Joel Nicolosi

Joel chuckled a little at Sio’s words. “Well, you’re not gonna have to wait,” He said and continued matter-of-factly: “We’re leavin’ in it right now.” He opened the door and retrieved a small red bag from inside pausing briefly to look over the spartan interior: Two spec racing seats with five point harness, roll-cage, fire extinguisher, carbon fiber panels and unaesthetic steel switches. It had a somewhat bizarre “new car” smell combined with the distinctive, rubbery odor of high-performance track tires and race-gas that Joel liked. “They gave me all kinds of stuff while I was over there,” He said tossing the bag to her. “And they were actually very nice, I think that’s a women’s team jacket I got you.” He could tell she was cold.

Contrary to their gritty rivalry at the Grand Prix, the Nissan engineers had been more than welcoming and downright hospitable towards Joel while he was visiting as if he’d earned a place among them. He certainly felt like he deserved it, having carried their brand for years, but he took everything humbly as he knew he’d humbled them; showing class was important to him. There were a few more items that he left tucked inside for the flight over and he carefully placed them with the tires on the back of the skid remembering that he would have to later send a courier to pick up everything anyway. Track cars weren’t known for trunk space. He dug in his pocket for the small “key” that was shaped more like a plug and inserted it into the dash. Like a motorcycle key it only turned on the battery.

Joel swung himself into the seat and took down the steering wheel from its hanger attaching it with an affirmative, metallic click! to the steering column. With a small twist of the key, the battery came alive first with an electric hum then the fuel pump sounded with a growl as he activated the control switch. A small green light came up on the dash indicating the pressures were good. His thumb flipped open a hat-switch and pushed in the spring-loaded button.

The warehouse erupted in the echo of an unfiltered exhaust note: Something akin to a banshee and roaring lion, completely visceral and bone-jarringly loud. The working shift seemed to stop in its movements just to see the commotion and joining several others that gathered when the cover was removed. Joel tapped the accelerator a few times blasting the rpms up to the red with only the tiniest flex of his toes. A fireball of unburned fuel popped from the side-exit exhaust and was gone again in a flash. He nodded in satisfaction and glanced over to Sio. He knew she couldn’t hear him, but his lips clearly read: Let’s go.

@Almalthia

Early Friday morning found Alex down in the bakery busting out as many cakes as he could while listening to soft piano music in his headphones. He had a wedding cake due that afternoon and he was taking no chances. Ann walked in and shook her head at him, "You work too hard, my boy. Shouldn't even be down here yet and you've already baked more than enough." He jumped at the sound of his boss scolding him after she pulled a earbud out, she really was like a mother to him. She took him in when his wouldn't have anything to do with him, didn't charge him rent in place of working for her and still helped with his medical bills. Ann was a complete angel and he couldn't ask to work for a better woman.

"Well, no I shouldn't be, but I've got the the Prickett cake due at three and a couple birthday cakes before. I would like to get out of here after the Prickett cake and get a nap in. I've got that open mic tonight, remember? Part of the agreement was I would get out more, can't do that if someone is burning my cakes," he said with a shit eating grin, replacing his earbud.

Pulling a couple cakes from the freezer he set to work dirty icing them. They were for a small two tier first birthday cake to be covered in fondant, not his favorite thing in the world. He much preferred to draw things out in icing, but the parents insisted. He carefully placed the rounds in the cooler to set before rolling out the different colors of fondant he'd need. He pulled out the faces he'd made just a few hours prior. They were set, but not enough to be completely solid. After covering the two cakes he delicately placed Grover, Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird on the bottom tier with some piping gel. Placing the two cakes side by side he placed some different color polka dots around them. Once happy he took the street sign with the name "Andrew" on it and put it on the front of the smaller tier. Ann walked by and gave him a pat on the back before stacking the cakes for him. This part always made Alex incredibly nervous and he thanked God that Ann didn't mind doing it for him. Checking over the order form he started on the smash cake with a star tip. "Red really isn't the color I'd pick for a smash cake," he thought as he made Elmo's face into a cake. He pushed the two cakes side by side to get a photo of them before boxing them up.

The second cake was a an icing one and he couldn't be happier. Smearing the top yellow he was careful not to get any on the sides before covering them in light blue. On the top he mounded a bit of yellow for cheeks before drawing out the face. Alex did so many cakes like this he swore he could do them in his sleep. Piping some baby blue for eyes he noticed Ann dirty icing the wedding tiers for him and smiled to himself. He could go take a well deserved nap. Not that he'd tell Ann, but he'd been up all night making fondant faces and flowers after Kelly called in ill. He said he'd cover for her even after working that morning and over estimated what he could handle. He made excellent use of the coffee pot in the last twenty-four hours. Looking down at the annoying sponge's face he drew some flower like shapes on the side before piping a yellow star trim around the top and light blue ball trim along the bottom. He finished the cake and boxed it before making his way to Ann.

"When is the last time you slept? And don't lie to be, boy, I can see the tired in your eye."

"Night before last,' he muttered before receiving a small slap on the arm.

"Go up to bed, I don't wanna hear you moving up there, ya got it??"

"Yes ma'am," he said with a playful salute before making his way up to bed.

Alex woke up later than intended and cursed himself as he took a quick shower, this time he smelled of citrus. He flung open his closet door and rummage to find a simple black shirt to pair with his bleach washed denim jacket. As much as he wanted to pick out a nice floral print button up, he hadn't passed all that well to the man at the zoo and wanted to blend in for the time being. At least until his voice evened out more and face slimmed a bit more. Fortunately, he hasn't experienced as many voice cracks as he did just two days ago. Sliding some black slim fit pants he stored all his belonging in the pockets before making his way to the door and sliding on his boots.

Alex made way to Club Aether on foot rather quickly. He didn't want to get there once everyone was already wasted and miss out of getting to that point with them. He scanned his ID card and was allowed into the pale purple lighting. Looking at the stage he saw a man with long hair absolutely killing it. He noticed there was no line at the stage and made his way to the bar. After a two shots of Jack he was ready. Walking up to the stage as the man got off he chatted with the band and picked up an acoustic guitar. Someone handed him a stool to sit on and he checked the tuning on the guitar. As he did this he leaned to the microphone, "I hope you guys don't mind if I slow things down a little. Poor timing, I know." Once everything was set up to his liking he spoke again, "I really hope you guys like it."

Quite nervously he played the first few cords of Say It Ain't So. He closed his eyes and began singing. Come time for the second verse his eyes opened and brow furrowed with the amount of passion he carried into the chorus. While his father hadn't left him because of any sort of drugs, he still knew how it felt for him to be absent in his life. He carried the passion all the way through the song until the guitar interlude at the end. He stood and lightly bowed his head forward before unstrapping the guitar and slumping down in the nearest seat. He needed a moment to collect himself, regretting doing a song that provoked such feeling in himself.

Fridays were framing days for any restored paintings. It was also one of the easy-going days during the whole week for her, which was a nice change of pace after restoring and painting over old pieces of art. This week's restoration had been an oil painting from the 15th century. It was a portrait of a lady in a red and golden dress. When she first had the painting assigned the colors of the oil painting had been darkened, and the gold looked more like a mustard yellow. Aoki felt bad for the piece of art, but now she stared at it with the gold staring back at her. The lady even looked happier with her restoration finished. Now all the needed to get done was examine and frame it then let her supervisors inspect it before giving her the green light to send it to shipping.

After two hours of examining every inch of the oil painting, Aoki decided it was finally time for the framing. The clients had chosen a dark wood frame with floral designs on the corners, an excellent choice for such a beautiful painting. She spent another hour mounting it and securing the oil painting. When she was done her boss, a nice older man with greying hair came in to examine the painting one last time. Of course, he didn't take as long as Aoki did. He knew her work, and he knew she was a perfectionist, he would trust her judgment. With the painting approved, Aoki sent it to shipping, and she went to her office to finish paperwork on the finished painting.

During luck, Aoki sat with her friend. A younger woman, just out of college with long blonde hair and thick rim glasses. "Are you going to the club today? It's open mic day."

"I'm not much of a singer, and you know I can't hold my alcohol," Aoki said, piercing a boiled carrot and bringing it up to her mouth. "Besides, I'm not much of a club person. I'd rather go to a bar or stay home."

"Oh, don't be like that, Aoki! It's Club Aether!" Her friend insisted with a grin. She hadn't been eating since she started taking to Aoki about the club. "I'll go with you! We haven't been out in such a long time! Please please please please!" Her friend gave her those puppy eyes.

"Okay okay!" Aoki laughed and took another carrot into her mouth. She swallowed and shook her head. "I'll go! Now finish your food before lunch ends."





Aoki had arrived at the club at seven. She was supposed to meet up with her friend at seven thirty, and she still hadn't heard from her. After checking her phone for the hundredth time, Aoki finally ordered a beer as she watched the stage from the bar. A few people had gone up to the stage to sing. Many of the people in the club seemed to be enjoying the music and their various drinks. A few people were dancing in the dance floor as the music resumed after the last singer finished his song.

Aoki's phone vibrated in her hand, and she quickly looked down at it. I am so sorry! I won't be able to make it. There was an emergency at home. I swear I will make it up to you! Great. Just great. Aoki sighed and took her beer as she downed half of the alcoholic liquid. She had been waiting for her friend in a club she had been almost dragged to, and now her friend wasn't even going to show up. Aoki might as well enjoy a night by herself surrounded by people who were with their friends and who were enjoying themselves.

"Great..." Aoki sighed and slumped against the counter bar with her beer sitting between her hands. She had even put on her nice black dress and leather jacket, she had even done her cat-eye look. Something that had taken her an hour to accomplish finally. Although if she was a painter, doing her make up was something Aoki still struggled with. No matter how much she practiced or how often she attempted to do the cat eye look.

Behind her, she heard a slower song that didn't quite fit the vibe of the club. A few people took their seat, and some stayed on the dance floor to show their support for the man singing Say It Ain't So. He was good, Aoki decided as she drank and watched the man sing from her bar stool. By the time the song was done she had ordered another beer and was in the process of drinking. She quickly put it down the beer and clapped along with the rest of the club. "Good song!" She shouted, clearly the one beer had already begun to affect her.

---

---

Siobhan grinned at his statement of not having to wait and that they were leaving in it now. He tossed her a red bag and said he bought her a jacket. She caught it on reflex stunned that he had clearly spent money on her and a bit confused. Putting on the jacket she marvelled at the fact that it fit her like a glove. Why did he-? How did he know my size? The color had to be a guess. My favorite color. Okay but the fit? My arms are a bit longer than normal but to fit across my chest and be able to zip it up? The man should have been a tailor. Or they have a size called slender but busty. She laughed and smoothed her hand down an arm reverently.

She looked over at Joel as he swung himself into the seat and took down the steering wheel from its hanger attaching it with an affirmative, metallic click! to the steering column. With a small twist of the key, the battery came alive first with an electric hum then the fuel pump sounded with a growl.

Then the warehouse erupted in the echo of an unfiltered exhaust note. The best way of describing it was cross between a banshee and roaring lion, completely, elemental, visceral and bone-jarringly loud. Siobhan groaned tilting her head back just a little bit. She bit her bottom lip as she reached out and opened the door.

The workers seemed to stop in their movements just to see the commotion and joining several others that gathered when the cover was removed. Joel tapped the accelerator a few times blasting the rpms up. Siobhan shivered in appreciation as the beauty growled and roared. She could already feel the vibration of the engine playing over her and shivered again at the thought of just how much closer she was going to be to that barely leashed wild thing claiming to be a car. A fireball of unburned fuel popped from the side-exit exhaust and was gone again in a flash. Joel nodded and glanced over to her. She couldn’t hear him, but his lips clearly read: Let’s go.

She laughed giddily and slid in shutting the door gently but firmly. Situating herself in the seat she ran her eyes over the interior design. It was very clean cut and spartan nothing flashy to take away from the drama of the car itself. Her eyes sparkling with wild excitement she smiled wickedly and made a motion like a seat belt and shrugged. She'd never been in a race car so while the concept of the five point harness was easy to guess she didn't want to do it wrong. Plus it was too tempting to see how far she could push him. His actions were writing checks that he couldn't cash. Let's see how far to the bank he'd go. She grinned wickedly then leaned over her hair falling across his arm. The faint hint of coffee and vanilla that accompanied her last time present. She raised her voice over the roar of the engine. “Check. Your move.” She sat back with a satisfied, wild, wicked smirk on her face the challenge blatantly obvious in her eyes.

---

---

Ethan smiled at her wit. Then waited politely as the man in the wheelchair talked to Victoria. She got a bit ruffled by him and then shouted encouragement to Mali. Dragging her attention back to him he turned to face her more drawing her eye with his movements. “Victoria. The goddess of Victory in Greco-Roman times. Venus would be just as apropos. Siren call indeed. I'm sure you're familiar with that term very well since everything about you is just that. A siren call. I thought I came back to Sol to relax and enjoy myself but I promise you that I won't have that option if I don't get to see you more often. As for right now would you like to dance?” His voice got that hint of sex and promise of satisfaction. “I promise only to bite if you ask, or order as you prefer.” He stood and offered his hand to her. Eyes smouldering and his smile just a touch wicked.

@Silver Fox

---

Victoria blushed a a little at the description, she had to admit he was smooth as hell, not that she minded, just she was not sure what she exactly wanted at this point, though it never hurt to have a a little fun. He seemed pretty handsome and had a certain charm. How far she let him go was not sure, but for now she just wanted to enjoy the momment, and break the mould a a little she had cast for herself.

Giving him a smile, she had a alternative view point on things, and had certain aspects that varied, especially with some of the strange things she had to face in life.

I always found a certain affinity to Melinoe, daughter of Persephone. its hard to explain. I have had a strange life, and the odd similarity.

A Siren.. Be careful lest you sail to close to the rocks, and Atropos cut your fate short.

Adding with a slight smirk, he was not the only one who had read about the Greek myhts and legends, though it was a a little fun to trade the responses, and a nice little challenge. A goddess both black and white, deathly pale had somehow resonated with her own status in life, she was both black and white quite in the literal sense. The aspect of her being goddess of madness, well that was a curve ball. Her notice had been when she had seen a beuterful painting in Moscow of her, a split image and at time, seeing that such pale, and illness could still evoke beutey.

Taking his hqnd with her much smaller one, he might get a dance, and maybe a kiss but if he got somthing more might be a a little harder, she did not just want to be too easy and someone's extra notch on a well carved bed post. Hiding it, she was a a little nervous as before she had been alot more frail and dancing was not always the easiest, without being seen to be so close to someone. Sliding off the stool she was quite abit shorter even with the small heal, and slender figure was displayed in a fitted dress and tights, that helped make the rather short dress decent.

All in all the black did suit, a deep red and gold bracelet contrasting along side the blood red gem dangling from her neck.

Excuse me, may the codes ever be in your favour.

Still. Nice to meet someone else who understands the joy of well laid out Python and C++

Joking slightly to the man in the orange suit, and realising that he was over foot taller as she took Eathens hand, well that was not hard though, everyone bar some kid was taller than she was, and this was a bar... So everyone would be. It was just somthing she had to get used to. He was strange, and she had been a a little sharper, but after events, she did not like to be just a... Whatever person.. She was a person. Computer person she was happy, but that was only a part of Victorias life.

Looking over, with her grey eyes twinkling slightly in the club lighting, playing off her jewallry and silverry raven broach she had added randomly before he headed out... Another misunderstood creature she seemed to attract to.

Shall we then Eathen.

Laughing, OK they where turning the whole Greek thing overdone, but it was funny to be doing iy in a metal club of all places. Turning her head and causing the blues and purple vertical highlights, to merge into the deep black and out again in a rather pleasing effect. Victoria was going to have some fun, and a dance did not mean she had to do anything more, though nothing risked nothing gained. Had to open the door first.

---

"It's time to party!" Marine chirped as she walked into the club wearing a pair of blue jeans and a red blouse, decorated in golden bracelets and a green gem necklace. Following her with a black cane as she limped along, was Ashton dressed in a bit torn up and worn blue jeans, a white tank top and a darker gray baggy hoodie jacket, the lace on either side lazily hanging over her chest. Dirty white sneakers gingerly following her companion, Ashton's curious amethyst gaze looked over the large crowd, her dirty blonde hair only slightly covered by the raised hood. The seven foot firefighter blinked as the sound blared against her ears before turning to look at her friend.

"Alright Ash, here's the plan! You be my backup in case something goes wrong with my date tonight alright? Dude is super cool and I doubt I'll need your help but just in case, be my wingwoman. Got a fan of the local hero and I'm taking advantage of it! BUT!" Marine started before turning a icy glare on her partner, causing the giant to go rigid and blink in alarm.

"Remember! Don't overexert yourself! You're still injured! So don't go getting yourself in any dangerous situation again got it?! Which you shouldn't do anyway but you always do! Also, don't accept open drinks from strangers! And don't go being a third wheel with people on dates! You're richy rich new friend is bound to be on one so if you see her don't go messing it up like a idiot! Actually don't do that with anybody! I know you love giving hugs and making friends like a living care bear but try to read the situation! And...---" Marine rattled a few more things off, Ashton slowly starting to bob up and down in the rhythm of the music with a goofy energetic smile on her face.

"And that's that. See you later and have fun! And if you do something stupid I'm kicking your ass!" Marine giggled before skipping off and disappearing into the crowd.

Watching her friend go, Ashton looked over the scene a little bit lost. Unsure what to do now other than to enjoy the music. She was warned not to bother people and she didn't want to. Singing was of course out of the question. It would only end in a bit of embarrassment. Dancing, well she didn't mind it, but she was quite clumsy and doubted she could avoid crashing and crushing someone on the dance floor. So for now she sat at the bar, tapping the counter and scribbled on the boogie board hanging around her neck to ask for some water. Gingerly sipping the cool liquid, slightly moved her head with the music as she mulled over some thoughts that ran in her mind.

Paige Kennedy

As a US Marshal, Paige saw her share of gruesome scenes, but even she winced a bit at the sound of Titus’s leg being snapped in Milo’s vice. He was slightly tougher than she thought and though she knew that beating him senseless probably wouldn’t produce the information that they needed, she enjoyed the sight of Milo, sleeves rolled back and sweat beginning to bead over his face, giving him an old fashioned beat-down. Occasionally, the poor man would glance at her, almost expectantly, like she would call an end to the punishment, but she only stared back, piercingly in the dim light. Leaning back against his workbench, arms crossed, she watched as Milo delivered a hammer-like blow to the crushed leg producing an animalistic howl of agony. It almost made her smile, seeing him directing his anger with such ferocity, but she waited, patiently.

She was a little surprised when he started to talk. They had no way to verify his information and she figured he was likely bold enough to lie just to mislead them and stop the pain. They needed something more to be sure he wasn’t just blowing smoke. She could tell that he still believed, just like Elvin had, that no matter what he wouldn’t die in Milo’s shop, because she was present and wouldn’t let it happen. “That’s enough,” She said taking the same hammer in hand that she had before and walking up next to Milo. A sigh of relief came over the pain ridden man with her words and his shoulders slumped down in exhaustion as he hung his head briefly before looking back up. The tiny glimmer of hope in his eyes was the very thing she was looking for when she casually tossed the hammer aside. Her hand moved like a ghost bringing her pistol out of its holster before him and firing.

The hollow-point round cut through the chair directly between his legs and only millimeters from his manhood burying itself in fragments through Milo’s floor. Smoke rolled off the end of the gun barrel as he looked up at her dark visage in complete terror. Her eyes blazed behind olive-green that nearly glowed back at him. “The next one is for you, Titus.” She said raising the barrel slightly.

The story began to turn much more detailed as he stammered for words. She kept the gun trained through names, places, dates and times, but still wasn’t satisfied and began to shake her head slowly not sure if she was allowing herself to be fueled by the same raw anger as Milo or if she really thought she could get anything else out of him. She felt like some dark shadow in Milo’s shop was slowly closing her index finger inward, talking to her again, in her head. She could get away with it. Her small SiG pistol had no safety, by design the first pull on her trigger was about ten pounds. It would be easy, even cover for Milo after it happened. The air inside felt like it was near boiling as she looked down the sights feeling her grip tighten slowly. No judge or jury would believe a scumbag like Titus.

Her phone buzzed in her back pocket and the trance was broken. She glanced at Milo briefly and took it out to look at the message still keeping the gun leveled. Her eyes settled back on Titus. “Fear not Titus, for you have been saved.” She said tilting her head slightly from behind the sights. “I expect death to be… nothingness.” She said lowering her arm and looking away as if a part of herself was returning to the moment.

“Th-that’s not in the Bible.” Titus sputtered.

“No, it is not.” She said solemnly and still looking away. “That was Isaac Asimov,” She recalled the quote from a paper she wrote in one of her psychology classes at UF. “He did not believe in God.” She looked at Milo briefly and holstered her gun once more stepping around to him where Titus could not see. In the lowlight with the smell of gun smoke and sweat, she gripped his shirt at the neckline and pulled him towards her. Closing her eyes and letting herself go for only a moment, she kissed him.

“I have to go,” She said stepping back and glancing down at the hole in the floor her bullet had dug. “Sorry about your floor.”

@RoccanIronclad

---

Marinalia felt a buzz as she left the stage, walking back over to the bar and noticed Victoria seeming to be with a taller man who was holding her hand, and the two seemed to give a impression that they definitely where a a little intresting.

The stage was a a little quieter and things and she was wondering who would come up next, the previous ones had made a good go and carried range in songs. It definitely was a fun night here being and everything. Maybe she would have to go with more Victoria on her ideas. Work had let her make a few friends with a range of different people and they had different worlds, and let you find out about different places. That was where they had found the metal bar night.

Heading back over the bar, dancing along slightly to the musix where she had and retrived her fake leather jacket from behind the bar who had kept it whole she was singing. It was a cooler night and despite being a cheap one, it would be a cold trip home, especially in a partly backless designed little black dress. It looked good on the athletic and long haired blonde though, and she looked round the bar spot that had been taken by Victorias man she had attracted. Noticing a free spot next to a extremely tall woman. Wait... Yeah she reconised that was one with Victoria at party and a woman, who was dressed a slightly more Conservative black dress, and a leather jacket and rather distinctive pale blue hair.

Ashton... Was that her name Victoria has said? She has a cane now, and was not dressed as fancy as Marlin had last seen her, she definitely had been hit by a rather extreme somthing in her life. Sliding into a spare seat between them, it felt safer than the one near the guys being a lone female in a bar. Victoria would be busy for a while, though she looked in a good mood.

Excuse me, looked a a little safer over here. Plus you had good dress sense. I'm Marinalia Romus. Nice hair by the way.

White wine please, large one please.

Smiling and joking slightly to the woman at the bar, hard to miss with hair that pale blue, her aunt had ice blue in hers, but only highlights. It tried to break the awkward, and she put some cash down on the bar and a small tip with it rounding off the sum to the bar keep. Keeping bar staff on side was a good way to try and be a little safer. She had become a little more conchous of the fact after events previous.

Turning back to Ashton, she gave her a small bid recognising her, she had become more comfortable using her dad's surname and varried abit between the two more than solely using Olympus. People found it a tad confusing as there family naming system was almost solely M names, so being Romus Olympus was a handy distinction she had to think.

You must be Ashton? Olympus Heavy Engineering Gala at city hall?

Thanks for helping my sister that night, she was a a little drunk, speeking of drinks, you want one?

Noticing Ashton just leaving her friend who seemed to have a date and wondered if she had randomly picked a guy up, or it was planned as she had brushed past her on approach... Yeah she was sure she had seen them together at party, thr memory was foggy in booze and emotional wreckage though. The details of the night where a a little blurred and distorted, some clear as day, others almost entirely forgotten.

Looking about, she wondered what suprises and people the night would bring. There was a man near where Victoria was leaving in a pretty distinctive orange suit, wheel chair too... Certainly different. Victoria had been a little sharp with him it looked from a distence, but not. Strange, maybe he was someone from work or so... The lot she described in the department and others had a few ecenntrics... Very very smart and skilled... But just a a little strange.

Her grey eyes glanced the man a second, stood with some woman... She was not a partner... Too... No... Somthing between them, not quite love, not hate, but trust. Despite her blonde stereotype, she could be perceptive when she wanted to. Down the bar, a couple... Awwwwwww! OK they where adorable. Awkward but adorable in thr distence.

@Silver Fox@CaptainSully@MissCapnCrunch@Conscripts@Rodiak@Almalthia

THOMAS LANCASTER

---

"Enjoy the day." Thomas politely said his goodbyes to Victoria before finishing his drink. He handed the plate and the cup back to the counter, not forgetting to send his remarks over to the bartender. "A lovely drink. Thank you."

Once said, his hand reached for the joystick on the armrest. Tilting it ever so slightly, the wheelchair began to move on its own. Its wheels rolled, turning him away from the counter, rotating him around before throttling him forward.

"Thomas, where are you going?" Jeanie, who was still enjoying herself at the counter, shot him the question as he rolled away by himself.

"Enjoying the music a little." He said, without looking back.

"Alright, enjoy." She said before having another sip of her wine. For someone who loved alcohol like her, she was surprisingly delicate when it comes to table manners. For someone raised with a classical conservative tradition on daily interaction, or basically someone who practiced his art of manners, he couldn't help but respect her for it. Although his family were liberalistic in their political, scientific and some social views, they were somewhat conservative on some matters, some of which includes manners and personal tastes. And despite the somewhat eccentric and a little radical behavior sometimes, he nevertheless remained controlled in his manners. One could say this wheelchair-bound student was born in the wrong decade. Still, he managed to enjoy some of the arts or manners of the modern era. Less and less things nowadays actually perfected his personal taste, but his open-mindedness usually got him through.

Though from time to time, he still came across some things that he could not help but harbor some disdain toward.

One example would be the song this young man was singing. Unbeknownst to Thomas, who was unfamiliar, it was Gone with the Wind. But the lyrics were not at all impressive. Perhaps he was wrong at first glance, but the words were like drills in his ears. I'm always gone with the winds. I lost all my faith. Hope is a prison. That's just a song about hopelessness. It's a negative song for someone with a positive outlook like him. But again, that may have been the warning the writer was trying to convey, aiming at everybody else in the world, that it wasn't really hopelessness he was trying to convey. But nevertheless, the strong metal behind the song meant that this man was in no way a fan of it.

He was glad the song was over, as it switched to something else less metallic, and arguably not so fitting of the vibe of the club. He was fine with it though. However...

"Is that guy..."

That was the guy at the zoo. Not the guy who collapsed, but the guy who saved Thomas from that dreaded hole he somehow ran into. Alex he remembered. And he was on stage? Wow, he was actually quite good at it. The song was not memorable, but he actually delivered the song pretty nicely. Credits should be given where its due.

Once the guy is done, the guy left the stage and sat down somewhere nearby. Pushing his joystick forward, Thomas rolled towards the young man, who was collecting himself after the performance.

"A pleasure to see you again here, Alex. You made yourself quite a figure up there."

Aoki had been sitting down by the bar for almost three hours now. She had been debating on leaving or staying to get completely shut faced, but there was no one to take care of her. She had even considered drinking about beer to finally get a nice buzz going and enough courage to get her self to the stage and sing an ABBA song. An ABBA song in a metal club. Oh, that would have been halarious and stupid at the same time. Something that would most likely gain her some "boos" from the audience. Aoki wasn't too great of a singer anyway. Her father had been brutally honest about that when he had tried to coach her when she was just 12. Instead, Aoki stuck to dancing and moving her hips to the beat. Too bad this music wasn't too much for dancing but for jumping around and letting your wild side out. It would be nice to do that right now. Just let her pale blue hair swing wildly to the music of the band and push people around in the pit. It had been a while since she had attended a metal concert and had let some of her pentup anger out in the pit. No. Not today at least. Aoki was too upset for that right now.

Aoki had a third beer in front of her when a rather tall woman too a seat two stools away from her. She had short blonde hair and was dressed in something that would be considered casual and not club clothes. She had probably been dragged in to this place like Aoki had been. She didn't look too happy to be here but the bobbing of her head told Aoki that the woman was at least enjoying the music.

At her fourth beer another woman approached the bar and sat between Aoki and the tall woman. She complimented Aoki's hair and said something about it being more safe between them. Aoki smiled and took a sip from her beer, the good buzz she had going only getting stronger.

"Thank you," Aoki smiled at the woman. She had longer blonde hair and wore a leather jacket. "You have great sense of fashion too." She replied and took another drink of her beer. "I'm Aoki Sandström." She clumsily pulled out a business card from her black cat purse and slipped it to Marinalia. It had been a habit of hers to give anyone her business car to those she met. The card was black with just her name and her website in silver. It was simple, but Aoki had been contracted many times by just hanging out her business card. It also made people remember her name more easily. "Nice to meet you."

Marinalia then turned to talk to the taller woman, so Aoki took the opportunity to finish the rest of her beer. It seemed like Aoki was going to end up completely drunk by the pace she was drinking her beers. Three would do the job to get here in a nice buzz. Four was where the line between a strong buzz and drunk began to get blurry. A fifth beer meant she would really get up on the stage and sing an ABBA song out of tune with flat vocals. Aoki was starting to think that the stage didn't look as scary as it did when she first came in the club. At least now she wasn't as upset as she had been when she found out her friend wouldn't be able to make it.

"I'm going to regret this tomorrow..." Aoki said outloud, mostly to herself.

Joel Nicolosi

Joel smirked a little at her joke and shook his head. Always joking, always playing. He thought reaching over to help her with the belts. He didn’t care about the innuendo or the questionable position of his hands as he tightened the straps down properly and fastened them together maneuvering around her shoulders, waist and chest. Making sure she was safe in the car was more important than flirting for the moment. Parental as it may have seemed, she was going to find out why soon enough. Though he had to admit that he was enjoying it a little bit. The familiar smell of her hair and the closeness between them felt natural and it was evident she was genuinely glad to be there: A sentiment that was not lost on him. Not to mention, she looked very sharp in the jacket he picked up for her.

With a small wave to the assembly he moved the sequential gearbox into first and pulled off the pallet slowly giving the tires their first taste of the North American continent. He could hear them squeaking over the concrete floor, biting down even at a crawl. A few of the workers moved their hands in circular motions looking for him to light them up, but he resisted the urge while still in the warehouse. Another small switch turned on the lights and a button on the steering wheel activated the high-beams. Holding it down caused the high-powered LED bulbs to pulse rapidly. He made sure everyone was out of the way and he was clear before giving them all what they wanted. It was just a short burst of power, but the tires lit up instantly in white smoke and that was enough as they growled away. Showing off in the traffic lane wasn’t exactly smiled upon.

He looked over at Sio, his face only lit by the faint glow of the controls, “Checkmate.” He said. The word was barely audible over the growl of the exhaust that exited behind her seat, but he knew she could read his lips.

One of the most interesting things about fast driving, at least to Joel, was just how accustomed people were to going between 55 and 85mph everywhere they went and how deeply ingrained it was in the average person’s psyche. So much time was spent within that window and below it, every day, since birth, that the thought was just automatic. When time was taken out of the average person’s objections to distance, it was near enlightening how accessible the world became. As he turned on to the old highway that led back to the city he didn’t give any indication towards her as he purposefully increased the speed gradually until the telephone poles were going by like fence-posts. The intersection for the 923 Loop blinked in the distance and they were there in seconds blazing by a Shell station with the cackling rumble of deceleration. The light for the turning lane was green and the howl of the exhaust reverberated beneath the overpass as he swung up the ramp and really put his foot in it causing the rear end to come around slightly. He jinked the wheel slightly to counter it grinning broadly the whole time.

They hit the highway and he blasted past a semi, looking ahead and making his moves several seconds beforehand through the night traffic they screamed along making it to the junction for 98 in less than a minute. The car wrapped around the curving on-ramp like it was on rails and he went back up through the gears like a song nearly trance-like in his concentration and control. Just like in Japan on the track he could feel the body of the car settling down on ground beneath the air as the wind-tunnel refined body leaned into the wind. He knew he could have never beat them if the Sol Grand Prix’s straightaway had been a quarter mile longer. There was no comparison in the downforce created by the GT-R. The car was like a rifle shot.

As lane markings blurred together into solid white lines Joel saw his exit coming up and relented on the accelerator coasting down the exit lane seeing the downtown glow of skyscrapers in the distance. The composite brake discs had no problem slowing them and glowed hot orange in the night air as they returned to the land of normal traffic on the surface streets. Coming to stop for a traffic signal, he nudged her shoulder and leaned over so she could hear him, “Quick trip, huh?” He said with a smile in the darkness.

It wasn’t far from the highway and they cruised under the streetlights and neon signs drawing glances from groups of pedestrians traveling up and down The Run. He held the high-beam flasher a few times enjoying himself immensely as they passed before carefully angling over the entrance of Club Aether. The car again drew steady glances and some even pointed as they rumbled past the entrance and he gave a couple obligatory taps of the pedal bouncing the wild exhaust note off the side of the building. He swung around to some of the parking in the rear spotting a white GTR parked securely in the distance and backed in next to it making a pair. It was just good form to keep the nicer rides together. He shut the engine down.

“I haven’t been here in years,” He said to Sio glancing at the building. It looked the same as the last time he’d seen it. “I don’t think I know what this place looks like in the daylight,” He mused. “Used to be pretty cool though. Let’s get a drink and we’ll head back out and see what kinda trade we can stir up.”

@Almalthia

Marcus Ainsworth

---

As Marcus and Chris approached the bar, Marcus saw the girl who he had introduced himself to before his song, sitting at the bar. Taking a breath, he nudged his friend softly. “Hey, uh, give me a minute.” He mumbled, before walking over to the girl and standing beside her at the bar. “Hey.” He said softly, offering a kind, but shy smile. “Rei, right?” Still feeling the adrenaline from his exhilarating performance, he was feeling a lot more outgoing than normal, but approaching an unfamiliar, and quite pretty girl, was still nerve wracking for the usually shy musician.

“I, uh, said I’d buy you a drink, so I intend to follow through.” He smiled at her before turning his attention to the bartender. “I’ll have a pint, and, uh…” He looked back over at Rei. “What would you like?”

As the bartender got their drinks, Marcus nervously shifted his feet, idly fiddling with a coaster on the bar. “So, uh, what did you think of the song? I know that kind of stuff isn’t for everyone, though…” He tried hard not to show how nervous he was. He didn’t talk to people other than Chris very often, so he found it hard to know what to talk about, but he was trying his best.

@Majoras End

Placing the empty glasses on the bar counter top Dustynn turned to some of the other patrons, her eyes bright and her smile wide, she spoke loudly over the music, "Hope y'all are having a good night!" she raised a fist in the air as a cheesy, drunken dance move. Her waist was pulled in slightly by Leo's strong grip, as she rest her weight against his side slightly, her hips shifting to fall comfortably into his figure. He asked her what she wanted to drink, but before she could answer their gaze locked intensely. If this wasn't the moment Leo, there wasn't going to be another like this. She tilted her head slightly as they kissed, a small direct one at first, but quite suddenly more in a deep, passionate stupor. They pulled away after a minute, the eyes and mouth of their fellow coworker open wide behind the bar. "I'll have more of whatever THAT was." she said, laughing her heart beating out of her chest with pure joy and adrenaline.

Placing her hand on the bar top, she leaned in "Fuck it, Slide me an Adios Motherfucker!" she ordered the powerful drink confidently. It was a delicious blue mixture that contained; Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila and several liqueurs on top of it. "Also a water!" she added just as excited, knowing that she would need some soon before she got too out of control. Leo ordered as well while Dustynn glanced up at him, "I'm hungry Leo." she pouted slightly looking up at him with puppy dog eyes, hoping he could find a way to get them some grub so they wouldn't have to leave the club early while they were having so much fun.

Alex jumped a bit when he heard a voice. He held his turned up and saw it was Thomas. He was in a brightly colored suit and it struck him a little odd. A bit dressed up for a club, but who could he judge? "Good to see you too, man. Thank you, it means a lot. This doesn't seem to be your scene, what brings you here?" As he spoke a woman in a very sparkly dark purple dress walked over with what appeared to be shots on a tray. She lowered it to their height and Alex picked up two shots, set one in front of Thomas, and handed her a bill; waving her off as she tried to give him change back. With a dazzling smile she walked away and back to the bar and Alex inadvertently followed her with his eyes. He looked around the bar and noticed a very tall and beautiful blonde haired girl. She was wearing some worn jeans and a frilly hoodie, but Alex didn't even care as his stared at her. Red faced, he quickly composed himself and turned his attention back to Thomas. He couldn't just walk away from him, he needed friends and Thomas seemed like he'd been a good one.

As he usually got in loud places, Alex was a bit spacey. It seemed to only be worse as his eyes kept flicking to the woman at the bar. He tried to seem interested in Thomas's response, he really was, but at this moment in time he was a bit distracted. He cleared his throat and stood up, "I'm going to get a drink, I'll be back. Want anything?" He nervously walked up to the bar and tried to sit in the chair next to the tall blonde. He noticed she's a lot taller than she looked from where he was sitting. In his awe and nervousness he fumbled a bit getting into the seat. He ended up mostly in the woman's lap. "Oh shit, he swore, face completely red. "I'm so sorry, miss." He awkwardly stood and sat himself in the seat next to her.

---

Marinalia gave a small smile watching thr bar, and the rather awkward couple was rather plain cute together, and ended up raising a cheer in thr background as a ship seemed to set sail and push off from the docks. Raising a wine glass in return to the womans rather extravagant shout out the bar, it was fun people watching and this bar was far from a boring place to watch the world.

Yep! Cheers!

It was fun to be out, and it was more intresting than being sat at home. She had been feeling a a little stuck and trapped by things and a night out in the city seemed to be a good cure. While the house as quiet, private and safe, it could be rather lonely in a sense. They where set back from the road behind tall gates, and the garden was behind the house enclosed by mature trees. Hedges and walls. No one could see into it though, and given the recent weather held this weekend, it might be nice to catch abit of sun, in the late afternoon as things began to warm up properly. The parisian home had been built a long time before the Olympus family purchased it, 1800 somthing. It was old and had large fire places, grand windows and thick walls to make most and adapt to the northern climate. Firewood was kept in one of the garages, just in case though it never had been cold ernough to ever require it.

The pretty woman next to her with pale blue hair handed over a card, at first it seemed a a little strange but her name was definitely not as regular and had to read the name a few times to work out the exact pronunciation. At least she seemed fairly kind though placing her accent and rather mixed up name, part eastern, part northern. It was rather diffrent though this city seemed to attract those different and seeking intresting places and people.

Thanks, you too! Im new to a metal bar.

No cards I'm afraid, I teach people to fly though. Office views are unbeatable!

Happy she had got the tone right for a metal bar, Victoria had a far better wardrobe for this kind of thing, though she was son diffrent in height and build was impossible to borrow anything. Jewellery maybe but both sisters already regularly borrowed the odd necklace and so. Her necklace of 3 silver moons glittering over a planet was somthing she always wore though, it was simple but a old gift, and one she wore regularly just using different lengths of chains. As for her job, her love of flying came across even when she was not dressed in uniforms, flight jackets or happily giving the middle finger to gravity. Of all the things she could do, the job at flight school was perfect.

Nothing her words as she had turned over to Ashton a second to thank her, Victoria was close, and she was glad that someone had looked out for her.

Went out with my godfathers family in Moscow. Multi day hangover. Water. Always water!

Laughing slightly, she noticed another person approach the busy bar... Wow how busy was this place, she never had been to this part of the city at night, no wonder some of the other venues where more quiet. He seemed a a little shorrter for a guy, and approached Ashton practically landing her lap, it certainly was a strange sight ans he turned red as a tomato.

This was gonna be a night that took both the sisters a while to describe and catch up on, maybe get the uber to swing by Frying Nemon for fish and chips and curry.

Outside there was a loud roar greatly muffled and muted by the noise inside , she only could tell as as a pilot Marinalia was better tuned to the sound of engines, and monitoring one, it was faint but that was definitely a loud car... Whatever it was. Whoever it was wanted to make a show of there arrival and had the car to do it. Personally she preferred her landrover, so much more comfy than the hightly tuned monsters, ahd the fact of havong a useful boot space, tail gate and so. Range rover would be cool, but they where rather expensive to buy and hard to rent over in the US.

---

@Alex_The_Great@MissCapnCrunch@Pilatus@Rodiak@Silver Fox

While everyone at the bar was socializing, most of Rei's attention was on the performers on the stage. "Hmmm, maybe I could sing again next time I'm here?" She thought to herself. Rei could admit that she had fun on stage, but would that same confidence appear next time? She really didn't want to get stage fright at the worst time.

She was brought out of her thoughts when Marcus walked up besides her. Rei nodded in reply when he asked her name, before he ordered drinks for the both of them. "Uh, I-I'll just have a beer." She answered, looking between Marcus and the bartender.

While the bartender was getting their drinks, he asked about what Rei thought about the song he sung on stage. "O-Oh, your performance? It was great!" She told him. "Better than what I could do, atleast..." she mumbled under her breath.

---

---

Milo watched as Paige got a bit more from Titus, the information wasn't really anything good that would make his plan come around, but, this really was more about the message, that Nikki, as violent as he is, he isn't untouchable. Milo could see that Paige was on the edge of just blowing his head off, but just as the tension was peaking, someone messaged her with something important enough to make her stop, she turned and came up to him grasping his collar and pulling him into a kiss, a bit out of nowhere, but not unwelcome, as made clear by his hand squeezing her hip until she pulled away and left. Milo stood there a moment before looking back to Titus.

"Titus, I really want you to know that none of this..." he gestured to the leg and all the blood, "... None of it was personal. I just need your boss to know that he fucked up pretty bad going after her." Milo walked back to his table and rustled around a bit amid the pleas and begging of the tied up man, he came back with a brass knuckle and knocked him out, "You will just have to let him know won't you?"

Milo sat in the driver seat of his truck, he wondered if it was a good idea to poke at Nikki, surely the attack in Paige's apartment wasn't going to be the last, likely they were still on a hit list, hopefully Paige would be okay, she had the Marshals behind her, he however was a bit more alone, the extra surveillance they had set on him had already dissipated and he was alone. Milo pulled off the side of the road and got out, it was an old country road, not many motorist so he had a minute, he put on a pair of gloves and opened the truck bed, inside was Titus, "Alright pal, odds are this isn't your first rodeo, you know how this goes, I am gonna leave you here and call you an ambulance, you aren't gonna say shit about what happened other than a hit and run, and then you let Nikki know what I said." Milo pulled the man into the ditch and pulled out Titus's phone, he looked at Titus expectantly until the man nodded, Milo grinned and dialed the police, then tossed the phone in the ditch, before pulling away.

Milo drove through downtown on his way back home and just let the silence calm him, as he pulled into shop he got out and set to cleaning the shop, blood isn't anything he hasn't had to clean before so he just got out the bleach and started working, he eventually got to the bullet hole in the floor, it cracked the concrete a little bit, nothing bad, he would patch that in the morning. Once Milo was done, he got in the shower and got cleaned up, he wondered whether Paige would come back after whatever she had pop up was taken care of, either way, Milo locked up and laid in bed.

@Pilatus

---

---

Joel smirked and reached over to help her with the belts. Siobhan watched his hands as he tightened the straps down properly and fastened them together maneuvering around her shoulders, waist and chest. Making sure she was safe in the car was more important than flirting for the moment. Parental as it seemed, she was sure there was a reason find out why soon enough. Looking up at him through her lashes she had to admit that he looked like he was enjoying it a little bit. The closeness between them felt natural and it was evident she was genuinely glad to be there. She hoped it was the same for him.

With a small wave to the assembly he moved the sequential gearbox into first and pulled off the pallet slowly. She could hear the tires squeaking over the concrete floor, biting down even at a crawl. A few of the workers moved their hands in circular motions looking for him to light them up, but he resisted the urge. He activated the high-beams then caused the high-powered LED bulbs to pulse rapidly. He made sure everyone was out of the way and he was clear before giving them all what they wanted. It was just a short burst of power, but the tires lit up instantly in white smoke and that was enough as they growled away. Showing off in the traffic lane wasn’t exactly smiled upon. She laughed giddily.

Joel looked over at Siobhan, his face only lit by the faint glow of the controls, “Checkmate.” He said. The word was barely audible over the growl of the exhaust that exited behind her seat, but she read his lips grinning.

Having someone who knew the roads let Siobhan relax and enjoy the ride. She knew he'd take care of them. For once in her life other than her dad she let a male take control. And it was strangely liberating. Or was it really that strange? Joel turned on to the old highway that led back to the city and purposefully increased the speed gradually until the telephone poles were going by like fence-posts. Siobhan’s heart raced faster as the speed increased. She was so excited she knew she'd never get to sleep, anytime soon that is. She had to remember to breathe and that was a chore at times. Then the tingles started. It was a vibrating, goose bump, fuzzy, dizzy feeling.

The intersection for the 923 Loop blinked in the distance and they were there in seconds blazing by a Shell station with the cackling rumble of deceleration her laughing breathlessly. The light for the turning lane was green and the howl of the exhaust reverberated beneath the overpass as he swung up the ramp and really put his foot in it causing the rear end to come around slightly. Joel ever so slightly corrected the wheel to counter it grinning broadly the whole time. Siobhan turned her head his way and grinned back excitedly. She was loving this giddy, breathless and tingling all over sensation. Oh this needs to happen more often.

They hit the highway and he blasted past a semi, and that was when they screamed along making it to the junction for 98 in less than a minute. The car wrapped around the curving on-ramp feeling like it was on rails and he went back up through the gears like a song nearly trance-like in his concentration and control. He seriously doesn't know how damned sexy he is?!

As lane markings blurred together into solid white lines Joel saw the exit coming up and relented on the accelerator. They coasted down the exit lane seeing the downtown glow of skyscrapers in the distance as Siobhan took the time to compose herself. Coming to stop for a traffic signal, he nudged her shoulder and leaned over so she could hear him, “Quick trip, huh?” He said with a smile in his voice apparent.

She didn't know if he had seen the half lidded look she gave him but she cleared her throat softly. Muttering “If you remembered how to breathe.”

It wasn’t far from the highway and they cruised under the streetlights and neon signs drawing glances from groups of pedestrians traveling up and down The Run. He held the high-beam flasher a few times enjoying himself immensely as they passed before carefully angling over the entrance of a club she'd never been to. She grinned as the car drew steady glances and some even pointed as they rumbled past the entrance and Joel gave a couple obligatory taps of the pedal bouncing the wild exhaust note off the side of the building. He swung around to some of the parking in the rear spotting a white GTR parked securely in the distance and backed in next to it. Then he shut the engine down.

“I haven’t been here in years,” He said to Siobhan glancing at the building. “I don’t think I know what this place looks like in the daylight,” He mused. “Used to be pretty cool though. Let’s get a drink and we’ll head back out and see what kinda trade we can stir up.”

Laughing huskily Siobhan unbuckled fingers fumbling but getting it undone. Awesome just advertise you're not put together after that wildly amazing ride. I might do something embarrassing, like kiss him; really kiss him, if he leaned over right now.

“Good a drink sounds great. Head clearing even.” Her voice was husky like that laugh and she mentally winced. Jesus I sound like a freaking sex kitten!! She cleared her throat. “Lead on Speed Racer.” Her voice still had that husky edge to it and she blushed slightly hoping the lighting, or lack thereof for the most part, hid what was painfully obvious. With her completion any bumps turned to bruises and blushing, like now was obvious. Sometimes she hated her fair skin.