Flying, Fencing and random encounters

Victoria _{Lady De Winter}(Coffee Pot)
Victoria placed an order while Charles talked and managed to find her loyalty card buried in her hand bags lower layers of history and archaeology that made up her hand bag. Too many things... Way too many things in a space that should not be able to contain them. A hot chocolate, one coffee and some pastries ordered for a light brunch, urgh. Tipping why did they not just pay people, what was with the having to do all the maths too.. double work. Annoying.

"Yep, Londoner, rather different area to Victoria though. Oh Chelsea. No one's perfect sadly... Chelsea..., Arsenal fan. Season ticket and all, been a Gunners fan since I could attend games on someone's lap. Our Raven haired sweet toothed companion prefers Ice hockey, especially from her expression." Victoria shook her head, men and there sports kicking balls around a field and falling over at the lightest injury and tap. Even hand egg, no.. American Football had to be better option in her opinion. "Well met Ryan, we all hide things. I'm not upset, you hardly lied out of spite or harm and I keep quite a few secrets to protect my family and friends. True, but your food was amazing head chef or junior prep chef. I hope my opinion helped you update your layout and make it more friendly to everyone.

Hey... Just because I dislike men rolling about on Grass over love taps. Dad always took me to ice hockey when home, it was fun. Been a favourite for years." Smiling at happy memories, they went, had junk food and it was just nice having her dad about when he was away on average 6 months of the year. "I've not forgotten your kind offer of Culinary champion of Sol City, Thankyou. I'll be in touch, or if you ever need computer related, I can waive most of my rather expensive fees for a friend. Should...have a card somewhere" Digging out a small card wallet with a few misc cards in before finding one and handwriting an extra number on the back "Lady De Winter - Coding and security" with a fairly simple design on thick card, between digging out everything else including crackers, a lipstick, a hair brush and a charity pen from the Cluthu Cultists alongside a plush mascot they were giving out on the way here. "Japanese, come on Vika. Not had decent Japanese in ages... blood sports but of course oh gentle lady of the South. Cthulhu cultists in PR campaigns. What is going on in this city? The flight over I saw a Criminal Cephalopodic Crime wave with awful music taste." Earning a rather half hearted glare and stealing his little biscuit on the arriving drinks order with a little smirk.

"Not blood sports... Just more physical. Grampa Max is over soon... Who knows. Cthulhu makes more sense than half of Sol City...and they have cute plush mascots." Well that should not be true but hey, Sol City made as much sense as ... Well Sol made no sense. Nothing here could be considered Boring... Grampa Max, also known as a CEO, but family was everything to them and the attitude was rather infectious especially how Maria had helped her out recently.

Giving a cheerful wave once he had his own coffee and was messaging someone else, not minding Ryan's interruptions. Least with an old friend over for a short while, family coming and people she trusted about life felt more dealable even if her situation was rather complicated nowadays.

@KillBox

When Aria knocked, Lilith was trying to reach some of the spices up in her cabinet. She cursed when her fingers accidentally pushed the glass container deeper down the shelf. With another curse, Lilith pushed herself away from the counter and hurried over to the door. She flung it open with a wide grin on her face already.

"Hi! Oh my gosh, congrats! You have to tell me everything about the followers situation!" Lilith threw her arms around Aria and brought her into a hug, followed by a kiss on the cheek. She didn't give the shorter woman time to respond before pulling her into her apartment and slamming the door closed. "Welcome to my place." Lilith finally let Aria go as she pulled back and let the other woman take in her surroundings.

The apartment wasn't too small. The first thing when coming through the door was the living room, then the tiny dining room to the right with the kitchen right behind it. On the left, there was a small hallway that led to the two bedrooms and the bathroom. The whole apartment had grayish wood flooring with white walls. Lilith had a few pieces of art hanging around, most of them had been bought in yard sales and others off of Etsy. Most of the decorations were random knickknacks Lilith had bought from random places too. There was also an Italian flag hanging right over the 60" tv. There weren't any pictures in the whole area.

"Make yourself at home, I'm almost done with the food. Kinda." She gave Aria's arm a small encouraging squeeze. "Want some juice? Water? I have some beer too."

"First is Korea, then it's another country then followed by another." Lilith glanced back at Aria as she grabbed a beer from the fridge. "Soon you'll be known all over. I believe in you, and so should you." She knew her words of encouragement sounded cheesy, but it was the truth. Everyone started somewhere, and Aria happened to boom first back in Korea.

Lilith laughed when Aria mentioned the spices. Boy, was she glad that Aria had a very keen nose for food. She did have to give Aria more credit since she had made it clear the woman liked her spicy foods. "I won't kill you, because you are right." She laughed and pointed at the cabinet over. "I was trying to get some of the spices but I couldn't reach them. Glad you noticed." She was about to turn around to reach for the glass containers again when she felt Aria's arms around her.

With a smile, Lilith wrapped her arms around Aria too, squeezing her against her. "I didn't want to wake you up." She leaned in closer to press their foreheads together. "You looked so peaceful." Her hands slid down to Aria's waist and rubbed small circles with her thumbs. There was something about that smile that made Lilith's heard flutter and her stomach do backflips. How gorgeous was this woman, seriously? Aria understood the struggle of life, she knew what it felt like to have a shitty life, she knew how fucked up the world was and yet here she was with Lilith. Luck. I finally got lucky. Lilith thought as she leaned in closer- Pop!

Behind them, the sauce over the fire poped sending red all over the stove and countertop. Lilith jumped when the liquid splattered all over. "Fuuu-" She pulled away and rushed over to lower the flame under the pot and began to stir the sauce. "Oh my gosh! This never happens, I swear!" She couldn't help her laughter as she continued to stir with one hand and clean with the other. How embarrassing was it to have Aria over for the first time and have the food you are making explode. At least it would be a funny story for later.

>>Tidying up his interactions, enjoying his chai and the day. @PrinceAlexus

---

"Ah. A gooner. No matter. We should attend a derby some times. Of course, I'll keep the banter friendly and when the flag flies blue, I'll keep the cheering to a bearable amount. And in terms of ice hockey, I learned it when I moved to the US, but its just not for me. Don't get me wrong, I love me some contact sport. But I cannot skate to save my life... You can see where this is going." Ryan replied, sarcastically.

From his seat, he can see that the day was clearing and he really should be getting back to work, or at least planning his trip to wherever he planned on going. The restaurant is entering somewhat of a lighter season and being that he was the owner, he can call his own vacations. His staff are used to it by now. They still get paid, they just take the same sabbatical as he does. He does his best to announce it to his staff before it happens, so they can plan something to do as well. Occasionally, he would ask if they wanted to join him on his trip, like the last one they all took back to Japan to explore the Hokkaido region. That trip was more of a work trip than a fun trip anyways. Ryan went to explore local ingredients and look into how available they are to him in the West Coast of the United States. Unfortunately, some of the ingredients simply did not keep well enough to make the trip to him. So, he did want he could, learned what he could and tasted what he could while there.

This next trip however, it is more than likely only going to be himself. Something he sorely needed. Just to get away from it all.

Ryan sipped his chai and gazed out the window, wondering if Joel would respond at all...

Love is in the air! Find your Sol Mate and don't let go!

Special day with a special person or sourcing a special person? Sol Mates is the event for you!

Life can be pretty lonely in the city, why not find someone to share your adventures in Sol with, be they your partner in crime, angel or devil on your shoulder. Who knows where it will lead if you don't try and take a leap!

As an added bonus, the City's much-loved, regular, weekly party, Thirsty Thursday, falls on the same night this year as our Sol Mates celebration. Enjoy cheap drinks and food all across the city. Regular hot spots include THE PIT nightclub and LIGHT LANE.

So let your hair down and let the good times roll and expect to call out on Friday.

Please be clear with time and locations to avoid time conflicts with other players

As always. Any questions or help required feel free to contact us in thread, PM or Discord. You could send a post owl, raven or the pony express but it might take a a little longer.

---

Latest News

LIFESTYLE

Local Flower Shop Blooms

Have you been downtown recently? Spring is on the way and one local business has caught our eye over the past week. Yes, I’m talking about the Golden Flower in Central point. As I watch our city begin to come out of its Winter shell at the first glimpses of Spring, it’s hard to miss this quaint flower boutique.

As a frequent observer of Sol trends, I have been following this tiny shop since I first noticed the signage change on a stroll downtown a few weeks ago. As competitive as the floral market can be, with the emergence of online retailers and the ever growing cost of downtown real estate, I have to say I crossed my fingers that this one would succeed and I’m so glad to report that this Sol small business is booming, particularly in the last week.

An indulgence of the inside will net you numerous exotic fauna from around the world making the shop feel more like an experience rather than just a storefront. The owner, a kind immigrant to Sol City from the midwest, Alejandro, often attends to the inventory personally and along with his two associates are always kind and happy help even if I’m only there for idle chit-chat. The meticulous attention to detail in the arrangements is something I have never appreciated so much and to only call this a “flower shop” seems pedestrian.

Alejandro and his team have certainly found a niche here in Sol and I for one applaud them for it. Sol City needs more people like them and the small success stories they can bring our city more than it needs another nebulous corporate sports stadium. I’m recommending the Golden Flower, particularly with Sol Mates coming up, and I hope our readers can find their way downtown to support this local business.

_{Karley Smith
Editor-Lifestyle and Social Media
Star Messenger}

OPINION

Organized Crime Reorganized

When you have covered the streets of Sol City for as long as I have, you start to see patterns over time rather than people and events. I look back at the 70’s and can remember the first surges of drug imports from Mexico and California, the hardcore influx of migrants and contraband from South America in the 80’s and the biker gangs of the 90’s, the tech bubble of the early 2000’s that brought our first wave of “cyber crime” and the accompanying responses from City Hall that have ran the gammit of heavy-handed conservatism to near, nonchalant cultivation from the other side of the fence.

As the city deliberates on the introduction of a second, major sports team, I can see the groundwork for more organized crime taking place in our city. Some might say, I’m completely off base, but as the adage goes: Strength invites challenge. Our mayor, bless his soul, put our city at the behest of the Feds when he sought to crack down on the rampant street crime present on our streets and while none can dispute that the approach, in the short term, has been remarkably effective (and should be for the financial cost incurred by the city), I would argue that he has merely attracted a more deviant form of criminal.

Say what you want about the death of Elvin Santos, and it is certainly not my place to promote conspiracy theories in this newspaper, but I think we must all acknowledge that the untimely death of one Sol City’s self-made men in real estate was indeed extremely timely for criminal elements within the city, whether it was intentional or not. Elvin meant well for Sol City and those poised to fill the gap in his passing, I contend, do not. Major sections of The Run have been sold off since his passing along with the former property at Club Aether, all of which will be essential negotiating a future site for a second sports stadium.

Look at the streets of Sol and you will no longer find common street thugs, half-baked drug dealers and the like. Our city has merely attracted a higher class of criminal. The Visigoths biker gang has been replaced by suit and tie Yakuza and the Dellesantos gang has been absorbed into a still faceless racket from the midwest that is yet to be revealed, but all on the street can feel it.

City Hall and our Federal occupiers need to wake up and see the bigger picture, before the writing is on the walls, literally. The walls of a brand new stadium owned by organized crime.

_{William Queen
SCPD - VICE (ret.)}

LEGAL
Legal Eagles Nest

Conan Barbarius launches law suit Vs Thulsa Doom over the true meaning of the riddle of steel. Ancestral conflict turns into modern day legal battle.

In a modern day twist to the two clans rivalry dating back longer than anyone has recorded, Conan Barbarius challenged Thulsa Doom for the true answer to riddle of Steel in the courts. Having previous attempts included a proposed trial by combat, the new legal drama is a welcome relief especially when Conan came prepared with the Atlantian great sword of his ancestors and Thulsa with the age old curved sabre of sept both wielded by there ancestors.

Though it seems a small matter the two clans have contested the Riddle for centuries and centuries, Conan Barbarius lawyer Valeria was confident of victory having won several difficult cases including "Destroyer Vs Destructo. Right to claim dark lord status" and other rather obscure legal disputes. "I'm Certain we will win this case, evidence is backing us and we have numerous ancient texts to support us. Mr Thulsa Doom knows but is making frivolous allegations"

Well this certainly a unique case in my opinion despite having joined the JAG Corps after injury I have never seen a case quite like this one. We are going to follow this one and hope Thulsa Doom or his representative are open to comment on what they can and give us a update. Thusla Doom is represented by Anubis Law and Litigation.

_{Cmdr. Chip Hazzed (USN-JAG ret.)
Star messenger}

WEATHER
Seasonal weather tonight for Sol and surrounding areas, clear and cool, a perfect evening for your Sol Mates celebration wherever it may take you.

For a more detailed and up to date report on the go, download our app, SOL CITY WEATHER 24/7 on most popular app stores.

---

"Yeah yeah, I'll be able to make it." Lilith held her phone between her shoulder and her ear as she fastened her tanned sandals around her ankle. Her boss, Miss Amari, was calling her to confirm her stop at the Pink Kitten later on. Being Thirsty Thursday, she would have a busy night with clients from all over the city coming in to shower her with money. She had five private sessions booked too, two of them were regulars; Mr. Nokomota, a 30-year-old, something man from Japan, and Mrs. Anderson, a 43-year-old married woman that enjoyed Lilith's figure. She would have taken a few more private sessions earlier in the day, but she had already made plans to spend the day with Aria.

After trying her sandals, Lilith walked over to the mirror next to her bed and examined her outfit. She had chosen a pink dress with cute lace and an open back, along with tanned sandals that resemble the lace on the dress, and a cute denim jacket with a black rose painted on the back. A matching tanned bag and pink-tinted sunglasses glasses completed her look.

"Uh-huh, got it. Bye-bye, Miss Amari!" Lilith hung up her phone and shoved it into her bag before turning around and heading to her livingroom where Aria was waiting. Aria had spent the night over at her place. After the whole pasta exploding fiasco they had cleaned up, Lilith added the spices to the sauce, and ate their food while watching to a K-Drama Aria had suggested. While Lilith had enjoyed all of that, the main focus of last night had been Aria in Lilith's clothing. Holy shit that had been adorable! Just seeing Aria is one of Lilith shirts had made the later woman giggle and smile like a little girl.

Even now, as Lilith walked over to Aria wearing a pair of her shorts and teeshirt, Lilith couldn't help but giggle. "Hey there, cutie, come here often?" She grabbed the hoodie Aria had borrowed from the couch and held it against her chest. "Ready? I saw on Twitter there might be a live band in the park playing." They could see and maybe dance a song, that would be fun.

Runways, Race cars and the Rumba

Marinalia
Marinalia was not exactly sure what her Grandfather wanted but the family was family so digging out an outfit that would be acceptable as a meet the family and one for heading out later if she wanted to get a few cocktails and enjoy the Sol mates evening. Not the easiest choice and the plethora of options strewn on chairs, her rather generously sized bed among others told the story rather directly.

Finding a dressy outfit that fitted the bill, a low practical 2/inch heal making her a least little bit taller 5'8 and digging out a red leather jacket to meet shoulders warm and throwing in a bit of colour to a rather monochromatic pallet. A bit of light make up later, a nice cohesive lipstick shade and a little bit of metallic eye make up for show she was ready to go.



The previous few days had been more normal after the rather busy weekend, meeting Lilith and managing to finally get round to getting the searches from the Jazz night escape on her bumpers resprayed white after annoying her for months but not really being that important. Granted that meant borrowing the Mini in the garage one day, with all the trucks about that was a "fun" experience. marlin definitely preferred her Landrover Discovery. Deciding to get a start before traffic became too heavy and maybe time to pick up a coffee beforehand from the cargo office, it was a little more basic but they had a surprising range when it came to the fact their contributors had brought items from across the globe on various cargo flights. Waving her ID at the gate guard flashing a smile as the gates opened up with little fuss. They had to be out there in all weathers day and night. Least you could do was be friendly and flash a smile there way.

---

Maxamillion Olympus was definitely not getting back into regular long haul flying. He had 2 daughters, one son, inlaws, 2 adult grandchildren, 3 younger and 1 great-grandchild on the way. Someone else could always take the long red eyes, even with first-class seats and awaiting large black SUV at the airport for him organised by his rather skilled and ever-reliable almost psychic PA Mademoiselle Lucile Marchand whom he had lured away from a senior Pergoet executive. French with a rather expensive taste in tailored Channel suits, designer heals and ever looking ready to handle anything from a press conference to a board meeting. "Transport is ready le Monsieur Olympus. Flight times are unchanged and your Grandaughter confirmed she is leaving soon for the airport." Parisian accent coming clearly into his suite, ever-present smartphone, high-end tablet computer or letter bound notebook with company logo and her monogram in silver on the black leather. "5 minutes Lucille, thank you, and by soon, Probably 20 minutes. We have plenty of time. Marlon very much takes after her mother in that regard." Pulling on a overcoat to keep warm with the cool weather being a bit much as his age though standards had to be maintained in a bespoke Savile row suit with all the appropriate accessories departing as Lucile grabbed a plain black founder with a bunch of documents that would be needed to be signed or handed over. She prided herself on her preparation as the glamourous Brunette followed down to the garage level.

---

Sweeping there way in the back of the black SUV made its way out of the city while a white Land Rover pulled up near a quiet office to wait for a answer while humming along to a local pop hot playing on the small slightly tinny radio in the corner some other pilot acquired in years past making a rather set coffee with gingerbread syrup and a few other bits and bobs to give a handy energy boost.

---

Victoria
Victoria despite her friend over and a few small trips out, she was feeling housebound between work and her present condition reducing her ability to be active as she was used to be. Chris was a great help to bounce ideas off about her problems or just an alternative perspective on things yo her sister and family.

Feeling fairly ok and deciding to get out and a little fun, she headed to her wardrobe before she could not wear cute things. Pulling out a dark purple dress, some black tights for warmth and a black coat to match the rest with silver details for match her blood-red gemmed vintage silver necklace. Not the most exciting outfit but it worked and looked nice enough for a few minutes planning. Finding a cute party dress when you where the petite side of petite was a challenge.



A quick talk with Isosef, and a plan to meet Charles after he had gone to hit a bar with an old contact from London. Contacts always were good to keep. You never knew who you needed until you needed help.

Taking the Bentley as it was far more comfortable Isosef took the driving this time and began redirecting them towards Light lane. The special club night did not seem to fit out of the two-plus the food places and such were rather fun out that way.

Finding parking was not easy though, the place was already busy but there was more room than in the PIT. Couples, waiting for partners even an old couple who just warmed the heart dancing to a piano tune coming from a restaurant rather well. They looked like newlyweds. Probably been 50 years. Getting a hand out the car and leaning on her came, Light Lane was active, busy and lots of interesting food even if she could not partake in the cheap alcohol. Not sure of anyone she knew bar Cardinal was here. If not she would just enjoy some good food, chat, relax and see what the night brought.

Spotting a man... Was it a man he looked rather pretty, you could never be 100% sure these days with a large red mark across his face. Ouch. That one looked like it hurt. Did he hit on the wrong girl and end up on wrong end of a argument?

Wait had she seen him before? Victoria had a rather good memory and he rung a bell, something stood out anyway. He was just hard to miss. Glancing around she just people watch, it was fun wondering what caused the many varied people to end up on this particular movement.

Mentions in passing:
@Allycat
@Pilatus

Joel Nicolosi

Social convention was never his forte. Something about it, maybe just his natural sense of spite turned him off it completely. If it was tacitly expected, he usually rejected it. Sol Mates Thursday was no exception. The lights of downtown were the same as always in the fresh darkness of night from his regular spot at the Lighthouse. The glowing ambiance of downtown and the lights of the Matthews Bridge in the distance folded over the sharp lines of his GTR like a stealth fighter. The same barge pulled steel coils up the river, just as it did every weeknight and he watched the water ripple off the bow before glancing back over to the traffic flowing unhindered across the bridge and the steady rhythm of tires over the concrete joints. It was dark, though still early in the evening. He preferred the night, but the days were beginning to get longer. The cool of the night bit against his long sleeve t-shirt and he took a sip from his coffee cup.

In some ways he missed it and in other ways he was ready to do something else, maybe even go somewhere else. A few years ago it was enough to prowl the 923 Loop from night to night looking for sport. A flash of lights and a few minutes over 200mph made him feel as alive as he could humanly comprehend. Riding the GTR, he easily owned the expressways and it reminded him of those times in some ways, but now he was paid to drive fast and it wasn’t the same. In a few days they would be off to the Vineyard Rally and he would again be behind the wheel. The more he thought about it, the more nebulous it became. His thoughts shifted to Sio and he wondered how long she would put up with it and how none before her had managed to last. He knew if he were any kind of “good man” he would be taking her out for the night, but inside he knew that she couldn’t compete and that he wasn’t “good”.

The heat of the coffee in his hand had numbed his grip somewhat and he took another long sip seeing the steam rise in front of his vision. He glanced at his watch. A few more minutes and he’d be off to the airport. Another car and another challenge a few months down the road. He knew the Germans wouldn’t be crazy about his racing for another British sponsor, but the Isle of Man was still obscure enough that taking a crack at the production car record on his own time didn’t violate his contract laws with Rebellion or Porsche. If they had wanted to put up a car, he would have drove for them just the same, but Maxamillion Olympus wanted the record for a British car and Joel wanted the record for himself. The course was stringent enough on a motorcycle and only a few successful runs had been completed in cars. He’d have to get it right after only a short amount of practice on the actual stage and therein was the excitement: He would only have a precious, short opportunity to put it on the edge, the only place where he really felt like he was living, where decisions made in fractions of time or the unthought flex of instinct would carry him through or potentially kill him. It was his true self.

The thought of it was exhilarating though the blazing line of a narrow, winding, English island road played behind his eyes, his outside demeanor remained stoic as usual. He glanced back towards the Lighthouse to see a few couples enjoying the evening and just couldn't understand how people were satisfied with such dull lives. Tossing his empty cup into a waste bin he checked the traffic on his phone before heading out to Old Sol International.

>>Stirring the pot- Vika@PrinceAlexus. Distracting- Elise@KatKook I have a surprise in the post, just for you @Pilatus

---

Ryan checked his phone. No replies from Joel Nicolosi. It is to be expected. The man is probably busy. Besides, whatever car troubles he was having could wait. He simply would take a different vehicle as his mode of transportation. Sitting in his living room, with his restaurant still on a 'hiatus' or sabbatical, however one would call it, Ryan flipped through the newspaper, idly catching up on the news du jour.

"Ah. So there is some sort of city-sponsored dating event..." he thought to himself before looking up at his surroundings. Modern, simplistic decor adorned his apartment. Grey and neutral tones with minimal decorations, some succulents, a few accent pieces with looks that betrayed their retail price. Overall, a very 'city-living'-esque way one would appoint their living space. "I suppose I should try my hands at this whole dating thing... Mom and dad... I mean...hopefully if something pans out they can relax for a bit with the whole grandkids thing..." Ryan thought to himself again, sighing softly.

Through the Sonos speakers he has littered around his living space, a song came up. Ryan chuckled. He liked the song. It put him in a mood. Looking out at the afternoon sun and his slightly warm chai. He started to form ideas for the night.

First, a stroll through Light Lane to see if he bumps into any familiar faces and possible make some new friends. Then, if things decides to carry on, transition himself over to The Pit to dance and drink the night away. Sounds like a good plan, at least in his mind. The actual execution thought, that remains to be seen. In any case, Ryan decidedly needs to change out of his loungewear of Nike joggers, plain grey t-shirt and house slippers. His apartment is tidy enough should people get invited back so he isn't too worried about that. Sliding open his walk-in closet, he looked at the rows of neatly hung shirts and pressed slacks. Shrugging slightly, he chose a pair dark stonewashed denim that fit more on the skinny side, a simple grey t-shirt layered with a similarly grey Irish fisherman's sweater. As for the only accessory he wears, he chose a simple Tissot with blue dials and matching blue straps. Shoes. Now how does he finish up his ensemble? He glanced at his shoe rack, noticing various sneakers and other comfortable shoes. Hmm. Perhaps a pair of grey derby dress shoes for that smart casual look. Fair enough. Given the seasonality of things, he thinks his current outfit should be fine. Dabbing on some light cologne, he checked himself out in front of his floor-length mirror, tugging at his top to straighten it out, he grabbed his riding helmet and made his way downstairs.

Hopping on his Vespa, he made his way down towards Light Lane. Before he starting going, he shook his head slightly. His vespa had the bad fortune of receiving its plate numbered 'PFP-069'. Ryan sighed. Not only is a vespa already the butt of many jokes, but now his plate as well? One of these these days he'll get it changed. Regardless, he made his way down to Light Lane.

Along the way, he spots a purple Bentley. "Ah, interesting. Vika is here somewhere...though...given her current state..." Several questions popped into his mind. He parked his ride near the 'start' of the street and reached for his phone, sending a message to Vika

-Hey, its Ryan. I noticed your car. Its kind of hard not to notice anyways. So, I've had some questions for you for a little bit now. Feel free to answer, but don't feel pressured to. I've seen you at several different places now, always accompanied by your sister or a bodyguard. But never the father to your child... Why is that...?-

Ryan hesitated. His thumb hovered over the backspace tile. Drawing in a quick breath, his thumb moved up slightly and hit the send button instead. Whats the worst that can happen? She tells him she doesn't want to talk about it? Psh.

In any case, he took off his helmet, locked it in the under-seat compartment and walked away.

Walking around, he took in the lights, sights, and sounds of the city. It sure was lively. There were people walking about, mostly couples. Food was being sold and enjoyed. Drinks were being had responsibly. And. There was a girl dabbing what looked like an alcohol wipe on a man's face. Ryan furrowed his eyebrows. "I wonder what happened there..." He was still a good distance away from that odd interaction but he could feel the crowd packing into the tight street. Ryan did his best to follow in the same direction of the crowd but people would stop and start erratically. Ryan of course did his best to follow along with the flow but the occasional bumping into and stepping on of others were bound to happen. Before he knew it, he was dangerously close to the woman dabbing the wipes from earlier. Being unable to stop, he bumps into her rather hard and nearly stumbles over, almost taking her with him. At the last moment, he regained his balance and reached out an arm in case the woman was to fall...

Paige Kennedy & Milo Ventri

Milo’s sense of style was unmistakable. He considered it one of his trademarks. Without his coat, he steadily examined the aisles of flowers and floral arrangements discerningly with his sleeves rolled up crisply, stepping by a couple glancing over the surprisingly impressive selection of the Golden Flower.

The atmosphere was much like the newspaper article had described it: almost like a rainforest, but a well-organized rainforest of meticulous presentation. Flowers and vines hung and were assembled in a way that looked natural and also marketable, flowing seamlessly from one area of the store to the next in a display that almost promoted a sense of escapism. Someone in the staff clearly had a talent for aesthetics. He could appreciate attention to detail and supporting small businesses was something he enjoyed, though judging by the level of activity, both inside and out, they didn’t seem to be wanting for customers, particularly with the events of the evening being in full swing.

The cliched notion of flowers might have been a little juvenile for Paige, but he knew she wouldn’t turn her nose away at anything that was free. What she wanted to know, more than anything, was that he was thinking about her. Much like the small blade he’d given her some weeks ago. She presented a very tough exterior, but her ego could also be quite fragile. She never struggled with being decisive or outspoken, however he had never seen her so visibly torn with what was uncovered beneath the sports stadium.

He wasn’t completely sure how to take it, nor had he been very vocal when she finally told him, just listened. When he moved to Sol City, he’d put the past away to start a new life for himself, only to have it literally thrown back in his face with Paige’s transfer. Granted, if it hadn’t been for her, he would have undoubtedly wound up in a much deeper mess than where he had stupidly placed himself, or worse. Still, never did he think he’d be in the midst of fighting a major criminal enterprise alongside a woman that once loathed his very existence, much less being in a relationship with that same woman. He smirked only slightly to himself at the thought as he continued to browse. Life could be real funny sometimes. The crux of the matter remained though. He thought about his life, what he really wanted and about the opportunities that would never come again. Ultimately, very soon, they would both have to choose and he would have to be the first.

He bent down slightly to study a tropical bouquet that he thought she would like; enjoying the combination of fragrances while noticing a similar bloom across the store on display under glass clearly marked as sold.

@Pyxis