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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 9, 2021 23:41:03 GMT -5
Michael recoiled from Zaid a bit from the shock, he shook his hand in the air a few times. He laughed at Zaid's reaction then. "I think it's the suit, the cheap garment bag I had it inside must have charged me up. I'm ok Jen, but you're lucky I didn't zap you earlier too! Apologies Zaid."
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Post by Mel Benett on Mar 9, 2021 23:57:32 GMT -5
Michael calling Jen his honey bunny made Mel smile. "it's my pleasure, really. I appreciate you all coming to keep me company." Michael was making a good impression so far. Of course, there'd still be a hurt her, I kill you speech.
Kai was still doing his best to avoid her. It was really bugging her but she was trying not to dwell on it in this moment. She was surrounded by friends, beautiful artwork, and had successfully escaped her mother.
Mel watched as Atraya reluctantly left. She was not unaware that a private moment had been unintentionally interrupted. She felt slightly bad but it was a public gallery opening. Mel slid next to Zaid's side that was free of an earbud and looked at the photograph. "It's a very calming photo." Sand in her toes would be great right now. The thought of suggesting a trip to the beach crossed her mind. Zaid wouldn't leave and she wasn't going to leave him completely stranded while Atraya mingled. Plus, she had to stay nearby as well. She leaned in a little. "You can stick with us, you know. It will give you something to do until Atraya is free. These events aren't so bad, but the attendees can leave something to be desired." A smile formed and she gently nudged him back towards the group and looked at her friends.
"We can wander around and look at more of the art or there's a little dive just down the block. We could go hang out there for a bit. I've honed my slipping away skills over the years. Or I'm open to suggestions as long as it keeps me away from Martha and her attempts to set me up with someone." She smirked.
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Post by darkheart on Mar 10, 2021 12:16:05 GMT -5
Zaid would startle from his thoughts at the sound of Mel's voice, her proximity unnoticed previously. Smiling sheepishly, he'd nod at her comment, turning his gaze back to the painting. He would whisper to her quietly as he searched the painting with his eyes once more.
"The higher nature in humankind always seeks for something that transcends itself and yet is its deepest truth; which claims all its sacrifice, yet makes this sacrifice its own recompense. To display itself it tries to be big, to stand upon the pedestal of its accumulations and to retain everything of itself. To reveal itself it gives up everything it has; thus becoming perfect like the flower that has formed from the bud, pouring from its chalice all the beauty of its sweetness."
He would reflect on the photo for a moment longer, then turn to Mel with a gentle smile.
"I agree...this photo reveals the beauty of this moment well...and sorry, I tend to get a little lost in my head sometimes. I'd love to hang out with you...I just don't want to assume a place among such established friends. I would never so ungraciously draw upon your courtesy."
He would blink a few times, then laugh awkwardly.
"What I mean to say is, I'd love to hang out, if you'd have me. And I'm finding the company of this gallery more enjoyable by the minute. I have to admit, I'd normally just hijack the sound system and the lighting displays and give the folks here a show...but this is Atraya's event, I wouldn't want to embarrass her."
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Post by Kaivion Stone on Mar 10, 2021 14:28:19 GMT -5
Kaivion had kind of stepped back to watch the interactions of everyone. As the girls gushed over Jen and her new beau. He kinda snickered under his breath at michael referring to jen as his honeybunny. Cheesy but adorable. His focus would adjust to Jen when she spoke to him, asking him about his and Safi’s adventures.
‘Yeah, actually we’re supposed to go check out my Eeeehhh….Eylassa’s grand mothers house. The old bat is convinced its haunted.’
He’d almost said Ex and Mel was within earshot. He caught himself just in time. He ignored any look safi might have casted him at his comment. Kaivion himself wasn't the biggest fan of Eylssa's grandmother. He shrugged a little bit. He didn’t expect to find anything. They rarely did. And even when they did was damn near impossible to prove it. But he trusted Safi’s instincts more than his own.
‘But it’ll be fun, Safi’s going to crash with Landyn and me for the weekend to make it easier.’
He glanced over at Safi with a gentle smile. He wasn’t certain why she was always so relieved to escape her dorm room. She hadn’t discussed it with him yet. But he wanted to ask. But wasn’t sure if it was a subject she’d avoid with him, as much as he was avoiding Mel and his problems at that exact moment.
He felt he could let out a sigh of relief when mel moved away from the group to go harass poor Zaid. He was getting the feeling from the solitary move to look at the photography by himself, suggested he either felt like a 5th wheel, or they unknowingly had disturbed whatever conversation or ‘non conversation’ he’d been having with the gallery owner.
He wondered how Zaid met such a gorgeous woman. He might be freshly single and not ready to mingle but he was still a man and could appreciate a beautiful woman when he saw one.
He’d nudge Safi before looking at Jen and the new comer michael.
‘Wanna go explore the rest of the expose, on this floor? I think Mel’s got Zaid covered.’
He’d shrug casually. He felt bad that he didn’t know jen as well as the girls. And because she was apart of their (the girls) inner circle. He wanted to get to know her, and now michael if he stuck around.
In a weird way it was kind of nice having a large group of them together exploring the gallery. Normally he’d be bored out of his mind. But at least this time there were more people to engage in a real conversation with.
‘Hows school going Jen?’ He’d ask her, since she had engaged him with conversation, before glancing at michael. ‘Do you go to Cal Tech too with the girls?’
He himself was curious about how the two met, and the strange reaction between him and Zaid. But he brushed it off accepting what michael offered as explanation.
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 10, 2021 20:19:13 GMT -5
Michael would answer Kaivion's question honestly and without pause for contemplation. He was learning to be quick on his feet covering up the true nature of his work.
"No actually, I work as an assistant to a private investigator. I was working a case with my boss looking for some stolen property when I met Jennifer. The full story is kind of embarrassing and involves wild animals and a golf cart. I'll let Jen explain if she wants to go there right now." He shot Jen a grin and gave her hand a light squeeze. She would feel the adoration he held for her through his touch, some of his untapped and unchecked energy passing in to her once more.
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Post by kinkednitemare on Mar 10, 2021 22:22:37 GMT -5
Safi Marie Hayes
-=Safi was doing her best taking in all the people with them. Friends and new friends. She wasn't as uncomfortable as she thought she was going to be which was a relief. Jen would mention their shoes and she'd look down at Jen's before glancing at her own. She was wearing what she was wearing because she didn't have dress shoes. Not like the ones Jen was wearing anyway. Also she needed to be comfortable in some way and shoes were the most subtle way to to do it. She would smile at Jen and not envy the potential foot ache she might have from her shoes, but they looked nice.
Observing the conversation with Michael and Kai it seemed like it was going to be an interesting story from Jen when the time came, but it probably wasn't the time right now. She would smile to herself and glance around watching Mel and Zaid speak for awhile. But ultimately she'd probably zone out for a moment looking at a photo hanging on the wall while she was in her own thoughts for a brief moment. Hearing Kai speak to her eyes would slowly move to focus on him and she'd shrug. She'd go with the flow on this one, if he was up to exploring she'd be up for it, but if they all wanted to go eat she was up for that too...as she was soon realizing she may have forgotten to eat earlier and her stomach was tightening just a bit at the mention of it. =-
I'm down for whatever. This place is nice.
-=Which it was, she liked the vibe of it aside from the crowd. Though it was nothing like it was down stairs so she was glad Mel had ushered them upstairs when they arrived. She held her cellphone in one hand that had everything on it with the case. Well everything she thought she'd need for the moment. Now realizing maybe she should have just brought a bag, stopping back at the dorm was an exhausting thought, but she was ready to do it. =- |
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Post by Jennifer on Mar 11, 2021 14:14:58 GMT -5
Jen looked over to where Mel spoke with Zaid. She hoped he'd join them for whatever they got into this afternoon. He seemed interesting.
She'd look back to Kai then as he answered her question, her grin widening as he referred to Eylassa's Grandmother as an old bat. Not that she knew either of them but it was amusing still.
"Sounds like it could be interesting at least. I don't think it would be something I could ever do I would be so freaked out every little noise would be... something... even if it wasn't."
She'd laugh, looking over to Safi with a smile. The quietest of the bunch but certainly the most brave in her opinion.
"And I'm with Safi, I'm down for whatever. This place is gorgeous and I'd like to explore some more. But at the same time, the gallery will be here another day if we miss something."
Jen was about to answer Kai's question about school when Michael mentioned how they met. Her grin would widen in embarrassment as he briefly explained. Which she was sure she'd have to elaborate on after that tiny bit of information.
"Yeah. Embarrassing for me mostly. Thanks." She'd look his way with a chuckle and a shake of her head, returning the light squeeze of his hand with one of her own. That familiar warmth she had come to associate with him spreading up her arm.
"So, long story short, I have a part time job at Universal Studios. Kind of a night... gopher type position I guess. They get a call saying they spotted two coyotes running around the back lot and wanted someone to go shoo them off. Since I'm the 'animal person' they assumed I'd be up for that so they sent me out in a golf cart and that's when I ran into Michael. Literally. Rounded a corner and.. BAM. No idea where he came from and still don't understand how he didn't at least hear or see the cart coming. It was night and it did have headlights."
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Post by Atraya Crowe on Mar 12, 2021 1:34:44 GMT -5
It also says much about your eye my dear. I understand you personally had a hand in all of what is displayed here. I can tell just by your choices that you are someone who not only appreciates art but looks at it with a creative eye. You should be proud of what you have done."
Atraya humbling bowed her head in response to Ana’s compliment.
‘Thank you, Art was my favorite subject in school. I still paint when I have the luxury to do so. Which doesn’t seem very often anymore these days. But I’ll always be passionate about it.’
She’d smile wistfully for a moment before speaking again.
‘But if there’s any specific pieces on the market you’re interested in. I’d be happy to locate and procure them for you directly. We’ve been very successful in finding rare and desirable art as of late. And it would be my pleasure to help you find what you might be looking for.’
She’d glance at martha and richard and the senator, as to include them in her offer, should anyone decide they wanted a picasso or monet for their home office.
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Post by Mel Benett on Mar 12, 2021 14:17:49 GMT -5
Mel remained quiet, her eyes focusing on the painting as Zaid spoke. She took in his words and realized there was nothing of value she could add to his statement. She returned his smile as he apologized. "There's no need to apologize. It's easy to get lost in one's thoughts, especially when surrounded by such beauty." There was a thoughtful pause and she smiled as he laughed and explained what he meant to say.
"It's no intrusion and we would love to have you join us. A show would be fun right about now." She shrugged and laughed a little. "I party too much for my own good so a show sounds right up my alley. You are correct though, unfortunately, this is not the place for that." They fully rejoined the group. She didn't go into the fact that partying and staying busy was all an effort to keep herself distracted.
"Zaid's going to hang out with us." She grinned. "Should we wander around and look at the art?" She asked the group.
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 12, 2021 23:17:35 GMT -5
"In my defense, those lights were not very bright and I was startled by the coyotes, I was looking the other way when she blind sided me whipping it around that turn. The golf cart assassin... Struck!"
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Post by darkheart on Mar 13, 2021 11:25:26 GMT -5
Zaid would smile, shaking his head at the thought of a gallery filled with techno hip hop. He wasn't sure if they would be mortified or if they would spontaneously mortify him by getting down with it. Within earshot of all of them, he chuckled.
"You can't party too much, Mel. Heck, even Jen and Michael crash late night raves!"
He smiled, then froze for a second. He'd laugh nervously with a grin.
"At least, uh, you seem like you'd have fun with that...think. Um...lead on Mel!"
He'd rub the back of his neck quietly, forgetting he shouldn't have known that.
He'd glance over at Kai and Safi, the tension between their auras crackling to his eyes. Looking to Michael, he registered what he'd said earlier.
"Hey Michael...you said you worked for a Private Investigator...Is that Mr. Sanders?"
He'd smile, though his eyes frowned a bit. He and Faruq had dodged Donnalbane more than a few times in the past. Not that the man was problematic, per se, but he was a bit of an unknown quantity in the realm of LA's supernatural.
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Post by jsmith506 on Mar 13, 2021 12:12:47 GMT -5
Michael turned his head back to Zaid, admittedly a bit shocked that he knew of his boss. "Why yes Zaid, Donnald D. Sanders is my employer. He works in kind a niche market, I'm surprised you've heard of him."
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Post by darkheart on Mar 13, 2021 14:56:22 GMT -5
Zaid would grin wide, pleased anime style and laugh to Michael.
"Yeah...funny story! The lady who lives next to my mom thought she saw a Rakshasi a few years back. She put a baseball bat in my hands and pushed me into her apartment to look for it. When there was nothing there, she called "The Big D", peace be upon him, to come over and perform a spiritual cleansing and warding of the place. I don't know about all that, but he was a nice guy - I remember the big red coat. His chakras were super messed up...thought I was on a LSD trip, honestly. But it could have just been a bad day. He looked a little rough. I think the lady got the better of him, though. She told him he had to the cleansing in nothing but his underwear, and he obliged. I think the old bat just wanted to see what was under that coat!! I hope he's doing well - he must be if he's taken you on! I'm happy for you, bro! He seems like a great guy to work with."
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Post by Jennifer on Mar 13, 2021 23:55:16 GMT -5
Ana gave Atraya a bright smile.
"My dear you must make time for your passions. This life is too short to waste away with work alone. You will regret your lost joys when you are older if you do not.
And I would be happy to support your business. I will think on my fancies and get back in touch with you. And dearest, if ever you wish to paint in solitude my doors are welcome to you anytime. Perhaps you could find inspiration in our gardens."
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Jennifer would chuckle, biting her bottom lip in embarassment as Michael called her the golf cart assassin. She'd playfully poke him in the ribs.
Zaid would mention her name though and she'd look up. Mouthing to herself in a bit of confusion 'late night raves' right before the light bulb went off. Maybe Zaid was there? There were so many people there, and everyone she had encountered before Michael were so rude to her, it's no wonder she didn't notice. Not that she knew him or would likely even recognize him tonight with all that happened. She'd start to say something but then the conversation was moved on to Michael's employer. Another person she had recently met and learned that his paranormal investigations were more than just a little hocus pocus. She'd almost mention it to Kai and Safi, but part of her didn't want them to know, thinking it was too dangerous. So instead she'd just ask maybe a silly question.
"Zaid, what's a Rakshasi?"
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Post by darkheart on Mar 14, 2021 11:42:23 GMT -5
Zaid would look to Jen with a soft smile at her question.
"That is a lot to unpack...but most simply put, they are the boogeymen of the Hindu culture. Without boring you with the theology and history, they're just bad ju-ju."
His face would take on a playfully scary look, as if telling a campfire ghost story, his fingers coming up beside his head and waving furiously.
"The evil Rakshasa are flying, man-eating demons who drink the blood of mortals from their skull and consume their flesh! The dangerous part is, they have illusion magic and can take the sight or form of anyone! So you never know who might really be a Rakshasa in disguise....ooooooooh!"
He would make a playful, lilting ghost noise, then lower his hands and resume his posture. There was no hint of mocking her for her question in any of it, just a general playfulness meant to inspire humor at the absurdity of it all.
"In reality, some of the older Hindi believe they really exist. They're a lot like demons in the Judeo-Christian belief systems, just with the usual Hindi flair and color. They're also extremely scary to those who believe in them, because, according to legend, they can only be killed by a magical weapon and, even worse, when they die in this world, they go back to a Hell of sorts, until their body reforms and they are back in this world. The only way to truly kill a Rakshasa is in the Nine Hells. So, again, those who believe in them are terrified of them because, according to the lore, even if you kill it the creature would come back and they are not terribly known for being the forgiving sort, if you know what I mean."
He would sigh with a kind smile.
"Which, when you think about it, probably means the next door lady didn't like me too much because I wouldn't have been able to do much with a baseball bat. But my guess is that she thought as I do that it was just some punks in a creepy tiger mask and she wanted me to chase them off. But beliefs run deep, so the comfort of having someone like Mr. Sanders ensure her place was protected against evil likely helped her get over the trauma, ya know?"
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