@RoccanIronclad