Joel Nicolosi
-
Paige Kennedy

Joel gave a small shrug when Elise insisted on paying for the repair when an idea hit him. “How about a piece of art then?” He motioned with his hand, “Something for the shop?” He felt his arm being pulled and turned to see Siobhan wearing a broad grin with which he was very familiar. Simultaneously, Elise seemed to be catching Ryan mid-glance at her backside. The party was getting into full swing as he was shuffled over to meet the newcomers, Paige and Milo, both of whom he had heard a multitude of stories, in particular that Milo was a metalworker, which interested him. He fully expected a return on his vice-like grip as he greeted Milo with a handshake. “Glad you could make it to our little soiree here.” Glancing down to see that they had both been awarded a drink from the War Chest. When he heard the conversation turning towards Vika, he could only roll his eyes and give a shake of the head hoping the topic would change to something more interesting than everyone’s apparent turn on the community bicycle. Siobhan had indeed saved him from a lot of potential trouble.

Seeing Joel’s eyeroll garnered and a certain level of approval from Paige. There had to be other subjects more worthwhile to discuss. She returned his handshake more firmly than he looked like he expected with a slight smirk of fiery confidence. He was definitely the type for Siobhan and she got a good vibe from the natural interaction between the two of them- both obliviously weird and maybe a little offbeat, but in a good way. She took a drink realizing it had been a long while since she’d had a beer from a cooler. As Ryan spoke to Milo, her mind was working out why he seemed so familiar until the memory finally called up an image she’d seen a few weeks back. “You’re the one that won that cooking contest, right?” She said remembering some story from Siobhan about Joel being a guest judge and a wild party afterwards. “I remember seeing it in the paper.” Her eyes narrowed slightly and she nodded her head a bit in affirmation of the memory.

Joel’s glance drifted towards Ryan as he finished off another drink. “Back to Japan, huh?” He said. “Just came back from there not that long ago.” He chuckled a little as Elise introduced herself again. “Yeah, you crashed the shit outta this party.” He teased and opened the War Chest with his foot to retrieve another beer. “Damn freeloader.”

Paige shook her head a little at Joel’s picking at Elise. He was exactly as described by Siobahn. She had started to introduce herself and Milo before the girl seemed to have to take an important phone call before returning. “Everything alright?” She asked with an eyebrow slightly raised. “I’m Paige by the way,”

@Infinite Cosmos
@KatKook
@Otterpop
@RoccanIronclad
@Almalthia

Fires of Spring



The Fire festival of Sol begins.

As the spring light begins, and life begins to return to the world, plants grow and the birds return.

An old tradition of Sol dating back to the founding of the city, the great fire where the spring is celebrated, burning the worries of the past and starting afresh. "In writing and casting them unto the flames of spring, let the light you be reborn anew"

Now it's grown, changed but the tradition remains down the generations of burning the past worries upon the spring fire. The great fire lighting up the sky at dusk, and declaring the start of spring and a new beginning for the city.

Cast off your worries and make a fresh start, explore the small stalls, historic reenactments and enjoy the atmosphere of the fair. Embrace old fashioned foods, historical accessories, stalls and all manner of oddities and intriguing items.

As always. Any questions or help required feel free to contact us in thread, PM or Discord.

---

News and Events

City Hall faces Light Lane Resistance.

In the news of the potential demolition of Lightlane, the Run and several other areas in a major redevelopment of Sol City and businesses deals regarding a new sports team being established, the reaction of locals in the area has been less than welcoming.

A collective of business, private citizens and voluntary donations from various sources have started to put to together a case to challenge the decision and keep the bulldozers and wrecking balls away. "This city, this is one of the few areas where big businesses do not dominate, it's all families and local owned and run. The loss to the city's character would be immense.

My father worked hard to establish our restaurant, the Shawarma Palace food is genuine, and made with pride and care not just price per serving minimum cost. Sol City risks losing one of jewels, please help us protect Sol, and keep it open for everyone, big, small and independent. This is not just a building, or a sign with a name we can move. It's years of effort, hard times, good times and sacrifices to get this far.`` An emotional quote from Daniel Jackson, Owner of Shawarma Palace and retired Military consultant for the United States Air Force.

I got similar sentiments when I spoke to many businesses, somewhere afraid to talk openly, citing the involvement and rumored criminal connections of some of the project's backers.

We reached out to the people behind the proposal to redevelop the area however we got very little new information, that "All would be well compensated above market values" and "Everything is legal, and will be done as per the book down to the last permit. Rumors always exist. Our conduct will be of highest standard, as befitting our values and ethos."

So, where do you stand?
Let us know your opinions on the project, light lane and the cities desire to attract big business to Sol City. We will publish responses in a future edition if you give permission.

Signing off.

_{Sooki Stackhouse.
Freelance reporter, formally of Bon Temps Beau, Louisiana.
Story rights purchased by Star Messenger and published in partnership with Old Harbour Chronicle magazine.}

Sol City Vampire turned out to be false. Cult of Sangus disbands
Claims of Vampires in Sol City Unfounded. Expert study finds no cause for concern.



In less weighty events the Cult of Sangus have disbanded after the founder William Compton "Pointy" was caught attending a lunchtime Yoga class in Corona Park. While the Cult has a degree of suspension of disbelief, this event has caused a collapse in their membership.

I have been following this group for a few years now, their niche group has been at the center of some stranger events such as the protest over undead rights, blood banks equal rights and the garlic ban of 2017.

Right now Mr Compton was last seen fleeing the scene and boarding a flight to Sunnydale, Calafornia with I quote his rather jilted if a little deluded lover. "A Loony Toons skanky bitch with a British accent. (Redacted)... She turned up all blonde, short skirt draping all over him like some skanky blanket.". Her remaining comments were too colourful to print but she I suspect she might be a sailor in another life.

Finally to address the million blood drop question. No, there are no Vampires in Sol City. That was just a slightly strange goth who really needs some vitamin D. So stay safe, and enjoy the coming spring free knowing Sol is yet to attract the undead. Umbrella Corp please don't make me retract that claim.
(claim not valid for Sunnydale. We all know Calafornia is Crazy, Sunnydale takes the cake. High school there was like living over a hell portal!)

_{Buffy Summers - PHD in Vampiric and occult lore - Sunnydale University
Facts confirmed by Rupert Giles, Peer reviewed, published, expert in Occult studies and retired member of Council of Watchers, London, United Kingdom.
Local News and Events
Star Messenger}

BONE raids - Crystal Skull recovered in South Side.

Bone, Bureau of Necromancy Experiments have mounted a dramatic raid in which several were detained and a Crystal Skull thought lost during a robbery in 1997 was recovered in Southside. The group where stated to be attempting to raise a goldfish named blinky and empower it to "lay waste to there foes like a godzilla on a rag"

BONE have stated there was no danger, and that the group were basically some rich bored and edgy teenagers acting up and their actions were unviable. No formal charges were filed but were warned that Necromancy without a federal General Residential Arcane Violations Exemptions, GRAVE was illegal, and further violation may risk registration on the Total Occupational Magic Ban, TOMB list.

Part of the combined international task force set up to keep the living living and dread dead, BONE works regularly alongside the Slayers Council, PYRE of Russia and GRIM who remit to protect the boundaries of living and dead are internationally empowered as part of the REAPER Convention of 2017.

_{Sam Winchester
Southside News and reports desk
Star Messenger}

WEATHER

Starting out warm and partly cloudy with minimal risk of light showers in the morning clearing up by noon and remaining so until the evening. Expect a warmer night with changing seawinds keeping humidity low and comfortable.

Higher chances of rain in the Atlas Mountains, Old Sol Airport and surrounding areas are unlikely to be effected and remain dry.

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.

Thursday

Victoria
Victoria was still annoyed, frustrated and several hundred dollars or garage bill to pay to have her car checked over unsure how Ethan had found her and checked for bugs. Course they not found anything and billed her a nice chunk for the time. How, how on earth had he happened to turn up that afternoon, she hated mysteries, especially ones of her own personal life. Throw in Ryan and the uncertainty there and the who dunnit on tracking her... Migraine worthy.

Xia and Keyla certainly had livened up the house a bit in their own way, of course forcing Marinalia to relax had taken a bit of effort. Her sister could not be called anything but an unwelcoming host though if the fridge and cupboards were well stocked with something for almost everyone in the house including Caribbean, Russian ice cream, European and those damned addictive American cream cake things. Curry, Pasta and for some unknown to anyone but her parmesan cheese on top, why? Who knows, no one could get at her for not eating properly though, even if it was for breakfast.

Victoria really was not a morning person in an old comfy t shirt, pajama short clad legs not touching the floor and hair tied back into a loose ponytail to keep out while cooking, sipping a Coffee, wishing it to be caffeinated by sheer intention. Marlin and Xia would be a while, Keyla she did not know yet if she always was always an early riser. A little envious how by sheer chance the two despite everything and all the trouble, well they worked and were cute together, they never seemed anyway to notice how much they held hands or just the little stuff. "Morning keyla, Kettles still hot, milk was off. Use the green in the top, well smelt off to me anyway..." Not quite yet up to advanced subjects Victoria yawned and turned back to breakfast. She still looked somewhat alarmed at how lightly built and shorter Victoria was and not entirely healthy weight but she had been like this since a teanager and always struggled to change the fact. She was less steady but could manage round house unaided. It has taken Xia a bit to not instinctively want to help her or think something was wrong.

Looking out the window towards the garden, it was cloudy but warm, even the Marble floors, Wooden boards and granite countertop were not quite so cool recently. No appointment today, least she had that luxury not to be in hospital on a nice day.

Browsing the paper on a tablet left in the kitchen, Cult of Sangus, wait. Vampires. Seriously... Blonde... Oh... Quickly. Forwarding that one to Marlin when she awoke from her infinite slumber. Lawsuits and protests, light lane was a rather nice area be sad to see it demolished adding her name to the online petition. Bone... Reaper. Tomb. Someone thought they were punny. Governments should not be allowed puns.

The Vampires... Really, from the level thete it seemed like they went to a certain red head for quotes about them. Least Southside only had failed Necromancy this week.

---

Time had strange effects, you never really noticed a change that happened slowly, little by little where someone who had not seen you would see it straight away. She had been so busy with everything, the whole argument and stress, time had decided to sneak up on her.

Finding a cute purple fitted spring/summer dress, the zip came up but Victoria definitely was showing in that one. A small bump but rather obvious if you were looking for it. "Really... No hiding it soon. " She had picked it up alongside her coat that had a model like that so that least was a vote of confidence in the choices.

Digging a little, a box neatly wrapped in tissue paper inside and monogrammed and folded to a standard she doubted could be replicated if she had all day to spend on the task. The coat was a little silly but it was also entirely handmade in London, custom panels and Fabrics waterproofing, hidden pockets, detachable hood and fastenings and the option to adjust as her changing body needed, she had probably spent way too much but getting anything in her size was... Interesting to say the least. Asia maybe but their styles did not always suit her. Adding the Silver raven pin, she always liked those misunderstood creatures.

That all made things very realistic... The clock was ticking and there was so much to do before she was too tired, aching and distracted to concentrate on the major stuff well as Victoria would like. Resting her head in her hands, she sat on bed, too much. 6 months and everything changed ready or not. Maria, Marla... Marla would know. Thank the fates her somewhat aunt in law liked her. First things first, call Marla. Then work from there, make a list and start at the top what was done, what needed doing and what was nice to have done. Least her legal side was sorted, medical was managing. Just the practical... Lots to buy and sort out.

Grabbing a pen, it did not take long to write a list out to cover, turns out baby brain was a thing. Lists where becoming a rather close friend..

---

From the balcony she could hear the sounds of the festival preparing, they had been setting up for a while now, the trucks carrying materials, tents, stalls and more besides has been running without pause for 2 days. The amount the city spent on festivals was insane probably . They had been here a matter of months really, at least 3-4 major parties and festivals all funded by the city. The Mayor really loved to entertain the people. Sure he could be a bit silly from the news and not always the best but he definitely knew how to bring the city together.

The tradition sounded good though, Victoria definitely needed to cast some things into the fire and hope the new year decided to bring good things rather than bad. Isosef was about, Marlin probably would have her plate full looking after Xia, she had met some people in the city so she might bump into someone she knew. Ryan still had her somewhat confused by her feelings, urgh, chalk one more thing to what she did not understand.

Making a choice, grabbing her coat, hand bag and finding some earrings to match, Victoria was determined to least look presentable even if she was rather confused and currently despising mysteries. "Going to festival, Don't worry i'll take Isosef, With me. No need to report me to Maria Mali. Left a note. See you there if your going. Xia, remind Mali to rest and enjoy herself too!" Malin had taken great care of everyone but she really needed to just stop stressing the little stuff.

The festival was busy but not mega packed; she could navigate easily, a little less steady on the grass however hard packed and laid down grating with Isosef keeping her steady in the worst parts. Victoria was wandering, already having found a nice bracelet at a stall making Nordic style ones and a gift for her dad's birthday that could keep for a while.

With time difference and work, yeah, be evening before she could call Marla if she free today , might as well make most of it and enjoy the festivities.

Mentions

Thursday

Marinalia
Marinalia had a rather diffrent week than she planned or ever really expected but notone she would make a diffrent decision to help, or decide that her girlfriend was not worth the hastle even if it would be a difficult weeks to months for Xia to fully heal, maybe longer to recover her job fully back and skills but it was worth it.

Carlo had been paid. The house was stocked with everything everyone wanted, OK maybe she was overdoing but she was going to make life least good in some ways. Smiling to herself as she woke up with Xia asleep next to her and slid out carefully not to wake her feeling the need for a shower to wake up and lazily basking in the flowing hot water singing along to Dinsey rather well though would never admit to that one to strangers. The joy of waterproof speakers hidden away meant no need to risk frying her phone too that was a handy innovation.



Heading out hair wrapped in a towel and dredging round for some clothes to wear, the festival could be hered even back here faintly though the thick insulated glazing a little. Unsure what to do she would need to ask Keyla and Xia and see what they wnanted. Obviously it was definitely a lie in as she could hear Victoria shouting on her way out through a door as she was never a early morning person... "I'd not Call Maria... I want to do it oh younger sister. We will, stay safe Vika, you have fun." Shaking her head at her Victoria as she found somthing abit more basic in designer Jeans, a comfy t shirt and sorting out her hair, magic... Well it was easier the explaining how you use air currents, computers and various engine modes to keep it airborne at different times. Her flight jacket was resting on the back of a chair of she wnated to go out, better try and ake Xia up, she could be grumpy when hungry though so better wake her before breakfast entirely became lunch.



Giving Carabian sleeping beauty a kiss on her cheek and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Wake up sleepy, you are cute when your sleeping but wake up babe. We need to do your Physio, breakfast and I need a kiss." Smiling, sure it was not the most romantic thing ever but right now, she was happy just to have someone to cuddle and hold her hand after the shocks of this week. It was only temporary, hopefully they could just remember the good bits in the future.

Doing her best to help somewhat unsure exactly how to do it perfectly and Learning along the way to do things, her horse riding at weekend was optional, one day she convince and her girlfriend to give it a go in reality.

---

Marinalia felt abit guilty leaving Xia with Keyla however the older woman had a core of Steel when she wanted to and basicly told her to go out and enjoy the festival going on outside and they would join her if Xia felt up to it. She was rather firm but kind telling her to stop worrying and she could handle things.

One last gentle hug Marinalia was walking down the curving marble stairs. Least the overpriced food was not a issue if could not be bothered to wait in the queues and just nip home. Victoria was already off exoloring where ever she was. Rather casual in t shirt, riding boots, jeans and her flight jacket hanging open she really escaped note bare the real gold wings glittering in sun light, patches and vintage aviators that where not always easy to find.

Even with the fires not lit yet the festival was lively and the stalls, where rather varried from the rubbish to the genuinely nice stuff and more beyond. BONE? no, just some similar police acronym wandering about. The other article Victoria sent her, did they interview Siobhan about them and get confused?

Several stalls later, quite a few items not right least she had some idea what to get but not perfect. Her mum was really tricky to buy for so you had to shop in advance. Now if only she stop teasing her about needing the jewrally vault after hearing her new living arnagements... She had rushed everything else, she would probbly not say no... But not rushing to ask either...

Lopping round and grabbing a coffee from the Solbucks stand watching some. Italian by the guess of the flag pin they wore cry at the concoction she was reeling off. "One White Choclate mocha, extra shot, vanilla syrup, cream and mini marshemmlows topped with some Choclate sprinkles to go please, packet of pom bears, yes I do have a card, and yes, I really do." Sipping thr over priced sugar concoction, ahh.. That's the ticket, she got thr odd question if the wings where real, most where too locked known worlds to really notice what they meant though. "What, salted, red ones. Thankyou."

Happy with her sweet treat and a snack, Marlin loved them when she was a kid and a grown up. Plus not nasties in them. Glancing about for anyone she knew and running a blank deciding to buy look for somthing cute as Auntie Mali, and hopefully a present for her mum.

Mentions
@King Tai

Joel Nicolosi

The engine howled happily with a downshift and settled into a gentle pur as Joel approached the small fold-up tent. The nose bobbed slightly in front of his view as the suspension rolled over divots in the concrete tiles composing the taxiway of the crosswind runway at Old Sol International. His eyes glanced up and down, partly watching his approach while also checking the readouts on the steering wheel display: Brake temps, tire temps, oil and water readings. The Aston’s V12 snarled heartily as he dropped one more gear into first. He popped the DRS one more time just for fun glancing in the mirror to see the wing open and seeing the function come active on the small screen before it snapped shut with another press of the button. He glided beneath a second tent flanked by toolboxes and bordered by the massive hauler that Tommy had bought, still emblazoned with #75 and Joel’s 300ZX, although the words Sol City GP Champions and picture of the trophy had been added.

Stepping out, Joel removed his helmet along with the tethers from his Hans device and set the whole apparatus on the roof of the car, running his hands vigorously through his matted hair before pulling his ear plugs. Music played from the hauler’s speakers, dropping in and out randomly as they had also tuned in with ground control. Joel glanced over his shoulder in the distance at the sound of heavy underwing engines whistling with steady throttle as a UPS 767 eased in on approach on the main left, north-south runway, gear down and flaps extended, the wingtips rocked with each adjustment by the pilot. Joel glanced past as the tires touched down, watching the steady movement of the clouds of midafternoon as sunlight blinked shadows over the open expanse. It wasn’t a busy afternoon and getting the time on the unused area of the airport was no problem, he turned to a small table with a laptop and slid a pair of sunglasses on to shield the brightness of the concrete pads from his eyes.

The keys rattled beneath his finger prints while a voice came up from behind:

“Well, how’d it go?” The Neo City accent of Joel’s old crew chief, Lou, was unmistakable. As usual, he had a headset halfcocked off one ear and a tablet in one hand.

Joel shrugged, “Definitely nice having the engine back in front of me again,” Joel chuckled. His eyes scanned the laptop screen without looking back. “Fronts don't wanna get up to temp fast enough, I don’t wanna burn through tires before we learn anything,” He said, his face twisted quizzically at some of the data. “The Brits definitely build a different car than the Germans.” He said scratching his head.

“Otha guys workin’ on ya ride, gotcha soft eh?” Lou chuckled. “Looked good from where I was sittin’.”

“Ha!” Joel cackled. “They do what they get paid to do and I… I do what I get paid to do.”

“Drive and look pretty, huh?”

“Yeah there ya go,” Joel smirked. He turned and lifted an air hose from the ground and hooked it into the hood port. The car immediately jumped up a few inches onto its jackstands. Kneeling down, he ran his fingertips over the shape of the right front tire and tilted his head slightly looking at the suspension. “Brakes felt good, seemed like they were right in the range, we can probably close the ducts up some more, we’ll be going wide open long enough to keep them cool I think. Bump stops could probably be shaved, give us some more flexibility…”

“Whad else is on your mind?”

Joel snorted at the question and shook his head, not looking up. Lou knew him about as well as anyone. “Nah, nothin.” He said with a shrug. “Same ol’ shit ya know.”

“Women gotya inna bind again? I thought you had settled on the redhead.” Lou asked.

“No, not that,” Joel said standing up and wiping his hands. “Just seems like the city’s changing and I don’t know if it’s for the better.”

“You been listenin’ to that conspiracy crap in the middle of the night again?”

“Nah, all you gotta do is read the paper now, it’s been that way for a while,”

Lou chuckled a bit, “Well that’s the way it goes sometimes, why yous thinkin about gettin out?”

“Yea, before they raise my taxes any more.” Joel snickered. The breeze across the airstrip picked up a bit and he breathed it in heavily. “Just feels like I’ve got everything I can outta this town lately, might be time to do somethin’ different.”

---

---

Up to her wrists in developer Siobhan was working on processing the photos from the flower shop and the barbeque, which was a success. She had a few that were hanging to dry and was taking her time on the others. “Never rush perfection.”

Siobhan had booked four hours on that Thursday when she knew that the classes were not in session so that she didn’t run off any of the students. Since it was Spring they could be taking or were studying for finals.

Within the first hour and a half she was done developing and all of the ones she wanted to do by hand were drying so that she could cut them afterward. The candid shots from the party would be for the people involved. Joel, Paige, Milo, Ryan and Elise.

Her favorite photo by far was the one that she took of Joel just before everyone left. He had those bedroom eyes of his practically screaming “Come here. Now.” Siobhan shivered each time she saw it.

There was a very nice one of Ryan and Elise talking looking cozy. They looked good together. That boy deserved someone that wouldn't ruin his life.

The snap of Paige and Milo. That was brilliant. It showed off both of them smiling at each other happy and content. Siobhan recalled they had kissed quickly after that. This picture she had done in color, but had washed it down to a pastel rather than the full bright color. It gave the photo an ethereal quality and sweetness that Siobhan thought Paige might appreciate. Or at least Siobhan hoped so.

Siobhan had posted some of the photos online and tagged the others in them. As expected they were getting a lot of attention. Most of the questions she'd received were asking her to confirm if that really was Joel in the picture or if that was the chef that had recently won a Chef Bruno competition.

She answered all of those questions and more. There was one that stuck out to her as a little odd. Someone had anonymously asked about "the pretty blonde". It wasn't so much the question but the way it was phrased that bothered Siobhan paired with the questioners anonymity. That was the one question she had ignored.

Pushing the dark thoughts aside, Siobhan tested the photos and found that they were all dry. She packed everything up in the darkroom and headed outside. Washing up she called Joel.

Paige Kennedy

The small safehouse the Marshal service had offered Paige after the attack at her apartment was really nothing more than a cottage hidden down in a fairly ordinary neighborhood not far from the university. With just one bedroom, a living room, a galley kitchen and full dining room, it was very awkwardly layed out, feeling both big and small at the same time. Tucked at the end of a slowly curving street inside an alcove of trees, it was inconspicuous and easily defensible and though that was the point, Paige absolutely hated it.

The furniture inside was no less unassuming and bland. Many of the few items she had brought over from the apartment were still in boxes in various places on the floor, some still marked with her writing from Florida having never even been opened since her move to Sol. The whole house felt like the refuge of an aged recluse and the loneliness therein made her spend more and more time at Milo’s shop. Even if he wasn’t there, his shop still felt more like a home and the aromas of molten metal and gun oil just carried an air of familiarity. While on the surface, she had no doubt in her abilities to defend herself, she couldn’t deny, down deep, that being around him satisfied an innate need to feel secure.

Her phone sat on a small wooden vanity that she was sure was much older than her, hooked in from the charger playing another familiar 80’s list. Fresh out of a shower, she sat in front of the mirror brushing out her hair. Her lips moved with the words and though there was no one else around, she couldn’t stand the sound of her singing voice. Fleetwood Mac wasn’t really her favorite, but while her hands were busy she let it play though. She could handle the soft harmony of Christine McVie, but the raspy echoes of Stevie Nicks were something else altogether. Still, being a female from the South, there was some mandatory ritual about not dissing the most coked-up and scandalous “rock” band in history. She couldn’t help but sing a long a little bit louder, just over as whisper as her hand pulled the brush through a tangle.

Siobhan was over at the university. She could swing by, pick her up, go by the office downtown for a bit and then have dinner with Milo somewhere. After the impromptu party down at Joel’s, she was holding on to every minute, seeing in her mind the time that was coming after which nothing would ever be the same again. Her hands worked blonde lockes into a loose braid that hung over her shoulder while for a moment she looked at herself in the mirror, her own stoic expression staring back at her as the music played and her fingers worked. Her eyes glanced away and she shook her head, finishing the braid with her hands.

Throwing on her leather jacket, she dug in the pocket and pressed the keyfob hearing the car chirp happily outside. The driveway, like the rest of the house, was oddly placed, wrapping around the back of the house at an angle that hid the car from view. The old concrete step was uneven out the back door, but she was used to it glancing down at her phone, not expecting the sharp blow that landed across her head.

Thursday

Victoria
Victoria was wandering the Market slowly and a supportive arm from Isossef as despite the dry weather the mut still did not make the best ground for the snowflake canes metal tip and the crowds around where building up. Preferably independent the difference was that even her pride has to recognise when help was required.

Passing a small stall of some scented candles and soaps fairly quickly unsure which ones was a little unsettling, not majorly definitely not her choice right now, that was just plain odd but what was normal? Did Victoria even have a normal?

Pausing in a clearing type area that had been built round the large fire that had been started but the massive edifice wood would take a while to build up a major flame. Only when it was impressive would any of the fire related events be happening. For now it was nice just to be out the crowds with more room.

Hearing a noise from her handbag, the Russian song chosen for the sole reason that she did not have the whole confusing whose phone was that moments. "Mali, yes im looking after self, no need to keep tabs oh older sister. What. Yeah im atill at the festival, near fire, why... Fine, near the stand with the large doughnut mascot."

Marlin stalked her way across the festival to find Victoria, seeing the image via a local twitter feed on artists and art. The photos she had ignored till she saw a caption... One in particular stood out... Ryan Visually did not match but unless he had a twin running about. Iron Chef contest... Definitely... That looked a tad cozy. It did not take long to work out her oh so calm and care bear sister needed intercepting and directing before she caused herself more problems... Marlin knew Victoria has been a little friendly to the chef and had a degree of issues with insecurity and relationships. If anything like her last reactions to things...

Marlin had her issues sure, but Victoria definitely had one around insecurity. This would have to be handled carefully, but firmly. Hooking Victoria's smaller arm into hers and leading her to a small side cafe carefully but no backing out. "Sorry Vika, but the last few times you made things way worse for yourself. Listen to me, please.

Two teas, both decaf and pair of ice cream please. Keep the change, tables please." Placing the sunglasses on the small table they found and looking into the matching pair of slate grey eyes firmly. Accepting the order and handing over a crisp note to a Teenager whom decided that a good idea to be elsewhere from the minor glare between the two probably related women."Thank you, treat yourself. fine, here. I saw this on a art feed, before you jump to burying someone at sea wrapped in anchor chain, its just a photo, no more, no other details." Handing over the phone and the pictures, was it a overreaction but with Victoria... In her present condition. Her reactions where very much not predictable.

Victoria glanced at the image that was Ryan, she was not sure what to define the relationship as... Had he lead her on, or used her emotions? Had she messed things up? He seemed interested before he left a note, but now Victoria was questioning her initial judgement a little more out of a lack of information to go on that outright suspicion. Victoria saw him smiling and laughing round a pretty normal woman, a woman who could dance without support, go out for a jog or not worry which route you took in Atlas Mountains or across the city because the sidewalks had fallen apart. "Il be calm Mali, you can unhook my arm. its not like i can out run you. you could pursue at a fast walk and not even worry on this ground.

I don't know ok! I just do not know what im feeling right now. Way too much going om, too much to do... I promise il not harm any cars or motorbikes. Ugh, I messed a few thing up yes. Little Miss red head, seriously, she has it in for us or something? Its like she our personal bad luck charm? " A little sour at the whole being fact being less physically able. Ok maybe exaggerating but id id seem more confidence at times how small this gigantic city was! Millions if people and somehow she popped up?

Deciding it was safe and turning back to her ice cream, her sweet tooth was rather sweet so a stop for ice cream was not exactly unwelcome. "ummm.. Not quite that place in mountains but not bad.

Maybe not after one of Milos work outs though. And mopeds, or other things that move Vika." Trying to lighten things a little, she had blunted the anger though forcing her issues head on and hurting Victoria never felt good. it was for her own good, who knew what might happen but least she had controlled the delivery and prevented her from taking it out on some poor car. "She seems a tad vexed with us, Make you feel better, question channel, Lets have a little fun. you still got the old account? One in that silly code you and your ex used?" That was a silly one but at time it appealed and still did using a modified personal Ceaser cipher that alternated using her name as a key as his was too long for it to be practical. "No harming things with engines...Yeah... Never deleted it. Good memories. Ooh... That's shameless distraction Mali... You did buy me ice cream though. Im in." It really was shameless nut it worked for now, Trolling was fairly harmless, Victoria out of heat of the moment would think first. "Know you too well. If he was playing your feelings, we can forget that promise though. Wonder how little miss red riding hoe feels about blondes... " A little bit of quiet drafting on a small note book out of Marlins hands bag.

ToriLon1997

Lovely photos, you really have a eye for composition and golden ratio, that white Greek-en dress and blonde look at racing event looked great on you when we saw you.

Keep up the awesome work :)
Tori

"50 bucks she bucks you and not even reply. Aunt Mali still takes some getting used to. Lighter stuff, we can talk over the rest later." Victoria pressing send and smiling, sure the bet would be lost most like but they could go out for lunch somewhere nice on edge of Corona park or perhaps head up to mount Atlas on a day both free. "You have easy part, baby sit and spoil. Where do you want Lunch Mali? Little. Miss red riding hoe... Bitchy thou are this day. How is Xia holding up? Maria let up on the ring jokes yet?" smiling but also a little serious and curious how things where going for the couple. Victoria was glad the Caribbean woman had brought back her sister somewhat. She was happy and Vika did not really have anything against which gender caused it. Still a little surprised by it all but her life.

Mentions
@Almalthia - Social Media silliness

Paige Kennedy

The massive pain in the side of her temple was the first sense to come back and it throbbed through every extremity she could feel, though as her eyes blinked open in a fog, something was immediately different. Every nerve felt like it was overloaded from the bottom, moving like a pendulum. Starting to feel her own breath, in and out, the world slowly came into focus filtered through the intense pulsing that shot through her head over and over, preventing her from fully realizing her own surroundings until it subsided. A world of lush green was around, shifting to reveal a reflection of water. She was in her backyard. A small uneven slope that descended into a pond.

Cool air entered through her lungs, but it hurt to breath it in and the unnatural heavy feeling persisted, like she had been in a car crash and was still dazed from the impact. A gentle breeze touched her midsection and she knew her skin was exposed. Her nerves began to come alive faster, moving upward to a familiar sound: the flexing and cracking of a rope. She was hanging upside down. The pain of the knot around her ankle was dull, but persistent with whatever blood was left going uphill. Her arms felt heavy and she could see her hair hanging beneath her as the world slowly rotated: The back of the house, her car, the woods, the pond and sitting in front of her on a stump was Yolo holding one of her golf clubs.

“Well, how you doin there, Paige?” He said propping himself up on a driver like a walking stick.

Looking back at him, she could now feel that she was at least still wearing all her clothes, though her jacket was on the ground. She couldn’t feel her gun either.

“You lookin for this?” He said holding up her pistol. “Or was it this one?” He said tossing her gun aside and holding up Agent Barrett’s Luna Sports Facility keycard. He shook his head. “Careless, careless, especially for a Federal.”

Paige glanced back at him coldly while she rotated at the end of the rope. Yolo poked her exposed stomach with the top of the driver to steady her from moving. “Bet you could use a few aspirin for sure.” He said sitting back down and looking at her.

“Where’s Nikki?” She groaned.

Yolo shook his head and sighed. “Always business, never any fun.” Standing back up he rolled the club slowly through his fingers like a baton. “See, that’s probably why you’re still not married,” He squared his shoulders in a stance with the club to mimic a swing. “Me, I’m just care free, you know what my nickname means right?” His arms drew back swiftly and he swung the broad end of the driver directly into her hip.

“Fuck!” She yelped immediately as her body swung around on the end of the rope. It hurt, badly. She winced and cursed more.

“Woooo!” Yolo howled. He cupped one hand over his eyes as if inspecting the distance of a drive. “Don’t tell me that didn’t go straight down the fairway!” He walked back over to her bag of clubs, lifting and inspecting a few. “I think we’re gonna need a good iron to get on the green from here.” He dropped the driver back in the bag and pulled out a smaller wedge shaped club. Paige groaned watching him. The rope tightened and she began to rotate back the opposite direction.

“When they told me what you did to the last guy, I wasn’t surprised.” Yolo said, squaring up again, he did a few practice swings. “I knew when I saw you at the bar, those pukes would’ve never been up for it.” He shrugged. “Nikki wanted me to just come down here and kill you and y’know I usually just go along, but for you I made an exception.” He steadied her again with the club and tilted his head slightly, looking at her for a moment.

“I’m flattered,” Paige grumbled.

“We could’ve been a lot of fun together,” He said, taking the club and pulling the bottom of her shirt down further.

In a flash Paige’s hand snapped for the club, but he yanked it away just out of her grasp with a cackling howl as she spun around. He quickly drew back and slammed the wedge into her stomach completely knocking the wind out of her laughing as she gasped for air. “See you rushed me that time, sliced right into the gravel trap,” He stepped back over to the bag rummaging through her clubs again, “Gonna need something to get off the beach now…” He said, pulling out a sand wedge. Flipping the club behind his neck he twisted his upper body back and forth. “Better stretch out for this, gotta stay limber, still might get par for this hole.” He rolled the club through his fingers again walking around her. “This is a very nice set of clubs.” He said studying the shape of the wedge. “Y’know, I was reading something the other day about the LPGA trying to set stricter dress codes on the players, no low cut tops and no leggings,” He said going back to twirling the club through his fingers. “All just a bunch of shit so the fat bitches get more attention, that’s what's wrong with this whole country, people got too many feelings, don’tcha thnk?”

“Go back to the part about you reading,” Paige coughed.

Yolo smiled and squared his shoulders again to take another shot. “You’re not like that though,” He said with a sigh. “You’re different, like us.” He drew the club back again.

“I’m not sure if I should just shoot him now or wait and hear what other wisdom he can impart.” A familiar voice called out.

Struggling to get herself turned in the direction of the voice, Paige glanced as hard as she could from the corner of her eye, finding Shannon standing a few yards behind Yolo. A gun was leveled with a silencer on the end. “I vote for the first one.” She said, turning slowly.
Yolo looked back at her twisting the grip of the club in his hands. “Not quite the same when the gun is pointed at your head, huh?... Cut her down.” Shannon growled. The younger man glanced back firmly, unmoving aside from the sound of the twisting rubber grip of Paige’s club. “Now! Goddamnit!” She barked.

Without taking his eyes off Shannon, Yolo dropped the club and stepped back slowly reaching into his back pocket.

“Slowly,” Shannon ordered. “Use your other hand.”

Obediently, the younger man held his free hand in the air and retrieved a switchblade. He knelt down and set to cutting the base of the rope that he’d looped around a root. As the threads snapped and frayed, Paige came crashing down to the ground in a heap. “Shit!” She cursed and laid still for a moment, breathing heavily as blood flowed freely through her body again without the hindrance of gravity. The pain was still exceedingly fresh and seemed even further renewed by her short trip back to terra firma, but she was glad for it. Seeing Yolo standing with his arms raised, she rolled over and dragged herself over to where her gun had been tossed aside in the grass. Checking to see that it was still loaded, she doggedly brought herself up on a knee and slowly pushed herself up in an attempt to stand.

“You’re a sight,” Shannon said.

“Thanks…” Paige steadied herself on her knees and brushed off dirt and grass though her pants and shirt were thoroughly ruined.

“Well isn’t this something, you two look like a before and after picture.” Yolo said with a smile.

“I’m gonna ask you to leave now, Paige.” Shannon said darkly.

Yolo laughed at the comment. “She’s not going anywhere, you think a Federal is just gonna let you gun me down in her backyard.”

“Get over to the university,” Shannon continued. “He’s trying to hold you up, they’re after Siobhan.”

Paige tilted her head and looked back at the older blonde registering the words against the intense pain she was still feeling. She looked at Yolo then back towards her car, then back again. Her hand felt for the gun on her side. His smile faded to stone.

“You’re not gonna shoot me,” Yolo taunted. It was a dare.

Paige exhaled and relaxed her shoulders, looking back at him with almost a smirk visible through the loose frazzled strands of her destroyed braid from earlier. She let her hand drop away from the grip of her pistol and picked up her jacket instead. “No, I’m not,” She said, turning to walk past Shannon. “But I’m gonna sleep like a baby knowing she will.”

Early afternoon. A time where Ryan hasn’t had to himself often. He sat in his empty restaurant, glancing around. He still keeps the place clean, but due to a lack of muse, he hasn’t opened for service for some time now. His staff are still being paid, through the restaurant’s well-funded saving’s account. Though, it is not endless. Eventually it comes a time where he would have to decide whether he is going to shutter his restaurant for good, or to resume service.

That day is not today.

Idly scrolling Reddit (tm), Ryan would occasionally look up, peer around the clean space around him, sigh slightly, and look back down on his phone. When he would look up, he would look towards the door, as if he was waiting for someone to walk through. The door isn’t locked, per se. He did have his closed sign up, or at least he thinks he does. The tea he just made and random things on the internet is keeping him from walking over and checking.

Setting his phone down, he took another, and the final, sip from his tea cup. Getting up and stretching, he sauntered over to his door, made sure the closed sign is up, and turned back around. Pausing for a brief moment, he walked into his kitchen and started pondering some new dishes. Or, rather, dishes that he hasn’t made in a while, giving the seasonal offerings of produce and fish.

Caroline Dawson

It was around mid-morning Caroline was in her lite-green workout gear with her white Nikes as she enjoyed sipping a chai-latte while scrolling through her phone sitting at a table in a busy coffee shop. She was reading the postings from the station's social media page about her return last night. There were several postings and most of them were encouraging her and welcoming her back. Of course, there were a few that encouraged her to take a few extra pain-killers with Vodka but they weren't of concern to Caroline. The ones she was focused in on were the ones about her performance. She knew it would take time for her to get back into the swing of things and she reclaimed her title as "the queen of the nighttime airwaves." As a general rule, she hated that phrase but the marketing department at the station liked it and it worked for the station as helping establish their place in the market. The postings on her performance were overall good. The listeners could tell she was a bit nervous, and the self-confidence wasn't exactly on-par with her usual standards. However they did note a certain strength that was showing up that hadn't been there before, and that by the end of the night it felt like she was coming back to them.

Just then a red-headed gentleman wearing a red polo and gray cargo shorts approached her table. He asked, "Reading last night's reviews?"

Caroline looked up and replied, "You were the one who told me to not be afraid. Have a seat Nick." The Nick in question was Dr. Nick Rivers a psychiatrist that Bob-O recommended to Caroline. She was resistant at first, because Caroline was fairly well known in the area and she didn't want to be a distraction to Nick. So he agreed to meet with her in the coffee shop. Nick sat down and said to a waitress passing by, "I'll take a grande double espresso mocha with whipped cream." The waitress wrote down the order and nodded as she walked away.

Nick said, "Heard you last night."

As Caroline took a sip she raised an eyebrow and Nick continued, "First half-hour you sounded almost afraid of making a mistake and that showed in your music choices, and what you said. By the end of that time you began to sound like you were letting things come to you and you were more focused in on providing a service rather than living up to an image. Your last hour..." Nick smiled and said, "You were kicking ass all over that studio. What did you think of it?"

Caroline nodded and said, "Well I admit I was scared out of my skull, but then I decided it was time to move forward." Caroline put her cup down and said, "When my mom found out that she had cancer she gave herself about an hour of anger and sadness and then realized that she had people willing to help her and that we still loved her. I have people who love me here and want to see me recover from this." Caroline exhaled and said, "I mainly thought of my mom and once I let those thoughts guide me I began to..." She smiled and said, "Feel like me again. I know that things are going to be a roller coaster for a while, but I've at least gotten through the first hill."

The two of them then sipped their drinks as they continued their conversation. Every now and then someone would approach Caroline for an autograph or selfie request. Usually Caroline hated giving up an anonymity but in this case she didn't. Not to mention the encouragement she got from people passing by also made her feel better. After about an hour Nick stood up and said, "Okay how about Saturday in the park down by the statue of Tyler Pearson 11 am?"

Caroline smiled and raised her cup as she said, "I'll be there."

Nick left and Caroline continued scrolling through her phone as she enjoyed her drink.

This was not easy. Even with the help and support of her girlfriend and her cousin and mother, Xia couldn't be as independent as she wanted to be. Not that she didn't enjoy her English sweetheart doing things for her and making breakfast while her mother waited on her hand and foot. It just...felt funny having people do so much for you when you can't do for yourself.

With her love and her mother taking turns helping her, Xia tried to get away with doing things on her own using one arm. She tried to go to the bathroom when her mother and Marlin was away from her for a moment and that didn't end well. She barely made it in time. She tried to get something to drink on her own, she broke the mug dropping it on accident. Let's not even speak about how Xia nearly stumbled and fell. As stubborn as she was, she wasn't giving up.

Carlo has been a help and she had to give it to him for being supportive and not being an ass. He still kept watch of her place until he managed to catch some shady figure heading to her home. He didn't let her know about it, not wanting her to worry but he needed answers and was going to do things his way.

Back with Xia, she wanted Marlin to go and enjoy herself as her mother was still going to be around to watch after her. She didn't want her girlfriend devoting every moment of her life next to her "crippled ass Island Girl", Xia puts it. She wanted Marlin to still go out and have fun. She was serious even though earlier in the day, Xia had a moment she cried privately out of frustration about her situation and feeling helpless but she was okay. In reality, Xia was feeling very vulnerable but didn't want Marlin to see that even though she was a push away from being depressed. Reassuring her that she'd be okay, she and her mother flipped through the channels and decided to have her mother paint her toenails. If Marlin had everything she needed to make mixed drinks, Keyla was going to do just that even though she was going to give Xia a non alcoholic version of what she makes.

@PrinceAlexus

Thursday

Marinalia
Marinalia relaxed once mount Victoria was defused and safely set to simmer instead of boil over dramatically. Hopefully no cars were hurt, the prior incident seemed to have become quite infamous. Their family definitely lived up the whole drama llama magnet theory, maybe llamas in hats called carl where the reason? "I'm going to enjoy some shopping and maybe check out that strange little hipster corner. You just be careful Vika, its getting abit busy. Oh, forgot. Found your lost earrings, the silver plate ones. Living room, small glass table where you left your ipod last week." Victoria ability to misplace stuff Marlin was used to and was a odd week when she was not asking if she forgot where she put something down. "Yes Mali. No cars hurt, and I'll be careful. You and Maria tag teaming? Have fun, the British section is, I did recognize some stuff.

Been looking all over. Least they are not my good pair. Thanks.`` A quick hug later and a few jokes Marlin wandered the market areas browsing for bits and pieces. Finding some bits, finding the odd thing to help replenish her girlfriend's stolen wardrobe until she felt up to a more major shopping trip. Bypassing the unicorn hoodie that probably would be adorable but may or may not Marlin on her own sofa as the guest room was taken. She did find a cute mug though.


One arm laden with a few bags and an email later she took a diversion to a small shop nearby who had repaired Xias phone however much it might have been easier to get a new one, there were photos, and all on this particular one. Unlucky for Carlo the text and call log was mostly missing though she blushed a little seeing somehow the naughty photo of her in less than regulation uniform had survived. Of all the things... It had to be backed up... She did look good though...

"Hey Carlo,

Just got her phone back from the repair shop, good news it works, bad news most call log and text is gone. The sim card was beyond repair and had to be replaced. Her beating you snake high score is intact though.

It's the same number. Maybe we get lucky and they make a mistake.

Ps... Hope your Jerk Chicken place is good or I'll set Xia on you when better. :)

Marlin. Aka white girl"

Pressing send and ending it with a little reference to the first time she met Carlo in somewhat less amicable terms. He did not make the best first impression but he did the right thing when it mattered even if he was rough round edges and took some getting used to.

Taking an alternative route back to avoid crowds took longer but was a relaxing walk and made it to the take out place, bags hanging off her arm and sipping a smoothie from a street stand that caught her eye and a stop to collect a bracelet she had a catch repaired plus cleaned. Sending Keyla a message as she had a phone and Marlin Currently had Xias in her bag.

"Hey Keyla and my beautiful girlfriend. At Jerk place Carlo recommended, going to pick up food. Mount Victoria disarmed :) feet hurt, not wanting to cook so i'm getting take out.

Text me what you two want for dinner? Menu pic enclosed. Tell Xia i don't care if she breaks anything! We can replace almost anything bar mine and Vikas Family heirloom Jewellery

Mali X aka camel

Ps. Tell Xia Mulan tonight, I decided. :) "

Smiling and taking a selfie of her loaded down with bags, leather jacket glittering, silly Pilot joke T shirt and looking tired but happy and dark grey eyes happy for once.

Marlin still had to try and nudge Xia out of Crippled related comments, that just hurt her hearing it. It might take a while to heal but she would, and even if she did not fully Marlin was not going anywhere. Milo has not exactly given up on Marla and they had been happily married for years intact, limbs later and one robotic. For some reason this random spur of moment and at times little crazy how it happened relationship had become something far more scarily quickly.

"No, i told you, i'm on leave Ivan. You should not have scheduled her off then and me... im caring for someone. Yes that someone. Seen you when I'm in the cockpit not before. I do this job because I love it, not a paycheck. Might work on others, not me.

Bye. I coached your daughter for free even when she was taking a shot I denied. So you probably owe me.`` Closing the call with a press, where was a phone to slam. When you needed one?

Turning back to food, she excused saying she was just waiting on people letting her know what to order and letting the family ahead go first.

Mentions
@King Tai

Joel Nicolosi

They had a few different tire compounds to try out and Joel wasn’t as keen on testing them all on the coarse airport tarmac. The runway surface was nowhere near what they would encounter on the winding, undulating stage of the Isle of Man and testing on the Parkway near Mount Atlas would be an affair he didn’t know that they would have time to figure out with the state park service. Their small test course crossed over aged concrete and beaten runway that was never designed for cars or slick racing tires. Still, they needed data. With the car on its jacks, he zipped off one wheel with the airgun and examined the wear on the rubber looking for consistent patterns and signs of poor contact that would require more adjustments to the suspension. Lou likewise did the same on the other side and the whirling sound of a pneumatic gun broke through the music and the whistling of an aircraft APU in the distance. Carefully, he ran his hand over the contact patch and rotated the tire slowly in front of him as he sat on the ground looking, almost without blinking, just over the top of the tire, at the profile, as he moved it. Somewhere Tommy had once bought a very expensive laser-scan machine that would do the job much faster, but Joel didn’t like it. Even since he raced carts as a kid, he always checked his own tires by hand.

The gun howled again as Lou put on two new hard slicks and the quick sound likewise transitioned into a fast, mechanical ratcheting as the wheel-nut was seated on the spindle. Joel set the tire in front of him aside and picked the gun up off ground as Lou slid it under the car, grabbing the new tire set next to him and spinning it on, just the same. He was scooting his way towards the back of the car when he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. Taking it out, he set the call to speaker and with a grin, made sure the sound of the gun greeted Siobhan as the lines connected. He pulled the wheel off and turned it gingerly in his hand to examine, talking as he scanned. “Hey chicka, what’s up?”

@Almalthia

---

---

Siobhan smiled at the noise as a warm feeling filled her at the sound of Joel's voice. "Well hello Speed Racer. I'm done with the prints at the college just picking everything up. I was headed over to the shop…"

Something was off. Siobhan looked around as she came out of the Theater & Art building. People liked to joke and call it the T 'n A building but it never caught on in certain crowds. As she exited Siobhan saw that her car wasn't the only car in the lot. Which wasn't a big deal. It was a university after all. "Joel something is off. Or maybe Paige is rubbing off on me. But stay with me for a second."

Smiling brightly and forcing herself to stay calm as she observed the scene. Siobhan started to notice what was off. "Yeah I can run by and pick up a couple of things. No problem. I'll just be a little longer. Love you too Speed Racer." She muted the phone and instead of putting it in her pocket she slipped it in her bra.

Siobhan smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. Looking around she noticed at once that the guys hanging out were a little too casual. Unlike most of the students who would dress as presentable as possible or they'd dress to not care. These guys dressed to be overlooked and it triggered an internal alarm.

Siobhan was pulling her keys out of her pocket just as someone approached her. Her stomach tossed as he looked at her and smiled. It felt like slime running down her back and she smiled back mechanically. "Hello are you new or lost? You don't look familiar. Can I help out?" She didn't really want to. He was creeping her out. Plus she could feel eyes on the back of her and it was starting to become really scary. But this could be nothing or it could be more. She really hoped it wasn't.

---

---

Mentions:

Interactions:@Infinite Cosmos

Carlo was in the middle of making a hip hop demo to send out with the group he was trying to get down with in the hip hop scene. While waiting to get on the make to do something, he noticed the text from Marlin. He raised an eyebrow and spoke, texting back. Alright cool...I'll get up with you soon. Just handling something right now. Bet you and Xia got some butt ass naked photos in there too... He said taking a guess. Didn't hear anything from my auntie today so everything is probably straight. I'll talk to you soon.

He told her smirking from her PS message.

When Keyla got the message she looked over to her sleeping snoring baby girl and smirked and looked at the phone. She texted Marlin back.

"Okay sweetheart. I think I'll just get the curry goat dinner. Xia usually likes the ox tails so get her that. I'll let her know about Mulan. I like that movie too. Xia has asked about you earlier but she's sleep right now. The pain killers kicked in again so she resting
but it's been about 3 hours now. She wakes up here and there but she should be up when you get back.

Thank you so much.
Keyla"

Keyla was sending the message over and she rested for a moment after getting something to drink, ready to let Marlin take over watching Xia if she so desired.

@PrinceAlexus

Thursday

Marinalia
Marinalia leaned back out waiting for the messages to feed the hungry hoards maybe a fraction out of place if she was 100% honest but it was food that her guest and girlfriend would love and something like Keyla enjoyed at home. Besides she could blame Carlo if wrong. He suggested the place.

Thr bit about Victoria might not be as understood but explained she was more volatile and impulsive than Marlin, and told her basics of predicament without breaking anything Victoria had meant for family only. She had wormed a fair bit out her over holiday anyway, must remember to show her the pic from England stop over if not seen, she looked like a princess in some loaned jewellery for a few minutes after getting all worried about breaking the heirloom items and needing a fair bit of encouragement it was fine to do it.

Musing interrupted by Carlo’s reply and in part chuckling to herself how he was right yet she was only like that to a very few people saw that side of her and he definitely would not make that very short list. She had placed a lot of trust in Xia but it had been returned with interest. "Sure. I'm off all week and into the start of next so no rush. I'm not as Vanilla as my skin colour ;) But only Xia gets to find out exactly how. Find a girlfriend, it's fun.

Keyla, maybe still watching Disney plus classics lol. same as over here, Xia is still sleepy but sleepy means peaceful and not hurting. She is well cared for, i'll keep you updated but there's not much to tell.

Marlin." Ok, definitely safe to say Xia had slowly made her more extroverted and confident again, slowly but surely somehow it all worked. Teasing Carlo, well he was a strange egg, you had to show you could bite back or he never respected you.

Seeing the second message buzz in, Mulan, Keyla had taste, placing their orders and choosing a safe pick of a chicken based curry with some sides and rice for herself unsure exactly what everything was without Xia like in Jamaica who acted as a handy food guide. "Order... Olympus Romus... Sure. Got a credit card. I'll wait, only 20 minutes, plus my feet need a rest... Thanks." Order done and dropping onto a bench with a content sigh.

"Order... 132, Olympus Romus, Lara croft accent, blonde hair and the fancy Leather jacket in corner." over hearing talking and someone came over with the food already packed in boxes marked with what they contained. Thanking the person and giving them a tip, if she ended up here again, always be kind to those making your food.
"Got food, be 5-10 minutes walk. They only had spicy Oxtails available, but she had them in Jamaica. Nice to have someone miss you <3. Be home soon Keyla.

Marlin x"

Pressing send and heading home with a smile, even if was just someone asking after you, it was a nice feeling and one she had missed. Marlin really enjoyed the little stuff, ok she was a softy when it came to some stuff.

---

Heading in through the outer gate, grabbing a package left in the hall and going upstairs dropping her bags on the kitchen counter. "I'm home, i bring food and cute mugs among other things." Sitting next to Xia with a glass of wine, and food before kissing her cheek gently and holding her good hand without really thinking how far she changed since that fateful snow storm. "Hey my spicy egg. Missed you too. Phone, photos including those that survived, and a fun one in blue toothed over. Think Xena as a blonde... Your sim broke but new one is on order. Know how you like your curry.

Your foods on side Keyla, I got a bunch of sides and sauces as I do not know what you like, they're labeled." Ok, she may have overdone a little and 4 kinds of rice etc, but it could be breakfast and however much they told her, Marlin was just trying to be kind. Heart right... Plan not always.

Waiting for Mulan to come on, Victoria and her Bodyguard.had gone somewhere for food and would be back soon, seeming to be enjoying a longer walk and some fresh air. She needed to clear her head so that was a good thing. Not wanting to make Keyla uncomfortable she just learnt into Xias side to be close and enjoyed her company. Marlin would much rather she be healthy and not be hurt like this but fate had played its hand and cemented something also.

"Ok... I may like singing along, it's Disney... I might have watched this a few times" smiling slightly awkwardly at how she had got into song having known words off by heart, not that she ever admitted that to many people. The fact she was relaxed, not overdoing things out of worry, happy and though little tired did not seem lost on others though. Looking over a little concerned and quietly asking, Xia was... Something. She knew enough to know something but not long enough to narrow it down. "Sure you ok? You know i sticking by you regardless what happens, if you let me?'' Seriously, you're not alone Xia. We get through this together." too tired to really mask her concerns, slate grey eyes telling a 1000 words and gently putting pressure on her non hurt hand. The rather large glass of wine also side effects of making her saying exactly how she felt.

Surprised her phone started buzzing singing a song, seeing mum, she answered and transferred the video call to the TV. "Sorry... Mums calling, plus she asked to check up on everything." Before she could even hey mum her 5 year cousin came on screen chased by a woman who looked like an older version of Marlin but with Gold eyes and a view of a lake behind in the windows. "Aunt Mali! And zi... Xia. When you get Married so i can have cake and stay up late?" While Marlin blushed and Maria finally got her phone back sitting Magnus on her lap, with a crisp English accent but warm. "Magnus, behave. Or I tell Mummy. Sorry Marlin, you must be Keyla. I got frantic calls about, Dr Maria Romus, nee Olympus, Maria really just fine and nice to meet you. Hope you're recovering Xia, I liked you at the art show not seen Marlin like this happy in a while, let me know if you need help getting my daughter to stop overdoing it." Marlin was abit pink, her cousin was laughing at finally getting one up on her, Magnus was growing so fast. "Magnus, it's more... It's not that simple, you cheeky monkey, i'll get you a cake when i'm home. And tickle monster you for that. Mummmm... I'm not that bad. I'll be off till mid next week, Magnus looks like he needs a nap."

Spotting Magnus was part napping on her lap, cute little cheeky monkey. Maria could not resist teasing her daughter abit first though. "Nice save Marlin, you used to fall asleep like that too you know. Magnus is my sister Marla and Milo's son. I was a younger mum. Let Victoria know me and Marla will call her later and work out a plan. Mikes Selene won her contest by the way. My brother is... Annoying proud dadding. Call you later and love you, Xia, Keyla, when you feel up to it, open invite to England some time, don’t be strangers. Feel free to call me." M Names, they could not explain why it just happened, it always was funny seeing how they reacted to the whole pattern.

Marlin waved , though still pink hiding a little into Xias shoulder and laughing happily that had Magnus and Maria teasing before waving goodbye. "Love you, even though your both cheeky monekys. Magnus, even you cheeky.

My family is crazy, but i love them and they always have my back when needed. " did they evet do normal?

Mentions
@King Tai