Joel Nicolosi

Joel shrugged at Sio’s question. “Beats me,” He said referring to the swirling glass. “The point is to drink it, not to look at it.” He gave her a smartass smirk as he tipped the glass back and killed it in one swig finding her pushing his leg away and resuming her previous position next to him as he sat the glass down. Her possessiveness was cute and he liked that she went after what she wanted with vigor making it easy for her slide under his extended arm. He’d never dated a redhead, but it seemed most of what he heard over the years was turning out to be true. It’d been several years since he had a “girlfriend”, but figured things were about as official as they were going to get, particularly after Sio was also mentioned in the gossip column. The more he thought about it, the more he regretted doing the interview, but he couldn’t deny that a small part of him really did like the limelight.

As she continued talking about her art show he found it interesting that she automatically assumed he’d turn it down. Right out of the gate, he wanted to say, “Yeah, I’m down for it” just for fun though he reasoned with himself that she was likely crafty enough to present the showing in such a way to get him to do what she wanted- which would be massively attractive. Before he could say anything however, a slight memory from earlier blipped through his mind of an alert that popped up on his phone while they were at the shop. It was something about the museum and he tapped on his phone briefly looking for the news alerts. “Yea, what’s the deal with that anyway?” He said glancing down at the screen where the story was displayed, “They had some kinda shooting down there today.” He slid the screen over for her to take a look. “I’m surprised your agent didn’t call you, didn’t they have a bunch of your stuff staged down there?”

@Almalthia

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Victoria laid back curling up for a nap, she had been feeling a alittle tired and achey the past few days, must be thr cold weather and all, the doctors had some fancy words why she sometimes was prone to cold, tiredness and needing more rest. Though this time it was a alittle worse than normal but just chalked it down to stress, and feeling cooped up. The momment she tried to get out, you end up with gunfire going on. What kind of joke was life playing that she could not go for a walk and end up escaping gunfire.

Putting her phone on charge she fell asleep quickly, long black hair flowing over the pillow and a peacefully resting for a hour or so curled up on her large queen size bed. It was a nice luxury to have all that space. It was especially vast when you where tiny. Sometimes being small had a few handy advantages, even if it had more disadvantages. Looking out the window, still cold, it really was not the kind of weather that made you want to not leave a warm and snugglely bed. Hopefully the weather would pass quickly so she felt less tired, her medical conditions meant it took more getting over than other people, even with the cure the was not 100%

...

For Maria, it was fairly quiet and she had waved Victoria off a while ago, tiredness and odd ache was a normal thing for her and even the doctor in her did not see any real problem. Well yet. Longer term, it could be more but for now it was nothing but Cold weather, busy days and stress, no wonder she was napping. Thinking back and checking her messages, she spent a little time looking through the news, a Gossip column... Oh Marlin, Joel, and some red head. That was silly, and rather strange. Oh well, if they did dig too deep or get too close, there where plenty of options to protect her from the vultures. Horny the Rhino... Horny. What kinda person came up with the name Horny? Wait, Joel was the one who sent Marinalia the coffee... Seriously. How complicated and strange was life, was this place a hamlet or somthing?

Though now, Ethen, Marinalia, well she was not sure what was going on yet, so there was definitely a intresting tim s with the fnaily. The girls really did not do things by halves... City political stuff aside. Victoria seemed to have a point, somthing did not add up, somehow in the city. Ot just gave a odd feeling but not sure where it even began.

The news was all over the shooting, museum closed, police. Closed for investigation and minor repairs. Victoria said she had hered a few shots fired that morning. There was no time line but everyone knew these events took time, especially given the circumstances, public buildings and the modern day.

More importantly a ping from her phone, the director had agreed to forward her proposal, especially wince she had sent a few little ones s to city hall and some contacts. She was not exactly without her tricks. The proposal was bound to forwarded to agent, agent to the artist or not. Some where much more managed than others, and had different levels of control and intrest in there work. A proposal, photos, and a small had drawn floor plan with annotations. The upper floors where considered off limits. That was a home, not a venue.

Sent from her personal email, DrMariaOlympia@Gmail.com the email made its way to a certain red headed artist eventually. Not sure how She would get it was fairly open about time scales and set up. Given the chaos, exact schedules might not be ideal. Not knowing of the trouble mixed into the plans or past history, well it would be fun, and help the sisters meet a few folks who in the "right" places. If they where going stay, they might as well have every advantage possible. Connections and freinds where rather handy. Little did she knew the drama gods where in good spirits.

...

Victoria and Maria where later sat round the fire, this certainly was a far better way to deal with the cold, and a few little hints told her Victoria had a intresting time about things. She never had known before about, this Milo, Paige, scratching a car... Not intended... Of course. Not that she condemned it but well, she was not there. Illegal guns, nare Victoria was definitely safer not dating that particular egg. His life certainly aired on the darker side, not that Victoria was always light. More her life before, during and likely after was definitely not calm or a fairly tales.

Maria had her moments though, nearly engaged to a bormir, her times in a more wild place. As a Dr she had to heal some bad injuries, made a few intresting friends, Mori, Morgan and Marinalia had had a thing for a while later on, arguments, met Horus, Nicholas, that family had some strange names. Iris had been a nice lady. Of course Denny, and a few others had been intresting rather rivals like Joella and so. Adventure abound with Benny, Dira etx. Or had been fun. Though life could be too exciting at times!

@Almalthia

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Siobhan scrambled for her phone Alexandra had texted her close to twenty times and called her about the same amount. She winced as she read the texts of questioning where she was, why wasn’t she answering her phone, why she even had a phone if its on silent. Then it devolved into call me in an almost rapid fire succession. She’s gonna kill me…

Siobhan shot a quick text to her agent. <I’m out right now. What happened?> Immediately the phone buzzed in her hand. It was a call from Alex. “That would be my agent. She’s probably not happy with me since I put my phone on silent. Besides it’s probably about the museum. Hang on.” Siobhan cleared her throat.

She answered the phone just before it went to voicemail. “Hello Alex...Yes my phone’s been on silent...Really?...Yes I realize this isn’t quite the PR you were looking for...Agreed...Shot? By whom?...Yes I know Paige...I see. Donate it to the SCPD...Tomorrow? Brunch? God how early?...You’re serious?... Yes, yes I know...Tomorrow doesn’t work. I have a previous engagement...Namely my parents. You know Wednesdays are their day...You know the answer to that. Besides I think it’s time they meet Paige...Well do what you do best, smooth out the rough edges...I heard that, don’t think I didn’t...Goodnight Alex...Fine Thursday. Brunch. God awful 10 am. Yes, yes dressed nice...No jeans or leggings. I’m wearing the jacket. No getting around that. Nice negotiating with you, ya Nasi. Good night.” She ends the call and sighs. Siobhan fires off a text to Paige. <Just heard what happened at the museum. You okay? Wanna do lunch after the gym tomorrow? There are a few people I want you to meet.>

Siobhan then looks back over at Joel. “Well a really good friend of mine, Paige, shot someone at the museum during a private viewing that was set up by my agent for a few people. Apparently one of the paintings took fire. But Paige is fine.” She shakes her head. “Second person she’s had to kill in a few months and I’m worried that she’s on to something dangerous. I just hope her boyfriend Milo keeps her safe not that she can’t take care of herself but I worry.” She cuts her gaze to the table then back to Joel. “By the way good way to change topic but hardly an answer. So I’ll let you chew on that for a while. I did want to mention that if you see a pretentious jerk in the offing let me know. That would be Bradley. Who is comparable to the extra in Billy Joel’s Video Uptown Girl. He was saying stupid things about cars and I interjected and corrected him. He issued a challenge and has been haunting me. I only mention it because he mentioned you.”

Marcus Ainsworth

Interactions:@Majoras End@PrinceAlexus@King Tai@Almalthia + Anyone else at Swan Songs

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Marucs stood at the bar, leaning against it as he sipped on his beer, mentally going over the songs he planned to play, before being pulled from his thoughts by a slightly familiar voice. He turned around to see two women, one of which he recognised as one of the sisters that were in the bar fight at Club Aether. Something that she and her sister both had in common is that they liked to call out at people from across the bar. Marcus blushed ever so slightly, but gave a smile and polite wave. “Heh, yeah, small world…” There was a part of him that was disappointed that the shorter sister was there, though it wasn’t like he would have the guts to make a move this time either.

“Yeah, I’m getting up to play a few songs soon. Just acoustic this time, so no screaming this time.” He answered the question with a slightly nervous chuckle. As he spoke, he recognised someone else, the man standing with the two women. It was Ethan, the rockstar who offered his sage advice the night of the bar fight. Marcus gave him a smile and a small wave. “Hey, Ethan, right?” He asked, fairly sure he remembered his name, though double checking, just in case. “Umm, thanks for the advice you gave me that night at Club Aether. It’s helped me a lot.”

Before he continued to speak, there was a tap on his shoulder, and he turned around to see Reya, which brought a bright smile to his face. He wasn’t actually expecting her to show up, but she did, which somehow calmed and heightened his nerves at the same time. She'd seen him play before, so it wasn't a big deal, but it was always nerve-wracking to have friends in the crowd, because he wanted to impress them. “Oh, hey! I... uh, thanks for coming! It’s… Uh… It’s good to see you.” He stuttered slightly with a dorky smile on his face. He stood there awkwardly, unsure whether to hug her, or shake her hand, or give her a high five. How do you great someone you've only hung out with a couple times? “Umm… Do you want a beer or something? My shout.” He offered, trying to save himself some awkwardness.

Joel Nicolosi

Normally a phone call at the dinner table would have been enough to pluck Joel’s nerves more than a little, but considering that he was the one who brought it up, he had to let it pass and as she talked he perused the rest of the motorsports news from around the world while listening in on her conversation. He let his mind drift, thinking about the race team and all the traveling that was in front of him. Jamaica was just the first stop. Kenya, Turkey, Monte Carlo, Nepal and others would follow. The distance felt exhausting, but the driving was like a medicine for his soul and it came very natural to him even more so than GT racing. The cars were simpler and the controls were quick making pushing the envelope easy and downright exhilarating. The shift and balance of the weight against the grip of the tires, controlling the drift and using the torque of the engine to point the nose. The rally felt more about finesse and technique while the track was all about discipline and consistency. The little VW Polo was a blast to drive. Joel had never been a dancer nor had any desire, but throwing that little car through the woods sideways or swinging the tail around a hairpin turn felt like it must be something close.

“Yeah, you’ve told me about her before.” Joel said bringing his mind back to the present as she finished her phone call. “Shooting people seems to be one of her favorite activities.” He saved a small story about Le Mans on his phone for later as he spoke, turning back to her as she again focused her attention towards him. He snorted a little in amusement at her tale of “Bradley”. Here’s the baggage. He thought to himself and gave a light shrug and small grin thinking about how funny it was for an apparently grown man to keep going by the full name of Bradley instead of just Brad or something less pretentious sounding. Bradley sounded like someone who fell out of J. Crew catalogue. He shook his head. “So you’re saying you have a stalker? Is that it?” He chuckled. “I take it young Bradley is not a fan?”

@Almalthia

Xia was taking in the thought of how Marin got her nickname. Was actually cute how "Mali" came to play. She could call her that more often. Xia loved the children and she hoped one day she could work with them more often. She didhold a small work out school gym class once to introduce some dances with exercising. That's so cute! I don't know I think I'll start using that name a little more often. just for your baby cousin's influences in making that name. I love the kids. She chuckled.

When Xia looked over at the guy that Mali must've knew, she simply listened to their conversation quietly not wanting to be rude by speaking out of turn. So this guy must've known or be well acquainted with her sister? When they were both introduced to one another, Xia smirked just to be kind and brought her hand up to offer a shake. Nice to meet you Prince Charming Ethan. Xia the island spice...need rum, a little taste of Caribbean food, or some sounds of the island melody...I got you. She said just being polite.

She looked around again to notice another guy waving and speaking their direction. Seemed Mali knew him too but again, Xia didn't know him and let's Marin speak first. Xia blinked for a moment and turned to Marin. You sing? She asked. Xia sang a little but it's been years since she sang in front of others. Mostly singing to herself. So far these other people that have came to speak didn't seem so bad. If Xia wanted to have a chance to expand her horizon, this was her chance in meeting more people. Usually weren't the type of people she hung out with since back home, everyone were mostly black and or mixed but nothing wrong with meeting others of different ethnicity. She did live temporarily in different cultures.

[/color]

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Marinalia relaxed and saw Marcus react to the call out and blush a fraction and seemed definitely to be the same one who was the bar for sure. The little nervous reaction matched. Sipping a coffee, she was with Xia and trusted her, slightly ashamed minus Xia she might of not been able to walk in. This place had bad vibes for her. She had to face them though. The therapist was rather good though, and we'll, was right she could bot be afraid of a place forever. "Yep. Sol Village.

Ooh, behind the scenes as to say. Good luck, I prefer it so excellent choice there. my sister is the heavy metal fan.

Never expected to end up at the green bar! "

Because of course Sol city was truly a village they all seemed to have some form of connection, Marcus knew Ethen, she met them, Xia and Marlin had met each other multiple times and this new woman knew Marcus... The whole 6 degrees of separation was more like two... Turning to Xia, Mali yeah it was Magnus who coined that one and it stuck. Not she minded, she always had spoiled her cousin much to Marla,s frowns, though she found it hard not to let him have a ice cream, he had a look that just melted any resistance. Well unless you where Marla, mama polar bear was good at keeping her son in line. "not quite a baby now, but always be my little cousin. Any nicknames you want to share. " teasing Xia abit, Maria had kids young, and Marla older so there was a good gap, though she shook her head whwn Aunt was used... She was not that old, and always embarrassed her cousin back.

Marlin fidgeted slightly with her ring, playing as it glittered in the light unsure what to do with her hand, not feeling quite ready to hold her hand, but not wanting to seem like she was embarrassed by it. This all was alot more than she had expected and her public self and private where in two different places. Though it was nice knowing she had someone she could rely on. Xia just had that kinda vibe about her. No way of explaining it, it just felt... Right. Slightly Suprised by her question she did not notice the woman talk to Marcus as her inner selves debated out what to do and how to act. Hopefully not too obvious but her slate grey eyes where not hiding it very well. "oh... Sing... I was taught at school, but never done much more that katiokee for years. I prefered riding and switched early on, I loved cross country though. Could vanish for hours at the weekends riding in the woods and grounds. " with a smile. She loved horse riding, it kinda had flowed into her love of flying, just a horse became a helicopter and then a plane. Her school had taught a rather different ethos, extras classes included finances, business, and many other practical skills for life, excluding its strange love of dance and fencing.. But that was a great stress relase. "I really should pick it back up now I'm somewhere more permanently. "

Hoping Xia was not thinking about making her sing, or even asking. Going onto that stage might be a step too far for her. Entering the place had been bad ernough. A alittle nudge of her foot closer was a small way of her letting a alittle show without feeling too obvious, a alittle more discreet than holding her hand. Maybe somewhere else, but this place contained darker memories. Wanting a happy, well day, that topic could be answered later I'd it came to it.

"Thanks for, you know." She did not add to much, nore like the idea of Victoria owing a debt. Of course they had talked, but she appreciated his... Slightly alterior, but helpful motives ensuring they stayed out of note... The papers seemed to be going hard on that incident so maybe it was a good idea someone had made sure there presence went less noticed.

Adding a quiet explanation only Xia could hear, she deserved to know, and did not like hiding it as she probbly guessed already. "He,s Thursday night... Friday morning guy.. Victoria does not want the spotlight but seems to like him. Helped get us, well that's for less public places." she saw Victoria arrive in friday morning, rather too happy for someone stuck in a power cut, and her whole slightly different walk seemed to tell a rather... Not just sheltering story. Plus the whole long goodbye by the car, well it was obvious they found other ways to keep warm...

Seeing Marcus approach the woman. She just have a discreet nod and turned back to her coffee playing with a biscuit like nothing ever happened, once he found his confidence he would be a charmer alright. Musician, to could not hurt his chances. Well she was kinda taken now but hey, could not hurt to nudge someone in the right direction.

The woman was dressed nicely, maybe a little under for the cold but the blue dress, warm jumper and boots where bang on trend. Pretty cute style. A blonde haired guy seemed to be hanging around the bar too, obviously the event was more popular than she had expected, the weather did not seem to be keeping people in as much, and many seems to be enjoying there often free day off thanks to the weather forcing many places to close or roads being unsafe to drive. They seemed a alittle lost though.

Her train of thought was distracted slightly by a band striking up a good light rock cover with a fraction that had abit of blues to it. Least the music seemed to be good tonight. Sliding and rapping her finger to the beat, ordering refill on her coffee. Sliding a foot close to Xia's, very slowly over the time, she gave a slightly nervous smile. The shell was losing out ever so slowly to the inner self, just coming out in a rather calculated way to try and remain unnoticed, hoping the band would have there attentions well kept where she wanted it.

@King Tai@Zaxter996@Almalthia@Tenma Tendo@Majoras End

Hand in hand, the night sky danced around them. Everyone needs their person, you know the one who has been there through it all? The one who has been there through the laughs, cries and everything in between. The one that takes really bad days and turns them into much better nights. The one that helps put back the pieces of a very messy puzzle. The one that always reminds us of who we are and the love we deserve. The one who is down for any adventure, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Some people come into our lives to make it just honestly better- to make the music that much louder, the days that much brighter, and the happiness so much longer. "Me too, I'm freezing." she said back shifting as she started to get up off the ground.

Shooting a smile at Leo's offer Dustynn answered "Let's do it!" she too, didn't want the date to end quite yet as it was going so well. She lowered her hand down to help Leo get up and off the cold ground himself, she hoped he hadn't been hurt in the fall nor her extra tackle she had given him. After getting up the two made their way back to Leo's car, the heat felt wonderful against her chilled cheeks and even better against her soaked pants and underwear.

"Thanks for bringing me here Leo. I really.. I really appreciate it." Dustynn mentioned as they drove towards the cabin Leo had offered. Reaching into her pocket she felt for her phone, bringing it out she turned on the screen and quickly lowered the brightness to not be so glaring. Swiping away notifications she took a minute to look at her missed calls. 20 Missed Calls From Mom. A grimace spread across her lips as she sent a quick text:

BUSY AT WORK. TTYL.

She felt bad, but she also didn't want to constantly come to her mother's call. Almost instantly the phone vibrated in her hand:

FUCK YOU. DONT COM HOME. CANT COUNT ON U 4 SHIT!!

Shoving her phone back into her pocket she decided she would ignore the phone for the rest of the drive, knowing her mom would come back around in a day or two when she needed food or more drugs. Crossing her arms over her chest she looked over to Leo for a moment, "Do you get along with your family?" she questioned, looking for slight comfort in the situation he had no clue about.

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Victoria sat back as the weather began to chill as Maria threw a large log onto the fire and curled up in front of it lazily. The whole strange feeling was still there but not so bad now. Just the weather after all, she could survive the cold, it just never was her idea of fun, especially when this seemed to be the answer. A little achey, tired. Just a big or so...

Sitting back, the whole baby polar bear documentary was fun, mummy bear was was looking at the camera man like a rather tempting instant meal. Cute... Until the size of a large bear with a tempting desire to eat you!

Maria wandered back with a warmer blanket and warm mug of coffee to help keep the chill away, she had managed to sort of it some of the issues they had, and despite a few awkward silences things where on a up, even with Victoria knowing Darya was always going to be hard for her to every get past. She knew ernough of her own loss to know exactly that some things could never be replaced. They surprisingly shared a few more things salt than they relised. "I swear your up to somthing Maria... Your eyes are almost glittering" Maria blinked, shaking her head, Victoria was too smart to trick that simpley, her eyes always gave her away to fnaily. Despite the relationship between her father and Maria being new, Victoria was not unknown to the fnaily by a long shot. "Trust me Victoria, OK I am... But Youl see? Just enjoy the ride for once"

With a shake of head and a laugh, she got a diffrent kind of ride earlier in the week. Though she was probbly thinking too much into all the city events however they just did not quite add up or not... They where in limbo. Perhaps a break in her thoughts might find thr answer later. Always paid to keep ahead of the game in security. Sure, but I've found a ride I may want another go on! smiling, she at least could be open about things with Maria and Marlin. It felt like she had very few people she could truelt trust in Sol... Though had to admit she had not entirely helped that one...

...

Vanishing off Maria a excused herself for abit, and answered a call, least the larger house meant if you wnated a short walk you never had to leave the place. Finding herself downstairs in the ball room admiring the work that had gone into restoring the home pulling her fleece tighter as it always was cooler down here. "Hello... Yes this is Dr Maria, I have time to talk... They apcepted then, you move quick alright... Wensday might suit us better, Mar... OK, fine. Thursday but I have a meeting to attend. Yes that will do fine...Thry better be on time, all of us are busy after lunch... Smart, of course, what else would I expect... Email me the address, and pos...zip code I think you call them... Of course, il email our names for the desk, goodnight. Yes, trust me. Not my first business brunch... Until Thursday it is. "

Ending the call and sighing, the woman seemed to not relise she was quite capable of handling her side, she was planning a wedding. Of you can do that a brunch was like a quick morning's coffee. The place was fairly nice not overly but definitely not substandard and quite well reputation wise. This definitely was a outing for her loubatons and perhaps the Hermes bag it was a splurge, but what was point in earning money to not have a few nice things you could be proud wearing. Plus. Well, impressions counted. Marla loved her bling, she liked to flaunt things abit differently.

Her plans where a foot. Now just to try and see if Marlin would wear the matching necklace, it was too beuterful to sit locked away in a case all its life. Her daughter needed to get her confidence back, littlr things at a time. Sloe but progress...

The playing field was set, now just for the game.
@Almalthia

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Milo just rubbed his wrists, he had been straining against the cuffs nearly since they had been placed on him. Paige was doing her best to try and console him, now with all the realizations setting in and his fears being brought to light and the road ahead looking more daunting than ever, he thought to the woman that Paige referred to, Miss Knight, he didn't know her well but if Paige thought she could convince her to assist them in some way that was good enough, "Alright, so we just try to talk with your friend at the club, coach them on some key questions and info we need and let them loose?" Milo looked as if he was deep in thought, "Hell, it's like trying to be the good kid at the party but acting drunk enough to not seem weird. Your friend is likely to get found out, you know that right? Things haven't been great for people involved in this."

@Pilatus

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Siobhan curled her lip at Joel's question of Bradley the stalker being a fan. “Dear god I hope he is not a fan. But yes a stalker would be the right term for it. Considering that quite frequently I see his car or him lurking where it makes no sense. He was hanging around the park the other day when I went out to paint. Before the storm.” If Joel wasn’t worried about it why should she?

Dinner was perfect. Steak, rare, baked sweet potato, broccoli and a cappuccino for dessert. The silence was companionable and not forced or awkward at all. Siobhan looked up at Joel. “So I’m assuming that you had something in mind after dinner?”

Joel Nicolosi

Ugh… Here comes the baggage cart. Joel thought to himself as Sio confirmed that she did indeed have what could be referred to as a stalker. He scratched at his healthy stubble as she explained and let his mind wander on the fact that he hadn’t really shaved in a considerable amount of time. She seemed to like it though and shaving was a pain in the ass so it was a win-win. He liked win-wins. What he didn’t like was the name, Bradley and for some reason couldn’t stop picturing some fresh, scarf wearing hipster with rich parents and skinny jeans. Whatever disagreement that prompted this apparenting stalking was auto related which was amusing in a way. Joel found it comical when people who knew nothing about a given subject got into arguments.

Glancing around as the meal came to a close, Joel remembered it was Tuesday night which in some circles meant Tipsy Tuesday, but around Western Shore meant most people would be headed home for bed and work the next day. The restaurant was easily attending to its ever- decreasing, weekday evening clientele and there were no live sports on any of the networks which meant the atmosphere was mostly subdued. He didn’t particularly want to go back to the shop, but wasn’t really in a mood to party either. He couldn’t stand to be bored though his bizarre schedule often clashed with the regular inhabitants of Sol City. To her credit, Sio was doing a good job of keeping up and he allowed himself to look over at her figure in the booth next to him before considering her question with a light shrug. “I dunno,” He said looking away at one of the televisions hanging above the bar area. “I don’t really wanna go back across the bridge yet.”

After any good meal, like clockwork, he had a strong hankering for a good cup of coffee and it would be a little drive up to Riverside to really get a cup of something other than the big chains. He was wide awake though and was pretty much up for anything. Having her along on his regular late-night wanderings felt strangely welcome, like she’d always been there. “I could go for a good cup of coffee, and you can tell me about how you wound up with a stalker.” He said nonchalantly indicating he was more entertained by her story than at all worried.

@Almalthia

Once a baby...always a baby...that's what my daddy says to me. She winked and smirked. I do have a younger cousin and she's in her early teens now but I tend to call her my baby, to her dislike but I don't care...she's a sweetheart. and nickname...well...let's see...my momma usually called me by my middle name. Ayanna...so...she along with my aunts would call me Ay-Ay...makes me sound like I'm taking captain's orders or something. I always hated that nickname but my dad usually called me Xi-Xi or X. Nothing really special about my name but it was whatever. She shrugged. She's had other nicknames that other people made up for her so if Marin wanted to come up with something, she could.

When she explained about her singing, Xia smirked. Interesting....interesting enough. I was going to ask if you wanted to do a duet with me but if you don't want to...it's fine. No pressure. She told her not wanting to push her too much while listening to what was playing. Rock music was not Xia's strong suit but she was going to be openminded today since Marin seemed to be okay with everything.

With the next bit of info that Marin brought to her, Xia's eyebrow raised. Oh really? Seems she had a nice catch and taste...I can see why she'd have a smile on her face.. Xia smirked.

Paige Kennedy

Paige thought about his question. He was right. Those involved in their mess were tending to have shorter lifespans recently. She still wasn't sure what Elvin was being hauled off for, but could rest assured it wasn't because Nikki planned to congratulate him on a job well done in acquiring more property for the Syndicate. She still didn't trust him, but by experience she knew his type. He was an opportunist and she knew no matter how much she may have saved his backside, he would not hesitate to stab her in the back if it suited his interests. Shaking her head a little, she thought about Dustynn and not putting her in danger any more than she unknowingly was already. “I don't think we’ll have to coach her.” She said still looking away and thinking, considering how many ways circumstances could play out. “I will bet you Elvin is trying to buy up the Club and set it up as another racket job for Nikki. Shannon told me Sol is his big move to take over and he's puttin’ down roots.”

She glanced back over at Milo. “Losing Jackie was only a speed bump for him.” Paige knew he already knew what she was going on about, but was only thinking out loud. “We just need Dustynn to tell us what's happening from the inside and not ask too many questions.” She said. “She's close with the owner of the Club too… If they made an offer and he turned it down, then they're just gonna try harder until they can get him to budge. They've already bought up most of The Run already.” She reached and straightened the collar of Milo's shirt with one hand and met his eyes. “Notice all the bad press that place has been getting lately?” It suddenly dawned on her that she hadn't even told him about the visit from Agent Barrett earlier that day. “I know we're getting close… Some Fed from Detroit dropped by this morning and tried to threaten me to get off the case.”

Interaction:
@RoccanIronclad

Mentioned:
@MissCapnCrunch

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Ethan walked over to Marcus with the girls and grinning. “Hey Marcus good to know that you took the advice to heart and it made a difference. We should jam sometime. No pressure but I love it when other people do open mic. Marinalia you and Xia should get up there an do a trio with Marcus. I’ll grab us a table with Marcus’ lovely date and get something for us all my treat. Besides that will mean I get to brag to Victoria about how awesome you all were.”

Ethan turned to Marcus with a contrite expression. “Didn’t mean to steal your thunder that night Marcus.” Ethan then looked down at Marinalia his eyes filled with concern. Oh Marinalia saw something in the paper about you and Joel Nicolosi? Were you dating him before that pretty redhead. What was her name? Anyways I saw him with her the night of the club. Are they going out now? I knew him when he was in high school. I didn’t much care for him. He was a real player. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was playing you both.”

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Siobhan was thrilled at the look she caught at her peripheral vision from Joel. Frustrating that he looked away. Sighing internally she focused on his next words the fact that he didn’t want to head toward home just yet. He offered coffee and she smiled then he mentioned the tale of how she got a stalker. She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Only if you promise not to disparage my character. I won’t hold you to not laughing because it is comical. But I warn you Joel if you laugh too much I know of ways to silence you.”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as they paid the bill and she walked backwards to the Jeep mock glaring at him. Leaning against the drivers door of the Jeep she looked up at him innocently. “So no making fun of me and not too much laughing.” She smirked and grabbed the edges of his jacket and pulled him close. She stood on her tiptoes and nipped his chin lightly. He hadn’t shaved and she found the sensation of stubble...interesting. I wonder how far I can push him…

[/color]

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Marinalia laughed but it was true, her younger cousins would be someone she always would be protective of, even if the two, well to be 3 where older and her age. They where a rathee close family, in there own strange ways. "Selene is 8, I'm going to enjoy riding with her when I go back for the wedding, Magnus is 5, and... So much like his parents...real handful" Laughing, Magnus was a charceter. Marla and Milo definitely where not short in personality. Smiling at her range of nicknames, they where cute but not many she could use, and laughed. Family where brilliant. "Xia is... Is a tricky one. There cute, but I Don, t feel right using them. Your names unique, least you Don, t have to spell yours every time! " Relaxed she was fairly comfortable round Xia, it was nice just to talk about family and and so, stuff not dark, or Sol city related.

Oh, that broke her streak a alittle, she was not quite how to explain things, or how she would as scared that on the stage, that Bob would return, the possee would. It would happen again. A tad more nervously, she reached and did gentley squeeze her hand. Oh fuck off world, you could think what you wanted, why did that bastad keep having to be haunting the shadows. With slate grey tuebint to steel. If you Help me... I have... A few problems I'm working out still. Giving ethan a so what look, she knew he was suspicious, because of course he seemed the a rare type she met with a ability to see beyond the obvious, and probbly keep up with Victoria perhaps too.

She did not quite entirely trust ethen, did Victoria even. Least he seemed smart, he must have ght be a vaguely useful allience of convince at least. She was not Marla, but she knew when a advantage came your way. "yeah, he is a handsome one, though I think my taste is not bad." Teasing Xia, a mix of personality was coming out, the more forceful side was just pissed off at the world, and especially at Bob in its own way making her more impulsive and doing things to spite the shell he forced her in.

Then Ethan. Well he liked to stir... She had tried to nudge that, he was ramming in with a c130 of spoons... Not that she minded, least when she was not the one being stirred. Despite being embarrising, though it was not like it was a lie in a sense lyet it was. That had never come up, but well, the snowy weekend was...l Rather... Not just friends."Princess in other castle remember Prince Charming. Well Manor.

OK, il. Do it. Hope you Don t mind us borrowing your guy miss, we bring him back just as we found him. Marcus... Umm you can do a middleish Ballard right? Nothing too heavy. I'm rusty but il try.

But you gotta perform too, and well, she been feeling a alittle off, so Cheer her up... Im sure Youl find a way" It was a shameless, but we'll Victoria needed a alittle fun, especially after what Sol city been like, and what kinda friend would she be to her if she stopped her enjoying a few pleasures of life and living a alittle. Also teasing abit, her anger at well, alot of things was bringing out a aide a alittle more like Victoria and could see why her younger sister and he hit it off.

His next words. Well they hit hard, she was not sure as to the truth or not, she definitely did see the two together, and they did seem to vanish off together. Was she being played? He was utterly useless at working out she liked him though, she flirted. Heavily and nope... Maybe she should of broke out the mini skirt and rather... Intresting outfit. Though he was pretty oblivious... But the as he truly playing her...

That was a real difficult question, the steel melting away from her expression. And accent was somewhat torn between unfounded information, and alot of strange conocdences. Her previous anger was rather much driving her answer abit more than normal and making her reactions rather off the norm.

"What? Umm private... Bastad... ... Oh that article. Oh, we never dated. I made it bloody obvious but he was blind as landing in a whiteout. My dress was half taped on that night and he never Kissed me.

Her name.... Irish name I think, it was pretty emotinal that night. Im a alittle fuzzy on details, it got... Emotional. No idea, honestly, i remember she wore a short blue dress, red hair. She left with him, Victoria saw her briefly at the club a second, article. We met odd time... Just Joel.. He never mentioned her, so either they where, or not. Or new... I have no clue. Victoria loves logic challenges, maybe she work it out.

I might remember more another time. But Don, t hold me to it.. I'm not sure I want to. "

Shaking her head, half torn between he seemed decent. Ethan. Hurt. Why did past have to drag so much damn shit up... Maybe going here was not such a good idea. But the n. It kinda answered a doubt, she was torn a alittle between Joel and his rather... Unique way of driving her insane, and Xia, who had helped her out her shell so much. Looking forward was a good idea... Back seemed to only filled with hurt.. Giving Xia, a sorry my past is chasing me look with a squeeze of her hand. "We may be hosting a event soon, umm. Call it a date? " Her impulsive side finaly escaped, she might regret what she did later, or not, but hell with hit. Fuck you past. A hurt but determined expression and a rather public full kiss later slate grey eyes where looking rather pleased with themsleves.

Marinalia had crossed the Rubicon.

Mentions:
Marcus, Ethan, Xia, Reya
@Almalthia@King Tai@Zaxter996@Majoras End

In passing:
@Pilatus
Joel

Joel Nicolosi

Joel gave a playful resistance to her nips around his chin, feeling the breath of her words against his face. “You better behave or I'm gonna make you sit in the Jeep.” He said with a mockingly and gently ran a hand through her long hair. The glimmer in her eyes sometimes made him feel old in a way. Being nearly ten years her senior he had to think back and remind himself what he had been like at twenty-three and that most real-life experiences were still completely new to her. In some ways he was a little envious and thought fleetingly about where he would be at twenty-three equipped with the knowledge he had at near thirty-three. His eyes briefly glanced up around the sparse parking lot and the slow stream of late-evening traffic of Western Shore seeing their breath rise past his nose. “I'm not promising I won't disparage your character [i]too much(/i]. He said playfully.

Swiftly he lifted her up by the legs and opened the Jeep’s heavy door which obediently swung open on its simple metal hinges and placed her in the driver's seat before jumping in behind her and helping her across the center console. He rocked the shifter a few times and started it up turning on the heater and thinking about what they were doing next. Getting some coffee and maybe just make a big loop around town was his first thought while just letting her tell the story. Since she wasn't from Sol, he figured she would enjoy it. The city could be very picturesque from certain angles, much like she had discovered the night they were stuck on top of City Hall and was much easier to admire when the vehicle wasn't traveling at over a hundred miles per hour. He put the shifter in gear and gave the pedal a couple light taps as he let the clutch out and they were on their way. “Go ahead, let's hear it.” He said with some comical anticipation.

@Almalthia