Mar 30 02:44:11 105 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Mon Mar 30 02:44:11 105 PA.

Desmond didn't come into the building immediately. Even after he left the gym, he went to Moe's, checking for messages. None. And the talk at the gym.. and their talk the day before. Concerned.. very concerned. Still, he took his time getting here, wrestling with desire and aversion. Wandering the city slowly until finally his wayward feet drew him here. The overriding concern for her moving him up the stairs smoothly. All uncertainty shoved beneath his steady, neutral mask. Slow before, but swift now.. to draw as little attention as he can. Up to her door, then a firm, but not too loud knock.

Aimee opens it, her hand on the dog's collar, wearing only a white man's shirt that reaches her mid-thigh. "Des... oh god, I'm sorry." She looks immediately stricken, glancing behind her quickly, before she pushes the dog back and steps out into the hallway, door almost closed behind her. "I'm sorry, Des. I should have sent a message..."

Desmond is not quite prepared for the sight of her so dressed. And despite his concern, worry and tenseness at coming to this place, he can't help the warmth that seeps within. But he keeps it from his eyes, secret and silent as he steps back just slightly. "I was concerned.. after all that occurred the day before," He rumbles lowly, tone kept strictly discreet in so much as his will allow. "I should not have come here, but I had to see that you were well." The concern in his tone, in his eyes a real thing as he inspects her, seeing if anything seems amiss.

Aimee shakes her head quickly, a curl falling over her forehead. "No, of course you should have come. I'd invite you in but... Kelley doesn't want me to have people here when he isn't." Her shrug lifts the shirt slightly, flashing something black and lacy, shorts of some kind. "I took your advice, told him. He was wonderful, all set to go and defend me. I had to make him not charge out..." She laughs, shakes her head. "I didn't go into work though, I couldn't face them..."

If anything, her talk of him being wonderful causes a slight tightness in the big male's expression. Subtle.. but noticeable if one pays attention enough to catch it before it eases. "I do not wish to upset him," Desmond lies, accepting that he shall not enter. "But.. this is not going to aid your issues." A slight motion of hand meant to note their current situation. "I can understand your feelings. I would offer companionship if you wish it.. somewhere else, of course. Perhaps we can talk.. share questions together. Give something to relax your mind and draw it from your current worries. If you would desire such, of course." Always that light sense of submission to her will.

Aimee drops her eyes for a second, the lashes sweeping down to conceal them. "I guess. Maybe something to eat? I can leave him a note, tell him where I am. There is that new place." She gestures behind her, "Look, I'll get dressed and be right out? I promise I won't be long." She smiles, tilting her head questioningly, "I guess I should have gone to work, that was cowardly..."

He nods to her suggestions, though he isn't too sure of the new place she speaks of. But the specifics outside of her presence matter little to him. "I do not think it is, Aimee." Desmond replies lowly to her final thought. "To retreat to recover is a sound tactic. In battle and in matters such as these. For it is only a brief retreat before one presses forth again." He lingers to gaze at her for a few more moments and then adds, "I will go outside now.. meet you two streets down. Perhaps to avoid more of the same." Still, there is another slight linger. As if he might add more.. or perhaps he just wants to look at her. But then he will turn and he will leave the building, going two blocks south before pausing to linger as discreetly as a huge man cat can.

Aimee nods slowly, before retreating into the flat and closing the door.

Having met him down the street, snuggled up warmly in the wool coat and a pair of jeans, as well as the dress shirt she wore before, they walk towards the new greasy joes. The conversation along the way is light, casual, Aimee aware of any eyes on them, her cheekbones stained with a faint blush. As they enter the joint, she glances around, checking for work colleagues selfconsciously. "What do you fancy? I think I'll just do fries, I'm cooking something..." She rests a hip against the counter, giving him a questioning look.

When he enters this place, Desmond's nose wrinkles slightly. The scent of the food not entirely pleasing to him. In the same way as Happy Burger's has never appealed to him, though a bit more so. He considers the odd menu when they reach the counter and ends up glancing at her with an obvious lack of interest in the 'food' here. "Perhaps a large size of the fries to share? In truth I am not very hungry and the food here does not make me feel more so."

Aimee nods quickly and turns to order, adding coffee to hers and then, with a sidelong glance at him, a sundae. The man behind the counter bustles to get it made, and she pays the credit quickly, before taking the tray, looking for a table. "Sundae might make you feel more like it..." She offers softly, slanting him an amused look. As they walk away from the counter, towards the free table, there might be a comment and a soft laugh, and her back tenses.

The sundae does get a glance from Desmond and her soft offer and amused look bring a softness to his expression. A silent little nod of agreement given. Allowing her to order before helping her carry the items back to the table. The comment and laugh get no reaction from him.. no open reaction as he nudges her towards a table a bit removed from any other patrons. A little space for a semi-private discussion. When they settle, he will rumble to her lowly, "Ignore their trash words, Aimee. They are not worthy of you." Simple and believed that statement. A pause, then a half truth. "I am pleased that your evening was positive with him."

Aimee unloads the tray slowly, putting both between them and offering him a long handled spoon before putting the tray to one side. "Are you?" The soft question is accompanied by a slanted look that suggests she does know the truth of that statement. "I wish I could ignore them... I wish I could blast them and make them disintegrate." There is a sudden viciousness in her voice, her face falling into a fierce scowl. "Sorry, Des..."

Desmond extends his hand discreetly to touch hers and gives her a look of pure understanding. "Those are not thoughts unique to you, Aimee. You need not apologize." Though he refrains from giving her a closer look at the dark thoughts he harbors towards those wagging tongues. Instead, he chooses to be honest with her. "I am pleased that you feel better.. you seem better, if not fully recovered from the past upset. But.. not with him. You know my feelings on that.. but I keep them quiet. I do not wish to upset you. I know you feel strongly for him."

Aimee 's mouth curves slightly, the fierceness fading into softness. "I just wish they could see how stupid it is. If I wanted to play the field, I could have stayed at my place and just dated both of you, and anyone else too..." She sighs, taking a chip and dipping it into the mayonnaise she pours onto the paper. "I know you don't want me to be with him, Des but without him, I'd still be turning tricks, and living in a shit hole." Her glance up at him is thoughtful, "Would you rather I was doing the type of things you walked in on, or with Kelley?"

Desmond frowns slightly. "I would have tried to pull you from that.. perhaps not so swiftly as he with his money and influence. You know I did not like what you did before. I did intend to seek a better way," he states. "I simply.. did not have the means to aid you then. Did not wish to speak it too often, for I did not wish to test your fierce pride and anger you." He likes that fierce pride, its tangible in his tone. In how he looks at her. "I do not deny he has drawn you to a better path. But I do not have to like that your love is his and not mine. But I keep such thoughts and feelings quiet as they are unworthy. Your happiness means more to me than anything and you are happy. That I am thankful for. That I focus upon."

Aimee nods slowly, eating the chips as he speaks, almost absently dipping them in and biting off the ends. "I don't ever want charity, Des. He gave me a chance to have a job, and that is a start. I was thinking yesterday, what I really want, where I want to be." She moves the chip around in the mayonnaise, "If I saved hard, maybe one time I could buy a place, a bar, and make it nice. You know, real table cloths, piano and singers... the place you smoke cigars in?"

Desmond has forgotten about food, as he often does when speaking with her. Focused on her words. His frown lingers when she speaks of charity. "He did," Des rumbles flatly, faced again with his inadequacies. But he doesn't miss her words and suggests, "One where people sing? I have heard there are bars that allow this. Perhaps you could touch a part of your dream with it. And give others the same chance as well." Warming to the shift in topic, his approval of the idea obvious.

Aimee tilts her head, her eyes thoughtful, "You mean do like open mike nights?" The idea clearly hadn't occurred to her. "Talent competitions perhaps...I was thinking make it formal, men in suits and things but that might be fun..." Her fingers continue to automatically feed her chips, one elbow on the table, as her eyes hold images of the place.

Desmond nods his head once, leaning forward just slightly as he rumbles, "I believe so, yes. Perhaps you could convince those who fund popular musicians to attend. I know not if they would, but it is worth the attempt. Surely the chance to catch such an eye would draw many to come. And if not, then other ideas could be had, I'm sure." He leans back and nods his head, seeming satisfied with the idea. "It would set a place apart from the others here. They have no such things. It would make yours a far better establishment."

Aimee nods, reaching out her hand to find a complete lack of chips, her expression showing the surprise she feels, for a moment before she laughs, "Did I eat all of those?" She asks quietly, folding the cardboard and dropping it into a bin nearby. "We could have cocktails too, and ..." She trails off, shoulders slumping, "I doubt I could ever afford to open it."

"In time, Aimee." Des offers his hand again, touching her lightly. "There is time now.. much time for such a venture." He almost mentions Kelley again as a potential source of funds, but thinks better of it before he can open his maw. Thoughts flickering before he adds, lowly, "I would help if I could. I have spent much of what I gained before, but I anticipate that more will come to hand in time. I would offer to help you in this."

Aimee leans forward, her face thoughtful, a wary optimism in her eyes. "Only if you owned half of it. You'd have to work too, Des... you could do all the security." Her face begins to glow again, the planning as much fun as ever doing was. "We have lights that lower during the singing, proper waiters that come to the table. Make it somewhere you could take your girl if you were doing something special..." She looks up, green eyes bright, "What do you think?"

"I think I would gladly be partner with you in this effort," Desmond replies firmly, a soft vow. "If you would trust me with the security of your establishment, then I would do my best to keep it safe and secure. Though I would see this place in a sector of the city that is safer than those to the south. It would not be so difficult a job, I would think."

Aimee grabs a napkin, and rummages in her pockets, withdrawing the stub of a pencil. She licks the end and bends her head to write, "If we had one huge lounge, and a back private room, we could do cards there..." She is thinking aloud now, her voice quick and soft. "We have a long bar, with all the bottles in those things, and a real waiter there...and waiters for the tables, and white table clothes with rich dark red little ones over them, and..." She looks up, "Security in black and white suits, with bow ties?"

Desmond watches curiously as she gets out the pencil and starts to sketch on the napkin. He leans forward again to get a look at the rough shapes she scrawls. Simply nodding to the things she says. They sound proper to him, with his limited knowledge of bars. Though the talk of security gives him pause. "Those who are visible within can be so. But we should have properly armored men at the front to see that no weapons enter. And some within to guard against any enhanced creatures who might come. Not all need weapons to cause trouble. The supernatural, the psychics and the mages. But countermeasures for them can be a longer term goal."

Aimee nods quickly, scribbling down his comments on the list, to one side of the drawing emerging on the other. "So perhaps a weapon check in girl?" She asks quickly, "Is there some magic thing we can do that stops people doing magic there?" She looks up, her face thoughtful. "Otherwise we'll have drunk mages giving all sorts of bother..." She taps the pencil thoughtfully against her lower lip before nibbling on the end.

Desmond considers, then shakes his head, "I know not, but surely the mages would want to have countermeasures against their own kind. It is the way of people of power." A pause before he offers, "Perhaps something from the Techno-Wizards? Something that is a fixture to the building, that can be powered my those such as myself. We shall have to keep watch for such things. It will take time to gather the funds for this, longer still to get all of the security we might want in the end. But as I said, better this be in a proper part of the town and we can keep a close watch on those who overindulge."

Aimee nods quickly, bending her head to scribble a note about the TW's stuff, "It is going to take forever, needs to be in a good part of town too, can't take a place in the Dregs, else the posh folk would stay away." A note about location also gets written down, and she pauses, tapping the pencil again, "Might need some shuttle to take the drunk people home maybe..." That is a considered comment, thrown out for his thoughts, her eyes questioning him, not seeing the rest of the room.

They might as well be the only two people left in the universe for all he cares, his focus hers entirely. His thoughts rolling along the track of this idea with an easy relish. "Perhaps we could do that, though if one is too drunk to find their way home, they might not be easy to question on that topic." He considers, tapping the table with an index finger, the tip of his claw slid forth just enough to contact the surface. "Perhaps an enticement for those who would not overindulge? Some slight benefit." Which he can't seem to think up a good example for on the spot.

Aimee chews on her lower lip, the pencil tapping against her cheek for a moment before she scribbles it down, "Need to make a profit on the drinks though..." She muses softly, scribbling a note to one side, "But we could do non-alcoholic drinks..." She pauses, looking up, her eyes bright, the gossipers forgotten for the moment, "It'll take us years to save up..."

Desmond is uncertain on that, but he states, "If it does, then so it does. For everything we desire it will take time. But perhaps we can start small. I don't anticipate a dire need for such tight security. The most important is to check weapons at the door and have a trained, armed troop inside, prepared to deal with trouble firmly." He pauses, then slips a hand down to pick the mace from the loop that holds it at his side. "I would advise this being standard for all security. Even the bartenders. A neuro-mace. Nonlethal and when powered each strike with it will stun whoever is hit. Making them easier to deal with. Should violence come, it would allow for a quick end to hostilities and easier ejection of the one who started them."

Aimee glances at it, before nodding quickly, writing another note on the rapidly filling piece of napkin. "Mmm, yeah, start with a single room, and perhaps one of those weapon check things that is automatic..." She frowns, marking the plans with numbers, three numbers, three stages, "If we start with the room, and the barman but not the waiters, the singing but not the cards, ..." She makes another couple of marks, "Perhaps a card table in the corner, ..."

Desmond nods his head slightly and is quiet as she makes her plans. Trusting her thoughts on this. Leaning back again as he considers his own side. The security game. He's never secured a business before, but he thinks it not too deep an effort. So small a place, so great the control. Thoughts turning toward keeping undesirables out. "We should have cameras to monitor those who come and go and all prominent places. Such as the bar, the stage, the entrance. A blacklist of those who are barred from entry."

Aimee glances up, the thought surprising her. "I guess that is a good idea, else we'll have the same trouble makers coming back every night..." She bends her head, a curl falling over her forehead, as she scribbles the comments down. She puts down the pencil, leaning back with a sigh. "This'll cost least three hundred thousand credits, Des." Her voice is soft, sad, and there is resignation in her eyes, "I'd have to work for years to earn it."

Desmond tilts his head slightly and notes, "I recently came into over one hundred thousand, Aimee. I have spent most of it, sadly, but I don't think it will take us long to gather all that we need." Leaning forward on one elbow, he lifts a hand to forestall any objection as he states, "I would offer much of what is needed to start us. It is not charity.. it is investing in you and this idea. We would work together, share the trials and the fruits of success and the risks."

Aimee shakes her head firmly, "Oh no, no way, I pay half or we don't do this." She picks up the pencil, her mind working overtime, planning the costs, working out how much of her wages she can save. "Reason to go to work if nothing else." She mutters softly, shooting him an ironic look from beneath those lashes. "I think it'd work..."

Desmond frowns slightly as she seems fixed on the half and half aspect, but he leaves it as is for now. Not wanting to test that fierce pride that so intrigues him. "I think it will work too, Aimee." He nods his head once and does seem quite pleased despite that one little disagreement he still holds quietly. "We will find a way, you and I. If anything else, it will give us time to refine the idea with any further ideas.. to find those small pieces we aren't quite sure of yet."

Aimee nods slowly, an idea forming behind her eyes before she speaks slowly, "Could see if we could get some investment, like from a business man. For a cut of the profits...." She tests the idea out on him, watching his reaction carefully, the pencil tapping against her cheek again, beating a fast rhythm. "They pay a third, each of us a third..."

Desmond considers the idea carefully. The idea itself sound, though.. "It would depend who might invest in this. I would take care with just who will have an equal say in how we run the place." His words firm on that. "We want someone who is matching to our own desires, to reduce the potential for disagreements."

Aimee taps the pencil, slowing the pace as she forms the next words carefully in her mind, "There are kinda business men in the Dregs, who might find a place like ours useful for meetings and the like..." The words are spoken with extreme caution. "Perhaps for less than a third..."

Desmond frowns deeply at that. Her caution in such suggestions justified as he shows a distinct displeasure with the idea. "I do not know about that, Aimee. The potential for a contrary view would be higher with someone from that place. The potential for criminal aspects high. And.." A pause as he considers if he should say such as this. But he feels he must, "..it would be best if your path did not stray back towards that place, I think. That I still work there is necessity alone. I plan to find lodgings elsewhere soon." He and Aimee are sitting across from each other at a table that is a bit removed from the majority of the patrons here. A semi-privacy as they discuss, Des' deep voice rumbling with an eye toward discretion.

The girl is wearing a white man's dress shirt over blue jeans, her coat hung on the back of the plastic chairs they sit on. To one side, on the table, a melted sundae is sat, ignored, and her fingers fiddle with the pencil in her hands, the napkin between them covered in scribbles in a loping hand. "I thought you might say that, but the time... it is going to take so much to get the money together, Des." She sighs, tapping the pencil against her cheek, her face thoughtful.

Given that he belives in actually having decent meals dispite the fact that he lives in what is perhaps the poorest area of Dregtown, this is generally the last sort of place Kesslan would ever come into. Fast food joints afterall dont offer much to a creature that almost exclusively prefers to eat meat. As such things like burgers and fries dont appeal to him very much. But then there's that darned burning sense of curiosity. He'd heard... odd things about this place and had decided to at least see the place for himself, this odd icon of assumably human culture. And so it is that Kesslan enters, quietly eyeing the decor and.. well everything else in the place as he tries to make sense of what the purpose of all of it may be.

"I understand this," Desmond replies lowly, though his deep voice would carry for those with acute hearing. "But there are many potential investors. And we have time to be choosey. We need not secure one until we are near to readiness. Better that we wait and consider all of our options before we commit to what could be a mistake." He still disagrees with the idea, but his tone shifts to one more diplomatic. Not outright denying the idea, but postponing it for a better fit. His hand slips over again to touch lightly. "You are eager as am I. But we can be careful and cautious in this. Take the time to make it as perfect as can be."

Aimee nods slowly, turning her hand up to squeeze his gently before, conscious of the eyes on them, she pulls her hand away. The whispering on the other side of the room is followed by a snigger, her cheekbones colouring. "Perhaps you are right. I just want to do it now, to stop going in there and have this..." She sighs, glancing up at the large furred man, her eyes widening slightly, before she turns back to Desmond. "I'll start saving now, I don't really need to buy anything else... could give up the gym and run instead." This piece of an idea is hopeful, the reasons behind it obvious in her face, in her eyes.

Continuing his wanderings, Kesslan is eventually brought within mild earshot of the conversation, though is own attention is presently wrapped up in examining one of the 'whales' as he tries to figgure out what it's supposed to actually be, having never heard of, much less seen such a creature. Certainly nothing quite like it exists on his own world and he's never been near Earth's on oceans so he has very little to go on other than it's obvioulsy some sort of fish like creature. At this point the sound of Desmond's voice, carrying as it does is starting to twig a sense of recognition in the pantheran, but for now at least he's found something more interesting to keep his attention at least for a few moments longer...

Desmond tenses slightly, his eyes slipping to the side slightly at the sound of those whispers. "We can hardly train with the disturbance of the ignorant," he rumbles, a soft growl working into his deep voice. "But.. we need a means to talk.. a place we can go to be away from the eyes." Except he can't hardly think of just where this place could be. Wherever they might go, people will be there. Not even the garden seems safe from them. He breathes out a low, deep huff as he regards her. Then turns his head, flicking his eyes toward where his ears have already swung. Eyeing the nearest conversing couple. A shift and he notes Kesslan's presence. The big male's eyes linger and a slight frown comes. One of thoughtful confusion. He hardly seems the sort to be in a place like this. The irony of such a thought not lost on him.

Aimee follows his eyes, a sigh escaping her at the sight of the couple, and then she turns her eyes towards Desmond, questioningly. "Do you know him?" She asks softly, lowering her voice. "I don't know where we can talk, least Kelley joins us and the two of you don't precisely see eye to eye. Anywhere we go, someone will be pointing the finger so we might as well go where we please." Pride shines through now, her chin lifting, last night's woes pushed aside.

Kesslan shifts away now from the display, turning to at least intially intend to regard the actual menu of the place, debating if he even dares order something to see what it's -like-. He's however learned to regret such choices in the past, so perhaps it's not such a wise idea....which is when he catches sight of Desmond out of the corner of his eye, the feline's ears perking up slightly in recognition. He turns his head to look at Desmond and give the much larger feline a respectful nod.

"Yes, somewhat. He is a strange male who speaks an odd language. But seems honorable," Desmond comments lowly toward Aimee. The nod is returned in kind without thought or pause. The suggestion that Kelley be involved in their talks gets his attention back in her at once and his displeasure at the possibility is obvious. At a distance, the initial tilt of his head before the turn might seem a welcoming twitch. A silent indication requesting approach. "That would trade one discomfort for another," he points out. "Perhaps a secret place in the park.. it is large, with many stands of trees and discreet spots."

Aimee sighs, before shaking her head firmly, "Does your friend want to join us?" She asks, before replying to the other comment, "If we hide in the park, you don't think that'll make them talk more?" She sighs, leaning back into the chair, the pencil between her fingers being twisted nervously. "I don't want anyone to think I'm hiding..."

Studying the sitiation a few moments longer Kesslan seem at least initally hesitant to approach. Largely because while he's met Desmond before he's still not sure what is considered... well proper etiquette where the other feline is concerned. It seems such a strange cultural blend to him that one such as Desmond is so much like the humans and yet... at the same time at least somewhat akin to his own people in outlook. Not only that but utlimately there's the whole issue of one predator recognizing another.. one that certainly seems far stronger than he...

Desmond says nothing at first to this, having little to say against the truth in Aimee's words. Thus, when asked, he attends to the matter of Kesslan first. Turning his head to note the lingering attention of the other feline, Des lifts a hand to motion clearly for him to approach. Not extending his voice here. "Then we shall be open," he decides, head turned slightly towards Aimee again. "We will be up front. Give them nothing new to gossip about. And their words will grow stale."

Aimee nods at Desmond, giving him a small grateful smile before turning to look at Kesslan, her face changing slightly. She smiles, a more feminine, slightly predatory smile of her own, her green eyes shielded by her lashes. "I need to go back soon, Des. Kelley will wonder where I ran off to..." She picks up the napkin, folding it carefully and putting it into the breast pocket of the shirt. "I'll write it neat at home..."

As seemingly requested, Kesslan decides to approach, though his manner is somewhat tentative. A nod given to AImee as well as he reaches the table "Sakar-ragir Desmond gadril safer." he says, a mechanical voice from a small box like device on his webbing translating it to "Honourable Greetings Desmond and friend of"

Desmond turns his full attention to Aimee as she notes her departure. The expected flash of disappointment there. But it is as brief as before and he will nod to the need of it. "I will keep an eye for anything that will aid in this venture. And look toward gathering my portion of the funds." More he might say, but it goes unsaid in that moment. A pause then as Kesslan nears and he offers introductions before the woman departs. "Kesslan, this is Aimee. A good friend." Making motion towards her as he gives the name. Then he looks to her and offers, "Farewell, Aimee." When she does leave, his eyes will linger towards her. 'Friend' being an inadequate descriptive term when placed beside the quiet intensity that will be present in his gaze at that time.

Aimee gives Kesslan a warm smile, with a teasing wink. "Hi honey, I'm sorry I have to run off... men wait for nothing, you know." She slides from the seat, pulling her coat from the chair's back and swinging it around her shoulders. "I'll do it too, Des, see if I can't save up some..." She ties the coat's belt around her waist, fingers lacing the material between them lightly. "Nice to meet you, Kesslan, honey." She turns, moving towards the door, hips swaying. Her chin lifts a little as she passes the gossiping couple, and a low murmur of their voices is followed by a snigger.

Kesslan turns to watch the departing Aimee with a slight degree of confusion but he's hardly going to criticize something that's none of his buisness, nor is he about to give voice to his wondering of what exactly was going on. Rather he simply nods in return "Greetings to Aimee friend of Desmond." he says simply, turning back to Desmond as she departs, noting his look and moving asside slightly so as not to obstruct his view. He doesnt quite understand the attraction but he knows better than to interfere.

Desmond seems to snap from a light daze when she leaves his sight. The big male huffing out a deep breath as he focuses back on the moment. Notes again Kesslan's presence near him. He lifts his eyes to the other feline and makes a decisive motion toward the opposing seat she took up in offer. "Do sit, Kesslan. Want brings you here?" Des' rumbling voice starting a bit flat, the off sound steadily fading as he speaks until it returns to that firm neutral that is common to him.

"Azri." "Curriosity." the pantherna replies as he sits down across from Desmond as indicated "Hear of this strange place, wished to investigate. Seem odd part of human culture, stil try to understand way human think. See what human wish to do, eat. If contact is made with own species again perhaps better understanding of human ways will lead to preventing same mistake that was made with Atorian." he explains.

Desmond nods his head once, fixing on Kesslan's response, musing the translated words quietly for a moment before he states, "I do not like the smell of this place. Nor the look of the food. I came here with her and will be unlikely to return." A slight frown as he glances towards the counter where the 'food' is dispensed. "It is simply a different taste. I prefer my meat lightly cooked and whole. They prefer otherwise." He considers Kess and opines, "Likely you have similar tastes to those I hold," he guesses.

"Datri." "I do." Kesslan responds, looking over at the same counter with some degree of curriosity as well as distain "Kesslan does not understand how humans can stand to each such things, nor other races. It seems very unhealthy choice." the pantheran observes. Then looks back at Desmond, pausing as he chooses his next words carefully, his voice mild and a little cautious "Hear you speak of requiring money when approach. Is... not place to speak on such things perhaps, but is this so? Warrior only asks because perhaps he can help Desmond with such. Consider it perhaps effort at..." he seraches for the proper word "Improving relations between our people. Admit this is not selfless act, wish perhaps help in future but perhaps mutual benifit can be had between both clans."

Desmond creases his brow slightly at the talk of offering money. "There is no need for an offer of money to improve relations. You seem an honorable sort. If you would ask me for aid, then you need only ask. I cannot say that every request will be honored, but I will give proper thought to any words given." A pause as he leans back slightly. "However.. if you wish to offer aid, it would be welcome. Aimee wishes to open a bar. One that is more.. refined than the usual in this city. I look to aid her. And we are considering sharing the expense and risk with others. As well as the potential rewards. She would have me form the security for the establishment. If you were interested in helping, we could share such responsibilities."

Feline ears perk at that bit of news "This would have better hours yes? Good pay?" a pause "Not be in Dregtown?" the Pantheran asks. Something at least has considerably grabbed his attention in what Desmond has brought up. But then Desmond may, or may not know that he currently works security for the Electric Joy. While it's not a 'bad' place exactly, given that it caters everything from booze to drugs it's a place he ultimtaely finds... distasteful to a degree.

Desmond shakes his head slightly. "Not in Dregtown," he agrees. "As to the time and pay, that I cannot be sure of. We have only just begun to consider the idea. We have time yet to spend gathering the resources and finalizing plans." He doesn't know, but he gets a sense of Kess' concern. "As a partner, you would own a piece of it. We would head those who provide security for the place. That would give us both some leeway, I think."

The other dark feline's ears tilt back slightly, though not far enough to be called flattened. Rather more... in thought. He remains quiet for a few minutes, debating something or other with himself before he finally asks "How much is this cost to Desmond and Aimee that is wished to gather?"

"She has said a sum of Three hundred thousand, though I suspect that is an estimate at best," Desmond replies steadily. "How much that includes I don't know. We have mused a few ideas for how to secure the place, some of which could be very expensive. It will take the two of us some time to gather the funds. And she insists on equal portions."

Kesslan nods slightly, frowning then as he seems to look for something in his webbing, eventually comming out with a pencil and pad of paper, setting these on the tabletop he begins scratching out various symbols. The way he goes about it it's as if he's doing some sort of math, but the symbols sure as hell dont match any numbers likely anyone's seen before. He goes at this for a few moments before deciding "Could offer perhaps 70,000 in human money system towards such venture. Is gamble perhaps but feel this is perhpas chance to find better place than what Kesslan has now yes? Is not... happy. Have place of own, left in privacy but it is not in good place."

Desmond nods his head once. "I can understand the feeling," Desmond replies with a simple understanding in his deep voice. "But don't worry too much on it in the now. Keep in mind what you can offer, I will tell Aimee you wish to help. That will divide the sum needed three ways, which will reduce the initial needs considerably. Perhaps one or two more will make it all the easier. I don't know how long until this might happen, but I will do my best to keep you apprised of how things are going."

That grabs another nod from the smaller feline before he adds "Is anything else of potential use to Desmond? Perhaps Kesslan may help there too. Not have much but is willing to share, such is way of Sirev clans. Such is offer to Desmond."

Desmond shakes his head slightly. "For the moment, my needs are few and.." A pause as he considers, glancing towards the entrance to the place. "..beyond the means of others to give assistance." He fixes his eyes on the other feline and ads, "But your offer is appreciated. Perhaps in time I will have such need. If so, I will remember your words." He extends a hand then, offering it to Kesslan as an informal sort of seal on such mutual words as they have shared.

Kesslan eyes the extended hand a moment, one ear swivling up high.. which is about when he remembers that there's some strange human custom about shaking hands that he's still trying to work out. And so he tentitively extends his own "Is strange custom to Kesslan this. On own world generlaly only those very close to each other hold hand. Often those mated. Yet with human seem to be different. Is shake different from holding of mate or desired mate? See also humans hold hands different ways sometime."

Desmond's brows lift as Kesslan asks after the custom of the handshake. Though a shake isn't quite what he has in mind. "The union of hands can have many meanings here," Desmond replies, taking Kesslan's firmly. Rather than grip his hand, Desmond reaches just a bit further to grip his forearm. Firmly, but not roughly or uncomfortably. "This is a gesture of fellowship, often. Especially amongst warriors. The true significance I do not recall, but to me it mirrors a casual union. A common sense of purpose two share."

Kesslan shifts his own grip then to match "As such?" he says carefully studying the 'proper' way of doing this. "Seem strange way.. will take getting used to. Feel strange. Think perhaps this is why generally only mated do this on own world." he says letting go as soon as it seems appropriate "Suppose kit at play too perhaps. Some clan ahve different custom too on Sirev. How much this Custom of Desmond race, and how much of this human? This gesture understood by all human?"

Desmond doesn't hold the grip for more than a few moments after Kess returns it, releasing to settle himself back. The words absorbed, though when Desmond's kin are asked after, the big male frowns slightly. "My customs are those of the humans," he states simply, offering no further explanation. "Most humans will understand such a gesture, though more common amongst males and warriors, I would assume. It may not feel so odd after you have used it for a time. Such things we are used to, you are not. And new things are often odd in how they feel."

Sitting back as well Kesslan considers Desmond's words "Perhaps. Much though feels strange in this world, much is not understood. It is... difficult to adapt for Kesslan. Not before have to consider such thing as not pantheran mate or partner. Not before have to consider what other race would consider offensive save where Atorian, Mantella and Thropo would, and there have had education on such. Some is like Human so help but much is still very different. Expure also limited with other race mostly to mlitary aspect. Not see much of social custom. Here must understand all custom. Understand what is proper way so that one is not mistking Kesslan for making advance as if desiring to mate. Or perhaps say wrong thing and offend."

Desmond tilts his head slightly at that and considers. "There are few set customs amongst humans," he states simply. "It varies, from woman to woman, what she may like or dislike. Quite simply, one must come to know a woman well to determine how to lure her." He leans forward again and asks, "Is there some woman you seek now? If it is someone I know, I could offer some words on that."

Kesslan flattens his ears slight "Warrior is not sure. Is... confused. Friend Kid and others keep say to Kesslan, Kesslan should try relationship with non pantheran, even if only for 'fun'. Such is done among pantherans as well, be it male with male, male with female or female with female. But allways has been with other Pantheran. Keslsan not have any in mind but is at same time somewhat affraid may cause... problem some how in attempt if such is ever desired. What if Kesslan accidentally hurt other partner? Not understand mating ways of other races. Assumption is made much is similar but think in something so intimate is best to be sure, yet.. not know how to be sure. Is starting to consider this as possibility perhaps, mostly for Kesslan is... young and mating drive is... very strong at time."

Desmond grows serious as the talk turns in this direction, though it isn't a negative thing. For this is a serious matter. "I had not considered such myself until I was first introduced to the possibility years before," he rumbles lowly. "I can understand your feelings on the strength of this urge. I do can be very.. passionate in the moment. Some females don't mind this.. might even enjoy it. Some less so. I wish I could offer more certain words, but amongst the females here are more varieties than can be easily described. Honesty is important, as is carefully considering who you might show interest in. If a woman has no interest, she will express it. If she does, she will express that as well."

Kesslan's ears flatten slightly "But here... is very different. Pantheran female not often flirt friviously as female human do. One friend of Kesslan keep tease but not mean, not interest as explained. Is confused why then this is done? And are signs different if both are male? Not sure of differences. Among pantherans two male not approach each other as male and female would approach each other. Understand 'no' is proper response but does not know how to tell when approach is genuine."

Desmond arches a brow slightly. "I would not know of how males would do such things.. I have never considered relations of that sort," he replies honestly. A touch confused by the idea of it, though no true negative connotation in his firm voice. "For females, some simply enjoy a play at interest. I suppose it is a show of power. To show the ability yto lure without the true desire for the results." He shakes his head slightly. "It they seem amused, it may not be true. But even this is not a certainty. This is something one learns from experience, I believe. My association with Aimee has taught me much I did not know before. If a female confuses you, it might be best to ask her as to her intentions. If she is playing, she will likely be amused. If not, she likely won't be."

"So then, one must risk offence ot find out if intentions are true or not regardless?" Kesslan asks to see if he's understanding this properly "As to how males would do such things.. " here at least the pantheran seems somewhat ammused "One act as female... is not sure how to explain to Desmond properly for does not know comparable word that translator understand. It not handle complex word well." he explains.

Desmond furrows his brow slightly as he considers that final concept. "I see. I have never considered such things for myself. I suppose that would feel as odd to me as your own discomfort with the ways of humans." He settles back, offering, "All association with human females risks offense. One must school their words carefully at times. Aimee and myself.. we have had many arguments. That we are still friends is a testament to her forgiveness of my missteps."

"Supposes one can get used to odd things. Seem odd to Kesslan as well, but is considered acceptable relationship." Kesslan explains "But as to this thing with female. Seem... very strange indeed. If one make other belive intrest is real then why get mad if they come to belive this and act as such? Have some human female simple desire to cause problem? Is one thing if there are misunderstanding due to accident but when this is cuased on purpose this seem.... wrong."

"I would not be surprised," Desmond replies in relation to the desire to cause trouble. "It seems a cruel thing, but cruelty is something that some humans relish. Or perhaps they might think it is not so cruel as others would see." He makes a casual gesture with one hand, "I have not had a great deal of contact with many women.. two primarily. One is more like you and I than others.. a warrior who is close to her instincts. The other is Aimee. She is small and soft, but has a fierce will within. I have not had much contact with those who like to tease yet."

"Would this other be Raina? Seem interesting that one, but not think has interest in Kesslan. Understand this and accepted. Is different than Kesslan but yes agree. Have spirit that one. Understand Raina much better than others who are not of..." he pauses trying to think of the word "Cat races. Seem meet mostly only others that like tease. Most at least so far seem to accept when question is asked and say interest is not in Kesslan. But worry sometime that this will not happen." he pauses then looking at Desmond, his ears perking up "Kesslan is glad Desmond willing to speak with Kesslan on this, not know who else to ask about such thing. Would normally speak with Clan Elder but... Kesslan is only Pantheran here on this world left. Have none to turn to."

Desmond shakes his head slightly. "No, another human of a sort. Katsumi," he replies. "Raina.. I recall that name.. a feline female." It has been some time since he's seen that one. He nods his head once at the last and offers, "My own knowledge is limited, but I am willing to share. And be honest when I have none to offer of worth. Perhaps, should you find one to compel you, I might help you evade the same missteps I took. In this, I can offer but one bit of advice now. If there is one who truly moves you, touches you deeply within, do not hesitate to pursue. That was my mistake. I moved to slowly and she slipped beyond my grasp."

Kesslan nods "Is... unfortunate this happen then Desmond. Wish you better fortunes in future with attempts to find proper mate of your choice of orientation." he offers in a fairly standard consolitory statement for him "Once have human say, is better to have love and loose then never have had love. Think these perhaps wise words for else when time come, death is lef with thoughts only of loneliness. But if have had love at some point can think back uppon those times that were better."

Desmond frowns faintly. "Perhaps. But I have no plans in the now to search more. Not until I have time to find my center on this matter." A pause as he considers one aspect of those words. "I don't think my orientation will change." Not said dismissively, but with an honest lack of belief. He considers Kesslan idly as he asks, "You have done such a thing before?"

Kesslan quirks his head slightly at Desmond "Done which thing before? Mate with other male?" he asks seeking clarity before he goes further. Waiting for either a nod or some word from Desmond. He seems completely unjugemental about it, perhaps accepting that it may be his time to share in the education of such things. Certainly he's never hesitated to speak of his own culture with others before and now is hardly a time for him to stop doing so. Desmond nods his head once to that. "It is, as you said, accepted by your people. I cannot say there is a desire for it within me, but I once though the same with regard to human females. So to I did not think one here would move me as I have been before. I am learning to never think that something is impossible. When I do, I am often proven wrong."

"No.. Kesslan has not mated with any other before male or female. Own or other race. Is why is... so confused. Not know how proper react especially with not pantheran." The smaller feline says, leaning back in his char looking thoughtful "Suppose would be willing to try such thing. Is known among own kind to do this when young. Explore see what is prefered. For some can find balance of both. This too accepted. Even one clan prefer such a method similar. Belif amongst Drakali-zagar is that more fitting for one male to love other male, especially when both are enforcer or warrior caste. Is considered that such will protect the other more as bind of love and intimacy will drive each to fight harder for claw mates. But of course is encouraged to also love female for such is way of bearing child. Is necessary for such thing then to have child so must not be ignored. Not know of any clan that reject personal choice in either case. Is possible however for two male to love each and mate. If knew language better could perhaps better explain to Desmond. If Desmond wish can try but warn Translator is... limited." he suddenly seems a little embarassed "Could show but is not sure this would be proper as Kesslan must amidt not knowing what think of Desmond. Is... somewhat inimidated by non pantheran. Can tell that though Kesslan is good warrior, Desmond is perhaps better. Thus clan rule state defence must be given to more experience,d beteter warrior as other is assumed to know better."

Desmond listens thoughtfully to the speech given, his expression sticking to his own firm neutrality as the points are considered. Some of it means little to him with such a light brushing of the surface when it comes to Kesslan's people. And some makes, after a bit of reflection, perfect sense to him, considering what he knows of the bonds that love can form. It's the talk of showing that breaks the larger male from his neutral state of thoughtfulness, his brows hiking at that. A mild surprise and nothing more that Kesslan would make such an offer to him. But first he takes care to note, "We have not tested skills, but in matters of who might be superior, I don't believe such is a necessary consideration. I would accept you as my equal, Kesslan. I would prefer it." He gazes at the other feline and adds, "I would also not think of such a thing unless the curiosity were mutual. I will admit to my own being piqued."

Seeming still a little... well nervious to say the least Kesslan responds "INterest is perhaps mutual. Not sure if can be basis for relationship, not sure if should be proper. Law of Pantheran say all choice must be respected. Not agree with. But must respect. As such class show young pantheran since such is bound to happen to some how deal with such thing proper so there is less chance of.." he pauses forwning, ears flattening slightly "Of unnecessary injury to other mate. Is ways can accidentally bring some harm to other male when two are togeather. Is said first time can be also somewhat painful but this go away, say same of female who not be with male before but for other reason." he says trying to do his best to explain given the linguistic barrier "Keslsan also realize not test skill with Desmond but Desmond is clearly larger, seem stronger. Even if skill match then Desmond would be declared superior Warrior to Kesslan becuase Kesslan is not as strong. Counter perhpas that claim of Elders that Kesslan is Spirit Warrior but this also not tested of Desmond. Kesslan not understand waht test make this so cannot judge proper if this is so. This is rule of Elders only." another pause then "Partner of course can treat each other as equal. Gishra, new mate of Kesslan father is very powerful Spirit Warrior, father is not Spirit Warrior but both care and love. Within family relationship is as family wish, evne if in clan Gishra consider better or equal to sire of Keslsan. But then Sire of Keslsan is also consider elder of clan. Is... complex to explain."

Desmond takes in all of this carefully. Showing only brief fragments of uncertainty or confusion with the words given. Ultimately he responds to it all calmly, if carefully. "It sounds very complex, especially for one to absorb it all in a single setting. But I feel I have the meat of it for now. I think, perhaps, we might explore this some time soon. I would take more time.. to better understand what must be done. I haven't much more time in the now and I sense this is not something to rush." He pauses and then offers, "We can speak of this more later, yes? Until then I will consider what you have told me and muse further questions."

The question recieves a nod "Yes.. can be explain later. Kesslan too perhaps need time think. Is unsure if head agree with..." he pauses searching for a proper word to use the translator will make sense of "With instinct? Feeling? this could perhpas not matter ifit simple for as friends of Kesslan say 'fun'. Must sort out confusion if possible, perhaps only try do this perhaps not. Time tell but no need rush with this Kesslan agree."

"I would think, for now, that it is best this be approached as between friends alone," Desmond replies. "That seems the best initial footing for all things, where all may progress naturally." He shifts himself from his chair and rises, back arched slightly in the wake of his extended sitting. "I have some matters to attend. If you have any other concerns on anything we've discussed, do not hesitate to approach. You are welcome to do so when you see me about. Until then, farewell, Kesslan." And he will go after any returned words.

Kesslan stands as well then, for he's got little reason to stay himself. Deciding he'll likely head off to his usual spot to eat at the Silver Fork. "As is same with Kesslan then Desmond. Agree is perhaps best to approach as friend and sort out as time go on. If... not work out can still be on friendly term yes?" he still looks a little embarased, and confused by everything but is clearly trying to make the best of the direction everything has taken. "Good hunting to Desmond