Playing Hooky

[Jennifer]

Jen looked down at her phone and at the next message that came across. She blushed hard and just stared at it as if almost in shock. Did he really just suggest she meet him at a hotel? Granted, he did offer to get two rooms with a joining door. But just the thought of it made her feel like she was being bad.

*Sure!*

She had already texted the short reply and hit send before she felt like she had even thought it through. Oh God oh God oh God oh God. She panicked a little and quickly sent another text.

*Sure, of course. But can you afford it? Need me to chip in?*

Was that better though? She wasn't really sure. About that time a police officer stepped up with a megaphone and a chair to stand on to get everyone's attention.

"Everyone. We are very sorry but there is no electricity or water in the apartments and it may be at least a day before everything can get back up and running. We will allow you to go back into your homes to collect what you need but you will need to find another place to stay for the night. This is for your safety. Please do not linger as police will be by to check and make sure no one has remained onsite. If you are on the first floor of the building, you do require a police escort. All other floors, please meet the office in the parking garage to be allowed back in the building for your things."

Jen would mumble something about this being a cluster and text back Michael.

*So I'm being allowed to go back into the apartment to collect my things but they are telling us to find somewhere else to stay. Want to meet me in the park across the street from my apartment? I'm sure they'll still be people gathered here by the time you arrive.*

She'd then text Mel. Now knowing her Father was a detective there would be no way he wouldn't hear about this.

*Hey Doll! So I'm going to go grab a hotel. I might be doing that with Michael. Is that weird? It feels weird but... doesn't. I don't know. There are rumors someone died and now we have no water and no electricity so they're not letting us stay. If you hear anything... since I now know you have connections, let me know? Love you!*

[Mel Benett]

Mel's phone buzzed. She must have not heard it the first time because there were two messages. - To be fair, you had bigger things to worry about. Can't wait to meet him! He automatically wins points for liking Marvel movies.   It's no bother just keep me posted. You know I'm here if you need anything. -

Just as she responded another text came through. - Not weird. Have fun! I'll let you know if I hear anything. Be safe - love you too! -

[jsmith506]

"Sweet, grab your bathing suit! There's going to be a pool, and probably a hot tub. Hey you don't have a pair of Men's swim trunks do you? I wasn't lucky enough to get let in. But yeah, this is courtesy of Heaven can Wait so no worries! I'll hop an uber back and should be there in about thirty minutes."

He opened up his uber app and Rhamdi was still in the area and available, he would probably get a kick out of this scenario going right back to where he picked him up from and the fact both their places had been evacuated at the same time. What were the odds? At least in the millions to one range.

[Jennifer]

Jen giggled to herself at the thought, texting Michael back and standing back to her feet as people started to make their way back to the building in as orderly a fashion as they were able.

*I do not have guys swim trunks. Hope you're not going to get in trouble for using the company credit card. Call me when you're here since I don't know if I'll be out of the building yet or not.*

Meanwhile, Angela sat on a park bench away from the building. She had her legs pulled up underneath her and tapped her nails upon her cheek which she puffed out in frustration. THAT... hadn't gone the way she intended. She hadn't meant to kill the guy the bane was stuck within, but maybe he was tethered a bit to tightly to just be killed in the Umbra. And since when had she EVER been able to not just step sideways without a thought. She wasn't just some wolf. Oh well, least she wasn't standing in the water when that pipe broke and hit the electrical panel, that was only the second time she had almost been electrocuted. Third time was the charm she guessed.

She'd check her phone and her Uber ride. It was taking awhile due to all the sudden requests. She'd just keep refreshing until something came up. What would come up however was Jennifer walking within her line of vision. Her grin widened and she was thankful she used her gift to blend into the crowd so Mikie wouldn't notice her. She'd look around, her face going a little slack as she noticed the cupcake was nowhere to be found.

"Fuuuuuuuuuck." She'd groan. That was why the bane went sideways. Mikie wasn't with Jennifer and this was her apartment complex. Which also meant her other gift was still active. She'd ponder.... maybe she should just call and fess up about what's going on. Safer, but seeing as she had no idea how long this particular gift was supposed to last, potentially awkward. She also didn't like to admit she did anything wrong. I mean, look at how happy the girl looked. She was probably texting Michael right now. Why ruin that with speculation about if they really were supposed to be together or if it was just some magic mumbo jumbo. Then there would be this long conversation about how 'that's not how fate works' and how what she does isn't magic and she'd have to maybe explain to another person she wasn't exactly human and just break that little illusion that werewolves were real and then what's next... vampires?! The audacity! She'd lean back on the park bench, refreshing her app and getting an alert that a driver could be there in the next fifteen minutes.

"Heh. Snagged!" Her stomach would rumble then and she contemplated food, thinking she should go to the grocery store before checking on Steve. She had a hankerin. By this point she had forgotten any notion of fessing up to anything.

[jsmith506]

Michael pulled up in front of Mel's building with Rhamdi. Hindi dance club music was pumping out of the very clean and new Audi. People were still congregated on the lawn across the street, police had barricades up and emergency crews were responding.

"See, I told you Rhamdi! Crazy huh? She should be here somewhere close or just comming out now. You sure you don't mind waiting?"

Rhamdi looked back at Michael after turning the music down a bit with a smile. "Its all good bro, no trouble at all. You two have been through enough, it's the least I can do to try and make your evening a little better."

Michael returned the smile and replied, "Thanks alot, I really appreciate it, just wait 'till you see her though Rhamdi. You'll totally get it... oh shoot! I was supposed to call when I got here."

He pulled out his phone and dialed her up, "Hello there Miss Jennyfur! I am outside, and your chariot awaits! Rhamdi our driver is driving a sweet new black Audi with the dance music pumping."

[Jennifer]

Jennifer could hear the music from the other end of the phone. She'd laugh lightly. She had just finished tossing some clean clothes into a bag and packing up her laptop. A couple days worth of stuff, just in case.

"My Chariot huh? I'll be down in just a second. The police are apparently checking people in and out so it took me a min to get inside. I actually wonder if it might be one of my neighbors that died. Anyway. I'll explain when I see you."

It wouldn't be too long to make her way out the door. She'd just get the information from the cop as she had from the first one. Someone from the apartment complex would be giving her a call when it was safe to return.

There were still quite a few people just milling about. Which may not have been too surprising consider they were right next to campus and a lot of people lived here. Plus nosey people who needed the excitement. It would take her a bit to actually find the Audi, thankfully the pumped up and very specific music helped.

She'd slide into the backseat with a wide smile.

"Hi stranger. Its been forever since I saw you."

She would chuckle, leaning forward towards the driver, sadly not remembering his name even though Michael told her on the phone.

"Thank you for waiting for me. It's been a crazy night."

She'd slip back into her seat and buckle her seat belt, having no idea where Michael had in mind for them staying the night, but just actually excited to see him again. Jen would slip her hand over, sliding her fingers into his and giving a little squeeze.

[jsmith506]

"Its no problem at all Miss Jennifer, get comfortable. We have a bit of a drive ahead of us."

Michael just grinned and gave Jennifer's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll keep where we are going a surprise, though you'll recognize the neighborhood easy I'm sure when we get there."

It was about a thirty minute drive on the highway to the west, they entered the Sepulveda turnpike and exited onto Sunset boulevard. By now Jennifer should know they are in Beverly Hills. It was only a few more minutes till they pulled up in front of the Hotel Bel-Air.

[Jennifer]

Jennifer looked to Michael oddly but let it go. She honestly loved surprises. She had no way of expecting this one though. She was of course familiar with the Hotel Bel-Air and thought for a moment he was pranking her until their driver pulled up in front and stopped. She'd look to him wide eyed. Some of the rooms here cost as much as her monthly rent per night.

"Michael no. No we can't. This isn't reasonable. You're going to get fired and then sued and I'm going to feel horrible. I'm really okay with a Holiday Inn or something."

[jsmith506]

Michael would sigh, she didn't know what his boss had put them through not long ago, having stalked and completely creeped on them while they slept. Then had the gall to mess with poor tired Jennifer that had been nothing but kind to him. In his mind, this was a bit of a revenge spiting for that, but, maybe she was right and he shouldn't over do it."Mind taking a bit longer of a cruise down the road Rhamdi?  The Sunset Marquis hotel is just down the road from here, less than fifteen minutes away and it's a bit more reasonably priced.  Here, for your trouble." Michael reached into his wallet and pulled out a twenty dollar bill and passed it up front to him, it was fair for the distance and trouble for the hassle to keep this off the app.  "No problem Michael, we'll head right over so you two can get on with your night."

Rhamdi continued down the road pulling up in front of the Sunset Marquis, it had much of the same feel as the Hotel Bel-Air but was only half the price. Once again, the car came to a hault.  Michael looked over to Jen again, hoping this time she wouldn't feel uncomfortable.

[Jennifer]

Jen sighed as Michael suggested another five star hotel and asked the drive to take them there instead. It was still too much in her opinion, but she was touched he'd want to surprise her with such a nice place. Fifteen or so minutes later they'd pull up to the equally swank hotel and Michael would give her an expectant look. She'd just shake her head with a small smile.

"You're incorrigible. But if this is where you want to stay then I'm okay with it."

She'd slide out of the Audi, giving the driver a smile and a thank you as she gathered her bag.

[Angela]

An old brown and white truck rumbled into the parking lot of Don's Italian Restaurant. The place had closed not too long ago and there were still vehicles in the lot from customers and staff still wrapping up. Angela pulled the truck into the back and parked it, eyeing what she had brought with her curiously. She couldn't tell if Don was even home and she knew she needed to make a jump up to his 2nd floor back door. She really didn't want to make a second trip.

"You're not going to like this Steve...."

The raccoon turned and looked at her as he heard his name, pulling himself away from the window and where he smelled the food coming from the restaurant. She had just enough room in her bookbag to stuff the groceries she had bought. Then came Steve. He'd squirm and cry out as she strapped him into the baby bjorn.

She'd slip out of the truck, locking the door and shutting it with a squeak. Nothing quiet about the 40+ year old antique. He was all steel and luckily very little rust.

Steve was already fighting the straps that kept him locked into the baby bjorn. His little fingers trying to figure out the snaps but he just didn't have the strength. Angela walked over to the side of the building and peered up, adjusting the heavy backpack on her back and the racoon strapped to her front as she contemplated her target. Once she was certain no one was looking, she'd jump and grab hold of the bottom of the balcony. Using mostly her upper body strength to pull herself up to and over the rails to the door.

[jsmith506]

"Incorijabawatzit?  Yeah, probably one of those.  But I'm also a hunk right?" Michael let out a little grunt and did some faux arm curls on his bag as they made their way to reception to check in.  The rooms at this hotel were all basically little cottages and lofts.  There was a large garden connecting them all with walkways and patios with the pool in the center.  Michael booked them a room on the expense card and they made their way out into the garden towards their room.    There were tiki lanterns along the path lighting the way, setting a rather warm and romantic mood.   Michael had his arm looped through Jen's free arm as they strolled through the garden.  He let out a whistle.  "This is so cool, its like a little jungle in here.  Oh, there's our room there!"  There was a patio next to the front door with a sliding glass door.  There was a love seat, table with umbrella and a couple wicker arm chairs with cussions.  This was one of the larger cottages with a guest room.  Michael didn't want to seem too forward just having a single bed.  There were a few lamp lights on inside so it wasn't completely dark when they got inside.  There was a living room, kitchen and dining room setup that led out onto the patio.   A master bedroom with a door that led into the bathroom.  It had a large jet tub in there and a shower with one of those fancy rain shower heads.

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Don sat on the couch in his apartment, his feet up on the coffee table as he puffed on a joint and watched some Rick and Morty.   He was re-watching the series getting himself ready for new episodes this summer.  The place smelled of lazagna which he already had cooked and in the oven keeping it warm as he waited for Angela.  There was a basket of garlic cheese bread on the kitchen island.   He heard her truck pull up and he grinned, he stood up from the couch and grabbed a couple Budweiser's from the fridge.  He cracked one for himself and wandered over to the patio door.  Angela dropped onto the balcony in front of him.  He held a bud out to her with a smile, noting how incredibly cute and how incredibly not into being in that baby bjorn Steeve was.  "Hey there sweet thang, I see you brought a +1 to casa de Donny.  Luckily, there's a big ol lasagna in the oven and a basket of garlic bread there.  You're getting italian tonight big guy!"  He ruffled Steeve's fur, cautiously, nips were quite likely given his current predicament.

[Angela]

Jen giggled at the hunk comment, taking her bag and walking around the car to where he stood. She’d reach out, grab hold of his bicep he had just flexed with a scrutinizing look before nodding with approval.

”Yes. For certain a hunk.” She’d lightly laugh again before taking up her bag and following inside to the reception area and on to their room.

”Wow.” Was all Jen could say as they walked into the room. The last time she had been anywhere remotely this nice was one of the last vacations she had taken with her parents as a teenager. One of those where they decided to go somewhere a little nicer because she was old enough to basically take care of herself. She’d set down her bag on the couch, glancing over with a big smile.

”It certainly beats a Holiday Inn while whatever is going on with our apartments get fixed. Thank you, Michael.” She could feel the heat rise to her cheeks, suddenly aware of the romantic setting. She’d clear her throat and awkwardly turn her gaze back to her bag to busy herself with unpacking. This was uncharted territory. And with a boy she had only just met. She didn’t really know what to do with herself.

”So what shall we do? Movie? Find this pool you were telling me about? … but only if you found swim trunks.”

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Steve looked shook, his little eyes so wide they showed the whites of his eyes and his fingers splayed out wide as if ready to grab hold of the first tangible thing. He had been put into this infernal contraption before seeing as the woman thought it cute and walked around with him. But never before had she jumped, much less at such a great height and with his outward facing position he felt as if he had just been thrown up to the top of this tall building. The. Nerve! He would flinch a little as someone reached out to ruffle his fur, realization finally hitting him. His nose would begin to twitch and his little eyes would blink and turn towards Don, recognizing him as the tall man with many pockets he had seen before. Finally there would be justice for the woman who left him alone, dressed him up, squeezed him, and called him cutesy names. He’d begin to chitter, reaching for him and wiggling to try and free himself from the contraption.

Angela would grin wide as Don met her at the patio door, beer in hand. She could have used the front door since he was home. But it didn’t matter. She was sure the workers in the restaurant below would just love knowing a trash panda was being brought inside. Probably a health code on it or something.

”Why hello there Good-lookin’. Thought I smelled somethin’ cookin’.” She’d wink, taking the bud from his hand and letting a taste of that Appalachian accent slip through before sliding over and standing on her tiptoes for a quick kiss. Steve would begin to wiggle in his constraints and to keep him from grabbing hold of Don to try and pull himself out of the Bjorn she’d step back. With a snicker she’d unclasp the fasteners at the top, hefting the large fluffy rodent from the carrier strapped to the front of her and set him down on the floor. His claws would scratch at the surface until she let him go.

He’d run first to Don, sniffing at his ankles and standing on his hind legs while using Don as a brace. Yes. This would do nicely. This place smelled of the tall man and was much larger than the shoebox the woman usually kept him in. And the smells of food! Properly cooked food! Had she finally aligned herself with a man of wealth! Did he die and go to heaven. He’d almost pat Don appreciatively on the leg before scampering off to explore the kingdom.

Angela would shrug. ”Yeah. I couldn’t leave him alone again. He was trying to peel the wallpaper off the camper walls. And don’t worry. He’s more likely to piss in my shoe than yours. He has a thing for guys. Don’t know why. I give his fuzzy butt whatever he wants.”

She’d scoff for a moment before the grin would return to her face, clinking the bottle to Don’s before taking a sip and moving to the kitchen and just making herself at home. She’d begin to unpack the little bit of groceries she brought with her, starting with a large jar of Duke’s mayonnaise, buttermilk, self rising flour, and country sausage.

”Lazagna tonight. I got breakfast in the morning.”

[jsmith506]

"I sure did find some!" Michael reached inside his bag and produced a pair of Rick and Morty swim trunks. "Pool first, then dinner and a movie?"



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Don smiled as he watched Angela make herself at home in the kitchen. He walked up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist as she unpacked. "How'd your errand go? Mine turned out well, got the ball rolling with that bladesmith. She's no mere smithy, that's for sure. 'Till today I'd only heard legends of the Valkyries. Now I've met one I'm certain. Shes starting work on it, said it could take a fair bit of time, but with her expertise I'm sure she will do it justice."

[Angela]

Jen looked up just in time to see Michael whip out his shorts. She would attempt to suppress a smile as he waved his Rick and Morty around, biting her lip and clearing her throat.

"Well. Lets strip and dip."

She didn't know what came over her. Her face turned ten shades of red, her ears on fire. She wouldn't say anything else, only turn quickly, dig in her bag quickly to pull out her swimsuit and storm away to the bathroom. She'd quickly shut and lock the door while she internally died. She was certain she could stay in this bathroom the rest of the night. Michael wouldn't notice.

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Angela smiled as Don slipped up behind her, wrapping his arms about her waist. She'd stop what she was doing, leaving the few items on the counter and instead just lean back and look up at him upside down. She'd wince as he asked how her errand went, but happy he didn't give her a chance to respond as he continued on about meeting this blade smith.

"A Valkyrie huh? How do you know? I mean, Yelena said she was from Norway and knew a lot about Vikings. She have one of those pointy helmets? Long braids? Was she fat and sang in a high soprano?"

She'd snicker and just shake her head. "Nah. Yelena said she was sexy." She'd frown then, giving him a suspicious look. "How did you offer to pay her?"

She'd give him a light elbow to the ribs with a wide grin and a wink.

"My errand. Didn't go so well. So I kinda went back to Jennifer's apartment to take care of that bane. It should have been easy but wasn't. Ended up breaking the water pipe and electrocuting the guy. About got my own tail fried off. Left the building with no water and no power and they had to kick everyone out. I did catch a glimpse of Jennifer afterwards. Mikie wasn't with her. So I think that thing.... that thing that the spirits told me about.... might still be going on with them."