Jan 17 11:43:07 106 PA
From Chronicles
Kingsdale - Cali's Garage(#1816Rh)
The large garage has a small corner desk, with pieces of paper and catalogues of machine pieces on shelves against the wall. Along three od the walls, huge metal shelving units hold a variety of brown boxes, each marked with some arcane mechanics scrawl that indicates the contents. The other has a long workstation against it, and a series of hooks and shelves, upon which tools sit, in apparently random order. The workstation itself bears the weight of half a dozen dismantled machines of varying sizes. The floor is concrete, stained with oil, with patches of sand here and there. A large tub containing sand squats beside the garage doors, a shovel sticking out of the top as if someone shoved it there after use.
A row of pegs against the wall by the workstation has various coveralls, coats and other things hanging on it and a large noticeboard has a range of oil stained pieces of papers stuck to it with pins. Along the beam that runs the length of the garage, several jars have been attached with a nail through their lid. They seem to be storing small components of different sizes.
A door exits the garage, apparently allowing entrance to the upper floor by the use of a key pad.
It isn't easy to work outside when the weather isn't cooperating. Alistair opens the door and steps in, carrying the books Caliopa had left in the library under protective cover. Him, he's wet as a dog and some that water has started feezing already, especially in his hair. "Hello" he says into the room, exhaling and relaxing his shoulders a little.
The lights in the garage are still on, and music is blaring out. Female vocals that soar to high notes easily. The heat is on inside, and she is there. Her hair is tied back, her body clad in coveralls that are stripped down to the waist. Her top half is covered by a small vest top, and she is seated, straddling a large piece of machinery. Her face is covered by a welding mask, and the reason for it is in her hands. And she is talking. Alone in a garage, she is apparently having a conversation. Which stops abruptly as he speaks. She sits back, shutting off the welder, lifting the viser. "Alistair!" And the blush is definitely just from the heat in the room. Definitely.
Alistair focuses on the welder for a moment, and then her face. Yes. It isn't polite to stare at boobs, though for some reason they're certainly a temptation. Blushes are infectious of course, so he ... too, blushes from the heat! He's melting too! "I ... I brought the books, you forgot them" he explains, coming closer, though certainly doesn't look like he'll just set them down here at least.
"Books..." She repeats blankly, looking up at him, her face puzzled for a moment. "Oh! The books..." She puts the welder down, rising to her feet. "Uh, thank you. You didn't need to, but I guess Vyv, she told you to." Blunt speaking, despite the colour in her cheeks. "She came over here 'n' all." She holds her hands out for the books, giving him a steady look, despite the pink cheeks.
"I was going to anyway, she did not have to tell me" Alistair replies quietly, though with a smile; "But it seems she was insistant" his brows hike up a little and he hands over the books. The blush becomes deeper, "Oh, she did ... um" drip drip drip. "It looks like hard to read books. Were you talking to your torch?"
Caliopa takes the books, hugging them to her chest, blushing. "Uh, she can be." She glances across at the torch, turning away to put the books down on the side. "Stuff on the engine Vyv found for me..." She dismisses them, turning back, resting her back against the side, looking up at him. "No, to the engine." A flicker of a smile, mixed with nervousness, and then she speaks bluntly. "They talk back, see."
"Oh!" Alistair thinks for a few moments, "I used to know someone who did that, though I can't" he smiles, his brows hiking up, "I sometimes talk to my horse, but he doesn't talk back to me" he blushes, bliking. Nice going Ali! Horses. Uh huh. "What did this one say?"
She looks at him steadily, trying to read his face, trying to guess if he is judging her, her thoughts showing on her face. Then, "Said it ain't fixable." She comments softly, biting her lower lip. "You got a horse? You ride?" Caliopa asks, reaching for a cloth to rub at her hands, removing the oil.
"Oh" Alistair looks or .. perhaps feels? Just a bit sad. For the engine. Otherwise, he seems to just be happy to be here, talking to her. If there's any judging going on, it isn't terribly obvious. "I do" he smiles wider, "I try to help whoever needs to have their fields tilled and whatnot, but it isn't the season, so making money is hard. And with this weather, uhm" with that in mind, he slicks back his hair to get some of the water out. And he blushes, "I'm sorry, it's wet out there. There's hail too."
She puts the cloth down, moving to the sink and grabbing a towel. She moves across, holding it out to him, her smile returning, a hint of relief in it. "Real nice weather. I figured I'd work, see if it stops anytime. See I got a bunk downstairs, I sleep there if ..." She trails off, aware of the babbling. "You dig up fields? With a horse?" She asks softly, tilting her head back, smiling up at him.
"Oh; you sleep here?" Alistair does take the towel, and dries off his head at least. The rest of him will just have to wrinkle. "Mmhmm, I do, you can plough the fields that way. Sometimes" he finishes with the towel and hms, "Where should I hang this?" he asks, interrupting his thought. "Sometimes I help them fix their tractors or other things. I can't always do it though."
She shakes her head, reaching out for the towel. "Only if I need the thinkin' space, or it's rainin' real hard, or I get real tired..." She comments softly, giving him a small smile, one that suggests it is a secret. "You fix tractors?" She repeats that bit, a spark of interest in her eyes. "Reckon if you can't, I mebbe can... ain't above workin' on them."
"Ah...oh!" Alistair nods and smiles, "I understand" he puts a fingers to his lips. "I do, if it needs changing oil or some small things, but I can't do anything that's much more interesting yet" he replies and hms softly, "I can certainly direct people in need to you" he smiles.
"Jus' don't tell Kid I'm doin' work for free. She cuts up real cross with me, reckons I do myself out of money." She comments softly, wrinkling her nose a little. She looks up at him in silence for a moment before she blurts out, "Uh, I...I ain't real good, not with blokes. I was livin' with someone until real recent, 'n' I ain't seemed to get my head real straight since." Crimson cheeks, bingo.
"Oh; those people are nice, they will pay" Alistair replies, "It is only fair, after all. Sometimes they might need not to pay right away but I find most are pretty good about it" he pauses, then "But it was real kind of you to say that" a slightly blush, then "Hm? Bloke, and ... I -oh. I don't know much about such things" his chin dips a little at that admission, and of course he can't blush any less than her now! "Are you saying you are afraid, or confused or ... "
"Folks generally pay, when they got the money. Most folks any ways." She comments softly, her cheeks burning as she drops her gaze to the towel in her hands. She hugs it to herself, biting her lower lip as she looks for the words. "I guess I'm sayin' that Vyv came over here, tellin' me all what you are feelin', or she reckons you are, 'n' I been thinkin' hard on it, 'n' I like you. I do." All of the words tumble out, the absolute honesty written clearly on her face, her gaze staying firmly by her boots, the grip on the towel tightening.
Alistair nods his head, he looks at the towel as well, then at her face. That's how it is! "Aaaah, I ... " he blinks his eyes a few times, "Um" it takes a moment to control a train that's about to derail, and that's what his train of through feels like right now! "I like you too" he says, "And there's no rush, I mean, I didn't know anything and ... I wasn't expecting, anything, so" yes, what was the point again? His mouth opens a little, he has to fight his own shyness, and besides, what do you say? He decides that being clinical about it is the only way he'll manage to say anything right now - though his tone isn't cold, just nervous: "I like talking to you so if you don't mind I'd visit some more later; Vyvian is pushy, but, she means well. So, you know ... no pressure. I'd hope I didn't make you nervous all the time, though, the blush is ... beautiful."
The unfortunate towel gets twisted, her knuckles turning white. "There ain't no rush, no." She agrees, her cheeks scarlet. The shyness is crippling. "Vyv, she ain't got a thought she don't speak aloud." Pot, meet kettle. His compliment just draws more blushing from her, and she shakes her head firmly. "I get real nervous over folks 'n' thin's that ain't machines..." She bites her lip, risking a look at his face. "Uh, you want a drink? I got water." To the man dripping wet.... "Or coffee..."
Alistair does see the irony in this. He smiles at her brightly, and tries not to say anything that could be teasing any more, at least for now. "Water, believe it or not. Tea if you have it, coffee is bad for me, myheart starts racing" like it isn't now! "and then I bounce off the walls. It's dangerous!" he jokes. And yes, the blush isn't going away yet.
She smiles, a flash of relief on her face, as she turns to bend, pulling two bottles of water from the cooler, her back to him. "I got tea, some place..." She comments, turning back to him and straightening, the coveralls just resting on her hips, a line of bare skin between that and the vest. "Bouncin' off walls... that might be real funny."
A retty back no doubt. Alistair takes it in, then recalls it isn't polite. He looks up, fortunately before he can be caught! "Oh" he smiles, "Only for those who are not in the way. Maybe I did not understand correctly, but I think you looked interesting at the mention of the horse - if you want, he is a riding horse, so I could ... you could ride on him if you'd like that."
Her mouth curves into the sunny smile, her eyes warming as she throws the bottle of water to him. "I ain't never ridden." She walks towards him, twisting the lid off her bottle and taking a swig, tilting her head back as she does so. The movement is natural, unconceived. "I ain't never ridden... nor really been near them. Atti... Atti used to be keen on horses and the like, but I ain't never tried." She hesitates, biting her lip, before she blurts out, "You'd teach me? I could show you a piece more on the engines..."
Alistair raises a hand to catch the bottle and opens it as well. "It isn't hard" he takes a swig as well, and he was in fact thirsty - that trip to get here needed to be quick! He watches her for a moment as she drinks and smiles, when she looks at him he'll be blushing but faintly. "I sure can if you'd like to, and I'd love to learn more on engines."
She smiles, her face lighting up, curiousity showing clearly. "Uh, I ain't got anythin's, if you got to wear stuff..." She comments, giving him an odd look before she blurts out. "Does it bother you when you blush? I hate it. Keeps happenin' 'n' ain't no way to make it stop." She sips from the bottle, her eyes keeping watching him.
"It used to, but I decided not to take it too hard, it is just something I do; people have fun with it and sometimes they go too far maybe" Alistair comments, "But if I did not, it wouldn't .. be me" he tries to explain, which of course makes him blush a little more. "I think, you know, um. You blush pretty so you shouldn't hate it I think." Yes, a drink. The temperature is coming up despite him being all wet.
She gives him a thoughtful look, her forehead wrinkling as she listens to him. "I guess that makes sense..." She speaks slowly, and then, his compliment is fatal, and she blushes, a deep scarlet, ducking her head. But she does smile, a tiny smile that deepens her dimples. "You reckon I'm pretty?" She asks softly, the smile widening for a second, hugging the bottle to her.
Alistair smiles a little sheepishly as he makes her blush more. He blushes a little more at the question, and then more and more as he replies, "Not just pretty: beautiful" a slight nod of his head. "There are a lot of pretty girls around but none as beautiful."
The blush deepens and Caliopa ducks her head, hugging the bottle tighter, her dimples flashing. "I ain't beautiful. Ain't anyone that is covered in oil all the time, 'n' dresses like a mech..." She comments, glancing down at herself, the grubby, worn coveralls resting on her hips, the old vest and the smudges of oil and grease.
"There is no metric for beauty, but if there was you would be at the top of the scale. Besides, these things that bother you - you can clean up" Alistair starts to say something else but he decides against it blushing. A moment's pause, then, "I wouldn't lie to you" he smiles then, "Don't worry about it. There is nothing wrong with how you look; feel comfortable being yourself."
She bites her lower lip, the dimples deepening despite herself. She turns, putting her hands on the worktop behind her and then she jumps up, sitting on it. She rests the bottle on the surface, between her thighs. "I brush up well enough." She comments, shrugging lightly. "Reckon you ain't too bad neither." She is watching for his reaction, through her lashes.
Alistair steps up to the worktop, bringing himself closer after she jumps up onto it. He smiles at her first assertion, and then blushes at the compliment; "Aw ... I'm but a shadow beside a shining star" his chin dips a little though, that sure made him happy! "Oooh, I almost forgot, you asked me and ... you don't need special clothes to ride, just boots and pants."
The dimples deepen and she giggles, her mouth curving upwards. Brown eyes warm to dark honey and she shakes her head, the ponytail wiggling. Caliopa lifts the bottle, pointing at him with it. "You don't 'alf say sweet stuff." She wrinkles her nose, giggling again. "I got boots 'n' pants, that ain't a problem... " Sitting on the worktop, she is face to face with him.
"I rarely do ... say things ... like that. Sometimes it's just the right thing" Alistair starts explaining, then stops and takes a little breath before his cheeks start reddening more still. He looks her over, then back up to her face, "That's right" he smiles; his gaze finds hers, then, and his eyes don't avert.
She is giggling, her eyes sparkling, as she rests her hands on the bottle. "I ain't real good at sayin' the right thing." When his gaze meets hers, hers dips a tiny amount, a brush of her gaze at his mouth, and then back to meet his gaze. After a moment, she swallows, a nervous sign, as is the quick moistening of her lips. "Uh."
Alistair was about to say 'that makes two of us', but something else is happening now. This is new; he knows he should be looking away, or that he would normally. Right now, his can't take his eyes off, he can't say anything, and she's ... giving signals; his lips part slightly, but for the moment it's like he's a statue in front of her. He isn't certain why but he subtly licks his lips too, his gaze walling onto hers, then back to her eyes.
The long silence draws out the blush once more but she doesn't duck her head, or hide it, and the giggling is gone. Her eyes are wide, a little startled looking. She does the statue moment too, returning the gaze steadily, despite the startled expression. Her fingers tighten around the bottle, and she finally blinks, dropping her eyes down, to his lips.
At this point, circumstances conspire; Alistair tries to break out of his startlement by saying something. At that time, his feet move too and in a flash he's unsteady and leaning forward; the opportunity is certainly realized by instinct, where the conscious thought is to stop himself so he doesn't fall on her and hurt her; his hands slap down by her sides to stop him and as he slows down, his eyes widening in surprise, instinct ... draws one pair of lips to the other, and if she doesn't back away to avoid; for him that brush is electrifying.
His sudden movement brings up her hands, it being uncertain if she intends to catch him or deflect him. It ends, though, with her hands on his chest, her face lifted in startlement. She doesn't back away, her eyes startled for a moment before the brush of lips. She doesn't pull away, her fingers shifting slightly against his chest, to slide up a little.
Alistair nearly pulls away, but he isn't being pushed away either; he's perhaps a little less flightly than he himself thought. His eyes close, for a moment - but his shyness is doubly obvious now. He doesn't know what to do; while his mind races, his body seems to do the rest: His head tilts a little, his lips brush against hers again, and he realizes she's not resisting. A small sound comes from his throat, his cheeks burning and the heat easily felt from this proximity. One hand moves to her back. It just seems natural. His heart trying to jump out of his chest doesn't, but that just comes with the territory.
Caliopa does know what to do, her hands sliding up to hold to his shoulders, her back bare beneath his touch, the vest rising up. The small sound seems to be replied to, her sound softer, a sharp intake of breath before she kisses him back. Her eyes close and she lightly touches his lower lip with her tongue, drawing back slightly to open her eyes and look up at him. Either side of his hips, her legs tighten slightly.
Alistair is a little short on breath, but being kissed back is ... unexpected, encouraging, and darned confusing. But only for now. He lifts a hand to touch his lips for a moment; it's a new sensation. His eyes are on yours, "Did ... we ... " of course they did; "You have soft lips" he says quietly, his eyes widening. The tightening of the legs is well understood; she's keeping him there. He smiles, "I ... um ... "
Sitting on the worktop, dressed in coveralls that are stripped to the waist, a vest top covering her tophalf, Caliopa has Alistair stood between her knees, her arms resting on his shoulders, his arms around her waist, hands resting on her back. The door to the garage is open, lights on, music playing. Caliopa returns his gaze, her mouth curving into a smile, dimples deepening. "You...?" She asks softly, the music covering her question. "Ain't what was planned."
"No ... but it was ... it was nice" Alistair replies, looking back at her. They're certainly still quite close. His cheeks couldn't be burning any brighter either. A few moments later he asks too innocently: "What now?" but he doesn't move. This is comfortable, if a bit awkwardly so.
Tirzah snickers to announce her self as she walks in on an interesting scene. "Am I interrupting?" She asks, taking a few soft steps closer. "I can come back later if this is a bad time." She offers, though her expression betrays that she would be most disappointed to not learn exactly what she walked in on. She casually waits for the verdict, her hands comfortably tucked into the pockets of her leather blazer.
Caliopa opens her mouth to reply to Alistair, her cheeks mirroring his, so indeed, they shouldn't have been able to darken in colour when Tirzah speaks. Her hands leap off Alistair's shoulders, pushing against his chest. "Oh!" She lifts her hands to her hair, tugging it back from her face. "Um, ain't interruptin', nothin' but talkin'." She squirms to move past Alistair, if she can, "Cali. Think we met, but I ain't recollectin' your name..."
Alistair is pushed back, though he doesn't need too much encouragement to straighten up and get out of Cali's way, looking startled. Seeing Tirzah there as Cali moves past him, he greets her aftrer a short pause. "Good evening Miss Tirzah" he says quickly.
Tirzah hides her smirk behind a warm smile. "Tirzah, maybe Sage has mentioned me." She offers to job the mechanic's memory. She looks at Alistair, assessing how well he hides being caught. The flustered attempt from Cali wasn't too hard to top, but Alistair had that 'caught' look about him.
Caliopa shakes her head slowly, her forehead wrinkling. "She ain't." As she passes Alistair, she brushes her hand across his arm, giving him a quick, shy smile. "You needin' some work doin'?" She asks the other woman bluntly, tilting her head, giving Tirzah a look as if the woman might be an engine in need of work, assessing, thoughtful. Her cheeks remain burning red though, and her expressive face shows well the embarrassment at being caught in that position.
Alistair smiles back at Caliopa; it isn't his shop so he doesn't say anything more. He is also incidentally quite wet; the weather was rather uncooperative when he got in here, though his clothes are starting to dry what with the heat in here. His blush is also not going away.
Tirzah flushes slightly, indicating she's in a bit of a plight herself. She pushes the disappointment that Sage hadn't mentioned her at all aside. She could keep her focus. "Actually I need some information, of a kind of sensitive nature, about Sage. If you can spare the time for a friendly chat." She offers, her warm smile projected to bridge her on unease and theirs. Perhaps there was a way to use this to her advantage. And with inspection she is quite dry regardless of what it may be doing outside. odd to some.
Caliopa's friendly face shuts down, the wariness obvious. "I ain't likely to give personal sensitive information about one of my friends to someone I ain't that familiar with. If you want to know somethin', I reckon it is best you ask her." The sunny smile is nowhere near visible. "Reckon if you are that friendly with Sage, she won't mind you askin' her..." She folds her arms across her chest, watching Tirzah thoughtfully.
Alistair blinks his eyes. At first it seems like he might have to get out of here, given that sensitive personal information is not something he should be listening too. Then, he feels the mood change, and his gaze turns to Caliopa. That's quite assertive, perhaps a little surprising, but in a good way.
Tirzah smirks widely, expecting this from a good friend of Sage. If it had not come up she wouldn't have felt comfortable with the advice. "Rightly put. I do wish we had gotten to know each other better before I came needing this, but it was not to be. So all I can hope to offer is the impression that Sage is indeed my dear friend. I'm a bit hurt she didnt mention me, but I'm sure she has her reasons. And I could ask her, and she would tell me. But that would spoil the surprise. And I've got less than a month left before the famous date, so here i am, following a foolish hope." She offers sincerely, her expression looking quite hopeful.
Caliopa shakes her head, her forehead creasing into a frown. She doesn't relax her hands, keeping them folded across her chest. "Reckon you best ask her then." She replies, moving across the garage towards the other woman. "Folk's information ain't mine to give out." The mention of the date doesn't trigger anything in Caliopa, oblivious to the date and it's significance.
Alistair finds a place to lean on nearby - a little relaxing will help while he observes the situation now. It sounds like it is interesting now anyway; "Is it Miss Sage's birthday?" he inquires, because really - what else could it be?
Tirzah shakes her head, disappointed by the second rejection but perhaps she can turn it around with Alistair's help. "No silly. its Valentine's Day. Or have they forgotten that sentimental date here hmm? Buying a heartfelt gift for someone special. Keeping it a surprise, whish is difficult because the more significant the gift the better. Sage's wish, which isn't tied to Valentines, I just find it fitting. Sage's wish is that for when she's with someone special, that person will do all they can to get really special for her, without any hints or inclinations from her. Even if the suitor has to ask everyone in town. So here I am asking you Caliopa, and a bit down trodden that you would turn me down flat without even hearing the question. Is everything that happens in this town a threat to someone else? is it that bad here?" She asks, observing the undue tension.
Caliopa frowns, her face thoughtful. "Folks got the right to be private." She comments softly, turning away from the other woman, towards the cooler. She tosses the empty bottle she still had in her hands, bending to reach for another, talking as she does. "Sage is a real private person. I don't even know if she reckons on having Valentines with you. Might have other plans, 'n' I don't meddle." She straightens and turns, twisting the top off the bottle to take a swig.
Alistair blinks his eyes. Valentine's? He looks at Tirzah, then at Caliopa, watching her go to fetch that bottle. "Oh ... " and he's not much help; persuading Caliopa isn't for him to do. He looks to Tirzah and smiles sheepishly, he certainly has nothing to offer in this particular situation.
Tirzah nods, that's what's making this difficult after all. "Yeah she is. Probably why she never mentioned me. And she'll probably be cross for a bit if she learns I was so open with my intentions with you. But I thought it worth the risk. And as for her plans Valentines, maybe you should ask her, next chance you get. Might surprise you." She offers in her final gesture. "Until then I guess I'm done here. Maybe the next time I lure Sage over for fudge I can extract a better lead on who to ask. Such delicate work." And with that she gives a polite nod to Caliopa and a knowing smirk to Alistair and heads out.
Caliopa glances at Alistair, before shaking her head. "Why'd I want to know what my flatmate is plannin' on doin' for Valentines?" She asks him, frowning. "Ain't sure Sage'd want folks knowin' 'n' I reckon she might want to know someone is askin'." She leans against the side, next to the place where she sat before and gives him a sidelong look. "Um. So..."
"I don't know, I wonder if she'd like to be asked though. You know better" Alistair smiles, not disputing Caliopa's judgement on this. The look puts him on attention, and blishing again. "Aaah ... " he slowly returns to her side now, and botes at his lower lip. "That was the first time ... "
Caliopa shakes her head again. "I ain't sure, no tellin' what folks want sometimes." She catches the blush, ducking her head, fiddling with the bottle top. "Uh, first time?" She repeats, her forehead wrinkling, her eyes flying to his face in startlement. "Your first kiss?" She asks softly, her face speaking loudly that it hadn't occured to her.
"Mmhmm" Alistair replies, wringing his hands together a little, and finally looking back to her. "Is it always that nice?" he asks, his brows hiking up a little, his cheeks red. The thought gets him a little anxious; would she want to do it again? It seemed like it before they were interrupted. He manages a smile, a touch sheepish.
Caliopa reaches out to touch his hands, putting the bottle to one side. "Reckon sometimes it is nicer..." She murmurs softly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Uh, I didn't... I weren't figurin' that you ain't done that before." She hesitates, on uncertain ground here, before she moves suddenly, walking towards the door.
"Oh ... " Alistair isn't certain how that's possible, and the warmth of her hand is nice too; but ... before that thought is complete, he straightens his back a little when she walks past him; he's trying to reply at the same time, wondering if he's upset her. "I haven't, um ... " he blinks, watching her.
She pushes the door to the garage shut, clicking the lock shut on it. When she turns around, an odd nervousness is in her face, and her fingers entangle in a nervous gesture as she moves back across the room, returning to her position by the workbench. "You haven't...?" She questions softly, putting her hands back on the bench, hopping up there.
"... kissed before." Alistair watches her come back and sit up on the workbench. He returns to his previous position, realizing this is an invitation. "So, thank you, I ... never knew how it would be. And I'm happythat it was you" he blushes, naturally; his hands move onto the edges of the worktop on either side of her. He's nervous still.
She tilts her head, looking at him thoughtfully, the first thought that comes into her head coming out of her mouth. "How'd you get to your age without kissin' someone?" She asks softly, moving her legs to let him closer, her hands shifting to rest on the top of his, her face tilted up questioningly. "I kinda liked it bein' me too."
"I ... was sheltered" says Alistair, not certain how else to explain it without getting long-winded, "And shy ... and ... " he exhales and smiles at her response. "You liked it?" he blushes more, his gaze lowers, which causes more blushing because there are other things down there to see - even if covered. He looks back up, and leans in a little closer; his head tilts a little, and then he brings one hand up to the back of her head.
Her cheeks are pink too, slightly shocked from her own bravery. She slides her hands up to his chest, closing her eyes for a moment, the eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks. "Yeah, I liked it." She admits softly, her hands moving up to his shoulders, her gaze flickering across his face, from eyes to mouth and back, a hint of nerves in her face.
Alistair isn't any less nervous, but is didn't hurt; and she liked it, so it should all work out. He leans in further, closing his eyes even as he watches her gaze dart around his face. The other arms moves too now, to wrap around her waist as well and pull her closer as he presses his lips to hers lightly. The heat from his cheeks is once more tangible, and now this new closeness; feeling her warmth, another small sound comes from his throat.
Her eyes close and she moves with his arms, Caliopa's arms curling around his neck. Her own cheeks are pink, her lashes dark against her skin as she returns the kiss. Sitting where she does, it is natural for her legs to tighten against his waist as she balances on the edge of the worktop, her vest top rising to bare her waist as her arms lift. She lets him take the lead with the kiss, encouraging but still shy. The lock clicked off, she is about to open it as Vyvian begins to bang on the door. Caliopa glances across at Alistair, utterly unaware of the dampness of her front, wherever he had pressed against her, or her hair tumbled around her flushed face. She is about to speak when Vyvian's voice rings out from outside and Caliopa pulls the door open. "I'm fine, ain't a problem. Jus' door kept blowin' open." She steps back to let the lizard woman in.
Alistair meantime smiles at Caliopa, then looks back to the kettle, and makes himself useful by grabbing a pair of mugs; if the tea is in a place where it can be found he'll help by bringing it out and making ready. For his spart, he's got smudges on his face, his neck, and his clothing on the shoulders and chest - and on the outside of his thighs, too.
Vyvian comes right in once the door is unlocked and she's assured of the wellness of those within, though she gives her cloak a shake before doing so, dislodging some of the build up that's clung. Still, it shall drip a good deal. Then she's in, her hood drawn down. "Just a grand ole day for the wetness, ain't it?" Her words warm enough to make the room comfy. Her initial entrance is in a softly oblivious flurry, striding into the garage proper without a close look to either of the occupants. "Ole Vyvy was wantin' t'make sure y'was doin' allright.. oh, hey there, Ali!" She notices him too. "Looks t'me like y'got dumped on out there too." She's slipping her cloak off about then, to lay it aside someplace to keep the melt from spreading. She's got it off and in hand when she glances back towards Cali. Takes a tick for her to notice, but she does. Considers the woman for a moment, then looks back to Alistair, considering him closer than she did at first. Then back again to Cali, letting the gears click a few more times before she breaks out in a broad grin. "How ya two doin'?" There a edge of knowing suddenly in her tone as she lays her cloak aside to let it deice.
"Real nasty outside." Caliopa replies, giving Alistair a warm smile, rewarding him for the thoughtfulness. "He got real soaked. I got a towel, hang on..." She turns, walking away from the pair to grab a towel for Vyvian. Her back is entirely dry, her clothes ruffled, and she turns, holding out the towel to Vyvian. "Jus' hangin' out. Talkin'..." The words are blurted out, the colour rising instantly and giving it the lie. Caliopa moves past Vyvian quickly, reaching past Alistair to get the milk out, holding it out to him with a shy smile.
"It was an adventure getting here" Alistair agrees, "I brought the books back" is his explanation for being here. Of course he's wet, but well thawed at the moment, as he should be given the ... heat in this room. His cheeks are still tinged, too, "Yeah, we were just talking" he affirms, "Caliopa was telling me about the engine" he manages; he smiles at Vyvian, then Cali; he takes the milk and pours some into one mug; "Thank you. Would you like some also?"
Vyvian keeps a broad grin as Cali tries to put in the lie. She can see through it, the evidence enough to make her certain of what may have been going on. She steps over towards the center of the somewhat lesser action and considers Ali as she speaks. "I see ya did, honey. Good on ya." She gives him a wink, then bobs her head twice, letting her attention shift towards the tea being served up. "A warm nip would be good b'fore havin' t'get back out there," she agrees.
Caliopa nods, picking up her mug and holding it out to him, her gaze lingering on his face, the blush deepening. "Yeah, please..." She curls her hands around the mug, inhaling its scent. "The engine..." She repeats softly, as if not hearing the words. "Oh, the engine! Uh, yeah..." She waits for her milk, then turns away, her cheeks scarlet. "Real nasty out there."
Alistair pours some milk for Caliopa; looking up at her then, he smiles at her, perhaps holding eye contact a touch too long and blush begets blush. He then gets another mug for Vyvian; catching the wink he blushes more, and then at Caliopa's stumbling he blushes even more also. He exhales softly and, with tea poured for everyone, he hands the remaining mug to Vyvian. "Here you are ... milk?" he asks.
Vyvian chuckles huskily and murmurs, "No need for lyin' t'ole Vyvy, now. Don't take much t'know what's goin' on. Ain't nothin' wrong with it neither. Oh no, y'ain't gettin' no grief from me. After all, ain't like I had no hand t'it m'self." Both hands lift, giving each of the two a nice, firm pat on the shoulder. "Now y'both can see what ya got an' all. Glad t'see it too. Had a feelin' mebbe you two might not get t'seein' for a bit without a lil nudge." She does indeed seem quite pleased with the way things are and has no qualms about dragging the whole thing out of the shadows.. at least, amongst the three of them anyway. She then gives Ali a warm grin and takes the tea. "Sure, honey. Just a lil bit," she agrees, keeping the cup low to be added to.
Vyvian chuckles huskily and murmurs, "No need for lyin' t'ole Vyvy, now. Don't take much t'know what's goin' on. Ain't nothin' wrong with it neither. Oh no, y'ain't gettin' no grief from me. After all, ain't like I had no hand t'it m'self." Both hands lift, giving each of the two a nice, firm pat on the shoulder. "Now y'both can see what ya got an' all. Glad t'see it too. Had a feelin' mebbe you two might not get t'seein' for a bit without a lil nudge." She does indeed seem quite pleased with the way things are and has no qualms about dragging the whole thing out of the shadows.. at least, amongst the three of them anyway. She then gives Ali a warm grin and takes the tea. "Sure, honey. Just a lil bit," she agrees, keeping the cup low to be added to.
Alistair pours some milk for Caliopa; looking up at her then, he smiles at her, perhaps holding eye contact a touch too long and blush begets blush. He then gets another mug for Vyvian; catching the wink he blushes more, and then at Caliopa's stumbling he blushes even more also. He exhales softly and, with tea poured for everyone, he hands the remaining mug to Vyvian. "Here you are ... milk?" he asks.
Caliopa settles for a moment, hugging the mug, her gaze flickering to him. Her cheeks burn scarlet when Vyvian outs them, her gaze flying between the pair and then to her mug. "Uh ain't.. I mena, we're jus' seein'. Talkin' a piece on stuff...." She takes a swig of her tea, swallowing too much in one go and coughing, for a moment. "Vyv, ain't nothin'...public, like."
Vyvian nods her understanding at once we Cali speaks. "Won't hear nothin' outta me, honey," she states with a soft sense of the solemn oath to go along with it. A pause, then a closer look at Cali before she slifts a hand back to try and right hte back of her vest. "Y'might wanna be a lil more careful if y'wanna keep things quiet like," she advises as she does so. "Y'two don't look like y'been talkin' none." She considers Alistair's appearance for a moment after fuzzing with Cali's vest and gives him a broad grin afterward. "Didn't think y'had it in ya though, honey." The jocular amazon casually jabbing him in the shoulder. Of course, a jab for her might ache just a little.
Alistair blinks his eyes at Vyvian; frozen in place there for a few moments, holding the milk carton; he looks to Caliopa - and he's already blushing enough; but if she isn't going to say anything he won't either. He looks back to Vyvian with a sheepish smile, and pours a bit of milk. Then Caliopa's coughing grabs his attention, but it seems like she's alright.
Vyvian nods her understanding at once we Cali speaks. "Won't hear nothin' outta me, honey," she states with a soft sense of the solemn oath to go along with it. A pause, then a closer look at Cali before she slifts a hand back to try and right hte back of her vest. "Y'might wanna be a lil more careful if y'wanna keep things quiet like," she advises as she does so. "Y'two don't look like y'been talkin' none." She considers Alistair's appearance for a moment after fuzzing with Cali's vest and gives him a broad grin afterward. "Didn't think y'had it in ya though, honey." The jocular amazon casually jabbing him i
Alistair blinks his eyes at Vyvian; frozen in place there for a few moments, holding the milk carton; he looks to Caliopa - and he's already blushing enough; but if she isn't going to say anything he won't either. He looks back to Vyvian with a sheepish smile, and pours a bit of milk. Then Caliopa's coughing grabs his attention, but it seems like she's alright.
Vyvian nods her understanding at once we Cali speaks. "Won't hear nothin' outta me, honey," she states with a soft sense of the solemn oath to go along with it. A pause, then a closer look at Cali before she slifts a hand back to try and right hte back of her vest. "Y'might wanna be a lil more careful if y'wanna keep things quiet like," she advises as she does so. "Y'two don't look like y'been talkin' none." She considers Alistair's appearance for a moment after fuzzing with Cali's vest and gives him a broad grin afterward. "Didn't think y'had it in ya though, honey." The jocular amazon casually jabbing him in the shoulder. Of course, a jab for her might ache just a little.
Caliopa had settled, staring into her mug, before Vyvian fixes her vest. Then the flush runs across her cheeks to her ears, burning her skin to scarlet. "Uh, didn't.. I mean, I ain't got a clue why that's like that. Got hitched up workin' I guess...." She babbles, giving Alistair a helpless look of appeal, before she buries her nose in the mug, hiding her face behind its steam.
"Me? Didn't have something ... " Alistair blinks at Vyvian, getting pushed just a touch - more due to his slight build than anything; he's getting it, but giving up now would equate to treason after all. His blush of course doesn't fade; he looks at Caliopa; he smiles at her, and tries, "Must've snagged when jumping off the engine."
Vyvian shakes her head and breathes out a sigh.. yet can't hide her amusement. "Cali honey, y'got wet all on your front there," Vyvian points out. She turns a critical eye on Alistair. "An' you, honey, y'got lil bits on ya.. see there.. there.." She prods him here and there where Cali's oil has rubbed off on him. "If y'two is gunna carry on all quiet like, y'best get a lil better at bein' quiet." She then lifts up her mug to sample the warm tea, eyes daring either to continue the thin charade.
Caliopa glances down at herself, lowering the mug slowly. She opens her mouth, the working out running across her face, as she tries to work out how to continue the thin charade. And then she shuts it, giving up the pretence. "We were talkin'. At first..." The last two words are an admission, and she looks up at Alistair, the realisation dawning on her as her gaze takes in the oil smudges on him. Slowly she rises to her feet, moving to the shelf, taking down a pot of green gloop. She approaches him, a hint of mischief in her brown eyes for a moment before she offers it to him. "Gets it off, real good." She explains.
Alistair looks at Caliopa; indeed, she's wet. Then he looks at Vyvian, and leans back a touch as she prods him, pointing out the spots. His shoulders sag a bit, and he looks back at Cali once more, who apparently has decided to admit without saying much. Looking at the green stuff he blinks, "Hm?" he reaches for the pot, and looks in it curiously.
Vyvian grins broadly as the charade ends for now. "Y'don't gotta tell me nothin' y'don't want. But y'best think a lil more 'til y'both are t'be more open 'bout bein' closer." A soft chide in those words, though mingled with a pelased warmth for the situation at large. "An ' y'don't gotta worry 'bout ole Vyvy. Ain't t'be sayin' a thing, alright? So if y'hear any that's knowin', won't be from me." And, pelased with her handiwork, she continues to casually sample her tea, observing Cali and Ali without much pretense.
Caliopa returns Alistair's look, before she glances at Vyvian over her shoulder, an odd shyness in her gaze. "Reckon Tirzah'll tell enough..." She speaks softly before she turns back to the man, taking a handful of the gloop and aiming to rub it onto his skin where the oil from hers has rubbed off. "It cleans it right off, see..." She explains, reaching for a relatively clean tea towel to remove it. Her smile for him is shy, but the dimples are there.
Alistair remains quiet for now, having little to add to the conversation; there's a little surprise at Caliopa's actions, a smile for her and more blushing. He tilts his head a little to make it easier for her. "Thank you" he murmurs, and makes a mental note about less wetness and more cleanliness. Huh. It didn't seem to matter at the time.
Vyvian gives that some thought and says, "Ole Vyvy will talk with her if it'll relax ya, honey. Guess she seen ya two? Dunno if she'd be sayin' nothin', but ain't no harm in askin' if y'think she might talk 'bout it." There is a certain wistfulness in her gaze as she watches the two, her thoughts wandering just a little after her words are given.
She smiles up at him, dabbing his skin with the towel, her face warming. "Uh, she was in here, askin' questions about Sage. I told her, ain't tellin' her anythin' that she ought to be askin' Sage herself." The reply is given to Vyvian absently, without the petite woman even looking over her shoulder. "Told her no..." She lowers the cloth, giving Alistair a thorough inspection. "Reckon you'll do.." She speaks softly.
Alistair watches her face as she cleans the smudges; he smiles and repeats, "Thank you ... I might not have such an easy time returning the favor, to dry you off though" he comments, which moments later causes his face to go through several shades of red. That must have sounded ... intresting. "Yes; Tirzah was very insistent."
"Hmm? Oh, was askin' 'bout Sage? What 'bout Sage?" The words a bit distracted, drawing Vyvian from her thoughts a bit.. but not entirely. Indeed, she misses a golden opportunity to say something blush inducing amid her open distraction of her far off thoughts.
The blush must be catching, because Caliopa's cheeks blossom and she ducks her head, leaning to put the cloth down on the surface. "Guess I'll dry off at home, get a bath..." She smiles up at him, finally turning to speak to Vyvian, her back to him. "She wanted to ask somethin' real personal, 'n' I said no..." Her hand slips backwards, brushing against him.
Alistair tilts his head a little, looking out at Vyvian aside Caliopa; it really -is- difficult not to look at her back actually, in particular her behind, though undoubtedly he must have glanced at least when she was turning around. His hand comes up, playing its fingers against hers, more or less out of sight.
"Oh, ain't good doin' that 'less y'got need for somethin' like that," Vyvian says, softly shaking off her wistful thoughts. Giving the two a broad grin as she returns fully to the here and now. "Guess mebbe I'll ask 'bout that too." A pause. "Unless y'ain't wantin' me t'tell her 'bout y'tellin' me that is. Ain't wantin' t'get none in no trouble, but seems t'need some lookin' inta."
Caliopa's fingers curl around his, a curve to her mouth as she leans back a little, glancing over her shoulder at him, a shy smile on her lips. "Reckon you can tell her it were that or tell Sage herself. She is real lucky I ain't spoilin' whatever surprise she got in mind." Caliopa tugs lightly on his hand, a soft suggestion that he move closer.
"She seems to ... be in a rush, miss Tirzah" Alistair comments, he smiles back at Caliopa and moves up beside her and slightly behind. "She said it was for Valentine's" he remembers, "Oh ... um" he blushes, "Thank you" he says to Vyvian.
Vyvian furrows her brow a little. "Surprise? What surprise?" She shakes her head a little at Cali. "Honey, y'gotta say more when y'talk 'bout somethin', unless y'like me askin' after every lil thing." Then she gives Alisair a look. "Valentines? Heard of that.. somethin' 'bout hearts an' such. A day comin' soon, ain't it?"
Caliopa's mind is clearly on something other than valentines and Tirzah as she leans back into him, resting her head against his chest. "Sorry, don't seem real important..." she murmurs quietly, "Ain't real sure over the valentines thing. "She was in a real hurry, real pushy over it, Vyv..." She shakes her head, rubbing the back of her hair across his chest lightly in the same movement.
Alistair blushes more, yes he does, but he doesn't move away, apparently welcoming Caliopa's action. He smiles and nods, lightly resting the other hand on her side. "It ... is supposed to be about ... important persons, in the context of ... love, I believe. I mean romantic love" and he nods in agreement with Caliopa's description of Tirzah's visit.
Vyvian chuckles huskily and considers the two before she finishes off her cup and lays it down. "I'm seein' y'two ain't much for distractions. Mebbe I'll see if Tirzah's 'bout for a word. Just remember.. y'can't keep quiet when y'leave mark t'each other." Her grin broad and warm as she considers the two. The wistfulness returns for a moment before she turns. "Enjoy y'two. Times like this ain't t'be rushed none."
