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No one knows why they come to Penngrove. The stories told by each resident are as varied as the residents themselves. It is remarkably ordinary, in almost every way. Yet here you are. For whatever reason, you've come here, as have many others before you. You've come to find something. You don't know what it is you've come to find, you may not even be aware that you're searching for it. But whatever it is, and whatever your circumstances are, you've been somehow convinced beyond all doubt that you'll find it here. Welcome to Penngrove.
04/03/13 - There've been some changes in staff. A full explanation is available in the Announcement forum. Let's be sure to extend our gratitude to Falque, Ziek, Arctic Feredir, and Naminote for their contributions and service to Nebulous. Also, let's welcome our new moderators Angeles, Atiri, and Karas. Thanks to everyone for bearing with us through this transition phase as we prepare for Beta testing, and also for the first Central Chronicle, details coming soon! -Darquarius 27/02/13 - After much awaiting and tinkering, The Penngrove Post (formerly known tentatively as The Penngrove Chronicle, thank you Chesh for the smart name suggestion with alliteration) has its first issue. You can read it here! 27/01/13 - Please don't forget that for those in current RP threads, an entry should be submitted to the Chronology with a short synopsis. Nami can't assign dates for you! 14/01/13 - Alpha staging is already on its way! You are free to roleplay in the forums, as moderators process character applications. I am somehow going to customise the twitter widget... DaM! D8 Hey listen |
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| How I Wonder What You Are; Lakshmi | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 26 2013, 17:49 (316 Views) | |
| Falque | Jan 26 2013, 17:49 Post #1 |
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It always felt awkward showing up a little earlier than your date. You had to stand there, wondering how much longer they would be, every passing second festering your worries that maybe they wouldn't show up all. If you were a few minutes early, then you had to write off the first few minutes until it was 'time'. And then after that, you had to wait at least five minutes as a grace period, in case they were held up or just somewhat inaccurate on their timing. So one could be waiting for ten minutes before they had any reason to worry. And then it could be twenty minutes just as easily, every minute increasing the probability of being stood up. Michael had only made it three minutes in. He waited outside, since it wasn't quite yet his time on the reservation, and Lakshmi was not there to begin with. He had spent nearly the entire day planning himself out for it. He even managed to find his old suit, something he hadn't worn since his job interview. It was a little snug around the arms, but it would do. With a little fragrance and a clean face, he felt fresh. Michael even managed to brighten his smile a little. Though the smile strained the longer he had to wait. Even three minutes in, he thought he was about to sweat. It was unbelievable enough that Lakshmi said yes...what if it really was too good to be true? What if she didn't like Italian food? He never really thought to ask her. What if she just said yes to make him feel better for his ignorant selection? Guess he'd find out soon enough, hopefully. Five minutes in, and Michael was ready to claim his reservation. He turned towards the door and considered walking in and sitting down. He didn't mind the cold weather of course, but he didn't want the host to think that Mike himself wasn't showing up. Besides, she could be another ten minutes, and that was fine. |
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| Opp | Jan 26 2013, 18:21 Post #2 |
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Lakshmi never much cared for the click of her heels against the ground. She wouldn’t deny that she liked the effect heels had on her figure, not that she didn’t mind the way men’s heads turned at the sound of the soft, regular clack. But she preferred, generally, to walk with a whisper rather than a thud, and even the lightest of feet couldn’t avoid making noise in a pair of heels. All the same, she wore a pair of low boots that night, sleek and black, and her long legs seemed to vanish into almost nothing at them. Despite the chill of the winter air her legs were bare above them, and stretched up into a dress that was just barely long enough to be decent. The dress itself was a rich navy, making her light brown skin seem even lighter by contract. The sleeves of the dress were short and the neckline high and asymmetrical, the left side plunging down into an elegant drape held to her body by a thin stripe of the dress’s fabric. It clung just well enough in the back to reveal the shape of her body, although the top revealed no cleavage, only a few inches of skin beneath her collarbone. Over the dress Lakshmi wore a comfortable – and expensive – black pea coat, warm enough against the evening’s chill. In one hand she held a small clutch purse, black, matching her shoes down to the fabric and the shine. Lakshmi stepped inside in the very last moment at which she could be considered on time, perhaps a second or two before the clock would tick over to the next minute. “Good evening, Michael,” Lakshmi’s voice was a low murmur. The only make-up she wore was on her lips, plum lipstick which made them even fuller against her face. She let him turn around as she began to slide the coat off, passing it easily to the coat check and revealing the full measure of the dress. |
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 26 2013, 19:40 Post #3 |
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And just like that, when all the terror and frustration was about to crack you under pressure, the misery rapidly faded the moment they arrived. Michael looked up the fifth time that evening to the door as it opened, and he noticed Lakshmi walk through, finally. The smile on his face was a thousand times more sincere than it was a minute ago, and he could feel his heart thump against his ribcage. The ice in his glass of water started to melt a little faster. “Evening, Lakshmi.” Michael stood out of his seat and pulled the other seat at the table out for her. Surprisingly, he didn't end up fumbling. His body was cooling down again, the prominence of his boiling blood dying down just enough to not leave him glowing in his skin. He didn't need much help in that regard, not with Lakshmi bringing out the best of his white teeth. “How was your day?” Michael added once she sat down. Probably the best way to learn about her was to ask exactly what she did, and go from there. Otherwise, he was pretty much shooting in the dark, and he did that often enough not to be tempted to try. “And, anything to drink?” Michael had already staved off ordering anything but water waiting for her, his glass about only a quarter full. |
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| Opp | Jan 26 2013, 20:08 Post #4 |
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Lakshmi smiled at him, gracefully sliding into her seat. One long leg tucked over the other, and she surveyed him as he took his seat across the table. He’d dressed up, she noticed, and she had to admit she liked the cut of the suit, even if he didn’t look his most comfortable in it. She had a feeling he rather preferred the leather jacket and casual shirt of the day before, but that was all it was – a feeling. “It was quite nice, as a matter of fact,” Lakshmi smiled. Her long hair was down again, long loose strands tumbling over her back. “I’ll have water, I suppose, and…” her eyes flickered over his glass, then up to his face, long lashes wavering. “Some wine would be nice,” she grinned, more of the teasing grin she’d lavished on him the day before. “Only if you’ll have some as well, of course. I wouldn’t want you to think me a lush.” “And how was your day?” Lakshmi asked, once the drinks had been settled. “Anything interesting happen?” There was a sweet smile on her lips, and an almost challenging look in her eyes. |
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 26 2013, 23:11 Post #5 |
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“Some wine...” Michael looked over to the other pamphlet, a separate wine list for just this sort of matter. Sadly, he wasn't sure he could really afford a bottle of wine for a dinner. That said, he hadn't done this in a while, and maybe it was due time for a little bit of extra spending. Besides, he could probably use a drink himself, to loosen the tongue. Once they picked out something between themselves, Michael settled back and enjoyed the company he was in. Lakshmi was beautiful beyond his imagination, though his imagination was perhaps a little limited. Still, most any man, and some women, turned their heads to Lakshmi. “No, fortunately.” Michael chuckled. He wondered if he had actually told Lakshmi yet what his job was. It probably seemed weird to think he'd be happy with nothing interesting going on, so likely Lakshmi was already putting the pieces together. Either she thought Michael to be lazy, or she thought him someone who put himself in danger fairly often. That was still more than what Michael had pieced out of Lakshmi. She was rather quiet about herself, aside from how she carried herself around. Her dress practically spelled out, if not invited, how Michael could perceive her body, and it felt almost dirty to look at her so directly. Lakshmi really was something. “And you? You just came to Penngrove, right? What brings you here?” Michael smiled handsomely and American-ly. |
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| Opp | Jan 27 2013, 09:12 Post #6 |
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Lakshmi’s knowledge of wine had come largely from her years in the States. As a child, of course, she hadn’t drank it, and Britain was too interested in beer and ale for her to have developed a taste for it. Since coming to the States, though, she’d learned well that people here saw wine as a more… refined drink. Nothing, however, in her estimation, would ever beat a double whiskey. Michael was right; Lakshmi did like his answer, and the little smile on her face was proof enough of that. She’d already made her guess as to his job, from the first moment they’d met. From the hair to his posture, he all but screamed cop. Lakshmi couldn’t be sure, of course… which was why she’d looked him up. The internet was a marvelous thing; even with a common name like Michael, and a hunch about said Michael’s job, it wasn’t too hard to sort these things out. “Very astute,” Lakshmi murmured. The waiter brought her glass of water, and she acknowledged him with a soft tilt of her head, taking the glass and drinking a long sip from it. “Curiosity, mostly,” she grinned at Michael. “Even across the pond, we heard all sorts of whispers and rumors about this place. Penngrove, with its mysterious draw to Parahumans,” her eyes lingered on his chest before rising to his eyes. “Who, presented with the opportunity, wouldn’t want to come?” |
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 27 2013, 15:35 Post #7 |
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Perhaps she didn't mean for him answer, but the question did worm its way into Michael's thoughts. Who indeed, would not want to come to Penngrove. There was a sizable enough tourism sector in the area, and there were enough attractions, particularly the observatory they only recently visited, to bring people from around the world. The fact that so many Parahumans were here already was enough to draw more of them, as well as those with a burning curiosity to meet what was thought to be a very rare people. “Some people are still afraid of Espers.” Michael noted. “But I guess most keep it to themselves, at least in these parts. If they were really worried, they'd have moved out.” Michael sipped his water again, hydrating his throat. “But the military was a little different. Lots of different people from everywhere. Some were a little louder about their fears than others, though they didn't always act like it was fear.” Maybe it wasn't fear, but Michael didn't really think that. Whenever he happened on one of them alone, the vocal ones had a tendency to suddenly turn the other way and walk a little quicker. It was a bit disheartening sometimes, and other times a little empowering. He didn't see it very often in Penngrove, though. Maybe they were used to Parahumans, or maybe they were Parahumans themselves. Hard to ever say in this crowd. And it wasn't like all of them wore their supernatural selves on their sleeves. Maybe even Lakshmi was a Parahuman, though she never said so. “So, you came to see people like me?” Michael smiled, “I hope you're not disappointed.” |
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| Opp | Jan 27 2013, 19:48 Post #8 |
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Lakshmi hadn’t expected an answer, but she liked that he’d given her one anyway. She took a sip of her water, her eyes lingering on Michael’s handsome face. He’d referenced the military, something which didn’t surprise her terribly. She hadn’t actually known, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected. “I’ve seen people do and say all kinds of things about Parahumans,” Lakshmi said, frankly. “There’s a word for them in Hindi – well, there are many words,” her lips twisted in a sardonic smile. “Some are kind, some less so. One of the worst translates to cursed demon spit,” She drank a little more water, calm about it all, and arranged her things on the table. “The West is kinder about it. I believe India has never forgiven Pakistan for better conscripting its Parahumans in the 1971 war.” Lakshmi shook her head, smiling back at Michael. “I’m not disappointed,” she murmured. “But it wasn’t the Parahumans I came to see so much as the place,” she cast her eyes around the restaurant, settling them back on Michael. “How long have you lived here?” Edited by Opp, Jan 27 2013, 19:48.
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 27 2013, 20:51 Post #9 |
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Michael's laugh had a bit of a dark recognition. It wasn't pleasant hearing about wars, so he came to understand. Though he served in one, it only reminded him of the constant pressure and paranoia that buzzed around each soldier. Any second could be their last, and a few were scared to even sleep at night. Michael was lucky not to have seen much action, but it was a curse as much as a blessing. Michael didn't have to think when he was in a firefight. He just did. It was when there was nothing going on the nerves started to play games. At least there was something else to be proud about for America. He was more than glad to be born in its borders, as opposed to somewhere a little more unfortunate. He might not have had the chance to go to college then, or maybe he'd be in a worse place for combat in some war against his own people. There was plenty to bemoan about the USA, but there was plenty to love too. “Oh?” Michael was a bit surprised to hear she wasn't around to see Parahumans, though in hindsight perhaps amusing to imagine Michael incapable of wondering what else there was to do in Penngrove. What else about Penngrove was interesting? ...Hmm, was she an astronomer like Grace? It'd be a pretty embarrassing discovery if it turned out Lakshmi was only humouring his shallow understanding of the night sky. “I've lived here...over a year now? I grew up in Kentucky, mostly. What about you? You seem well-travelled.” The wine had arrived, and the waiter took the liberty of filling their glasses before setting the rest of the bottle down. Michael took his glass and looked to Lakshmi, raising it and grinning into her eyes. |
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| Opp | Jan 27 2013, 21:04 Post #10 |
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Kentucky was one of the states Lakshmi hadn’t visited and one she didn’t have much of a mind to visit, but at the mention a pleased smile spread across her face. The waiter filled their glasses, and Lakshmi lifted hers as well, smiling. “Cheers,” she extended her glass to his, politely clinking them together, and took a sip of the dark red liquid. “I’m from Delhi, originally,” Lakshmi said, very matter-of-factly. “You can blame my schooling there and a few years spent in the U.K. for what I’m told is a most un-American accent,” there was a teasing smile on her face. “I’ve been here in the States for a few years now, though.” The truth, though, of course, was that Lakshmi was more than capable of a proper American accent with minimal effort, just as she could manage an Indian accent so thick that it would seem she’d just stepped off the boat. “Tell me, if you’re from Kentucky,” Lakshmi smiled, a soft imprint of her lips left against her glass. One long finger traced a circle around the edge of it, lazily, once, then twice, before her hand pulled away, “Are you a fan of bourbon?” She grinned. Edited by Opp, Jan 27 2013, 21:04.
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 27 2013, 21:21 Post #11 |
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She really had been around everywhere. From what Michael could gather though, she might have spent a lot of her time in the UK, or at least around British folks. Nonetheless, it made her all the more interesting of a character. He never thought he'd have such a fancy for a female English accent. Michael sipped through his wine, enjoying the burning sensation. That said, Lakshmi brought up a far more interesting drink. Michael grinned wide, “I wouldn't be from Kentucky if I wasn't.” He paused for a moment, eyes wandering over Lakshmi's body. He shifted in his seat, lips together and smiling until he spoke up, “Always ready to share a bottle, too.” He changed subjects after he looked back up to Lakshmi's eyes, “So whereabouts in the States have you been? Maybe you've travelled around more than I have.” Mike chuckled. |
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| Opp | Jan 27 2013, 21:30 Post #12 |
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Lakshmi was pleased by Michael’s grin, and her own widened. Not that it was hard to find a man who liked bourbon, but there was something about his enthusiasm for it that she found charming. His invitation too – she liked the boldness there. She didn’t plan to accept, not tonight, but she liked that he’d made the suggestion. He was certainly braver than he’d been the day before, and after only a sip of wine. Lakshmi took another sip of hers. “What’s your favorite brand?” She asked, crisply. “A friend of mine recommended Woodford’s Reserve, lately, but I’m worried it might be a little too smooth. Have you tried it?” There was a teasing, testing smile on her lips, although honestly, she would have been shocked if he didn’t pass. He asked where she’d traveled and Lakshmi shrugged, somewhat casually. “I spent a bit of time in New York, a few months in Austin as well. Lately I’ve been living in Los Angeles. It’s a nice enough city, as they go, but the smog reminds me of Delhi,” there was a look of distaste on her face, although it passed quickly enough. “Penngrove seems – ” Lakmshi’s eyelashes lowered as she studied Michael through another sip of wine. Whatever it was she’d been about to say, she amended it. “Charming.” Edited by Opp, Jan 27 2013, 21:30.
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 27 2013, 22:17 Post #13 |
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Mike's mouth was wide open with a smile. He was about to blurt out a brand when Lakshmi completed her thought. Woodford's Reserve. “In fact, that's a favourite of mine.” His white teeth were very easy to see, taking up nearly his whole face at this point. He managed to contain himself after a minute, “I also like Angel's Envy, but that's a smoother brand. I definitely recommend Woodford's too.” He finished with another sip, eyes glued to Lakshmi's lips the whole time. It was almost surprising to hear all the big cities she visited. Michael wondered if Lakshmi had only visited big cities right up until Penngrove. Though that said, perhaps they really were the best destinations for foreign travellers. There was plenty to do and see in them, but Michael always liked the quieter places in the end. Not that Penngrove was particularly quiet anymore. “Very charming.” Michael concurred with another sip of his wine. “And there's always something new happening, despite its size.” Though who knows how long that would last. The population of Penngrove sometimes felt like it was growing exponentially with all the newcomers and constant development. |
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| Opp | Jan 27 2013, 22:38 Post #14 |
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Lakshmi smiled, her own teeth as white as his, although a starker contrast against her plum lipstick and the darker shades of her face. “I’ll have to try it then,” Lakshmi took another sip of her wine, smiling pleasantly. Michael’s description of Penngrove was sweet, if a bit vague. Always something happening. Lakshmi had to wonder if he meant Parahuman activity; she couldn’t imagine that Penngrove, despite its size, was a terribly quiet place to live. “And do you like that?” Lakshmi asked, curiously. It seemed like an innocent enough question, but for the smile that spread across her face and the look in her eyes as she studied him. “Having a little excitement in your life?” After a few moments, Lakshmi picked up her menu and grinned. “I suppose we’d better order, before the waiter gets any more impatient,” her eyes flicked over to the tuxedoed man once again checking on their table. “Any recommendations?” She opened the menu, gracefully, curling her fingers around the edge of it as she studied her options. |
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 28 2013, 14:56 Post #15 |
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“Depends on the excitement.” Michael caught the way Lakshmi looked at him, his fingers tapped on the glass of water, the ice virtually gone already. “I don't think I'll ever miss getting shot at.” Despite the memory, Michael grinned. At her bequest, Michael looked over the menu. Sadly, he didn't have any recommendations. He had never even been to the restaurant. In fact, he wasn't sure he remembered the last time he had Italian. The best he could describe anything off the menu was 'pizza', 'spaghetti', and 'lasagna'. Mike was silent for a moment while he tried to figure it out, but ultimately just shook his head, “It all looks...good.” Even Michael could fathom Lakshi would be increasingly more aware that he wasn't really a frequenter of upscale restaurants. With some help from Lakshmi, he at least managed to order something that sounded like it'd be tasty: a seafood linguine. The waiter refilled Michael's water, as well as his glass of wine, and Michael was quick to start sipping again. The meals themselves were quite in order for a nice restaurant, and by the time Michael finished his meal and between the two the entire bottle of wine, he was quite unavailable to have dessert. He leaned back, satisfied and a little tipsy, looking right at Lakshmi with almost a hint of affection where before was just nerves. At least he could still speak with clarity, “Hope you enjoyed it. You know, it's nice to have company outside work. I've been pretty busy since I came here.” |
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| Opp | Jan 28 2013, 18:47 Post #16 |
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For herself, Lakshmi ordered a winter squash, prosciutto, and sage risotto. She didn’t finish it, not quite, although she ate well enough for a woman as slender as she was. With her arms bare, Michael would be able to see that, although she wasn’t exactly ripped, she had enough definition to suggest that she exercised regularly, or at least regularly enough. She joined him in a second glass, and then half a third, the waiter splitting the rest of the bottle between their cups. “I have rather enjoyed myself,” Lakshmi smiled at Michael across the table, and genuinely at that. The problem was that it was true. Most men in Los Angeles weren’t into dating. Not that she had a problem finding men who were interested, not generally, but she couldn’t think of the last time she’d gone on such a stereotypical date. In Los Angles, it was always food trucks and a club, or joining a group going to some party, something like that. Worse, of course, was that despite Michael’s discomfort and the way he’d stared at the menu like he’d never seen half the words before, and how he seemed almost in awe of her, Lakshmi rather liked him. He was earnest, certainly, and, well, perhaps a bit too eager, but she supposed that would fade in time. It was almost too bad they didn’t have time, at least not much. “You know,” Lakshmi smiled at him, sitting back. “I know that you’re from Kentucky, that you served in the military, and that you’re terrible at keeping ice in your glass,” she grinned. “But I don’t think you ever said what it is that you do for work.” |
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 29 2013, 19:20 Post #17 |
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After all that, and Michael hadn't yet told her his job? Hmm, it must have slipped his mind. He did smile though, but there was a tinge of embarrassment he was trying to hide born from his lack of awareness. He cleared his throat and talked through the many cloudy drinks of wine, “I'm a police officer. I'm a beat cop, mostly...” Michael trailed off after 'mostly', the end of the thought maintaining in his own mind. All that said, it begged the question on Michael's own front. It was only fair that the exchange went both ways now, “But what about you? I don't think I've ever heard anything about what you do.” Michael smiled. Unlike Lakshmi, Mike couldn't really figure out what sort of work she did. She looked toned, so may it was something physical. Maybe she was an acrobat or something. Maybe she was even a professional athlete on vacation, and she was just keeping the fact to not show off. Michael looked down at the glass of water in his hands. True, the ice was gone. Even if he wasn't blushing or anything, the heat of his body coupled with his blood kept his skin warmer than usual, and its concentration moved to his hands. Michael was pretty sure the waiter had put in new ice just a few minutes ago... Michael asked for the bill, prepared to pay the meal in full. |
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| Opp | Jan 29 2013, 19:30 Post #18 |
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Lakshmi had to admit she wondered about the mostly. She’d known the answer already, of course, but a pleased smile curled at her lips nonetheless. It was always nice to be right. He asked what she did, and Lakshmi laughed. “What do I do…” She picked up her glass, drinking the very last of her wine. “I’m a secretary,” she said it bluntly enough, a smile dancing around the corners of her lips, and an amused look in her eyes. “Well, I ought to say administrative assistant,” Lakshmi grinned at Michael, giving no indication that she was anything but serious. “You Americans take such things very seriously, with all your political correctness.” She reached across the table, casually, her hand resting on his. “That’s my work, at least,” Lakshmi said, easily, her thumb sliding over his skin for a long moment before she sat back. “As for the rest of me… well, I like to have fun,” she smiled at Michael, a teasing look in her eyes he still wouldn’t be able to explain. The waiter brought the check, finally, and, as was proper, Lakshmi reached for it, entirely expecting Michael to beat her to it. Edited by Opp, Jan 29 2013, 19:31.
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| Falque | Jan 29 2013, 19:56 Post #19 |
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Michael chuckled a little, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn't actually realize they were called administrative assistants these days. She must have worked for some progressive company. Speaking of which... “Yeah? Who do you work for?” Michael wondered if he could pick out the building if he knew the company. Mike perked up at the touch of her hand. It wasn't long before his hand started to shift around, his own thumb gliding over her skin until she pulled away. If she didn't already have his attention before, she had in full now. He looked into her eyes, before slowly wandering. She looked at him in some way, he couldn't really identify it, but it made him feel rather excited. “I'm no stranger to fun.” Michael grinned, his hands beating hers to the check. He picked it up, avoiding showing any signs of pain from the price tag on their meal, and already placed his credit card to the side for the waiter. “Perhaps you can show me how you like to have fun, sometime.” Michael finished his glass of water, grinning at Lakshmi and gluing his eyes to her. |
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| Opp | Jan 30 2013, 20:00 Post #20 |
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Lakshmi smiled at Michael’s question, her gaze almost softening. She seemed to weight her answer for a long moment, almost deliberately, before answering with a smile. “Dell.” It would, almost certainly, be a name Michael recognized – but if they had a building or office in Penngrove, it wasn’t one he was aware of. “They’ve also been the reason I traveled around, unfortunately,” she grinned again, teeth incredibly white even against the soft brown of her skin. Lakshmi smiled at the clumsy straightforwardness of Michael’s suggestion. “Are you sure you can handle it?” She grinned at him, tongue flicking over her still plum-colored lips, the lipstick stubbornly clinging to her skin despite the drinks and food. “When I have fun, I really like to go all out,” she winked at him. The waiter returned with the bill before he’d be able to answer. “Should we go?” Lakshmi asked, taking a last sip of water to moisten her lips. If Michael agreed, she’d get up, smiling at him, long legs revealed again for the first time since she’d sat down. |
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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| Falque | Jan 30 2013, 20:15 Post #21 |
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Dell. Michael knew the brand, but he had no idea there were offices in Penngrove. Seemed to be a bit of a weird place to put an office, since there were no major data centres and Michael wasn't sure what Parahumans would bring much boon to a technology group. Well, he wasn't going to debate it. What did he know about computers? And besides, he had a hard time distrusting a woman like Lakshmi. Or really most women, but especially Lakshmi. All out huh? Well, Michael wasn't sure he could take that then. Maybe they could find something else to do when the time comes. Michael hadn't danced in a while anyway, so maybe trying to go at Lakshmi's speed would be a bit too much for him to start. That was assuming Lakshmi was implying she liked to go out and dance and party. Michael's assumption. “I'm used to punishment.” Michael smiled, picking up the receipt and standing up. His eyes trailed to her legs for a moment, moving up her body back to her eyes. “How did you get here anyway? Did you drive?” He hoped not. Wasn't good to have a few glasses of wine and start hopping in. Michael could forgive some things, but not that. In any case, Michael walked to her side, offering a hand if she needed one. |
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| Opp | Jan 30 2013, 20:31 Post #22 |
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Lakshmi could follow his gaze perfectly well. He was less subtle now that he was drunk, but he still managed to look at her in a somewhat bashful way. Perhaps that was only her own projection. Generally, Lakshmi enjoyed the way men looked at her. She didn’t mind seeing lust in their eyes – but nothing turned her off faster than a man who claimed ownership over her body, or made assumptions, unless of course they were warranted. “I walked, actually,” Lakshmi felt a small buzz in her purse. She didn’t react, visibly, other than adjusting the little bag against her side. She was steady on her feet despite the alcohol, accepting her coat from the check with a smile and a small, gracefully delivered tip. “My hotel’s not far. Will you escort me back?” She smiled at Michael. All the same, the buzz meant her plans for the evening had changed; she was happy to let Michael escort her home, but he would be escorting her no farther, not tonight. |
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Evy Thompson Lakshmi Narayan | |
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