---

Milo shook his head as he got back indoors, those two were gonna rip each other apart. Milo set his glass on the table and sat down for a minute, he wondered what he was going to do to about knowing when Paige arrived, she will likely just honk or something. Milo thought a bit about the coming party, he had known Sio a bit, but this Joel fellow whose shop they were going to, he had never actually spoken to the guy. There was that one race, he was pretty sure Joel drove in it, but he hadn't paid that much attention, that too was back when he and Victoria had been together, he was never the one to gloat over an ex, but every memory still left him glad that Paige kicked his door in.

Speaking of the devil, the sound of a honking horn came through and Milo got up and went out into the drive to see Paige along with someone else in the car. Milo half sauntered to the rear door of the car and got in, adjusting a bit on the iron in his belt, "Well, looks like you made a friend, I'm Milo, though I assume she told you that." He clicked the seat belt and sighed, "And before you ask, no, I do not have my phone on me, I threw it in the ocean." he sort of chuckled, "I had a rough afternoon."

@Pilatus @Otterpop

Taco Tuesday

Victoria
Victoria, Milo she felt bad for, he loses his phone, Reel stick and then drama runs into the situation like the kool aid man slamming through a wall and demolishing half the building in the process. Why was her life so full of drama... Why? Why did drama have to follow a simple drive...

"Thankyou kindly Milo, I try my best. Enjoy your date. It's a lovely day for a barbecue." Being polite, Vika? She was Victoria earlier, now Vika? Was that just him being overly formal or a small friendly gesture?

Milo had one thing right. Hurt her family especially she was not exactly a nice person to have on the wrong side of. Years of computer skills, advanced technology experience and her former hacking background that while... Unused. She kept up to date with the latest attack methods in order to defend against them. You had to understand the weakness before you could patch it. "The fairer sex is anything but harmless when scorned." Adding with a icey glint to her dark grey eyes and small smile. The light glittering off her diamond ring that had so now famously certainly put the cats among the pigeons.

Once Milo had left, Victoria turned to face Ethan and paused for a minute or two dealing with a sudden queasy feeling and breathing slowly and closing her eyes to centre self and let it pass. Thankfully it passed and she has not eaten much in the past few hours.

Facing Ethan, his politeness that seemed rather not to impress Milo, all he needed was to shout get off my lawn like... Bruce Willas, no, Liam Neilson? She had been too busy to completely keep up on films of late. "You never said how you found me.

I don't demand to know where someone is 24/7. Stalking really is not a turn on for many people. So you can hurt him, me or use information to my disadvantage. Leave him out of our problems.

Not exactly recall chaining you in a basement and having my way with you like a smutty novel... Already have mermaids who sit on chairs. I'll see if we have guests arrived yet."

Climbing into her car carefully and leaving handbag in front footwell, a quick check confirmed that Keyla was there or on way, she did not need dragged into this when her own issues where pressing. Urgh, so neutral ground, his ground? Mount Atlas near the old hunting lodge ruins, beach... Somewhere not busy, really not wanting press to get hands on everything. His ground would mean she is vulnerable and her trust right now based on how he seems to find her was... Careful to say the least.

Oh Ryan... "OK, hope you found your answers. You never know what can happen tomorrow :) you too, stay safe Ryan. I met Ethan... This is gonna be a fun day.
VDRx" Hitting send and dropping the folding hard top as she looked over her shoulder seeing Ethan having backed away to let her off the drive. Race bike vs Bentley, that would have been one sided. "Your place, I might redecorate my dash if I drive up Atlas ridge right now. I assume you only have one property here right now oh Prince Charming?" not much point hiding her condition from the father of the child, much as not wanting to, somewhere with a bathroom and a sofa could be nice.

Replacing her sunglasses and backing out as the engine rumbled gently over the cracked pavement and through a pothole she barely felt with a gentle bump before checking he still was behind her. Pushing on the gas heading back through the pothole before driving off. His building was well known from the media, not the exact floor or so but the building was publicly known and hardly a secret.

Turning down a side road to avoid a lorry and forklift that was unloading or loading pallets from one of the small warehouse come factories in the area she passed a blue BMW Coupe fairly closely though some double parking that seems familiar. Nare... Could not be. That would be just too much of a coincidence right?

Slowing to pass the car and pulling away with a louder growl as the engine welcomed using more of the power, she was not a bad driver, what exactly was Ethan on about? No major scratches or dents, accidents driving since she turned 20.

...

Pulling up at Ethans building, Victoria parked up glancing over waiting for him to let her know where the parking was, street or let her into the underground area. Glancing around in her dark sunglasses trying to make sense of things, the sound still playing and hard top down. The Raven haired Brunette was definitely a little less inconspicuous in the dark purple grand tourer sports car. OK the sound system was being too accurate today on shuffle.



Mentions and Member berries
Ethan - the spy who doesn't love me. @Almalthia
Milo - mayor of Metal and RP melee weapon champion.@RoccanIronclad
Ryan - the Iron Chef. @Infinite Cosmos
Paige - little miss death star.@Pilatus
Manami - Tri Wizard beat down champion and creep slayer@Otterpop

Joel Nicolosi

Joel snickered a bit at Siobhan’s mildly formal introductions giving a comically large shrug as he continued to balance his plate on his knees. The food was damn good and he didn't particularly want to stop eating, but they were quickly running out of chairs and still had more company on the way. He was not at all surprised to have his hunch about Elise’ car problems confirmed as he stood up and maneuvered around Ryan to sit his plate on top of a rolling toolbox. The girl’s enthusiasm was cute and her car knowledge was a little unexpected, he feigned injury with a smirk rubbing his arm after she shook his hand vigorously. “Here,” He said, offering her his seat between Ryan and Siobhan with a small wave. “Might as well have a seat. I gotta get more chairs from upstairs anyway.” He said maneuvering around the group with cautious steps between the cars and the guests. There was a big beach-cooler on the floor, aged from years of regular usage with the words WAR CHEST scribbled ungracefully across the white top. He opened it with his foot and retrieved another beer though it’s contents were a wide variety of brews, liquors and a plethora of Rebellion energy drinks. “Whatever you want to drink, we got all kinds of stuff.” He twisted the top off with his shirttail and leaned for a glance outside past Ryan’s Mustang and the other cars outside looking for whatever Elise was driving; feeling the coolness of the evening beginning to settle while taking a long drink.

The cool air and the pleasant vibes combined with the growing number of cars outside were making things very nostalgic for Joel and he could sense the greatness of an unplanned party approaching. “That your little Hyundai out there?” He said examining the car from the bay door, not looking back at first, but then glancing over his shoulder at Elise with a pause once he saw he had her attention back from Siobhan. “If it’s running rough and you can hear it, it probably needs a timing belt.” He took another drink, thinking briefly how to rearrange the cars again so that Sio’s friends would still have enough room to park. There was just enough space for two side by side on the concrete pad out front. It was very reminiscent of the very old days: He could have three big dollar projects inside and two quick fixes going on the curbside followed by whatever insane party that flowed through the night. “You got the key?” He said with a hand open for her to toss them over. “We’ll bring it over here and have a look.”

@KatKook@Infinite Cosmos @Almalthia

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

---

"Your cooking is great, Siobahn. I'm not going to critique a free meal." Ryan said, offering a small chuckle. He cringed inwardly when Elise brought up the terrible first impression he made at the food festival. "Yeah, that. Terrible first impression. You've yet to come by my restaurant to allow me to make that up to you." Ryan said. "Though we're closed now, I believer I left you my number, so please call whenever you fancy some simple sushi." Ryan continued.

"And as to the tripping over girls... Um. Not really? At least not in the physical sense. Metaphorically, maybe. But thats the reason why I'm here tonight, to get some much needed counseling and to just generally be away from that chaos.." Ryan moved slightly when Joel offered Elise a seat to allow her to comfortably sit down. When Joel popped opened the chest cooler, Ryan took that as an invitation and grabbed himself another beer. A Blue Moon (tm) this time. Glancing at Elise, Ryan took a wild guess and reached back into the cooler, coming back out with another Blue Moon (tm) and offered it to Elise.

Meanwhile, when Joel mentioned Elise's car, Ryan's attention shifted with the conversation. He didn't know cars like Joel, obviously, but he was enjoying the easy flow of the conversations and the pleasant company.

Paige Kennedy

Paige glanced back quizzically, but before she could speak, Mio kindly informed them that he had thrown his phone in the river, intentionally. Her eyes narrowed slightly at him causally settling himself into the backseat. Part of her was not surprised at all; having known him for many years, it was not unexpected and the way the words came out of his mouth, throwing one’s phone into the water was a perfectly acceptable recourse for whatever had occurred. It was just the resulting inconvenience that would be a pain in the ass for a few days that put her off slightly. She put the car in reverse, thinking briefly on what might have set him off: some project that he would have to rework or some chunk of metal that was not being agreeable. “What the hell happened?”

Milo chuckled, "Well you would never believe it, but this mermaid popped out of the water and looked me dead in the eyes, she was beautiful, like nothing I'd ever seen. She told me about a city under water that she could take me to, all I had to do was give her tree fiddy." He knew this was gonna get a rise. "And I yell get out of here you loch ness monstah...." He chuckled a bit then continued, "Ana called while I was fishing, turns out I can't catch a fish hold a phone and light a cigarette at the same time, just happens that all I saved was the smokes."

Paige immediately rolled her eyes as soon as she recognized his bullshit tone, she didn’t even need to hear the rest of the story, however relented some when he said that Ana had called. “Glad you decided to save what’s important.” She said, shaking her head. Ana had never succeeded in getting Milo to quit smoking, but Paige resolved to pick up the reigns, confident that she would win eventually.

Coming down Southside Boulevard, the cityscape turned much more utilitarian though nothing beyond what she’d ever been around before: mostly aged single-story businesses, railroad tracks and weather-worn streetlights that hung over cracked pavement; some simply swung on cables stretched over road bobbing lightly with an evening breeze. Being terrible with directions, she kept an eye on the GPS in the middle of the dash set with the address from Siobhan. After a few turns off Southside, they rounded a bend as the evening was settling in and she could make out the round taillights of Siobhan’s Corvette, a red Jeep, and the brake lights of another car being moved next to another in front of a large garage door. “This is it,” She said, slightly peeved at the lack of parking and scanning around for a spot before carefully tucking up behind Sio on the curb.

Paige paused as she stepped up on the sidewalk and looked at the business sign above her for as she waited for Milo to walk up with her. Apex Designs with a flourish around the A a small phone number and SOL CITY underneath. Chatter could be heard and music played from inside while the evening streetlamps began to buzz on; a few had burned out long ago and were neglected for replacement. An unexpected, though slightly familiar feeling came over her as she looked at the slightly-less worn logo, the same as when she crossed the bridge earlier. Not truly a feeling of boredom or disdain, just of seemingly impending finality, like they didnt have much time left. She looked at Milo without a word. He wasn’t nearly the sentimentalist she could be, but there was no doubt he could sense what she was thinking.

Joel’s Shop Radio


@Infinite Cosmos
@KatKook
@Otterpop
@RoccanIronclad
@Almalthia

---

---

Mentions:

Interactions:@Pilatus @Infinite Cosmos @Almalthia

---

---

Siobhan smiled at Ryan's compliment. "Thank you Ryan. That was sweet. How much of that was because you're getting a free meal, that you didn't have to cook?" Siobhan teased him.

She watched Joel and Elise walk over to her car and turned back to Ryan. "She seems nice and fun. Fell at her feet did you? How'd that happen?"

Siobhan raised an eyebrow impertinently at Ryan then motioned over to where Joel was starting to work on the car. "Come on I love watching him work." She led them to a distance where she could observe and he could speak freely.

Siobhan watched as Joel quickly and efficiently took charge. He was parking just as Paige and Milo pulled up. "Looks like you get to meet one of the sleu of exs of the ice biotch."

Siobhan waved at the couple as they pulled in behind her.

Joel Nicolosi

Joel carefully stepped Elise’s Hyundai up onto the pad next to Ryan’s Mustang, the front tires groaning softly as they rotated over the concrete. He handled it gently as if it were just as valuable as any of the other vehicles around the shop. His hand searched momentarily for the hood release beneath the dash as he saw another car pull up; giving the handle a firm pull and hearing the mechanism release with a subtle thud. He took another long drink from his beer as he walked around the nose giving a wave to the newcomers before his fingertips slid under the lip of the hood and found the tab to allow it to rise. He set the bottle casually on top of a fuse box and set the prop as Elise came up to study what he was doing. If she was truly clueless about it, he was more sure of his immediate assessment just listening to it as he moved it. “These things have an interference engine…” He said taking the bottle in hand again and finishing it off. “If you don’t replace the timing belt, the valves and the pistons will start to touch.” His hands demonstrated pushing the top of the bottle into his open palm. “Bad things happen then.” He said with a small smirk, looking to see if she was following at all. “It’s a regular thing on these cars, yours is just starting to do it. Pretty easy fix, just a couple hours.”

@Infinite Cosmos
@KatKook
@Otterpop
@RoccanIronclad
@Almalthia

It was a nice lunch and very short nap but it as worth it. Seeing what all they could watch, this was going to be enjoyable. She was as comfy as she could get being the state she was in but she was still grateful for her honey bunny doing this for her. Now, she still wanted her to chill out and honestly, it was worrying her that she's overdoing things.

She didn't hear what she was talking about with her mother but she was sue her mom was not going to judge the house if it was not clean enough to eat off the floor but she knew her words would fall on deaf ears when Marlin and tripping out. Keyla, while on her way told Carlo where to go before they'd get to the place as she just wanted to get her eyes on her baby girl before getting to work to watch after her. She felt that Marlin was probably working herself to deaf and she needed to get there quickly to relieve this poor English girl.

Xia stared at Marlin rather sleepily, she saw when she came back after she mentioned she was afraid everything was not going to look presentable. Babe you deserve to rest. My mom is going to be grateful no matter what. She loves you and so do I and I appreciate that you'd bend over backwards for us. But no worries okay? She told her and watched her cuddle. As Keyla and Carlo made it, Keyla looked at the manner and stared on surprised. "Oh sweet Jesus..." She said looking on when they were buzzed in. As Carlo pulled up and they got out the car, she looked at Carlo. "You sure we're in the right place?" She asked as Carlo smirked. Yeah...we in the right place auntie...

Keyla came up when Marlin opened the door and welcomed them. Keyla, without saying a word, hugged on marlin. "That's sweetheart. And this place...I can't believe you have such a huge place like this." he said coming in and following while Carlo looked around. If only he could have a place like this. He'll always have some big booty hos around. Carlo looked at Marlin when she told him there was alcohol in the fridge and looked her up and down when she said he was not at a hugging level yet. Tch... Was all he said as he looked around. going up the stairs and heading to the guest room area, Carlo looked over to Marlin when she spoke to him about what she wanted.

Hey hey...I told you before, I'm on it. Me and my boys are going around asking questions and shit. You just make sure you do your job and watch after her. Did you get anymore information from her about who she think could have set this shit up? I'm not worried about beer but uh...I wouldn't mind a piece of that guap! (slang for money) He asked her. He went with her as Keyla spoke.

As they were getting to the room, Keyla looked over. "Honey, I'm just going to hang out with my daughter after my things are put up. You don't have to take care of me. I'm just more concerned for my baby." She told her. Xia was flipping through Disney plus. she was aware her mom was in the house but didn't see her yet and as much as she wanted to get up, she knew if marlin or her mom saw her standing and trying to follow, both of them would give her a verbal lashing and beating for not resting. marlin already did so much, last thing she'd want to see is Xia trying to do too much and the fact her mother is there, Marlin was probably trying to make a good impression to show she's taking care of Xia. So...Xia waited.

@PrinceAlexus

---

Milo sat back in the seat and kept a minor grin on his face, he knew that the inconvenience of his mishaps would be a task but it made for a good joke. He caught Paiges eye for just a moment as they passed the bridge, he had a feeling he knew what she was thinking, and all after he had finally thought he had found a place to stand his ground, but, if he had to leave, at least he would make sure he wasn't alone.

As the car pulled up and Paige got out, Milo went ahead and stepped out, he stretched himself out and looked over the group of people, the only one he actually recognized being Siobhan. "Well, Miss Murphy, I can already smell quite the cook out." Milo said as he walked up next to Paige and wrapped an arm around her waist to walk up with her, giving her a smile as he walked. Milo could see someone with Sio and two others messing with a car, presumably the mechanic Joel, however this party was a bit bigger than he expected, but, he had held boils bigger back home, he guessed it had just been some time since he had been around so many friendly people. He looked to Paige, "Come now, haven't lost your southern charm have you?" He held her hip a little tighter, something between egging her on, and keeping her close like a shield from his own difficulty in putting it on.

>>Siobahn, and her cooking @Almalthia Joel, over a Guiness. Paige, don't think they've met before @Pilatus Elise, fancy seeing her again @KatKook Milo, meeting him for the first time @RoccanIronclad

---

Ryan chuckled, then pursed his lips in joking protest. "None. If someone was to offer me food, but it being made poorly, I'd still judge it. I don't know. Call it an occupational hazard I suppose." He said, jovially, before taking a long pull from his beer.

"Ah. That. Well. I don't know. I tripped over something I think. It was during the night of the food festival..." Ryan said, shrugging slightly and peering over towards where Joel and Elise are currently.

As he was about to take another bit of the food on his plate, two more joined the party. Neither of which he has bet before. The male and the female most likely are an item, given the physical contact. The male also seems to be acquaintances with at least Siobahn, given the greeting. Ryan offered the polite nod, as the two approached the party.

Setting his utensils down, he leaned back in his chair and took another sip from his beer. He did not feel right to continue eating while new guests were joining them...

Taco Tuesday - Keyla Chaos

Marinalia
Marinalia knew she needed to rest but did not want to let down her girlfriend, especially when she was in a bad way though she would sleep much easier and far more happily knowing Xia was next to her and not hooked up to a ton of machines even if some recreational activities would have to wait a while. Of course she was right... But that did not help her brain entirely from derailing off course, sailing in an entirely new direction and hitting worry City harder than a free Irish bar. "Il try. Just the last few days, intense... If mum calls... I promise i'll rest, my mum will tell me off like I'm a teenager who borrowed her car if she finds out.. Knowing her she would turn up in person to do it!

Just Don't blame me when I'm crying into your shoulder during lion King honey. Or out of tune Frozen... Its catchy... Im a grown up when I have to.. "` Laughing slightly, Scar killing Mustafa, in Full HD? It was just ninjas and onions to Marlin and Xia might have a wet shoulder, hopefully Keyla not mind Victoria being about though honestly maybe the older woman might be a good thing? She had been there done that and might help reduce some of her sister's worries. Leaving her phone with Xia, it gave her some way to communicate and her smart watch would vibrate if she texted her own number. It was a little far for 5 minutes but Marlin was taking exactly zero chances with her wellbeing.

Yep it was her home, namesake Grandmother's originally though it was slowly starting to really feel like her home now. It had taken a while to get the place more homely and bring life to the old place but worth it.

The woman could hug, one more thing shared between mother and daughter, like their abilities to get through to answers and get people to open up and the rather bubbly infectious optimism. "Thankyou, It's your home while you're here. It was my grandmother's, I'm sure she happy with our use, if a bit Surprised by my relationship.

3rd floor... Go to front after stairs, right to 3rd. Guest room and your ensuite is far left on the corridor overlooking the park. Me and Xia are suite in Left, Vika my sister is right, she a bit queasy in mornings, so don't worry if you hear odd sounds." Smiling, she liked Keyla and trusted her intentions. If she meant to help, she was a good egg. Marlin really did not hide how close they were and what their relationship was like from her, honestly was better than her finding anything out not told by herself. Marlin was not exactly sure how much she had been informed about them and Victoria's situation.

Waiting as Keyla started upstairs, directions would help, the tour could wait till everyone settled in. Unflinching at his look up and down in a casual top and a mid to longer length loose skirt for the heat and comfort, slate grey eyes not giving him an inch though obviously tired and over taxed. "At least you're not competing for the girls now snow bunny has hers.

Oh, Intend to stay as long as she have me, hopefully one day with a different surname. I promised. I keep those. A little... Not much, she tired alot, the pain meds help but knock her out. I know you probably salty I was made temporary next of kin.

It was not a stranger... Someone she knew, somehow. They knew too damn much, and too little gain for it. Work maybe? I get her phone back tomorrow. Repair shop. May learn something. The time we talked... No mention of ex's, arguments or such. Time together... Nothing. She kind and helps anyone, only some looks given how we where not hiding it.

I have to consult my dad. He knows a banker here who trustworthy from his more grey jobs. You took my last cash, and I do not exactly think you take paypal. Give me a day or two." Marlin decided to confront an elephant or so in the room and also give him an honest update on her condition, given how hard she got hurt, information was still coming back together probably. Any other time she did not trust him and money but this was blood and family, a dick and an asshole at times but he would be on the right side when it came to this, even though she felt she had to justify her position a bit. In his words the lock was locked and hopefully remaining so.

Ok She was a little confrontational but Carlo, Xia recommended taking a strong hand otherwise he never respects you. Making their way to the upper floor roughly explaining some of the layout just in case anyone needed to know where the basics like bathroom were. The surname comment was a bit far, but she had to confirm she was serious about Xia, he would never accept the English woman if she did not fight for it.

"OK, if I do not rest, your daughter and my mother will be on my case. Again, or both working together! list on the fridge, just let me know if you allergic or got any favourites. I gotta do a run to shops tomorrow. It's no extra on my part, I planned to get some Caribbean with Xia originally before all this.

I'm gonna rest love, plus I think your mum might join the club if I'm not careful. Anyway, Need to find out if the mermaid truly loves the Royal navy captain or the pirate... Though swords and corsets... Pain to fix every time. That stuff expensive and annoying to get to fit."` Giving Xia a rather careful kiss and cuddle and her mum some time and privacy plus or minus Carlo as a family, Marlin decided to curl up in a comfy arm chair in far corner with a trashy romance paperback novel that was 50% cliche and remainder pointless love triangles. She was used to being teased about it and borrowed Victoria's ipod left on the side. Xia already knew what she had hidden in wardrobe corners, and insisted they show some off.

Chair good. Book good... Depending on perspective. Victoria's music tastes... At times questionable.

If they called her over, she would join but after all this Marlin was sure Xia and her mum, maybe Carlo had some catching up to do least for a bit. She could make up on cuddles in the evening if they did not want her about.

Mentions
@King Tai

---

---

Mentions:

Interactions:@Pilatus @Infinite Cosmos @Almalthia

Joel Nicolosi

Joel gave a slight smirk seeing the reaction in Elise that he expected. When he was full time into fixing cars, her exact expression was one that he had come to recognize often in women and men. Over the course of several years, he typically found women more receptive and easier to deal with when relaying what was often bad news. Men’s egos and pitiful attempts to best his automotive knowledge usually only led to further frustration. He gave a light shrug at her comment asking if he would take a card. The money he was being paid to drive professionally vastly eclipsed some of his best weeks while in the trade. He wasn’t making a living on it any more and couldn’t take her money in good conscience. It would just have to be her lucky day and she could chalk it up to being in the right place at the right time. She was cute. Maybe in a different timeline, he would have turned some game, but the thought was just a passing musing. He finished off his beer with another long drink and examined the War Chest for another. “Zero,” He said, referring to the cost. “I don’t have a timing belt here anyway.” Setting the prop down into position, he let the hood drop and lock with an affirmative thud. “Like I told Iron Chef over here,” He motioned with his bottle towards Ryan, “Just take it easy for a couple days and come back by here and I’ll pop it on real quick.”

Seeing the trio that arrived, his eyes narrowed slightly past them for a moment at the distinctive front air-dam of what he knew, even in the shadows of night, was an M3. The rare electric blue color under the streetlights instantly reminded him of Siobhan’s story of the blonde, Paige, having to pay out of her own pocket to fix after it had been keyed by none other than Victoria. He winced a little at the thought, knowing the cost, even for a small scar, had probably been in the hundreds, if not cresting a thousand at the BMW dealer. He gave a nod to the group, not sure of the third girl they had brought along, but satisfied that the women outnumbered the men. Nobody liked a sausagefest. He wiped his hands with a rag as they came to the main door. “What’s up?” He greeted. “Still plenty to eat, feel free to grab something from the War Chest.”

@Infinite Cosmos
@KatKook
@Otterpop
@RoccanIronclad
@Almalthia

---

---

Siobhan grinned at Paige and Milo as she motioned them over. "Paige. Milo. This is Ryan. Ryan, this is Paige and her boyfriend Milo. Ryan is being unbrainwashed. We're out to keep him out of the claws of the harpy. The harpy that keys cars and doesn't need walking assistance until she remembers that the cane was a gift from an ex." 

Siobhan wandered over to the fridge and grabbed a Guinness, a Blue Moon and a couple of options on dressing. She handed the Guinness to Milo and the Blue Moon to Paige. Smiling at Paige, Siobhan pointed at Joel and blushed. "So that would be the infamous Joel of legend. And thus that brings me to Elise. She just wandered in and she seems pretty nice. I'll be right back." 

Siobhan walked over to Joel grinning.All of the people I care about under one roof finally. I don't think I could be happier.  Reaching him she stepped into Joel's arms reach and hers as she caught his hand.

"So want to come meet my best friend, almost sister and another good friend of mine, her boyfriend?" Siobhan laced her fingers with his where their hands touched. She wanted to curl up in his arms but that could wait. She tugged him closer, grinning and teasing.

Paige Kennedy

Seeing Siobhan along with Milo’s words brought up a wholly unexpected feeling within Paige: That in some ways, a part of her was actually going to miss Sol City. While on the surface the thought seemed to remove whatever appetite she had brought along, it was the fact that things were vastly going to change in a way that she’d never expected in her entire life. As Milo tightened his arm around her hip, she gave his hand a squeeze, thinking about the magnitude of what she had asked of him- and that he had agreed to it. She was sure she was crazy and in the back of her mind she secretly wondered if he thought the same. It was a voice that wouldn’t be satisfied until the deed was done. In just a few steps her mind was starting to wander, but was returned to reality at the odd mixture of smells coming from the small garage. Something like a combination of a cookout and an old-fashioned gas station.

Her eyes glanced around more on the people than the plethora of cars crammed into the small space seeing the quizzical looks being aimed towards her and Milo, and Manami. There seemed to be some aura of familiarity between her and Ryan, who likewise seemed like she recognized him for some reason, like she had seen his picture before. “Hi,” She said with a small wave. Siobhan’s exuberance was infectious and she could feel a grin coming around her cheeks making her southern accent hang on to the greeting a little longer than she might have intended. Everyone seemed to make up a pretty chill crowd and she didn’t mind letting her usual guard down a little, something she knew Milo would appreciate. He was always after her to relax and let go of work. The mention of their car-keying acquaintance instantly brought up a shake of the head and an eye-roll as she took Milo’s shirttail to twist the cap from her bottle.

@Infinite Cosmos
@KatKook
@Otterpop
@RoccanIronclad
@Almalthia

---

Milo took the bottle from Sio and before he could say anything Paige was already twisting her cap off in his shirt, he slowly pulls out his keys where a church key hung, "Really?" And he pops the cap from his bottle off while chuckling. Things like this were something he had missed from when he was in Delta with Ana, cookouts and barbecue, nights drinking with friends, it had been a long time, though he left it all once, he could do it again.

Milo looked over at Joel as he came out, "Hello there, nice to meet you, Sio talked about you a few times, I'm Milo." Sio introduced Ryan and gave a stellar review of Vika, Milo just chuckled, "Well, I don't honestly think I have the desire to listen to Vika's drama twice in one day, so if y'all don't mind maybe give the boy a break for a bit." Milo took a drink and looked at the guy, "Ryan was it? Only thing I'm gonna add, if she is your friend, fine, keep her at arms length, she doesn't know how to build a healthy relationship, with the way her and that musician fight..." He just shook his head, "... But that's not my business anymore." Milo just tilted the bottle back again.

Caroline sat in her office at 92.9 for the first time in three weeks sipping on a chai-latte while reading a stack of cards and letters. It had been about six weeks since the explosion ripped through the city, and the city was moving on in it's own way. The police were still investigating. businesses and community leaders were showing signs of working together to rebuild but that unity was showing signs of cracking, and the conspiracy nuts were still rambling on about what "really" happened. For Caroline though it was the roughest times in her life. Amy and Scott, two friends and co-workers, were caught in the blast and Caroline felt responsible for their deaths. She was the one who not only helped Amy and Scott finally go out on a date, but she suggested the club as place to go.

It all came to ahead for her three weeks ago when she had a nervous breakdown. Caroline was doing everything she could to try and hold her career together. After all, she was in the top five for ratings in the market and number one in her time slot. Caroline couldn't let the station down or her loyal listeners which led her to taking a few uppers to try and keep her image up. Bob-O, the program director and her mentor, saw what was going on and he did an intervention. Caroline insisted that she was fine, and could do her show without the drugs. Caroline was wrong and to make it worse Caroline was on the air at the time that everything began to unravel, and Caroline knew what was about to happen. Luckily for her she was able to play an audio file which Bob-O always insisted they have ready to go. A file that contained an entire on-air shift with generic comments and songs set to go. Caroline was also lucky that Bob-O was listening and he got down to the studio seconds before Caroline was going to chug a bottle of cleaning fluid. Many in the station were wondering if Caroline was going to get fired, but Bob-O was a recovering alcoholic and he knew that with the right help Caroline would recover. The station paid for her to go to rehab and everyone supported her and visited as often as they could. Even rivals from other stations came to see her and wished her well.

That was all in the past through, at least that was what Caroline was hoping. She took another sip of her drink as there was a knock on the door. Caroline let out a small exhale and said with a small smile while reading through another card, "It's open."

The door opened and standing there was Darlene Popkin the station owner with a dozen roses. She rarely came to the station as she was inclined to trust Eddie Burton the G-M and Bob-O to run the place. but just because she didn't come to the station all the time didn't mean Darlene didn't care. She was an extremely wealthy woman who always took care of her employees.

Caroline stood up and almost spilled her drink as she said, "Hi Mrs. Popkin."

Darlene handed the flowers to Caroline and said, "Welcome back Caroline. It's so wonderful to see you again. How are you feeling?"

Taking the flowers and laying them in her desk Caroline replied, "I'm feeling much better ma'am thank you for the lovely flowers."

Darlene smiled and said, "You're welcome Caroline. I'm just glad you're back we got along without, but..." shaking her head Darlene said, "without you here something was missing. More importantly, I was so worried about you." Darlene reached out and took her hand and said, "One of the last things my dear Harold did before he passed one was to insist we bring you on board. You have been a wonderful addition to our station, and you're an even better person. If you need anything please let me know."

Caroline smiled and said, "Thank you ma'am. I'll remember that."

Darlene pulled out of her pocket a silver chip with blue trim and showed it to Caroline. Caroline's mouth slowly dropped open as she just stared at the chip and then she looked at Darlene who said, "I know what you're going through dear. You got the same chip when you left rehab as I did. I don't talk about it much, but you and I were walking the same road one step at a time."

Caroline came around the desk and without thinking threw her arms around Darlene and began to shed a tear. Darlene said, "You're not alone dear Caroline. I'll be with you every step of the way."

Caroline broke the embrace and asked, "If you don't mind me asking, how long?"

Darlene replied, "I've been clean for the last 18 years. My addiction was heroin. Having to be in the spotlight all the time or being Harold's wife was pretty demanding and yeah I needed something to help cope with it all. Bob-O though knew and he got me into the same program you went through." She shook her head slowly and said, "You and him are the only two people here who know about this. I'd prefer it stays that way."

Nodding slowly Caroline replied, "Understood ma'am. Well if you'll excuse me I have to go to production and cut a new 'CYA' file since I used mine about three weeks ago. Thanks again for the flowers and for the shoulder to lean on ma'am."

Darlene said, "Of course Caroline, and please if we're going to be helping each other ma'am ain't gonna cut it. It's Darlene to you."

Caroline smiled and the two embraced one more time.

>>Siobahn, and her cooking @Almalthia Joel, over a Guiness. Paige, don't think they've met before @Pilatus Elise, fancy seeing her again @KatKook Milo, meeting him for the first time @RoccanIronclad

---

Ryan had actually wandered over to the War Chest to dig for another beer to refresh himself while the other guests were coming in. The evening air, while cool and tinged with the smells of grilled meat and motor oil, did nothing for his thirst. Taking out another beer, Ryan twisted the top off and turned his attention back to the gathering crowd.

Joel refusing payment for his services was atypical, but expected. Ryan could already tell Joel is running the shop more from passion rather than a need for financial gainz. Ryan could respect a man like that, one who would work for passion more than money. Ryan, with his restaurant, is in the same light. His passion for cooking is what drives him. In all reality, if Ryan had another way to sustain himself, he'd be more than happy to make the food he makes and serve it to people who can appreciate it for free. He isn't quite there, but this evening is definitely shining some light on certain directions he can take his professional career.

Ryan offered the two newest guests a small nod as they arrived. When Joel called him 'iron chef' Ryan just chuckled. "You flatter me, Mr. Speed Racer. I'm just a humble cook, just like you're just a motorhead." Ryan hung back slightly as the rest of the interactions between all the attendees of the gathering unfolded.

Ryan just chuckled when Milo spoke his piece on Vika. "Honestly, at this point I don't even really know anymore. To be honest, I might be taking an extended trip back to Japan soon. A bit of soul searching and that. Like Joel said, I'm a cook. It is a profession I take very seriously. And lately, I feel like my edges have dulled. I feel like I'm losing my inspirations. Taking a stroll down the morning market and basking in the sights and smells of it all no long excite me. At this point, if I had to put a label on it, she is an acquaintance. I feel like I don't really know her to call her anything beyond that..." His voice trailed off. He shook his head inwardly as to shake off whatever feelings that are trying to sneak into his mind.

Also, for whatever odd reason, his attention seems to float towards Elise...

---

---

Mentions:

Interactions:@Pilatus @Infinite Cosmos @Almalthia @RoccanIronclad