Logfile from Brass&Steel. You step into Crown Royale. Crown Royale Leatherwear -- Storefront It's just past 5 pm and the crowds are pouring out office buildings and snarling traffic. Lucky Sarah doesn't have to worry about that as she is busy straghtening the store inbetween helping the occational customer that wanders in. Bussiness seems somewhat slow today. Zach saunters into the store with a happy smile on his face. He looks around, and spots a familiar figure. "Hello, lady sunshine!" Sarah is dressed for the warm weather. Tight white shorts cling to her legs and rear, short enough to expose almost all of her leg to the sun. On top she is dressed in sleeveless yellow tank top that's cut short to expose her midriff. From the lack of straps and the way the top hangs it's quite clear that she is not wearing a bra. Sarah looks up quickly from where she she busy folding pants and smiles at Zach then raises an eyebrow "Lady Sunshine? That's a new one." Zach grins and moves over toward her. "Well I think it's kinda fitting. You're certainly dressed to fit the title..." Sarah looks down at herself and grins "Hey it's been hot out you know." She leans against the counter and smiles at him, she seems happy enough to see him but there is something in her stance...perhaps she's not as relaxed as she should be "It's been a while. What have you been up too? Zach comes all the way up to her and leans against the counter too, still smiling with warm, glittering eyes. "Oh you know... I've spent rather a lot of time on my back looking at greasy bits and pieces. Slave to the grind and all. How 'bout yourself?" Sarah grins at him and slips an arm around his waist "I can think of better things to do on your back, but hey each to their own I suppose." She waves her free hand around "Oh I've been busy here. I met this one nice lady...umm Harriet, yeah that's her name. She's a sculptor and a painter." Sarah grins "She wants me to sit for a portait for her." Zach looks impressed. "Ooh! But that should be great!" Lucian enters from the Crown Center. Sarah and Zach are standing by the counter, talking. Nice and relaxed. Ok. They are flirting... Sarah is standing at the counter, one arm around Zach's waist as the talk "Yeah, it will be fun I think. I just hope that I can sit still." Jing-a-ling! The bell on the door rings as Lucian steps into the shop, eyes surveying the room. A pained look crosses his face momentarily as he realizes who he's sharing the shop with... Zach smilingly caresses Sarah's cheek with one finger. "Of course you can. It'll be worth it - you look like a goddes hon." He doesn't bother to look at the new custommer yet. Sarah swats him gently "Oh you." As the bell rings she looks over, opening her mouth to greet the new customer. Then she waves "Good afternoon Professer." Her voice is cheerful enough but her eyes slide between Lucian and Zach." Lucian inclines his head. "Miss Roberts," he says, blandly, face already a perfect mask of businesslike charm. Zach sighs softly and looks toward the newcommer. "Oh. It's you. Good afternoon, pro." Hachilah enters from the Crown Center. Sarah smiles at Lucian "What can I do for you today Professor?" Lucian ignores Zach utterly. "Miss Roberts, I am here looking for a vest. I seem to recall when last we spoke, you had some suggestions?" He cocks his head slightly. Sarah untwines herself from Zach, throwing him an appoligetic look "If you will excuse me for a moment..." She nods at Lucian "Of course." She walks over to a rack and starts pulling down some vests "Any patacular vest you're looking for?" Zach lets Sarah go and continues to lean on the counter surveying the store, a small smile playing about his lips. Even if Lucian stole the lady away... Hachilah wanders in and glances around. There is a blue bucket in her hands, and she swings it absent-mindedly as she walks. Lucian looks over the vests. "Nu, nu... I trust your judgment, Miss Roberts." He looks up, and raises an eyebrow as he spots the newcomer. Sarah nods "Any color you really want? Zach spots Hachi as she enters the store and waves smilingly to her. "Hi kiddo." But his stance shifts imperceptivly to something a bit more alert perhaps... Lucian taps his jaw. "Simple black would do," he says, almost absentmindedly. His eyes keep straying towards Hachilah. Hachilah's face lights up as she sees Zach. She waves to him and heads his way. Sarah looks over as the bell over the door rings again and waves to Hachilah "Good afternoon Hachilah." She then hands Lucian to black vests, each of them cut slightly differently" Hachilah glances over at Sarah happily enough. When she realizes who Sarah's companion is, her smile fades and her feet step much less bouncingly. Lucian looks at Hachilah, and gives her a broad smile. One might, almost, just barely, if they were of the mind to ever attribute that sort of emotion to Lucian, call it... friendly. "Good afternoon, Miss Hachilah," he says with perfect formality. Zach keeps an eye on Lucian and his advances toward Hachilah, but keeps up pleasant appearances. Sarah smiles plesently at Hacilah "It's been a while, what have you been up too?" Hachilah regards Lucian with a kind of odd expression. Perhaps apprehensive, perhaps theres a trace of anger... it's hard to say. She stares back for a pause, then says, "Hello Professor. Hey Sarah." She glances over at Zach, then back at Sarah. "I've been... rather busy actually." Brooke enters from the Crown Center. Sarah nods "Well that's good, you know what they say about idle hands." She looks back at Lucian, "How do the vests fit? Sarah waves to Brooke :) Hachilah says, "Hello Brooke :)" Brooke says, "Hi guys. :) Mind if I sit back and watch a little? :)" Hachilah says, "Go 'head :)" Lucian adjusts the vest on his frame. "It fits... comfortably," he says after a few moments of thought. "Yes, it fits quite comfortably..." Zach smiles in a big-brotherly way to Hachilah before looking back at Lucian and Sarah. "Swanky.." he comments with a slight smirk. "Stylish, even." Sarah looks him up and down "Ah good. It suits you too." She grins "Going to suprise your students?" Standing at 5'2 and weighing about 125 lbs, Brooke Bradford isn't /thin/, she's...normal. Soft blonde ringlets cascade down her back, and small silver frames settle over sparkling ocean blue eyes. A light spray of faded freckles crescends across a pert, tanned nose. A few wispy golden bangs frame her features. Her smile is accentuated by a single dimple on the left side. Brooke is dressed casual in a pair of faded blue jeans and a dark gray t-shirt, neatly tucked in. A lightweight white button up shirt, about 2 sizes two big finishes off the ensemble, and the sleeves are rolled just above her wrists. There sits a dainty silver watch. A pair of white leather tennis provide for comfortable walking to see the sights. Cast over her left shoulder is a black leather backpack. Hachilah completes her journey toward Zach, swinging the bucket in her hands with a little less cheer. She pulls up along side him and waves again. "Hey. What's... up?" "Something like that," Lucian says with a chuckle. He turns towards Hachilah. "Tell me, my dear Hachilah. What do you think? I understand you have taken up arbiting style in the locality." He smiles again, too-perfect teeth sparkling. Zach reaches out and gives her a sideways little hug and ruffles her hair affectionately. "Oh I dunno... The pro seems to be up for a slight change of fashion, I'm up for a new shirt, part from that..." He shrugs with a smile. Hachilah glances sharply at Lucian. She purses her lips delicately, her eyes narrowing ever so gently. "It's very dark. And I'm not quite sure that it suits you." She rises her chin ever so slightly. Sarah frowns at Hachilah "I think it looks nice on him." She looks at Zach "What do you think? Ding ding. The door beeps and jangles as Brooke enters. Inquisitive eyes scan the store quickly, and she settles for one of the racks nearest the door. Browsing. As if she needs more clothes.. Zach hmmms and scruitinizes the professor. "Actually... With his complexion, hair and eyecolor... I'd have gone with something more colorful. Maybe something to match his eyes?" Sarah looks over at the sound of the bell and smiles plesently ay the newcomer "Good afternoon miss. Please look around and let me know if you need any help." Zach looks at Sarah. "Maybe a spash of blue on the black?" Lucian shudders. "You are suggesting blue leather?" He grimaces in extreme disgust and almost bodily recoils. "You MUST be joking." Sarah shakes her head at Zach "Naah, I think black suits him" She looks at Lucian "We have vests in different cuts if you want to try those on." Hachilah raises an eyebrow with regal expertise. "I disagree Sarah. Lucian. You really... should try to have an open mind. Broaden your horizons... look beyond that which is... handed to you." Hachilah looks to Zach. "Don't you agree, Zach?" Lucian points a long finger at Hachilah. "Then YOU wear the blue leather," he snaps back. Zach shakes his head. "Not leather. You take the basic black leather vest, and then you add a bit of blue fabric along the bottom, for instance. Just a splash, to break the uniform color." Who me? Brooke looks up at the sound of Sarah's voice and offers a polite smile. "Why thank you, ma'am," comes a reply, dripped with a heavy southern accent. "I'm just browsin' for now." And that she does. Why look...is that that...S..Zahbo...guy? Sarah nods at Brooke "You're welcome." It IS that Zahbo guy, and he's in a stylish new vest. How stylish seems to be the subject of debate. Lucian cocks his head at Zach. "That sounds... more tolerable, da," he allows. "I had visions of those frightening baby blue leather vests worn by overweight, sweaty, off-duty motorcycle police officers." He shudders. Hachilah shrugs at Lucian's suggestion. "I don't enjoy the feel of leather, actually." She scrunches her nose. Zach grins and chuckles. "However, pro... If you will be wearing tweeds along with the vest I think reds or greens may be better suited that blue. Blue looks awful with tweed." Sarah nods at Zach "Well...I supose I could see that." She looks thoughtful "Perhaps red rather then blue." At Hachilah's comment she turns and simply looks at her in astonishment "Not like leather??" Zach looks at Hachilah and grins teasingly as he whispers something to her. You whisper "But you don't seem to mind /me/ wearing leathers, do you?" to Hachilah. Hachilah looks up at Zach and seems surprised, even chagrined. "Oh, I must clarify. I don't enjoy the feel of _wearing_ leather. In fact, I admit, it does feel rather nice on another person." She stops speaking, suddenly more chagrined. She looks at the floor. "Er." She blushes. Sarah chuckles at Hachilah's comment "Oh, well then that's different" She winks at the girl "Who have you felt it on?" Lucian arches an eyebrow. If he grimaced in disgust at the thought of blue leather - and he did - that was nothing compared to the revulsion on his face as he looks at Hachilah. Somewhere in the back of his throat can be heard a sharp, nasty hiss, like that of a cornered, angry cat. Zach strives mightily to avoid bursting out in laughter, but with rather moderate success. He chuckles and strokes Hachilah's arm reassuringly. Hachilah looks up at Sarah. She straightens her posture slightly, recovering some of her dignity. "That's not any of your business." There are traces of blush on the apples of her cheeks, though. Zach turns his head ever so slightly and peers at the hissing Lucian. Sarah smirks at Hachilah, her eyes glittering with interest." Brooke turns from a rack of shirts and walks towards the middle of the store to look at purses. She casts another look at the professor. Well well well. It is that guy afterall. She notes the many people around him and turns her attentions back towards the purses. Brown? No...maybe just another black one. Oh! But look at the pretty reds... Sarah turns towards Brooke and takes a few steps closer to her "Need any help with anything? Zach glances aroud the shop and takes note of the people there, then his eyes turn back to look in the general direction of Lucian. There is still a trace of a smile on his lips and in his eyes from Hachilah's little faux pas... Hachilah, meanwhile, recovers her composure somewhat. She regards Lucian with a certain amount of confused apprehension, however, considering his reaction to her remark. Lucian removes the vest, stiffly, and lays it back down on the counter. His eyes sparkle with a deadly glare as he looks towards Zach again. Again the teeth flash, but this time, it looks more like the predator baring his teeth, rather than anything that could even be remotely considered a smile. Zach doesn't move an inch from where he is leaning on the counter. He is, in fact, cool as the proverbial cucumber and regards the more that normally grumpy professor calmly. Sarah eye's flick between Zach and Lucian, a small frown passing across her face. She starts towards the counter, clearly indending to ring Lucian up. If Brooke knew what she was in the mist of, she'd probably run. But nay. She turns to Sarah and gives another charming smile. "Well, actually... I just /love/ this red purse." And, maybe she's a little too late as Sarah turns towards the counter. So, she just sorta follows her. Sarah quickly pauses to help Brooke "Oh? I'm sorry, which purse were you looking at? Gotta love /that/ customer service. "This red one," Brooke politely repeats. "I'll take it." Who says the homeless and unemployed can't shop. MasterCard. Hachilah looks between Zach and Lucian, growing more and more apprehensive by the moment. She looks up at Zach, finally, and whispers something to him. Hachilah whispers "Perhaps... we should go?" Sarah says, "It's a nice one." She beckons Brooke closer to the counter "Great, I'll ring you up."" AutoJudge: Zach rolls: 4 + 1 = 5 . Check die: 5 Zach inclines his head a bit to Hachilah, but isn't moving just yet. "Thanks," Brooke replies, following Sarah. She casts a quick glance towards the professor. Well, he certainly doesn't appear to be in the best of moods. And with that thought in passing, she pulls out the ever-so-famous Mastercard and passes it to Sarah. "Nice little shop here..." Sarah takes the card "Thanks, I quite like it...well as I'm the owner I suppose I'm required too." As she slides the card though the machine she glances over at Lucian and Zach." The current time in Kansas City is 7:13 PM, Mon Sep 09, 2002. Hachilah tugs at Zach's sleeve, regarding him with something approaching subtle desperation. Hachilah whispers "I really think we should go." Zach digs a watch out of his pocket. "Hm. Sarah, I better come along another day. It's getting late and kiddo here needs to get over to the shelter to do some volunteer work. I'm drivin'." He smiles apologetically to Sarah and winks. "Later, eh?" Sarah waves at Zach and Hachilah "Ok, it was great seeing you two. Come around more often." Lucian looks at them, coldly. "Good evening," he says, flatly. Any friendliness is long since gone. Zach flashes a last smile to Sarah as he turns to leave. "Later then, hon." There seems to be some sort of communication between him and Lucian, but only Lucian can see it... Hachilah is clearly relieved, though she gives Zach a stern look and shakes her head slightly. She starts for the door, unmindful of any secret communications... Lucian senses "Zach makes the faintest of kissylips and a near imperceptible wink to Lucian as he turns to leave." Sarah smiles at Brooke "Would you like a bag for this?" Lucian senses "Zach's eyes are cold, though..." You step outside. Downtown -- Crown Center Hachilah emerges from the frosted glass door of Crown Royale Leatherwear. Zach looks at Hachilah. "Any idea what stung that snake?" Adonia has connected. Hachilah is walking with Zach, looking thoughtful. She says something to him. There is a bucket in her hands, and she swings it as she walks. Hachilah whispers ""It appeared to be a reaction to my statements about liking the feel of leather on other people..."" Zach hmms. "Wierd..." Hachilah shrugs. "I am afraid that my perception of what is and is not weird..." She shakes her head and rolls her eyes, smiling up at Zach. "Is itself somewhat 'weird'." Zach smiles fondly down to the girl and says something to her softly. Zach mutters to Hachilah, "... didn't know... I'd... was..." You whisper "If I didn't know better I'd say he was jealous..." to Hachilah. Hachilah's mouth falls open with what can only be called Complete Shock. To complete the cariacature, she stumbles, briefly, over her feet, nearly falling to the ground. "NO." She gapes a bit more, stopped dead in her tracks. She looks up at Zach. "That's completely _incomprehensible_." Adonia walks in, a picture-perfect ad for Catholic schoolgirls, smudged by the tarnish of poverty. While everything about her is clean and neat, it is faded and worn. She glances around, ready to start a busy afternoon of window-shopping. She sure can't do the other, so she starts walking, her backpack swinging lazily off one shoulder. She blinks at the man wearing the red leather pants and his companion. For just a moment, she pictures her guardian's faces if she came home wearing a pair of pants like that, and she laughs. Poor Father Bishop would have a heart-attack, and even Father Mulcahy might be stern. She continues looking at them with the open curiosity of the young. Zach nods. "Yes. So it can't be." Hachilah nods in complete agreement. [Public] Sarah waves "Later all!! Hachilah whispers "Indeed. In fact, I identified 'disgust' as the primary emotion component of his outburst..." Lucian emerges from the frosted glass door of Crown Royale Leatherwear. Zach notices Adonia and smiles to her. Jerzy arrives out in Crown Plaza from the doors of the Hyatt Regency. Hachilah follows Zach's smile. She regards Adonia thoughtfully, while walking. Adonia blinks as the strange man wearing the leather pants appears to be smiling at her. She turns around and looks over her shoulder, to see if perhaps there are some other strange looking people that the man might be looking at behind her. But there doesn't seem to be, and she turns around, now looking confused as if not quite sure whether she's the one being smiled at. She blinks and does the traditional finger pointing to herself and questioning look as now the girl with the dreads is also looking at her. Well darn. What'd she do now?! Lucian emerges from Crown Royale Leatherworks with a determined set to his chin and a tweed jacket thrown over his arm. He stops to survey the crowd. Zach's smile widen at Adonia's reaction. He nods a greeting to her, then notices Lucian emerging. His smile widen even more... Lucian pages: That's it. Throwdown. Here in the middle of Crown Center. ;p Traci has connected. Traci waves Hachilah stares at Adonia briefly, regarding her neutrally for a pause, before her face brightens into a very genuine and friendly little smile. She nods a quiet greeting to the girl. Traci waves as she enters the pedestrian square. Adonia looks really confused now, eyebrows knitting together as she tries to recall whether or not she's met them before and has just forgotten. She bites her lip, with cute pearly white teeth. Maybe they're parishioners? It's not uncommon for churchgoers to know her while she doesn't know them. Maybe they do gymnastics? As she racks her brain trying to figure out what they might have in common, (completely ignoring the obvious answer of maybe they're just friendly), she slowly continues towards them, the wheels in her head going ninety miles an hour. Traci sees the other uniformed girl "Hey there.. New in town? Jerzy walks out of the Hyatt Regency by himself. The doorman almost turns white as a sheet. "Mr. Holland," he says, as though he were addressing a grown man instead of a teenager. "Mr. Holland? Sir, where is James and Phillip?" He seems almost frantically concerned. Jerzy smiles and shrugs his shoulders. "Upstairs, I think." His casual reply seems to distress the doorman even further. A shop with a frosted glass door, and displays of mannequins in tasteful, upscale leather goods behind which high screens block off the interior of the shop itself. A sign reads "Crown Royale Leatherwear". Lucian remains by the door of Crown Royale. He glares at Zach for a bit, clenching a fist absently, as if he's quite clearly fighting to maintain his self control. Adonia spins around, seeing the other girl in the school uniform. "OH.. Umm, no I'm not. I go to the Church of the Virgin." Her eyes travel over the other girl, as she says hesitantly, "St. Ursula's right?" She glances around the room. Why are there so many people at the mall today! And strange looking ones too. She glances back at Hachilah and Zach, before returning her attention to Traci. "I'm Adonia Bishop Mulcahy.. " Zach leans his head a bit as he regards Lucian and says to Hachilah: "Seems like he got his vest... Doesn't seem to happy with it though." Traci's wearing her full school uniform. Over everything else is a dark blue blazer, with a crest upon the breast. The collar of her white long-sleeved blouse is , the blouse itself smoothed over her torso to where it's tucked into the waistband of a grey and blue tartan skirt that's buckled about her hips, and held closed at the bottom with an silver kilt pin. The hem of the skirt is a good three inches above her knees, exposing most of the long coltish expanse of her legs. White socks with neatly folded tops cling to her calves, and a pair of black shoes with flat heels are on her feet. Traci says, "Traci Lovejoy. Pleased to meet you. I haven't seen you about.." Hachilah, meanwhile, has apparently been drawn to the urgent murmurings of the hotel doorman. She glances up at Zach, distracted, then at Lucian. She pales ever so slightly. "No. He doesn't." Adonia blinks. "I don't know why. I've always been here.. though perhaps a little more cloistered. Maybe it's just bad timing." She offers the girl a friendly smile, little dimples appearing in her cheeks. "My fathers were very nervous about me leaving the church for a very long time." She does look rather unduly innocent for a 17 year old.. Zach grins and notes to Hachilah: "I'm sure he will perk up once he gets home and gets into his new leatherwear, though." Little devils dance in his eyes. Traci says, "Fathers? You have more than one?" Zach's eyes swivel back toward the new girl and notice Traci. He lays a hand on Hachilah's shoulder and murmurs something to her. You whisper "Uh-oh... Dear little Traci has found new prey..." to Hachilah. Hachilah, tilts her head slightly to the side, regarding Lucian with thoughtful curiousity. Adonia nods. "I was raised by the fathers of the Church of the Virgin. Father Mulcahy and Father Bishop. My mom left me on the lap of the Virgin Mary. It kinda freaked him out when he came in and found me." She synopsizes her life starting off with nothing and gaining little else in those short sentences, and keeps smiling the whole time. If there was going to be a child left to be raised by two priests, it seems like they got a very happy-natured one. Jerzy decides to cross the street. Now this just sends the doorman of the Hyatt Regency into a near panic. He turns and bolts into the lobby. Just before the door swivels shut, his words can be heard, "Get penthouse 2 on the phone now!" Hachilah quickly swivels her head around, returning her attention to Adonia and Traci. Her eyes narrow only slightly. Lucian catches Hachilah's eye, and returns her gaze. His is of barely suppressed outrage and disapproval. Traci says, "Whoa? For real? That is so cool! Like some sort of story. Sounds like you did better in the "Substitute Parent Sweepstakes" than I did." Zach calls over to Lucian: "Hey pro! What's with the long face? Did Sarah overcharge you?" He grins from ear to ear. Jerzy heads North on Oak. Lucian looks at Zach. His face twists slightly, then he just... laughs. It's odd, really. It's definitely not a friendly laugh at all, but it IS an amused one. SOMETHING has caught Lucian's fancy. He shakes his head, and waves, suddenly, with an influx of bizarre cheer, and begins strolling off down a side street, shortly to disappear out of sight. Adonia blinks, and smiles. "Are you adopted too?" She blushes for just a moment, before her smile comes back. "It is kinda melodramatic I guess, but it's true anyways." She catches the byplay out of the corner of her eye, as that puzzled look comes back again. Strange people in the mall today.. Just bizarrooo.. Lucian waves. Sorry, folks. But I got next to no sleep last night, and... so... I'm crashin'. Ta-ra, votes all 'round, much happiness. Zach waves. Thanks for the rp! [Public] Lucian says, "Love y'all!" Hachilah swivels her head back around, watching Lucian go with a look of near complete confusion. [Public] Hachilah says, "Bye Lu! :)" [Public] Zach throws kisses at Lu!! Traci says, "Kinda.. My parents died when I was little, but my aunt took me in.. SO I've gone all over the place with her.." Hachilah whispers "His ire does seem rather unreasonable." Adonia grins. "Cool, you at least know your parents even if by proxy and have a real relative to live with!" Was that a tone of regret? Or even longing? Maybe.. but it disappeared rather quickly. She does try to be friendly and social and stuff. Zach grins to Hachilah and murmurs back. You whisper "Well yeah... I think he dislikes me. Wonder why..." to Hachilah. Traci says, "Yeah.. but like.. She's out of town a LOT.." You whisper "But what are we going to do about /that/?" to Hachilah. Hachilah senses "Zach nods toward Traci and Adonia." Traci says, "Hey.. you want to get a sweet? My treat?" Hachilah turns around. She sighs, looking rather dismayed. Hachilah whispers "We're going to... step in?" Zach smiles and starts moving toward Traci, dragging Hachilah along. You whisper "Well we know Traci at least, right." to Hachilah. Hachilah nods and follows along. Zach smiles to Traci and nods again to Adonia. "Heya Traci, how's it going?" Adonia blinks. "She leaves you all by yourself?!" Apparently this is a strange concept for her. "Like, noone would be there?" She ponders that, and that confusion is back on her face. "I can't even imagine what it would be like coming home if neither of the priests were there." She looks uncomfortable at the girl's offer, "Well, that's really nice, but it's ok." She starts blushing, looking down at her shoes, "I wouldn't be able to ever pay you back, so really, it's ok." She turns and looks over her shoulder as the man in the red leather pants and dreads-girl appropach. Hachilah joins the group quietly, glancing first at Traci, then at Adonia. She gives the two girls an awkward wave. "Hello Traci." Traci says, "It's no problem.. I get enough in allowance from my aunt that I'm good for it.." Traci says, "Oh.. Hello Hachilah. what's up?" Adonia looks kind of relieved as they address Tracy. Obviously, they must be friends of hers, and had seen her behind them. Her smile gets relieved, and almost a beam of sunshine in the mall. She looks at Traci as if waiting for her to introduce them, even as she says again, "That's really nice, but I couldn't. Really." Hachilah regards Traci quietly before responding. "I've been rather busy, actually." Zach smiles kindly to the girl-shaped beam of sunshine and offers a handshake. "Hey young lady, I'm Zach." His green eyes twinkle warmly. Traci says, "Oh.. Hey, Adonia, This is Hachilah. She's.. well, kind of a street person.. but still cute. Hachilah, Adonia. She's a student from another one of the schools here in town. You remember School, don't you. The place teens are supposed to be to get an education?" Hachilah's eyebrows dip, and she regards Traci with an expression of mild irritation. "Indeed. I recall what a school is." She turns away from Traci, and smiles at the other smiling girl. It's a very friendly smile, no trace of irritation remaining. "Hey. Nice to meet you." Adonia holds her hand out to shake Zach's. "Hi. I'm Adonia Bishop Mulcahy." Her expression slightly changes, ever so slightly as Traci gives Hachilah a verbal sting regarding her education and employment. It's suddenly wary, although the smile remains fixed. It's almost pained by Traci's rudeness, as she says to Hachilah, with obviously meant sincerity, "It's nice to meet you too." Zach beams to Adonia as he pulls his hand back after the handshake. "Charmed." The current time in Kansas City is 8:51 PM, Mon Sep 09, 2002. Hachilah smiles even more widely at the girl, clearly pleased to be greeted with such sincerity. Harriet arrives along Grand. Traci, Hachilah, Adonia and Zach are standing in a cluster a few yards away from the Crown Royale, talking. There are smiles all around. You see a young woman with a tousled mop of short, dark brown hair. She is slender, and a bit too pale...like she doesn't get out much. She's just a little taller than five feet, and there is a distracted, faraway look in her green eyes. Her clothes, skin, and hair are speckled here and there with bits of plaster and spots of paint. A pair of gold, wire-rimmed glasses sit--slightly askew on her round, friendly face. Traci looks to Adonia "I'm sorry.. It's just that, well, The only rason I can figure the truant officer hasn't brought her into a school somewhere is every time he catches up to her, she goes on her knees to beg him to leave her.. and he leaves, satisfied. Harriet walks along the sidewalk, peering at the storefronts, a sketchbook tucked under one arm. Zach frowns and looks at Traci. "Now that was uncalled for, I think." Adonia doesn't seem to get the reference for a few minutes, but when she does, her cheeks turn into bright red roses of color. Her mouth forms an 'o' out of shock. She says, almost stammering a moment, "I.. I don't think that's funny! That's a terrible thing to say!" She looks at Traci sadly, almost as if Traci ahd brought her a puppy and then stomped on it. "I .. I gotta go." With that, she turns the other way heading almost blindly for the door. Hachilah raises a curious eyebrow at Traci, clearly confused. "I beg your pardon, Traci?" Traci tuns to follow adonia "Hey.. wait.. I'm sorry.. I didn't realize I was going to offend you that much.. Zach stops Traci by laying a hand on her shoulder firmly. "I think you owe my sister an appology, young lady," he says in a stern voice. Hachilah watches Adonia leave with a wonderful expression of ponderous confusion. She then turns her attention to Traci and Zach. "An apology?" Traci pages: You realize, if a Mall Cop sees Schoolgirl accosted by Leather Freak..... :) Harriet skirts what appears to be a tense scene, eyes averted, and walks to a bench, where she sits and closes her eyes. You paged Traci with 'Sure.:) But there is just the hand on the shoulder so far.:)'. Traci pulls her shoulder free "Let me GO!" she says, loud enough to be heard over the crowd. Zach lets her go. Traci pages: Yay! saved by the threat of the Donut Brigade! People in the crowd turn to look at the scene unfolding between Zach, Hachilah, and Traci. Zach has a dark look in his eyes, but it turns to concern as he regards Hachilah. "I'll explain later, sis. 'K?" Traci clutches her schoolbag in front of her, like a protective shield, as she backs away from Zach.. Hachilah, startled by Traci's outburst, takes a step back. She nods to Zach. Harriet opens her eyes and looks in Traci's direction with an uncomfortable expression. She shifts on the bench, holding her pad tightly. Zach casts a look of total contempt Traciways, then turns to ignore her utterly. "You ok, Hachi?" Traci scoots off in the direction Adonia went. Adonia just doesn't turn around. Her facial expression is sad, almost habitually so, as she heads towards Harriet. She heads for the bench, looking at her with a sweet smile. "Is there room?" Hachilah nods. "Just startled... she reacted with an unexpected quota of verve." Harriet smiles hesitantly and gestures to the bench. "Sure. Um, hi. Are you okay?" You whisper "What Traci insinuated was that you give oral sex to truant officers to avoid being brought into school. That's why Adonia and I got upset. Damn little bitch!" to Hachilah. Adonia sits down, a few minutes ahead of Traci, due to Zach's delaying actions. "Just .. kinda disappointed I guess." She takes a breath and just says, almost passionately, in a normal tone of voice. "I just .. I just don't like it when people are MEAN to each other." What an innocent SHE is. Hachilah's eyes widen somewhat. Zach whispered something quietly to Hachilah. Hachilah mutters to Zach. Hachilah whispers "That's... _outrageous_." Harriet nods. "I know what you mean." She looks at the approaching Traci, and then back at Adonia. "Um, is there anything I can do to help? Short of violence...I'm no good at that, I'm afraid." She grins. Hachilah whispers "_Excuse_ me, please." Traci finally ends up to where she comes to a stop in front of the bench "Hey.. I'm sorry. I shot off my mouth, and I teed you of.. I'd like to apologize? Zach nods and smiles sadly to Hachilah. "Er...?" Hachilah's chin goes up, and her posture straightens, as she marches regally in Traci's direction. Zach looks somewhat disturbed. "Are you sure..." Hachilah looks back and gives Zach a very certain nod. Hachilah pages: Lies bad! Zach hides his face. :) You paged Hachilah with 'Oh God....'. Adonia sighs. One of the tenets of faith is forgiveness. "I just .. I just don't like it when people are .. snide or mean to each other. It hurts people's feelings and causes suffering, and it's just .. it's just not right." So quoth Adonia, giving Traci a very earnest look as she speaks. "It's not me you should apologize to. You didn't do anything mean to me." Zach trails after Hachilah with a rather apprehensive look in his eyes. He doesn't follow all the way, but hovers like a worried big brother a few yards away. Sarah emerges from the frosted glass door of Crown Royale Leatherwear. Harriet is inching her way down the bench, away from the confrontation, with that expression of embarrassed interest familiar to any bystander caught up in an emotional scene that is None of Their Business. Harriet and Adonia are sitting on a bench, Traci standing over Adonia appologising for something. Hachilah is marching over with a worriedlooking Zach trailing after. Traci says, "I'm sorry.. it's just that Hachhilah and I looked for a while like we were gonna be friends, then she got all .. I dunno.. 'uppity' on me, and now will barely give me the time of day, looking down on me all the time - so I gave her a bit of her own back, and maybe got a bit carried away." Sarah steps out of her store, locking it behind her. Sticking the keys in her pockets she sets out across the large square, only then are her eyes drawn to people clustered around the bench. Hachilah continues to approach the bench. She is carrying a blue bucket, and she swings it as she walks. She looks somewhat miffed. Harriet tries to find something else to look at, her cheeks red, and spies Sarah. She bounces off the bench like a jack-in-the-box, and hurries over. "Hi," she says with too much brightness, "Remember me? We met a few days ago. I bought an apron..." Sarah turns her steps in that direction as she hears Traci's voice. She watches Hachilah approching the two girls and then her attention is forced over to Harriet and she blinks at the woman "Oh yeah! The artists. Hows the apron holding up? Harriet says with obvious relief. "Oh, it's fine. Very sturdy...getting to be rather colorful." She is studiously not looking in the direction of the bench. Adonia blinks, and then looks kind of torn. "Well, that's not nice, but still, what you said was really mean. Maybe if you said you were sorry, you could be friends again!" She seems almost hopeful about this, as if wanting every thing to end up with a happy ending and everyone being friends. Her innocence is almost cloying, isn't it. Traci puts on a bit of a pained expression "Allright.. I'll apologize.. Just for you. Okay?" Then turns to face the oncoming blonde fury.. Sarah , on the other hand seems to be divided between Harriet and then approching force of Hachilah. Returning her gaze to Harriet she smiles "I'm glad to hear it. Oh hey, when do you want to do that picture we were talking about?" Harriet looks startled at the reminder. "Oh, yeah! Well, it depends on when you're free really." She smiles, "I mean, this is my day job, so I'll make time. Although, I'm still unpacking, so...it'll be about a week before I have the stuff set up." Zach glances over when he hears Sarah and smiles appologetically in the general direction of her and Harriet, before turning back to watch the girls with some apprehension. Sarah nods "A week would suit me. Do you still have my card?" Harriet nods, and begins patting down her pockets. "Yes," she says, "Um. Somewhere, I'm sure. Probably." Hachilah pulls up in front of Traci, regarding her with hot indignation. "It has been _explained_ to me that you were attempting to propagate a... _false_... explanation for my lack of trouble with the truant agent." Her eyes narrow. "That is unquestionably horrid, Traci. Unquestionably." Sarah laughs and hands her another one before looking over at Hachilah and Traci, one eyebrow going up." Traci sighs "You're right. It was. I let my mouth ran off, and I offended both you and Adonia. I'm sorry, I'll do my best not to let it happen agian. Harriet follows Sarah's eyes and looks away again. "I don't know what's going on, but it seems to be winding down." She shudders lightly. "I couldn't handle teenage conflicts when I *was* a teenager. Bad memories..." AutoJudge: Traci rolls: 2 + 3 = 5 . Check die: 6 Sarah nods and leans down to speak to Harriet quietly "What started it? Hachilah nods, a curt little nod. She seems to calm down a tiny amount, though the passion continues to glow faintly in her cheeks and eyes. AutoJudge: Hachilah rolls: 6 + 6 = 12 . Check die: 3 Harriet shrugs. "Haven't a clue. One girl ran away, the other started to follow her, yelled at the guy, and then one sat by me, and I looked for the closest exit." Sarah rolls her eyes "Doesn't everything seem like the the end of the world when you're that age." Harriet nods emphatically. "Oh, yeah. I'm glad I never have to go through those six years ever again." Adonia smiles appealingly to both of them. "So, can't we try and all be friends now?" Her voice is so hopeful, that you just HATE to ruin those expectations. Well, at least, part of you might. Sarah nods in understanding as she looks over at the group, raising an eyebrow at Zach waiting to see he will interfere." Traci says, "I suppose we can.. for a little while. Hmm.. One way to make it stick. Ice Ceam.. we have to seal the deal over Ice Cream.." Traci offers an arm to both Adonia and Hachillah, to take the two of them off towards the sweet shop. Zach is not interfering, but is watching the Scene closely. Very definitely hovering and seeming just a tad embarrased, perhaps. Hachilah bites her lip, the anger dissipating very rapidly now. She regards Traci softly for a moment. Then she actually... smiles? She takes the offered arm happily, even leaning over to snuggle gently against Traci. "I would be _delighted_." Sarah looks over at Harriet "Want to join me for coffee at Sweet Delights?" Adonia can't refuse now, and damage the fragile peace, so she stands up as well, with a bright smile. "It does sound really good. So let's go!" She smiles, slinging her bag back onto her shoulder. "Lead on." Traci leads the two other girls to Sweet Delights. Harriet nods "I would adore that." She smiles. "I came looking for a little distraction...you know what they say about wishing." Zach raises an eyebrow in surprise and then his face curiously blanks over into an expressionless mask. He trails over toward Sarah.. Sarah laughs and nods "Becareful what you wish for." She glances over Zach and calls out "Want to join me and Harriet for coffee?" Harriet looks curiously over at Zach. "Hello." Zach smiles gratefully to Sarah. "Yes, /please/." He sighs. "Right now I feel like I need a drink, but there's the car.." He nods to Harriet. Sarah quickly introduces the two "Harriet, this my friend Zach Ellis, Zach this is Harriet Davis." Harriet holds out her hand, and says, "A pleasure, Mr. Ellis." Zach shakes her hand with a warm, firm grip. "Hey there, Miss Davis. Nice to meeet you. Sorry about that...thing..." Harriet flashes a smile. "It happens. It looks like they worked it out." Sarah grins "And now, too coffee! Sarah heads into the sweet shop Zach nods. "Yeah, thank God!" You hear a merry little tinkle as you enter the chocolate shop. Sweet Delights -- Crown Center(#569RhJ) This store is elegant, well lit, and somewhat larger than it appeared from outside. To the right are rows of fine coffees and pre-packed gold foil boxes filled with chocolate. To the left are cake displays including an area to sit down and peruse several large catalogs. Straight ahead is a glass enclosed counter filled with chocolates and pastries. Behind the counter is a closed door. Harriet enters from the street to the sound of tinkling bell. Hachilah tilts her head to the side, chewing her lip thoughtfully. "Mmm. Coffee please." She smiles cheerily at Traci, then looks at Adonia. "The coffee ice cream here is _very_ good. I highly recommend it." Sarah walks in with Zach and Harriet and sits down at table that just happens to be near Traci et all. Shen then smiles up at Zach "Want to be a dear and get us cooffee? AutoJudge: Traci spends 1 essence. Zach grins. "Sure! Any special preferances, ladies?" Harriet grins and adds a pleading expression. "Irish Creme, if they have it, please." AutoJudge: Hachilah rolls: 4 + 1 = 5 . Check die: 6 Sarah says, "shall we roll perception if we're SA? for the essence spending?" Hachilah says, "Yeah :)" AutoJudge: Sarah rolls: 5 + 4 = 9 . Check die: 2 AutoJudge: Zach rolls: 3 + 4 = 7 . Check die: 2 Sarah says, "make it" Traci spent while the adults were entering, while Hachillah was between her and the door. :) Harriet is smug. "Ignorance is bliss." Adonia ponders, looking at the flavors. "Umm.. Maybe.. I guess... I guess I'll go with vanilla.. with lots of chocolate sauce." How does that just figure? She waits with Traci and Hachilah, for the ice cream, looking rather intently at the ice cream with a greatly desirous expression. Hmm.. must not be a lot of ice cream in her life. Traci turns to the waitstaff "okay.. three sundaes. One coffee, one Chocolate, and one Cherry.. Hachilah bounces slightly. "Oh! May I have extra whipped cream, please?" She grins. Harriet leans back in her chair, closes her eyes, and rubs them, her sketchbook in her lap. Zach goes and gets coffe for the adults. Irish Cream for Harriet, Latte for Sarah and some peat-black, industial strength straight coffe for himself. He gallantly serves the ladies their coffees before he sits down again. Traci says, "oops.. I miscast.. I need to spend one more essence.. does that change anything for anyone?" AutoJudge: Traci spends 1 essence. Harriet sniffs at the coffee and opens her eyes. "Ahh, thank you. You are a scholar and a gentleman." She wraps her hands around the cup. Traci says, "Yes, but TWO of you already made it.. so it's just how badly did Zach drop the ball :)" Sarah smiles at Zach as she sips her coffee "Thanks, this is great." She looks over at Harriet "Gotten any nice drawings in?" She turns to Zach "Harriet is an artist." Zach says, "Missed by one and it's 6 am in the morning, so my brain has died. :)" Hachilah says, "So... if you're within range, you get a roll to perceive. Roll to succeed TN is Perception + modifier :)" Zach says, "In whiich case I did make it. Right. :)" Harriet shakes her head. "Not really. I've been unpacking. I hate unpacking with a passion. But I need my coffeemaker." Sarah says, "What! That wasn't the first thing you unpacked?" Zach smiles widely and warmly to Harriet. "Oh! Hey that's cool! What sort of artwork do you do?" While Zach and Harriet are talking Sarah glances over at Traci and raises an eyebrow. Harriet shakes her head at Sarah. "Amazingly enough, no. It didn't even get here until yesterday." She looks over at Zach and smiles warmly. "Sculpture, for preference, but I also paint, and of course, sketch. How about you?" Hachilah pauses, looking sort of... confused. She regards Traci with a strange mixture of affection, surprise, and suspiscion. AutoJudge: Sarah rolls: 6 + 1 = 7 . Check die: 2 Adonia blinks.. "What's wrong?" She looks from Hachilah to Traci, confused at the strange looks. "Is the ice cream melted or something?" Zach throws a quick glance toward the girls and Hachilah in particular, then focuses back on Harriet. "I'm a mechanic. I enjoy builiding things, but I don't get much time for that. Must make a living, so I fix cars." Hachilah's attention flickers to Adonia, then to the ice-cream, that has serendipitously arrived on the counter in front of the girls. Harriet looksat the girls too, just to see if she's missing anything. Absently, she answers, "That sounds interesting. I'm afraid I don't know much about cars, other than how to drive them." Traci pays for the IceCream "Thanks a bunch for the quick service" she says, blowing the waiter a kiss. Zach chuckles warmly. "Most people don't. That's how I make a living." Sarah returns her attention to Zach and Harriet "Hows bussiness then Zach> Hachilah takes the icecream. She smiles at Adonia. "It... looks fine to me." Harriet smiles at Zach, but seems content to sip her coffee and listen to his answer to Sarah. Traci takes a spoonful out of her sundae "looks good to me too.. " she says, putting the spoonful in her mouth. Zach relaxes back on his chair and tastes his coffe. "Oh business is OK. I have a steady stream of work." The current time in Kansas City is 10:16 PM, Mon Sep 09, 2002. Hachilah looks back at Traci and blinks, following the spoon carefully with her eyes. Zach looks over to Hachilah again and gently calls to her: "Hey sis.. We can't stay much longer. It's getting real late, ok?" Sarah grins and sips her coffee "That's aways good. Yeah, buissess is pretty good for me too. I sold Harriet here a nice apron. Harriet grins. "And very much I am enjoying it, too." Adonia blinks, and takes her sundae from the vendor, smiling, though it's a bit tight. "Wow.. this ice cream is really good. How's yours?" She looks at Traci and Hachilah questioningly, trying to spark a conversation. Hachilah glances over at Zach. She pauses briefly, clearly an inner struggle of epic proportions going on while she stands there... the icecream dripping from her dish... Hachilah raises her dish suddenly, showing her melting prize to Zach. "But. I have ice cream!" Zach smiles. "Hey that's cool. I'll drop by one day and give you some more business, Sarah. I need a couple of shirts." Traci closes her eyes, "mmmmmm" she murmurs "Delicious. " as she opens her eyes. Sarah chuckles and flashes a charming smile at Zach "And I love to see them on you." Zach nods to Hachilah. "Then finish your icecream, then hon. I have coffee." He lifts his cup. Zach flashes a grin to Sarah. Harriet looks at Zach, then grins to herself. Sarah eyes the ice cream that the three girls are eating "I have to admit that looks good." She looks at Zach and Harriet "Eather of you want any? Hachilah, looks back to Traci, then at Adonia. Her eyes go up, as she finally takes up her spoon to taste what Traci has so graciously provided. She smiles in appreciation. "Yes. Mmm." She grins in agreement with Adonia. Harriet breaths a happy sigh. "Absolutely." She stands up. "I'll play waitress this time. What does everyone want?" Sarah points to Traci's sunday "Just like that one. Zach smiles and shakes his head. "Not for me, thanks. I need to get going after I finish this." He points to his cup. Adonia happily digs into her own ice cream. "This is so good. THank you so much for the treat Traci. It's really a wonderful treat." Traci says, "Yeah.. I thought it would go over well .." Harriet bows to Sarah. "One sundae, coming up." And ambles to the counter. Sarah nods at Zach "Awww really, but it's such a long time since we got together." Hachilah grins between delicately-tasted spoonfuls. Occassionally, she glances at Traci, and smiles at her with a genuine and heart-warming affection. Harriet orders two sundaes, one with extra hot fudge, and waits, leaning against the counter. Zach smiles back to Sarah. "True, we have a wok to do one of these days. But not, sadly, tonight." Traci smiles back at Hachilah, but also spends time chatting with Adonia.. Sarah sighs in disapointment "Yeah, but soon right." Zach regards Sarah fondly and says something in a low voice. You whisper "Yes soon, sunshine. I promise." to Sarah. Sarah leans over and runs a hand up his inner thigh She mutters to Zach, "... that." You sense Sarah leans over and runs a hand up his inner thigh "I'll hold you to that." Harriet fetches the two sundaes, and brings them back to the table, placing one in front of Sarah, and the other at her place.She pinkslightly as she sits back down. Zach sips his coffee and eyes Sarah's ice cream. Sarah grins up at Harriet and leans back in her seat "Great thanks." She takes a bite and grins at Zach "Hey you could have gotten your own." Adonia seems to stick to polite conversation, mostly small talk as she eats her ice cream. She splits her attention evenly between Traci and Hachilah, talking about new pop stars and Britney Spears, and whether or not the last season of Friends is going to be any good, and so on. Harriet smiles at Sarah. "No problem," she says as she alternates bites of ice cream and sips of warm coffee. Traci says, "Hmm.. I Don't think any of the current pop stars have what it takes.. what about you?" Zach chuckles. "I know. But compared to the Fried Alaskas they do over at Kathy's... Well it's just not the same." Harriet looks confused. "The what?" Sarah waves her spoon in the air "Bah, it is nothing compared to the heavenly ice cream they have here." Hachilah, for her part, probably speaks as little as possible, simply taking in the conversation with a smile and mildly blank stare. She's a nice girl, just quiet maybe. Adonia shrugs. "I don't know. I kind of like the one who moved from Country music.. Jessica Simpson? She seems really nice. I kinda miss early Mariah Carey before she got rap-ish. She had such a beautiful voice." Zach looks to Harriet and smiles. "Fried Alaska. It's ice cream inside and deep fried on the outside." Sarah nods "Heart attack on a plate. Hachilah glances at Traci, and toys with the spoon in her dish. She doesn't seem to have much to add to the conversation as of yet. Harriet looks even more confused. "That doesn't sound good at all." Zach smiles happily. "Oh I assure you miss Davis, it's pure bliss!" Traci giggles, and taks a spoonful of Icecream to Hachilah's mouth, like feeding a toddler. Harriet smiles and shakes her head. "Harriet's fine. And I think that ice cream and frying should stay far away from each other. It's like ketchup and eggs." Zach glances at the clock and turns to Hachilah. "You done soon? It's late. It's a quarter to eleven..." Sarah nods at the last statment "How can people put ketchup on their omlettes thats what I want to know. Harriet grimaces and stabs her sundae with her spoon. "Exactly! It's just plain wrong. Of course, ketchup in most of its forms is wrong, but that's more wrong." Zach starts to say something, then abruptly closing his mouth again as he recalls Certain People's regretful conservativness when cooking. Hachilah opens her mouth to take the spoon, and answers Zach along the way. "I'm not _quite_ finished, yet, actually." She proceeds to take the spoon into her mouth, and delicately lick it clean. Adonia laughs as Traci feeds Hachilah ice-cream, relaxing, as everyone seems to be friends again. She finishes her own ice cream happily, leaving a chocolate smudge on her nose, scraping the bowl carefully, (but politely) clean. Sarah shrugs "Hey it's good on frys and burgers, but that's about it really. Well for me at least." Zach answers Hachilah: "Ok, but hurry up a bit then, 'k?" He smiles fondly to the ice-cream eating kid. Harriet considers it for a moment, then shrugs. "On fries, sure. If there's no vinegar around. Burgers are meant for mustard, and mustard alone." She raises her spoon. "It's a marriage of food tastes, perfect in every way." Sarah shudders slightly "Vinegar? On fries? Give me ketchup anytime." She looks over at Zach "Where are you in such a hurry to get to this time of night? Sarah finaly finishes her ice cream and leans back with a statified smile "Very good." Hachilah glances at Zach. She smiles. "Yes, what's the rush?" Harriet looks at Sarah and smiles. "Vinegar and fries are a wonderful combination. They make your eyes water." She polishes off her last bite of ice cream with a sigh. Sarah chuckles "I'll stick to ketchup thanks. Zach finishes his coffee. "Home," he says simply. "And I'd expect that your two friends might wanna head for home too, since they no doubt have school tomorrow?" The current time in Kansas City is 10:54 PM, Mon Sep 09, 2002. Adonia eeps, glancing at the wall clock at the reminder of time. "Ohmigosh, I'm gonna be late. Father Bishop's gonna be so MAD!" She stands up in a hurry, grabbing her bag, "I'm sorry,thankyoufortheicecream, it was lovelyhopetoseeyou again soon!" All come out, sort of rushed together, as she practically dashes home. Harriet shakes her head. "You don't know what you're missing." Adonia says, "I actually was about to pose running out because I need to sleep :)" Hachilah :) Zach :) Sarah says, "see ya! thanks for the rp :)" Adonia says, "Ditto :)" Zach says, "What Sarah said!! :)" Hachilah watches Adonia run off with an expression of mild confusion. It doesn't last. She glances back at Traci. She smiles softly, and inclines her head gently to the side. Harriet blinks at the empty space where Adonia used to be. "Wow. I don't think I ever moved that quickly." Sarah shrugs "I suppose her school doesn't like people to be out late." Hachilah whispers and giggles with Traci, while occasionally toying with the spoon in her dish. Zach chuckles and shakes his head ruefully. "Geez... I was gonna offer her a lift with Hachi and me, but wow... Talk about greased lightning!" Sarah nods "Well I hope she makes it back in time." Harriet grins. "If she hasn't tried out for track yet, she should consider it." Sarah chuckles "Good idea." Hachilah pages: Yeah. :) Zach nods in agreement. "I hope the priests don't go to hard on the kid. Looked like she could use some fun." Sarah shrugs "From the look of it she's on Cathlic school, they probably frown on fun." Zach heh's. "Could very well be. I hear they specialise in guilty feelings all over." Zach glances over to Hachilah and Traci. Sarah nods "Yeah, they'll probably make her feel guilty over having fun and spending time with her friends." Hachilah is sitting very closely to Traci. They seem to be getting along fine. Harriet raises an eyebrow. "Surely they're not all that bad." Sarah shrugs as she admits "I have a few issues with the Church, especialy the way they want people to repress their sexuality." Harriet nods. "Granted. But she seemed mostly happy, and umm...very sweet. She didn't seem miserable." Sarah shrugs "Maybe is but just hiding it, I didn't really get to meet her you know." Harriet smiles, and nods in a concilitory manner. "Maybe." She puts her spoon down and stretches in her seat. The current time in Kansas City is 11:10 PM, Mon Sep 09, 2002. Sarah grins "So where did you wind up living? Zach turns around on his chair and smiles to Hachilah. "Ready?" Harriet says, "Oh, um...47th? I think..." she waves vaguely, "The agent said that a lot of artists live in that area, and it seems to be working out. A nice studio apartment."" Hachilah turns to Zach, all puppy-dog eyes. "We needn't leave so _soon_. I'm... feeling nice." She glances at Traci and smiles. Sarah nods "That's an arty area for sure, have you been able to get studio space to show your work in? Zach's eyes soften. "Please, sis... You can't keep her up like that. She's got to get up early tomorrow." Sarah waves a hand at Zach "Don't worry about it, I'll see Hachilah home if she wan't to stay here." Harriet shakes her head. "No, but I'm not really looking for any right now. I don't even know what pieces will be in the show. The bas-relief, and the one you've offered to help with, but I'd need at least fifteen. It'll take a few months." Hachilah ohs, and looks quite contrite. "Oh, yes, Zach. Take her home. No need to wait for me!" Sarah nods "Yeah, that makes sence, did you bring any work with you? Harriet grins happily. "Not a one. I'm starting from scratch. Usually, if something isn't sold at a show, I donate it to charity, or just give it away." She downs the last of her coffee. "I travel as light as is reasonable." Sarah grins "I suppose it would be hard to get statues into the back of a car." She glances over to Traci and Hachilah and then over at Zach. Zach smiles to Hachilah. "I'll drive you both, ok?" Harriet inclines her head. "Indeed." She looks at the girls, and Zach. "Well, it's been lovely, but I think that I, also, need to be going." Hachilah grins back at Zach. Clearly, a happy solution for all. "Alright." Zach turns to Sarah and Harriet. "Any of you need a lift home?" Sarah shakes her head "Nope, I have my car near by Harriet shakes her head. "Thanks, but I'm fine." Zach nods. "No problem." Harriet stands up and yawns, before looking for a place to put her dirty cup and bowl. Zach rises and waits for the teenagers to get their heinies moving. Sarah nods towards the counter "Need to take off Harriet? Sarah looks up at Zach "Don't worry abouty Traci, I can get her home. Hachilah, meanwhile, stands with Traci. She takes the girls hand, and hugs her around the waist. Harriet says, "Yeah, I think I'm about to fall over." She makes her way to the counter, and smiles at the staff, then comes back and picks up the sketchbook. "I enjoyed it, though. It was a great suggestion." Sarah grins and waves "I'll see you around. Be sure to get in touch with me about that sculpture. Zach nods to Sarah. "You sure? It's not that much of a detour for me, but." He smiles. Hachilah gives Sarah a disappointed look. "Yes. We can certainly get Traci home." Sarah shakes her head at Zach "It's no problem really." Harriet waves and nods at Sarah, then waves at Zach, Hachilah and Traci, before making her way to the door, and through it. Hachilah waves at Harriet, and cheerily so. Sarah says, "Good night Harriet!" Sarah senses "Zach has a small glint in his eye. Difficult to interpret." Harriet opens the door, which hits a small bell with a merry tinkle, and exits to the east. Sarah peers up at Zach "You ok?" Zach says as Harriet leaves: "See you 'round Harriet. Take care!" Zach flashes a grin to Sarah. "'Course I am. I'll be even better when we get these teenagers home. It's night outside.." He shakes his head ruefully. Kids of today.. "You take one, I take the other?" Sarah nods "Sure, I assume that Hachilah can go with you Sarah says, "and I can take Traci" Sarah says, "assuming she ever unidles" You say, "That's affirmative." Hachilah sighs and rolls her eyes precisely, the very picture of teenaged angst. "Very well." She whispers something in Traci's ear before separating with great difficulty. Zach casts a long-suffering glance Sarahways. "Let's get these two ladies home. It was rally nice seing you again. I'll come by the shop soon." Sarah smiles "Great!" She stands and gives Zach a hug. Zach kisses Sarah on her cheek. Hachilah pages: I had visions of Zach leaving Hachilah with Traci and Sarah... it was frightening. :) Sarah pages: ok going for a cd 3 AutoJudge: Sarah rolls: 1 + 1 = 2 . Check die: 1 DIVINE INTERVENTION! Sarah says, "arg!!!!" Zach says, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!" Sarah says, "curses!" Hachilah says, "aaaaah. :)" Zach says, "Total ROTFL!!! :) :)" Sarah grumbles Hachilah says, "Hehe :)" Zach patpats and hugs. Zach says, "This night on the grid has been SO entertaining. This is just the PERFECT ending! :)" Hachilah says, "Heh :)" Sarah says, "sorry still waiting for Fidelity's responce" Zach says, "It's late for him too, bless his overworked heart.:)" Hachilah says, "Aww. :)" [Public] Hachilah declares a hugpile on Fidelity! [Public] Zach joins! [Public] Sarah piles on :) Traci has disconnected. Zach says, "Right. Do we just treat it like a horrible fail then?" Sarah says, "for the moment and then ben will get back to us hopefuly. It's kinda a delayed DI :)" Sarah pulls away and sighs "Well I guess I'll see you two later." Sarah says, "yey charity's here" Zach says, "Oh yes! I'd forgotten! :)" To (Zach, Sarah), Charity pages: I paged Sarah with this: If Zach didn't know you were Celestial, he knows now, seeing the reflections of his emotions in your eyes. Zach strokes Sarah's arms as she pulls back, then his eyebrows twitch. Surprised. Sarah looks curiously at Zach "Yeah?" Hachilah takes the opportunity to hug Traci in a happy, perhaps somewhat sexual, manner. Zach leans his head slightly over to the side and smiles ever so softly. AutoJudge: Zach rolls: 6 + 5 = 11 . Check die: 3 Zach says, "Fail:)" Hachilah says, "Haha :)" Sarah pages: hahah :) Zach says, "I was fearing a 666 :)" Sarah grins Hachilah kisses Traci goodbye, probably a somewhat lingering and hot kiss, perhaps not... depending on how Traci takes it. Sarah raises an eyebrow as she watches Traci and Hachilah, still there's a just a bit of a smirk about her. Zach keeps smiling and doesn't answer. "I'll see you 'round, Sarah.. Good night. Coming, Hachi?" Sarah waves to Zach and Hachilah "Good night you two." Hachilah separates herself with great difficulty. She sighs and waves goodnight to Sarah and Traci. Hachilah wanders up to Zach. She seems happy. She grins. "So. Where to?" Zach smiles back to her. "Home, methinks. C'm on." He drapes an arm around her shoulders and leads her out. Sarah plops back down in her chair and waves to them "See ya" Hachilah leans happily into Zach and goes with him, into the night. You head up into the flat. Hachilah says, "Goodnight :) I won't keep you any longer :)" Zach says, "Will not let Hachi out for the next several hours! :)" Hachilah says, "oh god thank you soooo much. :)" Hachilah sighs and poofs! :)