Re: ~^~ He's Gone ... ~^~ (Open to those who know Angel very well!)

[Fallon Zane]

Natch, Angel would side with Archie. And everyone else who had been paying attention, it seemed. He could have said that when you feed a great white shark tail first into a wood chipper, it makes an amazing smoothie if you put a pitcher under the chip end, and they all would have sang his praise. Same old, same old, huh? Maybe if Fallon wasn't such a jerk, people wouldn't gang up on him like this. But that's okay! Fallon was a big boy. He could handle everyone else lying to Archer, saying it was fascinating and and amazing and all that other stuff. Fallon would be the adult here, and write Angel a nasty joke on a Post-It note on her desk. Nyah.

But even after the matter of fact retort from Angel, Fallon made sure Archer got a quick grin. He wasn't being a butthole for real; this was standard Fallon razzing. He didn't know Archer real good, but he was pretty sure he wasn't the type to take this kinda thing to heart. Fallon didn't smile at you when he was being mean. Usually, he was taking a mouthful of flesh off you.

But anyway! Note. Yes, Angel, Fallon was creeping up beside her. And when she went for that squeeze, he didn't shy away or anything. In fact, he made sure one arm was free so it could wrap about her shoulders, and squeeze her in against his side. "You kiddin', dollface? Wouldn't miss it for the world." Too bad it always took a tragedy to bring old friends together, huh? Maybe people shouldn't be such tools and, ya know, keep in touch more? Maybe? Just a thought. And with the number of faces that had shown up for this, familiar faces that were helping to bring back these memories, Fallon had a mind to make good on that idea.

... of course. Joke writing and hugging was derailed the moment a cherry tomato ricocheted off the side of Fallon's dome. He was looking at Angel, and mostly still facing the desk, so there would be no foredome shot. Just sidedome. The best kind of dome. Sidedome. Blinky blink blink, peer at Archer. The hell? He was juggling. And people called him silly. "Ya wanna impress me? Do it all while riding a unicycle." If he pulled that off in this room? Fallon would develop mad respect for the geekarooni. Right now, Archer was just the nimrod that bounced a tomato off his dome.

Venis was getting all kinds of help now, between Archer and Gwennie, so he knew he could peer down at Angel again, and offer a soft, apologetic smile down to her. He knew that words weren't going to help. And he knew the feeling she had. All too well. So, that smile alone would speak any words he could have used. And a few seconds later... Auntie Tia. That meant only one person. Hoo boy... memories really were gonna be flooding outta everywhere, weren't they? For now though,. he had his one on one Angel moment. So his attention remained on her.

[AngelRayne]

Oh now Angel wasn't ganging up on Fally! She's got two VERY important males in her room right now, poor thing is just trying to be nice to both of them and keep herself from breaking down and crying once again! It's a very hard line to walk ya know! Specially with all these memories threatening to over whelm her poor mind. But, arms still wrapped around Fally's waist, those light blues would watch Archer. They followed him when he picked up the cheery tomatoes from the platter that Venis carried. Light blues watched as he started juggling them. First victim? Fally! Poor Fally, Angel giggled just a bit as light blues watch the cherry tomato bounce off the side of his head. Left hand reached up to wipe a bit of the tomato juice off the side of his head. Full on Angel smile was given before she spoke " You got a little something on your face love." Left would move back meet it's partner around his waist. Yep he was close still and she wasn't letting go, not yet.

Light blues moved back to watch Archer, still juggling five cherry tomatoes?! Wait he just beaned Fally in the side of the head with one! How? Blink blink. Ah slight of hand, still fascinating to even this old gal. Next up was Gwen. Good catch Gwen! Another little giggle of delight came from Angel, still watching the slight of hand. Now those cherry tomatoes he was juggling started to disappear, one by one. Her eyes went wide as they all disappeared and the final one was popped into his mouth. Under the handkerchief? Blink blink. Left once again left Fally's waist to grab up the handkerchief she had left on the desk. Sure as hell there was one cherry tomato underneath it. If course that was picked up and popped into her mouth, a few chews given before she swallowed it. Arm meet once again with the other one still around Fally's waist. Though hands would offer up some clapping for Archer's slight of hand before giving Fally another squeeze. "That was wonderful Archer! Thank you!" Wait a min ... "Where'd the other four go?" Eyes would look to Archer a moment when she asked the question.

Once it was answered those light blues would look back up at Fally, meeting those once beautiful eyes and seeing the haunted look in them now. She frowned for just a moment, something to ask him about at another time. Angel didn't want to talk about personal things in front of everyone, if he'd talk about it at all with her later on. She read everything in that smile, bits of memories coming back from some of their meetings during his darker times. Angel knew what he was saying, but not saying. Another squeeze given to his waist and a genuine Angel grin given to him. Blink, blink. Something was also different from the last time she remembered seeing him. The scars he had, they where gone. Right hand this time would reach up to gently trace where those scars used to be. Silent questions in those light blues.

Yeah they where having a moment alright? Venis was being helped, Air wasn't in the door yet and Silver had fallen asleep under Angel's desk knowing that she was in good hands.

[Archer Caughey]

Did anyone else hear that hollow sound when the tomato hit the side of Fallon’s head?  Maybe it was just Archer’s incredible imagination.  Either way, he hooted at the man’s dig.  “You say that, but if you keep the laws of motion and gravity in mind while you’re riding it, a unicycle isn’t so hard.  It’s really just a person battling against the issue of their own unstable equilibrium.  As soon as the rider starts to tip, if they’re smart and use that motion to turn the unicycle instead of continuing to ride in a straight line, they’re performing a counter steering maneuver by changing the point of contact with the ground in a way that matches the positioning of their own body, which in turn keeps them upright long enough to give them a chance to straighten up in their seat and regain equilibrium again.  Simple.”  Punctuating his point with a matter-of-fact shrug, Fallon got a grin right back.  That was Archer’s standard style of razzing.  Should be no surprise that it drove Arcadia freakin' crazy when he pulled that know-it-all thing out on her.

Foolish grin softened some for Angel, but he tsked his tongue at her.  “You’re not supposed to ask that…”  But people did all the time.  Which is why Archer had a solution to that question, since the man was obsessed with having a solution for everything.  In this case, left hand gave a yank on the tip of his tie and held it out so it was a makeshift slide.  The four tomatoes popped out somewhere near his collar, rolling down the tie straight into his waiting right hand.  He popped one into his mouth, looking incredibly proud of himself.  It was a genius little rig that allowed him to pull that one off.  One that was easy to install into his ties without changing them up too much, which meant he could still wear those ties on the daily - never knew when he’d need to impress a lady, right?

Funny how eating four little tomatoes could make a person realize how hungry they were.  Then again, Archer had a big appetite these days.  And his taste buds were back, how about that.  The genius was full of progress and secrets.  At any rate, Archer’s grumbling stomach meant Venis would have help with the rest of the unloading, if she needed it, while his free hand and mouth teamed up to make quick work of some meat and cheese.  “Thanks for getting all this.”  Said with a glance over at the redhead in question, before his attention strayed to Gwen and then out into the hallway.  Airtia was someone he knew of, but didn’t really know, beyond a couple fast facts.  One fact in particular had Archer selfishly looking forward to her coming into the room, though, so that he wasn’t the only one hanging with an ex.  

While he’d been doing pretty good with Angel so far, there was still Murphy’s Law to consider, you know?

[Venis Jordianthan]

At least he had grabbed something that wouldn't tip her balance.  She hadn't meant to pass Airtia in the hall way.  But she wanted to get the things she had brought up into the room for Angel's guests as soon as possible.  Which turned out to be a good idea since the man, to whom she'd never been formally introduced, seemed to grab for the tray of food immediately.  Then it looked as though Gwen were going to help, but she got distracted seeing Air in the hall.  No worries.  And there were no worries about Gwen not remembering her either.  After all, they had barely met in passing and, to Venis' recollection, had never spoken.

So she set forth to relieving herself of her load.  Chairs were set against the wall, out of the way, but accessible to any who was in need of one.  Then it was her turn to be distracted.  The juggling of cherry tomatoes caught her attention.  But, unlike the rest of the audience, she didn't let her line of sight follow the flying tomatoes as they were tossed at people.  So she saw the actual 'slight of hand' that went on.  But she would keep the trickster's secret.  It was no fun if someone gave the trick away.  She chuckled once his performance was over.  It was entertaining after all.

She listened to the banter as she continued into the kitchenette area to set the drinks and cups down.  She heard Fallon's quip about performing the slight of hand on a unicycle, and it made her chuckle.  But when she heard Archer's response ... Well, let's just say that had she had anything in her mouth, she would have spit it everywhere.  She laughed out loud at that one.  And the delivery.  He said it so matter of factly. 

She set about setting out some cups and opening bottles.  After all, some of those bottles could be hard for some to open.  Why not use the strength you've got to save others the trouble?  She poured herself and Angel each a blood wine. She knew that Fallon was a whiskey man, so she dropped a couple of ice cubes into a glass and poured him some.  The others?  She didn't know what they drank, if anything, but she had grabbed a bottle of sparkling apple cider just in case any of them were teetotalers. 

The slightest bit of heat was applied to the two cups of blood wine, not wanting to melt the cup but, knowing that chilled blood wine is the worst.  Then she carried the three cups into the area where everyone else was.  She heard Archer speaking to her.  So she simply smiled.  "You're very welcome.  What can I get everyone else to drink?"  Everyone else being Archer and Gwen, Air wasn't in the room yet.  She handed Fallon and Angel their cups as she awaited their answers.  Yep.  Venis had entered 'Mother Hen' mode. 

[Airtia S. Cauthon]

Where Airita may not have wanted to appear rude by taking her time to enter the room where people were gathered, she didn’t exactly rush to be a part of the gathering either.  Even from the hallway, she could hear what was going on inside but, more than that, she could feel all the various emotions.   It was perhaps that which stayed her feet.

It was only after Venis had passed her that Airtia decided to make the last few steps and actually enter the room.  If this had been a room in an ordinary Inn, unless it was a suite, fitting these many people inside would have been a task.  Not to mention breathable space. However, the Tel’Ran was not mundane. Airtia found that there was room for her to slide in just inside of the door and watched as Venis passed out cups and inquired about drinks.

There were a lot of faces here which she new - some of them better than others. Like Fallon.  Her silver eyes openly appraised him. How long had it been since she had seen him last? A ghost of a smile tugged at the left corner of her lip as she recalled the things that her cat, Tyger, would say about him. Airtia turned her eyes away before her own sense of feelings sprang up to be a distraction. So many questions flirting around the corner of her mouth, but this was not the time for it.

Her attention shifted to the others in the room.  There was Angel - who appeared to be the source of this gathering -, Gwen, whom she had not seen in a while, Venis - of course - and another gentleman she couldn’t place a name to the face.  She studied him a moment too, but her look was more inquisitive. Perhaps she should know this man, but at the moment it escaped her.

Airtia leaned back on the wall, her right leg slightly bent so that her toe tapped the floor.  She crossed her arms low, hopefully, that would be taken as a rejection of any drink offers.  She tipped her head up and found an opportunity to speak. “Tis such an occasion which brings many together.” it was stated as a fact.  They were all here, and the central feeling she sensed in the room was grief. “Something good in hard times.”

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Gwen had every intention of going to help the red haired lady, but well she got distracted, but who could blame the girl.  It was her Aunt Tia, she had grown up around her, and well she always thought Aunt Tia was the most awesome of the awesomes.   So she had stopped right there.  But Aunt Tia slipped inside, and well Gwen was a bit unsure on what to do or where to go, though it made sense she wanted to speak to everyone, don't get confused!   She was looking around though and she thought Auntie Angel while still distressed seemed okay over all, almost as if she was drawing strength from Fallon, someone that Gwen had some fond memories of hanging out with him.

But then the red haired lady was putting everything out and about and she well missed that boat again!  By the time she thought she was able to go and help the lady had everything done.    She had made her rounds to say hello to everyone, check on Auntie Angel, and well then in all of her snowflake outfit glory she moved near Archer because he was safe … and he didn't squeeze her arm off … but she totally understand why Angel did, just she wanted to keep it a bit longer.  But it was that awkward time when you were kind of what do I do with my hands stage!

[Fallon Zane]

"Gonna be a hell of a lot harder to focus on all that when I kick that one wheel out from under ya." Lack of memories or not, Fallon never lost his ability to spit back and forth. And while Archie used a logical, matter-of-fact approach to this kind of banter. Fallon had always employed a more straight ahead and usually, rude style. Sophisticated and educated, or brutal and thuggish. Fallon could run the same route as Archer was, but two eggheads going back and forth are not gonna be nearly as entertaining as an egghead and a jock. And this was, after all, all about entertainment.

The drink handed to him be Venis was met with a blink, his gaze shifting from where it had been on Angel, to the drink now in his hand, then to the flaming haired woman who had just served it up. Booze. He had to give her a thankful smile. Faint, but still a smile."This ought to shake up some moods. Thankya." Seems Angel got one of her own, as well. Poor thing. She had to let him go somewhat in order to take it. No worries though. Fallon still had his arm around her shoulders. Let her draw strength back from him, if she needed it. If him being there beside her did just that? Then this was where he would stay.

But all of his focus and attention ended a few seconds later. When finally another woman walked through the door. Icy eyes caught her immediately, and did not stray from her. She looked different from the days when, hell, they had just been kids. The name that Gwen had said earlier had started to bring the woman's memories nearly to the surface. But after just a few moments of seeing her, they had flooded his mind. Some of the most prized and cherished memories he held were tied to this woman. Not so much with that miserable cat of hers? But her... she never knew, did she?

"...Airtia." Her name so vivid and prominent in the Madman's murky mind that the word was actually just barely spoken. More breathed through moving lips, almost without a sound. For just a moment, he caught her look his way. And that was when the smile formed. A bit more pronounced than had been previously shown this night. His head declined to her. A gracious, very respectful bow of his head to this woman that lasted for several seconds. When his head lifted again, her gaze had drifted off again. His gaze fell away too, drifting to the floor. Yet, that smile remained.

[Archer Caughey]

“You’re right.”  Archer solemnly nodded.  Treating Fallon mouthing off like some scientifically valid exploration of variables.  “Because kicking the wheel changes the net force by introducing a fourth kind of force to what’s normally a three force equation.  Gravity, the ground, friction, and now there’s your ugly foot to consider.  To stay balanced in a situation like that, instead of trying to resist the force of your foot by riding into it or around it, the best thing would be to absorb and take advantage of the impact by pedaling the wheel in the direction of impact while maintaining equilibrium by tilting the body in the opposite direction.  Or, you know, there’s always the option of hopping off the bloody thing and smacking you with it, since it was your idea to introduce the unicycle into the picture in the first place.”  The Irishman knew how to mouth of too, and do it with a charming grin.  The endearing nerd. 

There was something about how Airtia looked at a person that inspired them to explain themselves.  Archer’s guess was that she was trying to put her finger on something familiar, anyway, and it wasn’t as easy to see the family resemblance as it used to be now that he had all this beard obscuring his handsome face.  “Archer.  Arcadia’s relation.”  Caddy was why he’d come to the Society of the Blood Rose in the first place - he’d intended to pull her out of there and get her back home so they get back to the duty their lineage demanded.  It hadn’t turned out that way, though.  Not by a long shot.

When his blue eyes spied Gwen slinking her way over like he was some safe corner to wallflower in, he found his answer to Venis’ question.  Went off like the proverbial lightbulb over the genius’ head. “We’ll have what Fallon’s having, Gwen and I.”  A nod at the glass of whiskey in Fallon's hand.  “A double for each of us.”  In a moment of perfect timing, as Gwen reached him, he slipped his arm around her to give her a one-armed hug.  Flashing her a wan grin. “Right?  'Cause your mom said it’s okay.”  Until Azlin banged down his door in a few days to tell him how okay it wasn’t...but that would all depended on where the whiskey train took them when it left the station, right?

[AngelRayne]

Of course she would ask where the other four had gone! Why wouldn't she? She wasn't dumb or anything, just ya know suffering from a broken heart that she really shouldn't be suffering from but was anyway because she cared about the person still! Soft laugh and some more hand clapping was given when she saw that the grape tomatoes had been in his tie! How clever was that? She would have to ask him later to tell her how it was done, just because she was curious is all. He had to have more tricks up his sleeve then that one, so what was the harm of her being in the know of just one?

Angel listened to the banter between Fallon and Archer. Isn't that cute! They bicker like brothers! Awwwww! Anyway, moment was broken up by the offer of the blood wine from Venis. Right hand stopped tracing where the scars had been on Fallon's face to take the drink. The smell hit her nose and there was that tummy growl that she was probably famous for by now. Sheepish smile offered in case Fally had heard it. Yeah she had planned on going to the bar after she was done looking through those old papers but ... yeah things happened. A few quick gulps where taken from the drink "Thanks Venis, I needed that."

Yeah Angel was drawing strength from Fallon. It was one of the easiest and most normal thing she could do right now. Angel couldn't count the amount of times she had done so on both her hands.Hell probably even adding in toes she wouldn't be able too. This time a sip of blood wine was taken and the glass was placed on her desk so that right hand could met with her left around Fallon's waist. She was about to say something when Air finally stepped through and made herself know to everyone. Those light blues would look over to her and offer her a soft Angel smile. " Hello Air. Long time no see." Oh Air, there was someone that Angel had talked her ear off quite a few times if she remembered correctly!

So many people! Tears started to form in Angel's light blues as she glanced around the room at every one individually, these where a mix of happy and sad tears. She let the memories flood her mind, ones of good times, ones of bad and all the ones in between. How horrid she had been to Archer in there last moments as friends all because she was a bitter ex at the time. How Fallon had always managed to make her feel better, no matter how awful her day had been. Gwen and her sweet, sweet innocence. Air, always knowing what to say regardless if Angel wanted to hear it or not. That first night she had met Venis, Khan and Fallon after that dance in SBR! So many people, so many memories. Head would rest on Fallon's waist, if it wasn't for him right now, she'd be a sobbing mess once again.

[Venis Jordianthan]

Venis noticed Airtia's stance as she leaned against the wall.  They had known each other for enough years for V to know that the arms crossed meant that Air didn't want a drink.  But the request of Whiskey for Archer and Gwen seemed to catch her off guard.  She didn't know Gwen very well, mainly in passing and because she knew Az, but she didn't seem like the Whiskey type.  Then again, Venis could be wrong.

So she headed back into the kitchenette.  Hearing Angel behind her she smiled.  "You're very welcome sweetie."  She set her drink down and pulled two more cups from the stack.  "Would that be neat, or on the rocks?"  She waited a moment to hear the answer to her question then poured the drinks accordingly. 

She brought the drinks back in with her.  The two for them were in her right hand, which she extended in their direction as she came upon them, her own in her left.  Once they took their drinks, she was able to grab a chair from the stack.  She carried it over to be near Angel, and Fallon since he was right beside her, then she sat down and crossed her right leg over her left. 

The banter between Fallon and Archer was entertaining.  And that was a good thing.  It was a good way to keep everyone's minds off of the catastrophe that had brought them all here.  And she had made sure to put her cell phone on vibrate just in case Kahn sent her a text.  She didn't want an audible reminder to interrupt the entertainment. 

It was a good thing she had a drink in her hand, because now she was entering her own fidgety moment of what to do.  Sitting still was not exactly her forte, but she was there to be a comfort to Angel, so sit she would.  Unless someone needed a refill or something.  She'd be more than happy to refill drinks or something. 

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Gwen was quietly listening to Fallon and Archer go back and forth and there was a odd comfort there.   But she had went and moved and noticed Aunt Tia before she slinked off over where Archer was currently standing.  She had not responded about a drink because in truth she wasn't used to being asked about drinks and she had seen the liquor.

Gwen never understood why so many people seemed to be afraid of Airtia but that was because to her she wasn't scary.  She was her Aunt Tia, who seemed gruff but had always been kind to Gwen, could be because she and Az had always been close enough that people often whispered about the two of them.   Never mind that Az had shagged her way through quite a pretty number of men but her 'toys' never held her interest if her 'sister' needed something.   And Air had always been a protector if you will of Az when needed the hard and softness of them meshed rather beautifully.

Gwen gave Archer that smile when she slipped next to him, why wouldn't she think he was a safe corner to wallflower in?  I mean the man saw her basically naked and freaked out, but really she was just trying to make him more comfortable, and they were bra buddies but not quite jock buddies...yet.  The night was young!   But then she grinned to Archer when he gave her that one armed hug and she looked between them and she nodded. “Then yes....what he said.”  

But when Venis mentioned the rocks she turned with fright on her face.  “Oh no, why would you put rocks in a drink.  I don't want dirt in my drink and I mean even if you clean the rocks won't they bang on the glass and if it breaks we would have to pick up the pieces and the glass shards hurt.  They get stuck in fingers and toes...and knees...just no ... no rocks.”  She was looking to Archer though with that...almost fright of having rocks in her drink.  Besides I mean there could be a couple of people looking for Archer, Az, her husband, her kids...but heck he's had an adventurous life why not add a bit more!   But she took in a breath.  “Can't we just paint faces on the rocks and make them our pet rocks?”  She well went back to the rocks...  No problem drinking with Archer she trusted Archer I mean he is a scientist right!  What's untrustworthy about that!?

[Airtia S. Cauthon]

Had caught that bit of a smile from Fallon's lips, and the way he had said her name echoed in her head even after she had turned away.

"Archer...." and she included her head towards him. Silver eyes studied him for a moment or two longer as she took the time to recall the sister, Arcadia. That, too, was a name she hadn't heard in a long time. Now that she looked at Archer more meticulously there was a hint of resemblance.

Airtia passed her eyes over all of the assembled. Her voice was clear and direct. "Now that e'eryone tis familiar, and while gatherin 'tis som'ting . . .enjoyed," her tone implied that the sentiment may not be everyone's fortè, “We’re here tae help Angel…” Airtia’s voice trailed off as her eyes now settled on the person of the hour.

“How can we help?” Leave it to Airtia to get down to the point of it all.   She wasn’t much of a person to sit around and chat, she was all bout getting things done. Now was about helping Angel with her situation.

[Fallon Zane]

One powerful, overwhelming urge came over the Madman. One he would promptly do, if he had the equipment necessary here in Angel's room to do so. Pick Archie up by the scruff of his neck, stuff him in a locker, and slam it shut. Because that's what you do with nerds. Stuff them in lockers. Or garbage cans. or head first into toilets. Show them what all their brainy geekiness gets them. It made for some fun times! Not for them, so much? But since Fallon wasn't the one getting swirlied, it was a riot for him. Toilet water bubbles popping to let out the screams they held..

Fortunately for Archer, there was no locker, or garbage can, or toilet nearby enough for him to suffer this fate. Instead. he just received a long, gusty sigh from Fallon when he babbled on and on in the language of nerddom. Reverse polarity and gravimetric analysis quantified by the amount of wind coming out of his lungs was about to equal a life altering wedgie for the genius. "And you'd be wearing that unicycle like you were a sock puppet a couple seconds later, Scooter." Did Archer need a demonstration by where Fallon intended to put that unicycle? Hopefully not... that might get messy.

Yes, Angel. You had best believe that Fallon heard that rumble. Some things never changed. This little girl was all about keeping herself starved. No matter how much he yelled at her for it. So when he heard it, you'd best believe icy eyes would lower to her again. This time, with a much glower and sternness to it. He wouldn't say anything about it though. No need to chide and admonish her when hey, she was actually fairly calm and under control. Berating her would only end up in more messy tears, and she didn't need that right now. Instead, just a raise of his eyebrow that clearly said feed or I'll feed you. So bossy.

But still, despite that look, he was still being nice. Holding his drink in one hand, loving on Angel with the other. That was on the arm wrapped around her, so while she traced at the smooth, pale skin that no longer bore those age old scars, that hand would delve into the vamp lady's hair. Little strokes and finger rakes, nothing serious. More ways to calm and soothe the girl! Eye contact then made with Venis as she dragged her chair toward them. A little smile for the red haired goddess, along with a raise of the glass she had so kindly brought him. Thanks, ya know?

... then attention shifted to Gwennie. As she went on and on about rocks. How is it possible that even after all these years, she was unable to grasp even the most basic of grown up stuff? Listening to her freak out about dirt in her drink, breaking their glasses, then off to painting them and making them pets, Fallon had to just shake his head. His smile disappearing as his glass was brought to his lips. After hearing that, a drink was definitely in order. Continuing to shake his head - and stifle a snicker - as he took his drink.

Finally, Airtia was taking charge of the situation. No more milling around and jabbering to each other. Time to zero in on Angel. So, along with the woman's question to her, Fallon's gaze once more dropped down to where her head rested against his side.

[Archer Caughey]

The fact that Angel thought the tie trick was clever made Archer grin.  Had to be clever when he was often babysitting a four-year-old these days, the little ones were a tough audience.  Grin was replaced with uncertainty when Fallon made his retort.  "Wearing...the unicycle...like a sock puppet." Repeated skeptically as Archer was trying to figure out how unicycle led to sock puppet. That's what happened when the most logical man and the most illogical man shot their gobs off at each other.  It was bound to go off the rails at some point.  An unflappable smile followed, and Archer shrugged. "I sure would, Fallon." The jock could have his illogical victory.  Angel seemed to be getting a lot of comfort from Fallon by her side, and he didn't want to detract from that.

"Neat, thanks."  Archer was a purist that way.  No time for even a word more to come out of his mouth before Gwendolyn flew into a panic about the potential of rocks.  While she went on, he tried his best to cut in so he could explain with a couple of, "Gwen...Gwen...wait...just hold...Gwen..." dispersed through her words, but there was no stopping the woman once her babble train had left the station.  So he waited it out, accepting both of the drinks from Venis with a smile.  Once Gwen had put a period on the end of those twelve or so sentences, he'd give her a calm reply.  "Three answers for you.  First, taking whiskey neat means there's no rocks in your drink, so here."  Drink was ushered into her hand.  "Two, she's not talking about actual rocks.  When it comes to drinks, in most cases 'rocks' is slang for ice.  Some people take ice in their whiskey to chill and dilute it, others say it activates flavors that aren't there when you take it neat."  Personally the Irishman believed that was all a bunch of bunk, which is why he never let ice near his drink.  "Three, I say most cases because whiskey stones do exist.  People who want their whiskey chilled but don't want it watered down use chilled rocks.  And yes, they're obviously cleaned and polished smooth like river rocks before they're stowed away in a freezer.  But I can't tell you how often it is that they're responsible for breaking glasses because I've never used them.”  Because of past experiences with Gwendolyn, he wasn’t going to suggest that she drink her whiskey just yet.  Better to see how all those explanations sat with her.  

“And by definition rocks can’t be pets.  They’re non-sentient matter.”  He quickly muttered that before taking a healthy drink from his own glass.  Hoping he’d get away with saying that without opening up another can of Gwendolyn worms.  That was Archer sometimes, logical to a fault.

Like Fallon, Airtia’s question had Archer’s eyes landing on Angel.  It was something he’d asked when he first came in, so he was curious to see if Angel’s answer changed now that she saw just how many people were here for her. There had to be more he could do than juggle, right?

[AngelRayne]

Now now boys! Playing or not. Ex or not. Angel wasn't going to let any of that happen, even if it wasn't really going to happen at all. Let's just call Angel the protector of all? Better then some of the nicknames she collected over the years. Anyway, the banter was still cute, but Angel gave an extra hard squeeze to Fally's waist just to be on the safe side. A not in my room, not now kinda squeeze. Memories had faded for the moment and she felt that look from Fally. Rut roh. She was busted! Angel didn't even have to look up to know that he was giving her that look. But alas, light blues lifted to meet that look, yep that was a bad look. She frowned a bit, but ended up nodding her head just a bit. " I will. I promise."

That was all she could muster as a response because he was playing with her hair. And what girl didn't like her hair to be played with? Instant swoon! Light blues drifted to look between Archer and Gwen enjoying the soothing feeling of her hair being played with. Awww Gwen! She giggled softly listening to her go on about the rocks and then had to bite softly on her lower lip to stop from bursting out laughing. Between Gwen not understanding and Archer explaining it, it was defiantly something to laugh about. But then the focus was back on her ...

Light blues moved to look at Air now. Leave it to Air to be the one to bring everything back to her. " Everyone being here is enough. I just ... " She sighed softly, looking to Venis now. " Does Khan know anything? I don't even know what happened. Where he was ... " Another sigh and tears started to form in the corner of those light blues. Her voice was even starting to crack. She swallowed once, an attempt to fight the tears. Angel didn't want to cry again. " I guess I need answers to the million and one questions going threw my mind."

[Venis Jordianthan]

From the kitchen, where Venis had been pouring drinks, she was afforded a chance to grin about Gwen's rock rant.  She had never been exposed to any of the girl's naive rants before.  This was a whole new experience for her.  One that almost had her in giggles.

Drinks delivered, chair placed, a wink to Fallon in response to his raising his glass to her.  She was ready for some serious hand holding, mother henning, or whatever Angel needed.  And you can bet that with Venis' proximity, Fallon wasn't the only one who heard the little vamp's tummy rumble.  She couldn't feed her.  There was a thin line when drinking from Venis.  Just a few drops too much could kill another vampire.  The whole, undead drinking undead blood thing.  And if she didn't get too much, she would get high AF off the power surge.

But there was one thing that she could do.  When she brought her cup to her lips, she slyly nicked her thumb on her tooth.  Without making a scene, she reached over and dripped a few drops of her blood into Angel's cup.  It wasn't enough to intoxicate her, but it was enough to give her strength and energy.  She would be able to get away with not hunting for a day or two.  This would help give her time to grieve without starving to death.  But she would need to eat after a couple of days.

She heard Airtia's comments and then Angel's response.  "Let me check."  She pulled the cell phone from her pocket and lit it up.  She swiped away the lock screen and shook her head.  "I don't have any missed calls or texts from him yet sweetie.  I'll text him for an update though, alright?"  And she set forth to texting her husband to see if he knew anything at all yet. 

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

When Az sent Gwen to check on Angel because of the feeling that had come over her, Gwen had made her way right to Angel to see how she was, after making sure it was okay that Gwen was there for her Auntie Angel which of course Angel said that was okay.    And Gwen was so happy to get smiles out of Aunt Angel who seemed very sad, it was a feeling that Gwen did understand, but she also heard Aunt Angel not wanting to dwell and wanting some distraction.   Gwen herself though Fallon and Archer were great together, hmmm, maybe they dated before.    But she herself was rather glad whenever she saw a smile grace Angel's lips because even though she was sad there was life there, and life was for the living, not that Gwen said that out loud, oh no, but she didn't want Aunt Angel to lose herself, no, she wanted to be there for her and to bring her even the tiniest of smiles, it was pretty much what Gwen lived for.

One might be surprised how innocent and naive her brain really was, especially when the girl had a family!   Oh yes, a family that she was rather fond of, and yet they all knew how Gwen's brain worked, and it seemed to go just fine.   The girl was hard pressed for negative feelings, they might pop in but it was almost like some magic, cleared them out and kept her preserved as she was.   And wasn't Venis in for a treat!  She got to hear one of Gwen's famous innocent and naive rants about such things that others wouldn't think in her way!  

But the rocks and Archer, she did indeed speak about the rocks and she didn't want them in her drink.  She wasn't afraid of the drink oh no she was afraid of the rocks.  And when Archer was trying to stop her, he would have a better shot of stopping a locomotive going full steam ahead then getting Gwennie off of her tangent!   See what they started!   But she was listening to Archer and she well it was something.  “Oh thank you!”  And she took the drink he put into her hand, which was good because that was a accident waiting to happen, but she always had that odd trust the scientist man right.   “So not real rocks like the ones outside that we are going to paint faces on? Whew!  That is such a relief!”  She really thought it was!  But then he said the third she was listening to him and well it was something.  “Oh but they are special stones so its okay.” She nodded to him.  

Now did Archer think he was really going to get away with what he muttered before he did a bottoms up?  Really?   But Gwen looked to Archer.  “They can to be pets!  You can pick them up and pet them and they are pets!   Soon we will go out and get rocks and paint faces on them so we both have pet rocks.  They can be jock strap buddies.”  Whatever that was.   And she was good with that one!   And then she called over to Auntie Angel.  “Auntie Angel when Archer and I go out finding the perfect pet rocks and painting faces on them do you want us to get you one?   You can let us know what size pet you want...but not to big because we have to be able to carry him, rock pets can't walk on their own.”  She nodded as if she studied them and knew all about them.   She was smiling to her though, like get a rock pet Aunt Angel, you know you want too.

[Venis Jordianthan]

Venis felt her phone vibrate in her hand, having just texted Kahn.  She looked at the screen and frowned.  She looked up at Angel.  "He says he's following a lead sweetie, but that there's no news yet."  She leaned forward and put her hand on Angel's thigh.  It was meant as a gesture of comfort.  She hoped that it was going to help.

But it reminded her of something she had started carrying in her pocketbook.  She looked over at Gwen.  She thought maybe the young lady might like to know about this if she didn't already.  "Gwendolyn, do you know what worry stones are?"  She removed her hand from Angel's thigh and reached into her pocket.  She pulled, from her pocket, a small coin purse with a metal clasp.

Opening the coin purse, she produced a small, highly polished, stone.  "There's a small frowning face painted upon the stone.  And you rub the surface of the stone when you're stressed and worried."  She held her stone up to show Gwen that the face was starting to be rubbed away.  "And, on these one's that I bought, there's a smiling face engraved into the surface below the paint."  You rubbed away the paint to expose the smile.

She pulled a small plastic bag from the coin purse. She dropped her stone back into her coin purse and opened the small plastic bag.  There were several little stones in the bag.  They were all of similar size, but of various shapes and colors.  She pulled a purple colored stone from the bag and set it on Angel's leg.  She smiled softly at her.  "Maybe it will help a little?"  Then she reached toward Gwen with the bag.  There were enough in the bag for Gwen to give everyone one if she wanted to.  "You can have the rest of this bag if you want.  I can pick up more."  And, if Gwen wanted to start making those for people who don't want pet rocks, she could do that as well.

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