Fumbling with a lighter for a moment Dustynn lit her cigarette and took hard hits on it. She never really learned how to smoke cigarettes properly and most people told her she needed to relax or she was going to do some major damage to her lungs. She used her free hand to rub her eye with an open palm. It was afternoon, but when your work didn't start until the evening your sleep schedule was often twisted. She passed off her cigarette to another person that was sitting outside, "You can finish it, I gotta go back in." the man nodded, an appreciative but silent thank you. This afternoon Leo offered to take her for lunch before their shift started, she could not help but be a little nervous; wondering if this was the nice way of letting her go or tell her something was wrong with her work ethic. She was a great bartender; entertaining, attractive, fairly attentive- but things came up every once in awhile and people were troublesome when they became drunk. It didn't help that Leo didn't think too highly of her substance abusing.

Going back into the establishment, Dustynn was lucky that the waitress had came over to take their orders. Leo across from the table, she smiled weakly at him as she sat back down in her chair, placing her winter coat on the back of the chair. Leo ordered, as she scanned over the menu despite already knowing what she wanted to order. He had offered to pay, so she wouldn't go overboard. The waitress turned to her, ready to take her order. "I'll take the breakfast sandwich, but instead of my eggs being scrambled can they be-" she paused for a moment, her mother had always called them "Happy Dusty eggs" something that didn't exist in anything but her world. Laughing slightly nervous, she continued "Actually, I'll just take scrambled, thank you. Oh! With the largest apple juice you are allowed to legally give me. Thanks again!" She would have to google the name of the eggs on her phone afterwards.

The waitress picked up their menus and Dustynn quickly took her phone out revealing a cracked screen and multiple finger prints. She wiped it on her leggings, and looked up the various types of eggs. "Over easy." it read, matching up with the description Dustynn had wanted. "Thanks Mom.." thought to herself as she shoved her phone back into her jacket pocket. The waitress placed their drinks on the table, along with straws as Dusty took one she ripped off the end and blew into the other as the paper wrapping flew and hit Leo right in the chest. She gave a cheeky smile, "So what do I owe the pleasure of today?" Dusty questioned, dropping her straw into her large apple juice and taking a sip.

---

_{@PrinceAlexus}

"Yeah I got this one in a bar fight a few years back, that dame practically came out of no where with that bottle." One of the group's shorter but broader members said as he proudly presented the large gash like scar that stretched across his bicep. The group admired as the stocky fellow continued to brandish his arm, fleshing it slightly to further accentuate the scar tissue. Eventually the small gathering offered the man and his battered arm a cheer of approval.

"Bah, that is nothing!" A ginger bearded man said as the group's exclamation died down. He then stood from his chair and firmly placed his right foot onto the table in front of him. Taking what seemed like a dramatic pause the fiery haired fellow then rolled up his pant leg, revealing a calf that was racked with what appeared to be old animal bites. "Had a Doberman get a hold of me while I was a lad and used me as a bloody chew toy." He explained as the group looked on as if transfixed by the man's meatloaf-esque limb, eventually finding their voice again in the form of yet another cheer.

This little bizarre version of show and tell had been going on for quite sometime; people showing off everything from bent fingers and crooked noses to even cracked teeth and missing toes. Bo had been watching the spectacle with nothing less than pure mirth, cheering right along side everyone else each time a new little deformity was put on display. He loved the fact that these people could take pride in their differences and not be held back by what the usual person would say about them, the big lug found it to be a little bit inspiring.

"Well I hate to beat you all twice in one day guys but..." Bo said with a slight chuckle as he stood from his seat. He then proceeded to remove his tank top, draping it over his shoulder, and revealed his own entry for the little competition. On his right side spreading from the crook of his under arm all the way down to his hip and across his lower abdomen Bo's body was covered in scar tissue from what obviously was a serious burn. The giant offered the group a sly grin as they fell silent and admired his little display. "Just a small car bomb, no big deal." The silence that came over the gathering lasted a moment before a uproar of cheers and laughter emerged. Bo joined in with the laughter as he replaced his shirt and sat back down, getting a few victory pats on his shoulder as he did so.

The party continued to truck along, the attention eventually being shift from scars to other topics. Bo was in the middle of a story of a patient he had back in his EMT days that had managed to get a child's toy stuck in a rather intimate place when he noticed a cup of coffee be placed in front of him. His first thought was that someone at the table must of ordered it, it made sense to him that given the amount of drinking that was going on that someone would try to find themselves a way sober up a little before having to head out, but that thought was quickly thrown aside as he felt a slight tapping on his shoulder.

As he turned his gaze Bo was met with the sight of a young woman wrapped in a jacket that looked basically like a wearable passport grabbing the pot of coffee out from in front of him. The blonde then quickly explained that the true owner of the coffee was her and that the server must of gotten something mixed up. Bo couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. "I'm so sorry about that ma'am." He said as he took the pot off of the table and handed it towards the golden haired young lady, offering her a warm smile as he did so. Bo could tell from just how she was standing that the poor girl was a ball of nerves right now. It was no real surprise honestly given the fact that she just had to walk up to a group of what looked like a bunch of meat heads ogling each others scars. He felt an odd pang of guilt from the situation, he didn't want this woman walking away with a bad image of him and the rest of the guys.

"Sorry about that again ma'am." Bo said as he fully handed off the pot. "I hope you don't mind me asking ma'am, but are you pilot? I couldn't help but notice your jacket there." As Bo spoke he did a small gesture towards the blonde's jacket and the array of badges that adorned it. "If you are might I say you got yourself quite the impressive record if I'm to go by your patches." He was hoping that by trying to relate with the girl that he would be able to ease her nerves a bit, though it was only after that he said this that it dawned on the big knucklehead that this girl may have only been wearing that jacket as a fashion statement. Eh live and learn.

Sarah Cooper

---

Sarah was still occupied with quiet dread and images of howling, shit-covered lemurs scratching at her hair when she saw the man in the wheelchair slide into the hole. She picked up her pace into a jog without even really thinking about it, her work boots slapping against the pavement and her bucket jostling as the man struggled to extract himself from the divot in the ground. If someone needed help, someone needed help; the lemurs could wait.

Ultimately, her good intentions weren't necessary - someone had been a moment quicker than her in lifting the chair out of the hole, a slight young man with brown hair and a vaguely floral scent. At first, she continued rushing forward to offer her help, and by the time it became clear that her assistance wasn't needed, she had gotten much too close to the pair to play it off.

"I am so sorry about that," she said lamely as he turned to face both her and his savior, making an effort not to stare at his scrawny legs. She was always self-conscious about her gaze around the differently abled, which she knew was just as bad as staring, but it was a hard loop to break out of. "I'll make sure someone comes around to fix that later," she continued, as though she had any power over the landscaping.

Sarah set the bucket down and peeled her gloves off, sensing a valid excuse to be late to the lemur-washing. Normally she disapproved of on the job time wasting, but since it wasn't technically her job, could anyone fault her for taking the time to connect with a few of the Zoo's visitors, especially one that could have been terribly injured by the park's negligence? No. No they could not. "Sarah, Sarah Cooper," she said, beaming her best smile and offering a hand to whichever of the pair deigned to take it. "I work here."

When he turned around Alex felt him looking at him in confusion. His heart instantly hurt, this is why he hadn't left the house. He regretted his decision and started to leave when he heard,"My goodness. Thank you... mister?" Alex felt his face light up and grinned. "It was really no trouble, always here to help someone in need," he cringed as his voice cracked multiple times from sheer surprise.

From his right a girl came jogging up,presumably to help the man as he did. Looking closely he noticed it was the same girl from the poster and feeding the bear. While she was still shorter, she certainly looked taller now that she was no longer next to the huge grizzly. He grabbed her hand, quite firmly, and gave it a short shake. "Alex, Alex Wood. I noticed, you're the girl from the posters, no? How'd you manage to befriend a beast like Peanutbutter?"

---

---

Siobhan runs her hand through her hair and chuckles at the surprise in his voice. “See you then.” She ended the call. Siobhan picked up some fresh dill, garlic, butter and tin foil for the salmon. She grabbed some fresh young ginger, cilantro and some jasmine rice. Then she had a brilliant idea. Miso soup. Quickly she picked up the tofu, wakame seaweed, bonito dashi stock, a spring onion and miso paste. She snagged some fresh baby spinach, sesame oil, sesame seeds and rice vinegar. Chimay blue was next. Having another brilliant idea she grabbed some cream cheese, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and muffin cups. She got up to the checkout and paid.

Siobhan swung by her place and picked up the needed cookware. He was a single guy better to err on the side of caution that he didn’t have the right cookware. Amazingly she pulled up at Apex Designs just as he was getting out of the Chrysler. “Surprise surprise. Thought you could use a jet lag cure. Wanna give me a hand? I’ll make it worth your while.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively then broke out laughing. She grabbed the cloth bags she used for groceries. “One of the good things from living alone. You learn to cook quickly. Or you don’t eat.” She grinned and shrugged.

---

@Saarebas

Marilania was a bundle at nerves at this situation and had CS spray hidden gin a pockets seconds away so anyone being idiot would quickly be more intrested in own burning face. Though hopefully she never had to test that principle and watched as the giant turned round to face her being surprisingly polite for a bunch of what looked like men who got dragged through razor wire hedges, ran over by a lawnmower and thrown out of a plane in the same weekend. Where they... Well where they a bunch of couples or friends, it was not always easy to tell.

Apcepting the coffee pot and "Borrowing" a clean cup they not using at all and pouring it tinto a cup so she could drink it. It was cheeky but they had stole her coffee by acidiant. And no one wanted a under cafinated woman running about. He had noted her wings and badges, they read like a story of her life somewhat ranging from Rome to Anchorage, Sol in fact was her first permanent contract she could remember having in her life, constantly bumping between places. It was fun, but she did admit it would be nice to stop and so at some point, make a real home bar the family Estate in England. It had been there home for generations now, it always would be home.

With a glance of distinctly grey eyes, and sip of coffee savouring the blessings of the Caffeine God, she could reply now. She was a a little calmer though thr cut glass accent refused to leave.

Not your fault, I just needed my coffee fix. Someone broke the machine at work...

Adding with a slight shake of head, the plague of the uncafinated had been like a return of the living dead and she had done a "Test landing and revue of flight procedures" at the cargo office to get Caffeine and teach at same time.

Yep, a pilot for 9 years and now teaching for Deadlaus, the local major carrier. Sure she was only starting out there and doing basic flight for now mostly in helicopters as she had more experience flying in difficult conditions than others thanks to a stint in Alaska and others.

Pilot, I love my job. Don t mind.

I'm a flight instructor with a airline. Best office view in the world, i started as a teanager and never looked down. Took a lesson for fun and well.. Ended here.

Feeling fairly cheerful at things and despite the nerves she did love her job utterly and felt a a little sad smwhen stuck on the ground for too long. The neat Deadlaus office uniform did kinda mean there was no point saying where she worked, the fitted skirts and jackets in the slightly more vintage airline style was seemingly popular with customers and they had kept it, same with the dark male suits and formal Airforce style hats for flight crew but that was preferences. She had to admit they looked handsome dressed up properly. The flight jacket was her thing though, a gift when she got her wings, it has never left her travels since.

It was not always her normal wear for teaching but big wig days plus it was kinda nice looking good she had to admit. Even if flying in a skirt took some getting used to.

Names Marinalia, but most call me Marlin.

Thanks, I've been about abit. And I do have a scar to add to your strange game, but mine sadly ended my swim career early. And that's my little secret where boys.

What you do bar acquiring other people's coffees and legandry labour's hercules?

She was still nervous, but his look seemed genuine, and a quick glance at his eyes, well they where a window into soul and normaly told you instantly if someone was meaning ill or good. She normaly never admitted to her scar but well, Joel and all, new jobs, maybe she should apcept it happened more. It was not going away any time ever. A mugging gone wrong stopped her swimming career, and she was very good, still was just competive anymore. Almost fate had been kind as she found a second love of flying so that made her less sour about life, she had a new thing to make her happy and it had kept her happy.

Her bag swinging off hook of her arm, and a coffee in hand she felt more like her self than the nervous wreck at first, these guys may not be as bad as they looked. Even if she gave one a slight glare and tut at someone singing " Come Fly with me". She was sure they could be more creative than that, low hanging fruit..

A deep thriving surged through his veins whenever he strummed an unorthodox chord, unloading pristine springs of tremolo pickings and soothing his own mind with slow shifts in time signature and tempo. The guitar, obviously the same model as his own, was just the way he liked it. The craftsmanship of the telecaster was far-more surreal at times than that of a stratocaster, its more popular counterpart. People like Jonny Greenwood were also fond of picking up the more concise brother of the two models, which was one of his main inspirations for picking the instrument itself. Its pickups and size was perfectly balanced for his framework and offered some lightweight maneuverability which he desperately needed with his limitations. People kept on wandering past, watching him for ages as he sat, unknowingly for hours into the approaching evening, whilst people consolidated on whether he was a busker or not. Anyone who attempted to give him money was thanked, but dismissed politely as he calmly (though awkwardly) corrected their misjudgment. Eventually, his accidental accomplice, Julian, emerged from his hidey-hole and interrupted his current interpretation of solitary performance with a large pat on the back.

"Mr McGuinness, you must be tired! You can go now, the machine is all yours and I got a small dose of customers more than before. Bugger off, my friend." Silently, he smiled and thanked his acquaintance before allowing him to unplug everything and remove the priceless guitar from his fingertips. All that remained was the drum machine, to which he picked it up by its integrated handle, covered it in protective layers that had come with its packaging and started to lead himself astray of the shop. It wasn't long before he realised the concept of time still existed.

Without a second to lose, he checked his phone at the fears of missing what he was scheduled to see, the orchestra. However, his luck seemed to be turning around once more as he still seemingly had 2 hours left to kill. Geez, it seemed like a long time of all things, didn't it? And still, time did fly whilst he was enjoying the moment he'd seized. A strange carpe diem sensation every now and then was more than welcomed into his system. And another growl of Oscar's stomach symbolised that something should be done about his appetite. It wasn't reaching a boiling point of malnutrition or anything, only the small temptation to tuck into a brownie or two whilst sipping on an ice-cold soft drink kept his mind at full attention. Thus, he stood up and turned, realising that the cafe was very nearby. It was strange. He must have come to this music shop about four times a week and yet he still hadn't been to this beverage provider more than twice. With his priorities having been set on reviving his career during his rehabilitation stage, he needn't to worry as much on what was important and should lay back on the good life he'd started to rebuild. His social circle was limited to Eloise, occasionally Richard and Julian, all of which were mostly for work-based issues if not including his family correspondence to his twin. It saddened him to think that the only people in his life had been the same ones for a while. Where were these new friends he desired, or more than friends if he were to get as lucky as he could be? If his music couldn't attract anyone then his almost flaccid self-view on his appearance and probable dislike everyone had to his personality may fail on that too. A strong sigh succumbed him once more. Oscar had that feeling of loneliness once more. Maybe he should order some more fluoxetine..?

With his mind at unease, Oscar quickly made his way towards the random cafe he'd never been to and got a small drink he wanted. There, he took his food and returned back to the outside where he was playing earlier. With a drink in his hand and a loneliness settling in once more, thoughts of the possibilities he could have if he were to gain that interest from others settled in.

"Fuck me...Maybe I should have taken those extra social classes after-all. Eloise would laugh at the irony of my confidence." But a strange, almost immeasurably awful incident cut his mind away from its muse. An itch or two in his place of discomfort was suddenly spiking up. He needed to tend to it, but he couldn't just leave his baggage unattended on the floor where it was. What a sorrowful consequence to occur...

But nearby, very nearby, he noticed a rather fair blonde-haired woman. In her holster, which gave him a little nerve at the same time, was a small handheld firearm tightly encased into her custody. He didn't have much time and was getting rather desperate, quietly placing the drum machine beside her.

"H-hey! Can I just ask for a quick favour, sorry. I don't want to intrude or anything, I just need to sort something out with my...thing...Can you just make sure no one picks this up or walks off with it? I won't be able to run after them if so?" And in doing so, he sat himself down against the nearest seating, unlatching a few straps beneath his trousers before suddenly revealing the detachable leg in place. And in silence, hoping someone would say something, he awkwardly began to fasten and enlighten certain areas of its metallic frame.
_{@Pilatus@Zaxter996}

THOMAS LANCASTER

---

Seems like Thomas was right. He is a guy. though his response was unusually high-pitched. It came right into his mind that he was a transgender, and a recent one at that. it was both interesting and quite weird as he faced that fact himself. He wasn't strangers to the concept of LGBT, in fact he had heard a lot about it on social media and news, but he had not interacted very much with these people yet. The most he had experienced was a girl in high school who was homosexual. The best thing he could possibly do, both infront of the girl back then and now, was not touching anything about it.

"It happens from time to time. But it's usually quite irritating having to get that thing out by yourself. So I'm appreciative for your presence and kindness." He politely thanked

Just act natural, as if he was in front of a normal man. And he bet that the guy would want that too: to be seen as a normal person.

As that was done, Thomas could see this lady coming from his right. A young lady with neck-length brown hair and a matching pretty pair of ruby red eyes. She was wearing the zoo's designated uniform, with a pair of thick work boots, but the face was recognized and distinguished pretty easily. She was the one feeding that gigantic bear earlier. And to his impression, she was pretty nice and kind. It could be just zoo's procedure and way of handling stuff around, but he didn't pay too much attention on stuff like that.

"You can lay that blame on my carelessness. Or if there's no way I can notice that, my dark luck." He tried to joke. "If we think about it, derailing from the asphalt road and into the grass by myself isn't exactly bright. But it's worth the experience."

"Thomas. Thomas Lancaster. Solaris Universatas." He shook her hand as well, after the guy, who introduced himself as Alex Wood, did so. He is, in reality, still a PhD candidate, but he wished to persist at Solaris for a lot longer, being the professor and researcher in Computer Science and especially concepts of Artificial Intelligence. He discovered his passion not very long ago, and was on the path there. But of course, he did not state his actual position. He didn't want to look like he's bragging. Being a university student was just fine.

"Oh yeah, I saw you earlier before. I'm impressed." Thomas complimented. "I don't often see a zookeeper so close to a zoo creature like that, unless they are circus animals. I don't think he is, but is there any chances?" Then he subtly asked.

@Cairo@Alex_The_Great

Joel Nicolosi

The single bay door began to ascend with a steady metal clack behind Sio as Joel rounded the corner. To Joel, it felt good just push the controller as he came around the corner to his street. Much like the airport everything looked the same as he’d left it: Thick power lines across the streets, scrub growing up through parts of the sidewalk and cracked pavement that hadn’t seen a resurfacing crew in decades. It was home. The few businesses that still survived on his street were closed up for the night, save for the mill down the road a few blocks. He wondered briefly if some of the regular crew that usually stopped by to chat had missed him. Coming down through the gears, the only thing that looked out of the ordinary was Sio unloading grocery bags from the back of her car. He gave a smirk and a nod seeing her as he cut the wheel and backed up into the small alleyway that ran to the back of his lot. The red and black Jurassic-themed Wrangler wound down with a characteristic grumble from the transmission.

“I think you already have.” He said accepting a couple large bags from her and glancing down inside. He was mostly curious if she bought the right beer, but not seeing it, he assumed it was in one of the other bags and looked up into the dim shop. Sitting on the polished concrete floor was Sio’s old Stingray and behind it, the 300, just as he had left them. Being gone for so long, all the smells he became used to were apparent. Anti-freeze, oil and the pungent rubbery scent of racing slick tires were new to him again momentarily and he breathed in happily before noticing the weight of the bags in his hands. “Geez, think you bought enough?” He said leading the way inside and continuing to scan thoroughly that everything, every hose, every tool, every cloth was indeed, exactly the way he left it. The big trophy from the Sol City Grand Prix was slightly in his way on the floor as he carried the bags and he pushed it aside with his foot.

Something about her being there waiting felt both out of place and oddly, normal like she came there all the time. There hadn’t been a woman waiting for him after a long trip for quite a while, most of which was by his own choice. He slid his elbow over the light switch as he carried in the bags bringing the kitchen area came into view. It was surprisingly modern, though rarely used to any extent and like the workshop, neatly organized and spotlessly clean. The appliances, only a few years old, still looked brand new in slate gray and black matching the general masculine color palette that he picked out when they did the remodel. He almost wished he hadn’t spent so much money on it, but the loan was paid off. “I tend to eat out more,” He admitted. “So most of this stuff never gets used a whole lot.”

@Almalthia

On this beautiful Wednesday afternoon Tommy found himself cooped up in his office above Footsteps working on getting through a multitude of paperwork that had built up in his absence. It was his fault really. First he had taken four days off for the race weekend which after winning turned into another week off from Footsteps to give himself time for the numerous interviews and press spots that he knew Joel would pass up on. Once the interviews and press started winding down and life started to settle back into a somewhat more normal rhythm Tommy had been struck by the urge to take his house out to sea, or ocean rather, and spend the better part of another week deep-sea fishing. So it was that this Wednesday was his first real day back at Footsteps since the Grand Prix and that meant that alongside reviewing payroll, and ensuring that everyone received proper overtime for the last couple weeks, he had numerous notices from different vendors and needed to place orders for the upcoming weeks, especially with Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner. The tedium of paperwork was his least favorite part of running the bar and so his mind kept drifting back to the week of fishing and even further back to the Grand Prix. Looking back down at one of the vendor order forms he smiled to himself. The order form was for seafood which it turned out was actually pretty low on the list of stock that Footsteps was in need of right now, having just filled the freezer himself with a mix of herring and cod that were native to the waters off the coast of Sol City.



A couple hours of work had put a sizable dent in the mountain of paper that sat in front of Tommy. Sighing to himself he stood up and stretched, deciding he was done with the paperwork for now he slid his suit jacket that had been resting on the back of his chair back on and proceeded out of the office and down the steps to the main room of the bar. The bar wasn't that busy, as was normal on Wednesday in the winter, and so it wasn't hard for Tommy to pick out a familiar face, Marlin's, from among the patrons. Seeing that she was currently occupied with some of the other customers Tommy waved and found himself a seat at the bar. Having skipped lunch he found himself particularly famished and thought that an early dinner may well be in his future.

@PrinceAlexus

---

@Saarebas@RawrEspada4

Marilania was Suprised when the roughly built and rather bulky spoke was a deep but we'll, rather civilised tone for someone hanging about in a "Scar off" or whatever they called it and looking like they all got punched by chuck norris with a flaming cactus.

Still keeping her attention on the guys and sipping a coffee as Tommey waved over. Yeah that was definitely Tommey! He was in a smart suit and all though this time, she was sued to seeing him in race overalls and more casual wear. Giving him a more relaxed smile, and a slightly more comfortable with herseld than the emotinal mess he had previously met the few weeks before. The consuling and safety she drew from her new home was working wonders, Bob was sliding more from a haunting thought to a past nightmare, a nightmare it would always be but it was being forced back into the past.

With a slight glance realising, she did not want to seem to be rude to the other, the guy seemed polite ernough and she knew Tommey. Adding a explanation and if thr photo of a pink stunt plant in a perfect x cross with the winning race car on the old Sol a airport in a neck to neck air vs land race midway through thr lap.

We met before, before the grand prix. I was flying that day, he a good egg.

Looking over to Tommy, shake returned a freindly wave and gave a slight twirl showing off her patches combined with nicely fitted office uniform of a skirt, blouse with wings and uniform jacket under her full flight jacket. It was not flirty, more just showing she was feeling better about herself. Strangely she seemed a little more at ease. Well tommey was about. She knew him. She still was a little bit nervous about everything going on that minute previous but less so than before.

Hey Tommy. Hope last few weeks gone well.

New job, things seem to be looking up.. Big wig office day. Mr Lorax

Adding with a a little smile, it was abit cheeky but hey. They had already made the joke once when he got a package addressed under the same name. She stopped short of asking him where the trees where. A a little bit more of her old self was beginning to poke out with time, little steps, thry said it would take time to ever get past some of the events that happened before and that was alright. Long as she was making progress.

Keeping a eye on both prole, she did not want to seem rude, just more was glad to see someone she knew too. Most people she knew in city where from work and the fee freind ships she had made where not always the most stable.

At least her late lunch had not been a boring one.

Paige Kennedy

The street performer seemed to be doing well with his set and Paige had to admit that he was pretty good and a surprise for a Wednesday night downtown. Even though he continued to look slightly nervous, it was evident he was a professional and his presence was something of a live advertisement for the small music store next door. She rested her head on one hand and stirred her coffee cup for the tenth time. Some of the slower melodies caused her mind to wander and she again recounted how the last several weeks brought about the biggest changes she’d ever endured in her entire life, seemingly all at once. She’d killed two men, been transferred out of her hometown and sent literally across the country, nearly been killed herself, moved twice, let go of her best friend along with everyone she’d ever been close to and rescued someone she once hated from the heavy chains of old habits.

She didn’t like it, but as she sat alone, her mind was stuck on it. In the weeks following her time in the hospital, Milo was all-in, there for her for anything. He’d come clean with Ana and truly let go of the past the three of them shared. When he told her about it, her heart sank. So much of her was getting ready to make the choice between him and her best friend. She knew, in spite of everything that happened between them, that she couldn’t betray Ana no matter what her heart may have wanted. When she’d finally been well enough to speak to Ana, she wanted her to tell her that she was a backstabber who betrayed their friendship, anything that would of somehow preserved the past, but it hadn’t been that way. Ana had moved on the same as Milo leaving Paige to deal with one person she was afraid to face: herself.

In the first days she arrived in Sol, her time in Delta felt more and more sacred: Hot sunny days, humid nights and her career with the Marshal Service was on a rocket-like trajectory. Everything was right and full of life. She couldn’t understand how either of them were able to let it go. She was never the sentimental one of the group, but Milo could read it on her clearly even when no one else could. Without objections from Ana, Paige was left on her own with how she felt about him and if she would allow herself to feel anything else. He never pushed it though, just calmly stayed back. As the musician began to pack away his setup, she looked around in the passing crowds for him. He curiously texted her about how the meeting went with Elvin and she admittedly was looking forward to telling him in person.

The shuffle of the performer’s approach caused her eyes to cut back before she turned her head. He placed his kit on the chair next to her sounding like he was in some distress. She raised one eyebrow slightly and glanced around before settling back on him and his request. “Sure…” She said with some curiosity and her characteristic southern accent watching him spin around before she could barely get the words out. “…Do what ya gotta do.” She brushed her hair aside slightly leaning over and examined the soundbox a bit while his back was turned. Childishly, she wanted to push the buttons, but thought better of it.

@Zaxter996@LetMeDoStuff@Roccanironclad

---

---

Siobhan grinned and followed Joel in. “Well I wasn't sure if you had all the proper cookware for me to use so I grabbed what I needed from my apartment.” She put down the bags and handed him the beer. “That what you're looking for, you lush? Go play with your cars unless you’re wanting to help. Seems too domestic for you though. Unless of course you’re enjoying the view.” She grinned and winked as she started unpacking things and lining them out. Preheating the oven, starting on boiling the stock for the soup, the kitchen was a flurry of activity. Humming Plush by Stone Temple Pilots under her breath she worked with a single mindedness.

About 20 minutes later fresh baked salmon with fresh dill, garlic and butter; ginger rice; miso soup and salad, well spinach mostly...exclusively. Siobhan likes spinach. The ‘salad’ is lightly coated with a homemade sesame ginger vinaigrette. Dessert is whipped cream cheese, not super sweet and just the right consistency, with fresh berries layered in muffin tins.

Snapping out of the trance she was in for cooking. She was alone? Where had Joel gone? Well better go find him than start yelling for him. While screaming his name might entertain him she’d rather not go there. She saw a staircase and thought maybe he went to go unpack and possibly even fell asleep. She’d find him and let him know food was ready. Deciding to go on up she climbed the stairs.

---

_{@PrinceAlexus@RawrEspada4}

Bo's smile couldn't help but grow slightly as the titanic sized man watched the young lady, who was aptly named Marlin, seemingly relaxed during their conversation. He was also more than a little bit relived that his assumption of the blonde's profession was right, he was more than a bit worried about seeming like a complete ass hat. Bo lent an ear as Marlin went on a little bit of a speech as she explained her job to him, Bo was more than happy to listen to the girl's story as it seemed that she had quite a bit of passion towards the work she did. Being in the military Bo was accustom to flying all over the world, it eventually got to the point that he started to make it an effort to get to know his pilots as a way to pace time on long flights. With all the traveling they did pilots more often than not had quite the assortment of interesting stories to tell, Bo was hoping that Marlin would prove no different.

Before the giant could inquire a bit more about any of the blonde's adventures she turned the tables on him and asked about his own profession. "Sorry I can't say I have a job as exciting as yours, I'm just a physical therapist." Bo said with a slight chuckle. "Though I do have a rather combative patient from time to time, so I guess it has its moments." As he continued Bo shifted so more of his attention was on to the young lady rather than the rest of the group at the table.

A rather hardy laugh escaped from Bo as Marlin made her little Hercules quip, it wasn't the first time that he had been given that comparison but it never really got old to him. "I don't know about the whole Hercules thing, but as for the scars it is always nice to hear the story you know? It helps you remember where you have been and what you have over come." Bo explained as a warm smile settled onto his face. "And I wouldn't count myself out with swimming if I was you. I mean after I went through my injury I never thought I would box again, but here I am celebrating after mopping the ring with these guys." He said jokingly as he looked over his shoulder back towards his table, his comment spurred a round of laughs and a few playful punches thrown at his arm.

As he turned his attention back towards Marlin he noticed that she was being waved down by another man who was now sat down at the bar. "Oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to pull you away from anybody." Bo said as it dawned on him that he may have been keeping this young woman from getting back to her own friends. He felt a little bit like an ass for not realizing it sooner.

Sarah Cooper

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Sarah laughed at Thomas's joke, already slipping back into her tour-giver persona. Possibly the only question she answered more than 'how did you befriend Peanutbutter' was 'where is the bathroom', so slipping on her performer's winning smile and bringing out her well-rehearsed response had become a nearly automatic instinct.

"A circus bear? No, no, though I would like to see him in a funny hat. Peanutbutter was born in captivity in a zoo in Colorado, we got him when he was about two years old. He's a bit of a grumpy guy, likes to keep to himself mostly, but just two weeks after I started working here he came moseying right up to me when I brought him his food bucket, and we've been pals ever since. I guess I always did have a thing for the strong, silent type." She relaxed her shoulders when the diatribe was done, her broad grin still on her face.

The grin didn't fade when she registered that the name of her alma mater had been spoken, even though thinking about her time in university mainly recalled memories of tearful study all-nighters, ice cream binges and a few very obnoxious boyfriends. Such was the price of growing older. "Solaris, huh? I actually graduated from there myself a few years ago. How is it? Food still terrible?"

Something gave her the sense that neither of these guys got out very much; Thomas in particular, but there was also something about Alex that seemed off, like there was a nervousness to him that went beyond social anxiety. Whatever it was, she couldn't place it - maybe she was just being judgmental again. She didn't think she'd seen either of them around before. "What brings you guys to the zoo, then? Besides hoping to catch a glimpse of the amazingly interesting girl on the posters?"

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@Saarebas@RawrEspada4

Marilania sipped a mug of coffee, she had poured the pot in a mug and left that on the table.it certainly was making her a tiny bit nervous but it also was nice to get out of thr house, meet diffrent people and also have abit of fun. She had not had a night out in a few weeks, but this was a way to ease herself back into the world.

She did have a good collection of stories and moments flying in multiple countries, Italy she definitely missed the food, wine and... Men... Out there. It had been a warm summer but her tan had not lacked for a while after that job. Alaska had been difficult, challenges, storms, mountains and more. It had been a true challenge for a pilot but the people had been great and the scenery was some of the best in the world. Bo turned out to be a physical therapist, that definitely was a suprise for a man who was a giant who he thought would not have such a gentle or refined touch being a huge guy.

That's definitely unexpected. Not in a bad way! Still, you help people, that's good.

The storms off Alaska definitely where abit combative... Bit of change from Amalfi coast previously. Food though... Those stories might take a while though.

The whole scar thing was a little bit of a difficult point, she hid it alot, party because she did want it misread. She had been mugged. Things went bad, next things she knew she felt pain and alot of blood. It was difficult especially when it cost her a chance to swim on a national team potentially.

She only really wore a bikini sunbathing and the whole having a large private balcony and back garden made that easy, no one would ever see, and she was OK with that. Plus abit more freedom too. The new house had a few perks. Answering his questions was not always going to be a easy answer but he had genuinely asked her too. She noted the guys laughing about. And joking. They seemed a motley lot but not quite as scary as first apeeared. Still nervous a a little but she did not have quite the same foreboding.

Its kind of mixed, I had to leave one love but gained another. Though by the myth, well diffrent to TV! You might want a diffrent hero then.

Oh... I swim.. Just not competive anymore. The edge is so narrow, it not take much to fall off. Congratulations, that may be a decisive opinion though.

He seemed pretty normal, well normal as anyone she seemed to meet was, almost everyone in this city had been a charceter, good, bad, evil bastad or plain strange and distant. Rleising she was monopolising his time, though she was a attractive woman and probbly could get away with it, but she was not feeling like exploiting her charms today.

Turning slightly, with a smile, she was just in a suprise social situation and so, it was not a planned event in any sense though. It had been a random idea to come for a steak and coffee instead of facing more Sol traffic. One that paid off somewhat.

just came here randomly after work. Il not monopolise your celebration. Your not what I expected. Good of course. Il be at the bar till traffic calms if you want. Traffic on park view road is basically grid locked right now. Worse than old harbour route right now.

Maybe see you at Luna Sports one day.

With a wave and turn, hearing the group jest abit at him havong bumped into a pretty woman after her coffee, and alot she did not hear as she headed over to bar and gave Tommy a wave and quickly replying to a message off Victoria about picking up some milk from earlier. Diffrent house, same problems, just a few bigger ones. Tea without milk was just plain wrong.

Propped on a barstool, she gave Tommy a freindly glance and ticked off a few things in a small diary, noting her flight hours and such, it was easier while she remembered everything than bits and bobs later, and she loved her liscense too much to risk it. Paperwork sucked but if she wanted the fun, you had to take the suck side too. The files in office probbly would of made a good doorstop.

_{Victoria @PrinceAlexus}

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Ashton gave a soft smile as it seemed Victoria was sure it was fine for the firefighter to pick out whatever she liked. Glancing over the menu curiously, her amethyst eyes flicked as a waitress came over to see if they were alright. The dirty blonde giving another bright cheerful smile and running her finger underneath what she so desired. Which was a pretty sugary combination of a cup of coffee. Turning her gaze back to Victoria, the taller woman gave a cheerful congratulatory clap of her hands as the now raven haired woman explained things were going better now and even had a job. That was great!

Scar face flushing a bit at the praise, Ashton scratched her cheek with a index finger shyly while the other hand ruffled the back of her head in embarrassment. She wouldn't say she was a hero or anything. She was just doing what she thought was right and helping people she could. Marine was scolding her over the rash actions. The tall firefighter probably shouldn't mention that this wasn't the first time she's been a dangerous situation that landed her in the hospital.

It was worth it if she could help people. It was her goal in life.

It was a little unsettling with how much crime seemed to arisen however. A arsonist was now on the loose and someone with enough skill to even set fire to the wealthier parts of Sol City.

Perking up as Victoria wrote down her number, Ashton gave a gleeful smile as she took out her phone and added the contact, before sending a text message saying 'Yay! Eager for our future talks! ^-^ Do you want help with your moving?' mostly in order to give Victoria Ashton's phone number. But also ask if she'd like some assistance in her movement. Moving was never a fun or easy task.

Smiling as she got her cup of coffee, Ashton gleefully took a sip as her eyes curiously looked at Victoria. Thinking for a moment and gingerly texting her, 'So what's your job like?' before setting the phone on the table and took another sip of her coffee.

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"Yeah I want to have it be that big." A wide eyed nerdy kid asked as he frantically pointed at a picture of some fantasy sword from an anime Milo had never seen. This sort of thing happened at least once a month, someone comes in with only a vague idea of what he actually does and tries to get him to build some kind of monstrosity for convention or something. "I don't want it to be too heavy though, I have to carry it all day, the Con is in like two and a half weeks is that enough time?" Milo had his arms crossed and a scowl on his face that could peel paint, he was tired and didn't have the time for this.

"I can make that sword, in that time, but it will be heavy, you won't be able to take it to a 'Con', and it is going to cost more than your allowance kid, so please, get the hell out of my shop." Milo sighed as the kid huffed and puffed, threatened a bad internet review and stormed out. Milo merely shook his head and got out his current pet project, a rifle, he had originally thought he would never do this again, but after everything that happened, after what Jackie and his boys tried to do, he wasn't going to let this go. Paige was already back on the trail, but Milo knew that there are only so many avenues she can take, and maybe, just maybe, he could do the rest.

Milo looked at his phone, he had a couple messages, a couple from clients, and a couple from Paige and Ana, ever since Paige was in the hospital and they all cleared things up, Ana had been talking to him again, though now they are just friends again, best he could hope for. Milo decided that he couldn't stand being in the shop anymore, he had basically done nothing but work for days, especially since he began the process of getting all of his proper licensing. He grabbed a coat and shoved his hand cannon into a rib holster and left, a habit he got into recently. He headed out to a nearby bistro, the text from Paige implied she wanted to talk about everything in person, so he headed out.

As Milo arrived at the restaurant, he sat down across from Paige and sighed as he sat, "I hope your job has been a fulfilling as mine today." Milo waved to the waitress and put in a drink order. "So, how did your meeting go." he said with a slight grin, hoping for an interesting story.

@Silver Fox

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Victoria let Ashton order and gave her a smile at the whole of her reaction, she did enjoy her job and it tested her skills alot more than her previous one. It was more than that as well and a vaguely normal life for her which was somthing people took for granted. With a nod and polite smile she just added it onto her bill, it was a nice way to enjoy the day with a friend, the other option was home, and being alone in the large house. She loved it but you could also feel rather cut off from the world as you had high walls, gates and trees meaning they had a little island of calm but also isolation too.

your welcome, blimey.. You and my sister are coffee twins.

Yep, works been great, intense but great.

Laughing kindly at first comment. Marlin had a rather sweet tooth, she could drink the ocosianl o e only though. Victoria did not know the full side details of the fire, and just assumed Ashton was the hero of the day. She had hered her what she assumed the others at party, from a distence anyway for a second. It seemed they would have a suprise when Ashton came back to work. She did not know much more than that and had been pretty drunk, Victorias somewhat underweight build and spirits did not agree even if she had a leaning to them...

Ashton heroics here mostly off the news story, she gave it a second glance and relised how lucky she was to escape that kind of thing alive. She must have been a cat in her former life.the whole crime was strange, but it Coinsided with the rise in cyber attacks and attempts to hack things.

Hearing a Buzz coming from her handbag, and rifling past her car keys, a folded up walking stick, a few dozen receipts and so other normal things. She probbly should clean it out more often. Unlocking it and Seeing a text from Marlin, she gave a quick KK to the message and saw a unknown number, had to be Ashton? Yep it was.

Sipping a coffee as she told her phone to apcept messages from Ashton, she had the security quite high and a few extra modifications to maintain her digital privacy. It was a little effort to make but she had all the time in world at time, and updating her little modifications was easy. Replying quickly, Ashton was definitely alot more clear in text than rough actions. She had already moved in so that was that. The offer of help was nice though.

Hey, it's nice to be able to talk at last!

Oh.. Already moved in. Been about 2 weeks or so. Ensuite, even a garden to enjoy the sunshine, well when it's warm ernough. After all we been through feeling safer is nice.

Thanks for offer though :)

Thinking a second, this afternoon was surprisingly normal for Victoria as the enjoyed some of her cake. She did have to watch what she ate abit but she was getting slowly more able to walk about and gaining more independence. Work was nice, the people where a strange bunch but they got on. It people where always a odd group.

Works nice, I enjoy it, everyone's abit strange but always talented at whatever they do. Pay is great and I've been made very welcome. Still.. Needs more women lol.

I can, t say too much detail.. It not be secure security otherwise! My job does matter though.

How have you been managing? And Ummm.. Now we can communicate maybe a a little more about you?

Oh.. And il give you a lift back if you can fit... I only drive a mini convertible Though.

There messages where quite long but being messages you could put alot more in, and it was harder to express everything and she tried to help with a few gestures as she did it. Talking was always easier, but Ashton had her own quirks, and so did Victoria to be fair, and it made life more intresting though. She looked round and saw a pair sharing some eggs, and a dinner, and so. It was a nice cafe to chat though, they looked a a little diffrent but everyone was more intresting when there unique. @CaptainSully@MissCapnCrunch.

A few couples gathered, and she felt a a little pang.. She missed that a fraction. It was nice to have someone to be close to, well the right person and Milo had not turned out well, Thete always was new chances.

She looked fairly pretty and he was dignified if not relaxed... Thete was somthing between the two of them, maybe nor friends or relationships. But they where... Somthing. They knew each other and so, people watching and she found it quite fun. It always was intresting what bonds and linked people. She did not try to draw attention and just glanced quickly, all they might notice is a flash of grey eyes from a pretty pale Raven haired woman with a red and black corset topped dress and blood red gem round her neck on a short necklace. A normal person... It was nice to be normal.