etraya | un: butterfly

A classic and you don't feel like a total lush drinking one at this time of the day. [she jokes and shrugs.]

Nah, no worries. I'm just the crazy person who had to get out of my apartment. Too much time by yourself is bad for you they say. What do you think?

Not usually a before noon drinker, huh? [He raised a hand to catch the bartender's attention and ordered himself a mimosa because yeah.

He regarded her, nodding his head in understanding. He felt her on that; without his usual routine and too much time to think, he wanted to be well out of the apartment at times. This was a good reprieve.]

Agreed. I figure I will need a job to pass the time soon enough. Exploring will only get me so far.

Usually not awake before noon. Late hours and all that. [so not to say she wouldn't be one.

though she has absolutely started drinking more.]

I was going to ask how you were settling in. Nothing too exciting?

Ah well, I can't claim to the same. Chronic sleep deprivation due to kids. [They were technically old enough to head out on their own, but he made a point of cooking breakfast.

He also was absolutely partaking in his own field a little more than usual. Speaking of, his drink arrived and he took a sip of the orange colored drink.]

No, I don't claim to be exciting. Two fights and met some kids who hate being treated like kids. Otherwise, getting a lay of the land. How are you getting on?

Yeah, I've heard that's a side effect of having kids. [there's something nice about that and her tone is a little wistful. not everybody was meant for things like that. oh well.]

Didn't see you as a bellini guy. Nice choice for a brunch date, though. [she raises her glass in a toast.] Fights, though? Whatever is going on with me can't be as interesting as any fights you must have gotten yourself into.

Oh yes, I can confirm. Even if I wanted to sleep, they don't yet understand the concept of being quiet in the house. Outside, yeah, they can sneak in and out of places. In the house? It's like a war is being waged over a pair of socks. [He sighed wistfully, smile on his lips that didn't chase the sadness from his eyes.]

Mimosa actually. Orange juice and champagne. Would you like a sip? [If they stayed here for a bit of time, he may consider a bellini. No, he wasn't that kind of guy, but he was also willing to indulge most drinks.] Someone wanted to put me in my place; it didn't work out well for them. Another person is... complicated.

[it's hard not to notice how that sadness shows in Vander's eyes. and there's not much she can say to chase it away.] Staying quiet is something you can do as an adult. Not as many people to tell you to shut up when you're a kid. [best to keep the talk light in regards to children, she thinks.]

Brave offer when I was asking about being sick. [she's joking but she does look fine. and she hasn't started coughing. it's the small things.]

I can't deny I'm not curious about the fights. Call me a gossip.

Ha, not many people feel comfortable telling me to shut up. [When one as big as he was, Vander tended to be able to get away with a lot more. That or little guys specifically tried to pick a fight with him. It was generally one of two reactions.] You'd think a fourteen year old would learn the meaning of quiet in their own house.

[He shrugged his shoulders at her comment. He wasn't worried about getting sick. Besides, she could use a straw.] If you were actually contagious, I don't think you'd meet for a drink. Besides, straws exist here I assume?

[He reached over the bar and plucked said straw from the container and offered it to her like a gift.]

Just people from my world. We tend to solve eighty percent of our problems with a fist fight. And the other twenty percent with a drinking contest that then ends in a fist fight. [A gross exaggeration but you know, it was bound to be amusing.]

[she has only talked to Vander twice but it is hard to consider the man threatening.] Your size has nothing on a fourteen year old and their inability to keep quiet.

[she does take a drink and hums in approval. before taking a napkin and wiping off the lipstick stain. she isn't a total heathen here.] All people in your world? This a custom of yours?

Apparently! It isn't right. [He made a point of lifting hand to press it dramatically against his own forehead, smiling hugely.] Is that what you were like when you were fourteen, huh? Speaking from all that youthful experience?

[He appreciated her cleanliness, but that was her straw now. It was a little too on point even for him to share a straw.] Just my city. I've been assured that most other cities aren't like that. We're a unique eclectic bunch.

Yeah, you could say that. I definitely wanted to get the hell out of my small town and never look back. [that was one way of wording it. not a lie.] Your everything feels so small and big when you're young, right?

But you're bringing the custom here, huh? Well. Who knows. Maybe it'll serve you well. Pretty sure we're going to be expected to all duke it out at some point. Last one standing sort of deal, you know?

Agreed. Did you manage to travel a lot? Or were you stuck in that small town of yours? You do seem worldly and wise. [She was so mysterious, so restrained. His curiosity only grew with each encounter.

He smiled at the idea of duking it out. He hoped it wouldn't come to that.] That would be unfortunate. I've been told that death doesn't stick all that well, but it comes with a cost regardless.

[she laughs into her drink.] I think the last thing anybody would ever call me is wise but thanks. [she certainly doesn't feel it!] Never did leave. Couldn't, really.

[there's a nod and she hums as she looks at her drink.] Everything always comes with a cost, huh?

Well, maybe they didn't see your wisdom because it was so youthful. [Look, he had compliments for days.] Couldn't, huh? I feel you there; I was poor most of my life.

[He nodded his head in reply, lifting his glass for a toast.] It does seem like it. So, mystery lady who indulges me, do you skimp on details for any particular reason? [He tried to soften the question with a smile.]

[she can see how he's a good bartender, that's for sure! she does consider using the poor angle but well, she's not gonna use that on Vander. he's been nice to her. no need to lie about something like that.] Life never really gives you a break, does it? Not really for anybody. [and that can be said of anybody, anything. rich or poor.

there's a smile in return at his question.] A girl has to have some intrigue to her, right? Otherwise, nobody keeps asking for more. Simple rule. But I guess in a place like this, it's a red flag. [and she's still not sharing anything.]

[He shrugged his shoulders and made a point of sipping his orange drink, mulling over her comment.] Ah well, if we sit back, think of all the punches we are missing from life due to inactivity? Where's the fun in that, right? [The corner of his mouth twitched for a smile, but it was a touch of a struggle.

He tipped his head to observe her, appreciating her skillful dodging. He moved to rest his elbow on the bar so he could rest his chin on the on the palm of his hand so that he could provide her all of his attentions.] Oh, you're intriguing alright. So, so secretive, which means I'm definitely interested. However, only when you're ready to talk to me. No pressure. Just know I'll keep asking you until you tell me to stop.

[he doesn't know but that comment hits her. her face doesn't even show a hint of that because she's become adept at hiding things. she's had to.] Touché. [she lifts her glass for a toast before taking a sip of her drink.

nothing shows that she's bothered by what he says and she shrugs a shoulder.] You can ask questions all you like. I'll consider it a compliment. [truly, she's just happy to talk. happy to be around people. she had been denied that simple thing and so even things like this made her day.]

Maybe some of the answers will even be true. [she smiles in a way that makes it seem like this is a joke but it isn't.]

[He sensed something in her body language, but he couldn't put his finger on it and wasn't in the business of making someone he was sharing a drink with uncomfortable in the pursuit of a hunch. That was a good way to ostracize a good thing.

Oh he planned on asking questions now and again, and he expected she would duck, dodge and evade most of them. She was clearly someone who guarded her secrets, and he was someone who enjoyed learning people's secrets when they were ready to tell him.] Will you? Even if the answers aren't true, it's nice to have a conversation. I'm very adept about talking about the weather, trade industry and old wife gossip.

[He was just going to extrovert on her if she let him.]

So, what's your favourite topic of discussion to avoid pointed questions, hmm?

You're good at talking. It comes with the job, huh? You have to be everybody's friend as you serve them. [it isn't meant to imply it's all fake but well, he has to be extroverted for the sake of business.] I understand it. [given her backstory of being an exotic dancer, it was a bar, right? you did what you had to.

a cough starts to form before she can answer and she takes a napkin to clear her throat and gives him an apologetic smile.] Sorry. Cough just won't leave me. But let's see. I feel like everything's got its tricky parts. Can't talk about politics or religion. Friends, family, lovers? Still tricky but juicier, right? Lately, people like to ask me about my hobbies.

[she's still working on getting those!]

I've always been good at talking, and I'm woefully short on friends since arriving here. I'd like to think we are friends though. [He was suffering some a complete detachment from his support network, his friends, his family, his allies and even the familiarity of home.

He watched her as she coughed, and he reached out to lightly set a hand on her shoulder in a show of support. Maybe she should see a healer instead of drinking with him.] Does it? Well, some people are easy going about topics than others; I figure we're in this together so we may as well try to get to know one another. It's a good way to learn how to manage all the competing agendas anyway.

[He wasn't certain about hobbies either.]

Well... do you have any hobbies?

Good thing I consider us friends too, then, so you are a little less short on friends. [and she absolutely needed friends, too. Vander was nice, extroverted, and just the energy she needed. Maria herself could be playful and outgoing when allowed. hopefully she could be a positive friend for Vander as well.

truly, she walked into the hobbies question and she laughs.] Not really? It's a boring answer, huh? I just never really had the chance, I guess. I was always running around at odd hours. When did I have time to take up knitting or I don't know, gardening? [not a lie!]

It feels like something I should get around to. What about you? Any hobbies?

I appreciate that. I knew you and I would be good when you decided to talk to me when I wasn't at my best. [Throwing up in any garbage can that he could find while oversized drug-addled mess. She had been kind to him when she had no reason to be. They had good chemistry, friendly and she was calm.

He smirked, sipping from his drink and wiggling his eyebrows at her.] Odd hours, huh? I'm sure that's as exciting as it sounds. [He considered, making a thoughtful face.] Not sure I picture you as the knitting and gardening type.

[He lifted a hand and looked at the back of it.] Unless you considering exercising and bulking up a hobby then... no.

Believe it or not, I've seen worse. Would have been real crappy of me to judge you. Seemed like you needed someone. [and she'd been given the advice to make friends and so she did. someone who needed help was a good place to start with that. luckily for her, Vander ended up being a decent person.]

Yeah, strangely not as many customers watching me dance during the day. [she gives him a smile and takes a sip of her own drink.]

Maybe you can try gardening? Definitely not my thing. I'd suggest knitting but I think your hands are too big for that.

Oh, you've seen a man double his size on a drug-addled bender, have you? Well, you are truly a saint to withstand worse than that. [He liked to think that he would have not been a threat to her, but in that state, there had been no guarantees. She had taken a risk being close to him that day.] A friendly face had been a boon to me that day. I don't think I'll be able to to fully repay you for that kindness.

[He snorted in amusement, tipping his head to her. Of course not. Odd hours were expected in their profession. The night life was a great time to be alive.] I suppose not. Everyone is usually sleeping off their indulgences from the night before.

[He let out a bellow of laughter.] I wouldn't even know what to do with a garden. Surely there are other hobbies for these big hands, yeah?

Yes, that exact thing. [she is teasing because no, she has not seen that but she had seen worse.] I just know what it's like to need a friendly face, especially after coming here. Hearing something as crazy as saving universes and the like. It's a lot. Least I could do was offer some help. [and it had been the right decision.]

It's been strange to become a morning person, gotta say. [just one of the many things she's had to change about herself.]

Hm. What is there? Isn't there pottery making or something? You could make some big pots.

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