Called 2

[7/25/2014 10:19:35 PM] Josie: Rycroft is awakened at sunset by the chirp of a text message!

[7/25/2014 10:19:40 PM] Josie: It's Rose. "How did it go?"

[7/25/2014 10:20:37 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft grabs his phone. "All right.  I'm going to check on her now.  I don't think she's gonna run."

[7/25/2014 10:21:07 PM | Edited 10:23:53 PM] Josie: "Knew you were the right person."

[7/25/2014 10:22:08 PM | Edited 10:22:18 PM] Rycroft: "Tess helped too.  The girls says her name is 'Lizard'.  She was homeless when the Torrie found her, I think.  He made her draw.  Her memory is still a bit muddled."

[7/25/2014 10:24:30 PM] Josie: "Might give the Hunter a medal, in that case. No idea why he didn't kill her too. 'Lizard' is very undignified. Needs a new name."

[7/25/2014 10:33:10 PM] Rycroft: "We'll let her ease into this first.

[7/25/2014 10:34:22 PM] Josie: "Just make sure she's presentable when the time comes. Lunch?"

[7/25/2014 10:36:12 PM] Rycroft: "I told her I'd get her some paints.  I think she's going to paint the room I gave her.  Maybe after that.  Where?"

[7/25/2014 10:37:48 PM] Josie: She gives an address for the wealthier part in town, and then ends the text with "Later."

[7/25/2014 10:38:52 PM] Rycroft: "That's awfully vague for you."

[7/25/2014 10:40:03 PM] Josie: She replies with "11:43 p.m., don't be late."

[7/25/2014 10:40:34 PM] Rycroft: "Better."

[7/25/2014 10:44:37 PM] Josie: "This is not a booty call."

[7/25/2014 10:45:14 PM] Rycroft: "Good, I'll wear pants."

[7/25/2014 10:45:24 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft follows this up with ".. that was a joke."

[7/25/2014 10:45:38 PM] Josie: "So you *won't* wear pants?"

[7/25/2014 10:45:52 PM] Rycroft: "Heh.  See you then."

[7/25/2014 10:46:02 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft gets up and goes to check on the houseguests.

[7/25/2014 10:47:27 PM] Josie: Tess is snoring on the couch. Lizard... has fallen asleep propped up against a wall, with a marker in her hand. She's drawn all over the wall.

[7/25/2014 10:47:58 PM] Rycroft: What did she draw?

[7/25/2014 10:49:01 PM] Josie: A seascape, apparently. There's a rather complex ship in full sail and a storm sailing in.

[7/25/2014 10:49:22 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft lets her sleep and goes to make coffee.

[7/25/2014 10:49:55 PM] Josie: Someone rings the buzzer from downstairs.

[7/25/2014 10:51:38 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft goes to the intercom. "Yes?"

[7/25/2014 10:52:06 PM] Josie: "Package for Mr. Winslow."

[7/25/2014 10:52:12 PM] Josie: Tess snorts and sits up, blinking and stretching.

[7/25/2014 10:52:54 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft looks at Tess. "Alright, I'll be down in a moment."

[7/25/2014 10:53:30 PM] Josie: Tess: ... careful. I don't have a bad feeling about whatever it is but you never know.

[7/25/2014 10:53:46 PM] Josie: Tess: Kid's in her room?

[7/25/2014 10:54:11 PM] Rycroft: That's why you're staying here while I go down there. Yeah, she's still asleep.

[7/25/2014 10:54:30 PM] Josie: Tess nods. "Right."

[7/25/2014 10:54:43 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft goes down to the lobby!

[7/25/2014 10:55:58 PM] Josie: There's a delivery guy there. He looks bored, and he's holding a package about two feet long wrapped in brown paper. "You Winslow?"

[7/25/2014 10:56:29 PM] Rycroft: That's me.

[7/25/2014 10:56:29 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft checks his aura!

[7/25/2014 10:56:52 PM] Josie: He's a bored delivery guy!

[7/25/2014 10:57:19 PM] Josie: He makes Rye sign for the package first, and then hands it to him.

[7/25/2014 10:57:59 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft takes it and opens it there.

[7/25/2014 10:59:25 PM] Josie: He pulls the brown paper aside and opens the box to reveal....

[7/25/2014 10:59:51 PM] Josie: A plaid, traditional kilt. There's a note underneath that says "Pants now optional."

[7/25/2014 11:00:27 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft chuckles.

[7/25/2014 11:01:00 PM] Josie: The delivery guy is long gone by this point.

[7/25/2014 11:02:56 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft goes back up to his apartment.

[7/25/2014 11:04:19 PM] Josie: Tess has brushed and ponytailed her hair and folded up the blanket. "What's in the box?"

[7/25/2014 11:05:27 PM] Rycroft: A gift from your boss.

[7/25/2014 11:05:44 PM] Josie: She waggles her eyebrows.

[7/25/2014 11:07:03 PM] Rycroft: Put those eyebrows down.

[7/25/2014 11:09:59 PM] Josie: Tess: Why? Is it a thong? A banana hammock? Assless chaps?

[7/25/2014 11:11:28 PM] Rycroft: A kilt.

[7/25/2014 11:11:49 PM] Josie: Tess: Wow, I wouldn't've figured her for a leg woman.

[7/25/2014 11:12:58 PM] Rycroft: Hmph. We need to get Lizard some paint.

[7/25/2014 11:13:39 PM] Josie: Tess: I can stay with her here and you can go, or we can wake her up.

[7/25/2014 11:14:54 PM] Rycroft: Stay here, I'll run and get it.

[7/25/2014 11:15:22 PM] Josie: Tess: Sure thing, Legs.

[7/25/2014 11:15:23 PM] Josie: She winks.

[7/25/2014 11:16:30 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft sighs. "She sent it over based on a joke I made about twenty minutes ago in a text.  She's quick on the Amazon, apparently."

[7/25/2014 11:18:28 PM] Josie: Tess: Oh, I see. I'll have to tease you about something else.

[7/25/2014 11:20:14 PM] Rycroft: Indeed.

[7/25/2014 11:20:14 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft gets a jacket on. "All right.  I'll be back soon."

[7/25/2014 11:21:20 PM] Josie: Tess: Any suggestions?

[7/25/2014 11:21:55 PM] Rycroft: I'm sure you'll find something.

[7/25/2014 11:22:25 PM] Josie: Tess: Yeah, but it has to be both funny *and* something that doesn't bother you. ... see you later! Be careful out there.

[7/25/2014 11:23:32 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft leaves the building and heads down the block to an art supply store.

[7/25/2014 11:26:48 PM] Josie: There are a few out there! What's he going to buy?

[7/25/2014 11:27:29 PM] Rycroft: Just a bunch of acrylic paints and some brushes. Lots of different colors.

[7/25/2014 11:28:12 PM] Josie: *nodnod*

[7/25/2014 11:28:23 PM] Josie: No other art stuff?

[7/25/2014 11:31:07 PM] Rycroft: He'll get her some sketchpads and some canvas boards.

[7/25/2014 11:31:31 PM] Josie: Good move. Pencils, erasers?

[7/25/2014 11:32:17 PM] Josie: The lady suggests some colored pencils, some oils, watercolors and watercolor paper, too. She is trying to upsell, but also to be helpful.

[7/25/2014 11:32:46 PM] Josie: She also steers him away from some of the more expensive brands in favor of some less pricey ones that are still of the same quality.

[7/25/2014 11:33:54 PM] Rycroft: He follows her suggestions.

[7/25/2014 11:34:49 PM] Josie: He ends up with all sorts of things, even some chalks and charcoals, but it's all drawing and painting.

[7/25/2014 11:35:21 PM] Josie: The saleswoman gives him her card, too, and notes that if he ever wants advice on materials to give her a call.

[7/25/2014 11:35:52 PM] Rycroft: He takes it with thanks and heads back home.

[7/25/2014 11:37:34 PM] Josie: When he gets there, Tess and Liz are playing Go Fish.

[7/25/2014 11:38:06 PM] Rycroft: Who's winning?

[7/25/2014 11:38:29 PM] Josie: Liz: I am. But only just.

[7/25/2014 11:38:37 PM] Josie: Tess: Well it's mostly luck.

[7/25/2014 11:38:49 PM] Josie: Both of them stare at the massive bags of stuff he's carrying.

[7/25/2014 11:39:23 PM] Rycroft: I didn't know what to get you so I got you a lot of stuff. Paints, paper, brushes... use whatever you want.

[7/25/2014 11:40:46 PM] Josie: Her eyes get huuuuge. "Really!?"

[7/25/2014 11:41:17 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft nods and sets the bags down.

[7/25/2014 11:41:38 PM] Josie: She sets her cards down and starts going through the bags.

[7/25/2014 11:41:45 PM] Josie: Tess: That counts as a draw.

[7/25/2014 11:44:51 PM] Josie: Tess: Ooh, watercolors. I used to use those as a kid. Tough to work with though.

[7/25/2014 11:45:07 PM] Josie: Liz: You bought *everything*!

[7/25/2014 11:46:23 PM] Rycroft: Rycroft shrugs. "I wasn't sure what to get so I erred on the side of caution."

[7/25/2014 11:51:42 PM] Josie: Liz: But it must've been hundreds and hundreds of dollars!

[7/25/2014 11:53:36 PM] Rycroft: Don't worry about it. I have the money.

[7/25/2014 11:54:45 PM] Josie: Liz: ... but why are you spending it on me?

[7/25/2014 11:55:23 PM] Rycroft: Why wouldn't I?

[7/25/2014 11:56:27 PM] Josie: Liz hugs him suddenly. *muffled* "You're wonderful."

[7/25/2014 11:56:43 PM] Josie: Tess: She's gonna need clothes, too, but Gray's on that.

[7/25/2014 11:57:16 PM] Rycroft: ... Hope this means you're not gonna run.

[7/26/2014 12:00:34 AM] Josie: Liz: ... as long as you don't hurt me.

[7/26/2014 12:01:32 AM] Rycroft: Nope.

[7/26/2014 12:03:35 AM] Josie: Tess: He won't.

[7/26/2014 12:03:51 AM] Josie: Liz: ... okay.

[7/26/2014 12:06:36 AM] Rycroft: Rose is taking care of her clothes?

[7/26/2014 12:07:02 AM] Josie: Tess: She didn't tell you?

[7/26/2014 12:07:40 AM] Rycroft: She didn't mention it. It's fine. I was going to ask her about it when I meet her tonight.

[7/26/2014 12:10:05 AM] Josie: Liz: ... is she nice?

[7/26/2014 12:11:00 AM] Rycroft: The prince? I suppose she is. She's tough. And very organized.

[7/26/2014 12:13:17 AM] Josie: Tess: People tease her for being Malkavian.

[7/26/2014 12:13:51 AM] Josie: ((Which she isn't.))

[7/26/2014 12:14:24 AM] Rycroft: Mmm. I get teased for apophenia.

[7/26/2014 12:14:56 AM] Josie: Tess: I get teased for being huuuuuge. Usually not more'n'once, though.

[7/26/2014 12:15:29 AM] Rycroft: Heh.

[7/26/2014 12:16:41 AM] Josie: Liz: What's Malk... Malkavian?

[7/26/2014 12:19:47 AM] Rycroft: It's one of the clans.

[7/26/2014 12:19:47 AM] Rycroft: They're all... not right.

[7/26/2014 12:20:01 AM] Josie: Liz: Not... right? Are they bad?

[7/26/2014 12:22:30 AM] Rycroft: No. Not all of them.

[7/26/2014 12:22:40 AM] Rycroft: They're just all a bit.... touched?

[7/26/2014 12:23:28 AM] Josie: Tess: They're all batshit insane. One way or another.

[7/26/2014 12:23:38 AM] Josie: Liz: ... are they all locked up or something?

[7/26/2014 12:24:12 AM] Rycroft: Nope.

[7/26/2014 12:26:09 AM] Josie: Tess: It's usually not .... that bad.

[7/26/2014 12:26:28 AM] Josie: Tess: I know one guy who keeps a duck on his head. Totally sane otherwise. He's an accountant.

[7/26/2014 12:27:06 AM] Josie: Tess: There are some a little more... debilitated, but usually they're harmless to anyone but themselves even then.

[7/26/2014 12:27:15 AM] Josie: Tess: Things like... stepping on every crack in the sidewalk, that kind of stuff.

[7/26/2014 12:27:48 AM] Josie: Tess: You only get a homicidal maniac every.... well, it's probably not any more common for them than the rest of us, right, Rye? Can I call you that or is that obnoxious?

[7/26/2014 12:29:47 AM] Rycroft: Most of my friends do, it's fine. And yeah. A lot of the old timers really like having Malkavians around, actually. The idea is that they're touched in useful ways, and are able to give useful perspective.

[7/26/2014 12:32:28 AM] Josie: Tess: You just, uh... never know if they're gonna shake your hand or lick it, that's all.

[7/26/2014 12:33:41 AM] Rycroft: Or sniff your crotch.

[7/26/2014 12:35:07 AM] Josie: Liz: ... ew.

[7/26/2014 12:35:11 AM] Josie: Tess: Yeah, pretty much.

[7/26/2014 12:37:04 AM] Rycroft: Toreador, Malkavian, Ventrue, Gangrel. There's also the Brujah, the Tremere, the Nosferatu.

[7/26/2014 12:37:33 AM] Josie: Tess: Sometimes I wish I was Brujah.

[7/26/2014 12:39:15 AM] Rycroft: Got a rebellious streak?

[7/26/2014 12:39:23 AM] Josie: Tess: Some. And there'd be less etiquette.

[7/26/2014 12:39:34 AM] Josie: Tess: I kinda got fired from my previous job.

[7/26/2014 12:40:07 AM] Rycroft: Why?

[7/26/2014 12:41:03 AM] Josie: Tess: I was a bouncer. Punched a patron in the face.

[7/26/2014 12:44:34 AM] Josie: Liz: Aren't bouncers supposed to do that?

[7/26/2014 12:44:44 AM] Josie: Tess: Uh, well. Not when the patron is the owner, apparently.

[7/26/2014 12:45:29 AM] Josie: Tess: No idea why Gray hired me. She's a stickler for protocol, and I'm uh, not.

[7/26/2014 12:45:44 AM] Rycroft: You obviously impressed her somehow.

[7/26/2014 12:46:35 AM] Josie: Tess: Might've been a favor for my captain, too. Who knows.

[7/26/2014 12:49:45 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft checks the time!

[7/26/2014 12:50:43 AM] Josie: He should probably start getting ready for lunch!

[7/26/2014 12:51:29 AM] Rycroft: All right. I have to go meet Rose soon. You guys all right here?

[7/26/2014 12:52:26 AM] Josie: Liz has broken out the colored pencils by this time and has half a page covered with a crowd scene.

[7/26/2014 12:52:36 AM] Josie: Tess: Sure. Bring me back a six-pack if you would.

[7/26/2014 12:53:10 AM] Rycroft: I'll do what I can.

[7/26/2014 12:53:15 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft goes to get ready.

[7/26/2014 12:53:46 AM] Josie: Does he wear the kilt?

[7/26/2014 12:54:25 AM | Edited 12:55:34 AM] Rycroft: He doesn't.

[7/26/2014 12:54:56 AM] Josie: Josie tries to parse that.

[7/26/2014 12:57:32 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft wears pants!

[7/26/2014 12:58:13 AM] Josie: Hee.

[7/26/2014 12:58:26 AM] Rycroft: Then he heads to the address.

[7/26/2014 12:59:08 AM] Josie: It's only thanks to his Auspex gift and training that he notices someone's following him on the way.

[7/26/2014 12:59:49 AM] Rycroft: Can he tell who it is?

[7/26/2014 1:03:26 AM] Josie: Just an average looking woman in a suit.

[7/26/2014 1:03:37 AM] Josie: She salutes him when she notices he's looking at her, though.

[7/26/2014 1:04:49 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft ignores her and flags down a taxi.

[7/26/2014 1:06:07 AM] Josie: He gets one, and the lady hops in a car and follows the taxi.

[7/26/2014 1:10:18 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft nods, and gives the driver the adress. He wants to be dropped off about a block off, though.

[7/26/2014 1:11:27 AM] Josie: He ends up in a swank residential neighborhood.

[7/26/2014 1:12:07 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft pays the cabbie and watches for his tail.

[7/26/2014 1:16:17 AM] Josie: There's no sign of her.

[7/26/2014 1:16:31 AM] Josie: However, there's an oddly-shaped shadow in a doorway on the other side of the street.

[7/26/2014 1:17:10 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft will wait for a few moments.

[7/26/2014 1:17:41 AM] Josie: The shadow doesn't move!

[7/26/2014 1:19:20 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft waves at the shadow.

[7/26/2014 1:20:38 AM] Josie: The shadow shifts slightly.

[7/26/2014 1:22:51 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft walks down the street toward the address.

[7/26/2014 1:23:53 AM] Josie: Probably Lasombra playing games.

[7/26/2014 1:24:29 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft stays alert.

[7/26/2014 1:25:39 AM] Josie: He's in a very nice area of the city, though it's not billionaire's row or anything.

[7/26/2014 1:27:02 AM] Josie: The address is a two-story home, old, but beautifully kept-up, with a round stained-glass window near the peak of the roof.

[7/26/2014 1:27:19 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft eyes the place and goes to the front door.

[7/26/2014 1:28:07 AM] Josie: It's a nice front door! There are several security cameras and, his auspex informs him, some sort of pressure plate triggered by stepping on the steps.

[7/26/2014 1:28:16 AM] Josie: It could be a bomb, or more likely, Lasombra-security.

[7/26/2014 1:30:05 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft waves at the camera, wondering what the Lasombra are doing here! ((Or are they not bad guys in your world?))

[7/26/2014 1:31:25 AM] Josie: They are *usually* bad guys, yes.

[7/26/2014 1:31:55 AM] Josie: And strenuously deny the existance and survival of antitribu. Maybe a little *too* strenuously.

[7/26/2014 1:32:00 AM] Josie: Nothing happens.

[7/26/2014 1:34:33 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft sighs and then steps on the stairs.

[7/26/2014 1:34:50 AM] Josie: He is not blown up!

[7/26/2014 1:34:55 AM] Josie: Nothing happens.

[7/26/2014 1:35:43 AM] Rycroft: He knocks.

[7/26/2014 1:38:05 AM] Josie: A maid answers the door. She's wearing a modernized version of a maid uniform, too--black pants, black shirt, and a sleek white apron.

[7/26/2014 1:38:29 AM] Josie: Inside, what you can see of the house is a dark blue wallpaper with gold designs in vintage Victorian patterns.

[7/26/2014 1:39:09 AM] Josie: Maid: Come in, sir. She's expecting you.

[7/26/2014 1:40:22 AM] Rycroft: Thank you.

[7/26/2014 1:42:22 AM] Josie: She leads him into a dining room, which is also done all in Victorian-era style. This is definitely not Rose's typical decor, by the way--she favors that sleek, clean-lined modern look.

[7/26/2014 1:42:58 AM] Josie: Even the furniture is right--dark, rich wood, and the walls are paneled in similar. The wallpaper, likely hand-painted, in here is dark green, with a stylized leaf motif.

[7/26/2014 1:44:06 AM] Josie: Two place settings are laid out on one end of the table, but there's no food in sight. The china is edged in silver.

[7/26/2014 1:44:46 AM] Rycroft: ... who is expecting me?

[7/26/2014 1:46:11 AM] Josie: A voice from behind him says "You don't know?"

[7/26/2014 1:46:24 AM] Josie: It's Rose, though.

[7/26/2014 1:46:43 AM] Rycroft: The decor threw me off.

[7/26/2014 1:47:10 AM] Josie: She comes down the steps; she's wearing a fairly pretty, but severe little black dress. It probably was physically difficult for her to change from the suits, which she wears damn near 100% of the time.

[7/26/2014 1:47:29 AM] Josie: Rose: Personally I feel it's ghastly, but it's a historic home and that comes with certain strings attached.

[7/26/2014 1:47:59 AM] Josie: Rose: And in its own excessive, overwrought way, I suppose it's attractive enough. The upper floors are a little less... bedazzled.

[7/26/2014 1:48:40 AM] Rycroft: Nice to see you, Rose. I might have been followed.

[7/26/2014 1:49:20 AM] Josie: She raises her eyebrows. "I should hope so, I might have to fire someone for losing you otherwise."

[7/26/2014 1:49:56 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft sighs.

[7/26/2014 1:51:47 AM] Rycroft: So, why are you having people follow me?

[7/26/2014 1:52:06 AM] Josie: Rose: The same reason I sent Tess with you. I prefer you alive.

[7/26/2014 1:52:16 AM] Josie: Rose: You're not going to be unreasonable about this, are you?

[7/26/2014 1:53:03 AM] Rycroft: I haven't decided yet.

[7/26/2014 1:53:29 AM] Josie: Rose: I suppose I should have told you.

[7/26/2014 1:54:00 AM | Edited 1:55:46 AM] Rycroft: Yes. I'm already on the lookout for hunters.

[7/26/2014 1:56:06 AM] Josie: Rose: Gillian and Armand aren't hunters.

[7/26/2014 1:57:34 AM] Rycroft: I know. But they were watching me and I didn't know why.

[7/26/2014 1:58:56 AM] Josie: Rose: They weren't supposed to get caught.

[7/26/2014 2:00:09 AM] Rycroft: Gillian saluted me when I saw her. Is Armand the shadowy fellow across the street?

[7/26/2014 2:00:37 AM] Josie: Rose: Yes. It was quite the coup for me to get them.

[7/26/2014 2:00:48 AM] Josie: Rose: They were *supposed* to be stealthy.

[7/26/2014 2:01:01 AM] Josie: Rose: Have I ever told you how irritating your ability to smoke people out is?

[7/26/2014 2:01:05 AM] Josie: (She has. A lot.)

[7/26/2014 2:01:16 AM] Rycroft: It's what I do.

[7/26/2014 2:04:42 AM] Josie: Rose smiles. "I know."

[7/26/2014 2:05:27 AM] Josie: Rose: And you're very good at it.

[7/26/2014 2:05:49 AM] Rycroft: You look very nice, by the way.

[7/26/2014 2:07:26 AM] Josie: Rose: Thank you. I hoped you'd like it. I'm having a bit of trouble adapting to the latest workplace attire trends. I think I would like to drop whoever thought of "Casual Fridays" into the sun.

[7/26/2014 2:09:06 AM] Rycroft: You can only see so many pasty guys in hawaiian shirts before you come to that conclusion.

[7/26/2014 2:09:19 AM] Josie: Rose: Oh god, it's so much worse than that.

[7/26/2014 2:09:33 AM] Josie: Rose: *I* have to wear one too, or I'm a bad boss!

[7/26/2014 2:10:47 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft chuckles. "Ironic t-shirts and bluejeans?"

[7/26/2014 2:11:09 AM] Josie: She rubs her forehead. "I had to buy a pair of *jeans.*"

[7/26/2014 2:12:24 AM] Rycroft: I'm sure you look great in them.

[7/26/2014 2:12:53 AM] Josie: Rose: I don't even understand the attraction. They're so... stiff, and tight. It's very uncomfortable.

[7/26/2014 2:13:42 AM] Josie: Rose: I put my foot down on the blouse, though.

[7/26/2014 2:14:01 AM] Josie: Rose: I can just about manage a peasant blouse.

[7/26/2014 2:14:35 AM] Josie: Rose: Well. Do you want blood first and then coffee? Or vice versa? There are so few people I can enjoy the latter with.

[7/26/2014 2:15:31 AM] Rycroft: I haven't eaten tonight.

[7/26/2014 2:17:27 AM] Josie: Rose: Then let's sit. It'll be just like old times, but with better napkins.

[7/26/2014 2:19:39 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft chuckles and pulls out her chair.

[7/26/2014 2:20:58 AM] Josie: She sits, politely.

[7/26/2014 2:21:12 AM] Josie: Rose: So much more dignified than a... a *booty call.*

[7/26/2014 2:22:27 AM] Josie: Rose: Why *did* we break up? I can't even remember.

[7/26/2014 2:22:38 AM] Josie: Rose: ... I do remember we were both being rather unreasonable at the time.

[7/26/2014 2:25:06 AM] Rycroft: Sounds about right. I recall you not liking my.... 'know-it-all-it-edness'.

[7/26/2014 2:26:45 AM] Josie: Rose: Pot to kettle, you are black.

[7/26/2014 2:28:25 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft chuckles.

[7/26/2014 2:28:59 AM] Rycroft: Fair enough.

[7/26/2014 2:29:56 AM] Josie: The maid walks in with a tray of small cups, in different colors. She puts four down in front of each of you.

[7/26/2014 2:30:27 AM] Josie: Rose: They're all a bit different, but it's quite fresh. People are very *thoughtful* to princes for *some* reason.

[7/26/2014 2:31:03 AM] Rycroft: ((What is her feeding restriction?))

[7/26/2014 2:31:22 AM] Josie: Rose has a relatively easy one--men only.

[7/26/2014 2:32:18 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft nods to the maid. "Thank you."

[7/26/2014 2:33:21 AM] Josie: She nods and steps out.

[7/26/2014 2:33:35 AM] Josie: Rose: This way you can try them all and ask for more of whichever you prefer.

[7/26/2014 2:33:44 AM] Josie: Rose: It must be useful not to have any restrictions.

[7/26/2014 2:34:31 AM] Rycroft: I imagine it is. I wouldn't know, though. At least yours isn't terribly burdensome.

[7/26/2014 2:34:53 AM] Josie: Rose: Yes. Imagine getting stuck with children.

[7/26/2014 2:37:13 AM] Josie: She selects one of the glasses and sips it thoughtfully, swishing it around in her mouth like wine.

[7/26/2014 2:37:28 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft sips from one of the cups.

[7/26/2014 2:37:28 AM] Josie: Rose: Or worse, the elderly. Fragile people one could kill by accident terribly easily.

[7/26/2014 2:38:26 AM] Rycroft: I once knew a Ventrue who could only feed from carnies. How does that happen?

[7/26/2014 2:38:57 AM] Josie: Rose: There are some who think it's psychological in origin.

[7/26/2014 2:39:11 AM] Rycroft: What do you think?

[7/26/2014 2:39:14 AM] Josie: She tries the other "vintages."

[7/26/2014 2:39:26 AM] Josie: Rose: I don't have any particular hang-ups about men, if that's what you're asking.

[7/26/2014 2:39:38 AM] Josie: He'll find they *do* all taste a bit different from each other.

[7/26/2014 2:40:26 AM] Rycroft: I wasn't. Just asking your opinion on the matter.

[7/26/2014 2:41:01 AM] Josie: Rose: I don't know, honestly. I've often wondered.

[7/26/2014 2:41:24 AM] Josie: Rose: I've had to... tap a few kegs, I think she calls it? for Miss Miller.

[7/26/2014 2:43:45 AM] Rycroft: Yeah, she mentioned that.

[7/26/2014 2:44:10 AM] Josie: Rose: I like her quite a bit. Although at times she can be rather distressingly frank.

[7/26/2014 2:44:44 AM] Rycroft: She's not sure why you hired her.

[7/26/2014 2:45:13 AM] Josie: Rose smiles: Deniability.

[7/26/2014 2:45:24 AM] Josie: The maid returns; Rose orders a bit more of the red and more of the orange.

[7/26/2014 2:46:43 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft asks for more of the green.

[7/26/2014 2:47:13 AM] Rycroft: Deniability for what?

[7/26/2014 2:47:42 AM] Josie: Rose: Well, sometimes I'd quite like to punch someone in the face.

[7/26/2014 2:48:32 AM] Josie: Rose: When you're in my position you simply *can't,* but if a volatile employee flies off the handle, well. Such a pity, my sincerest apologies, she's been fired, naturally. And Miss Miller gets a lovely vacation in Greece or wherever she likes and a nice cushy recommendation for a job somewhere else.

[7/26/2014 2:50:33 AM] Rycroft: Hmm. Interesting.

[7/26/2014 2:51:11 AM | Edited 2:51:15 AM] Josie: Rose: I think it'll work out well for everyone. Except the punch-ee, of course.

[7/26/2014 2:51:43 AM] Rycroft: Of course.

[7/26/2014 2:51:44 AM] Josie: The maid brings the glasses for Rose; whatever Rycroft prefers to drink his in (or did in the 1970s) is what she brings for him, as Rose remembered.

[7/26/2014 2:58:20 AM] Josie: Could be a golden goblet, a coffeecup or a beer stein.

[7/26/2014 2:58:27 AM] Josie: She sips happily.

[7/26/2014 2:59:35 AM] Rycroft: Probably a mug!

[7/26/2014 3:00:54 AM] Josie: He gets a mug! A nice one.

[7/26/2014 3:01:02 AM] Josie: Black, porcelain.

[7/26/2014 3:01:06 AM] Josie: Rose: How is she doing?

[7/26/2014 3:03:34 AM] Rycroft: Liz? She's okay. She was glad for the art supplies.

[7/26/2014 3:04:44 AM] Josie: Rose smiles. "I hope she likes the wardrobe too, when it's ready. It should be later tonight.

[7/26/2014 3:05:54 AM] Rycroft: I'm sure she will. You're much better at the whole... fashion thing.

[7/26/2014 3:07:08 AM | Edited 3:07:24 AM] Josie: Rose: You dress well enough.

[7/26/2014 3:07:33 AM] Josie: Rose: It may not be elegant, but it's not shabby.

[7/26/2014 3:08:30 AM] Rycroft: Between your lingering influence and Leon's, I've gotten into the habit.

[7/26/2014 3:09:46 AM] Josie: Rose: Ooh, Leon. He'll have you full of glitter if you're not careful.

[7/26/2014 3:10:46 AM] Josie: Rose drinks her blood! She alternates between the two cups.

[7/26/2014 3:10:48 AM] Rycroft: He's tried.

[7/26/2014 3:11:28 AM] Josie: Rose: ... while I can't deny that the look isn't *entirely* awful on a select few people, it would certainly not be a good one for you.

[7/26/2014 3:12:15 AM] Rycroft: I agree.

[7/26/2014 3:12:57 AM] Josie: Rose: How long do you think it will take before we can present her at court?

[7/26/2014 3:13:37 AM] Rycroft: Hell, I don't know, Rose. I'm not a terrible good judge of that sort of thing.

[7/26/2014 3:14:42 AM] Josie: Rose: Politics.

[7/26/2014 3:16:20 AM] Rycroft: Yeah.

[7/26/2014 3:16:33 AM] Rycroft: Did her sire have a lot of connections?

[7/26/2014 3:16:53 AM] Josie: Rose: Some. More against than for, though, so the aftermath of his untimely death has been.... messy.

[7/26/2014 3:17:03 AM] Josie: Rose: Quite a lot of people are asking for her head on a platter.

[7/26/2014 3:18:11 AM] Rycroft: Because of him?

[7/26/2014 3:18:41 AM] Josie: Rose: Because of him and because of the balance shift among the Torries in this city.

[7/26/2014 3:18:57 AM] Josie: Rose: And of course because I stuck my nose into it.

[7/26/2014 3:20:44 AM] Rycroft: What do you mean, 'balance shift'?

[7/26/2014 3:21:33 AM] Josie: Rose: Oh, he was a behind-the-scenes man for them.

[7/26/2014 3:21:53 AM] Josie: Rose: It never looked like he was anyone, but believe me, when you traced quite a bit of their power back through the ranks he was behind rather a lot.

[7/26/2014 3:24:42 AM] Rycroft: Ahh, I see.

[7/26/2014 3:25:21 AM] Rycroft: Tess told me some of his past... activities.

[7/26/2014 3:26:59 AM] Josie: Rose: If I'd been more aware of them when he was alive, he wouldn't have been.

[7/26/2014 3:29:24 AM] Rycroft: .... not to sound terribly cold, as I'm starting to like the girl, but... why protect her?

[7/26/2014 3:31:16 AM] Josie: Rose rubs her forehead again.

[7/26/2014 3:31:30 AM] Josie: Rose: If you were anyone else, I'd just tell you I hate waste.

[7/26/2014 3:32:03 AM] Josie: Rose: And I do hate waste. That's true. But I really don't know. I've been accused of going *soft* over this and I had to knock a few heads together on other issues to make it clear that wasn't true.

[7/26/2014 3:37:55 AM] Rycroft: Hmm. Okay, fair enough.

[7/26/2014 3:38:49 AM] Josie: Rose: Maybe she reminds me of me.

[7/26/2014 3:39:18 AM] Josie: Rose: For a while she just allowed herself to be tugged all over the place and moved around like a bit of furniture.

[7/26/2014 3:39:37 AM] Josie: Rose: Then the Domination wore off and she started kicking and punching everyone. I haven't been punched by anyone in a *very* long time, Rye.

[7/26/2014 3:41:36 AM] Rycroft: How long ago was she embraced?

[7/26/2014 3:42:03 AM] Josie: Rose: Two days? Three? It was a *very* long day. Nobody got much sleep.

[7/26/2014 3:44:17 AM] Rycroft: Mmm. ... how does she remind you of you?

[7/26/2014 3:46:05 AM] Josie: Rose: She fought back. Hard.

[7/26/2014 3:46:14 AM] Josie: Rose: I didn't say she was smart.

[7/26/2014 3:47:18 AM] Rycroft: She didn't know she was a vampire. I had to explain it to her.

[7/26/2014 3:47:58 AM] Josie: Rose: ... god. He really didn't tell her anything. How did it go?

[7/26/2014 3:51:11 AM] Rycroft: Not bad. Incredulous, then she asked if she could turn into a bat.

[7/26/2014 3:51:36 AM] Josie: Rose rolls her eyes and sets her empty glass down.

[7/26/2014 3:51:41 AM] Josie: Rose: They always ask that.

[7/26/2014 3:52:34 AM] Rycroft: She seems to be accepting of it, though.

[7/26/2014 3:54:27 AM] Josie: Rose: Well thank goodness for that.

[7/26/2014 3:57:10 AM] Rycroft: She likes Tess, too. Good call there.

[7/26/2014 3:57:35 AM] Josie: The maid returns, takes any cups that are empty or unwanted, and leaves coffee in its place. Also sugar and cream.

[7/26/2014 3:58:23 AM] Josie: Rose: Ha. I thought so. Tess is so... big and obvious. It's impossible to think she might hide things. I actually don't think she *does* hide things.

[7/26/2014 3:58:48 AM] Josie: Rose: It's a little disconcerting at first.

[7/26/2014 4:01:16 AM] Rycroft: Yeah, she says she feels like she should have been a Brujah.

[7/26/2014 4:02:27 AM] Josie: Rose: Ventrue has a reputation for choosing politicians, but there are those of us concerned with honor, too, don't forget.

[7/26/2014 4:05:25 AM] Rycroft: Oh, I know.

[7/26/2014 4:05:47 AM] Rycroft: Just saying what she said.

[7/26/2014 4:06:50 AM] Josie: She pours some coffee for Rye and puts whatever he likes in it, in it, or nothing if he likes it black.

[7/26/2014 4:06:57 AM] Josie: She herself takes both cream and sugar.

[7/26/2014 4:07:13 AM] Rycroft: He just takes it with sugar.

[7/26/2014 4:09:10 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft sips his coffee. "So how have you been, Rose?  I don't mean business."

[7/26/2014 4:09:57 AM] Josie: Rose: ... I'm pretty much all business these days.

[7/26/2014 4:10:14 AM] Josie: Rose: Sometimes I wish I hadn't been *quite* so successful.

[7/26/2014 4:12:27 AM] Josie: Rose: I learned Japanese.

[7/26/2014 4:14:56 AM] Rycroft: I could never get the hang of that one.

[7/26/2014 4:19:54 AM] Josie: Rose: It wasn't easy.

[7/26/2014 4:20:43 AM] Josie: Rose: ... I missed you. I haven't been alone all this time, obviously. But all the same, it's nice to be around someone who's not around you because of your position.

[7/26/2014 4:22:31 AM] Rycroft: I wouldn't know. But I do know that you being Prince is the least interesting thing about you.

[7/26/2014 4:23:58 AM] Josie: She smiles, and sips her coffee. "And you're not just saying that for favor or to get into my dress. It's *such* a nice change."

[7/26/2014 4:24:55 AM] Rycroft: Lots of sycophants, then?

[7/26/2014 4:26:43 AM] Josie: Rose: Always.

[7/26/2014 4:27:31 AM] Josie: She takes his hand across the table.

[7/26/2014 4:28:36 AM] Rycroft: He gives her hand a squeeze.

[7/26/2014 4:30:50 AM] Josie: Rose: Care to give it another shot?

[7/26/2014 4:35:10 AM] Rycroft: You know, I think I would.

[7/26/2014 4:35:58 AM] Josie: Rose: It'll be more complicated now.

[7/26/2014 4:37:36 AM] Rycroft: Yeah, I know. You're the Prince.

[7/26/2014 4:38:01 AM] Josie: Rose: And still a pain in the ass, too.

[7/26/2014 4:42:09 AM] Rycroft: Well. WE'll take it slow.

[7/26/2014 4:43:22 AM] Josie: Rose: Then I guess I shouldn't invite you to fly to Milan with me tomorrow. ... and you're a family man now anyway.

[7/26/2014 4:43:31 AM] Josie: Rose: Hoist on my own clever scheme.

[7/26/2014 4:45:34 AM] Rycroft: Indeed. What takes you to Milan?

[7/26/2014 4:46:03 AM] Josie: Rose: Nominally, a fashion show.

[7/26/2014 4:47:00 AM] Josie: Rose: Actually, politics. There's been a bit of turmoil in Italy just recently and they've sorted it out, largely, but there's a few of the cities where... well, the leadership's loyalty is in question, shall we say.

[7/26/2014 4:48:43 AM] Rycroft: Ahh. Well. I'll try not to seduce anyone while you're away.

[7/26/2014 4:51:03 AM] Josie: Rose: Mmm. Even I'm not sure if I'd be jealous or just glad someone's there to occupy more of your time. I rather suspect you're going to cause some trouble for me.

[7/26/2014 4:52:44 AM] Rycroft: ... that does seem likely, doesn't it.

[7/26/2014 4:53:47 AM] Josie: Rose: As long as it's *good* trouble.

[7/26/2014 4:54:55 AM] Josie: Rose: "Oh dear, I have so many diamonds I can't carry them all! And my gold money clip won't stretch to contain all these $100 bills! And so many princes decided to be my allies that my voicemail is full!"

[7/26/2014 4:57:38 AM] Rycroft: ....that... seems less likely. You're the only prince I've met that I actually liked.

[7/26/2014 5:00:02 AM] Josie: Rose: Well, I'm confident you'll do your best.

[7/26/2014 5:00:36 AM] Josie: Rose: How slow do you want to go?

[7/26/2014 5:01:34 AM] Rycroft: Well. Not glacially. Just slow enough not to make things publically awkward for you.

[7/26/2014 5:03:45 AM] Josie: Rose: A little awkwardness might help.

[7/26/2014 5:06:56 AM] Rycroft: Oh, really? I'll be sure to send flowers to your office on an embarassingly constant basis. And not just a rose or some daisies here and there, I mean full on Stalker Special flower arrangements.

[7/26/2014 5:07:42 AM] Josie: Rose: Oh god. Me and my big mouth.

[7/26/2014 5:08:14 AM] Josie: Rose: Send oleander. People won't know whether you're trying to kill me or kiss me then.

[7/26/2014 5:12:30 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft chuckles.

[7/26/2014 5:12:36 AM] Rycroft: ((I need sleeep.))

[7/26/2014 5:13:31 AM] Josie: ((Few more minutes, or is that too much?))

[7/26/2014 5:13:55 AM] Rycroft: ((nope!))

[7/26/2014 5:14:45 AM] Josie: Rose: Mainly I'm wondering if it's too soon to drag you upstairs and have my wicked way with you. Or escort you upstairs and have a good time with you.

[7/26/2014 5:14:54 AM] Josie: Rose: Saves wear and tear on the stairs.

[7/26/2014 5:16:38 AM] Rycroft: Too soon? Not nearly.

[7/26/2014 5:18:50 AM] Josie: Rose: Oh good. I don't have time to seduce you today. ... also, I'm not very good at that.

[7/26/2014 5:19:41 AM] Rycroft: To be honest? Neither am I.

[7/26/2014 5:21:27 AM] Josie: Rose: Well, whatever you're doing works on me.

[7/26/2014 5:21:31 AM] Josie: She stands up.

[7/26/2014 5:22:32 AM] Rycroft: Rycroft also stands. "Well, let's get to it, then.  You're a busy woman."

[7/26/2014 5:23:47 AM] Josie: Rose: Very.

[7/26/2014 5:24:01 AM] Josie: She grins, grabs his hand and tugs him gently up the stairs!

[7/26/2014 5:24:38 AM] Rycroft: He goes with her!