Apr 25 15:20:47 106 PA
From Chronicles
Apr 25 15:20:47 106 PA
With the dreary, drippy sky, one might not realize that it is, in fact, mid-afternoon. Those sleeping in after a late night, such as Leonard, might be more readily aware of the hour, however. He is prepared for it, at the least, large umbrella protecting him in addition to his cloak as he approaches the monolith that is the Happy Days.
With the planned meeting already set, Vixen will be waiting just inside so when she sees Leo coming, she'll wait until he's just a few steps from the front before slipping out. A few quick steps then all she needs to slip under the umbrella and right up against him. "Right on time," she says, moving in at once to wrap him in a close, casual embrace. "So where are you taking me shopping, babe?" Murmured just before she offers up a light, playful kiss.
"I do try to be punctual." Leonard grins, shifting hands with the umbrella to wrap the nearest around her. "Wherever you'd like to, Vix. Preferably somewhere with wardrobe, bureaus or cargo containers." He lifts a brow as he thinks to ask, "Just how much of what do we need space for, anyhow? I haven't exactly rifled through your things, and you mentioned storage..."
"Well, Leo.." Vixen pulls back just a bit, casually hooking an arm with him and lingering close to stay under the umbrella. "I have my clothes.. a lot of clothes. It's one of my vices. So a nice, roomy wardrobe is a must." She glances outward a bit, considering the dreary, drippy day idly, without it much impacting her state. "I have some camping gear.. my weapons. I picked up some anti-vampire stuff not too long ago.. had a scare on my way here." She looks back to him. "A few portable computers, radios, miscellaneous odds and ends. Mostly closet space or something like that would be nice. And a roomy desk for my transmitting gear. Maybe a cabinet for my random stuff if your closets are already packed." The two are standing together just outside the Happy Days Inn. "I've been getting my stuff together and packed, though most of it is in storage. Didn't want to unload all of it here.. made it feel too permanent."
Alistair is making a run down the sidewalk - splash splash splash - the chill and rain don't seem to bother him outwardly, though the goose-bumps are there. Training is the name of the game aparently, even in poor weather such as this. Seeing the two in the street, he waves at them, smiling, though it seems he's keeping his breath steady and as such he says nothing while closing.
Leonard considers her concise list, before wondering aloud, "Should I find a larger apartment, first?" His grin belies the tease before he continues. "Definitely a desk and wardrobes, then. There is closet space, but they aren't very large. Fortunately, all my clothes take up all of a foot in one of them. Any suggestions on merchants then?" His eyes leave hers to survey the surrounding block, whereby the incoming Alistair and his wave are spoted. As Leonard's hands are both full, he offers the other man a nods.
"Been a while.. but I know where there should be some furniture places. Assuming the area didn't get a change of businesses since i was last here," Vixen offers. "Nothing too fancy, cause I'm not up for spending heavy cred on pretty things. At least, not right now." She grins a little and looks in the direction Leo nods, noting Alistair running along in the rain. "Forget your umbrella?" Called out to him as he gets closer, a soft tease in her tone.
"Hi" Alistair says, slowing. "No, but even if I knew it would be like this I would have left it behind" he blushes slightly, blinking his eyes. "What is this about furniture? Is someone buying a sofa?" he asks, curiously, looking from one person to the other with an expression of confusion among other things.
Leonard glances sidelong to Vixen. "Are you sure? I'm even willing to get something in purple, and no one said that you were buying anything." A chuckle follows to Alistair. "Hello. It would be hard to run with an umbrella. No sofas. Desks and storage. How are you today, other than a little winded?"
Vixen turns a critical eye on Leo. "I got some money, Leo. Not enough for a house, but plenty to get a few things." She grins lightly then and her elbow nudges lightly into his side before she looks back towards Alistair. "I'm moving in with Leo," she informs him. "Cause someone's gotta keep him outta trouble." Another elbow nudge. "You one of those nature lovers? Get a high out of running out with the rain and all?"
"Oh" Alistair looks from one to the other, somewhat surprised. He takes a few moments to reply, "But Miss Vixen, are you not trouble?" he asks, brows hiking up; he blushes faintly and continues, "I'm well, and um, the ... training, has to be done under any conditions. Running in the mud is best for endurance - and it should be done barefoot, but here there are sometimes too many sharp things."
Leonard winces exagerratedly at the nudging, but neither it nor the weather dampens his grin. He also nods to Alistair. "She is, since she won't even allow me to spoil her. Her trouble is allowable, however... preferred, even. What sort of training? I do a little running, but I'd be in the gym on a treadmill on a day like this."
"The right kind of trouble," Vixen murmurs, grinning lightly as she turns her head to lean in and brush a light kiss against his cheek. "You can spoil me with other stuff if you want, but I'll get these." She leans a bit against his side as she looks back to Alistair. "I guess for someone like you. Me, I'll stick with treadmills every other day to keep my fit going. How far you going?" She glancing down the street in the direction Ali is headed.
"Treadmill?" Alistair looks at Leo and ... laughs. Yes - a short one, but it's a laugh, before he shuts himself up and blushes. "Treadmills are okay if you don't need to be be able to do real running" he nods, that perhaps explaining everything. Looking at Vixen as well, then down the road, "Probably not too far" he comments, thinking about what's down there.
Leonard chuckles, in response to both Vixen's correction and Alistair's laugh. "Yes, dear. Maybe the next time you go, you can drag me along?" These are both to the redhead, of course, before his shoulders roll slightly to Alistair. "I'm trying to cut down on my running away, so indoors works well enough."
"How about you come with us. Since we're gunna be buying some furniture, maybe you can help move it. Good exercise between you two strapping boys." Vixen grinning as she suggests that much. She then considers Leo and offers, "Maybe when I go to the pool. Then I can see if my bikini still fits. Been a little while since I've worn it."
"You will hate having to run then - are you still going to follow this Mr. Norwick?" Alistair asks, somewhat pointedly - then he looks to Vixen and smiles sheepishly, "Okay, hopefuly I won't get it too wet then - where are you moving it from and to?" he asks. The mention of a bikini gets him blushing again.
"Shh. Don't say that too loud, Vix," Leonard warns, "or there'll be a mob in the pool with no room to swim." He promptly turns to Alistair. "Just down the hall and in the door at the Carafe. This strapping boy will be expecting the merchant to deliver. That charge I will cover, if necessary."
Vixen grins with light amusement as Alistair reacts to the mention of bikinis. "Maybe if you're a good boy, you can come too," she teases him idly before she turns her attention to Leo. "Who says I swim at the pool? Never learned. I just go to lounge." "They'll deliver for a bit more.. most good places do. We'll just have to move it in once they get it there." She, Leo and Ali are standing outside of the Inn, the sky dreary this afternoon with a soft rain coming down. Leo and Vix are sharing an umbrella while Ali is just out there.
Alistair exhales slowly, something on the tip of his tongue, not to mention the blush; he manages not to touch the bikini topic for now though. "I can help, it isn't a problem" he replies. "Just tell me when ... " his eyes shift left and right for a moment before looking back at the pair.
Leonard ahs and nods. "I certainly won't stop you from lounging." After the brief aside to Vix, he rolls his shoulders. "Well, we've just started to begin our browsing, but you're welcome to join us. She mind find something she likes right away, or you might still get your training in via excessive walking."
"I'll let you know the next time I he ad to the gym, sure," Vixen replies to Alistair, her expression sly before she looks between the two and extends a hand out towards Alistair. "C'mon, boys. Let's go buy some heavy, hard to move things. There's a nice place that's a few blocks away.. if its still there. It has some nice, big elegant looking wardrobes.. or did before."
Emayn walks out from a near-bye store, more than a few bags slung over her arm. She takes a few steps on the sidewalk, before stopping and reaching down to pulling a sock up from inside her boot. A brief wiggle of her toe later, she straighens and looks around and spots Leo not too far away. She grins as she looks his way, but doesn't approach, her eyes narrow ever so slightly as she waits.
"MMmh ... " Alistair turns redder, his expression betraying some lack of appreciation for the continued teasing - the offered hand is taken because it's offered and Alistair just does things like that. "Sure ... " he's also pretty darned wet. It happens when you run around in the rain.
Leonard begins to step off, when something catches his attention and causes him to pause. Head and eyes shift about the street before them, until finally alighting upon Emayn and her armload of bags. "It seems our company might be increasing..." A brief, simply nod is given to the woman ahead.
Vixen lightly clasps Alistair's hand and grins at him. "Lighten up, Ali. I know what you meant. And I know you already got you a girl, so I ain't doing nothing but messing with you." Her mood light. Well, until Leo arrests their forward momentum and his own focus leads her to look towards Emayn. Her mood dips instantly when she spots the woman, but a second later she lifts her head to look at Leo. "I don't see anything," she tells him, shrugging aside her dip in mood. "C'mon, that stuff ain't buying itself."
Emayn adjusts her small bags as she walks confidently down the street to meet up with Leo, her eyes quickly moving over the other two in his party before she approaches, offering a wave to Alistair, an uncharateristicly meek look to Vixen, and a smile to Leo, "Hiya," she offers, her face all smiles.
Hayate approaches from down the avenue, walking the opposite way Emayn came in. The small asian man reaches up to adjust one of the three blade hilts protruding from his upper back, and continues on. As he grows nearer, he gives silent, respectful nods to everyone present in greeting.
"I know" Alistair replies, nodding to Vixen; the rest of the exchange he seems to catch him a little off guard and he looks about confused, blinking his eyes. And he eyes ... Leo. He then turns to Emayn, smiles in turn to the wave, and nods back respectfully to Hayate.
Leonard sighs and shakes his head slightly. "They won't, but they might need wait a moment. I can catch up, if you don't wish to wait." Hayate escapes his notice for the current moment as his attention shifts to the other woman. "Hello, Ema. We need to talk, and now is as good a time as any." Not really, but there isn't exactly a good time, either.
Vixen accepts that they won't be leaving just yet. But she remains resolute in flat out ignoring Emayn's very existence. Though when Leo notes going on ahead, she frowns at him. "Like hell am I leaving you here," she states, the arm linked with his tightening just a bit. Of course, she continues to ignore the woman, though she does glance towards Hayate, looking him up and down casually as she waits.
Hayate turns his feirce green eyes on Vixen as she looks him up and down, and gives her a quick once over to assess her. He only offers her a vague smirk though, and turns his gaze on everyone else. "Excuse me.. Can you direct me to the Arena? It's been quite some time since I was in this city.. and I'd rather not wander.." He says calmly, his voice accented from the far east, his words directed to Emayn.
"With company around," her head tilts, ever so slightly as she looks over Leo, "And with that sort of delivery, why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this?" she takes a small breath and shrugs, looking over at Vixen head shaking, she looks about to say something to the woman, but doesn't as Hayate approaches, her eyes giving him a once over, dancing over his collar, "Um, yeah, its a bit east of here," she says pointing with her armful of bags, "Through the dregs, its really hard to miss, the closer you get."
"That way Sir" Alistair motions up the street as well, ever helpful - and wet. Totally dripping wet. He smiles politely, and quiets down to watch the exchange between the other three now, glancing to Vixen mostly now and then.
"I doubt it will be crushing to you," Leonard begins to Ema, tone polite and even, although he does take a breath to consider his words, "but you'll need to seek your fun elsewhere. It was my mistake to involve you as I did." He has no apparent animosity, despite Vixen's ignorance of her presence.
Vixen does indeed keep herself focused on things besides Ema. With two answers given for the direction to the Arena, she instead focuses on Ali. "You sure we can borrow you for an hour or two? Should be all it takes if they deliver quick. Mostly the moving of things up.. but if you wanna give some thoughts on the choice too, I won 't mind. But I don't want to keep you away from Cali or make you late for anything."
Hayate smiles as he is given directions, the creasing of his lips breif. He looks at Emayn again, at her burden. "If you like.. I can forgo my trip to the Arena.. and escort you whereever you are bound. It's no trouble.." He trails off watching Emayne turn and leave before his sentence is finished, reaching up to run a hand through his sopping wet hair, letting small rivulets race down his back, otherwise ignoring the rain.
Emayn's face twitches a moment, the bells on her right ear jingling softly as she closes her mouth, smile fading, "Wow...that was.." lips curling into a frown, "That was alot colder than I expected from you. Discard me like a toy you're done with, not worth the effort of being gentle even?" she looks over at Vixen, "I'm not your enemy here, I didn't make him do anything, I asked him if he wanted me to back off." her eyes back to Leo, "Look, I understand, really I do, but this." she motions to his friends, "you do know how to keep it classy." she starts to walk off, waving dismissible.
"Cali won't mind if I help friends, and she also tends to keep busy so often we play it by ear" Alistair explains and smiles sheepishly, "I can try to make some suggestions but my tastes are probably not similar to yours. O-oh..." he blushes as he recalls, "She liked the ... you know, I think - maybe she is just shy. I mean thanks for the help."
The treatment Leo gives Ema stuns Alistair a little, and he looks from Vixen to Leonard and the other girl for a moment - a glance to Hayate at his offer, then his attention focuses back to Vixen.
Hayate looks at Alistair sharpely as he mentions Cali. But he says nothing, not wishing to cause the little mechanic any undo fuss.
Hayate looks at Alistair sharpely as he mentions Cali. But he says nothing, not wishing to cause the little mechanic any undo fuss.
Leonard exhales a sigh as Ema turns. "That was not how it was meant, and I was attempting to be polite..." His words trail off as she goes, but he isn't about to attempt breaking Vixen's grip. He'd lose the arm and look even more uncomfortable bleeding out from a stump.
"Don't play little miss hurt with me, chick. You were all smiles and bullshit that night," Vixen states, staring right at the other woman. "I don't buy the hurt act for a moment." Vixen's words aren't particularly venomous, but they are firm and unflinching.
Emayn doesn't turn, doesn't respond, just walks away down the street.
"Uh ... " Alistair quiets down at that exchange but that look gets his attention and, as he looks at Hayate he asks, "Pardon me - what? ... " he inquires, curious. Maybe he's got something on his face, who knows?
Hayate glances at Alistair. "Nothing.. I know Caliopa-San is all." He says turning his gaze on the rather rude Vixen, then turning to follow Emayn, or rather walk in that general vacinity.
"Well..." Leonard turns back to his furniture-seeking companions. "that was unpleasant. Shall we?" He seems less than interested in lingering upon the exchange, and is certain Vixen has no desire to, either. "Oh, hello." Now Hayate is noted and given a greeting and nods.
"Daylight's burning, babe," Vixen replies to Leo, more than eager to get along on the day's outing. The incident shrugged aside again as she looks to Leo with a light grin. "I'll even act all impressed with how strong you boys are," she adds, a light urging given through their linked arms to get the crew moving once more towards the furniture store.
"Oh ... it's always nice to meet one of Cali's friends - perhaps a formal introduction later, looks like I have to go!" Alistair smiles at Hayate as he is led away - or rather, urged away, he merely offers, "I am Alistair, nice to meet you Sir!"
Hayate touches a fingertip to his forehead in reply to Alistair, then continues after Emayn.
Leonard chuckles at Vixen's promise as they finally move towards a destination, or the first of several possible, at least. "That might actually get me to try and lift something. You needed strength training, as well, I hope?" He glances to Alistair at that last.
Vixen casually tugs on Alistair's hand in a bid to draw him a bit closer. So she can try and hook an arm with him as well. "Of course he does. Never can be too buff for your girl, right? Get some more muscle on there and you'll just have Cali swooning," she jests playfully as she goes shopping with the boys. It'll be a few minutes of walking to get to the place, which it seems is still there. It's a common looking furniture store from the outside, though inside it has quite a variety of sizes and styles for reasonable prices.
"I ... " Alistair is pulled into that arm-hook-thing, and looks from one to the other at the mention of strength training. "I think if I put any more muscle on I'll look gross, actually" he blushes, blinking his eyes. Alistair is buff - he just is. Following to the furniture store he looks around a little and tilts his head. "Oh. This is nice."
Hayate breaks into a run to reach Emayn, but he passes her, heading off to the Arena. The man is startlingly quick. Here, then.. gone..
Leonard has no obections to the arm-linking, or even being tugged about. "Hmm..." This is his first comment as he begins to look over the items on display, beginning with one of the larger, more extravagant beds. "I wonder if I should invest in a larger bed, as well... If there's any room left, of course."
Within the furniture store, Vixen will happily lead the two about from place to place, mostly looking at wardrobes and desks. When she notes what Leo is eyeing when he makes that comment, she smirks a little. "What, you don't like it cozy, Leo? Not like we need that much room.. the spare bed was good enough." She then lets go of the two guys to approach a good sized L shaped desk. "I like this.. this would be good for my broadcast station, I think." She lays her hands on it, lightly rubbing the top. It's a good mix between surface area and compactness, dark stained wood and plenty of drawers. OUtside of the store, the afternoon is a bit rainy and dreary, but both conditions are kept light.
"No, cozy is fine," Leonard returns with his own smirk, "but it would give me more escape when you decide to hit me in your sleep, or try to shove me off for more room." He approaches as she indicates the desk, giving it a quick inspection and making mental notes. His attention then turns to his fellow man. "Do you have any suggestions?"
Alistair blushes at the talk of beds, eyeing one for a moment - or is it at the talk of being cozy. Turning back to the desk, he looks at it and hms softly. "Do you like it this dark?" he asks, glacing at Leonard as well for a moment, nodding, and looking back to the desk.
"Yes, I like dark colors," Vixen replies. Which might be obvious by her choice in clothing. "It even comes in two pieces." She indicates the seam where the two sections link. She looks up a little and to the side, as if she were about to look back to the two. Then she sees it. "Oooo.." Without pause, she turns and quickly walks upto a large wardrobe. Seven feet tall, nearly that wide. At once she opens it up and inspects the interior. Two sections for hanging clothes, small drawers for jewelry and small articles. Drawers for shoes and space for boots. And dark like the desk. "This is perfect!" she states, sliding the drawers and inspecting each little feature that it holds with approval.
Leonard nods sagely to Alistair. "Pink and frilly she's not." As if anyone might think that. He has no complaints, of course, obvious in his smile as he watches Vixen open, close, flip and pull in her interested excitement. "She doesn't think small, either. That is going to be heavy."
Alistair looks at the desk and tilts his head a little, about to say something when the wardrobe is spotted. His jaw nearly drops and he asks quietly, "Do all girls do this?" his train of thought likely obvious.
Vixen is happily oblivious to the gossip that goes on between the two with her, content with exploring her lovely new wardrobe. Because it is hers. Then she turns suddenly and approaches the two, a hand dipping into her coat to draw out a cred card. "Leo, this should have enough for the both of 'em." She gives him a broad grin as she looks to place it into his hands. "And a little extra if you need some help getting 'em into the place." She's excited and it shows. She looks him in the eye and murmurs. "Would you be too disappointed if I wanted to go get my clothes in order for moving? I'll make it up to you, I promise. I gotta find that bikini.." She grins playfully.
Leonard blinks in surprise, but shakes his head in response to her. "You're happy, and in a rush to move in, and you think that I'm going to be..." He pauses, catching himself, and his tone becomes less certain. "Well, I suppose I am.. but when you find it, I should make sure it fits you. Then we'll call it even?" His feigned displeasure is murdered by his grin.
Alistair looks between the two, and then slightly away, a touch shyly. He doesn't have anything to add to that particular conversation, especially now that Leonard is utterly distracted by thoughts of bikini-clad Vixen and ... Ali no doubt having some thoughts of his own about a bikini-clad Cali.
"You'll get your own little fashion show, babe," Vixen murmurs, leaning into him easily, hands lifting to rest on his shoulders. The kiss comes, lingering, though not one of her deeper ones, but she's not shy about the locale. "Tonight.. I'll bring over a certain few boxes first. With some of my.. nicer things." Her eyes warming a little as she looks into Leo's intently.
Leonard returns her affections unabashedly, hands moving briefly to her waist. "I'll make sure this is moved in by then, if just to make the time pass more quickly. Go and get your things, Vix. You know where to find me." A smile and wink follow, along with a soft swat on the seat of her leather pants before he releases her.
"So ... " says Alistair after a little while, "Are we moving this now or later?" he asks, his brows hiking up a bit, his eyes politely averted for the time being - intil they're done at least.
There's a soft jump at the swat, her eyes widening slightly along with an intake of breath. But it all leads to a widening of her grin. "Just you wait.." She grins and leans back, slipping away from him. She glances towards Alistair and smiles lightly. Coming over to him, she murmurs, "As soon as you boys buy it, you can move it into Leo's place." She then leans over and gives him a light peck on the cheek. "Thanks for helping, Ali. I'll make it up to you too.. make sure Cali has a good bikini to bring out more. We can double date to the gym pool." Teasing, yes. But gently, her smile warm. With that she moves on past and glances back, tossing a wave to the two before she hurries out, drawing up her hood against the soft rain.
Leonard watches her depart and turns back to Alistair and his modesty. "Sorry. I'll make sure that they'll deliver, and then we can move them the rest of the way... and I don't thinks that all girls are like her, but what did you mean?" He still bears a lingering smile in display of his mood.
"Oh ... well; Cali doesn't have a really huge closet like that" Alistair explains, "Not that I'm complaining, I just try to learn some things so I can make her happy" a nod, "Give me a call when it is ready to move up then. Nice to see that you and Miss Vixen are back together" he smiles.
Leonard nods, the loitering smile perking. "Vixen collects clothes, and I've not seen her so happy in awhile. You've got the right idea in wanting Cali happy. I think I should be the one learning from you... maybe I wouldn't have screwed things up so badly. Thank you for your help, too."
Alistair blushes at that and smiles sheepishly, "I have made her cry once, I think, and I never intended such a thing. It was a different sort of breach of trust, one I wasn't even aware of, but ... " his brows hike up a little, "That you did what you did is indicative of a problem which you have hopefuly worked out, with Miss Vixen ... I can't teach you a whole lot except - think of her in everything you do. Not so much that it becomes a chore, and it doesn't mean you need to lose yourself for that cause ... and if you find thinking of her a little is a chore, then you no longer love her" there is a pause, then, "But that does not mean it is an excuse to do unforgivable things because true love is a love that can be re-ignited despite its biological cycle" there he stops and blushes more, "Uh ... I'm babbling, sorry."
Leonard chuckles and shakes his head. "No reason to apologize. I babble much less eloquently, and those are probably the wisest words that I've heard in a long time. If any good came of all this..." He looses a sigh that is not entirely unpleasant. "it's that I learned more of her, and what I nearly threw away. Not easy, but I guess nothing good ever is..." He glances to the wardrobe and smirks. "like moving that thing. I'd best get these purchased and over there."
"Why did all this happen? If you don't mind saying. It is fortunate that it appears it's had a happy ending, though you were a bit cold with that other girl ... " Alistair hehs softly, "Which undoubtedly got you points. Strange how that works. As for that thing" he looks to the wardrobe, "Won't be that hard" he smiles and looks at Leonard, "There are tricks. But more on that later, then. I guess I should go back and dry off and see if Cali is back."
"Ego, I think." Leonard admits. Rather freely, in fact, although his tone carries anything but pride. "Along with foolishness. I didn't intend to be so cold, either. There's no surprise that Vix detests her, but I don't." He then nods. "Now I'm the one babbling a bit. Don't let me keep you from Cali."
