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It's Brittany, Bitch | Ερις ([info]eristic) wrote in [info]paxletalelogs,
@ 2010-12-02 16:05:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:eris, freyja, loki

we take it day by day
Who: Charlie, Cara, & Zio
What: Charlie is fixing her bike. Cara poked the bear. Zio joined in on the fun.
Where: Parking lot of Pax.
When: November 28th, around 5ish.
Warnings: Swearing will undoubtedly be encountered, but I'll let yah know if anything else occurs.

One hand wearing a grease cloth rubbed the inner valve of some random part off of her bike - Charlie found it soothing to be working on her bike. Especially since her mind seemed to not be entirely her own these days. She was seated on the poured asphalt of Pax's parking lot in front of her motorcycle, off to the side and spread out in a semi-neat half circle. Somehow she'd been graced with a weekend day off, even if it was a Sunday. Charlie's Catholic roots were a little pleased by that, but she'd never admit it aloud. Dressed in a scuffed off-white tee that might've started out white, jeans, and her usual riding boots.

Tools to the right, a few spare rags to her left, hair tied up in a short pony tail, the woman concentrated on undoing and cleaning each piece systematically, leaving them in a particular order that reminded her of their placement on her bike. A little ways off to her right, further past the tools, was a small radio blaring Guns 'n Roses' Welcome To The Jungle. According to Charlie, one couldn't go wrong with a little GNR, but parts of the song were wearing on her a little. I wanna hear you scream.

Geez, wasn't that a little reminiscent of Halloween. Hitting a little too close to home. She was doing her best to ignore it, these teasing little thoughts in the back of her mind, instead concentrating on making sure she was tuning up her bike correctly. Oh, lovely peace and quiet, tempered just a little by her favorite music. She could go for stuff like this for the rest of her life.


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[info]eristic
2010-12-06 05:33 am UTC (link)
She snorted and laughed this time. Not loudly, but certainly with a mocking tone.

"For pieces of crap like that? Might as well just donate them." She didn't even turn around this time, instead set on placing the piece back in its appointed spot on her bike. Her hands worked carefully, setting it in place and reaching for a nearby tool.

A wrench came to hand, and she needed concentration to make sure that she didn't scrape the bolt as she tightened it. The woman standing behind her was all but forgotten as she worked on her bike, mind entirely on her task.

Then it was set in place, and she leaned back to look over her work, moving a stray piece of hair back behind one ear. A bit of grease smeared her cheek, but it was a well-earned badge of honor.

Her eyes drifted down to the other pieces of her bike, for a moment tongue caught between teeth as she put the pieces back together in her mind so she had a good idea of their fit.

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-06 06:38 am UTC (link)
This time, Cara's annoyed expression shifted into an expression of amusement. My goodness, but this girl wasn't out to make friends, was she? Unfortunately for her, Cara Clark was determined to not depart the loser of this little match of wits...

...And, actually, she was finding their chance encounter to be remarkably soothing after having to deal with her mother.

"Orchids aren't typically a funeral plant, but they might remind the mourners that there's a woman beneath all that grease." She spoke coolly, standing still where she had paused earlier to greet the unfriendly woman.

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[info]eristic
2010-12-06 05:14 pm UTC (link)
Too bad there wouldn't be any mourners, was almost the first thing that came flying out of her mouth, though thankfully she realized that was more of an insult towards herself than to this woman. More than likely when she died, somebody would just throw her body in a ditch and call it a day. Not that she would blame them.

Did they seriously have to get into this now? Was sitting in a parking lot, not bothering anyone, really wave a giant sign that screamed "yes, I need to be psychoanalyzed right this second"? Not that the woman was acting particularly like a shrink, but Charlie didn't care for others to be nice to her. She was always confused as to how to respond. So she did what she always did, which was just being a bitch.

"Thanks for the advice, throw it on my tab and keep walking."

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-06 11:00 pm UTC (link)
Cara may have gotten the hint if Charlie had just asked her to go away -- probably -- but the woman had insisted on being snippety -- and so Cara had been snippety back. Even so, she wasn't some white trash Jerry Springer hopeful; she was a lady, and ladies had better things to do than to stand outside and argue with strangers.

It seemed, for a moment, that Charlie might have won, for Cara abruptly turned heel and strode inside. She was gone for only a few moments before returning.

As she spoke, Cara squatted down until she was at eye level with the strange woman on the other side of the bike. "You're all greasy and dirty, I know, but I wanted to make this offer to you anyway." She held out a single orchid, not particularly expecting the woman to take it but certainly not above making the attempt. "This is for you."

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[info]eristic
2010-12-06 11:10 pm UTC (link)
The sound of footsteps retreating into the building was music to Charlie's ears, and she put the woman out of her mind entirely - that was, up until she heard whoever she was returning, and for a moment the grease monkey wondered if she'd earned herself a fistfight. She wouldn't honestly be surprised if the woman took a swing at her, though she hadn't said anything that offensive. Lord knew she could do worse. Much worse.

Instead, this woman was going out of her way to offer her a flower. Some kind of peace offering. If Charlie's confused expression didn't denote that she was completely out of her element in this situation, well, what would? Again, people being nice was a concept that Charlie was not equipped to deal with. She rolled her shoulders and turned away from the woman, picking up another tool and turning her attention back to her bike, schooling her face back into its usual concentrated and/or angry expression.

"No thanks."

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-07 12:40 am UTC (link)
Cara's smile was immediate and warm, reacting as though she had accepted the flower. "See, I knew you must have something akin to manners." She remained where she was with the flower still extended. The soft pink petals flowed outward from the darker pink bud nestled between them. They seemed to cup the bud protectively, sheltering it from any harm.

"I hope this maybe makes your day a little brighter." She set the delicate flower down onto the seat of the bike. It stood out in stark contrast, like an impressionist's commentary on the hippie period. "I'm Cara Clark, by the way," she added as she rose to once again look down on her.

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[info]eristic
2010-12-07 12:59 am UTC (link)
Christ, this woman wasn't giving up. Of course, something in Charlie whispered in a snide tone that she certainly wasn't giving it her all if she really wanted the woman to leave her alone - then again, she was so used to just making one rude comment and having others storm off almost instantaneously. She wasn't used to this much effort.

Without glancing at the flower or the woman, Charlie proceeded to replace another part on the bike, putting up all pretense that she was still busy and far more interested in fixing her bike than in Cara standing over her.

"Charlie." The word was muttered, almost under her breath and grudgingly so. Hopefully now that Cara had deposited her flower and somehow gotten Charlie's name, she'd go away.

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-07 02:07 am UTC (link)
"Charlie." In fact, she had never heard the name used for a girl before. It was kind of pretty, in its own tomboyish sort of way. She rather liked the fact Charlie was a grease monkey. It seemed so very unique, so different from how people acted out East -- the people she associated with, anyway. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

She doubted Charlie could say the same of her.

"Are you a mechanic?" She was honestly interested -- and her curiosity shone on her face.

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[info]eristic
2010-12-07 09:11 pm UTC (link)
She didn't give any sign of whether or not it was a pleasure to meet Cara. Charlie didn't particularly care. What was it with people around here? Everybody was so goddamn tenacious, but for some reason, with the fair weather and her day off, Charlie just wasn't feeling up to fighting. Might have had something to do with her residual feelings from the Halloween party. She couldn't even remember precisely what had happened, but there was something about a fire alarm being pulled and...well, the memories were foggy at best. But she remembered the voices, and that was more than enough.

Holding another piece in place and checking it against another apparatus, she gave a grunt in reply to Cara's question. Wasn't it a little obvious? Here she was, covered in grease and oil and working on her motorcycle. Of course, there was the option of it being a hobby, but Charlie didn't have many hobbies. At least, not these days. Most of her hobbies would land her back in jail.

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[info]work_of_art
2010-12-08 03:33 am UTC (link)
Before Cara could further pursue her line of questioning, the front door of the building opened again to turn out another potential disturbance for the aggravated Charlie in the form of one Zio Moreno. His steps were swift and sure as he absently adjusted the cuffs beneath his suit jacket, leather messenger bag looped over his torso for safety. As he noticed the two ladies, however, he slowed a bit. Taking a moment, he studied both of them - the classic grace of the standing woman, the interesting dishevelment of the seated one. After a few seconds consideration, he decided that being late to his dinner appointment would be no crime and, in fact, be made far more interesting by this brief interlude.

Gently, he cleared his throat. "Hello? I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-08 05:10 am UTC (link)
It alarmed Cara how relieved she felt to have another soul enter the fray...especially when something about the guy made her hackles rise. It was a silly reaction, of course, and the cautionary sensation faded almost as soon as she identified it. She had been telling herself that she was doing well in wearing down Charlie's defenses, although not even she could say why she was trying so hard.

"Not at all," Cara answered smoothly. Her smile was beautifully-crafted, reserved, yet warm. "Charlie here was just showing me her motorcycle." Unwillingly. And she wasn't showing it off so much as Cara was stalking her.

"Cara Clark," she stated with an extension of her hand, angling her wrist with a slight, lady-like twist.

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[info]eristic
2010-12-08 05:14 pm UTC (link)
More people. That was totally what she needed - obviously she was putting on a show out here in the parking lot. Next time she decided to work on her bike, she'd do it in a goddamn storage locker, with the door barred. Then again, this could be a good thing, since Cara was busy introducing herself to this man.

Charlie didn't turn to look at the newcomer, deciding that it had been a bad idea in the first place to even acknowledge Cara. After all, now the woman wouldn't leave her alone. Maybe if she just ignored the both of them, they'd leave her in peace and wander off to something they both found more important. Besides, she needed to concentrate on her baby, to make sure that nothing was put back improperly.

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[info]work_of_art
2010-12-08 08:45 pm UTC (link)
"Cara?" Zio repeated smoothly as he accepted her hand and bent slightly over it, just the right amount. He made no move to kiss the back of Cara's hand, though, deciding that would be one step too far. Even with a lady he pegged as being used to such things. Besides, they had an audience. He straightened and smiled warmly. "Cara Clark," he repeated. "Lovely name, Miss Clark. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He glanced again at the motorcycle and its clear owner, appreciating the sure motions and focus of the other woman. She was someone who knew what she was doing and he had a feeling she viewed his interruption as a sign to get back onto her job. His smile quirked more at the corners, amusement and wickedness slipping through the pleasant mask. Then he deliberately ignored the mechanic again and turned his focus back to Cara. "Would I be safe in guessing the both of you live here?"

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-08 09:57 pm UTC (link)
It was just as well he had decided not to grace her hand with a kiss; while not unusual, Cara considered the greeting to be a touch old-fashioned (except at special occasions, of course.) "Charmed." The simple response was accompanied by the simplest change in posture; one distinctly had the impression Cara had dipped into a curtsy -- but without actually carrying it out. It was an equal and opposite reaction to his own bow.

"As a matter of fact, yes." She was speaking for herself and Charlie both, having come to the same conclusion about the mechanic herself. "I've just moved in myself. It's a beautiful building, and everyone has been so kind." She glanced at Charlie, a sideways, questioning glance. "Charlie has been an absolute doll this afternoon. She doesn't look it at the moment, but she's quite the chatterbug when you get her fired up." The comment was meant to be an opening for Charlie to join the conversation, as well as polite acknowledgement that she was still present.

The snide tone was gone from her voice now, replaced with a gentle and cultured expression of polite interest and humor. She was, in truth, every bit as curious about this gentleman as she was the girl and her motorcycle, but she did not dare breath etiquette to make a showing of it. Her body language and tone showed the proper amount of reservation without being cold or rude...at least, not to another socialite. "And you? Do you live here, Mr....?"

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[info]eristic
2010-12-08 10:10 pm UTC (link)
If Charlie had seen that little tableau, the bow and the curtsy (even just an implied one), no doubt she would have busted up laughing. As it was, she was just pulling back from the bike, looking over what she'd done. There were still a few bits and bobs laid out on the ground, but everything absolutely necessary for the bike to function was in its proper place. She picked up a grease rag and glanced over her shoulder as she began to wipe her hands off, eyes squinting a little as she took in both Cara and the new comer. A suit. Part of her wanted to find a way to "accidentally" put some grease on him, but another part of her didn't even care to get up. When did she get so lazy?

"Don't you two make a pair. Couple a fuckin' wedding toppers," she commented drily, feeling that if she was going to be dragged into the conversation, well, she'd do it with her usual grace and finesse. Which was to say with none. Putting a hand down on the ground, she rose to her feet - she certainly looked the odd one out, what with her casual appearance. Her hands still worked at the cloth, cleaning them just as dexterously as they'd worked on the innards of the bike. She stayed closer to her baby, leaving some distance between her and Cara and whoever this snob was. Which was totally unfair of Charlie to say, but when was she ever known for her manners?

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[info]work_of_art
2010-12-10 07:37 pm UTC (link)
Zio laughed and shook his head. "The suit," he observed as if reading her mind. "I know. It's too late in the day to be wearing it but my appointment this evening would pretty much walk out the door if I showed up in jeans." He gave a casual shrug, aimed towards drawing Charlie further into the conversation, towards forming a tenuous bond of sympathy. "Can't even leave off the tie."

"My name's Zio," he offered. "Zio Moreno. I haven't been in the building too long myself. It's taking some getting used to." A broad, mischievous grin crossed his face. "I suggest avoiding the elevator."

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-12 10:47 pm UTC (link)
Rather than have the desired effect on either of them, Charlie's speech only seemed to produce the precise opposite. For her part, Cara's expression seemed to say, See, I told you she was a chatterbug. Cara had to hand it to Zio; he, too, was accepting Charlie's lack of social skills like a champ.

"I do hope we aren't keeping you from your appointment," Cara responded with warm concern.

When he went on to mention the elevator, with a look of alarm on her face, she asked, "Why? Is there something wrong with the elevator?" She certainly hoped not; climbing so many stairs would not be an enjoyable experience in heels...although it would give her a chance to see the other floors...one at a time in the most grueling way possible.

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[info]eristic
2010-12-13 04:22 pm UTC (link)
Ugh. People.

The guy - Zio - was perfectly graceful in his acceptance of her comment, and Cara let it roll of her back like a duck in water. Clearly this was not going to be a good day for Charlie.

She made no comment towards Zio's suit, the appearance of it simply cementing in her mind her dislike for the guy. Everyone in this building was just too goddamn nice, but at least she didn't feel a pull towards these two as she had with the cop down the hall and the scatter-brained pink-haired chick.

Instead of commenting again, she continued cleaning her hands, listening to the conversation with quiet observation.

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[info]work_of_art
2010-12-15 07:53 am UTC (link)
"The elevator," Zio began but then he hesitated and glanced over his shoulder briefly. It was a stupid piece of machinery. That was all. Whatever happened there had been an unfortunate combination of badly maintained gears and hormones. He shook his head slightly and turned back to the ladies. "The elevator," he restated dryly, "is about as reliable as condoms to the Virgin Mary."

As if noticing the box in Cara's hand for the first time, though, he frowned. "I hope you don't have to carry that far, Cara."

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-15 03:06 pm UTC (link)
Cara looked as though she didn't quite understand the reference. Although she smiled politely, even laughed softly and added, "Thank you for the warning," the full implication of the statement only really hit home a moment later. A light of understanding and humor entered her eyes, then faded to good-natured embarassment as Zio noticed the box.

"Oh, this? Only up to my apartment. I think I might risk the elevator today." She glanced towards Charlie, who was once again ignoring them. Well, there was only so much you could do. "I tried offering Charlie a few flowers to lighten the box, but I could only convince her to accept the one." If that was what you called it. "Perhaps I could convince you to accept a few on her behalf?"

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[info]eristic
2010-12-16 05:18 pm UTC (link)
OK, yeah, that was funny; Zio's joke certainly tickled Charlie's funny bone. She tried to not let the snicker out, only half being able to suppress it, though thankfully it wasn't entirely without derisive amusement. She'd had no issues with the elevator, thankfully, but she'd heard enough about it to think that taking the stairs was always a better-case scenario. Still, walking all the way up to the seventh floor didn't seem like the best prospect.

She heard Cara's remark, not bothering to look at where the floor was still laying on the ground. Did she really look like a chick who dug flowers? No, she was damn sure she didn't. Turning her back on the two conversing, she started looking over the dash of her motorcycle, trying to look busy. Yes, yes, go away. Worst came to worst, she'd throw grease on them. She already had a bad reputation, there was no need to try and clean it up.

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[info]work_of_art
2010-12-19 02:59 am UTC (link)
"Hm." Zio considered the box for a moment and then he glanced towards Charlie. "Somehow I don't think she's into flowers, Cara," he answered with a grin. "Some women are just more into shock springs than day lilies. It takes all kinds, right?" Reaching out, he brushed careful fingers against Cara's forearm, fleeting and impossible to argue against in its swiftness. His gaze was warm and almost as teasing. "And I don't think my potential business partner would be impressed if I brought flowers to the meeting."

Business partner, date, same difference really. Flowers were pre-date fodder, anyway.

"But if you tell me where your shop is, I'll be sure to mention it to others," he offered. "We sometimes have special events at the gallery and I'd say flowers can highlight an occasion nicely." Glancing down at his wrist, Zio grimaced to himself. It was more than a few minutes now; his appointment would be getting unbearably upset with him. He would have to move fast to avoid an actual abandonment. However...

"I'm sorry, though, ladies," Zio sighed. "I really have to run so I don't miss this but I hope to see you both again. Soon." He grinned and inclined his head in a warm nod. "Or else you can look me up. Don't worry about it if you want to come knocking."

Stepping away, he lifted a hand to wave to both before he began moving away in earnest. "D5," he called back of his shoulder cheerfully. "Don't forget!"

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-22 04:55 am UTC (link)
Cara smiled, looking perfectly angelic as he made his apologies. "I understand. And I apologize for keeping you from your appointment. I'll leave you my card." Perhaps tonight yet...or perhaps a visit another day. She had to confess to some curiosity about the tower.

Once Zio had gone, Cara glanced at Charlie, who was trying so hard to remain apart from the conversation. "Have you fixed it?"

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[info]eristic
2010-12-27 08:30 pm UTC (link)
She'd been tempted to flip them both the bird over her shoulder, but somehow held herself back. Another half an hour of work would see her bike put back together completely and then she'd go for a ride to undo any knots these two had put in her back.

"Wasn't broken," she replied, tartly. As though she'd let her baby fall into a state of disrepair! She loved this bike more than anything. "S'called maintenance." Wow, an explanation. She crouched down by the bike again, scooping up the last few parts in order to put them back on her bike. The sooner, the better.

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[info]warandbeauty
2010-12-28 03:21 am UTC (link)
"...Right, well, it's impressive, anyway." If she could stand the thought of being covered in half as much grease and grime as Charlie, she might have taken an interest in her own car. As it was, she could only look on curiously and envy the culture that surrounded gearheads.

"It's been a pleasure, Charlie," Cara began, giving her a smile as she shifted the box in her arms to better carry it. "Let me know if you change your mind about those flowers." She would let the offer stand, even though she wasn't sure the other woman would take her up on it.

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