Joel Nicolosi

Ryan was so formal it was nearly comical to Joel. They couldn’t have been more opposite. Normally, a car spoke a lot about the person driving it. He’d seen it all over the years, however, he would never have matched Ryan to a big block Ford had he only seen the car and had to pick out the driver. Ultra-polite and soft-spoken didn’t tend to lend itself to rare muscle cars. “I would hold on to it for you, but I’m a little pressed for space at the moment.” He said motioning around in response to leaving the car at the shop. With one in the air and everything else tucked close nose-to-tail, he could still fit Sio’s Corvette inside by about an inch and he wasn’t going to leave her’s out on the street or behind the shop. “It will be fine to drive, trust me.” He said casually. “Just take it easy. I assume you have something else to drive?”

Siobhan’s cooking had filled the majority of the shop with a pleasant aroma of marinated spice and charcoal-grilled steaks that overcame the regular, pungent aroma of oil and race-tires. With the smoke from Joel’s small grill wafting up out of the large garage door, the scent would carry for several blocks. He gave her hand a firm squeeze and motioned for Ryan to go ahead and help himself to the food as their guest; listening as Sio continued the conversation. She was much better with people. Ryan was a perfectionist, which was relatable and how he managed his business was up to him to decide. He took a nice long pull at his beer to finish it off while his eyes watched a car pass by in front of the shop. If they were going to have more guests, he was going to have to move the Jeep to the back to leave another space on the curb.

What grabbed Joel’s attention more and caused him to narrow his glance slightly was Ryan’s words in relation to dealing with Victoria and what sounded like more of a problem in understanding his self-worth as a man. Gossip wasn’t really Joel’s forte, but if Ryan wanted an opinion, he would get one. Joel gave a small shrug, but he wasn’t any good at hiding his distaste in the subject. “I told you what I did, because you asked,” He said, swirling what was left in the bottle for a moment and searching for a little more tact. “Look, I know these people,” That car behind you has their name on the side. He said referring to the giant gear of Olympus sponsorship on the 300. “The granddad is a cool old guy and we get along well. I’m gonna drive for him again in the Fall, but the rest of them are just fucking nuts.” Tact abandoned. “I wasn’t going to say anything, because it’s not my business where you sleep, but since you wanted to know, I had to give you the truth.” He said. “And being mixed in with that freakshow that Aster runs is just gonna land you in a lot of fucking pain and suffering that you don’t need.”

@Almalthia
@Infinite Cosmos

>>Siobahn, and her cooking @Almalthia Joel, over a Guiness @Pilatus

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"Its all good. Thank you though. I'll be sure to take it easy on her." Ryan responded to Joel's comment. "Yes. I have other forms of transportation. Though their practicality isn't exactly top notch but I'll be alright. Please let me know when the part can be ready and I'll bring her back and we can make it right." Ryan continued, regarding Joel's previous comment about the parts needing to be ordered.

Taking a long sip of his beer, Ryan finished it off and gave small nod of appreciation towards Joel and Siobahn for their offering of food. Taking a plate and gathering some food, Ryan started to slowly pick at it. Not for a lack of appetite. More so over the fact that there are things on his mind that took away more ability to immediately focus on the food in front of him.

Ryan quietly nodded along as Joel spoke, attention shifting as Joel required it to. "Yeah. I mean. I don't know what came over me. I feel like I should just stick to what I know best, which is my cooking... Oh and speaking of the fall. I would really like to be at one of your races. Not asking for a ticket in or anything. I would just need to know the event location and I think I can secure a way in." Ryan said, gently cutting up the charred steak.

Of course in his mind he made some comments about the steak. The way its cooked, the spiced used in its marinade. Not judgemental. More so an occupational habit to break down and analyze ingredients used.

"And to be honest. Nothing has happened between Vika and myself. Nothing too intimate anyways. A few kisses, hand holding, and thats it..." Ryan said.

As soon as he finished saying it, he started wondering as to why he did...

What a weekend. Filled with nothing but pain, morphine, helplessness, humility, but yet the royal treatment. Xia was still nowhere near 100%. With her hand still broken and the ribs being the mess and the nausea with migraines from the concussion, she have seen better days and she sure wished she had the abilities of Wolverine.

She of course let Marlin handle all the other stuff as her cousin helped out a bit with gathering her things for Marlin to take with her to the manor. The fact that Xia's mother was coming to visit, it was going to be a nice change of things and on top of that, she could spend more time with Marlin to get to know her a bit more. She was protective about her baby but she come to like Marlin and trusted her enough to watch after her daughter.

She was said to come in a few days and spend at least a week or two there with them.

As the day came for Xia to leave the hospital, she had to depend on Marlin to help her to the car after being brought out by wheel chair. She moved like she was a granny getting in the car and groaned in pain with her broken hand still heavily wrapped but she didn't want to get too high off the pain meds.

Upon getting to the manor, Xia wanted to try and get out on her own. She didn't like being in this position but she slowly moved to get out with the ringing in her ears and the balance not so good but she managed to hold onto the side of the vehicle with her good hand to keep from falling. I'm okay..just...happy to finally get out that hospital. I heard my mom is coming. She said to Marlin. heading to the door hearing how this week was not planned, Xia smirked lightly. You've taken good care of me babe. She said softly coming up to the door waiting but when offered the keys to open up, she looked over. Sure.. She gently grabbed the keys trying to find the right one and looked down getting slightly disoriented and dropped the keys on accident. Shit... She said trying to bend down to grab them. I'm sorry babe. She said in pain. yeah...this was going to be a long recovery. She slowly got the keys up as she managed to get the key and unlock the door for them before walking in.

@PrinceAlexus

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Taco Tuesday

Marinalia
Marinalia was more than a little scared seeing how badly hurt Xia really was, she had heard from the medics and so but sering her weakly walking and pain she was in really brought home the extent of the damage done. Her reservations about harm to whomever had done this were evaporating at a rapid rate. Knowing her only a short time, it was scary how close she came to not waking up. Marlin was not going to leave her now.

The worry replaced her worry somewhat about what her mother would think about her, and the care she was receiving. The guest room was a little on the smaller side but shuddered at the cost of a hotel for the period especially short notice. Least it had an ensuite and a view of Corona Park.

The drive home she was careful as she could be, still the city's roads jolted a bit, apologising to Xia but also being somewhat aggressive to keep her land rover out the gutters. Reaching home, she kept close enough to help should intervention be needed and kept a close eye on her girlfriend as she climbed down and leant heavily against the 4x4. Two could be glad at that, the nurses and doctors had been most accommodating to Marlin but yeah, it was a good day, the sun was shining and Xia was cleared at least to be discharged. "I'm here if you need me.

Just glad I still have you babe. I promise, I'm not leaving you, anything. Just ask. Anytime between soon and one to two days. Depends on flights and how long she needs to set things in order first. I just hope she still likes me." Marlin knew it was obvious by actions and extent and cost gone to sort everything out but still she wanted reassure her, though those arrangements meant she had been a bit too busy to confirm the exact times for her mother and had merely said to let her know when she was flying in and would do best to pick her up or make arrangements. She really was nervous about her mother. Admitly their first formal date of sorts Xia had met her mum Maria but that was not quite the same as this. "It's a bit warmer than your first visit. Not that heating going proved a blessing in disguise. Spare rooms taken so hope you not mind sharing. " Keeping it light and joking teasingly as her accent gained a happy softer chime like tone., memories of the whole snow storm drama, and other moments which were now rather hard to forget.

Handing Xia the key, well now her key to the door, if she was staying here, it was properly and not as an extended guest. Seeing her in pain hurt, not quite physically but it hurt, it would be a long haul to fully heal but Marlin had no plans to be anywhere else. "No sorry needed, if need to replace anything it happens. Just us for now, Vika at Yoga class and Isosef is running errands." Walking in the Manors entrance had not changed much at all bar new flowers in the atrium and a few cardboard boxes from Xias place that had yet to be sorted with "Misc - Bedroom" on the side scrawled in sharpie pen. Pulling this all together in a few days had been a minor miracle. "Let's get you comfortable first love, and I can start a light lunch and some hot chocolate. I never thought I'd say this, but. Well Carlo is a little rough round the shell, but his yolks in the right place."

Keeping a close eye if she needed help on the stairs and getting up to the first floor where Xia could lie down or sit on the sofa not wanting her too long on her feet right now. Doctors had been quite firm about resting and not over doing it in the briefing and medical notes before they let her be discharged. It did not take long to knock up a light salad and Crisp sandwiches with a pair of hot chocolates. It was not the season, but her first drink here was one as a guest, same as where she called home, even in bad circumstances. Marlin hoped to remind Xia of happier memories together. "Don't worry... I sorted out clothes. Carlo... His taste would be interesting, yet not you. Also. We have Disney plus." Trying to keep things light and off what she could not do, because they could not do what they had planned did not mean everything was impossible.

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@King Tai Xia in need of a health potion.

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Siobhan pondered where to start with the endless tales of the Harpy Twins. She paused and listened to Ryan respond to Joel. As he stated that all he’d done was some hand holding and kissing she raised a brow. “Well that’s a relief. The first time I met them she was dancing with Milo, whom you’ll meet later, at a Winter Ball. She practically spat venom at me thinking I was going to take Milo from her. I wasn’t interested. The second was after the race that Joel won. The blonde strumpet was draping herself all over him and I took exception to it. Not because of Joel but because of a friend of mine Ren. She had been flirting and had seemed pretty genuinely interested in him during the Winter Ball. To have her throw herself at Joel was a declaration that she had no morals and was stringing one or both of them along. I told her as much. Victoria decided that she was going to stick her nose in it and she paid for everyone’s drinks but my own. So since she decided to be petty I decided to pay my tab and find better company.”

Siobhan looked over at Joel and slid her hand in his. “It was much better company.” She blushed thinking about that night. “You know I never asked how long you’d been there or what you overheard or saw.”

Turning back to Ryan she looked him dead in the eye. “The girl is dumb, selfish, arrogant, petty and not worth your time or talent. She wasn’t even worthy of Ethan and he’s turned out to be quite a cad. She won’t grow up from all the high school drama and you don’t need that in your life.”

Siobhan pushed her hair out of her eyes. Her words became colored with obvious repugnance. “Anyone who keys a car with a diamond ring and does so ‘accidentally’ either leaves information or they find the owner of the vehicle. Does leaving the ‘accident’ behind without a thought sound like a responsible adult to you? Sure doesn’t sound like one to me. Or how about throwing yourself at anything that has a pulse? Forgetting to use contraceptives and getting pregnant? Then when the announcement is made acting like it’s so serendipitous when she is unscrupulous to turn around and heave herself at someone else while the father of her child is working? That sounds like such an august person that the Queen of England should bow to them.”

Siobhan blew out a breath and shook her head. “Look Ryan. You’re a sweet guy. You deserve better and -” She stopped hearing an odd noise. She rose and looked at Joel then walked into the garage looking at the girl who wandered in. Smiling, she stepped forward. “Hello. How can I help you?

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Milo looked on as the sports bike rolled into the drive, and when the driver revealed himself as Ethan, Milo just shook his head. The man walked up and began to just press Victoria down verbally, it was a disgusting display, however they were not his problem, and this was not his fight. "Alright, well as much as I would love to listen to you air your dirty laundry, I don't, if you want to have this argument take it off my property." Milo blatantly refused to shake the mans had, he was acting like a fool and bringing this disrespect to his doorstep.

"Vika, you take care of yourself, and honestly if this is the way this guy talks to you in front of others, I don't think I would blame you for wanting someone better." he turned to Ethan, "Treat a woman like trash, they will ruin your life, now if you will excuse me, I have to go." Milo turned and walked back inside not waiting for a response, only giving Victoria a wave over his shoulder. Can't even have a conversation without drama following that poor thing. he lights a cigarette after the door shuts. At least it isn't my drama.

@Almalthia@PrinceAlexus

Paige Kennedy

Everytime she crossed the Costa Bridge, Paige thought briefly how many more times she would have to drive across it. The sound of her front tires hitting the bridge joint and the hum of the lifeless concrete underneath her made the thought almost automatic. Not even a hint of aesthetic appeal, just worn lanes and boring signs. Strictly utilitarian. Likely named after some individual equally as unremarkable. Of all of Sol’s downtown structural architecture, she found the uncreative, gray expanse to be the most dull, almost a chore to drive over. With Manami in the passenger seat, she counted another trip. Not many more to go… She thought with only the slightest shake of her head and glanced over towards the lights of downtown. They were on their way to pick up Milo, then it was down south to meet Siobhan and her much heralded, race-driver boyfriend. Paige cared little about cars or celebrity, but she looked forward to seeing Siobhan. There wouldn't be many more of those opportunities either.

It felt in poor taste to simply leave Manami to her solitude after the confrontation they’d just had with her former stalker so she’d extended the invitation for her to come along and enjoy the evening. Normally, bringing extra guests to a party wasn’t a good look either, but she knew Sio wouldn’t mind and the rest of them could get over it. Manami wasn’t the type to be left alone after such an encounter and after the adrenaline wore off Paige could see the conflict all over her face. What they had done wasn’t by any stretch, “by the book” or even remotely legal, but it worked. She just needed to keep the young girl talking and thinking positive, not stewing in the right and wrong of the whole scenario. What was encouraging was that she could see Manami’s whole persona change within the short time they’d met. Taking care of Jerome seemed like the push she needed for a much larger spectrum of her life. There was less tension in her words and more confidence. The person who confronted her stalker and pummeled him unmercifully with a phonebook was completely different than the timid girl who called for help on Saturday night.

For Paige, it was the one of the best parts of her job. Other than ruining the day of some asshole, she had helped someone come into their own. “I’ve never met Siobhan’s boyfriend,” She said, referring to the gathering’s apparent host. “And I know you haven’t met any of them, but just try to relax and have fun. Sio’s my best friend here, you’ll like her, and you’re about the same age.” They dropped into the offramp towards Final Round Armoury and Paige tapped her phone screen still seeing no replies from Milo. No response wasn’t out of the ordinary for him, particularly if he was deep into some intricate project. She wriggled her lips a bit, slightly irritated. They’d be there in a few minutes.

@RoccanIronclad
@Otterpop

It was not the easiest ride home. For one, her pride was pretty much hurt being that she was usually much more careful and to get a beating that she took and not at least knocking one of them out, it was a shame to her. She was pissed for the fact that she did MMA for a little only to get a cheap shot done on her and lost the fight like she did. Then comes her feeling vulnerable. She don't know if these guys knew her or what but a hint of fear was in the back of her head feeling these guys when where she lived and could come back at any time.

Xia did take a loo at her girlfriend when she tried to reassure her that she was there for anything she needed. I just want to get in a comfy piece of furniture and relax. She said. I...I don't like asking much from you babe... she said not wanting to be a problem. Xia felt that she could do well by herself while Marlin was working. And I don't mind where you put me as long as I have close access to the bathroom. she said with a weak smirk.

After her slight aching struggle, Xia managed to unlock the door and open it to the manor. She walked in with her and she was willing to go wherever she needed but with stairs, it would be a nuisance but she'd try and walk them. She nodded. Thanks babe, you're too
nice to me. And yeah...Carlo has his moments. he's becoming a better person. just needs to work on...his attitude. She said coming in and looked around a little wondering what all Carlo brought over from her place.

The steps were a pain but Xia was able to climb them and then gently sat on the couch trying to get comfy. hearing there was disney plus, she smirked. She had to admit, she liked the Star Wars shit. She just hoped she wouldn't get too bored being stuck in the house all the time. not that Marlin was boring, Xia just loved being active and for her to slow things down because of injuries, she didn't know how she was going to get through this. Xia's mother soon called marlin's phone wanting to let her know she was already in town not giving her a heads up beforehand that she was on her way. She was hoping Marlin could bring her to the house or...she could have Carlo bring her instead. Being that Marlin may miss the call, she spoke on the voice mail.

"Marlin, this is Keyla, I'm here in the city at the airport and wanting to see if you can come and pick me up. If not, I'll just have Carlo come and bring me to you and Xia." She left before hanging up waiting on a call back. She just couldn't wait and out of rushing, she forgot to let Marlin know she was on her way. Xia sat for a moment with her eyes closed trying to relax for a bit until the food would come and knowing how hungry she was, she would tear up anything that was made for her.

@PrinceAlexus

Joel Nicolosi

Joel did a poor job at attempting to hide his revulsion when Ryan referred to some heavier petting in relation to Victoria Olympus. He knew Siobhan would be warming up to go chapter and verse on the girl’s social credit score, so he decided to stick to what he knew and let the conversation fall where it may. “You won’t have to worry about a ticket.” He said referring to Ryan’s interest in coming to a rally with a small wave of his hand. “We’ll just get you a pass, you can come with the team.” He gave his shirt, a black long sleeve tee with an orange Rebellion “R” at the left chest that matched his other, regularly simple attire: cargo shorts and sneakers, a small pluck. “Whatever rally you want, New England will be the only one in the States and the closest, but we’ll be all over. Come to Germany and you can probably see Bruno again.” He said with a chuckle.

As Sio proceeded to give an unembellished recap of the last several months, it was hard for Joel not to smirk a little. The stories didn’t need embellishment. However, he did wince slightly at the car-keying story even though he’d heard it numerous times and shook his head. To Joel, that particular tale was as bad as any of the other stories of promiscuity, though watching the fire in Siobahn’s eyes as she told them was fairly satisfying. He was about to dig in to his own plate when he heard the wandering voice of another person, first thinking that it was Siobhan’s friend and glancing back casually to find a dark-haired girl who’d apparently missed them all sitting between the cars. He was pretty sure Sio’s friend was blonde and was supposed to be bringing another guy with her.

Interlopers around Southside were nothing uncommon. In the old days, people would walk up right off the street just to talk while he worked with the door open even if it was late at night or some unholy hour in the morning. Thinking about it briefly, never did a single person ever present any danger despite the thousands of dollars worth of tools set about and the high-end cars that came in and out of his baydoor. He’d never had a single thing stolen. Some of the stories of Southside were nothing more than urban legend, Uptown was where all the shit happened. Seeing their newest guest was a female, and fairly young, Joel knew from experience that she was either lost or her car was busted. Southside interlopers might have been harmless, but they were never young, attractive females. With the dinner plate in his lap, he gave the girl a friendly wave without getting up. “We’re over here.”

@Almalthia
@KatKook
@Infinite Cosmos

Joel's Shop Radio:

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Taco Tuesday - Keyla Chaos

Marinalia
Marinalia seeing the level of damage done to Xia definitely was protective to say the least, seeing her hurt like that just hurt, really hurt. Marlin was not quite so able to hurt them back but she would definitely find every way she could find to protect Xia right now. Marlin would not give her the easy way out on this one, for her own best interest she was not taking no for an answer. Well gently anyway, she would have to be careful with Xia right now though as she was so obviously delicate. "What's mine is yours. What comes along we face together." Giving her a gentle smile and squeeze on her good hand. Hopefully it got the message across that help was not a chore, problem or burden.

Making it in, well Xia had a key now which would make life a lot easier when Marlin was working and could come and go as needed to all her appointments and such. Having to wait on her and Victoria for everything would be a pain for everyone and definitely not Xia or how she would ever want to work. "When your better, il show you exactly how too nice I can be. He needs... Adjustments. But he behaved properly... Incentives." Xia would know exactly that Her mum and his mum would definitely keeps him in line for now, especially when Marlin when full polar bear against him.

The stairs would prove a problem, especially how there was more to the second floor where there bedroom was but if it was a bad day, her suite had a bathroom, living area and everything else on the same floor as her mother was staying so could least make the best of a slightly less desirable situation.

Marlin was too busy helping Xia and taking the light lunch over she had made up, a bit silly and rather much something she enjoyed as a child. Somehow darker events needed a little whimsy. Disney plus definitely was fun, not that she had most of them somewhere, they were not in the US so this was an easier way to have all her favourites. "A British, not so fancy delicacy. Trust me, it's a strange idea but it works.

Wake up babe, those with food, should help the pain. I make a nice pillow if you need it.`` Having worked out least the basic medication she needed so far. She put up a good front, but Marlin knew her least enough to tell she was definitely in pain. Adding a gentle kiss to wake her up if Xia was half asleep. There were things to do, but nap time with her girlfriend was not so bad...

...

Checking her phone finding a voicemail mid way eating to see when Victoria would be back, oh crap! Her mum had arrived already, airport. Airport. Quickly calling back though Mrs Alexander had been at front of all her various old etiquette classes she had insisted on a more informal title."Mrs Alex.. Keyla? Wait, airport. Umm Victoria, dang." Looking over to see, Xia, she could not leave her alone right now, the woman definitely needed company and care. Leaving her alone just felt wrong in her gut. "We only just made it home, Don't want to leave her alone right now. My sister Vika is not home. Il text you my address Keyla, if Carlo cannot, just tell them you're with Captain Romus Olympus at Daedalus desk, they sort you a taxi. Il text you our address." Our address, she could help not but giggle at being able to say that line somewhat. It was first time really properly. Then came her little panic. Well major minor panic. Forgetting to close the call. "your mum forgot to message, she at airport. Oh, I never got the decent fluffy towels dried, the trip to that Caribbean superMarket, the guest room needs making up. So much I not done... She going to think I'm a bad host... " Small as Marlins worries where in some circumstances, the best impression she did want to try and make. "You ok if I quickly get the guest room finished and whatever wine left in fridge." Giving her a gentle kiss and leaving her phone, just text myself. My smart watch will buzz if you need me. She still had to collect Xias that was still in for repair tomorrow. It was a minor miracle to repair the thing, it probably would be more new parts than old.

Heading up, it was not perfect but at least she had sheets on the bed, some nice-ish clean white towels in the esuite, nice soap and even a pack of oreos on the pillow not having anything more grown up. It was smaller off the 3 story atrium but nice, views of park unlike the side facing one on first with no esuite which definitely not suitable for more than a night. Placing a few flowers taken from the arrangement in the entrance into a small vase by the window, little things at least are civilised and seem welcoming ignoring the fact her choice of valve looked like a fried egg with an orange vase on a white plate in whimsy. It was eggcellent.

A shiver ran down her spine, like someone had meant her greatly ill or a grave insult... Ignoring the strange feeling she headed back down to check on Xia and also be able to buzz Keyla in and greet her when she arrived after having changed out her jeans into a more comfortable loose longer skirt and sandals for the warmer weather that kept going up slowly but surely. Keep this up and she be in a pretty little summer dress by Friday, not that get objections Marlin was sure.

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@King Tai
@Almalthia - like someone walked on her grave...

>>Siobahn, and her cooking @Almalthia Joel, over a Guiness @Pilatus Elise, fancy seeing her again @KatKook

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Ryan picked at the food in front of him, his appetite ebbing and flowing with the conversation. Listening to what Siobahn said, and the ensuing silence from Joel, made him question his entire life. Their opinions of Vika is...icy cold at best. There definitely is some dirty history between them all, including the people Siobahn mentioned but Ryan did not know. "Yes, meeting Bruno the German Ramsay would be nice. Maybe this time around he will let me have an opinion on his cooking. Thank you for the offers." Ryan said in response to Joel with a slight chuckle.

Then a voice was heard. A woman. At this hour, in this part of town. Rarely does the two combine in such a manner unless they have a reason of being here. Ryan paused his conversation when the woman was allowed in. Being a guest, he did not make his presence overtly known. He simply listened along to whatever that was said. The way the woman, a somewhat familiar one at that, went off about the cars in the garage brought a small smile to Ryan's face. So she is a petrolhead. Interesting. In his experience, women are either closer to the side of "Where do I put the windshield fluid?" or "Yeah, I can swap out a spark plug by myself." Rarely in between. This one, Ryan remembers her name as Elise from that one time at the festival with that one shy guy, is closer to the latter than the former.

In any case, as a guest of the location, Ryan remained quiet except a quick and friendly greeting to Elise.

Hello there! Are you still accepting? If so I’d love to join the discord before creating my character just so I can get to know everyone?

What more could a crippled ass girl ask for? Seeing how marlin was doing everything within her power to make Xia comfortable and the fact she was being taken care of in a huge manor like she was royalty, she should get injured more often! Nah, not really. She would take advantage of her English muffin like that but this was a nice accommodation. She could see how she was keeping her interests in mind with the stairs being a bit of a factor and wanting things easily accessible for her.

Xia smirked from her comments. Baaabe...I don't want you wearing yourself out just to take care of me. You're already doing so much for me as it is.. She said softly after sitting trying to get comfy. I think this is a learning experience for Carlo and that's saying especially how he needs to treat you. He probably still think of you as a snowbunny. Still showing tiredness.

After Xia closed her eyes for a bit while Marlin went to fix something light for them to eat, she soon didn't realize she was napping for just a few minutes before she'd get kissed and a wake up call, opening her eyes and looking up. Hm? She said and looked down at the food at the medication she needs to take while she ate. Thanks babe...didn't realize I was falling asleep. Show how comfy the sofa is She smirked and started chowing down after taking her meds and pulled up something on Disney plus. Wait what? Darkwing Duck? I'm watching that first babe. She gave a weak smirk.

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On Keyla's end, she called Carlo to come and get her as she would soon see that Marlin was calling her back. she answered. she could hear marlin was a mess. she wondered why she behaved like that with her. Not that she was an intimidating woman, she sometimes wondered if Marlin was a few cards short of a full deck. She still loved the English girl but damn!

Marlin, sweetheart. It's fine. I have Carlo coming this way now to get me. You can still send me the address for future references. But I'll be on my way soon. You don't have to get things all fancy for me. I'm just there to help take care of my tookah. that's all that matters. She said before Marlin went to go do her thing but she could still hear Marlin talking to her daughter. She must've forgot to hang up. That girl was a mess and she prayed for her daughter to have patience. Regardless, she knew her heart was in the right place. She soon just hung up from the call and waited.

Xia watched marlin panic. Babe...chill the hell out. my mom is not going to be judgemental. She will actually admire the size of the house being she never been in something like this. I'll be fine, do what you need to do okay, I'll call if I need anything She said continuing to eat and let Marlin go and handle her stuff. Was actually amusing but scary to see her in such a panic and this was what Xia was talking about with her wearing herself out doing too much.

After a bit, Xia could hear Marlin come back down. I'm okay babe... Knowing well enough just how she can be with anxiety. Xia truly wanted her to not be so antsy and to not worry so much but she still appreciated the effort.

it wasn't long before Keyla would ring the door bell with Carlo standing with her.

@PrinceAlexus

Taco Tuesday - Keyla Chaos

Marinalia
Marinalia had been under quite a bit of pressure to get things right so this working out was a great relief. The fact she was tired, too little sleep, rather a little concealer make up and had pulled together a miracle. It was tiring though she did not want to admit failing. Luckily any awkward moments had been pretty much worked though on that rather... Eye opening time spent stuck together during the blizzard.

Tired as she was, nothing, a coffee in morning and nap or so in the afternoon could not fix, or so she wanted to make her body believe anyway. Its opinions differed and did not agree with her mind's drive onwards. The sofa was rather comfortable, thankfully her female relatives had kept the male side from making it wall to wall leather, chrome and whatever else might have happened. "Il get an early night Xia, I'm good for now. Plus company is excellent. He can get used to me. He jealous?" Marlin was a bad liar, least to people who knew her especially intimately. Jealous of the fact Xia seemed so to slot into place with someone, and visa versa? It was a valid theory, though one that could wait for a more awake response.

Returning, Xia was slightly asleep or quite a bit asleep now and thought her way of waking up the sleeping Caribbean Cutie was a pleasant one. Lunch was rather light but given everything a light one seemed best. We'll if they wanted to keep their figures anyway, both had worked rather hard to keep in shape. "So much better than my old sofa. Frozen two one night though. I admit it. I like singing along." the sofa was a double upholstered sword, the desire to curl up for a nap was growing. Her enjoyment of a simple Crisp sandwich and some Disney was however not to last.

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Marlin had got past the whole previous nerve destroying phase though it was far from forgotten and still had her vulnerable moments when she struggled. The pressure of arranging everything and so just conspired to complete the perfect storm. "Il pop it over, tell Carlo to go by Park avenue, left at band stand. Roadworks. You deserved it for heading thousands of miles, without even blinking to help. See you Soon keyla."

Xias response quickly snapped Marlin from her other thoughts. "I know Xia... Yet then I'm scared it's not good enough. my luck has been... Shaky. Il get your phone tomorrow love." Getting up and heading to sort out the guest room hiding a yawn, she had things to do first. Marlin did not hide her emotions well from those close, especially in current condition with her guard worn down. The damage was mending, Just needed more time to fully heal.

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Marinalia returned a while later after sorting out the guest room as best possible a short time. It looked pretty homely and Oreo's... They were pretty universal right? Just because rushed, she could not be hospitable. "Thanks love" Leaning over Marlin closed her eyes and blinked but then then ended up curling up like a kitten next to Xia for a short nap. Finally giving in temporarily to her rather much overdoing things.

...

Startled hearing the gate buzzer, before blinking awake again and incoherently commenting and tidying her hair up a little. "Come on up, i'll let you in, you can park on the drive, il open the main gate." Hitting a button to open the main gates and closing the intercom, before heading down stairs, not quite as tired as before but still obviously having pushed things abit hard, for too long opening the front door to the Manor into the glass roofed triple floor atrium. "Mrs Alexander, welcome to Hephaestus Manor, you have our best guest room on the 3rd floor, let me know if you need anything." Formal greeting aside, her upbringing meant she had to things correctly, or least much as she remembered as technically she would be lady of the house, they also had a "lady" of the house too, but hey, confusion. "Keyla, thank you for coming, just thank you. Carlo Welcome, thanks for helping, we might have some beer left over, definitely got a few Rebellions in the fridge and some white wine. You're not on hug status yet though. " Hugging Keyla with a European kiss on cheek happily Marlin was rather glad to see her, much as a little anxious, she really needed the help right now, Marlins holding everything together was more fragile than she wanted to admit to anyone over the past few days of mentally and physically overdoing it.''Come on up, much more comfortable on the first floor. Xia awake, just weaker and easily tired.``

Waving them on up she gestured up the curving marble stairs and headed on up to the more comfortable upper levels and less ornate and overly formalistic design. Carlo could take it or leave it, she was doing best to be fair to him.

Pausing a second to have a quiet word with Carlo, she knew from Xia and his own Mentions he was less restricted in his means and methods. "Find that bastard and cash money, car, whatever. I saw her walking like she 80... She hurt, deep... Down. Put down on a nice apartment with your girl, I just want mine to be safe to live her life. Could end up your sister in law one day, help each other?

Coming on up with us? Or you want me to open gates? Free beer? " Hiding her other part of conversation, she would rather keep any arrangement quiet, though her rather protective streak of the woman upstairs was rather not hiding any time soon. Her father definitely was ruthless, she was not in his league but she had her moments. Especially if someone hurt her girl.

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Ethan nodded to Milo and watched as Milo walked back inside. Once back inside he looked at Victoria and smirked at her. "I treat everyone the way they present themselves. Take Milo for instance, nice guy. His interest wasn't in the right place but now it is. He presents himself as a nice guy so I treat him as such. You little miss and I have unfinished business. Where's your little boy-toy? Tired of him already? Poor kid. Didn't know he had a use-em-an-lose-em type of girl did he? Seems like we all learn the hard way. But you like to think you're shit don't stink. But before we get into all that let's do what the nice man said and move along."

Ethan hopped on his bike and turning it on the engine purring he pulled back and forward so that Victoria could get the car into the street. He planned on following her so that they could finish their conversation. She could pick the place if she wanted to. "Alright Princess let's go." He said Princess as if it were a dirty word and implied that she was quite the opposite.

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Siobhan smiled at the girl’s enthusiasm for cars. “This is Ryan Woods.” She indicated Ryan. “You might have seen him winning the cook off most recently. We have a few friends that will be dropping by shortly but I made more than enough food to go around. I also need to ask Ryan how my cooking measured up.” She grinned and pointedly held up her hand giving him the “just a second” universal sign.

Moving on Siobhan indicated Joel with a broad teasing grin. “Since you seem to be such a connoisseur of vehicles, you shouldn’t be surprised to know that the owner of the shop is also a hot shot Rebellion Rally winner; none other than Joel Nicolosi.” She laughed and it rang with an enchanting musical quality. “Plus he’s easy on the eyes, and the boss man. He has been known to throw his weight around. Just ask his Pit Crew.” Her attitude wasn’t possessive in the slightest but factual, at least to her it was factual, and her tone showed it.

Indicating herself she shrugged and stated modestly. “My name is Siobhan Murphy and I'm a bit of a bore, just an artist. Unlike these two interesting gentlemen. But seriously come sit down and have something to eat or would you like a drink?”

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