LOCATION & TIME : SWAN SONGS, MONDAY EVENING INTERACTIONS : Charles - @Tyler Night , Aria - @KatKook MENTIONS : N/A
Lilith was not expecting a ride like the one she saw when they approached the weird looking car. Was it even a car? It was definitely cool-looking that was for sure. After climbing into the car, with some difficulty due to her skirt, she watched Charles strap himself before following his instructions and example. After she was snuggled between the seat and the harness, she placed her bag between her legs and nodded towards the man.
"All ready for this big boy!" Lilith grinned and enjoyed the first few minutes of the ride, unaware that it would get a lot more intense in just a few minutes. When Charles pulled into an empty parking lot, Lilith arched an eyebrow at him wondering what he was going to do. Then everything happened so quickly Lilith didn't have time to even register something about an "Oh Shit" handle. All she felt was her stomach rising and then dropping just as quick as the front of the vehicle picked up then slammed down on the ground.
"Holy fucking shit." Lilith said after a few seconds when the ride was over. It all had happened so quickly. Her heart was still beating hard against her chest that she could even hear her pulse. "That was the best ride ever. I am one hundred perfect sure." A whole lot better than Lilith had expected, that was for sure.
After taking some time to fix her hair, that she had forgotten to put in a ponytail, she climbed off the car and leaned against it to look at Charles. "That was the best offer for a ride I've ever gotten, thank you." Lilith felt a bit formal saying this to him, but it had honestly been the best ride ever. "Hope we can do it again, here." She pulled out a small notepad and wrote her number on it. "If you ever need someone to show off to, you can call me." She handed him the piece of paper to him and gave him a grin before waving and returning to the shop.
Once inside the shop, Lilith made sure to check her reflection on the window. There were a few hairs sticking out, and she did her best to fix them before heading back to the couches. The adrenaline from the ride was still running through her, and she felt like she could take on the world. Or just a singing competition. Was it a competition? Whatever! Lilith was almost up, and she couldn't wait to see the cute girl.
"Cute girl!" Lilith said as she spotted the woman she had given her number to a few minutes before. It almost felt like a long time because of the ride. Lilith walked over with a big smile and a hop to her walk and took a seat on the empty couch next to hers.
"This is exciting." Lilith wrapped a finger around a lock of pink hair and bounced her right leg slightly. It was clear she was still on the adrenaline high. It almost felt like her usual highs at home. Almost. "Good luck up there. I'm happy I got here before you could play! I wrote my name on the list too, and I still have no idea what I want to sing. I don't even sing." Lilith laughed a bit to herself watched the cute girl next to her, then glanced at her guitar. "Nice instrument you got there. Do you sing a lot? Do you know how to play the piano too? Would you like to go get something to eat after this?" No no, this adrenaline high was better than her usual highs.
Some time had passed and Aria was the one after the next, she enjoyed the performances and she even got a little nervous. She stared at her guitar for a bit and started thinking that maybe she should have chosen a different song, one that was not an acoustic cover of a post malone song. It is too late now, she rubbed her hands together since she was cold, she was not actually cold she was just incredibly nervous. Suddenly, someone yelled cute girl and Hoon flinched in her seat, she even let out a little yelp since she wasn't expecting it.
That girl from earlier arrived again and walked up to her, asking her all types of questions. After the girl had finished, Aria stood up since she was taught to be polite in that regard, "Okay, okay, hold on, you have to tell me why your hair looks like you ran through the cast of the muppets head first." Hoon laughed, this girl being her definitely made her less nervous which was a god send. She then tried to answer her questions in order, counting them on her fingers as she answered. "Thanks, this guitar was signed by Hayley Williams which is pretty nice, I sing from time to time, I wouldn't say I have the best voice but I think I should be fine, yes, I can play a lot of instruments, piano is one of them, and are you asking me out? Because I'm totally going to say yes." Then all of a sudden, her name was called, though they did mispronounce her last name so it came out as "Aria Hyawn" was made her grit her teeth in cringe.
"I'm Aria by the way, nice to meet you Lilith." She smiled as she grabbed her guitar and moved to the stage, she took a deep breath and pulled out her guitar, a sleek dark brown classic acoustic guitar that had a marker imprint on the bottom of it. "Hey, I'm Aria Hyoon," she emphasised the way she said her surname and then continued, "And uh, if you know the song you can sing along if you'd like." She strummed her guitar and started singing an acoustic version of Post Malone's Goodbyes. Adrenaline pumped in her veins, and her nervousness went away, she started smiling half way through the performance and she was enjoying herself like crazy.
As soon as Aria finished her performance, she went back to Lilith and asked, "So how'd I do?" she put her guitar down and ended up smiling so much from excitement.
Joel flicked his thumb repeatedly back and forth over the rear edge of the GTR’s spoiler, feeling the sharpness of the carbon fiber profile under his skin. Like most of his and Tommy’s conversations, it was rarely on topic and ranged from the completely obscure to making fun of Footsteps various competitors to which actors were better in which roles, various points of Sol City nostalgia, women, and anything else that they considered worthy of thought. They’d been at it long enough that Joel could see his breath in the late night air as he let out a healthy yawn.
“Time for bed, old man.” Tommy chided.
“Shit, I’m tired.” Joel said and rubbed a hand over his face. “Was on the mountain all day.”
“Gettin’ ready for the next round, right?” Tommy said. “Wasn’t it Argentina?”
“Yeah, but we weren’t running that car.” Joel replied. He glanced southward towards the Luna Sports Stadium. The lights were still on, but the baseball game had long since ended. When they had first come outside in the slightly elevated back lot behind Footsteps, the occasional cheers could be heard coming from the crowd along with muffled announcements from the PA system off in the distance. The sound carried well in the cooling evening, though the city could be remarkably peaceful once night firmly settled in. “We have another one they’re gonna debut at the Park Festival, Saturday,” Joel snorted a little bit and shrugged. “It’s supposed to be a big secret.”
Being an only child, Tommy was the closest thing Joel ever had to a brother and there was scant little unsaid between them. If Joel had the codes to launch a nuclear missile, he would tell them to Tommy and vice-versa. It was just principle. Implying that there was a secret about anything, meant that whatever information was supposed to be withheld was quickly forthcoming.
Tommy crossed his arms and smirked, leaning against the back of his Cadillac. “Oh yeah?”
“It’s a 997 Porsche.” Joel said with some amusement. “Seriously one of the best cars I’ve ever driven, thing runs like the wind and screams like a banshee.” He continued. “We’re gonna enter it in the Vineyard Rally coming up, it’s bright orange.”
“Orange?”
“Yeah, they’re rolling out a new drink too... orange flavored, naturally. I think that’s the big secret more than the car.” Joel said.
“Does it taste good?” Tommy scratched at his stubble mildly inquisitive. He wasn’t a huge fan of energy drinks in general, but a couple of Rebellion flavors made for decent pre-workout options in a pinch.
“Tastes like orange soda with a shitload of caffeine.” Joel said with a chuckle. “I like it, I think it’s geared more towards a fitness crowd since it’s sugar free, but with all that caffeine, they know good and well that people are just gonna buy it for the rush.” He shrugged. “Then there’s the whole ‘city colors’ thing, the image, and it’s a big to-do...I just like driving the car.”
“Sounds about right,” Tommy said with a nod. “You know, speaking of the Festival, I was thinking about doing that meal competition this time. Couple of our guys are pretty talented, might be worth a shot. I think the entry deadline has passed though, maybe not-”
“You don’t wanna do that.” Joel said flatly cutting him off.
“Why’s that?”
“Well, that’s supposed to be a big secret too, but they’ve got some celebrity German chef that the city forked over a shit-ton of money to book as a judge. Bunch of the engineers working on the car know who he is, apparently he’s a big hit over in Europe and a total asshole.” Joel squinted a little and looked away towards the glowing cityscape trying to jog his memory momentarily. “Bruno… Bruno something or other. I can’t remember, but they call him ‘the Panzer’ or something like that. He has a reality show over there where he just rips people a new one over how bad their food is and they just love watching him cuss people out on TV.”
Tommy laughed, “Somehow with our mayor, that does not surprise me, so scratch that plan, thanks for the warning.” He shifted his wrist causing his watch to display the time, a little surprised at how long they had been talking. It was definitely getting colder and the restaurant would be locking up soon. “Hey, what was that business in the paper the other day about giving the Isle of Man record a shot? Max really going to put up the money for that? I haven’t talked to him since the race.” He was a little surprised that Joel had kept in touch with the old man.
“Oh yeah, I’m gonna do it.” Joel said with a smirk that quickly morphed into a contemplative grin. “He’s gonna put up the money and the car, wants to bring the record back to England. Subaru holds it right now for production cars.” He had never been to England, let alone the Isle of Man, but he had no doubt that with the right setup he could get it done. He knew he only needed to match the Subaru through the corners, the wide open sections were where an Aston or a McLaren could stretch out on speed, is where he’d make the difference. “I’m gonna need a crew to get everything together, you know you want in.”
Tommy thought about it momentarily and reminisced. “You know I played over there a couple times, in Wembley, lost both times too.” He laughed. “I might be bad luck! But yeah, you know I’m in. Where are you getting the car?”
“He’s flying it over here,” Joel said. “I’m not even sure what it’s going to be. I made a couple suggestions. You know how he is.”
“Yeah, I bet Marlin’s gonna love that.” Tommy said with a sly smirk.
“Shit,” Joel huffed. “Just because I race the car, doesn’t mean I have to put up with the granddaughter, business is business.”
“Ha!” Tommy guffawed. “'Business is business’”. Listen to you.” He said. “She was ready to lay it on you at that party.”
“Fucking dodged a bullet there.” Joel said flatly.
Marinalia Romus Olympus "Mali" & Victoria Darya Romus "Vika"
weekend to Monday evening. Sol City. Planned event
Baseball bamboozle meant and Cricket Confusions
Victoria had a clue now why the food was so good. Japanese food that was made by a chef trained in Japan. That made a lot more sense. Though a not considered a qualified ched.? What did it take to become a chef there as even that rough meal was pretty damn good? Questions indeed. Maybe that was why people rave about Sushi and Japanese cooking? Cultural oddities aside, great chef of a little awkward. "See, you come from more exotic lands than we do. Though I did enjoy riding in the woods, and cross country. Could not do that in exotic cities. Never gone to that part of the world" Marinalia chimed in, why did they bump into him,who knew. Victoria memories where linked to a rather hard to forget the smell of the club that burnt down and the sight of blackened concrete with warped steel. The plumes of smoke coming from the tower that caught fire where hard to forget in modern times. However smaller it turned out to be, it was not a sight you passed on by without note. "Africa, middle East, Europe and America but not Asia. Thank you, Don't forget Lemon for me, Lime for Marlin." a little reminder, not that there drink order was that complicated. Isosef was near enough by if they had fangirl issues but seemed the plan worked flawlessly. No one noticed one more face in a large crowd, just two women among thousands of others.
The two sisters talked quietly, just enjoying the game and company present. Victoria gave a small sigh as one rather handsome batter was knocked off the list. Just because well was she taken? She definitely was not quite single but was she defined by anything quite exact. She could still be silly and have fun, even teasing her older sister about not being a certain Tropical temptress that had fallen into her path, lap, and after an escalation, bed too. She still thought they where, well they were happy, it made little sense but long as they were happy who was to say otherwise. Her escapades could not exactly cause her to judge too harshly.
Definitely pregnant, her body had started to make that point somewhat clearly and was getting more tired easier at times. She was still in the first few months so it was not visible. She had maybe a month or two before it would start to become more easily noticed without telling depending on way too many factors. She could not guess exactly when. Luckily only Marinalia and sometimes Xia had to face the uncaffeinated Victoria in mornings. Not a morning person to begin with, lacking Caffeine made her a "Grumpy little moo" at times, her sister had even got a bunch of cow patterned mugs as a somewhat lead balloon joke. "so you working sat? Get nails done like old times sake, little bit of pampering, you been working heavy shifts training on that 4 engined toy of yours." Marinalia just gave a small jump at remembering the glare from the cow pattern mugs. It lasted all of a morning though, the sisters were rarely mad for long at the other. "Sadly. I look too good in a nice skirt to escape it. You know, glamour and showmanship. Friday afternoon, I got time off, and I need to look good for the festival. Forced, but I have my pride." Victoria replied lightly, she knew Marlin liked to be seen for achievements not assets, which where not lacking though. Still, she was proud of what she achieved. "Il book us in. They do french nails quite well. We currently in 2019 or 1959? Yeah, plus if. Well best face the world looking your best." It was not ideal but hey. If they were gonna her on show, might as well make it memorable. Full uniform, badges, wings and diamonds. "quite, at those costs they better be good. Depends on the manager I think! Oh. Yeah. My name sakes set is definitely coming out to play." Marinalia might not be after anyone but pride, she would be on show and company set ups, could not be anything less than the rival stands. "any rumours. I know you not been told much? Something about a surprise for the cooking contest?" Marinalia did not know so much, they knew what they had planned but the test, well managers might but all she knew was major had surprises along with a few others who seemed to be tight on there setups. "Some big judge, no idea who, but knowing our mayor it could be anything and everything to Inky!. Everyone's been abit mum with it all, we just know our plans. If we can get it turned over in time, new Anne Marie doing a fly by though. Mostly just PR and fun, see if anyone can land an aircraft, let the kids have a go etc."
Victoria did not notice a message that came in, her dig into exactly what happened regarding certain events had come up with a few suspected answers. She was not going to like any of them. Someone close had been involved, and only a few she could even believe would even potentially betray her so intimately. If it was...she was not even sure how to handle it. Publicly, she did not want a scandal, Victoria hated the press. Privately. She was torn what on earth to do about this mess. The only thing she could rely on was her family would have her back regardless of what happened, and her dad would do whatever it took to protect his not so young, but two daughters and future grandchild nonetheless.
Her thoughts shaken, she waved to see drinks slowly coming there way slowly over, delicately picking way with a tray of drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic soft drinks. Maybe it was about strange she remembered but it was tied to a far more sensory memory, some she could still almost feel the... Well that was a memory for later on... Not like she forgot how she ended up pregnant that's for sure. But her distracted mind back from its trip to the gutter. He seemed nice, he was good to talk to and she had very few friends in sol city. He had not done anything to really make her feel uncomfortable, easy to talk to, he even managed to not run away when faced with Marlins sports nerd swimming splurge. When life gave you a pile of lemons, make a lemon meringue. Lemonade was nice, desert was better though. He did not even run off when found she was Pregnant, she was sure she told him before but hey. Some people started digging why, who, how long, but he had managed to leave her be, it was appreciated. Much as she was. Happy, it still definitely made her nervous too! He seemed a decent person anyway... From a limited view admitly. The sisters could make a far worse passing aqaintance.
Both of them really, the city was a little lonely and these random folks made little things helped. Dira was about but she worked a lot, still she did trust the tall flirty Russian brunette, especially among their small collection of rather burnt to ash bridges between them.
Victoria thought to offer to help, but she kinda only had one hand free so rather useless, especially with needing her cane to navigate the even mobility impaired friendly but busy stadium. Marlin well, tad awaked when not know someone bar a passing meeting from said persons sister. He looked like he would be fine though, it was not too far the lower section was wider for easier access to the stands and such. Thankfully the stadium was modern, Victoria had issues that most people took for granted.
Monday Evening - Luna Sports Facility (Her office to Baseball Bananza)
Shortly after leaving her office and having a weird encounter with the male she just met who, claimed he was referred to her by a doctor she knew, She continued walking forth ready to meet up with her English snow bunny. She could hear the cheers and the cracking of the bat when the ball was hit and the smell of hotdogs and nachos filled the air the closer she got to the game. She saw the bright lights and soon enough, saw the players in the outfield along with the bleachers.
Now it was time to find Marin. When she walked by the concession stands, she had to fight the urge to get something from there because well...she needed to keep herself in shape. In her mind, she had a nice plump ass that was in shape. She didn't need it getting sloppy. Most of the time, that's where she felt the food would go anyway if she ate junk. Already had enough junk back there for her girl.
She would soon catch her with Vika, speaking to another male. She was a little curious. Not that she was worried some other guy was trying to talk to her girl but seemed her girlfriend tended to meet so many people like herself. Xia walked over to see the three. My English muffin at a baseball game. What a hell of a combination. She spoke out upon meeting with them. Sorry to be so late babe. had some last many stuff come up but...I'm here now. Hi Vika! How are you? How are you feeling?How's the little one? She asked. She noticed the guy but didn't say anything at first but she did smile at him though.
Marinalia Romus Olympus "Mali" & Victoria Darya Romus "Vika"
weekend to Monday evening. Sol City. Planned event
Baseball bamboozle meant and Cricket Confusions
Marinalia smiled as she heard her approach and greeted her with a hug and surprisingly for her, took a little more initiative than normal pulling her taller girlfriend into a short kiss and playing with her hair a little. Marlin just wanted to do that for some reason, and ignored everyone else who was about, looking or otherwise. Marlin was not short persay, more everyone seemed to average at taller than her 5'5 in the US she met. "They had cheesy chips. I had to try it once, plus every music event ended badly. I even ended up arrested and managed to find a human gorilla hybrid species of bouncer." A little too Frank about it, but it was the honest truth. Marinalia and music events were really not a very good record. At all. And what kinda person did not like chips when the cheese was all melty and warm. Though recently her old confidence was returning, she was more flirty again and the shell she was hiding behind was being shed. Paige had helped in her own way, closure. Closure was good.
Sober as she was, she quickly picked up the but, and the last minute was something definitely not foreseen, though not to seem for one crazy, clingy, or in general just glad she made it safely. Her brain told her feelings moved a little too fast, something else just told her roll with it and trust things. She had taken the latter and we'll. It has not gone wrong yet. "Just glad you made it my spicy egg" granted Marinalia stood out abit, flirty patterned skirt, and a white warm fur coat with polar bear ears on the hood over a T shirt from London if it got cold keeping her legs a little warmer when sat down presently. Not that she knew exactly what to wear to a baseball game but hey. Though she could not quite hide the small worried inflection that she felt a small twitch in her gut that she had a... Feeling. A feeling that made her worried for her girlfriend.
Victoria chimed up, smirking a little bit as Marinalia sat down and leant into Xia pushed into her side somewhat, resting her head against her shoulder and sticking her tongue out at her sister. Her more affectionate side had begun to show itself of late as well as a give no fucks about what people thought aspect. Victoria of course made sure to tease her older sister back. "Hey Xia, Mali seems to be a little protective right now, I owe you a hug later. I'm good, majorly missing Caffeine though, New jobs paying off though and got my Bentley.
Feeling ok to be auntie Xia, just a little more tired, and Maria been a god sent Saint for her advice., Little humans healthy, though mummy seems to have a demand for custard that's not sold in America, a desire to nap more and way too many emotions at TV movies. Seriously. I was a mess over some crappy Rom com! Yet to glow. Not sure when I gain bio luminescent qualities, could be fun. Hospital have me in least once a week, so taking no chances. It was mortifying when someone tried to mistake me for a teanager though! Me... Urgh. That was embarrassing." Victoria, well it took a little to warm to Xia but after the art show, it was clear to her she was a good thing for her sister so they got on. She would of given, well a lot, all the money they had was no replacement for Darya, but Maria had taken to the plate without blinking for Victoria, even if she called up at midnight over in the UK if she felt a of pain. Her dads choice had her full backing.
"Vika, Isosef can drive you back if your tired. We can make own way. Not got any plans yet, but I like the company. I'm flying to Canada but that's till Lunch tomorrow. Know anywhere selling pie when game ends?
Sadly, I'm working Saturday, but stop by and i'll try to make up, I really did want to go to Atlas mountains. I can teach you to fly though a bit if you like, and great food." Victoria gave a small yawn and nodded, she could get a lift back home and leave the cute couple in her opinion to find a way back to one of their homes anyway. Not that Marlin had said Xia's cousin could be an acquired taste to be polite. Still it was not like there family was the Walton's happy family Christmas episode. "I'm... Yeah. Longish day, Il get Isosef to take me home, you two have fun, I'd say don't do anything I'd not but I got knocked up on the...second ish date! So maybe avoid that one... If you... Please close the door properly. Never knew Marlin was so vocal, and rather not have" Victoria was part joking, but even she had to admit she rather much fucked up that night. Her actions did not exactly make her life easy, cost her a job she loved and managed to end up with a rather serious commitment. Ok, part teasing to, who knew the fairly prim and proper at times Marlin was rather less so given the right situation. Victoria less so, especially when it cut into her sleep. Marinalia had the good measure to blush a little pink with a slightly spaced out smile remembering something she was so glad mind reading was not a thing.
Turning back to baseball, the local side was doing well though it seemed a rather contentious call had started some argument. Not sure exactly but if anything like other sports that might make it a bit of a grudge match as the two teams where close on the scores with everything still to play for. It only took one call to change from a near advantage to the home team now fighting for the innings to break open a lead against the Neo City team.
Despite not fully understanding. The energy could be pretty infectious and the stadium was tense watching them duel it out for the advantage, almost holding its breath as the ball flew and the loud crack of the bat hitting or the muffled thud of the catchers...hand...glove....mitt. whatever. However confusing the action was surprisingly compelling.
Returning to the Swan Song's Record Shop Interacting with@Pyxis Mentions @KatKook
As they arrive back at the record shop he follows Lilith inside chuckling when she rushes over to the girl. Heading over to the bar he orders another beer and makes his way over to the stage, sitting down to listen to the woman sing. Sipping on his beer he looks at Lilith fangirling from a distance.
After the performance, Charles stood up clapping for her. "Wonderful job. That deserves a free drink." He said looking at Aria with a warm smile. "Drinks on me if you are thirsty." Heading over to the bar he hands over a credit card to start a tab and wait to see if the girls take him up on his offer, drinking his beer while relaxing.
LOCATION & TIME : SWAN SONGS, MONDAY EVENING INTERACTIONS : Charles - @Tyler Night , Aria - @KatKook MENTIONS : N/A
"Aria, that's a pretty name." Lilith said to herself as she smiled and watched Aria walked to the stage. She took her seat and continued to smile as she watched her walk up to the mic. She couldn't help but smile even more when she reintroduced herself and emphasized her name. Now that was a girl Lilith could get behind.
Impressed was the word Lilit would have used as Aria began to play and sing. She had never expected that song, but she was really really impressed as Aria continued to sing. As the girl had requested, Lilith began to sing along to herself as she swayed her upper body from side to side. Aria was not okay with singing; she was pretty damn good at it! When Aria's performance was done, she stood up and clapped along with everyone else.
As Aria approached her, Lilith finally realized her adrenaline high had finally disappeared, and now she was left being a complete mess inside. What had she done? Had she been too forward with Aria? So far it looked like it had been okay and she had said okay to food later on. Oh gosh, was Lilith blushing? No no. She had to act cool. Keep her cool and be nice to the pretty girl.
Totally cool.
"That was great! Your singing is awesome; I don't know why you said it was just 'okay'!" Lilith grinned and glanced at the guitar to take a peek at the signature Aria had mentioned. She "Ohhh" when she finally spotted the signature. "Oh, and I kinda went on a ride with..." Lilith looked around to see if Charles had gone anywhere and spotted him walking over. "With him. He has a pretty sick ride." She said as she waved at him and realized she hadn't fixed her hair. She quickly brushed it down with her fingers. That had not been cool, Lilith.
"Free drinks?" Lilith tapped her chin and gave Aria a quick smile. "I'm in if you are. Then maybe we can talk about food for later." She had not forgotten that Aria had said yes to dinner. "Come, let's get some drinks with him. He's a pretty cool dude."
"Because I've never sang for an audience before, I always saw myself as mediocre." Said Aria as she shrugged, she put her guitar next to her and was slowly calming down from the adrenaline, it was quite the rush after all. She does like this person, well not in the romantic way... Yet; Maybe Aria would be able to take her to her music room if she plays her cards right. "A car ride? Those usually lead to those romantic things huh? Right? I... I honestly don't know, does the shit that happens in movies real or they actually just movie things?" Aria asked a bit confused but, that has always been one of Aria's quirks that people love her by.
The man Lilith was with earlier then began clapping for her, it was quite distinct and he was quite tall and relatively hard to miss. He spoke that drinks were on him and Aria definitely wasn't going to pass on that situation, she was planning to have a smoke but now it would appear her plans have change. Guy must have a ton of extra cash, wish that were me. She thought as she then specified what she wanted as a drink. Lilith said he was a cool dude, so needless to say she'll believe her for now, but Aria is usually proven wrong at some point, she wishes that she won't be.
"Totally in." Said Aria.
"Who could say no to free drinks, the only thing that would make it better is if you could smoke in here." Said Hoon as she moved towards Lilith, she gestured to the bar and hoped to get to know her a bit more, she doesn't know a lot about her so this may be the best thing she could think of for the time being. "Dinner's still on right?" She asked, looking up at her as she waited for an answer.
Making his way back to the seats, Ryan noticed that there was one more person that had joined in. Shrugging slightly, he slowly sifted through the row of legs and human appendage back to his seat. "Ah. Of course not. I made sure to remember the lemon for the regular coke and lime for the diet. Um. I had them put the citrus wedges on the rim of the cups so you guys can add them as you needed." He gently passed the drinks over, being careful not to spill any or drop the wedges of fruit.
Sighing softly, he thought to himself that it was about time he made his exit. They had an old friend join them, and to stay any longer would make it seem like he is over staying his welcome. Besides, there is always work to be done at the restaurant. Work that can be done alone, and away from his thoughts.
"So yeah, while I was getting the drinks I got a call from my chef, saying that we're receiving a shipment of produce at the restaurant tonight, for service tomorrow. He wants me to meet him there to inspect and prep. So, it was nice catching up with you and meeting you as well. I hope to catch you guys around the city. Oh and feel free to stop by Kobayashi, I'm sure the head chef won't mind." Turning towards Vika slightly, "And maybe I can make - I mean have the head chef make you a proper meal this time around" Ryan chuckles and stood up. Fixing his cap and giving the trio a small nod before picking up his cup of hard cider and headed out.
He sipped his cider from the seating area all the way to the exit. Tossing his cup nonchalantly onto a recycling bin, he bin the gatemen good night and headed out.
Riding back towards the restaurant on his moped, his thoughts were mostly empty. He wasn't getting a shipment of anything tonight. And to be perfectly honest, there isn't work to be done at the restaurant that can't wait until tomorrow. He just felt like he should leave. And he did.
Stepping into the empty and unlit restaurant, he let out a small sigh. Why? Why is his feelings so mixed. Ah. No matter. He is in his happy place now. Or so it would seem. He stepping lithely into the kitchen, opting not to turn on the main lights. He reached for his lacquered case holding his knives. Placing the case onto the shiny stainless steel counter, he then pulls out a small step ladder. Placing the step ladder down by the walk-in cooler, he reached out and retrieved a fairly large case, of the same lacquered material. Exhaling a little more forcefully than normal, he puts the step latter away and walks over to the sink. One of the taps gives off filtered water and that is what he used to fill a gallon container with it. Going to another separate drawer, he takes out three different whetstones, ranging from 3000 to 8000 grit.
Sure, he can send his knives off to get polished and sharpened. But what self-respecting chef does that? Knives, and other cookware, are the lifeblood of chefs. To hand them off to someone else to tune up is like handing off your child to be cared for. One does not do that unless absolutely necessary.
Placing the stones on three separate clean kitchen towels, he sets the container of filtered water by it and gradually splash water on the surfaces of the stones. Opening the first lacquered box, he takes out three knives. A Deba, a traditional knife is used mainly for working with whole fish. Its blade is designed in a way that it fillets the fish without damaging it. It should not be slammed down like a meat cleaver, or used for chopping meat involving larger bones. A yanagi, a slicing knife that used for sushi toppings and thinning sashimi pieces. Finally a Usuba bōchō, a traditional flat edged knife used primarily for vegetables and produce. Inhaling and exhaling steadily, he starts to polish and sharpen the blades, holding the knives at a steady 17 degree angle. He makes no other noise other than the steady, soft, breathing and the muffled grinding between the blade and the whetstones. Small inscriptions can be seen on the blades, near the handle.
He would occasionally take a quick glance at both the time and the other, much larger, lacquered box. The box contained a specialized knife, a maguro bōchō. All four knives are of his own creation, during his travels back to Japan. He became friends with a renowned swordsmith and the smith allowed him to use his equipment to create his tools. After their creation, the swordsmith allowed Ryan to name his knives, akin to naming swords. The process is thought to imbue supernatural abilities to the blades, allowing the user to channel otherworldly powers. Of course, it really doesn't, but its the thought that counts.
The faint grinding can be heard in the kitchen through the darkness of night, in the quaint little restaurant in Sol City.
Siobhan smiled at Alejandro and paid for her albums. “I’ll meet ya at the Sports Center. With a beer.” She waved and walked out to her Corvette. Starting the car with a purr of the engine she pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the Luna Sports Center.
About a half hour later at the very end of the game Siobhan walked in. She decided to wait just inside so she could watch some of the game and do some people watching. Looking around Siobhan pulled out her phone and texted Joel. Hey sexy, we still on for watching the race at my place? Pizza and Blue Moon?
Seeing a flash of blonde hair out of the corner of her eye Siobhan turned left as she sent the message. She rolled her eyes as she recognized Marlin then Victoria. “Just my luck.” Turning back to the game she watched what looked to be the middle of the last inning.
Ethan watched Siobhan and the man she was with walk out. Shifting his attention back to Paige as she started talking to him. Ethan was about to answer as the boy that Paige was standing next to asked for an autograph.
It was inconvenient but he was always good with fans. They were his livelihood really. He smiled and pulled out a photo about the size of an index card and a Sharpie. Ethan signed it with a flourish and handed over the photo to the boy. “No problem, there ya go.” Ethan looked back at Paige. “So Paige I’d love to do lunch at some point. I’d love to ask you a few questions. I can give you my phone number or if you have a card…?”
Ethan raised his eyebrows. “I’m about to go do our version of Machine Head. So excuse me I shall be right back. But in case I get mobbed...” Ethan took out another photo and wrote his number on the back handing it over to Paige. “That’s my personal number. Call me when you have a minute.” Ethan winked over his shoulder as he walked off.
He made eye contact with the rest of the band and jerked his head toward the stage. As people realized exactly what was going on the crowd buzzed with excitement. The band performed and made small talk with the other karaoke performers.
Yolo smirked and waltzed past Paige slowly, knowing that she couldn’t touch him. He titled the PBR that he ordered up keeping Paige in his sights. Smirking just oozing smug satisfaction.
Sol City Market Festival - Saturday Late Morning through Late Evening - Corona Park
Partly Cloudy - Cooler
Hungry? Why wait?
The annual Sol City Market Festival is being held in Corona Park! The City's rich and diverse variety of merchants and artisans will be out in full display for all to sample and explore. Large and small expect to find everything from French Cuisine to Perisian Rugs, the Finest Street foods to the most exotic antiques and jewelry. There's truly something for everyone.
As always, the popular Cooking Competition will be in full swing! Come taste the best of what Sol's most talented professional and amateur chefs have to offer. Our much anticipated, special guest judge will be none other than the Panzer of the Palette, the Stuka of Suppertime, the Rhineland Roaster himself, celebrity chef, Bruno Hinkelstein! He's conquered Europe with his multi-award winning Blitzkreig of culinary attack and his highly lauded television program, the Continental Gourmet continues to be one of the most highly rated programs online and overseas. Will your favorite local chef have what it takes? Generous prizes will be awarded in both the professional and amateur classes for those that are able to please our judge!
The Market Festival is graciously sponsored by some of Sol's largest and most important businesses, be sure and stop by the special hospitality booths of these native Sol companies:
Daedalus International Airlines - Professional Simulators on hand with Real Instructors, Scale Models and Various Free Swag! Mom Corp Robotics - Hands-On Demo of the latest in technology and development! Rebellion Energy Drinks - Sol City Grand Prix Winner & World Rally Series Professional Driver, Joel Nicolosi and a Sol City Special Unveiling! Umbrella Corps International Research - Ongoing young scientist workshop throughout the day, ideal for children and the not so young alike. Sol Bucks Coffee - Free pastry and coffee to all who stop by! Star Bank - Free refreshments, silent auction and many other surprises!
S T A R M E S S E N G E R
SOL source of News since 1895
Latest News
Umbrella Corps Caffeine Addiction Program Sparks Zombie Fears
A new program spearheaded by Umbrella Corp. has sparked a scare after the audible moans and groans could be heard from the company's premier caffeine treatment center. Haggard and unkept interlopers could also be seen wandering the grounds and surrounding streets causing traffic safety concerns. Umbrella Corp., whose reputation is somewhat marred by several similar incidents has refuted the claims satirical claims of the dead walking by stating: "Despite our reputation at times, one that is rather over blown and exaggerated, the Sol City Facility is merely engaged in low level medical research and most importantly overcoming the unhealthily promoted, yet socially acceptable chemical addiction to caffeine. There is no cause for concern."
We can confirm clearly at this time. There are no necromantic, biological warfare or necro-research being undertaken by Umbrella Corps. While the sound of moaning and groaning certainly could be confused for the undead in the morning (just ask my wife), one must give Umbrella credit for at least attempting to overcome it's somewhat dubious reputation by providing a useful service to the city's residents.
We do hope their intentions are as stated. If not, remember to target the head, and get a pint at the Winchester. Anyone that may still be concerned, please Contact the Beaureau of Necromancy Experimentation sciences, or BONES for assistance.
Simon Pegg Senior City Correspondent Star Messenger
Neighbors Complain About West-Side Man Doing Yardwork Naked
Thank the recent upturn in temperatures, but residents in one Riverside neighborhood say they’ve got an eyesore next door: their neighbor does his yardwork and walks around his property in the buff.
“I came out Sunday night to put the trash out, and I look over and he is bent over, winding up his hose, and I’m like that is my view of the neighborhood,” said one resident.
The man’s neighbors have called SCPD several times, but officers say as long as he isn’t touching himself inappropriately, there’s nothing they can do because he’s on his own property.
“Have some respect for the neighborhood kids,” said another neighbor. “Kids catch the bus here. It’s wrong.”
Passersby say they've seen both the man and his wife speaking to police while naked.
“SCPD told me to just turn my head!” One person told us, clearly incensed at the officers' lack of empathy.
But when a reporter asked to interview the naked neighbor, the man declined, saying he wasn’t interested in speaking because he and his family are “private people.”
“If they are private, why are their privates on display?!” Yet another neighbor raged.
Perhaps the coming drop in temperatures will solve the problem, but none of the residents we spoke to appeared to be hopeful.
Beth Davis Local Reporter Star Messenger
Sol Spills
Rita here avid readers. Honestly this reporter is disappointed with this city. The drama dial has been turned WAY down. I would almost believe that all of you were on vacation. Swan Songs event was a let down compared to the last time that The Sirens were out in public. A riot in a bar. No disappointment there. The Ball game was not an edge of the seat event either. Our home team won 7-3. I expect more waves Sol City. Don't disappoint next time.
~Rita
WEATHER It's a fantastic day for the City Market festival- Partly Cloudy and cooler with more seasonal temperatures. Still slightly warmer, but you'll definitely need that jacket and long sleeves. Some rain expected for the evening, but still plenty of time to get out enjoy the day before regular temps returns for the night.
Enjoy and don't forget to pack an umbrella, or see if Umbrella Corp are giving any away!
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.
Marinalia Romus Olympus "Mali" & Victoria Darya Romus "Vika"
Monday evening to Saturday - Sol City food Festival - special event
Diets, Dilemas and Deep fried twinkies.
Marinalia Marinalia enjoyed the baseball game surprisingly though the company did help, Xia she was just glad to have some time with after a busy day, and a few busy days coming up meant that a little time to relax with family, a rather attractive girlfriend and some nice passing people they seemed to know. All in all it was a good way to spend a Monday evening that probably would have been netflix and a long bubble bath to relax. Not that that was bad, a good soak never hurt, especially for her sometimes aching feet after a long traffic jam on the gears and clutch all the way. She thought she saw a flash of familiar Red hair leaving but was too distracted by her girlfriend and sisters conversation to fully track. Isosef kept an eye though if any trouble, it was paranoid but he knew how to blend in and not crowd the women.
The rest of the week was pretty normal, flights into Canada was like flying into the US only with more paperwork to fill out and sometimes they spoke french more than English depending where you ended up. Either way it was ... Without any real problems and the views of the northern expanses of wilderness certainly where spectacular from cruising height on a clear day. Taking her free morning, a few km several mornings that week had her least feeling slightly better if her resolve failed at the food festival. Not that the fact she could sneak the odd kiss from a certain someone on the way in or out occasionally enjoyed. Much as she as not clingy, part of her just enjoyed having someone, it had been a while.
Friday swung round and saw the two sisters getting their nails done with pumpkin spice lattes and a late breakfast from a nearby diner of pancakes. The Festival was partly set up and they could watch from their home the growing construction site that was the food festival, trucks, heavy haulers and vans of all types had descended and unloaded what seemed like a small town of booths, large tents and structures bearing large flags and logos of sponsors with another larger stage like area being built with the help of a small crane and rather busy crews visible in there high vis. Nails where not strictly needed but if she was on show, she would look good doing it...
By the time the morning came round too quickly. Dressed in her full formal uniform, skirt, fitted jacket complete with 4 gold stripes as a full captain, gold wings, and all the trimmings including her cap. Rarely worn normally complete with gold leaves and airline logo. She really had gone all out as peaking below her uniform was the gold chain and gleaming ice blue diamond necklace from her grandmother and name badge in gold text with wings, "Instructor - Captain - Marinalia Romus Oylmpus". Despite being being 5'5 it did make you feel 6 feet tall. Guess it was kinda the point. Only her day could not go entirely easy as she queued up for a coffee, hand bag digging in for her cash card, dropping her hat while she was at it.
Leaning down she had the misfortune to bump a taller, rather attractive lady with her bum as she leant down to pick it backup and brush her leg somewhat, she really did not want to be flirting, she was quite happy as she was. Taller, rather well toned with pinkish red hair... The smile she gave really did not help her case. Nervous smile... sHe helping pick up with slate grey eyes meeting green"Umm. Sorry. Dropped my hat, don't normally bother with thing, excuse me. I got to get to the Festival, Thanks for helping The rather short yellow sundress, wide hat and simple white cardigan, it all worked especially showing quite a bit of skin... Very toned Skin she rather much brushed against in a rather nicely fitted pilots uniform and skirt that was... Well it did not hide her athletic figure under the 4 gold barred uniform.
At the Sol Bucks near the Cornea Park, she was sure she has seen her before, rather hard to miss. Her English accent was cheerful, though had a chime like nature recently thanks to things going well again. Marinalia quickly ordered a pumpkin spice latte and got to the food festival. Much as she was confident, flirting with random people was a little out of her comfort zone off the bat. She preferred to get to know people first, warm flirting not basically cold calling. Especially when she really did not want to give wrong idea, she did not need two girlfriends...
Heading out to the festival and the Deadalus area sipping an overpriced but rather nice Sol Bucks Coffee. The simulators and so where all set up, freebies stockpiled, models all mounted and glemaing just had to wait for the visitors. She already had put one of the hoodies aside, daedalus did not have as many today and they were really comfy...so very comfy. She was yet to manage to steal one off Xia, yet... Yes...she was a hoodie acquirer...
Savouring the Caffeine, they were going to be busy, especially when people reached the various corporate hospitality. Rebellion was nearby, though they still had something... Whatever it was hidden. The red and white logo of Umbrella was clear too, Caffeine addiction studies. Well everyone had heard the rumours and myths what had gone at a few of there facilities...who knew the real answer...
Least she was only a short walk from home, she could practically see the white Parisian mansion from where on the edge of Corona park. Park view...well it name made sense, strange thoughts while the white tips of her french nails linked to a hand holding onto a pumpkin spice lattes like it was the holy grail. Apollo might be here at least, perhaps boomer. The old man was unlikely. Hopefully Athena. She was fun! Ok she felt a alittle over dressed but hey, people came to see the airline at its best. Some where more casual but her confidence felt better in her full uniform and gleaming gold stripes, wings and cap with wreaths and badges. It...was her..but more. It was a outward layer of protection.
Victoria
Victoria had excused herself at the end of the baseball game getting a lift back, though she made sure to give Xia the hug she missed, and extra. Victoria was a tad more emotional these days, damn hormones... Up and down like a yo yo. Getting an early night she barely had a shower and dried off her hair before curling up in her overly large bed and sleeping rather soundly cocooned under and in a squishy quilt. If Marlin refined she did not know,
Remembering her chef passing acquaintance, she had bid him a good evening and promised to take him up on the offer one night. She would ring up in a few days once things settled down and she knew what her schedule was like and Marlin was not busy doing later evenings home after heading north each Lunch time once the cargo's where fully loaded up, checked and signed off. "Hi, it's Victoria, we gonna be having Marlins Grandfather over soon, and your food is lovely. can you get us a table for 5 aporox, though it may be short notice, not sure when exactly when over. If your snob boss argues, just get him to Google Maxamillion Olympus. He will make us room. We can make sure to tip well if it helps!"
The first thing she did notice though was rather not so welcome when she found herself wanting to throw up, or feel close. Urgh... One slightly slower later in the morning later and a long shower she made her way down to starting to really realize what kinda ride she got herself into...that thought was broken by a sudden rush to the bathroom. It was meant to mornings.... Sigh...it was still late morning. Maybe it would respect its name and give her rest of day...please. well this part sucked...or spewed to be exact.
The other news only made her soul sick. Urgh. She did not want to believe what was laid out across the large office desk. Only a few names on a list. Only one of those was the most likely suspect but part of her did not want to believe the tear soaked script listing "Ethen" at the top and reasons that could only combine... She did not want to believe that... She was not expecting a fairy tale, or even that it was guaranteed a wedding or princess getting kissed by the prince. However such an intimate betrayal was damaging down to her soul. It just hurt... She wanted to believe it was not real but too many facts that added up... Hitting her desk with frustration, that hurt but right now, everything did...
Calling Isosef, she did not feel at all safe to drive in this mood, a walk was needed but she wanted some peace and quiet so grabbed her coat, boots and bag and soon found herself sitting overlooking the city in the Atlas mountains where least she would not be bothered....and away from... The list... Torn what do even do... Publicly nothing, maybe even seem happy... Privately... Different. "I know things been... Busy. Very busy. citizenships are stupidly complicated. But we need to talk. Did you tell anyone?. Because someone betrayed that video. Only we fucking knew exactly. And told very very few... In private. I do not want press...I just want to live without that bullshit, have a healthy baby and keep any child out the fucking vulturous craven, scavenging scum! They cost me one job already. vkia" Victoria did not know what she wanted to say, exactly what she wanted? What exactly did she want to get out of this?
It had taken several weeks of research by two clever people at least just to get close and a rough but fairly straight suspected answer. They had hidden their tracks very well around a month or more to unravel them. Exactly who was...unknown. a lot of unknowns. Urgh... Her mess was of an epic sized shit hitting a very large fan while it was on fire in a hurricane.
One quick run to the shops to pick up a few items she had on order that were not available in her size and a spin by to drop some documents off at the British consulate office in the city, it was getting round to her feeling a little hungry. Agreeing with Isosef who was a little bit of a passenger seat driver though being paid to look after her. She still was paying him so... A little awkward mix especially when your protectee insists on driving, thankfully it was a safe...ish city. Slowly in the traffic the Dark purple Bentley rumbled along though the metropolis.
Female pilots uniform. Smart but more fitted than masculine uniform, 4 gold stripes on arms and shoulders of blouse. Gold wings with name badge and standard pilots cap with wreath and airline badge.
Uniform being a mix of both, still recognised as pilot with a more feminine twist to it at expense of being a alittle less practical.
Joel had never spent much time in Corona Park. Being a native of Sol City, and from Southside, it was more of a place you talked about, but never actually visited. The whole Riverside area tended to be viewed as pretentious; full of snobs and hipsters- not his sort of crowd in the least. Still, inside of the last week, he found himself there twice, which was two more times than he reckoned he had spent within the last two decades. A gentle breeze ruffled the black and orange Rebellion flags that were strung up along their expansive hospitality area which was an impressive amalgamation of one the car haulers and a carefully assembled collection of weatherproof fabric sections that formed one of the biggest displays in the park. A set of steps led up to the top of the hauler’s trailer where a “look-out” post of sorts was assembled that afforded a view of the whole festival all the way out to the river. It was the same set up they used on site for a rally.
Steam rose up from various dishes being prepared and different music blended together in the distance faintly amongst the movement and chatter of people shuffling through the various displays, booths and demonstrations. Joel didn’t pay much attention to any of it, other than the pleasing smell that was impossible to ignore as he sat in the lofted perch alone flipping through his phone reading some of the various international motorsports stories: Drama in F1, driver changes in the WEC, Balance of Power updates for IMSA GT and the opening rounds of the IndyCar season. Every once in a while he might comment on a story within social media, but in general he kept his digital mouth shut from too much controversy otherwise marketing wouldn’t be very happy with him. However, his sarcastic wit was an overwhelming hit with the fans and he had come to find the whole “liking”, “retweeting” and commenting craze mildly entertaining. Just handling his own social media accounts personally was enough for most fans to fall in love.
The morning had gone smoothly and the public relations/marketing people were exceptionally professional. Everything ran like clockwork for the morning unveiling: A new drink, Maximum Attack was debuted along with the matching orange Porsche to be entered in the upcoming Vineyard Rally in the southeastern mountains. While not an official WRS event, the decision was made to enter a car partly as a promotional display and partly as a technological display of the company’s racing prowess. It really was one of the best cars he had ever driven. The grip was there when he needed it and the rear-engine layout allowed him to pirouette around an acute hairpin effortlessly. The German engineers from Porsche had poured over it, white labcoats and all, listening carefully to ever piece of input he offered about the car’s performance until they were fully confident that any other problems could only come from the seat and not the car. As he and the VP of Marketing had pulled the cover off before the assembled crowd, he had to admit, they were probably right. It was a work of art, visually and technologically and the crowd loved the modernized Rebellion snake motif.
In the time that followed, they handed out a lot of free drinks while Joel and his co-driver took photos and signed everything that was put in front of them: shirts, hats, posters and cards, toys, phone covers, napkins… anything. They both wondered about the condition of a caffeine fueled festival crowd. He’d seen whole families walk by with parents and kids alike chugging on free orange energy drinks. They laughed it off and kept signing and by the end of the first session they’d nearly gone through a box of sharpies and were getting writer's cramp. As much as he really did enjoy the people, he was glad when it ended and let the very attractive girls from marketing take over for a while passing out more freebies and collecting information. He knew his respite wouldn’t last long on the loft as they would soon be allowing public access to the top of the hauler, but it was fresh air and offered a modicum of peace before he’d have to go hide in the hauler lounge.
The air was cool, though his black team jacket and jeans were fairly comfortable. He kept a matching hat and sunglasses on throughout most of the morning. As he stood up and stretched he could see the fairly large coffee order the team had placed making its way across the lawn being carried in multiple styrofoam trays. Though they were all in full swing about the new drink, everyone working the tent had about all of them they could stand and the cooler weather brought about a consensus for a coffee run, especially when SolBucks was just across the way in their own tent. Joel mosied down to the ground level where the twocars were on display along with a plethora of merchandise sporting the signature orange, Rebellion “R” logo in various designs, a couple console-based racing simulators and a large weatherproof sectional sofa that wrapped around a massive flatscreen television. The crowds had died down enough the young girl tasked with the coffee run began setting the cups out on the small table in front of the television.
“They were freakin’ slammed,” The girl said apologetically as Joel examined the the unmarked cups. She knew his next question. “I tried to get something for everyone, there’s latte’s for the girls, black coffee for the guys, there’s creamer and sugar in the bag,” She shifted the trays around and sat one cup aside. “Joel, i got you an Americano.” She glanced around briefly, obviously stressed and counted the cups. “Let me round up everybody. Guard the coffee!” She shuffled away frantically.
Sensing the opportunity he’d been waiting for, Joel ungracefully plopped down on the sofa, glanced around for a moment and retrieved a flask from inside his jacket pocket, happily dumping a generous amount of the contents into his coffee cup. It was some pricey bourbon Sio had acquired. He had no idea what it was called. She tended to be a very fancy drinker, but it went really well with coffee. Enjoying the sweet, blending aroma as the two liquids swirled he nearly dropped the flask when someone barked his name from a distance. Fuck! He scrambled to put the flask away and get the plastic lid back on his cup as a boisterous crowd erupted up from the back of the hauler. He barely got up and spun around before they came around the corner.
“AH-HA!” A tall, mountain of a man lead the group towards Joel. They were all laughing crudely, some of them in Porsche Engineering polos and others Rebellion. Joel recognized the leader as their guest judge, Bruno. TV didn’t do him justice- He towered over Joel and slapped him firmly on the shoulder in greeting. “Here he is! Michael-fucking-Schumacher!” He shook hands vigorously with a grip that felt like a steel vice and rocked the entire upper body. Some took phone pictures as Joel tried to look presentable while it felt like his hand was being crushed. “I tell you, I saw you in Jamaica, fucking brilliant! Beat those fucking French pricks,” He said, referring to the rival team from Citroen. The boast prompted a fresh chorus of guttural laughter. He wrapped a sweeping arm over Joel’s shoulders and motioned towards the cars. “Volkswagen, Porsche, I fucking love it, perfect!” Being on TV, Bruno had a sense for drama and loved being the center of attention. “I tell you my boy, you come to Germany for the rally, you come to my restaurant, you fucking love it, I take care of everything- Complete Relax.” The PR team had mentioned Bruno could be eccentric and his English was not perfect, but the flair of his booming voice and broken dialect was part of what made him popular.
The young girl who had organized the coffee run motioned to the table for everyone to partake. Bruno of course went first. “Ah, fucking Christ! I haven’t had decent coffee since Lufthansa- I take it!” His massive arm grabbed up the cup before Joel could even get a word out and took a healthy swig. His eyes immediately darted to the small hole in the lid as he swirled what was left of the gulp quizzically through his tastebuds again. “Not fucking bad.” He said with some surprise satisfaction. He turned with the cup in hand and began to walk away with the whole crowd in tow again motioning to the cars as they left the tent, “Joel! Don’t go anywhere! I come back later, we take the cars, I cook for everyone, it will be fucking beautiful!” A raucous chorus of laughter and rapid German dialect followed him away. There were still a few hours until the judging started.
“Aw, he took your cup.” The girl said eyeing the table.
LOCATION & TIME : SWAN SONGS, MONDAY EVENING INTERACTIONS : Aria - @KatKook , Marinalia @PrinceAlexus MENTIONS : Charles - @Tyler Night
Early morning.
The night before had not been a pleasant one for Lilith or anyone at the club. While there were a couple of shady clients that always lingered in the club, they had never really experienced anything beyond a fight outside or someone getting kicked out for being rude to one of the dancers. Lilith wished someone had been kicked out last night. Lilith had started her shift earlier than usual to make up for some lost hours from last week. There were a few men and fewer women down on the floor as they mostly talked or watched the dancers on the stage. Lilith was set to go up after Ruby. It was Friday night, so Lilith expected the club to start flooding with clients after seven or eight pm after everyone got out of work. No one had expected a giant party to storm the club unexpectedly. Kenny. The main bouncer had to check every single one of them for anything before they made their way in and that had taken nearly thirty minutes. On top of that, some of them were already drunk and causing some of the usuals to feel uncomfortable.
Lilith went up just as the large party settled around the stage. She had been wearing her favorite earth green outfit with lace panties and black heels. Nothing too flashy but enough for the regulars to enjoy. She started her routine like always, just dancing for a bit before making her way to the middle pole. Everything was normal until a few people who were part of the party began to offer her stacks of money. Like full on piles. Not just of dollar bills but twenty dollars.
She had never seen so much money being thrown at her, like ever. She earned enough cash to get her by, but holy shit was what she saw yesterday was a lot. Lilith didn't even know what to do. She just continued with her routine while taking the stacks with a wink and a giggle. She thought she had hit the jackpot until a scream broke out in the middle of the party. She almost didn't hear the guy because of the music, but she clearly saw it.
One of the guys who had offered her money had gotten stabbed right between the ribs. Then everything happened so fast. Some people ran out, others ran for the guy with the knife, and others just stood in shock. Kenny was inside in a flash and was telling everyone to calm down. Lilith, on the other hand, just stood there in the middle of the stage as she watched the guy trying to put pressure to the wound. He had light brown curly hair and tanned skin. He must have been in his mid-thirties or early forties.
The night ended early. Some of the people in the party had caught up to the guy and held him down until the police arrived. Lilith had stood there until Ruby helped her collected her earnings and guide her to the back. The dancers were asked a few questions then they were escorted out of the club by the police. At some point, Lilith had made her way home with her bag full of cash.
By the morning, it all felt like a dream.
Like usual, Lilith got up to get ready. Usually, she went on morning runs around the harbor but today was special. She needed a new outfit for her dinner with Aria, the cute girl from last week. They had texted a bit over the week after they both had been unable to go through their dinner plans after the event at Swan Songs. They had agreed to go to the Food Festival tonight, and Lilith had been freaking out since then. Charles, the guy who had offered her a ride, had even offered a private dinner. Lilith felt that was a bit too personal and had agreed to it if Aria and her had the first dinner in a less private setting.
Dinner. It felt more like a date. Lilith supposed it was a date.
Lilith has been looking forward to this all her week, but it seemed like the incident from last night had shaken her up a bit. She was still exited, of course, but she felt a bit discouraged at the fact that her mood had been spoiled. She didn't want to ruin the date because of her. Maybe some shopping would help her cheer up and get rid of the image of the guy in her head.
Morning to Evening
Coffee was first on the list. After sliding into a short yellow dress with white and blue flowers on it and a cute lace cardigan, Lilith made her way to the closest coffee shop she could find. Sleep had not come easily to her after the club last night, and she had lost a few hours. Nothing that a shot of espresso couldn't fix. Maybe a bagel too. Or two.
Lilith was waiting in line behind a girl with what seemed to be some sort of uniform. She had dropped something, and Lilith leaned down to pick it up for her. The girl's arm brushed against her leg, but she just gave the shorter blonde a charming smile as she handed her the hat.
"Don't worry about it, cute stuff." Lilith had said to her, noting the nervous smile she got in return. Lilith smiled to herself, proud that she could make dome people nervous and lose their cool with just her looks. "Nice accent, by the way. She had said just as the blonde finished her order and left the line. Some casual flirting never hurt anyone, in her opinion. The girl was cute, and Lilith couldn't help herself, though, Aria was a lot cuter.
The rest of her morning went by without a hitch. She went to Central Point to shop for some clothes and a new purse to distract her from last night and the date later on. At some point, she had texted Aria and asked her what her favorite food was and what she was looking forward to trying. Even teased her that they should go into the food eating contest. She bought new shoes, some more lace outfits for work, and a nice leather jacket for later. Might help her with some of the incoming cold.
By the time of the date rolled in, Lilith was a nervous wreck. She kept on checking her phone for any updates, kept fixing her lipsticks, and kept tugging at the yellow dress. The new leather jacket did little to protect her from the crisp air, but at least it was cute. She had to look cute for her date.
Why was Lilith acting like a school girl all over again? It was just a date with a friend.
Hey, I'm here already. I'm by the entrance, can't wait to eat some food!
Lilith sent the text to Aria and shoved her phone into her new MK purse. At least the anxiety of the date was overtaking the need to get her fix and the whole ordeal from last night. With a big breath, Lilith leaned back against the light pole she was standing under and closed her eyes. She could just reach into her bag and get her little stash and just do it behind one of the stalls. It would be quick, and it could help her calm her down, at least just for a bit.
No no. She had to stay sober for her date. At least until it was over. Instead, Lilith pulled out a pack of menthols and light one of the cigarettes. This would at least her help calm her down while she waited — just a bit.
Aria was already half way through getting dressed, she had just slid her under-cover stockings on and was only two clothing items away from actually finishing getting dressed. Aria then decided if she was going to be a girl today, by that she meant deciding picking shorts or a skirt. Well, since she only ever rarely wears skirts and the occasion is pretty rare she had decided to go for skirts. She pulled up the dark gray skirt up to her waist, and tucked the front of her light gray long sleeved buttoned shirt into it. She grabbed her phone and there was already a text from Lilith asking where she was.
To: Lily Lily Lily Lily ith From: Aria Hyoon
I'm about to head out, give me 5 minutes.
Immediately she slipped on her lucky pair of black boots, these boots were Hyoon's date boots, dates always went well whenever she wore these boots and she is not planning to break that trend this evening. She slipped them on, tied them well and grabbed her brown coat from the coat rack, slipping that on. Before she walked out the house, she looked at herself in the mirror. She looked like she was a star in Korean drama, except for her hair, which was all messy and bed head-y. She didn't mind though, she could just use the wind as an excuse if Lilith asks about it.
Before Hoon left the apartment, she slipped on her earphones and scrolled through her playlist, she ended picking Paris by the Chainsmokers since it was a good chill walk song. With that, she was off; head was slightly tilted down, music blasting in her ears and boy she was overthinking the date like crazy. She didn't want to embarrass herself. The air was cold, again; she let out a sigh and continued to walk, she eventually ended up at the same street they were on the last time, except it wasn't as night lifey as it was back then. The first thing she was Lilith standing there with a really colourful outfit. Aria looked down at her own and saw the contrast between the two. She walked up to her back, and just let out a quick, "Hey," She looked Lilith up and down and decided to apologise for her clothing choice, "Sorry I'm not as colourful, if I'd had known that you were going to be wearing something nice and pretty, I would have worn something more... Uh... Colourful? I only own maroon tops so I doubt it would change if I swapped to maroon." With that long stutter filled explanation, Aria felt like she was already failing at the whole talking and socialising thing.
Are these how dates are supposed to go? It's been like, six years.
Time ✿ Afternoon Location ✿ Apartment In Riverside/Festival Mentions ✿ @PrinceAlexus Interactions ✿ @PrinceAlexus
"You ungrateful child!" The harsh words of Manami's mother rang in the air, hitting the dark-haired girl like a slap in the face.
"Do you care at all about what me and your father have done for you, all the time we spent in order to give you a life filled with whatever you wanted?! This is how you repay us?!" The older woman's voice was high-pitched and loud, there was no doubt in Manami's mind that anyone in the house could hear what was going on. "Mama, it's not that serious! I just want to quit this stupid charade, dressing up with make-up and heels that hurt my feet....that isn't me! I want to go back to school and finish my degree, I want to be a nerd that reads books and wears what she wants without worrying of being called out." Manami's mother looked like her daughter had just told her the worst possible news, her eyes that mirrored Manami's brimming with tears. From the other side of the room Manami's father sat silently, a newspaper in his hand, this wasn't unusual though. The man was more of a ghost than he was a father, never saying a word against his wife.
"So you want to just throw away the nice life we've given you? I see how it is, you just don't care about your parents! You just want to toss it all in the trash, everything that your father and I have done." Manami felt her lip quiver and her throat being to grow sore as she fought back the tears that threatened to reveal themselves. "No, but I hate doing all of this! It's not fun, it's not what I want. What about what I want, huh? Do you ever think about that? Does that matter at all?!" Just as her mothers voice was getting louder hers was as well, she felt a massive amount of emotions beginning to spill over and she wasn't sure if she would be able to stop it.
Her mother scoffed, turning her nose up at her own daughter. "What you want doesn't matter, as MY child your job is to take care of me and make sure I can live the rest of my days in peace. So help me god, if you destroy what we have built then....well you don't want to know the consequences."
Manami felt her blood run cold, she could tell that her mother simply wasn't the same person anymore. The money and fame had gone to her head, corrupting any sweet person who might have been inside. She couldn't do it anymore, she had to get away. Manami didn't say anything else as she grabbed her purse and fled her parent's home, hailing a taxi as fast as she could. Once she was inside she took a deep breath and exhaled, her breath hot and shaky as she tried to calm herself down. The Taxi driver could see her in his rear-view mirror and asked if she was alright and even though she told him she was fine Manami wasn't so sure about it.
Manami realized she wanted someone to talk to, someone she could ask for advice, someone she didn't have to hide from. Out of all the people she knew only one person came to mind, though she wasn't really that close with her she was the only person who didn't seem to care when she saw Manami "out-of-costume". The girl pulled her cellphone out and scrolled through her contacts until it landed on the name Victoria. "Hey, I need to get out of the suffocating apartment, want to go to the festival with me?" She texted, hoping to get a response back.
----------
About two hours later Manami was standing by Sol Bucks coffee, a tray that held two separate coffees in one hand and her cellphone in the other. Instead of being dressed up in her usual over-the-top look she was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, a sweater that had a picture of some video game character, a black jacket and very minimal Make-up. She hadn't even done much with her hair, had run a straightener through it real quick so it wasn't super frizzy. This was how she dressed/looked at home, how she was comfortable.
The cardboard drink tray in her hand held two coffees; One that was filled with cream and sugar and lots of caffeine. Another that was decaf along with whatever else Victoria liked. After her new friend had agreed to meet with her Manami made their meeting place in front of the coffee shop. She found that she was excited to spend some time away from home, away from social media and to just be herself. It had been a long time since she had taken time to just be....her.
