---

"So you are telling me that you are not gonna work anymore because your boyfriend told you so?" Lilith rolled her eyes as she walked down the street from the last parking spot on the street and made her way to Swan Songs. She had seen on Twitter that there was going to be an event going on and she was looking for some casual fun. Maybe hit up the stage, make a fool of herself, drink some, and get a free meal from some sucker in there. The usual. She wore a white bralette with a tan maxi skirt that parted on the leg and her usually silver chain around her neck. It was clear that Lilith was not afraid to show some skin.

"Baby girl, you gotta leave him! If he can't handle the fact that you shake your ass for money he's not it. Weak men like him only mean trouble." Lilith pressed her phone between her ear and her shoulder as she stopped to rummage through her purse to find her car keys. Damn her and all the receipts she always forgot to throw away. Her old Gucci bag was barely holding on to life, and Lilith just kept tugging at its straps looking for the stupid keys.

"But I think I love him! Lily, he is so sweet and even offered to pay for my rent."

"Wait, really? Oh shit." Lilith stopped when she finally found her keys and threw them in one of the side pockets of her purse. "So he's your sugar daddy, pretty much."

"I mean... yes? He agreed that we were gonna be official."

"Babe, I want the best for you, but you gotta make sure he's not gonna leave you." Lilith continued to make her way down to the record shop. A pretty girl in all black had just walked in after putting out a smoke, making Lilith hum softly. Cute and fashionable, like she was trying, but not too much to look cool. Gosh, Lilith would give anything to be that skinny.

"Lily, he's like fifteen years older than me. He's on his fifties now, and he's still looking hot as ever. He has the money. He said he loves me. I love him. I don't see the problem."

"If he really loves you and you love him then I am going to support you, hun. Not every day a millionaire falls for you. Just make sure he is serious about you." Lilith opened the door to Swan Songs and stepped inside with a sigh. "If that asshole does anything to you, you call me, and I will cut his ass."

With a small scan of the store, Lilith wondered to the stage are to look over the list and write herself in out of a whim. She looked over some of the couches to see some of the competition and maybe get a glance at the pretty girl she had seen outside a few moments ago. Sad that she didn't spot her immediately, Lilith made her way to the back of the store where the small bar was located. Maybe the pretty girl had written her name on the list of singers. Lilith would have to keep an eye out on the stage.

"Lily? Did you heard what I said? I have to go, but I'll call you if anything happens. Wish me luck."

"Sorry, I was looking for a hot babe I spotted but she ran away. Sad." Lilith leaned against the counter of the bar, next to a man in a nice zoot suit and waved the bartender over. "Call me if anything happens. Anything. Good luck, hun, bye-bye."

After hanging up, Lilith ordered a Mojito and took a quick glance at the man next to her. "I think the only acceptable time to wear a fedora now aa days is with a zoot suit." She took a small sip of her drink and leaned her elbows against the counter, eyes still on the man.

Paige Kennedy

Paige’s glance narrowed slightly looking at his initial reaction. It was one of her favorite things to study in people. The moment where realization overcame presentation. She had been carefully trained how to recognize it all the way back from her days with the Florida State Police and over the course of years in law enforcement there were very few that she encountered that could beat it. Being able to mask one’s true feelings in the face of any manner of news was more a product of experience than training. In contrast, Tao’s reaction- eyes darting, face flushed, pulse quickening, was like a flashing road sign. She knew she would have to do her best to at least work with him some. There was no doubt that everyone she associated with was being watched. “Relax,” She said calmly. Her eye contact was naturally piercing. “I’m not here to take you in.” She tilted her head slightly signaling for him to turn back towards the bar area.

Like most bars, the area behind the drink selection was mirrored and she could still see what was going on behind them between various bottles of differing colors, shapes and sizes. She had no doubt that she had the boy’s attention fully, though still considered her words fairly carefully. He was only just about to realize that he was indeed being pulled into the deep end and she didn’t want him to panic. She brushed her hair back behind her ear and glanced back him. “I’m not here to talk about philosophers or witty quotes either.” She said, her southern accent evident. “What I have is this problem, that you have the ability to help me with.” Inside her jacket, she pulled out a small card enough for only him to see. There was nothing special about it, still wrapped in its plastic sleeve and lanyard. It was easily recognizable as a Luna Sports Facility keycard, but not the standard keytags they gave out to gym members. It was larger, like the kind carried by the staff that worked at the facility, simply bearing the name: Samson Barrett with a picture of an eggheaded, older man with thick-framed glasses and a coffee stained smile.

She slipped the card back into her pocket as stealthily as she retrieved it.There was no way for him to know the history behind it, but she didn’t put it past him to at least look into the name. “That is a master key to Luna Sports Facility.” Again, nothing special. She wasn’t even sure it was a “master key” per se, but it sounded right. She could have easily had LSF make her a master key or had the Marshal Service’s tech department replicate it, but they didn’t need to know what she was up to and the fewer people that knew about any of it the better. With Tao, she had leverage and though corporate espionage was not usually something within Marshal’s business, she could pull enough strings to make it that way. Somehow though, she doubted, just studying him, that any of that would be a problem. No, it was the next part she was sure would pique his interest. Even CT seemed intrigued by her request, though she hadn’t directly mentioned what it was about. “I need to find out what doors it has opened.”

@Allycat

The weekend wasn't so bad. Just spending time with the her girlfriend and constantly getting annoyed by her cousin who seems to get off from the random arguments and bickering he'd cause. Saturday wasn't so bad. She spent the night with her lover, watching some movies and keeping things a bit positive. Might say there were a few tender moments they had so that Xia could reassure Marlin that she was still with her. Other than that, it was another typical weekend. Sunday, nothing major happened. Xia would spend the evening thinking of possible ways she could get her business to become bigger to the point that she could make her own massage parlor or basically use her home as such.

After a nice long day, Xia was getting prepared for heading out to catch the baseball game for a little. She was not a huge baseball fan but hey, it's still a sport and she loved competition. She was closing up for the night after getting her shower and getting her clothes on that she'd wear this evening out. Short shorts with a a baseball jersey of a team from back home. It was an open shirt with a black undershirt and sported a blue cap. Getting her gym bag closed, she was about to head out. It was a bit quiet though. Usually there were still a few staff still around but maybe some were leaving early but regardless, something felt a bit off. Xia walked around the locker room. Is anyone else in here? She asked but there was no answer. She scanned the area and gave a sigh before turning around only to immediately see out the corner of her eye, a tall figure behind her wearing a hoodie. Oh fuck!! She quickly turned screaming and swung her arm to punch the figure in the face, dropping the guy.

Hearing the groaning, Xia was in fighting stance ready to whoop someone's ass but this individual was holding his face. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" The person said, leaving Xia to still stay in her stance. What the hell? Who are you and why the hell are you in here? She asked. The guy looked over. "I was waiting out in front but there was no one at the desk. I was wanting to speak to a trainer...someone by the name of Xia Alexander...I was needing to see her because my doctor recommended her for me to meet with." Xia stared at him and sighed. Come on get up... She said holding her hand out. The male took her hand and he stood. Someone would've met with you. But you need to be careful. Sneaking up on a black girl will get you an ass whoopin. I'm Xia...the one you're looking for. The guy stared at her. "Oh...sorry about that. I was too hasty and wanted to meet with you."

You said that your doctor recommended me right? "Yes, yes!! Doctor Cook. He said he knows you. I was in an accident and he said I need rehab and you're on the top of his list to come and see." Xia raised an eyebrow. Oh...I see.. She motioned for him to leave the locker room area and to head back out in the front. Yeah I know Dr. Chauncey Cook...pretty cool and funny guy. And I do specialize in physical therapy. Do you have an appointment? She asked. "No...I was just coming in to see if you could see me asap" With a bewildered expression she had, Xia looked him up and down. Um...things don't work that way here, sweetie. You have to call in to make an appointment. It's not a first come first serve basis. "Can you just...slide me in somewhere?" He asked. What's your name? "I'm Stanley Perrin..." He told her. Okay...look Stanley, I can't just slide someone in like that. You'd still need to make an appointment. That's our policy for that. Not that I don't want to help but I have several clients and I can't just fit you in because it will throw off the others that already have appointments.

Stanley was starting to look a little flustered and anxious. "Please!!! I can't use certain medications for my pain because it will have negative effects on me. All I'm asking is for a bit of help please!! I'll get on my knees to beg if you'd just see me asap!" Xia was getting a bit uncomfortable with this guy by how he was acting and one of the other trainers came out. Xia are you okay? He asked. Xia looked over. Yeah I'm....I'm fine...just speaking with a potential client. She said as the other trainer stared. Xia sighed once again. Stanley...calm down okay. Look... She grabbed a pen and paper. If you give me your number and I'll write your name down. I'll give this to one of our people at the front desk and see if there's any openings tomorrow to put you on. I'll have someone give you a call tomorrow. Is that okay?

Stanley stood up. "Yes! That's fine! Thank you!!" He told her, giving her his number. She wrote all the information she needed before taping the note on one of the desk tops. Someone will check first thing in the morning and get back with you okay? Now...I have to leave okay? The guy nodded. "Alright....thank you....you're very kind!" he said while she nodded. Uh-huh...thanks...you take care and I'll see you soon. As he left, she looked at the other trainer as if she just ran into some nutcase. She slightly chuckled and shook her head before getting on her phone. She sent Marlin a text.

"Baby, I'm leaving the gym. I'm heading to the game right now." While she was leaving, the same guy, Stanley, was watching Xia walk off. His eyes didn't leave her, following her movements while taking in her physique and pretty facial features until she'd turn the corner and was no longer in his line of sight while keeping himself hidden from the view of others before he's leave as well.

@PrinceAlexus

Baseball bamboozle meant and random convergences

A small wind blew through the stadium making Marinala pull her coat a little tighter for a second and regret her fun, little bit flirty and generally cute choice of skirt and some fashionable yet comfortable shoes for the evening vs her warmer taller boots. Much as it did look good, perhaps a little early in the year. Least her coat could keep her warmer in its soft white fur and lined for comfort.

Spotting Alexander on the way over, she had excellent eyesight thanks to her job and the sisters slightly increased sense of alert in recent weeks meant she did not miss him. Gesturing he was welcome to come over. Somewhat crazy, but pilots where a love, a dream not a job too. She could understand being a little unconventional. "Come over, Captain Mali remember. Jumping out of perfectly working aircraft still scares me though! Just getting confused and enjoying a night off." Captain Mali, ok how he talked her into letting him call her that she did not know. Still. He was a good egg, if his job gave her a few scary moments both flying and on his behalf!

Still, however cheerful she could not shake a feeling...well something was afoot.

---

Victoria was watching the game, the exact details where a mystery but she got now that someone hit, ran and ran till they got hit or someone threw a ball. Then they began again. It was like a strange version of cricket with more running and less tea... seriously. American tea... That was a memory to shudder at. Oh... GAH... Custard. Tea and fucking custard. Care package time. Maria and dad would knew what she liked... Thank God for Maria coming into her dad's life again. For one they deserved to be happy, for two the woman knew when not to ask questions and just send custard… note to self. If taking over the world as Empress, bring Custard and Tea to all known lands and for the love of all that's holy have 50 shades of grey and twilight stricken from existence.

Distracted by cravings and memories of the one sweet food that the hospital could get right, it was out a tin how could they get it wrong...scratch that. They very much could. Noticing a woman with dark hair, a bright yellow nerdy top and what looked like half an arm of bracelets... Wait. No. But wait... Could not be.. seriously of it was the world was Tiny.. granted she was dressed majorly down, but no one could live dressed up in full makeup and pretty coordinated outfits complete with accessories so. "umm, so who you think gonna win. They both look pretty good? The local fans seem pretty happy about things" Asking their resident sports nerd, it might be handy to learn about out the local sports, and try to integrate with the strange humans that inhabited the lands named America. The people seemed happy, usually a good sign the team was least not utterly disappointing but people where also optimistic about teams they loved too?

Turning her thoughts back to that shopping spree, her acquaintance had spotted a few things she never thought could pull off, who'd of thought what was tucked away in the corners of the Mall. The kids shop was definitely fun, kids shopping was way cuter than adults. Her kid was so gonna end up part nerd at the rate that trip went... "Hi..wait. Sushi place. Victoria.

Even dressed down you still manage to pull it off... Though Slytherin are misunderstood." she was dressed similar, warm wool coat, jeans, boots and so on. It was not fancy but it was practical. Custom made wool coat, a few modifications and tailoring and fit her small stature and some flex when needed. Somehow that look worked for her, the nerdy comment she could not resist, Victoria had a abit of nerd in her, even if that nerdy part wore designer boots and tailor made coats.

Her sister stood out a little, white fur coat, cute, of about flirty patterned skirt. Not quite normal base ball wear but she was glad Marlin was not so broken and back to her older self. The sister she knew not the hurt broken shell. Even of she definitely was not quite blending in perfectly! "Manami, my sister, Marinalia, and a few kind gentlemen who explained a little baseball to a few rather confused ladies" Victoria and as glad to bump into her really. Oddly, for being pretty radically different they got on rather well. Victoria did detect an underlying something but without further information it seemed rather rude to ask of someone you barely knew. She definitely seemed... different they day they met. "Yep. Sisters on dad's side. Glad you got her in some brighter colours for once!" Victoria definitely had take a shine...or was it full for darker colours, though with the raven black she had, black was not as dark as her hair. A rather contrasting British accent to Victoria's mixed. The two shard a few traits, identical eyes, they looked close enough though Marlin took very much after Maria while Victoria was a strong mix of her dad and mother.

Victoria kept one hand on her cane, part for the crowds milling about. She might be able to navigate a few places without. Here. Definitely not. The hidden sword blade, well a last resort. The fan girl lunatics of Ethan's seemed willing to glass someone. Better safe than sorry and need a lawyer than in ambulance or worse. She already was hardly the model of health, not exactly wanting to make things worse!

---

Marinalia was distracted a second, a quick check saw a few minute old message from Xia with the picture ID flashing up from a beach on Jamaica. Simple told all really just from her expression, that flipped into one of them stood by the lake at Maria's wedding dresses to the nines in gleaming diamonds kindly loaned for the picture off Marla. Who could resist looking like a princess for a short few minutes. The message was well boring. The person behind it made her smile, soppy as she sounded she got used to having another human to be close to even id only a few weeks. "See you soon cutie. Section A16. Level one. Still clueless about baseball! Crowds fun though. :)" Her small smile at her phone was betrayed by a gut feeling though. Something was ... Something anyway. That her gut feeling was rarely in error when it mattered...that was scary. She almost put take care, or be careful but how would she explain oh. I just felt a gut feeling and thought something was wrong...crazy right... Scaring off Xia was really not on her to do list. She already knew she was a little broken. Best not seem 100 percent cracked, scrambled and ready to serve with breakfast!

She just hoped she was wrong for once.

---

Mentions, memories and machicolations (the over hanging bits on castles. You learn new things every day).

@King Tai@Allycat@Meleck@KillBox

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Ethan was just getting out of the shower as the phone rang. It was a number that he didn’t recognise. “Hello?”

“Mr. Aster. I have some information that you might find...intriguing.”

It was the PI that he had looking into some things that might have been a little sensitive. “I’m all ears Hutch.”

“It seems you have a half sister.”

Ethan gripped the phone harder but his voice stayed level and controlled. “You must be mistaken.”

“Not a chance. I do my homework very thoroughly Mr. Aster.”

Ethan went to his closet and opened the door the silence on the other end not boding well for the man on the other end of the line. “Would you stake your career on it?”

“In a heartbeat.”

“Your life?”

“Look I know who you...associate with and yes I would.”

“Thank you Hutch.” Ethan paused counting to ten. It didn’t help. “I’ll double your fee.” Ethan ended the call and threw the phone violently across the room onto the bed. He still needed that phone.

Ethan got dressed in hisoutfit and went downstairs to see the rest of the band in their regalia. Paul, Drew, andTobias. And of course the flunkies. Yolo was off but not really. This was the thug’s version of staying low. Being seen with The Sirens. He wanted to “have a good time” and apparently that meant that he was sticking with the band.

Ethan mentally shrugged. To each his own. The requisite groupies, or as the band referred to them...guppies, packed into the limo as well as the few flunkies that they had, Yolo included. Ethan smiled and flirted meaninglessly as the girls fawned and cooed over the band and flunkies. The partition rolled down and Drew looked at the driver and nodded.

“Fifteen minutes to our destination gentleman...and ladies.” The partition rolled back up and the limo started. Ethan raised an eyebrow as the brunette with big brown eyes and...other bigger attributes began to get better acquainted with intimate parts of him.

Her eyes got wide. “Oh BIG boy.”

Ethan smirked and leaned his head back reaching over to turn up the music and enjoy the entertainment.

---

They pulled into the lot across the street from Swan Songs and got out the tabloids were in force. Comments were yelled incoherently and largely ignored. They all gave the routine smiles and waved. Making it into Swan Songs finally they walked past the bar to the far end.

Ethan noticed the blonde woman that had been with Siobhan at the art auction. Well isn’t that interesting. Usually where she is so is… Ethan looked around and saw Siobhan with a tall hispanic man. Curious. She is here but the grease monkey isn’t. With the tension between them and Victoria I doubt that Victoria or Marlin are here.

Ethan walked up to the blonde woman and smiled. He was going to at least have a satisfying conversation. “Paige I believe.” It was a statement not a question. He knew who she was. “Nice to see you again. Will you be singing or are you here in an official capacity?”

Yolo had taken a look around and rolled his eyes. Seeing the Marshal that had been chasing him he grinned and walked right up to the bar a few feet away just waiting for her to see him. Unless she wanted to cause a scene then she’d just end up glaring at him all night. Grinning he ordered a beer and leaned against the bar and waited for her to notice him.

>>Luna Sports Facility, meeting a familiar face<<
>>@PrinceAlexus<<

"Eh. Well. Usually the one that scores more points wins..." He let out a small chuckle. "But yeah, this game. Its rather repetitive at times. Guy throws ball, guy tries to hit ball. Lots of back and forth. But I mean, one watches sports for the duels and that. The rivalry and the unpredictable events that are brought on by the quintessential human condition" Ryan said, moving his gaze between Vika and the game.

Ryan removed his cap and fixed his hair slightly before replacing the cap. "See, just there. The guy swung and missed. One typically gets three chances to do that before being called out. Um...how do I relate this to other sports..." Ryan said before thinking to himself. "I guess there isn't a whole lot of comparisons. I mean, in football, the European kind, there isn't a lot of 'do-overs' if you will. You kick a ball around, trying to kick it into a rectangular box... I don't understand cricket so I won't even go there... Uh.. Tennis. I mean, there is the whole situation of calling a 'let' and doing things over but...I guess you can say it is similar to that?" Ryan said, before catching himself in his ramblings.

The next batter up is their fourth hole.

"Ah. This guy. See, he is the fourth person to get a turn. That typically means he has the most power on the team. The three before him are to set him up so he can drive them in." Ryan said, taking a small look at Vika. "Of course, there are more nuances to all of this but to find out you'll have to tune in to next week's episode of Baseball Today." Ryan said, chuckling and hoping his lame attempt at a joke isn't too pathetic.

Baseball bamboozle meant and random convergences part 2

She shook her head at the opening statement. Even Victoria whom was probably least sporty person ever to exist at times knew least this sport anyway, sport was one where the more points on the board was better than less. Good natured but she had to tease back a little. He earned that much. "Foreign as I am. Sports are found outside America you know. We not live in caves.

Yeah. It's a little slower than hand egg. Well I came here because I was mostly curious, though I liked ice hockey... My friend took me to a game in St Petersburg." Victoria really did not get on with sports, or sports people so easily, but ice hockey had been a fun evening, the action had kept her mind from wandering to darker spots, and alcohol had made it a rather happy if not hung over in the morning. Baseball was mostly curious, thanks to the somewhat cure. Her bad feelings from sports where lessened somewhat. Rehab was not the most pleasant though.

Ok. Once explained the basics of the aport seemed fairly simple. It was not overly complicated, well on the surface anyway. You hit, you miss too many your out. You have to get your player to a base. Cricket... Hopefully the games where not as long! 5 days at times! Days...not remember much of game, mostly just Drinking with Mali, a little underage admitly enjoying the sun and there boyfriends at time... Morgan had got them tickets. Mali would know! She dated him for a while. So..they set up... Rounders. I remember now. Some idiot thought I might manage sports at school... that was a disastrous turn to events. Remember rounders... Lost bat and broke someone's nose waiting to go up. urgh, that was definitely one day she never forget, her dad was both torn between sheer surprise, anger and just awe at how badly it went. Suffice to say they found her an alternate lesson plan. "oh. Rounders. Yes, that's closer. Bat, ball, run. They played it near the pool building when I trained. Oh. That was funny, I remember the weekend after, teasing you till you held my favourite pair of heels to Ransom.

Umm cricket. Two bat, wickets, run between. Knock down a little bit of wood. Lasts days at times. More. Well. abit more civilized crowd than football. Rounders more similar. Based, bat, though you bowl underarm and it's one handed bats etc." Cricket. Well the details she knew but he did not, no point digging into details, innings, fast or other balls. Morgan was nice, and stop overs where fun but damn he loved sports too much. "I mostly went along, for fun than sport though. Long summer days, friends and a fair few drinks." happy memories and rambling a little yeah, that was a good summer. Marinalia had got her commercial license uprated, Victoria had turned 16, they got into a little trouble at times but it was fun.

"that's all for sports today, next up the celiopod carnage reports. Inky criminal or hero.

Thanks, Mali. Yep. She sports nerd, well if it's a swimming pool, or maybe a horse." Marinalia had a slightly mixed relationship with sports, though she would not have volunteered to help tutor someone at daedalus daughter in college championships. She had a lot of potential just did not get on with her coach all the time so well. Even though it hurt a little to see someone who might manage her broken dreams of the Olympics, it was nice to see someone make it though and felt good to see her succeed.

Turning back to the game, things where building into a pattern, someone threw the bat aside as they got caught out for a third time. A few groans when the home team lost a big set up...well it seemed to be from the grown. The batsman was a tad upset to say it lightly.

The commentary could be confusing, rag arms, curve balls and many other phrases that were not beginner friendly. Hot, bases and so...they made sense. They really needed a beginner's guide in the programme. The picture did not exactly explain it very well. Least the fast food was still good, cheesy chips could never be underestimated. If situations were different they would have gotten a few pitchers and a cab...seemed unfair with Victoria being unable to.

Glancing back to their resident base ball dictionary, it was quite fun, even if confusing evening.

---

Mentions and meandering moments.
@KillBox

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Siobhan heard her phone go off. The sound was as if someone had turned on a lightsaber. She laughed softly as she pulled out her phone. That laugh was enough to make people pay attention to her more. “Excuse me Alejandro, my nerd is showing.”

Looking down she smirked at the text Paige had sent that she had been spotted. She’d hunt Paige down later. She had pressing business with Alejandro. “Sorry a friend just texted telling me she spotted me. My name is Siobhan. Local artist. Moved here a few months ago from Prague myself. Where do you hail from and how long have you been here?”

Siobhan looked at him and grinned. “That wouldn’t happen to be The Golden Flower? If so I’d love your permission to take some shots so I can paint the shop. I confess I was hoping to run into since I went by there and you weren’t there. I like to ask before I invade someone’s life so that I can make a living.”

Letting her eye roam she noticed the intricate details on his tattoos. “Nice ink work. Did anyone design them or did you get them homemade?” She smirked taking the edge off the statement making it a tease just like he did with the pop comment.

Siobhan waived at the vinyls in her hand. “My mother’s birthday is soon and I like to get her obscure vinyls as gifts. So here I am.”

Suddenly there was a commotion at the door and Siobhan saw The Sirens come in. She rolled her eyes and turned back toward Alejandro. “Great. The last time they were in public the place was raided by police. I barely got out before I was handcuffed, and not in a good way. I’m not much into sports but there’s a baseball game that might be interesting and less likely to get us arrested. Would you be interested in going and talking business and you getting to know how I work? I always find that a good start with a prospective client.” Siobhan smiled winningly at Alejandro. Her eyes twinkled with excitement. “My treat. Little baseball, some hotdogs and chatting about me taking photos of your shop. What do ya say?”

At Swan Song's Record Shop, having a drink
Interacting with @Pyxis

Sitting at the bar he sips his drink when a woman makes her way up to the bar. As she sips he smiles over at her. "I agree. Fedora just don't look right with a basic suit. Now a zoot suit, the fedora is typically understated in regards to the suit itself." He laughs a little and gives her a bright smile with ample amount of dimple on display.

As he drinks the last of his beer he looks at the woman beside him and has a sudden inclination to show her his keys. "You look like you could handle a little cruise. Would you like to go for a ride in a fast machine? No strings attached, just a quick ride." He puts his glass down and his keys away.

---

Lilith arched a perfect line eyebrow at the man and gave him a small, intrigued smile. "I've never had someone tell me that... no, actually I have but in a much vulgar language." She picked up her drink and took a long and slow sip while keeping eye contact with the stranger. "Offering me a ride without even introducing yourself; you are a bold one." It wasn't unusual for her to hear things like that, especially in the club. There was always a limit to what you could say to her, and other dancers but idiots liked to be idiots. And idiots got Kenny. She was so used to men just offering sexual favors that she didn't bat an eye when the stranger offered a ride. She did, however, sound a bit surprised when Lilith saw him jiggle the keys.

Oh. An actual ride. This day was turning better than she has expected.

"Just a ride?" Lilith tapped her fingers over her almost finished mojito. She glanced between the keys, the stage then back at the keys. She had listed herself as one of the singers and was hoping to perform a song too, and most importantly; get another glance of that cute girl. What if she performed and Lilith missed it?

She glanced back again to the sudden commotion that had erupted at the front of the store. Lilith spotted a group of people who looked like they were too rich to be here. One of them caught her eye, a blonde who looked somewhat familiar, maybe from the club, perhaps from a poster on the streets. Whatever Lilith was about to turn her head back to the man when she spotted a familiar ponytail by the couches.

Aha!

"Okay, a quick ride, and you drop me back here." Lilith downed the rest of her mojito with a loud sigh and stood up from the barstool. "I got a date with that mic too, so let's see how fast if this 'fast machine' of yours really is." Lilith slapped ten bucks against the counter of the bar and called over the bartender to pay for her drink. While she waited, she wrote down her number, her name and drew a little heart over each I of her name.

"Come on, we have no time to waist, Mr!" Lilith walked past the group of rich looking snobs who looked like they had escaped a Gothic LARP and their groupies before arriving at the couches of the shop.

When she reached the girl, she had seen moments ago she kissed the napkin, leaving the mark of her red lipstick over Lilith's name before handing it to the girl. "I hope I don't miss your performance." She winked at the pretty stranger before hurrying off to meet the man with the zoot suit by the exit of the shop. Glad that Lilith's back was towards the cute stranger, she rubbed her cheeks to make her blush go away.

Gosh, I hope I didn't make myself look dumb. Sure, Lilith was confident and went for what she wanted, but sometimes people were too cute that it got the better of her at times.

>>Luna Sports Facility, watching grown man trying to hit a small ball<<
>>@PrinceAlexus<<

"Ah. I meant no disrespect. It was but a silly attempt at a joke." Ryan gave a small chuckle. He can slice up a whole Big Eye tuna in the matter of minutes without breaking a sweat but when it comes to actual human interaction, he can be as useless as putting a fork in a soup bowl. "I'm sure there are sports where you guys are from. Which, to be quite honest, I cannot fathom a guess. The accents are quite exotic but at the same time very varied." He said.

"Hockey. In St. Petersburg. That must have been a sight. The Russians are consistently some of the best ice hockey players in the world. Their hulking figure and outstanding strength make them formidable skaters on the ice. Yet, they can be as precise as a orchestra conductor when required. There are some great Russian-born players that play in America..." He said, turning his attention back to the game for a moment.

"Well, rounders sound like backyard baseball for us. You play in whatever field you can find and you make your own rules kind of thing. Its quite fun. Though it can lead to some...disagreements. Argument over ball calls are common." He let out a small chuckle. "Pool building. Training? Are you a swimmer? Wait. Of course you are. Why else would you be training in a pool building... What is your event? The 100 meter butterfly? Or...what do they call it... Back stroke? Sorry, swimming is one of the few sports I'm not too familiar with."
"Days? How does one sporting event go on for days...? Is the scoring really difficult or something? Or is there like major weather delays all the time? Excuse my confusion but I don't see how one game can take days to finish... Maybe its just my American sensibilities of wanting instant gratification. But yeah, summer days on the yard, a cool shandy or cider and some friends would literally be all I need to have a good time. Matter of fact. Would you ladies like a beverage of some sort? I think I'll go seek one out..." Ryan paused to respond to Vika's comment "Or. We can just cook the cephalopod. Grilled, with some lemon juice and chili flakes.." He chuckled and rose. "Beverages?"

Baseball bamboozle meant and Cricket Confusions

Victoria never meant to be overly harsh in her comments, well this time though her blended accent had caused that to not always be as obvious as it was to her. Growing up her mother had mostly spoken Russian at home, and she had spent a while there between Moscow and St Petersburg. Plus Dira has drilled a near full catalogue of Tatui songs into her memory from that era in both languages. "It's fine, I meant nothing by it.

Yep, Two places well for me really. I grew up in the UK but my mum was from St Petersburg, I lived in London though she taught me Russian from birth. Not that exotic, and a lot colder." Victoria could never hide the hint of sadness when she mentioned her mum, she had a few very personal mementos but was too afraid to lose them to take them with her to Sol. They were locked in a rather secure vault in England like her diary, rings and jewelry. The photos where just copies, the originals where safe at home. The womb dweller had her emotions closer to surface and her eyes told a 1000 words."Exotic...oh. Well I've worked in the med area, but I'm from the south of England. Nothing exotic. I grew up in the country, though not overly far from London" Marinalia was kinda playing down the country was an estate, with lake stable block and woods that ringed the whole property owned by her family since before her grandfather was born. Though horse riding was not an entirely cheap pursuit.

"oh, yes... Solid teams but they not quite back to its best. Lots of teams from professional to local level and games for fun. Very popular. There's a traditional version too. It's way older...like centuries at least, it's still alive, just less well known to the world" it was hard to learn a bit of ice hockey, especially with her godfather being a fan, a tad too big to play properly but a fan. Her mum taught her so she would be able to fit in either country, her godfather and dad had honoured that wish, so however hidden, her own little sports nerd did pop out very rarely and a little pride, her half country had played it longer than they had. Silly but hey. "urgh, sports causes so many arguments at times, and which sport is best. Nope. I prefer headache free!

Well of course, well if your prepared for me to nerd out a little. I never fully specialised. I did mostly medium to longer distance, just did not have the power for sprint but I can keep a steady pace for 5k even now. 400,800 and 1500m but I preferred longer distance. There's no set style for those races. Your more pacing self and matching it to what strategy your rivals pace they are using. It's not all flat out, I tried to gain more in the early to middle to counter my weaker sprint over longer distances. Umm, I was pretty good, had a shot at nationals or higher. The rest of story I don't like talking about."Marinalia said as much as she felt comfortable, some things were too close for comfort. In her love of the sport she indulged a little more than she did most time but her tone made it clear that whatever was beyond was a rather locked door. There were some things she just loved, even if they hurt, she still loves them.

"Il save you Mali. Days. Umm. They play multiple games, like back and forth over the days I was a little bit drunk the time we went, at 16 too. Mali kept me topped up, and we just enjoyed the sunshine and company for the day we went." Saving Marinalia from reliving her ex boyfriends love of the sport, she only had to face one day, the bar probably was not complaining. "He was nice, his taste in sports was not. Well of your offering. I doubt they have wine, diet coke with lime and ice please?" Deciding against a beer. Victoria was teetotal for now, it seemed unfair to push it with her too much. "Full Fat Coca Cola, not pepsi of possible, with ice, slice of lemon, and despite what they claim. I can tell, growing a little human is really strange that way. Like cravings for canned custard... " some things were just plain confusing but hey, pepsi just did not taste right about now, like diet, something was odd, and it changed. Her body just could not make its damned mind up what it liked!

The game as they watched, well it made a little more sense, and me team was opening a bit of a lead over the other it seemed, though it was all to play for. Honestly however confusing it was fun to get into the energy even if the sport made limited sense. There guide was fun in his own way. He liked to talk but it was nice just to relax, talk with normal people and evade the drama and chaos for a little while.

Marinalia would not be upset if she gained a certain someone to rest her head on shoulder and push a little closer to though on top. Good people and one whom had got surprisingly close to. Victoria was just enjoying a normal evening, between gossips cursed jazz events, Gala dramatics, bar fight and artistic antagonists. They really needed one evening off. Was it too much to ask? That and there... Interesting to say the least romantic entanglements... Interesting or plain cursed? Still her model aquaitnece was nice and someone easy to talk to, the chef was nice and Marinalia,s bumped into crazy diving guy, well he seemed decent, Victoria really did not know him directly just described his rather daring and nerve wracking job.

---

In passing.
@King Tai@Allycat@Meleck
Actively.
@KillBox

---

Paige Kennedy

Paige glanced up at the mirror in front of them for a moment seeing the onset of commotion as the “band” arrived for what was apparently to be an impromptu performance at Swan Song’s. She didn’t recall the Sirens being a part of what was supposed to be a relaxing evening of music or she would have definitely picked another place to meet Tao. She turned with her elbow on the bar glancing away from Tao for a moment watching them approach. There was a time when she actually had a couple of their songs saved in her music library. Songs she had promptly deleted after Sio’s art showing a few weeks ago. She wasn’t star struck in the least by their bravado, but she was a little surprised that amidst all the gushing, Ethan, the lead singer, came up and spoke to her first despite the fact that they had never actually met. His debonnaire attitude was equivocal and she wondered what it was about her that apparently sent Vika’s boyfriends after her and there was some smug satisfaction in knowing they were just naturally drawn to superior genetics.

Her olive eyes carried on to him, though as she started to answer another familiar face came up to the corner of the bar, Nikki Giancana’s right hand man, the same one that had tried to kill her and Milo on Catalina Island. She knew his real name, but he went by the nickname Yolo and had a rap sheet that matched the monicker which recently included the murder of Nikki’s half brother, Sammy. There was more than enough for her to take him in, but she knew she couldn’t. She’d lied on all of her reports about Milo being there with her and if they questioned him, he could easily blow her story wide open and somewhere on his body would have the bullet wound to prove it. It didn’t bother her though; with Tao alongside, she didn’t think she would have to set an example of staying cool quite so soon, though he’d never know, nor would Yolo’s thrift store pirate escorts, the full extent of what was going on and that she had no intentions whatsoever of making an arrest.

“I’m always at official capacity,” She said cooly, almost temptingly, drawing her jacket back slightly and letting her eyes drift down towards Yolo, meeting his arrogant glance with complete certainty in her smirk. “Eight in the clip and one in the chamber.”

@Almalthia@Allycat

_{LOCATION & TIME : SWAN SONGS, MONDAY EVENING
INTERACTIONS : SIOHBAN - @Almalthia
MENTIONS : PAIGE - @Pilatus}

---

Alejandro coughed and covered his mouth to hide the small laugh that almost escaped his lips. He wasn't surprised about it at all. Not the ring tone and not the woman's career. It was almost predictable. After clearing his throat, Alejandro composed himself a bit and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm from California, San Diego, to be precise. I've been here for a few weeks now." A little lie here and there. He always made sure to keep the place of his home close to one another in case he has a slip-up. Lying to Alejandro came naturally and fast, almost like second nature to him. With a hand on the back of his neck, he smiled down at the Siobhan.

Alejandro laughed and extended his arm a bit to show off the Aztec symbols on his arm. "These tattoos are mostly from Mexican culture. The one on my back is a lot more impressive than these." He lowered his hand back to hide the small tattoo on his wrist. It wasn't very visible due to his smartwatch, but it was still there. No questions about that tattoo had very specific lies he had to say, and he was not in the mood for those lies.

"I am the proud owner of the Golden Flower. Never thought I would get so much traction in just a few weeks." While the shop was a perfect guise for his real business, the fact that the shop was doing so good was not something Alejandro had expected. It made things a lot easier. The more workers needed, the more people he had in Sol City in case things went bad with the VIPs of the city. The very VIPs he had yet to meet face to face.

"Oh? Business?" Alejandro arched an eyebrow at the artist and tapped his bearded chin for a second. "I am not about to get my day ruined by some emo-looking band, and baseball does sound better than the police."[/color] anything was better than some pigs. "Why don't we pay for these and head out for that little baseball business trip?" Some more traction wouldn't help his shop either way, and Siobhan looked like the person who knew how to have fun.

Just as he was starting to lead Siobhan to the cash register, he felt his phone vibrate again. "Go ahead, I have to take this call," He gave the woman an easy smile as he brought the phone up to his ear.

"Originally from Delta City, Paige Renee Kennedy is a Deputy US Marshall fairly new to the city. Although her time in the city has been short, she has done enough to put the city's underground to some unrest. She has had a track record of bending the law from what her records say and the contradicting things I've heard." Alejandro could hear Mara's unrest through the line. He could tell she was serious about this one. "That woman you were talking to is close friends with the Deputy, I suggest you befriend her, sir. Keep her close, and you can use her as leverage if it comes to it."

"Hm, I noticed." Alejandro gave Siobhan a quick smile before looking down at the records in his hand. "What else can you get me? I know those flowers can be pretty difficult to find, and expensive too. This upcoming event is going to be pretty big."

"We are working on gathering more information. We only know the basics and what is on the files of the department. We know she is closely involved with some past VIPs and current VIPs of the city." There was a short pause, then John cut in.

"Even from the surface it looks like this might be a difficult job, sir. We have to keep our eyes peeled for anything. A lot has happened in this city, and we have to be careful."

Alejandro heard shifting and a small grunt from John. Mara had probably taken the phone away from him, "And the man there, the one who came in with the band. He's the one who is closest to our VIP. If we can make contact with him, we can maybe get a meeting with the man."

Alejandro looked up to watch Siobhan for a second then glanced back at the bar. "No yeah, I think we can manage an order like that. Thank you for calling, please do let me know if more of those flowers come into stock. Thank you." Alejandro shoved his phone back into his pocket and turned back to Siobhan. "Treat me to a beer in the game, and I'll send you free samples from the shop." His tone was teasing and playful again. That had been a lot of information, just a matter of minutes. He needed time to process everything he had just heard and a drive to the stadium would be perfect to get his thoughts back together and form a plan.

At least now they knew who were some of the key pieces in the game.

At Swan Song's for now.
Going on a ride with @Pyxis.

Standing up he adjusts his hat and jacket. As he is walking he watches her run over to somebody randomly and smiles, standing next to the door waiting for her. As she comes back over to him he opens the door for her, following her out. "It is just about half a block down the street. That big looking go kart thing there." He said walking towards it, the sound of his shoes clacking on the sidewalk as he walks up to it. As it comes into view the machine has skinny tires on the front and fat tires on the rear. Sitting against the curb, the passenger side would be easily accessible for Lilith. "4 point harness in here, just put the straps over your shoulders and snap it together against your chest then snug it down." He told her as he walked over to the driver side. Climbing up over the bars of the roll cage he slides in with a little bit of a tight fit. He gets strapped in, sticking the keys in the ignition he presses down on the brake before firing it up finally. The sound of the supercharger drowning out the sound of the engine momentarily.

Taking off with her strapped in he just cruises for a moment before finding an empty parking lot down a side street. "If at any time this gets too intense for you, that handle in front of you is called the oh shit handle. It is used for exactly what it implies." Turning into it he opens up the engine and sends up a cloud of smoke as he burns out. Letting off he gets traction and stomps the gas to launch it, lifting the driver's side front tire on the launch. He keeps it wide open throttle for a few seconds before getting off of it. Taking off as quickly as he arrived he drives down a different street, taking it a few blocks out of the way before hitting the main street once again. "Just let me know if you want to feel a full launch. This is 135 horse power and only weighs 690 pounds." He laughed and just cruised with her for a few before returning to the Record shop.

>>Luna Sports Facility, watching grown man trying to hit a small ball<<
>>@PrinceAlexus<<

"Ah. Well. I was born to American parents, but in Japan, due to their business interests. Thats where I apprenticed to work in a Japanese restaurant. Though, even to this day, I'd still consider myself just an apprentice. So yeah, not exactly exotic either but it wasn't exactly plain either." Ryan chuckled softly before stepping away for a moment for the drinks.

As he walked away, he started reflecting on the encounter as a whole.

"So, yeah, the guy that made me some food that one day happened to be at the baseball game we're at too, and just so happened to remember me." He thought to himself. "That isn't creepy at all. Just what the fuck are you doing?" He found a beverage stand and stood in cue. Thankfully, the line wasn't overly long. Ryan started twiddling with his debit card as he stood in line, wondering why he even approached the pair. In all honesty, he doesn't know. He just thought it could be rather interesting. "Uh, yeah. One diet coke with a slice of lime, one regular coke with a slice of lemon and I'll take a hard cider. Thank you." He gave the attendant a small nod as he ran off to get Ryan's drinks ready. Once returned, Ryan handed over his card, not paying much attention to the exorbitant prices they were charging for the drink and got a rather flimsy drink carrier to take all the drinks back to their seats.

On the way back, Ryan couldn't stop thinking, trying to deduce a reason as to why he approached Vika and her sister at all. Oh, and the comment Vika made about 'growing a little human' hadn't slipped past him either. "She's pregnant...? I would have never guessed. Not that it matters to me, it definitely isn't mine..." He thought to himself as he absentmindedly waddled along.