maskormenacelogs | no matter what is damaged or taken away

[The day had been spent exploring, since Gil wasn't allowing anyone to help clean and Kenzi had actually been in the mood to clean for once. She'd even taken Sir Apple with her just so he'd stay out of Gil's hair.

Lucky for her she's just in time for dinner. She enters the house and immediately makes her way to the kitchen.] Smells delish.

[Without taking a seat she snatches up a roll and heads into the kitchen to make Sir Apple his dinner. Unfortunately the dragon has other ideas and heads for the table while Kenzi is distracted.]

[ Shade was, as in most ways, doing his own thing. He didn't move to the beat of anyone's drum but his own, which is what got him into trouble far too often -- or he was looking for trouble in his own unique way.

"Fun" trouble only, though. He was hardly a good person, but Shade often found himself these days, ever since the Knights, erring more on the side of not causing as much trouble as his younger days did. Younger was relative, perhaps, but it had still been a younger day.

But with the door to his room open, he could hear Gilbert, even while he worked to look over his books, which was honestly about what took up the room. Not that he needed it for much else, but it looked as if he would need someplace else soon enough.

The Shade wasn't really well-suited for this group living situation, but he was often lazy enough that if someone else was going to cook, he would hardly refuse.

It's the call of the chef, that drug him from his books, and he slipped in, all black clothes, she shadows in the room all seemed to subtly shift, in a direction wherever the shadowy, shadowy man was. They didn't lean, but seemed to gravitate instead. His movements languid, and lax, he sat, hardly showing a care for wherever anyone else wanted to sit, finding himself in what he had already decided was going to be the most comfortable chair. ]

I think you have it right. [ He managed in, before the girl -- Kenzi, was it? -- slipped to the kitchen. He did, however, wait for the others to be seated. ]

( You know who's fascinating to someone else who operates out of the shadows?

That guy.

That guy with the black, not terribly unfamiliar (look at Gilbert afterall), and the way things feel, but that might just be the humidity. A humidity she is absolutely not appreciating.

Sharon is the last who comes in to the kitchen, fanning herself with a practiced hand. She's taken on a grit her teeth and bare it approach to the lack of layers considered more common in this place, much as it had been in the City. She smiles as she sees Kenzi, inclining her head toward the other woman, and gives the man a cursory look before turning to Gilbert to ask: )

What have you placed on menu for the day, Gilbert?

[ He turns on the fan for the stove to air out the smell of fish and other foods from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a cloth before stepping back toward the doorway. ]

Seafood stew. I used what was in the fridge and pantry already, since it would be best not to let it go to waste. The base is tomato broth with parsley, sliced tomatoes, shrimp, and there's garlic bread to go around.

[ There's an abundance of seafood and it's high in protein, so why not? They could all use it after the long, stressful couple of weeks.

Gil doesn't move to take a seat yet, his hair still tied back and apron on. He'll wait for everyone else to eat before dining himself, still trying to evade primarily Sharon and Kenzi and not bring down the atmosphere. ]

I've never made something like this before, so if it tastes strange...

[Sir Apple settles on the table and creeps his way toward the stew while Kenzi continues to put together his meal of fruit and raw fish.]

If it tastes strange y'know I'll be sure to say something. [She comments, making a face at fish as she cuts it into fairy dragon bite sized pieces. She really hates dealing with raw meat but the dragon loves it and it's better than having to deal with some kind of bug to feed him.]

[ Shade couldn't help but watch the creature, a slight look of disgust for letting something on the table. There were certain manners and rituals that he often appreciated, when it came to the ritual of eating.

And it was a ritual for the immortal, who didn't need to eat. He consumed for the pure pleasure and enjoyment. HE did it because he liked eating.

He offered the other woman,the young blonde a glance. She seemed curious, and Shade hadn't had the opportunity to speak with her at length, but his cool gray gaze lingered for a half-second, before he fastidiously took a sip, his table manners almost painfully precise and practiced.

Victorian sensibilities indeed.

It wasn't until after he'd taken one taste, consumed it, let it sit on his tongue, and swallow, that he nodded in approval. ]

I should hardly say it does. You must be quite the chef.

( It's nice to see anyone around these worlds (by now) that they've been on has an approximation of proper manners. Sharon merely smiles, allowing Kenzi to be the voice of ridiculousness, something Gilbert needed a good dose of in his life in order to really cope.

Much like he needed to keep busy to keep from stewing and moping and -- and --

She wishes there were tea, a nice chamomile or lavender, to sip to calm her nerves. She doesn't allow herself to think on it often, but she misses more from home than she's ever admitted out loud. Break, a staple since her childhood, is not the least nor the most, but he's the most prominent. )

He's quite the accomplished pastry chef as well.

( Like that hadn't been her (long forgotten) fault. )

Aren't you, Gilbert? Please, take a seat.

[ Gil instantly frowns seeing the small dragon making its way to the dinner table and he turns his nose up at it in disapproval. When he gets closer to the stew, he darts forward to shoo him. ]

Don't bring weird creatures to the dinner table!

[ After keeping to himself while preparing dinner, it's the first proper emotion he's conveyed all night.

He swishes his hand back and forth, trying to get Sir Apple to back off from the food, turning his head only when Sharon asks him to join them. ]

Ah, you're exaggerating, Sharon... [ His cheeks glow. ] I'm fine. I can eat after everyone else.

[Kenzi pauses and turns toward the dining room with her hands on her hips, the total 'mom' stance. Her tone even matches it.] Sir Joffrey Mathew Lawrence Applegate the Third! You get away from the table right now!

[The stubborn little dragon isn't about to give up but he soon finds himself floating toward Kenzi with the use of her telekinesis.] You have you own food. [She scolds as she lightly taps the dragon's snout then turns back to finishing up his meal.]

Gil, dude, you cooked you should eat with us.

In my experience, if a chef is unwilling to sit down and eat the food with his guests, he may very well be trying to poison them.

[ He said it lightly, conversationally. He didn't bother worrying about it, of course, taking a rather large spoonful of it, and sipping at it, obviously not even caring for the heat of the dish. ]

Sit down, of you'll start to make even me nervous.

Then the matter's settled!

( Look at how serene her expression is as she eyes you, Gilbert. Even the man she doesn't know is telling you to sit down, and it's hardly like Kenzi will bite -- much. )

Sit.

( Smile! )

[ He appears mildly offended and confused at Shade's morbid joke. If it's a joke; Gil can honestly never tell with that man. He grimaces before making a face. ]

I'm not doing anything of the sort.

[ Why would he try to poison Sharon and Kenzi anyway? ]

It's —

[ His stomach lurches when he looks back at Sharon, sensing the threatening atmosphere.

The tips of his ears and his cheeks glow burn red and he navigates about the place almost mechanically, removing his apron and hanging it back in the kitchen, washing his hands, and finally coming to join them at the table without a single word. ]

[Kenzi appears to be completely oblivious to everything going on around the table as she finishes up Sir Apple's meal. Said dragon makes a fuss until his food is set where he now prefers to eat and he's freed from his invisible prison. She washes her hands and soon joins everyone else, quickly digging in.]

Mmn...seriously Gil you're, like, the best chef I've ever met. This is probably the best stew I've ever had that didn't have people in it.

[ My. Well now he knew who was going to be in thorough control of the situation, that was for certain. He only chuckled, even while he watched him hop to actually sitting down with the rest of them, before he crossed a leg, ankle resting on his knee while he sat. ]

Now isn't that better? We're not going to get to know each other if we don't do something like this every so often.

( Sharon half closes her eyes, watching Gilbert move as he does, watching the other two best as she can with peripheral vision. It's really about being in more of a hosting mood than someone instructed that she might attend school and be employed part time in a bakery. Such joys. )

Eating together is a wonderful way of cultivating friendship. Of course, introductions are usually beneficial as well.

( She's not eating yet, waiting still in an understated way on Gilbert. There's genuine concern behind it, for all that's happened recently, and for the echoes it carries for Gilbert, but she says nothing on those. )

I'm Lady Sharon Rainsworth, though of course, you must all simply call me Sharon.

( Since otherwise doesn't sit well with the place they're in -- again, like in the City -- for all it rubs against her instincts to allow that familiarity so casually. Concessions are unpleasant in their own way. )

People...?

[ Is that supposed to have been funny? His stomach flips uncomfortably again, but he quickly forgets that tidbit when praise comes along with it. His blush deepens.

He doesn't think introductions for himself are necessary. ]

You all know me already, so...

[Kenzi wasn't making a joke, she really did have people stew once. She didn't know it had people in it...

She pauses, being sure her mouth is clear of food before speaking. At least she's remembering some manners.]

Kenzi, and you guys already heard the little brat of a dragon's name. [Said dragon has apparently already finished his meal and is now fluttering off to find a warm place to curl up.]

[ His eyes followed the dragon for just a moment, tracking over the rims of ever-present sunglasses, purple hued this evening. He nodded after a moment, with some measure of satisfaction.

After all, it hadn't come back to the table and that was all that mattered. ]

And if you must, call me Shade.

[ The Shade simply sounded too dramatic, and despite how the porter seemed content to leave his real name for all to see, Shade was not so keen to provide that to others. A relic of times past. ]

( Sharon makes a polite motion of her head toward both Kenzi and Shade, lips pulling up into a proper sort of smile. )

A pleasure, Mr. Shade, and it's wonderful to have the pleasure of your company once more, Ms. Kenzi.

( She chooses to continue not reacting to hearing about eating people, since it's something more amusing to react to in better known company. Mostly to watch Gilbert react to it, and she's not anywhere close to being above finding the ways Gilbert undoes himself entertaining.

Still, that's for a different time and place. For now: )

If it's not too forward to ask, what sorts of overtures at, ah... employment, I believe is the best term, have you each been faced with so far?

( Yeah. So far. Right at the start. It's like a lot of time passed in... absolutely no universe whatsoever. )

[ He's reaching over for the loaf of bread and just about to break off a piece for himself when Sharon's question catches his attention. He blinks, wide-eyed and surprised. ]

Did they assign you a job, Sharon?

[ Given her physical appearance, he would have thought they would have attempted to herd her off into school. Or do they know that much about Sharon and him? ]

They gave me a job at a tea shop.

[Kenzi gives a little nod and mouths what could only be 'Shadester'.

In response to Sharon calling her 'miss' she nearly chokes on some stew. After a moment of cough and drinking a bit of water she looks over at Sharon.]

Oh God, please. Just Kenzi, I'm not old enough for a miss in front of my name.

And, y'know, just police dispatcher. [She says this with all of utter contempt. Her? Working for the police? Not to mention it's utterly boring.]

With a little pick pocketing on the side. [As she says this she holds up a finger to silence Gil before he can say anything about it.] And before you say anything, Gil, y'know I can't unsticky these fingers.

[ Shade laughed. The irony of course, was that he was guilty of more than just pickpocketing, and honestly, a little grand larceny never hurt anyone in his opinion.

Well, maybe some pocketbooks, but priceless artifacts and books really were his true weakness. He couldn't resist them. ]

They decided I was fine material as an assistant librarian.

[ He lifted a shoulder. ]

Although it does fit. I can't complain too much.

( There's something inherently funny on how these job suggestions have fallen out, though she doesn't know enough about Shade to judge how apt or amusing his assignment is in truth. His laughter in response to what Kenzi says is interesting, but Sharon doesn't appear to do more in this moment than show polite, if keen, interest. )

It's been suggested that attending school and assisting part time in a bakery would be beneficial.

( Now, Librarian she gets, and Gilbert at a tea shop -- she did laugh behind her hand when he said as much -- is something else she knows.

What in all the world is a police dispatcher, other than a very literal understanding of the two words? She takes a sip of Gilbert's meal, eyes coming to rest on Kenzi. )

Is there anything more to police dispatcher work than dispatching the police to the places they're requested to be?

Hey. [ Of course he has to say something. ] Is that such a wise idea when they're watching us closely?

[ Those strange tattoos on their wrists... aren't they being monitored all the time now? He doesn't know how nanites work exactly.

He chokes on air when Sharon announces her place of employment, unable to picture Sharon in a bakery at all. He doesn't mean to doubt her abilities, but she's been raised as a heiress to a dukedom, not a lowly servant like him. ]

Bakery...? Why did they choose something like that?

[Kenzi's done more than pick pocketing but perhaps nothing as grand as grand larceny. Black market deals, scam jobs, those were more her thing but she'd toned it down to just pickpocketing over the past several months.]

If they want to label me a villain for freeing people of their money and acquiring a few new wallets, let them. [She snorts before spooning some more stew into her mouth.

Her attention turns to Sharon as she thinks it over. There's a lot of other mundane stuff that comes with the job but it's mostly as Sharon says.] It's mostly just that. Lots of dealing with people on the phones and telling the popo where to go.

And I'm sure they certainly need the proper direction, don't they?

[ He asked it, a bit of fond mockery for the police. Some police, the Shade didn't mind, however, offering a fond thought for the O'dare clan, and some of the members he was rather attached to. ]

I'm sure you are excellent at it -- both.

What an intriguing term to describe an officer of the law.

( Popo? It sounds so juvenile, which makes it all the more amusing. )

Have you always been a liberator of other people's funds, Kenzi? It sounds like dangerous, though exciting, work.

[ Gil shoots a look between Kenzi and Sharon. ]

Sharon! Don't encourage that behaviour!

[ Or call it something other than what it is! ]

I'm sure they wouldn't be able to find their own heads if not for the fact they're attached.

[Kenzi grins over at Shade then Sharon.] Among other things, a girl's gotta do what she can to survive.

[In response to Gil she simply rolls her eyes. Job are all well and good but she's really not the working type.] In any case, I think I might look into setting up P.I. work around here.

Mm, indeed -- and I'm sure surviving is costly.

[ He agreed, focusing more on savoring the food than lighting on too much of the talk. After all, he wasn't exactly the sort that was set on a "career", as it were.

His last few hadn't really been anything to write home about. Occasional assassin and -- he would almost say mercenary -- and then supervillain wasn't exactly the kind of thing that went with a 9-5. ]

I can assure you, most police can't, either way.

[ He said it lightly, before reaching out for his drink. ]

( She smiles sweetly for Gilbert. )

Encourage her? I have no idea what you mean, Gilbert, dear.

( Only to ask in turn: )

Pee Eye work?

( While taking note what Shade is saying. She sips at her own water, wishing briefly for tea. )

[ He immediately feels outnumbered in taking any of this seriously. Well, Sharon he doesn't doubt, but she does get carried away in mercilessly teasing or provoking him.

He begins to eat, grumbling into his stew about the seriousness of the matter. ]

Hey, not every homeless person wants to stay homeless. And I sure as hell didn't want to.

[Of course she ended up staying on the streets for quite some time, right up until she met Bo.]

Gil, I don't need encouragement from anyone, I'm gonna do what I'm gonna do.

[She turns her attention back to Sharon.] Private investigative work. I started it up with Bo, having a partner that can get info out of a people with just one little touch came in handy... [But she doesn't have that here, then again she often had to get information her own way.]

[ Shade said nothing, at that. Instead opting to let them talk, and let himself drink and actually eat. Not that he needed to, but small pleasures were important. So important.

He just hummed at Kenzi, her words a bit funny to him -- probably the idea of a thief turned PI struck a chord, but that was all he did. ]

( Something bangs through the door in the kitchen, slithering and clacking claws reaching Sharon's ears. She turns her head to the side, her comment of interest in P.I. work -- something she wouldn't mind getting involved with -- shelved in the face of the unknown.

She's not smiling so pleasantly right now, and her toes hover a fraction of an inch above the floor. If they'll need to beat a quick retreat...

Which is when the six foot alligator tromped through the open entrance and paused, mouth opening wide.

... Florida! )

What in the world...!

[ The screen of the door shattering gets Gil to his feet and his mind quickly files a complaint about how it shouldn't be possible the house is falling apart so soon, but as he wheels around on his heel to pinpoint the source of the noise, he spots the large reptile scaling its way through the doorway. ]

Wha...

[ It's huge! And its hide looks tough and sheep dangerously sharp. ]

What the hell is that?!

[ He's seen it before, at the zoo with Kenzi, and occasionally on the TV, but for the life of him he can't recall what the over sized lizard is supposed to be called. ]

[Kenzi's chair clatters to the floor as she jumps up and immediately hovers about a foot off the floor. While every bit of her is screaming at her to get out the room she remains where she is.]

Guess he just wanted some of your cooking, Gil. [She gives a little laugh.]

So uh, should we call someone to deal with it or... [No, she doesn't want to suggest using her TK to move it, nope, not going there.]

[ Shade looked from them, all three of them moving out of the way. Panic flooding in the room, but he only looked at the thing, and then took another bite. ]

No need.

[ He looked at the alligator, and waved a hand.

Shadows just seemed to push at it, effectively cornering the thing, before pushing it back, a dark wall almost aiming to swallow it, before vanishing. ]

It seems like we need better doors.

( Sharon watches the whole of what those shadows do, more interested in them as they subdue the threat of the creature. Her foot taps down on the ground. She shifts forward, moving the chair back and rising to her full, diminutive height. )

This is quite too much excitement for a well bred lady in one night! I beg pardon, Kenzi, Mister Shade, Mister Gilbert, I fear I feel the need for a little lie-down.

( Her tone is sincerely regretful, and she does look pale. Sharon's eyes are downcast, leaving Eques attached to Gilbert's shadow as she leaves the dining room. )

You're a wonderful chef, Gilbert, I hope you will forgive me for being unable to do your work proper justice.

[ Gil hangs back out of confusion and sheer surprise as Shade's shadows do as they do and the alligator has vanished into thin air. Or rather, swallowed up by the shadows and leaving no trace of itself behind. There's only the mud it's managed to track in and a broken screen door. ]

Why was something like that so close to the house in the first place?

[ His heart is still pounding and he thinks he's lost his appetite.

He turns to Sharon, surprised she's leaving so quickly. ]

I'll leave your dish aside when you feel like eating. [ His gaze extends to the door. ] What are we supposed to do with that?!

[As Shade does his thing Kenzi's eyes grow wide. Once the gator is swallowed up in the shadows she looks over at the man with eyes that are still wide.]

Did you just? Dude! That was awesome! [Her voice is louder in her excitement over seeing such a cool ability. It's been a long time since she's actually seen someone use a power that actually wowed her.] No, seriously, that was, like, epic.

[Her excitement dies down a little when Sharon rises and announces her departure.] Oh, uh, okay.

[Her feet finally touch the floor again, her seat righting itself seemingly on it's own.]

Uh...don't suppose anyone has fix-it powers, huh?

[ Shade only politely nodded to Sharon, letting her depart without another word. He didn't know her quite well enough to say anything more than that, but with her sensibilities, he had a feeling they would all get along pretty well. Especially since th3ey all seemed to know how to get under Gilbert's skin in some way, and the boy ruffled so easily.

He wiped a hand on his lapel, instead. ]

I'm not exactly a regular handyman. I'm better with disposal rather than actually fixing whatever damage these things create. Isn't there a landlord of some sort we can call?

no matter what is damaged or taken away

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