Feb 19 02:58:23 107 PA - Shopping and the Rec Center

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Sun Feb 19 02:58:23 107 PA.

Weather at Sun Feb 19 02:58:48 107 PA (-13.51C, 7.69F): Today there's a fairly typical winter snowfall, the air is somewhat crisp, the sky covered in a light cloud and a light, wind driven snow falls down to slowly begin collecting on the ground. The new moon hangs overhead.

And so the plan is set in motion. This morning is when the two will go do their shopping together. Though after the day and time are set, Zero hints that there is a slight change in plans. But he declines specifying until the time comes. 'Surprises are fun and I'm all about the fun,' he'd pass it off as. And today, his truck, battered and weathered, sits near the rendezvous with Zero himself relaxing inside. With the heat low, he's got blanket wrapped around himself, the interior frosty. But it saves gas for the beast. He's not sleeping, though he does have a distant, thoughtful look in his eyes as he peers out of the cab to consider the people as they pass by.

Erica decides that it is a bit too cold for her to go out in fatigues and instead decides to wear a suit of her enviromental body armor. She walks up to the truck that Zero drives and gives a little wrap on the door as she tries to look through the window with her cyclopean helmet. "Hey Zero. Cold enough morning for you?"

Zero blinks a little at the armored face that peeks at him through the window. Though the voice alerts him to who is within. "Didn't expect you to suit up. We're not really going into a warzone, you and me. Though now I'm a bit worried." HIs tone casual. "Get in," he directs, leaning over to unlock the passenger door. "Then we can decide just where we're going."

Erica laughs softly as she shrugs her armored shoulders. "Well I only have so many coats. It is cold enough for me to suit up since I don't really have to worry about the cold in this thing." She says as she opens up the unlocked passenger door. She hops in quickly and easily and shuts the door behind her. Reaching up she unhooks the helmet of her armor and takes it off. She turns to smile warmly at Zero with her now revealed face.

"Might make things a little tougher where we're going, though." He slips off the blanket and reaches over to turn the heat in the cab up. "Sofi don't seem too keen on me getting her a dress. So I figure I'll let her wear what she says she has and maybe get her a little something else. Underwear, since it seems a nice sort of thing to give a girl. Suggestive, sure, but.. that's not really a bad thing, I'd say." He grins. "I was going to offer to get you something too, as a thank you for helping me out. You won't even have to show it off to me if you don't want."

Erica gnaws on her lower lip for a moment before shrugging her shoulders again. "Well I can take it off in about two minutes so really not that big of a deal I think. Just think of it as a really bulky coat. You don't have to be intimidated." She giggles softly and gives Zero a little wink. "You are going to buy a girl who is dating someone else underwear? That doesn't strike you as a little odd?" She shakes her head slightly as a bemused expression comes over her face.

Zero grins. "She's not really dating anyone," he says. "At least, not how I've heard things. Besides, I don't really do things the way people usually do. No reason not to get a girl something she'd like when you can. I don't usually get money like I got now, so best thing to do is enjoy it and I plan to. And I like making women happy. Not always the ways you might think.." He gives her a mischievous little grin. "..but in whatever ways I can."

Erica keeps looking bemused as she raises an eyebrow slightly. "So she refuses to wear a dress, but you think she'll like some sexy underwear? Alright if you say so I won't argue." She shrugs her shoulders again as she nods her head. "Well let's go shopping then. I'll hop out of this I guess." She mentions while she powers down the armor and starts detaching it from her body with expert and practiced fingers.

Zero stuffs the blanket he had over him into a space behind the seats. "Just slip it back here. The blankets will cover it up, no one will try and break in to steal it while we're shopping," he says. "As to my mad methods.. lets just say that some girls are better when they're a little annoyed." He gives Erica a wink. "Sofi is one of them. You should be able to guess I like to play some things a bit more dangerous than most. Considering what I'm trained for. So you know a good place to buy this sort of stuff?"

Erica removes the armor surprisingly quickly and is able to get out of it in about two minutes. She moves the pieces back behind the seats and covers them up with the blankets that Zero pointed out. "Well you can do whatever you want. I won't try to stop you. Yah I know a couple places that sell stuff like that, not counting the bazaar in the dregs. A couple underwear shops and a few places that cater to women's clothing right in the marketplace."

"I'm wanting something from around here, I think," Zero says as he starts the truck up fully. "You just point out the way and I'll get us there. Then we can shop." And he starts to roll forward and will follow directions to the place. Though as he drives he glances over to Erica and wonders, "What's your style? Some like to wear simple, some like to wear sexy. Some like real oddball items. I suppose you might be able to tell something about a girl from what she wears, but if so I've never figured it out. Not that I don't try."

"Well with this weather I don't think anyone will be at the bazaar." Erica mentions as she looks out the window at the falling snow. She points out directions as she gnaws her lower lip trying to find her way in the white snow. "My style? Well I wear lots of different things. You have seen what I wear to go out clubbing. That is really my only dress. I need to pick up some more outfits though. Maybe I'll pick up a dress while we are out."

"Yeah, I've seen what you wear on the outside. But not underneath," Zero nods, giving her a sly little grin. "At least, not yet." Though his eyes don't stray from the road for more than a moment. "I guess I might get a clue when you pick out what you want today, though." He keeps the pace slow and steady, not taking any risks with the poor weather. By now the cab has warmed up nicely, though the heat is kept from getting too high, skirting away from uncomfortable warmth.

Erica rolls her eyes as she shakes her head. Her lips are curled in an amused grin as she signals Zero to stop the truck. She waits for him to stop before unfastening her seatbelt. "Ok this is a womans wear shop so it has underwear and dresses. Don't make a pest of yourself to the women working here would you?" She asks as she gets herself ready for the brief sprint through the cold into the shop.

"Then I guess I'll just have to bother you," Zero replies before the truck is escaped. He slipping out to close up and lock up before he jogs after to move into the shop himself. Now, most guys are some shade of embarrassed or uncomfortable in a place like this. But Zero doesn't seem to be one of them. As they enter, he looks around with a casual interest at all the racks of garments set out. "Man.. I guess we need some place to start." He looks towards Erica. "What do you think might be good for her? Or for you. I'm a bit partial to black, to tell the truth."

Erica looks around the shop quickly as she takes in the warmth of the shop. "Well did you at least get her size? Cause otherwise it is going to make it pretty difficult to shop for clothes for her. I guess if you want something in black maybe look for a matching pair of silk panties and silk bra. Although silk is very expensive. You could maybe look for one of those baby doll things. Those are pretty comfortable." She points out a rack of underwear towards the back as she talks, and then nods to a few babydoll style lingere.

"I got 'em," Zero confirms confidently. And with two possible options, he decides, "Why not both?" He grins. "I doubt they'll clean me out that much, really. So lets see what we've got to work with. THe essentials first, I guess." He nods towards the sets. "I'm thinking.. something that's tasteful. As much as trashy is fun and all. Get the wrong girl some trashy stuff and she might take it bad. I'll play it safe in that respect."

Erica walks over into the back where the underwear is layed out. She gestures to the different style of bras and panties on sale. "Well there are the bras and panties. And over here are like the different nighties, babydolls, corsets, garter belts, and what nots. I'll let you look around cause I'm still not sure exactly your looking for." She mentions as she walks over to a pink corset and rubs the material between her fingers while looking the laces over.

"Tasteful," Zero reminds Erica. "Though I guess that's a pretty wide field." He grins over at Erica as she goes off a bit and decides, after some initial scanning, to head back in her direction. Though quietly at first, head tilted to gaze past her at the corset. "You like pink, huh?" His expression turns playful and he wonders, "That what you have on now?" Though he isn't just there to be his normal self. He considers the clothing nearby as well, more thoughtful than one might expect for the location.

"Well then get a tasteful babydoll and matching panties. They are fairly comfortable. Some people can even sleep in them." Erica mentions as she picks up the pink reversible corset and holds it up to herself. "Yah I guess I like pink." At Zero's question tough she turns her head and rolls her eyes at him. "Why would I wear a corset under my fatigues? I don't think it is exactly fighting wear. Silly boy." She turns back to look at the corset and starts inspecting the quality of the stitching on it.

Zero chuckles. "Come on now, I know that much. I mean your normal underwear. Give me some credit here. I might have my mind in the gutter more often than not, but I've got some sense." He lifts his hand and puts two fingers close together. "Just a little." He motions towards the corset. "That the one you're going to want?"

"Well normally I switch between pink, blue, and white. I do have some red for when I go out clubing, but really I have very few clothes since I came here with just what I could pack on my hovercycle." She shrugs her shoulders as she holds up the corset again. "Sure I'll take it I guess. It looks pretty cute although hell knows when I'll wear it. But what about you what have you found for Sofi?"

"You could always model for me if you want an utterly unbiased opinion." Zero offers, a brow lifted. "You know me, right? I say what is." Though he does glance back towards the dark articles he was left by before. "I think I can find something.. maybe I'll keep it simple for now.. just the basics. MAybe get her something else later. I don't know that a little something to sleep in would be good.. unless its something warm. Her place has bad heat. Well.. no heat." He grins.

Erica laughs softly and shakes her head slightly. "Alright I'll give it a try, but a corset takes a while to get a good fit properly. Get her a sports bra. I always need a new sports bra it seems like." She moves away with the corset in hand to find a sales woman to help her. Finding one she moves with the sales woman into a changing room in the back.

Zero nods his head towards Erica, still grinning as he watches her go off. Though he doesn't linger overlong before he goes to find some articles. He finds what he's looking for quickly.. or at least finds things that are good enough. A matched set chosen from amid the various subtle styles that are offered up. Black with silk and a little transparent lace in tasteful spots. He also finds a simple set of warm PJs that he adds to his bundle, light colored and perhaps a size too big. Chosen for a reason. And once he has those, he wanders back towards the changing rooms, picking a spot nearby to settle at, his head turned to consider the store at large.

Erica walks out of the changing room with the top of her fatigues unzipped down so that she can show off the pink corset she is trying on. The corset pinches her waist and helps enhance her natural hourglass figure to a significant degree. The pink scroll pattern fabric on the corset is contrasted to the the black lace and black piping that lines the bossom of the corset. A good deal of her cleavage is exposed, but not enough to make the corset indecent in public.

Zero turns as Erica comes out, stepping closer to get a good look at the corset. And who is within it, of course. His head tilts a little to the side and he wonders, "That kind of thing isn't uncomfortable? Looks like its squeezing you in the middle there.." He lifts his free hand in a light motion towards her waist. "Though it does do a job of bringing the eyes up to right about here." Here being her chest, which he gives due examination without a hint of discretion. Though after an eyeful, he lifts his attention to her face. "I like it. Though the pants do ruin the effect a bit. But if I try, I can blot them out, so all good."

Erica blushes slightly turning her pale skin a slight shade of pink. "Uh it isn't too bad. Just takes a little getting used to." She says in a little voice as Zero examines her so openly. She shakes her head slightly before talking. "Yes it does give me a good amount of cleavage that is for sure. Alright well I'm going to change again." She licks her lips quickly as she walks right back into the changing room and shuts the door behind her.

Zero chuckles and nods. "If you must," he says. "I'll wait for you over at the counter. If you got any other little things you might like, now's the time." The words sent after her. And it gives him a reason to stand around and watch her a bit more. Not one to deny himself that much. And once the door is closed, he turns and makes his casual way back over towards the front. And while he's waiting, he chats with the girl handling the register. Light stuff for the moment, his own selections for the day settled beside him on the counter.

Erica comes back out of the changing room after a few minutes. Her fatigues are zipped back up and she has the corset in one hand. Walking up to Zero and the counter she lays the corset down on the counter. "Well I guess I'll get this. I'll come back another day and buy a few more things. You really don't have to buy me this. I can afford it myself."

Zero nods his head to Erica. "I know, but this is just what I do," he says. He mixes the gifts with the corset and slides them towards the register girl. "Thanks, doll," he says to her, then turns to lean back against the counter and consider Erica herself. He gives her a grin and says, "I guess that's the limit of what we planned for today. I don't suppose you have other plans, do you?"

"Well I won't stop you from doing 'what you do.'" Erica mentions with a slight grin curling her lips. "Naw I don't really have any plans besides trying to stay warm. What about you? Going to surprise Sofi with her gifts?" She says while walking around and looking around at a few dresses that appear to be on sale.

Zero chuckles at that. "Won't you then?" He glances towards the gifts. "Saving them for the right time. That's how you do gifts, after all. Give it at the wrong time and you lose some of the effect. Me.. not much in the way of plans. And usually when that happens, I go to the rec center and see what's going on. So I could give you a lift back to your place. Help with the warm keeping." His grin broadens as he adds, "I know a bit about that myself. Don't suppose you'll have too much trouble there. They keep the inn pretty warm?"

Erica laughs softly at shakes her head in exasperation at Zero. "Yah they keep the inn pretty warm. What is this rec center? Some place in the dregs by your park I'm guessing. A community center or something?" She walks away from the dresses and shrugs her shoulders as she follows Zero. "Well I think I might go grab a beer or something. I don't know."

Zero grins idly and turns, collecting the paid for items, all in one bag. "Well," he says, arm lifting to drape over Erica's shoulder as she returns. "I suppose what really matters is if you want company for your day. I think bars get a bit tired after a while. And I think I'd like to see that corest without the fatigues. If you feel like being showy for a guy." He will head towards the door, but stop short of going out into the cold just yet.

Erica doesn't make any move to to walk away from Zero's arm around her shoulders. "Alright well if you don't want to go to a bar, what do you want to do? And no I'm not going to model the corset for you. Sides I need to find matching panties and stockings for it anyway." She shrugs her shoulders slightly while she wears a little smirk. "I'll follow you I guess as long as it is decent."

Zero smirks a little and nods, his arm lifting from her shoulders. "That's too bad. Besides, I thought you already had some pink panties to go with it. First things first, I'll get the truck and bring it over. A little less cold and a little more time to get the heater going again." He tips his head towards her, then will go out. Just takes a minute for him to get back, the truck pulled a little closer to the shop, allowing for Erica to hop in with minimal time spent in the chill.

"Sure I have some, but not the ones that I want to go with the corset. Also I need to find a skirt that will match it, and maybe wear it out to the Nightingale or something." Erica muses with pursed lips. She waits for Zero to bring the trunk around, and then she rushes out into the snow and cold to hurry into the warmer truck. "So where are we going anyways?"

When Erica gets back into the truck, Zero grins at her and notes, "Worrying about perfect matches and skirts was the last thing in my mind, but you know me. I'm real easy that way. Wasn't exactly planning for them all to stay on all that long either." His grin given a sly edge. "As to where, well, lets see. Outdoor activities are sort of a bust from the start. Besides, I'm still working on my canisters, so not much paint throwing to do. Bars are nice, but expensive. I heard there was a gym that had a swimming pool somewhere nearby. That's a promising place. Inside, was it? I hope so. Not much for swimming, but you can have a lot of fun in the shallow end. Might try and work out some." He lifts a hand to lightly rub his cheek. "Though I wouldn't call that place family fun, per se."

Erica laughs while shaking her head. "Your mind is just always on sex. There are things other then sex you know?" She leans back in her seat and fastens her seatbelt while listening to Zero talk about what to do. "You just want to see me in a swim suit that is why you want to go swimming. How about we do something that doesn't involve you oogling me for a bit."

"Hey, you're the one that was so concerned about how serious I was," Zero points out with a casual grin. "Now you know. Or I hope so, anyway. Not sure how much more I could lean on it without just coming right out and being crude. Which I can do. I just like to play it more 'subtle' most times." He grins idly as he wonders, "What would this thing be? If we go to a bar, I could just be getting you sauced and receptive," he points out. "What do you like to do besides drink and fix binoculars? I shoot hoops at the rec center. Its a place in the Dregs that has a court. Good for a casual game or just sitting around and shooting the breeze."

Erica lets out a soft sight and shakes her head slightly. "Yes that is what I meant. I meant you should objectify me. I meant you should joke around constantly. After a while it can get on a person's nerves. I'm not sure you could play it subtle." She keeps shaking her head as she turns to eye Zero for a moment. "I run and swim and spar at the gym just about everyday. Sometimes I teach people about knife fighting. I go shooting at the range. Then I usually just hang around with friends at night at the bars. I guess we could play basketball, but I'm not very good at it."

Zero grins. "If you were an object, I would have dropped you off already to go cruising," Zero notes, though his humor remains steady. "Of course, I can only be me. I joke, I jest, I play. Speaking of which, we can shoot some hoops, I think. Not too hard, that. And we can talk while we do it if you're feeling like some jaw waggling. He grins and starts the truck off then. "So what do you mean then? What does this serious guy do for you?"

Erica rolls her eyes again and keeps shaking her head. "Why bother going into it you'll just be the so called 'free wheeling cowboy'. Come on we can shoot hoops or whatever although I don't really know how to play most sports just so you know. But we can go to this rec center of yours." She leans back futher and puts her boots up on the dash of the truck as Zero drives.

"Because I'm curious?" Zero glances over at Erica. "Maybe I can give you a little of what you need, maybe not. Like I said, I like making women happy. If not, I guess that's just how it will be. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Unlike most guys, I'm a pretty gracious loser. I don't pout, I don't guilt and I don't bad mouth. So where can you lose?" He glances over to give her a challenging glance, but he can't hold it as he has to keep his eyes on the road.

Erica shrugs her shoulders as she watches the snow fall through the truck windows. "I'm just wondering if there is more to you then just jokes all the time. If you have a serious side at all. I don't know. I'm not annoyed. I just find that actual conversation instead of non stop jokes to be enjoyable as well."

"Talking is good," Zero agrees with a bob of his head. "I'm serious enough when I need to be. I just feel that life should be fun. I guess fun is different from person to person though. I mean, I suppose I could ask you about this job. About your friends. About.. well, no, not that. THat's lewd." He grins idly. "I could ask about your dreams, your plans. All sorts of things we could talk about, I suppose."

Erica gnaws on her lower lip while considering what to say. "Well I haven't seen you be serious yet. So maybe you are and I just haven't seen it. You could talk about those things, but you prefer not to. I guess maybe that says something about you. Or not. I don't know. Lets go play this basketball of yours."

Zero chuckles at that. "When did I say I don't want to? After all, what better way is there to please a woman than to be a big part of their dreams and such? And you don't find that out from the air or anything. Though I do tend to not pry too deep usually. Not everyone gets gabby when you start trying to pry into their unspoken self. Usually its best when it comes casually in the midst of talking." They progress into the Dregs as he speaks, the truck still rumbling its way to their destination. "We'll play. And if you want to do some serious talk, try me. I'll try and keep the jokes to a minimum, but well.. you know me." He grins, winking at her.

Erica lets go of her lower lip and then licks her lips quickly before speaking. "Well I guess I usually pry too much. People become bothered when I ask personal questions. I'm more interested in the real person underneath then the surface." She shrugs her shoulders as she keeps looking out at the windows watching the snow fall. "Alright well let's see how you can do with the serious talk. Try asking me a question."

Zero nods his head and grins. "Alright, lets see.." He considers as he drives for a few moments, then asks, "What's your big goal in life?" Not the little ones. Like getting money, getting new clothes and such. I mean.. like the goal that all your little goals point to. It's what you've got on your mind more than anything else." He glances at her. "Got one of those sort of big goals?"

Erica keeps her feet up on the dash as she waits patiently for Zero to get to the Dreg's rec center. "Well my goal is to help people. That is why I came down to Kingsdale from Lazlo. I heard about all the refugees heading this way and thought I could help them out. Lazlo already has a lot in place for helping them out, so I thought I would come down here and do my bit." She shrugs her shoulders quickly before adding. "I guess it is a little sappy, but that is my duty in life."

"That's not so bad, really," Zero replies. "A bit like me, though I'm smaller scale than that," he says, pulling into the rec center's lot. "Never really thought of extending myself, but that sounds like a pretty hard life to lead. Never really going to be an end to people that need help after all, right?" The truck stops and he leans a little against the steering wheel as he considers Erica. "Do you like doing it?"

"Well I don't mind a hard life. Nothing worth doing is easy. At least that is what they say." Erica says as she muses while nodding her head. "Well in the end sure. Sometimes it can be heartbreaking, and sometimes it can be rewarding. Sometimes it isn't fun. I go out and dig latrines in my armor with a shovel. Hard to do in this cold weather but people need em. One day like to open a soup kitchen. Why I do merc work." She gets out of the truck and heads into the rec center quickly trying not to get too cold. She stops in front of the door spotting Sofiya and she immediatly starts frowning.

Zero chuckles and says, just before she hops out, "So easy to toss a joke in there." He gives her a wink, then as she slips out, he turns and goes about slipping his purchases under his seat. Leaving another bag with Erica's to be picked up later. once all is well, he slips out of the truck and will be less than a minute behind her in entering the building. The place isn't too busy right now, a small game of half court leaving one of the baskets clear for use. "Ahh, good. Looks like I can teach today," he says before looking to Erica, then following her gaze towards Sofiya. Then back to Erica "Problem?"

Sofiya is oblivious, glancing again at the door, her face expressionless. She stretches, resting her hands behind her head to cushion it against the wall, as she turns her attention to the game. There is a flicker of amusement before she closes her eyes again, ignoring it. Zero's voice gets her attention though and she opens her eyes, turning her head towards him, lifting a hand to greet him. A flicker of a glance at Erica and she returns the look, briefly questioning.

"Hi there Sofi. What happened to your cheek?" Erica asks with a look of concern on her face before turning to look around the rec center briefly. She turns to look over at the courts and watches the on going basketball game for a moment before turning back to Sofi and Zero.

Zero lifts a hand to beckon Sofi over and nods to Erica. "Oh, right. I'm a bit used to it, I'll let her explain it." He grins a little, then adds, "Actually, how much do you know about basketball? Some people know it, some have never heard of it. I guess not everyone remembers games from back before the dark ages. Which is too bad, basketball is a pretty nice game."

Sofiya looks briefly confused before she lifts a hand to her cheek and colours. She scrambles to her feet, folding her arms across her chest, defensive and bravado in one. "I got slapped." The explanation holds plenty of cockiness, and she jerks her chin towards Zero. "Zee isn't bad at it. For a boy." The challenge is there, along with an abrupt change in topic.

"Well back in school and in training all I did was Gymnastics, long distance running, and did some climbing as well. My gymnastics teacher never wanted me to play in other sports because of getting hurt." Erica says to Zero before turning her attention back to Sofiya. "Well I hope you smacked him right back. Yah I guess Zero is all right for a guy." She says while giving Sofi a quick wink.

Zero grins as he glances between the two girls. "I suddenly feel outnumbered. That could be good or bad." Though he does give Sofi a little look. "I think it looks a little better, though. I'll be glad when that cheek matches the other again." He smiles as he nods to Erica. "Well, unless you step wrong, you won't get hurt doing basketball. It's a low contact sport. But if you step wrong, you can twist your ankle, but that's common for everything that involves running around."

A brief flash of horror shows in Sofi's eyes at the suggestion but she covers it, glancing at Zero. She leans against the wall, folding her arms, "It's fine." Zero's gentler comment is shut down as fast, her eyes narrowing slightly at him. "What he doesn't tell you is he makes up rules if you beat him." The cocky comment is quick to cover up whatever it was that Zero's comment bought up. "But you can distract him easy enough."

Erica keeps looking at Sofiya and gnaws on her lower lip in a worrying manner. She notices the eyes narrowing on the other woman before turning her head to face Zero. "Oh is that true? Do you cheat?" Her lips curl into a little smirk as she puts her hands on her hips in mock outrage.

Zero laughs and shakes his head. "Sofi thought basketball was full contact at first," he explains. "She's just upset she can't throw her weight around without a foul." His humor lingers and he adds, "I'll snag a ball. You two can have a moment to share all the bad things you know about me." He grins and turns, heading over to the other side of the room where the ball rack is, with a handful of basketballs waiting.

"You mean someone changed the rules after he lost." Sofiya's come back is quick, sharp and she gives Zero's back a glare that might be mock, or might not be. That done, she glances at the door, and then back at Erica, giving the other woman a quick grin. "Sorry, waiting on a job. Some ego that boy has."

Erica squats down on her legs so that she is closer to eye level with Sofiya. "Yah he sure thinks he is the bees knees. So what kind of job are you waiting for?" She asks while she makes sure her guns are securely buckled down and that everything on her utility belt is secure before the game starts.

Zero takes his time selecting balls, picking up one to give it a spin on his index finger, then a pair of bounces before he tosses it back onto the rack. A second and third given the same test. He doesn't seem satisfied with them either. Or he's just wasting time to give them more time to chat. Who can say? He lingers for now, though does so with a purpose.

"The usual." Sofiya's reply is vague, and she bends her knees, resting her arms on them. "He is hanging around, hoping we'll talk about him, you get that?" The sarcasm is heavy and she lifts her chin, her cheeks flushing a little. "Not a hope." If he is listening in, that is designed to crush some ego, despite the little glance towards him.

Erica shrug she shoulders quickly as she turns her head to flash Zero a little smile before turning back to face Sofiya. "Yah most likely. He got you a nice present today. He seems to care about you a great deal." She licks her lips quickly before continuing. "So what is your usual work anyhow?"

Zero seems to decide he has a ball that works, tossing it between his hands lightly before he smiles and turns, walking back to the two with the ball bounced between his hands casually. "I think they don't take good care of the ball here. He catches the smile that is sent his way, but not the note of his purchase. "I don't think they take very good care of the balls here. Half are a bit too soft most times." He looks towards Sofi then and wonders, "You still here for work? No time off to toss a few, I guess."

"He what?" Sofiya's attention is fully on Erica, her eyes narrowing now and she tilts her head back slightly to give the other woman the full weight of her gaze. "Told him not to buy me anything. What did he do?" She scrambles to her feet, abandoning the sitting with the momentum of temper, directing the look at Zero. "What did you buy?" Her hands move to rest on her hips, ignoring the question. "She said you bought something." A jerk of her head indicates Erica, Sofi's gaze steady on Zero.

Erica looks slightly bemused with Sofiya's reaction. She stands back up and leans against the wall to watch and see what how Zero reacts. She shakes her head slightly at, what Erica perceives, as Sofiya's over reaction to a simple present. She bites down on her lower lip and gnaws on it for a moment while she waits to see what happens

Zero breathes out lowly when Sofi explodes, so to speak. His eyes move to Erica. "That's not how surprises work," he notes to her, though he doesn't seem deeply bothered. He then grins at Sofi. "I did. Because I want to. Of course, I think I'll hang on to it for a while until you feel like accepting it. Cause a gift is no good unless its taken, after all." He lightly bounces the ball between his hands, right to left, left to right before he pauses again. "Not much sense telling you until then, when it actually becomes a gift."

Sofiya does explode, moving towards him, her cheeks flaring with temper. "I told you not to. I told you why." She reaches for the ball, grabbing it and pushing it against his chest, staring up at him. "Forget it, Zero. You said you would listen when I said no, and you didn't, remember that?" Her Russian accent deepens with the rise of her temper, and she gives the ball a final shove, letting go of it, whether he takes it or not, and turning back towards her belongings. "Bakapor!" Russian it might be, but a curse it definitely is, and directed over her shoulder at him.

Erica kicks herself off of the wall, but makes no attempt to intervene. She frowns at Sofiya's back as the other woman walks away while shaking her head slightly. "Sorry Zero. I didn't know she would freak out like that. That girl has some issues." She shrugs her shoulders quickly as she approaches Zero. "I guess I should have kept my mouth shut."

Zero takes the thumps with a grimace. He isn't too study, after all, but he bears it, gripping the ball at the end of the rather loud and forceful denial of his potential gift. "I agreed not to buy you a dress," he notes after, not that he seems all that confident in the technicality. He looks towards Erica and simply nods to her note of what could have been. "Hold on to this for a moment? Hurts a little too much to take it near her again," he says, offering a casual grin. He then moves to approach Sofi again. "How about you just get me something when you can? THen it will be an exchange, rather than a gift. Like food for fixing your door was. I was thinking of suggesting that. I'm actually kinda curious what you might think I like."

Sofiya's cheeks are burning, and Erica's comment is obviously heard because she is gathering up her things by the time Zero reaches her. "I don't need your charity things. I have clothes, and I have date dresses and underwear and even shoes!" She is facing Zero, her chin lifted, coat and bag hugged at her waist. "If they aren't good enough then you don't have to go on a date with me. In fact, you don't have to see me at all." Pride is a good part of temper and Sofi shakes her head, blinking hard. "Forget it, Zero. And tomorrow. Forget tomorrow. I'd rather explain to my ma why I've not bought anyone than..." She loses the american words, shaking her head and taking a step back from him.

Erica hangs on to the ball as she walks over to the hoop to give Sofiya and Zero a chance to speak. She bounces the ball up and down a couple times, testing it out while she gives the arguing couple time. She walks down over to the hoop and takes a practice shot. Missing the hoop and backboard entirely she jogs over to retrive the ball.

Zero shakes his head and says, "Sofi, when have I ever said it wasn't good enough? If yesterday didn't prove things to you, what would?" He smiles lightly, though not as broadly as is his norm. "It isn't pity. Especially if we exchange gifts. Friends, thinking about each other. You don't even know what I got you. It could be something entirely practical. Not a dress, not undies, not shoes."

Sofiya's temper isn't helped by the smile, and her lips pinch together more tightly. "It could be. I think it isn't. If I ask her, she'll tell me you were asking for her help in getting a heater for the trailer, yeah?" She shakes her head quickly, the gesture angry in itself. "Exchanging gifts works if you both have the credits to toss around like candy." Her voice is low, angry, pride extending to other people hearing them fight, despite the excellent acoustics in the gym.

Erica retrives the ball from against the wall and bounces it back to before the hoop. She overhears what Sofiya is saying because it is hard not to in the center. She looks over her shoulder to make sure that the fight isn't going to turn physical. Turning back to the hoop she makes another shot this time managing to at least hit the backboard.

"Who says it has to cost a lot?" Zero asks? "Do you really want to know what I got you? Alright. I got you some warm PJs. They did cost a bit, but they're good quality. Something to last a while. Maybe it did cost a few credits, but it means something. No one says you have to spend lots of credits to get something with meaning." HIs arms lift to cross over his chest and he says, "I don't suppose it matters, does it? I suppose I could wear them. They're a bit small, though. NOt really my color or style either." He arches a questioning brow.

Sofiya gives Zero a look of almost pure mistrust, her eyes narrowed. "You don't get it. You really don't." Her gaze flickers to the other woman, playing the hoops alone and she jerks her head towards her. "Go and play with your friend, Zero. I'm waiting on a run, and you don't get it. I don't have a single spare credit. You, you're tossing more than I earn in a year on stupid things." She is speaking low now, her face less angry but harder. "Take them back. I've got a coat and blankets."

Erica retrives the ball as it bounces off of the backboard and moves to take another shot. This time she actually manages to make the shot. Giggling to herself she jogs up to pick up the ball. Looking back at Zero and Sofiya she gnaws on her lower lip and walks over to the ball rack to put the ball back. She tosses it back in the rack and then starts heading back over to Sofiya and Zero.

"Who says you have to spend anything? It's the thought, not the credits. I suppose I could take them back, take some of my old stuff to a swap." He smiles slightly. "I'd like to spend some credits on you, but since the point is to make you happy and its obvious this isn't, then there isn't much point in it. How about that? I get to give you something and it won't cost me more than some old clothes. And you'll be warmer at night." One could say much about him, but they can't say he lacks perseverance.

Sofiya shakes her head again, glancing over as Erica approaches, "Because I won't owe you anything, and I said I don't want you to get me anything." Her voice is low, the words meant to be final. "I'm warm enough at night. I managed fine before you and I'll manage fine after you, and your friend is waiting for you." Her temper isn't cooler, just held back, her fingers tight around her bag and coat, as she gives Zero a steady look. "I'll see you around."

Erica walks up and flashes both Zero and Sofiya a warm smile. "Hey Zero, I think I'll get going. Thanks for showing me the rec center. If you can just let me into your truck I'll change into my armor, and I'll be fine to get home." She gives Zero and Sofiya a quick nod. "Sorry for causing a fight between you two. I didn't mean any harm." She shrugs her shoulders and looks apologetic.

Zero sighs and shakes his head. "You don't owe me anything, even with that Sofi. But alright. I'll leave off on it. Reluctantly. I guess I don't have to worry about returns since they weren't worn." He grins a little at her. Then Erica comes and he nods to her. "Oh, sure. I can let you in. If you're sure you'll be alright. Though I guess with all that armor you shouldn't get cold. Come on." He turns, starting towards the door.

Erica gets a steady look from Sofiya but no comment and the girl shakes her head at Zero, turning to walk towards the door with the shield on it. She returns to waiting, propping up the wall, her arms around her belongings. Her face is hard, hiding any emotions well inside, as she watches the game on the other half of the gym.

Erica returns Sofiya's steady look with a warm smile, and she gives the other woman a little wave goodbye. Shrugging her shoulders again she heads out into the snow to get her armor and head home. Leaning in towards Zero she whispers a quick "Sorry again." to him as they head outside.

Zero nods to Erica as he walks out with her. But he waits until they're actually by the truck to speak. "You can help me out, if you want." After he opens the truck, he'll pull out the bag with his purchases and slip hers into the bag with the rest. "Take these with you. Hold on to them for me for a while. I'd do it, but if she finds them in my truck, she might skin me alive. And that's the only place I have for now." He grins at Erica, leaving the combined bag on the seat, moving aside to let her armor up.

Sofiya stays put, waiting on her job, until the door opens and she straightens. The man in a suit that comes out waves her in, and Sofi vanishes from sight behind the door.

Erica nods her head as she starts suiting up in her armor. "Hey no problem. Good luck with her. You obviously care about her." She gives Zero a quick wink while puts on her armor with quick practiced hands. Soon enough she is ready to go and she picks up the bag and starts jogging off into the snow.

"She's not hard to like, even if sometimes she tries her hardest not to be," Zero replies with a casual grin. "You be safe, I'm sure we'll do some more serious talk later. And some actual basketball." He grins and closes the truck before reaching out to give her a playful pat on the top of her armored head. Back to his casually amused self, he turns to head back into the warmth of the rec center.

Sofiya stays in the offices for long enough, finally emerging with the messenger bag strangely empty, her face thoughtful, Zero mostly driven from her mind. Her companion holds the door and Sofiya ducks under his arm, her body tense as she nods agreement to something he says. She moves quickly across the gym towards the door, as he closes the door, vanishing back into the offices.

Zero had returned to the wall where the door lies, a discreet distance away from it. And when it opens and Sofiya emerges, he grins lightly and lets her get a lead before he moves to slip up behind her. Though he's not silent long before he says in a faked gruff voice, "Want a ride little girl? I have candy." His expression mischievous and his mood buoyed back up.

Sofiya's mind is miles away, deeply engaged with whatever the man had been talking about. Zero isn't expected to be there, and the voice behind her startles her, drawing out a well practiced defense habit. Her first response is an instinctive one, unthought about, and she turns, aiming an elbow at his gut and a stomp onto his foot.

THe elbow gets Zero and he grunts, taking a step back. Which save his foot, fortunately. His arms go to protect his middle and he laughs, though its a bit weak at first. "Good instinct, Sofi. I guess I don't have to worry so much about you not being able to handle the creepy guys."

Sofiya stops, her hand clenched into a fist which, seconds ago, was destined to land in his gut, and the glare she gives him would stop any creepy guy in their tracks. "I thought you were gone with your friend." She mutters, and then her chin lifts and she adds, "And you don't have to worry about me. I'm doing just fine." She spins on her heel, the bag flying out as she does so, and starts towards the door.

"I don't have to do a lot of things," Zero counters, straightening and, of course, following. "She's walking back. I gave her the things to return, since she'll be going that way. And I'll get the credits from her later." He slips his hands into his pockets, making a slight face at the lingering throb in his gut. "You're a pretty tough cookie. Maybe I should call you Iron Chipmunk." He paces her towards the door.

Sofiya doesn't respond, her face set as he talks and follows her. She shoves her hands into the coat pockets, hunching her shoulders slightly. He gets a brief stare at the suggestion of the nickname and she stops, turning to face him, standing by the door. "What do you want, Zero? I'm going home, it's been a long day, I've done a ton of runs and..." She shakes her head, staring up at him. "It's great that you can take whatever it was back, I'm real happy for you."

"I want to talk with you, Sofi." Zero states simply. "At the very least, let me drive you down there. Sure, I know I don't have to. But I want to. And it would save you a little time and a little body heat. Then maybe I can come in and we can talk more. Maybe we can figure out some way to exchange items of thoughtful consideration without the upset that sort of defeats the purpose."

"I'm fine with walking." The words are stoic, Sofiya's face set into stubborn lines. "And there would be no upset if you had listened to me. I said it, outloud, that I did not want you to buy me things." She pushes out of the doors, pausing only to button her coat against the wonderful mix of rain, sleet and snow, turning up the collar to protect her neck. "You should have run her home. She wanted you to, and I don't."

"Nah, she doesn't want that, its pretty obvious," Zero responds as she goes out and he follows. THough he decides to go towards his truck. As Sofi makes her way, he hops into his truck and starts it up, pulling out and around to move up to where Sofi is walking. Pulling up beside her to follow slowly. "C'mon, Sofi. Get in," he calls out of the barely opened window. "Get sick and you won't be able to work. Then I'll have to come and take care of you and you'll have to be around me even more."

Stubborn is as stubborn does, and Sofiya does stubborn like nothing else, plodding along with her hands in her pockets, ignoring the weather as best as she can. "That explains why you are still here then, if she blew you off." The smart response is given sharply, but she doesn't look at him, her hair soaked already, the heavy winter coat living up to it's reputation. "Mik took care of me last time I was sick. I'm fine."

"Then you'll have a full house, Sofi." Zero replies. "You can sulk at me in the truck if you want, just get in. You can even glare. You know me, I'm easy. Or maybe I should just drag you in. Or try to.. then I'll get sick and we can be miserable together." He grins a little. "I think this is why I like you the most, you know?"

Sofiya doesn't soften at all, barely giving him a glance. "Just try it." Her voice is a low dare, a spark of her temper showing. "I'm not letting you in my trailer, so you can forget it. I'm not getting in your truck neither." She picks up her pace, the weather making a good motivation for speed at least.

"Alright, lets do this," Zero replies. He pushes in on the gas some, the truck pulling ahead and then, with a pull on the steering wheel, he turns the truck to skid into her path a few feet ahead, with the drivers door facing her. The door opens and Zero hops out, then almost falls as his boots skid a little in the mush on the ground. But he recovers and stands. He grins a little at her, though not so briefly as is his norm. "Think what you want, but I'm not letting you hurt yourself cause you're mad at me. Even if you end up beating me up Sofi. That'd be really embarrassing, you know. And then Mik might beat me up for letting you get sick."

As the truck skids into her path, Sofiya stops, eyeing him warily, pulling her hands from her pockets. She watches Zero get out, fall, her expression unchanging, hard and angry. "Don't you dare touch me." Her voice is low, angry and then she lifts her chin, stepping forward, her aim clearly to walk past him. But her body is braced for a fight, her step quicker and her hands free. "You don't get any say in what I do, nor does Mik. Neither of you."

Zero straightens and moves to slip in front of her again. "C'mon, Sofi. Lets not do it this way." He will reach out to snag her arm for now. "What'd you want from me? I'm doing what you want.. maybe I hoped you might like having something useful. Something that's not saying, 'your not good enough' and is just saying.. I care. Right?"

Sofiya lifts her hands, almost stepping from the snag, just slightly too slow. "I said no. You didn't listen." She pulls against that grip on her arm, giving him a furious look, her eyes darkening. "You didn't do what I wanted, you did what you wanted and ignored what I said. That says you don't care, and you wanted your own way, and my pride, that didn't matter at all. Let me go. I'm going home."

"Sofi, I like your pride. I tried.. to edge around it, ok. I admit it and I shouldn't have." And he doesn't let go. "But not because I don't respect you. I wanted to make you comfortable. I just did it wrong." And he will tug, trying to carefully draw her towards his truck. "I don't want you to get sick over this."

Sofiya literally digs her heels in, putting all her efforts into just not moving. "Then let me go home. You aren't listening to me now. You didn't listen then. You might as well be the same as Lev, deciding what you want me to do and be." Then, she twists, aiming a knee shot at his groin, street fighting at it's lowest.

"Damn it Sofi, I.. *huk*" It's a low blow and he falls for it easy. Too focused on keeping his feet to guard himself, too focused on her. He jerks and his knees go weak. But his hand doesn't and Sofi will have a load of dead weight pulling on her arm as he drops to his knees, face drawn into a grimace of pain. "Fuck.." hissed lowly, his smiles nowhere to be seen.

"I said, let me go!" Sofiya is not going down easily, but she is expecting him to let go of her and clutch something more personal to him. The slush and ice don't help and when he pulls on her arm, she slips, landing heavily on her hands and knees. Her own yelp of pain is bitten back, pride her primary asset at that moment.

Zero growls lowly and grits his teeth as he forces himself to act. The cold and wet ground a good prod to get him moving despite the fiery throb that tries to take over his world. He's not so gentle this time, yanking her towards him, trying to simply drag the girl up and over his shoulders in a fireman's carry. "I'm driving you, damn it," he states. Of course, getting up from his kneeling position will prove challenging should he get her where he wants her.

Sofiya, whilst strong, is not that heavy, and she isn't expecting him to try that. From that position, she can kick hard, and hit his lower back with her fists, cursing him in Russian. The position doesn't help her pride, or digity... and thus does not improve her temper.

"Maybe you'll hate me for this, but I'd rather you hate me and be healthy than be sick. There was some bad sick going around that killed people before. NOt a chance worth taking." Zero's stoic words as he rises slowly. Almost losing his footing before he takes her to the truck." At the side of the truck, he half climbs in to dump her inside, over onto the passenger seat before he climbs in, shivering cold at the brush with the ground and the heavy precipitation. He winces as he climbs in, groaning at the lingering throb in his groin. "I need to start wearing that armor," he grunts.

Sofiya isn't too warm herself, and her hands and knees are grazed from her landing. "I had that, and I managed fine." The flow of Russian curses stops long enough for her to berate him in American. "You don't have the right to manhandle me! This just proves that you don't listen, you just do what you want!" She looks closer to a drowned rat than a chipmonk, her hair clinging to her head, her jeans soaked and shivering from the cold and wet. The outrage and fury on her face makes the injured pride obvious.

"Yeah, I'm a bastard for caring, you keep telling me that," Zero says, slamming his door closed. He cranks the heat then, truck still for the moment and looks towards her. "And I guess I'd best tell you know, I'm coming to the dance thing. With vodka. That'll just make you even more mad at me, but I want to go. I want to see how you live and I want to have fun with you. Me me me, it has nothing at all to do with you at all because I'm a selfish prick." For once, his voice isn't just casual and light, some tension risen and rueful ire lingering.

"No, you are a bastard for not caring, just stomping so you can have fun." Sofiya meets his gaze for a moment, her face still flushed with temper, before she glowers and turns away. "I don't want you there, and I won't talk to you. I won't tell you where it is." She folds her arms and sits as far away from him as possible, against the other door, glaring out of the window.

"I'll talk to you. And I'll dance with you.. assuming I can walk after that kick." He grimaces faintly, shifting in his seat. "I'll find the place. I'm sure the lady at the deli will tell me where. to go." His tone challenging. "Sometimes you're hard to love, but damn it if I don't try. I think if I was in any other line of work, I'd like hanging around someone with less urge to kick." HIs shivers slow and stop, however, as the interior of the truck becomes positively tropical. One less trouble, though both remain quite wet.

The L word gets him a sidelong glance and then she glares back out of the front windscreen again. "Are you taking me home or shall I walk?" The words are hard, as her own shivers slow and stop, and her expression is not giving an inch, or even part of an inch. "You can't make me talk back, and I'll dance with Lev all night."

"At least you'll be dancing," Zero replies, getting his hands on the wheel again. Now that he's able to concentrate, he does indeed get the truck rolling again, but slowly in favor of the poor weather. But faster than a walk and far more comfortable with the heat on. "So how long are you going to hold this grudge, Sofi? I made a mistake. I thought it would be ok, it wasn't, now I fixed it. I won't buy you anything again.. at least, not until you say its ok. I know, there are no exceptions, even for a little something practical. Can't we just go from there?"

"You don't listen. I say I don't want you to buy things for me, and you do it anyhow. I say I can walk home, and you do this. I say I don't want you there, and you are going anyhow." Sofiya lists the infringements in a singsong voice, making a point, "You don't listen to me. You want me to respect things that you want and you don't listen to me." She won't look at him, keeping her study of the windscreen up until they near the trailerpark.

"I'm sorry for being bad for good reasons, then," Zero returns. Whether or not he even noticed that certain word before is debatable. "At least for not letting you slog home in the ass end of winter weather because you're mad at me." He keeps his eyes on the road. "And I'm sorry that I so like spending time with you, that I actually want to still even after that unpleasant kick." He pulls into the trailer park, gradually rolling towards her spot. "But would me not coming really appease you? Or will you still be mad at me anyway?"

The truck isn't even stopped before Sofiya grabs her things and reaches to open the door. "That is not an apology. You aren't sorry, and you just do what you want. I don't need pajamas, I didn't want a lift home, and you don't listen." Outside, the sleet is still hammering down, and even the cooking fires in the park are out.

Zero reaches out, however, even as he stops the truck to snag her arm, giving her a firm look, even as the truck skids to a slow stop near her trailer. "I do mean it. Yes, I dragged you home. But only because of the weather. And I admit.. I was looking forward to the dance.I'd like to go with you. I'd like to come, really. I'd like to fix this. Even, I suppose, if I just won't get to see you tomorrow and help you drive your family nuts." His lips draw a straight line, a rare thing for him.

Sofiya stops, looking down at his hand on her arm, before she looks up. "I don't think you even listen to yourself sometimes, Zee. Do you know what you said?" Her voice is softer, the look she gives him an odd mix of the injured pride and confusion, her forehead knotting. "I'm not sitting in your truck all night. I'm going to bed. You do whatever." That could be a dismissal or an invitation, depending on how he takes it and she pulls her arm away, reaching for the door again.

Zero isn't one to shy away. Obvious enough from his continued struggle with her. He does let her go and he seems to consider for a few moments before he decides to risk it. What more can she do, after all?" He waits for a moment before he slips out of the truck and, hands over his head, will charge after her to the trailer. Assuming be isn't locked out.

An ancient trailer, abandoned by someone else, taken over by Sofiya, this place is barely weather proof. A bucket over in one corner serves to capture the inside rain that the place suffers from, and a mattress in the opposite is the sleeping place according to the pile of blankets and coats there. Clothes are stacked in a pile to one side of this, and oddly, a battered chess set is laid out on an empty crate. A few books are stacked next to it, and tiny stove is against one wall. The lack of washing and toileting facilities are obvious, and a small, well scrubbed underbed pot is shoved into a cupboard next to the bed.

He isn't, but he is pretty much ignored as Sofi finds a towel to dry her hair, shedding wet clothes quickly enough, before the cold in there can make them worse. She grabs a huge man's sweater, pulling it over herself, her back bare for a moment before she turns to face him. "Towels there." She points at the pile of mostly clean towels to one side before she goes to burrow into the blankets, away from the cold.

Zero is shivering again when he gets in, but he handles it, the door closed against the weather and he stands near it, simply waiting quietly as she goes about settling. He looks at her back when she strips down. The simple appeal of her doesn't change, even if they are fighting. But he keeps his distance for now. When she points out the towels, he goes to get one, using it on his hair, such as he has still. Not too much more he can do, so he suffers quietly for the moment. "So what about what I say, Sofi? I was just explaining. DId I say something wrong?"

"See. You don't even listen to what you say." Sofiya huddles under the blanket, giving him a scornful look. "There are blankets. I promise not to leap on you. I'll control myself." The scorn in her voice is blistering, and she rolls her eyes, before she looks away, giving him some privacy. "If you didn't hear what you said, I'm sure as hell not repeating it for you."

"I'm not doing what I want," Zero notes, for now keeping his distance still. "I said why I did what I did to get you here a little less wet and cold. And I told you what I thought of the dance and why I hope I can go without it being horrible for you." He shakes his head. "Did I miss something? Or do I keep having to think back?"

Sofiya shrugs, burrowing down into the covers. "You can either get dry and warm, or you can sit there all night. I'm going to sleep." The complete non-answer is spoken as she matches words to actions and curls up, leaving enough room in the pile for him, her hair still a little damp. "Ought to listen to yourself."

Zero breathes out. "Fine.. but you said I could." And he does so. He's not so shy around her, not bothering to turn. Though he does wince a little, still tender. Of course, after he works the towel over himself, he heads right over to the lump that she is and tries to burrow in with her. Because body heat is the best way to keep warm in a situation like this. Even so, for once, sex is not on his mind. Well, not for now, anyway. Once he's warm and comfortable that could change. "I do run off at the mouth sometimes, I guess. I suppose I'll just apologize in advance," he murmurs to her as he burrows. "Can I come to the dance?"

Sofiya is warm at least, her eyes half closed by the time he finally gets into the blankets. "Once you figure it out." The words are mumbled, her cheek against her folded arm, eyes closing. "Probably." The huge sweater she is wearing is warm, soft wool, but that is all she is wearing. And then she is asleep.

Zero makes a bit of a face, but he decides that he doesn't want to think about it right now. He's in a better position than he expected, so he just presses close against her and settles. He may even end up spooning her before the morning comes, but that's about as close as he gets to being naughty for tonight. Well, until he wakes up, maybe.