Joel Nicolosi

Joel scratched at his unshaven face as the Jeep trundled over to the exit lane on the Matthews Bridge and into Western Shore. In the far distance to the north, the glowing skyscrapers of downtown could be seen and the gentle white-caps of the river speckled in the dim light of the evening. It was still cold as hell, but at least not snowing. The sides of the roads were lined by heavy piles of dirty, chemical and sand treated snow that had turned a mostly nasty gray as traffic resumed somewhat normally in the days following the epic blizzard. “What’re you in the mood for?” Joel asked over the steady hum of the heater. As soon as the words came out, he was pretty much anticipating some blatant innuendo from her in relation to the question.

The moment only an hour or so before felt more like a confirmation of the past few weeks and a release of the tension that had built up. Joel knew full well she liked him, but was curious just how long she could hold out before she’d admit it or walk away. Chasing after women was not his style. He tested them and cared little for how he was evaluated in their eyes. Sio was the first one that he could remember, in a long time, that understood the game and played it back usually as good as himself and he liked the challenge of it. For being nearly ten years younger, she had strong aura about her and a wild nature that he found alluring even when he knew she was talking above what she was capable.

A few other thoughts crossed his mind as they took the ramp towards one main drags inside Western Shore. He needed to finish writing a thank-you letter to Marlin’s granddad for the gift he’d sent and he wasn’t sure how Sio felt about it. In the course of the last few weeks, she’d become his de facto secretary in a sense and basically knew all of his business and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that, but it was done. There was nothing wrong with the letter or the gift, but he was not looking to stir up more drama and wouldn’t put it past Marlin or the rest of her nutty family to use as a hook. Joel shook his head slightly at the thought, he did want to keep the old man as a contact and sending a letter back felt like the classy thing to do.

Then there was the matter of the contract with the rally team. He’d never “worked” for anyone other than himself for somewhere around a decade. They’d certainly gone out of their way to court him and he knew it was the right choice. At thirty-three, he knew he only had, at best, ten to fifteen more decent years in him as a driver. He knew Sio would have kicked him for not taking the deal, but again, she was young he wasn’t sure she knew entirely what it meant from a career standpoint. Joining the team was going to take him away from Sol a lot more often. The next rally was in Jamaica. Maybe it was a little soon to ask her to come, not really knowing what commitments she had or if they could even tolerate each other for a solid week in another country, but he was going to tell her about it anyway and just let the chips fall.

He let those burdens pass as they sat at a stoplight when another memory hit him and he thumbed quickly through his phone as they waited for the light to change. “Oh, I meant to show you this before.” He said, suddenly snickering to himself as recalled the night they came up with their little contest entry for the Sol City Zoo. “Remember when we named that rhino at zoo? Yea, read that email.” He handed her the phone with the email from the Zoo’s director and tried his best to contain himself from laughing aloud before she had a chance to read it.

@PrinceAlexus@Almalthia

Xia was a bit bright this morning and she had good reason being that Marin's the only official friend she made since being in Sol. She made acquaintances but those acquaintances didn't get to know Xia like Marin did. After their few days of bonding, Xia wanted to show her appreciation for the hospitality but cooking for them. Hey...I can make pancakes...and coffee sounds good too.

Agreeing to go straight to her place after eating to check on her cousin, Xia made their breakfast with eggs, hash, and turkey sausage. The pancakes on another plate, bringing them over to start their feeding frenzy. After they ate, Xia went to get dressed to get back out in the cold and nodded to Marin when she was ready to head out. As soon as they came outside, Xia shivered and rubbed on her arms rushing to the vehicle and sighed in relief for the warmth.

Riding off, Xia turned to Marin when she said she could pop by anytime. Marin...you're a sweet girl...I thank you for tolerating this spicy island girl and sharing everything with me. I'd kiss you right now but we already did that during the weekend... She chuckled. You could even sleep over at my place sometime...if my cousin is not there and don't mind cheap ass living...

As they got to the place, Xia lead the way to the apartment and opened it up noticing the trash around the place. The smell of burnt candles and smoke was all over. Xia looked around The fuck?? She said looking around. Look who want's to show her booshy ass back up... Xia looked over at the couch to see her cousin. Y'all alright? Look like y'all didn't have to struggle. He said when Marin answered. Hey white girl...you look sexy...I'm Carlo Holloway He said staring at her.



Xia snapped her fingers to get his attention CARLO!! What the fuck did you do to my place? I made a camping ground...you know...after you wanted to show your ass about leaving me here... Well if you would've did what I told you, everything would've been fine...

While Xia looked around, Carlo asked where Marin and Xia met and with that, Xia went to change into something fitting while Carlo asked a few questions. Xia told Carlo to clean up and stuff and she'd maybe take him shopping or something. Carlo gave Marin a look as if he wanted her before Xia came over and noticed his expression. Carlo....no....don't even think it... What cuzzo? I'm just admiring her outfit.. No...you're admiring more than that....her legs, tits, ass, and anything else you're trying to imagine with her clothes off. She is off limits...understand? You will not talk to her in a nasty way nor will you even think about trying to tap that...she's a close friend of mine and I'm not playing that shit.

WHy you gotta be a bitch? Because you constantly make me one! She said and walked over to Marin. I'm ready... she said to her and turned to Carlo. Get this shit cleaned up and I'll come home with food and we can do something later.. Leaving out the place to get Carlo's gaze off Marin. He liked what he saw but she was not the one to fool with and Xia was damn sure not going to give him that chance.

Getting out the house is fine with me...we can do whatever... She smirked I'm sorry about my cousin back there asking questions like the police and getting in your business and how he was looking at you. He think's he can fuck any female he wants...but I won't ever let him touch you... She said and noticed her turning the heat down. That's what happens where you live in the tropics so long...you are what you lived in...

As they managed to get to the place, Xia looked up. Shit...Swan Songs. The place where they first met in passing. But why here though? Well whatever...she was going to support Marin's decision and headed in with her. As they came in, Xia was surprised by Marin's initiative of holding her hand in public and with Xia looking down at their hands, she looked at Marin's face and smirked slightly.

This brings back a form of nostalgia...are you okay? Xia asked Marin. Was wondering why you'd come here of all places but it's okay....we first met in passing here... Xia wondered if there was reggae in this place.

@PrinceAlexus

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Siobhan was giddy and concentration was pretty internal. Replaying that kiss over and over again. Consequently she didn’t really remember how she had pulled herself away from Joel, gotten dressed in her normal clothes, or even made it out to the Jeep. Automatic pilot. I really hope I didn’t say something stupid. I probably didn’t say anything at all. I know I didn’t talk about Bradley or that fiasco. I wonder when he’s going to bring up the steering wheel? I think it’s sweet and classy that he’s writing back. Besides keeping in touch couldn’t hurt since the damned thing is authentic, with papers and everything. Yes it was from that one girl’s family...what was her name...some kind of fish...Herring? No. Trout? No. Carp? Maybe. Oh yeah Marlin. Sport fish like Nemo’s dad. Well there’s always one odd one out in a family.

Looking out the window at the now dirty winter cityscape it was almost hard to recall it being fresh and white. She was glad that she had gotten the pictures off the camera and had started working on them over the weekend. She also hadn’t gotten much sleep due to her muse consistently driving her all weekend after Joel had dropped her off from the University. So when asked about what she was in the mood for her stomach rumbled and she immediately thought of the kiss. Blushing she retorted, “Well a nice cut of blue rare beef sounds like it would hit the spot. So I’m thinking steak. Unless you’re offering yourself up for dinner, and if that’s the case why did we leave the shop?”

Her eyes went wide and her blush deepened as she snapped her head around to look out the window again. JUST WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?!?! Did that just...It did!!! I wonder if the door would open fast enough for me to jump off the bridge? This is the last time I let the muse out for more than an eight hour period. Apparently she goes bananas. This is what I get for not eating or sleeping much. That Midnight Oil I got from Joel was a lifesaver. I bet my blush goes all the way down my...That’s not helping!!! He better have taken that Rebellion deal. He deserves it. He’s a hell of a driver and this would get him out of Sol so that more people know. I wonder if they asked him about Jamaica. If they’re smart they did. But where does that leave us? I still haven’t told him about the Art Show or Bradley the stalker...

As they stopped at a red light and Siobhan snapped back to reality as Joel talked about the Zoo and naming the baby rhino. He had come up with an inappropriate one but it was the best one that seemed to fit. He handed the phone over and Siobhan read the email. “You have to be joking. Really?!? Horny?!? And it’s a boy!?!? Oh that is priceless. Tell me you want me to print this out and frame it!!!” She starts laughing.

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Marinalia enjoyed a easy going breakfast though Xia definitely did not go light on the extras and Breakfast was definitely looking like a rather light lunch. She got thr land rover out the garage as Xia found somthing more winter suitable to wear. The engine took a while before it wanted to run properly thanks to the cold and 5-10 minutes later it was purring nicely despite the cold. Even sheltered in the garage a small leak had iced over inside the enclosed builtin testament to how cold it had been.

Xia well, definitely, utterly strange but it seemed to work, so why argue with the universes order. She seemed in a good mood and not sick of Marlin, so hey, after 4+ days, well that was a plus point. if you kiss me, I you might distract me! Little icey, even on winter tyres. several rapid gear and setting changes soon sorted out that tricky patch. She was by no means a expert and mostly was more worried about keeping it on the road and out of the snow banks or obstacles. tolerate, well... I'd say, there was not much hidden in the end!

Good company can always make up! Im not always... We only moved there as its safer... Used to live in old harbour near the marina. It was nice moving there, but she definitely had not chosen to move in when she moved in, bar the fact it was a building site. Her old apartment was normal, only life turned out alot less normal. Ans so they moved to match. Looking across as she waited at some lights, Xia was cold, she would have hated Alaska with a passion hotter than her own personalities confidence.

Arivong at Xia, s place. Her cousin was definitely a charceter, why was everyone so tall? Her dark grey eyes glazed a rather polar qaulity at the greeting. What was it with guys and thinking that was gonna work with her. Jeez, she was not some bimbo. Well you noticed. Good job I woke up today and thought I was a purple beanbag. Xia was fairly direct and got him working on putting the place right. Well it was hers and it smelt like... Definitely not a home at any rate. Leaning against the wall and tapping a fairly heavy duty winter boot to a song in her head, she noticed him look her way, in a way that was not just glancing. Admitly, even with the layers hiding her figure somewhat, she had managed to mix both warm and classy which was a hard line to balence. Xia soon unleashed a quick tirade his way before she could even react, and turned the thermostat down several settings with a look that would make a polar bear shiver. Her accent lost any trace of the warmth it had with Xia and went to a threatingly low toneWe met, after bumping into each other a few times if you must know... Xia is hard to miss.

No thanks. Beside, Im intrested in someone else. Seems I was right, Don, t you have some mamouth to hunt, or some chest bashing to do? part of her could not help but see the irony, Xia knew nearly everything he wanted to know, and abit more besides yet that little golden nugget might of well been on Pluto for all his chance of getting it. If he was gonna stare at her like some kinda primitive man.

As Xia gave him his last orders and made to leave, a little side that rather like her father was enjoying itself, reveling in a chance to let her darkaide out and play. A glance to Xia she warned up a split second, deciding that she was not gonna sit and let Xia do all the work.

...

Leaving, Marinalia began to warm back up again though her eyes took a alittle longer to revert back to a warmer friendlier form, near slate grey almost and hiding layers below, some not always the most pleasant. Whatever could be a outdoor thing... returning the joke, she was warmer than Xia and well wrapped up, but even Marinalia was not wanting to linger outside. Cannot choose your family. He just a... , he not even worth getting angry over. I'm OK. No lasting harm or so. Xia definitely was protective, even for a short time they knew each other, well she seemed a very protective personality once you broke though the surface. I have pepper spray, happily let you finish off what's left.

Theres a blanket under your seat. My sister sometimes uses it when she had a bad day with her condition. Your a cute plant though. true to her word, there was a soft fleece blanket under the seat, Victoria on a bad day needed it. Though in a turn of good luck they had not had one of those in a wholwnsince the treatment, in fact she was slowly recovering her old strengh. A alittle smile at the end, Xia was pretty in her own way, and the past weekend had definitely meant she could not really be awkward round her very easily after we'll, everything and every sight.

...

When they sat down, Marinalia seemed to not have noticed much she was holding her hand when she glanced back at the stage, where Kylo fell, where the Russian, Bob and Co where stood. She could remember exactly where everything was that night. The dress she was wearing she happily let them keep, or burn or whatever. She never had wanted to see it again and the police woman was rather understanding about the while situation. umm, I never knew, just followed a zip code. I guess, I did not want to be afraid of the place... It's just a building right? She was not sure if Xia linked her and the event, or the woman on stage. Marlin was not entirely convincing that she was unafraid of the place, her hand shook a fraction in Xias, and her eyes where a alittle lost in thought. The music was nice though, a band was taking requests, and even she had to smile when let it snow was shouted so many times they relented and played acoustic. Umm, you can use Mali if you like. It's not like you have not seem me... Well. Not exactly hidden in
one sense. her sister had used the name around the Manor, though it had seemed to be a thing between the sisters, as Marinalia often used Vika over Victoria. If Xia wanted to use Mali, Marlin, Marin she seemed to favour. Everyone seemed to have there own version of her own name.

Sipping a coffee looking round, no one seemed to care bar the odd person at the two women holding hands, someone did look over like aliens had landed but they where a distinct and clear minority. Marinalia was not exactly at her most noticing mode anyway, her glance seemed to never stray too long over part of the stage though, where she had been standing. Some things she could not quite face yet. Her hand seemed to tighten a small fraction wherever she did.

She did smile abit, a slight force to break out her little box as she nibbled on a free biscuit with her drink, if only it was a cookie. She had a urge for cookies... How come you let your cousin go 10,000 years BC on your carpet.

Soery, just let my sister move In, we are... Alot closer than you and Don Carlos. Honestly... He seems like trouble got a embodiment.

Mentions
@King Tai

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Victoria could not get her car out due to the events, and was told she would have to wait a few hours or come back in the morning to collect it. The investigation meant they would be closed at least for the rest of the day. Walking slowly, it felt strange a alittle embarising to be relying on it but after her day so far she felt a alittle unsteady on her feet. Exiting the cordon she met a slightly emotional Maria who hugged her and helped her over to the Bentley that was sat in the temporary car park near by for those waiting.

Victoria felt a alittle embarrassed but was growing to trust Maria more and more, so let her help and sat back basking in the warmth of Maria's rather nice rental. Least her step mum had good taste. If Victoria made ernough money she wanted somthing like this! Though maybe in black, dark purples and folding top. She was not small in her goals... And had the abilities to get what she wanted.

...

Ariving back home, Maria was a handy driver and despite a few skids with the powerful cars engine and wiping out a snowman or 3 they made it home. It did not have the same low gears Marinalia had advantage of. Regarding her sister, well she did not lie that she had a friend they looked after but a few missed facts. They seemed a little too close to her eyes, but her sister was happy so Victoria let them be. Maria's look seemed to tell a similar story but did not mind. Her daughters both seems in a far better state than last she saw them, step or not, she would look after them both regardless of how much blood they shared.

A little information from Victoria set a plan into action, her daughters needed freinds in the right places, and Marla told her a few contacts in city hall, so they could work a alittle idea. They would get there chance to use the ballroom, and have a social event... Well one that would not end up in a bar fight. They would have to deal with her if they wanted to start trouble and she was less forgiving than the younger family.

Victoria glanced over and saw that Maria was plotting somthing, she had a glint in her eyes, present when she revealed her plan to make Marla her maid of honour. Marinalia and Victoria where bridesmaids, she was yet to tell Marinalia in person but she knew she could count on her. She always had said Maria needed to find someone, especially more when she had seen her and dad... They where like two... Slightly difficult, but they where Ment to be together. What.. You up to M. Maria. Your... Too quiet over there. Maria could not but help but laugh, it was hard to trick those two. Just somthing You said Victoria. Trust me.

And. What's this about you, a date. A handsome man... And a fancy car to. Victoria went a alittle pink and laughed, Marinalia talked.... But so did Victoria, Maria knew alot more than they thought the other did. They both tried to be quiet but... Nope.... No hiding. Just a intresting date... He... He a challenge, but... Ummm well it was good... Very not quite a fairy tale romance, just... Interests me.

Looking over, Maria had downed one of the Within Treason on the counter... Joel had sent them over by some energy drink company. Oh man.. They where strong....so strong! They had split one, and felt a strong buzz... Between 3 people! The energy hit fast and Maria was rather silly pulling Victoria down for a hug and giggling like she was younger than Victoria was! How do you control your caffine overdosed silly to be step mum! Hey!
You need to tell me about this ethyany! Don, t hold out! You did not return home that night... Victoria knew the energy shot was short, but oh wow... She was giddy, silly and lanost drink on caffine! I did! He cute... Rather handsome... And good in.... Oh, no! OK we did... But come on. It was power out... Cold. Snowing. Safer to stay.... We...

A while later was... Well, she had worked out what they did... Not the other part. They shared a room, much as they had a bond. She did not feel comfortable talking about her bedroom life... Well hotel room that time... A rather intresting evening. Maria turned into a right... Teanager when you gave her way way too much caffine on top of coffee and so during the day!

@Pilatus

Joel Nicolosi

Joel snickered a little at her comment. “I mean, I can still turn around if that’s how you feel.” He said double-clutching the shifts to save on the Jeep’s old transmission as they moved along. Glancing over he couldn’t help but let himself laugh at the news of his little naming contest win with the Sol City Zoo. “Someone at the zoo apparently has a sense of humor.” He said with a chuckle. “I won some kind of private tour, but I think I’m gonna just donate it to the Y or something, let them take the kiddies.” He turned into a fairly low-key, chain restaurant that his parents liked to frequent and he knew would be clean and prompt. “Me and you will never have time to get over there anyway.” Joel glanced around as he got out. He liked Western Shore. It was peaceful and free of drama. The Jeep blended in well with the other common vehicles and he helped her jump down steadying her against a slick spot in the parking lot.

Joel tossed his black team jacket into the booth as they were seated. Thermal lined and with the neon-orange R, the Volkswagen logo and a few others, it was nicer than any of his other mix of branded apparel, but he had to admit to himself that he was a little proud to wear it. It felt good to be a part of something bigger for a change. He thought a few people recognized him as they walked in, but no one had said anything and he was thankful. Since the gossip column he’d reluctantly decided to indulge had put him back in the media again. Rally racing wasn’t that popular in the US, which was one of the things that made it appealing to him, but for the rest of the world, it was a major form of motorsport, which was also appealing. He pushed the menu aside already knowing what he wanted and glanced over at Sio in the dim evening ambient light. “So, the first race is gonna be in Jamaica.” He said speaking casually as if he were talking about the weather. He rested one arm up on his side of the booth. “You wanna come with, or are you gonna hang out here in the slush while I’m gone?”

@Almalthia

Marcus Ainsworth

Interactions: @MissCapnCrunch @Majoras End
Crowd at Swan Songs: @PrinceAlexus@King Tai@LunarMist

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Marcus smirked back at Dustynn as she headed out the door of Club Aether, returning her wave and friendly wink. “Always. Have fun, but not too much!” He teased with a slight chuckled. After she left, he smiled down at the glasses that he had been washing. It was the first time he had ever been happy to be doing the dishes. Honestly, he could have been scrubbing the toilets and still be happy. He loved his job at the Club, and enjoyed every minute of it, even the more mundane parts of it. He moved the tray of now clean glasses to their spot behind the bar, and moved along to find the next thing to do.

It wasn’t long before the shift manager called over to him, letting him know his shift was over and he could head off when he finished what he was doing. He’d just done the afternoon shift that day, which was good, because he had other plans. Marcus smiled back at his co-worker as he finished wiping the bar down. “Ah, cool.” He often had to be reminded to leave, because he never bothered looking at a clock. He went out the back, clocked off and grabbed his backpack, pulling his phone out of it, checking the time. “Cool… Still have time…” He mumbled to himself. He grabbed the acoustic guitar case that was sitting in the corner of the room, and started out the door. He’d brought his guitar to work that day, due the plans he had later in the day. As he left, he gave his co-workers a cheerful farewell, and ordered and Uber.

As he sat in the Uber, on his way to the Record store Swan Songs for their Open Mic event, Marcus stared at his phone. He had the Facebook Messenger app open, sighing heavily as he thought, and overthought. He had it open on an empty conversation, with a new friend, Reya. They had met a couple of times, and had spent the lockout in Club Aether during the storm together. They added each other on Facebook, to keep in touch. She seemed nice, and Marcus wanted to get to know her better, but his overactive brain made sending a message harder than it should be. He wanted to simply say he’s going to the event at Swan Songs, and say it would be cool to see her, if she was going. But social anxiety playing with his imagination like a kid with a lego set made things more difficult, imagining all the ways his words could be taken the wrong way, or that he could just come off as annoying. He spent most of the Uber ride writing and re-writing a simple message. Eventually, he just bit the bullet and pressed send, and stashed his phone in his pocket with a heavy sigh, trying hard not to continue overthinking it.

Hey Reya. Hope you got home safe after the storm.
I’m going to the Open Mic thing Swan Songs is doing today, gonna play a few songs. Would be cool to catch up if you’re there.

As his Uber pulled up outside Swan Songs, he noticed that the place was pretty packed. It was cool to see his favourite record store getting some good business, but it was also pretty daunting, seeing how many people he’d be playing to. When he found out about the event, Marcus put his name in for the open mic, securing himself a slot for the early evening, so he could make it after work. He made his way to where they put the sound desk, letting the staff know he was there, before stashing his guitar beside the stage, where all the other musicians stored their gear. He had played there a few times before, so he knew the drill. He still had a while before his set, so he walked over to the bar, casually scanning the venue to see if he knew anyone around before ordering a beer.

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Sol city police department were less than gentle with a man that had just nearly been murdered, they had him pressed against the cold body of the cruiser with guns drawn, and soon were throwing him in the back of the cruiser, he was covered in water and ice and the heat in the cruiser was not enough to do anything about that, as they arrived at the station he was brought in and set in an interrogation room where people started drilling him on what they believed happened though, even concussed and freezing, Milo was still smart enough to keep his trap shut. Officers kept trying to get him to talk about what had happened but was soon cut off as a familiar face stood in the doorway, it looked like Paige's partner, Milo couldn't think of the name but he remembered seeing them together before, soon the cops left and the marshal stepped in, "Wow, bud, you look like you got handled, though, from what I hear, the other guy got it worse." he placed a training uniform on the table, "You probably shouldn't stay covered in wet clothes, come on, we are going upstairs."

Milo stood in the Marshal office, still handcuffed, seemed weird that Xi wouldn't undo the cuffs, but he supposed he technically was under arrest and they hadn't done much in the way of processing, though with every passing moment he was becoming more and more restless, and the nerves were setting in, he told Xi slightly more than he had told the cops, though he was only going to tell the whole story to one person, he figured she must be on the way, only reason he could think to be up here. Soon he saw the door to the elevator open and he was able to catch Paige's eye as she started to move towards him, she came through the door and just as he was about to open his mouth to say something, she threw her arms around him. "Come on now sweetheart, don't do that to me, you know I couldn't let you be the only to fight off an assassin." His voice was weak and hoarse, the sound that came through was clear that he was as frightened by it all as bad as any but he didn't want her to worry. "Are you guys gonna be able to interrogate that guy soon?" Milo looked to Paige expectantly, it seemed he wasn't aware, or through the course of his injuries had not registered that the man that attacked him was not alive any more.

@Pilatus

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Ethan hung up the phone grimacing. Sit and wait. Sit and wait. That is all he was getting from them. Monotony was getting boring but it was needed. He was too bottled up. Drew was about the only one who could deal with being snowed in or the winter months that kept one inside for fear that something would freeze off. Drew had asked him earlier why he was even still here since the others had gone out, or in the case of Paul still with the couple that he’d gone home with on Thursday. To each his own. Ethan grabbed the keys to the Camaro and went to the Swan Songs music store.

Getting there and parking he got out. He really didn’t know why he was here but living like a recluse didn’t appeal to him. It never had. What he was really hoping for was something to take his mind off the phone call earlier. Having an ear to the ground couldn’t hurt and being seen in public was always a plus. It all just seemed so dull sometimes. Unless of course a pretty little thing fell in your lap, or offered to keep you warm in a blizzard. Walking into the music store he saw a couple of people he recognized. Marinalia, Victoria’s sister, and Marcus. It had been a while and he wasn’t surprised to see Marcus here but Marinalia, that was interesting. She seemed rather close to the girl that she was with. Like Take Me or Leave Me from Rent close. Now that is interesting. I wonder if she’s as quick with her romantic partners as her sister. And isn’t she the one that the tabloid gossip monger pitted her with Joel and his attractive little artist...Siobhan? Hummm...maybe not a wasted trip after all. Maybe I should have gone to her prescreening. But sending Giovanni got him out of my hair. Besides he appreciates art and needed some time off. Wonder if Miss Marinalia can divulge anything to mess with Joel with or if I’ll just have to come up with something on my own.

Ethan sauntered over to Marinalia and her companion. “Hello ladies. In the market for new vinyls for your collection or here to hear some of the locals? Good to see that you’re right as rain Marinalia. Who’s your friend?” He didn’t even try to make his voice sound less arresting than it normally was. Curiosity got the better of him and he sincerely hoped that Marinalia was no worse for her foray in lockup. His posture was non-threatening and openly friendly the smile on his face genuine.

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Siobhan snapped her head back around at Joel as he mentioned donating the prize to kids. How in the world am I supposed to not trip and fall for him if he makes statements like that? Siobhan smiled at him as he opened her door and steadied her against the slick spot in the parking lot. “You’re right about donating the tickets we really won’t have any time.”

The restaurant was perfect. Clean and unassuming and smelled fantastic. Mouthwateringly fantastic and pleasantly warm. Shedding her jacket that Joel had given her to reveal the black long sleeved under armor and the Misfits t-shirt she was sporting with the fleece lined black leggings; that she had multiple pairs of, and gently broken in red hightop converse she didn’t feel over or under dressed in. She folded the jacket neatly and sat next to Joel in the booth. I’m sitting here deal with it. She glanced at the menu and put it aside just after he did. He mentioned something about Jamaica and Siobhan looked up quizzically as if to say “I knew that already”. Then he asked her if she wanted to go with him or hang out here. As if she’d turn down Jamaica.

“So they were smart and put you on for the next race. Good. I’d love to go. I haven’t been there before but I’ve seen pictures and I’ve heard the food is amazing. Not to mention that I’d get a ton of material for more paintings. Plus I get to support you. Oh and the cars!! Are you sure you want to take me with you? And just what does that entail? We’d need some restrictions and lines drawn for this kind of get away. For all I know you turn into a cephalopod and try to reenact scenes from Urotsukidōji. Akemi I am not...well not entirely...mostly...you get the point.” She was blushing so hard she grabbed the menu and looked it over again.

Joel Nicolosi

Joel wasn’t sure about whatever reference she was making. He figured it was anime related based on the title and what he knew about her interests, but he was only really familiar with the classics: Cowboy Bebop, Gundam, Dragonball and a few others here and there. What he did pick up on, however, was one word in particular: restrictions. He rolled his eyes a little as she talked on about boundaries and rules, but then came and sat down in the booth right next to him. “Yeah, I think we are gonna need some ground rules...” He said in agreeance. “...for you.” With the leggings she was wearing against the seat’s vinyl cloth, it was very easy for him to put his hand on her hip and very comically and deliberately, slide her slowly to the other end of the booth. He turned and put his back against the wall with a smirk of pretend-satisfaction and rested one leg between them in a mock defense as the server returned for their orders.

A few moments later the waitress returned with a small glass of very dark liquor. “Here, I’m gonna show you somethin’ I invented.” He said digging into his jacket pocket and pulling out one of the small, Rebellion, energy shots, the same ones he’d sent Marlin as a gag. The logo simply read, Within Treason in an old world font and the container itself was very cleverly designed to look like a musket cartridge with a distressed colonial flag. “Everybody’s heard of a Jaeger-bomb,” He said twisting the top off. “And I don’t even like Jaeger that much.” He poured the contents into the glass and the two drinks instantly reacted with one another turning solidly black with a dark red swirling wave that ebbed and flowed creating a spectacle within itself. “I’m gonna call it a Black Flag.” He said with some amusement looking down at the glass as the two drinks rolled against one another inside the glass almost as if they were fighting. “Seems to fit,” He shrugged. “Maybe it’ll catch on and be a thing.”

@Almalthia

It was nice to see Marin getting out of her shell. The conversations were pretty casual. A few cheeky response and slight flirting and silly retorts. Especially when it came to Xia mentioned she's kiss Marin but yet would be a distraction for her if she did to the fact that to Marin, Xia was not a toleration but an enjoyment. It was not a secret that Xia couldn't handle the cold and that Marin found it a little amusing but Xia did appreciate Marin keeping her warm and not fully berating her besides the side jokes she said to her.

After meeting up with Carlo and with Xia's cousin getting a few jabbing retorts from Marin, he kept his eyes on the little Englishwoman she she left with Xia only to say to himself Slick mouth girl huh...I'll get that sooner or later... He smirked after the left. Something about her feisty attitude that sort of made him more interested in the smaller English girl.

Seemed that the apology for her family was not needed as Marin was aware that family will have unpleasant ones and Xia was happy to hear that she was not too judging of her about her cousin but at the same time Xia was going to protect her from him or anyone else that seemed to pose a problem.

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After they got to the place, Xia continued to hold Marin's hand for a while as Xia still wondered if this place posed a problem to her. She remembered that night when she came there, there were people that came in causing problems but Xia left with someone else that night, too drunk to remember what all played out.

Mali? Hm...interesting name but I'll probably just stick with Marin or alternate between the two names. And my cousin...eh...I'd rather not have him on my mind at the moment. She told her. I figure we can just take our mind off things for right now.

Just checking out the crowd along with a male walking in shortly after they did and soon noticed another coming their way to speak, Xia noticed this male. He looked familiar...maybe someone at one of the night clubs. he had that pretty boy persona but she was not going to be rude. Seeing how he approached them and spoke to Marin and knew her name, Xia figured obviously they knew each other. Before she would speak, she'd let Marin speak first. This individual didn't look threatening. But just where the hell did she see this guy? Xia looked out the corner of her eyes at Marin to see how she was going to respond first. Not exactly cracking a smile just yet, but just waited before she'd speak.

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Victoria and Maria finally calmed down after the caffine somewhat began to less effect the older Olympus woman, her usual habit of caffine, plus her daughters idea of a pick me up that was less sweet tooth and more sweet berg. Well add a energy shot from this... Rebelion. Wait, that was the brand in the new business to watch segment, had a alot of side lines in racing, sports and so. Victoria did not seem to belive her and forced a peppermint tea, and a yogurt into her before she was convinced. Medically speaking, her attempt woukd of done little, the drug had to naturally disperse but she appreciated the care and concern.

Il be fine Victoria. Joel, wait. He was the guy Marlin liked at the Gala. He a strange egg for sure. Victoria calmed abit, plus she did not fancy of having to explain to the family how she broke Maria, especially to Marla. She definitely was a much more skilled ice queen than Victoria was and did not play well with others, was made for the youngest sister of the pair. Not twins as some had claimed. Joel... Well Joel and Marlin even Victoria was confused what they had between em. They where not dating. Not quite freinds, but also seemed to be at a level that let him almost prank her. OK, just wait till you drive back to the hotel! That's Joel. I'm not sure, I'm not sure words explain how and why any of this works. Very strange egg that one. Not a bad egg though. Maria seemed happy ernough with that explanation, since when did anything the sisters do was easy or simple? Well her and Marla had a few intresting adventures so could not begrudge the younger Olympus ladies there excitement. Even if it did make her rather worried.

A little later while Victoria left for a rest, the shock of the shooting she was at seemed rather delayed, she was very much like Vesarian locking things away in neat boxes. Only it had its downsides. A quick hug expressed everything though, no cane. She was a alittle unsteady but that was to be expected after evading what the media said was a shooting, every little else. Victoria did not quite belive the news, too much shit was happening too quick to be entirwly conicdental event. Cardinal might help her make sense of it. That wild West cop was there. Thr club. There was somthing going on, the puzzle was there but none of the pieces made a picture, it was like playing chess, poker, and snakes and ladders at same time, with no idea which rules where which. You knew, but there was no order or logic to it.

Then it hit her as she lay back in bed doodling, Jayne Wayne, Cow boy cop. Milo, Milo! He was with her, he was in some dodgy stuff and admitted it. Then she happens to be at scene of two events, a shooting, a bar fight. Milo was from.... Delta city, she must not be local. That meant she might not be a normal cop. Of course that opened up way too many doors. It might be a total fabrication but she was sure that some way, all chaos becomes a pattern. She had not become a skilled digital security and encryption expert for no reason. Sol was indeed a tiny world though, she had checked the old program and recognised a name and picture as miss Murphy. The red head from the Gala who spoke Russian. This city never made anything simple or easy. Whatever was going on, strange did not even begin to cover it.

Maria took advantage of the Raven haired woman's rest, striking, summed up her choice in colours especially with her eyes contrast to pale skin. Shaking aside the thoughts, on colours, she still could have anything wedding related altered slightly to accommodate the three women. Finding her compact laptop in her bag, Maria remembered a few contacts and a old trail of emails from Marla regarding previous events soon found her the one she was looking for. It would have to be a Fwd or two. But with right care, luck and careful writing it would make it to its intended place. Thry would have there wish, a event would be coming to the Manor, it was a alittle diffrent but it would be a opertunity to ensure they found some contacts in the right places, and also an excuse to dress up, properly.

Hitting send, she had made up a proposal for the man she belived to be heading the event, of he was serious, the others would get involved as the time came along if it went ahead. Though given the offer, situation and so, it seemed like she had found some fairly solid ground to base her proposals on.

The world often seemed to underestimate the older Olympus sister, always quieter than the more combative Marla, more diplomatic and less impulsive than the other. However, Marla was not only one who had learned off there mother, just how to apply the arts in a more subtle way, yet still able to play the social games and navigate just as effectively.

Victoria had a few minutes before she had to head down to eat sitting up slowly as she had felt a alittle, off. Putting it off as a reaction to stress and the whole saga that the day was. She had tried to back and forth a few messages with Ethen but the cell system was still not quite all back n running at full speed so that proved a alittle patchy, even with her tweaks to the phones code, the infrastructure was rhe problem. Hey Rock star :)

I'm safe, someone turned the museum into a action movie, so that exhibition you wanted to go to might be changed somehow.

I'm with Maria, we have a few things to work out but it's good. We needed to.

Stay safe. This goddess would not mind another night of madness at some point ;) I know normal dates are tricky, (unless we can find a way round the parasitic press ;) , though I'm scared also what those women at club would do!) but I think my sister knows a good picnic spot at a old ruined Manor outside the city if we wanted a quiet momment some time and a chance to away from the city and so.

Have fun!
Vika x x Hitting send, she did not know when that message would get there and sat rewriting it a few times not wanting to imply too much. Or too little. Why did she have to like intresting men... They where always complicated, but others just sent her to sleep or tried to force normal on a very abnormal Victoria.

Remembering certain complicated times. Cardinal. Typing out a fairly lengh email with her worries about the city. The two where a good sounding board and if anything did ring true, She was sure that he would spot the patterns too. All the random events, well random was not possible to her. There was always a level of order somewhere. However small. It was why she was so good at her job. She found patterns and links where others saw random data. Normaly email was less secure, but they had there own channels though it would take a good few hours to process the data from point to point. It would take years maybe decades for someone to decode that forcefully without the core equation to the system, one only Victoria truly knew about.

@Almalthia

Paige Kennedy

Paige kept her hold firm as he spoke. Sweetheart. He never called her that and the way the words came off his lips she could sense something in him that she’d never seen before. Or rather, It was two things. One she wasn’t sure of, or wouldn’t let herself be sure, the other was more obvious: fear. She knew he wasn’t scared of anyone. He was afraid of what he’d done. What he’d found himself capable of in the heat of the moment. It wasn’t the same as it had been for her. She was a sworn, Federal officer, the danger came with the job, but for him, he was just a man. She knew it frustrated him that he didn’t have the same access she did especially when what they were facing together knew no boundaries. When they came for him, he’d done what he had to do, but things were more complicated now. She let the tears that escaped her be absorbed in his shirt and exhaled letting her shoulders drop before looking up at him then back at his cuffed hands remembering she had the key.

“I’m sorry I took so long.” She said trying not to let herself sniffle and failing. Retrieving the key from her back pocket, she removed the cuffs as he spoke and rubbed his wrists where the metal was tightened over them. He was straight to business and she knew he was doing it because he didn’t want her to worry, just to get her mind on task. He knew her that well. The cuffs clamored on the hardwood conference table as she tossed them aside. When he asked the question, she thought he was referring to Elvin. “We can only hold him for a while,” She said. “I think he might be a little bit grateful, but that’s sure to dry up soon.” His confused look at the response puzzled her a bit and she explained further knowing he wasn’t aware of what she’d done and what caused her delay: “I kinda shot somebody at the museum…” In her mind the scene was reenacted and how quick she’d been on the pull. The shocked look on the imposter’s face gave her a dark satisfaction, but she hadn’t had time to figure out the reason for the confrontation and their was a note of perplexity in her voice. “I don’t know why Nikki would have sent someone after him in broad daylight and in a public place, it doesn’t make sense.” She shook her head slowly. “But I think it has something to do with that nightclub.”

@RoccanIronclad

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Marinalia had teased Xia a few times on way there but not too heavily, it was too icey to not keep her mind on the road, and the larger weight of 4x4 meant any skid despite 4 wheel drive would be worse to bring under control than a car. She was a fairly good driver, even if she had picked up a few bad habits driving in Europe and could be a tad aggressive when people where being idiots. Mariailania did enjoy Xia's company, and her old self slipped out it's shell though a alittle carefully. She had been hit pretty hard and still was fairly cautious about opening up, but gave Xia a chance, rather strange way of how everything worked but hey. That was life, when you thought you had it all figured out... Bam!

...

At Swan songs she did not think to heavily about the whole meeting with her cousin, he was just a loud mouth to her anyway. They where 10 to a doller and everywhere. Xia, wait, her memories of that night where both sharp as just happened or fuzzy and broken up more than a cubist painting, she remembered seeing Xia at thr bar, but anything else relating to her was just haze. Whatever those drugs where, well Bob deserved every single day he got behind bars. Even his rich patrons would struggle to get him out this hole. Xia, well she decided not to being up she was the lady in thr black dress, those wounds took time to heal. I'm comfortable with any of em. Mali?
Yeah, my sister hered my baby cousin call me it and never let up till it stuck. Now I just use it round freinds and family. well soon or be two cousins eventually, Marla was expecting again, they where happy, it had not been easy for her, but she was happy, and definitely one scary one to get between her and her kid... Mamma polar bear... Mind off things, yeah. I need that. I swear this city is a village.. seeing two people she saw at the club night, sat with someone she had met a few times, it was like the universe was playing games with how random they could be without a pattern!

Ethen, well he was alone this time.m, and she could see why Victoria had decided to approach him, and half drag her over... It was nice to see her happy though, though the less said about the Milo disaster the better. Glancing over with a pair of eyes so so similar to her sisters slate grey, and the matching rings on there fingers, some traits where definitely dominent down the family line. She let go of xias hand but did linger abit close, she was fine with general background just not ready to be so obvious in front of someone like that. Her comfort levels would grow. Just needed her time to be more like her private self in public.

She masked her concernes with a smile and a clear cut but warm English accent that gave away less, falling into a almost automatic calm response. Some lessons had failed to stick, that one had stayed with her,that and the whole fact she pointlessly knew all the "propper" ballroom dances, part of the whole hostess stuff. And oddly, a fair go with a sabre, because apparently the private school taught you how to dance a waltz, and gave you options to learn how to use a sword, and options to fly a helicopter and ride a horse. Sometimes it all was a tad sureal. oh hi Ethen. I was saying this city is like a village at times...

Just came to get out the house, flight are still grounded for least another day, saw a event on and decided it was a good idea. Reminds me, thanks... I need to check before I go for a gift. shaking her head, though laughing slightly, his musical tones, well Victoria had claimed that egg, that was a unbreakable rule. So she teased him abit, It was harmless. Wrong sister Prince charming. Snow White is in the other castle.

We had a excellent lawyer, though my trip adviser review about the acomodatuons, 10/10 not booking there again. open and gesturing him to sit down, he was abit of a show off but he seemed to be genuine about it, so it worked and came across as more confidence than pretenchous. He just was a shoe man, they never turned it off. Pausing a second, she did not how to put them, freind, couple did not fit, and she was cautious not to expose there thing too much as Victoria had asked her. She did however try to match Ethen abit, it seemed to get message across better. Plus she was not ashamed of her "friend" so played abit with the introduction, just a tiny bit nervous of physical interactions. Xia, a rather lovely friend I've come to trust. Xia, well meet Ethen, Prince Charming meet Xia. He,s a aquaitnece of Victoria's she gave him a small nod, she was not about to expose anything with so many eager ears around and about, however distracted. There was no caribian princess in Disney so gave her a small non verbal sorry. You seeking music, or just like us. Feeling pot bound at home in the blizzard? That or just need more armour polish?

Noticing Marcus order a beer. Wait, same guy from the club, the one that ran of before trying to talk to Victoria. Wow. Village or what. Giving him a friendly wave. He might run, he might hang around. Was Victoria and her that scary to be around? Hey stranger. Seems this is definitely a village not a city.

Only one sister this time. Not two. with a small laugh about the bar event, he had made a abit of a runner after Victoria had smiled at him. OK. She was the darker sister, but her soul hardly matched her hair colour. Unless you where certain people who seemed to think so. No black hair this time. On stage tonight? he was at the bar, Ethen was, Xia, well Xia was not randomly with her. They had somthing alittle more complicated, though that would take time to work out what normal was for the two of them, if that was the path fates decided would happen.

Mentions
@Pilatus@King Tai@Almalthia

After the sudden blizzard, Reya's week had been getting back to the normal routine. Go to work, hang out with the co workers, and lay on the couch watching the news the rest of the day. She had accidentally fallen asleep when Ryan had thrown a blanket over her, grabbed a nearby radio, and turned it on at full volume.

OOOOCEAN MAN, TAKE ME BY THE HAND-

Safe to say, Rei wasn't amused at her twin. reaching for something to throw at the radio, or Rai, a notification popped up on her phone. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she read the message from Marcus. "Hell. yes." she muttered, glad that she had an excuse to leave the house while her brother was doing...whatever he was doing. Quickly heading into her room to throw on some fresh clothes, Rei grabbed her bag and ran out the door.

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It took a bit, but Reya had finally arrived at the music venue. Finding a place to park, she walked inside and looked around. "Hmm. Nice place." She thought to herself, before noticing Marcus by the bar. Reya quietly walked up behind him as he was talking to the familiar blonde from the dreaded bar fight, and tapped his shoulder. "Hey, got your message! Thought i'd come by to support ya!" She said with a grin on her face.

The night had been going exceptionally well, despite Dustynn being a bit out of her comfort zone she actually was having more fun than her usual date night spots. As they walked along side one another they spoke back and forth easily. Soon Leo slipped down, looking up from his back straight at Dustynn with a defeated smirk. Leo's sarcastic comment made her go from worried about him to cackling loudly. "You're an idiot!" she spouted out playfully between breaths, her eyes teared up from the joyous laughter that came from deep down.

In that moment she was genuinely happy.

Taking little hesitation Dusty did not help Leo, but instead lightly tackled him in the snow bank. Her hands reached up to cup his cheeks as she placed a passionate kiss on his lips, before rolling off him and laying on her back next to his side. "You're still an idiot, but you're my idiot." she stated, side eyeing him for a moment before fixing her gaze up into the bright and beautiful sky. The snow had seeped through her pants by then, the back of her legs and bottom cold and wet. Dustynn could care less as the two laid there in the wholesome silence.

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Milo rubbed his wrists, finally free of the cuffs, he understood that they needed to do so, he didn't want to believe everything that he had been hearing since he had come in, the whispers that he had beaten the man to death, the man had been an assassin, he couldn't have been dead, but with the way Paige moved the topic, it set down on him that the reality was that, he was a murderer, as bad as the man he had killed. Paige told him about how she had shot an impostor at the gallery, it seemed they both had had a hard day however just as they knew it would, when he struck back, he ends up in cuffs. Milo could only think that he was lucky that at least it had been deemed as self defense.

Milo sat back down, now that he was no longer sitting on his hands, "What do I do now Paige?" Milo looked at the floor, "Everyone always thought I would do it, but now that I did, how do you deal with this?" Milo just looked at his hands, he could almost see the blood still, all the cuts and bruises on his knuckles, the tightness in his chest, he had so callously thought about doing the very same thing to Nikki just to stop him, yet now that he had crossed that line, he began to fear what it was that he was to become. Could he do it twice? Would it be easier the second time? Should he just leave, let this all fade? Could he even do it? As he looked to Paige, tears in her eyes, he couldn't let her do this alone, that same competitive spirit the two of them had, was the same one that would drive the two of them into the mouth of hell as long as the other one would go. "So what is the plan then? You want to go to the club? Might need to sweet talk a sheriff or two to get them to let me out." the last thing he wanted at this moment was for her to look at him differently, he just wanted to keep talking as if things were ok.

@Pilatus

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Siobhan put down the menu as Joel stated she needed ground rules. He then put his hand on her hip and slid her further away down the booth. She watched as he turned and put his back against the wall a smirk on his face. Then he rested a leg on the booth between them. The server returned and got their orders. Siobhan raised an eyebrow and barely kept from grinning. “Good to know you're afraid of me.”

She pushed his leg off the booth and scooted closer, but not too close, while he mixed the drinks together. “Interesting combination. Does it stay that way or does it emulsify? Cause if it stays that way that is pretty cool. Oh and I've been meaning to mention that I have an art show coming up. I have a comp ticket if you'd like to go. I know that it isn't your cup of tea but I thought I'd at least give you the chance to turn it down.” She smirked at that last statement. She'd prefer to give him a private showing to pay attention to his reactions anyway.

She'd always done private showings for her parents whenever they flew in and she liked seeing people's reactions to her work, especially if they were important to her. Public showings didn't give her as much of a chance to see reactions. Alexandria wanted her to mingle which would mean that anyone with her would have to as well and she didn't want to put Joel in that position if she had to. It was his choice but she'd lay it out for him if he wanted to go. He had as much dislike for the snobs as she did, but they paid well. Though the piece she did of Apex Designs was not for sale.

That was a gift for Joel. It was the only piece that had people in it. His normal band of older gentlemen laughing and talking in the foreground with the doors open and everyone having a great time. It reminded her of the first time she saw the place. She'd done some portraits, for free of course, of the regulars telling them that they couldn't say anything about it till he got his gift. Then they could have a field day with talking about it. They all wanted to pay her but she wasn't having it.

Brought back to reality as the waiter updated them on their order and asked if they needed anything Siobhan looked back at Joel in query.

Paige Kennedy

Paige crossed her arms and leaned against the table next to him using her sleeve to dry her eyes slightly. I can’t believe I’m crying over a man. A voice spoke up in her mind. And of all people, I never thought it would be this one. She shook her head, only slightly as he sat down seeing the distress on his face coming forth more clearly and Sio’s words from weeks ago echoed in the back her mind as she looked at him: ...You don't want to share the details because you barely believe it is real…. She rubbed a hand over her face and glanced around outside the conference room seeing a few heads quickly turn away as her glance surveyed the room like a sentinel.

She knew he didn’t want or need the counseling that was offered to her and her fellow Marshals whenever they were forced to take a life in the line of duty and it reminded her there would be a mountain of paperwork for her to complete after the incident earlier. Then there was Sio’s painting that she felt partially responsible for ruining. She didn’t think Sio would be upset, conversely, she would probably find it cool or amusing, but the principle of it bothered Paige. It was indeed an all-around, shitty day. “The best thing…” She started to answer him and considered her words knowing she was not the best counselor, but also remembering who it was sitting in front of her. “...is to just talk about it…” The piercing green of her eyes found his and there was no malice or fire behind them, only openness.

Seeing the vulnerability in him undeniably took her back to their days in Delta City. He may have moved on from those times, but the good man she had known then was back in Sol City. There was a twinge of guilt still in the feeling and somewhere, deep-down, she dreamed in the blink of an eye that they could just run-away, though the fleeting thought was soon overshadowed with the firm desire to finish what they had started together. “We can keep you out of jail,” She said, her thoughts returning to the present and glance turning towards the floor in thought. “They’re watching the club though, I’m afraid if we go there it’ll tip’em off.” She said looking back at him. “We have someone on the inside over there though, remember?”

Interaction:
@RoccanIronclad

Mentioned:
@Almalthia@MissCapnCrunch

The blonde college student suppressed the intense sneeze forcing its way out of his nose as he tapped the door that he knew for a fact belonged to Swan Songs. He spent a lot of his free time there, especially when he was coming back from his classes so there's no way he could miss it. It was a good place to help him unwind and relax, and he even filled out an application to work there after school, one that he could only hope gets accepted. And even if it didn't, he'd probably still spent most of his time there just to zone out and forget about everything. However, ever since that huge storm and going through such an odd experience followed by a nasty cold that had yet to leave him alone, Capella's time with the place was cut drastically. And despite still being sick, he took the chance seeing that there was an open mic night going on. Listening to live music always helped with colds...right? Too bad he had to leave Toasty behind because of how many people he assumed would be there.

And that there were, Swan Songs was crowded, not that Capella needed eyes to know that. The sounds, smells, and feeling of other people bumping into him as he pushed his way through were more than enough stimulus for him to know that. The blonde smiled regardless as the familiar sound of a wooden chair connecting with his walking stick brought relief to his jittery frame. Ensuring that no one was on said seat before plopping down, Capella immediately began twiddling his thumbs seconds afterwards. Of course he wanted nothing more than to walk around and see what other people were up to, maybe make a few new friends but his presence was enough of a hazard, and coupled with this many people? He wouldn't even dare..

Capella had to admit though that it was a little bit lonely hearing everyone around him talking and having a good time. Normally he'd have Toasty with him or something to distract him with but now he only had himself and his thoughts while he waited for a performer to show what they had in store for the crowd. It was boring, but the anticipation as well as his clouded sick mind were enough to dull out that feeling he had, if only a little.

Shaking his head to and fro, Capella attempted not to unconsciously eavesdrop as he waited for what was in store.