Let the Digging Begin [open]

[Epiphany]

So many warm bodies, so much ground to dig. Thats what filtered through Epiphany's mind as she sat on the railing of the front porch in her overall's and hard hat. Tool belt hanging off her waist she had pulled in her bottom lip and was slowly chewing on it as she looked out at the four guys from her Crew that had volunteered for this latest venture of hers: The Underground Clinic.

Watching these men pleased her for a couple reasons, one of which being that they had good strong heartbeats. It didn't pitter and it didn't skip but it's healthy and steady rhythm had resounded in her head when she had approached each of them personally after they said they would take up the task. Before she had never really paid much attention to the sound a heart made but now things were slightly different. It wasn't clear as a bell to her but if she was close enough to a person and really listened and the rest was relatively quiet she could hear it. And as it was sound and something pleasant when she thought about that particular person the remembered sound of their heart played in her head. Pity she never had a chance to taste wha---

No. No. Now Epiphany diverted her attention to the blueprints, pulling them from a loop on her belt. She didn't need to think about them in that way. Still needing to actually fess up to what was going on with her she had been staving off her cravings with the bottle she kept for the vampires of the Inn, having a cup of it in the night. It was true that she had to go to her unnamed supplier more frequently now but he never asked why the increase and she never told. Still, it was never 'enough' or it never felt as right as it should.

Still..

"Okay guys, you ready?"

It was late afternoon, the sun was starting to set. Light enough to see and dark enough to not let the sun be a bother this was quickly becoming her favorite time of day and it was the hour that she had the men assembled. It was bright enough for them to work and travel without hinderence. Before she called them they were picking over digging tools and had now decided on the proper shovel weights that suited them the best. As they approached she drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly to steady herself before turning the blueprint to them. "This is how deep we have to dig and how wide. We start in the space between the Kitchen area and the lounge."

There was actually a good amount of empty space there and that's why she had picked it. The Crew, knowing what to do, headed inside. She would follow after they went in and started. She didn't need to watch over them to know they were doing their job.

And thus, the digging of the clinic begins.

[Xavier]

Xavier had not been back very long, and his first stop had been, of course, to Titania's home. He did, however, remember his promise to help Epiphany with her digging. So, he headed off to find the site and lend a hand. It did not take him long, considering he had known Epiphany for most of his life.

Once there, he walked over to her, smiling slightly. "So, Pip, you finally got started....wow, so many shirtless males around here." He chuckled, then looked back to her. "Are you feeling better now? I stayed longer in the Waste than I expected to, mostly because I got wounded by one of those bloody Shadowspawn. I was kind of worried, though. You didn't seem to be feeling so hot before I left...anyway! Where's my shovel?"

He smirked, shrugging out of the top portion of the cadin'sor that had grown more comfortable to him than any clothing he owned, and stood back. "Yep, take it in, fellas. Sorry for the one-upping, but you know how it is. Great tan, taut and firm muscles, and plus, chicks totally dig scars." He looked to one of them, smirking slightly. "You should think about a few scars yourself, pal. You know, with your hair deficiency and all."

[Epiphany]

The men were well underway when Xavier came into the Inn looking for them and Epiphany turned from the blueprints to greet him and leaned a bit to her left. That was something interesting that he said, females liked scars. She never saw the appeal in a scar because they marked up otherwise smooth exteriors and could raise questions you didn't feel like answering. Maybe that was the appeal? To get a girl to ohh and ahh and 'that must have hurt, you're so brave' all over them. Unfortunately Pip was more of a 'let me parade you and your scar around for story-time or heal it' type of girl.

Listening to him she rolled up her prints and used it to whack him on the back. It was a playful hit, nothing malicious about it at all. "Stop picking on my men before they burry-ya." A bit of a chuckle tossed in there as the plans were slipped into her belt. "If your muscles are taut and firm maybe you shouldn't dig at all. Can't have you snapping muscles because they don't have any give." She was probably teasing and Manuel - one of the workers, tossed Xavier a shovel.

They were guys and like a man no offense or anything was taken about the hair deficiency instead Manuel only laughed. "Rather prevent rug burn." Good humor and all that as he reached out to clasp Xavier's hand if it was taken.

The other three guys were making room, there was plenty of it, for the new guy to start working. Epiphany only grinned as she settled back to watch her men. She'd watch them for a bit to make sure they were alright, then she'd see about getting them food.

And herself as well.

[Xavier]

Xavier, still chuckling, caught the shovel that was tossed his way, switching hands to give Manuel a firm handshake. The rug burn comment was too good to pass up, so he simply laughed deeply and shook his head. "Good one, m'man." He pointed toward an area that seemed to be clear of people, and smiled. "Well, let's get this show on the road. Is over there okay?"

[-:|[ Titania ]|:-]

Now, after Epiphany came into the store she was curious. Curious about what was going on at the Inn. It wasn't that she really had a vested interest in the building. But it had sounded interesting and she could always spend time with Epiphany, watching the men sweat and work...all those muscles had to be used for something right? Besides for looks. And just because Epiphany said that Xavier was there didn't mean that her gaze wouldn't look around and see what else she could see.

It did not take her long to get the Inn, nor had it taken very long for her to get dressed. Not wanting to wear work clothing after work, she always changed in her office, as far as she knew it did not have any camera's and that was a good reason. Dressed in a pair of cut off shorts that were not to long nor to short, a blue button up shirt with short sleeves that was left open except for the edges on the bottom that were tied in front, which showed off a small short length tank top that was a pink in color. Flip flops could be heard as she walked to where Epiphany said they all would be.

Stopping when she located Epiphany, hand lifting in a wave. "How's the digging going?" Even as she spoke she looked down at the hole where the men would be working.

[Xavier]

Xavier had started working in earnest, quitting the playfulness and throwing himself into the work. Sweat beaded on him, soaking into his waistband or merely dropping off to moisten the ground around him as it made him glisten in the sunlight.

He lifted his head to wipe the sweat away, taking a deep breath, and smiled as the scent of coffee, cinnamon, and Titania came to his nostrils. Maybe she was sick of not seeing him, or just wanted to look at the array of beefcake in the pit. Either way, he was pleased to see her, and went back to work, wondering if she was watching, then allowing the thought to skitter across his mind that he was wondering if she missed him yet....this absence makes the heart grow fonder stuff was for the birds!

[Jake]

Epiphany was with the rest of the men - down in the ever growing hole that was forming in the middle of the Inn. Well, it wasn't exactly the middle, more like off to the back and the side, but it took up enough space for it to get noticed and the hole wasn't yet deep enough that a person couldn't see over the top. If you were short, well, then that may be a different story.

Currently the one that Titania was looking for was 'deep' in the hole and absorbed in talking to Steven and Calvin about how to do the downward angle and implementing the use of the metal that came in. It was a lot of work to do, it wasn't that she was ignoring Titania, she only didn't hear her right away. But someone did and that someone was Jake.

He picked his goggles off of his eyes and settled his shovel over his sculpted shoulder and looked over to the girl in flip-flops. No way of knowing who was who's, taking and all that this guy had no problem in evening this new showcase being displayed. Sure beat digging and he flashed her perfect white teeth smile - the type that any stereotypical male model would have. Simply perfect.

A pat to Manuel's shoulder in case he hadn't noticed - he had but he wasn't a flirt like Jake and only gave a laugh of a nod followed up by a shake of his head while he went back to work. He caught the subtle movement of their temporary crewman Xavier and he'd been on the wrong side of Epiphany's tracks before.

Jake hadn't though. "Everything goes well when a person gets inspired." The travel of his eyes up and down her frame gave no illusions that he was talking about her or not. Because he was.

And when a man is inspired. . . .

[-:|[ Titania ]|:-]

Now as she looked down the hole, she might of seen Xavier, but if she saw him would she even recognize her own boyfriend? It had been quite a while that he had left her alone she wondered if he had dumped her without telling her. She knew guys that just disapeared and that was that. Had she done anything that she shouldn't be doing if she had a boyfriend....nope.

When the man that was no longer working flashed her a smile, she couldn't help but give a smile back, really there was nothing wrong with a smile was there? Nope, and her's was shining at the man that had given his attention to her for a moment.

As she had the man's attention, she would speak down to him, down because he was much lower then she was, as she was up standing on the inn's floor still. "Hi!" Friendly little greeting. She looked around but her eyes did not stray to far, and why would they, have you seen the man she had her chocolate gaze on. For some reason she thought she should explain what she was doing there. "I came by to see Epiphany, she invited me to stop by after work...." She had invited T and so she had not shown up for any reason expect that Epiphany had done so.

And if she could help a man be inspired to work, she could handle that.

[Xavier]

Wiping the sweat from his brow again, he listened to the exchange, vaguely amused and easy in his steps. Slapping Jake on the shoulder with a gloved hand, he nodded to Titania. "She's a looker, but don't get too inspired, bro. I'd hate to see your inspiration get caught by someone's shovel."

Another smirk, along with a few steps in Titania's direction. "Besides, last I heard, she was taken. Good-lookin' fella too. Not at all arrogant.....oh, if you're only looking for Epiphany, she's deeper down, discussing something with the rest of the crew. But hey, I'm sure she'll be back up soon. Meanwhile....how are ya?"

[Madeline Cauthon]

Madeline had been trying to come up with an excuse to watch Epiphany's workers get all hot and sweaty. She really hadn't came up with an excuse and well, knowing Epiphany she'd have the clinic done in no time. So wearing her tightest pair of black jeans and a deep red tank top, Madeline made her way to the site area.

Upon her arrival she saw Titania standing over the big hole looking down. She gave her brothers girlfriend a polite nod and made her way to the edge and put her hands on her hips with her legs slightly spread. So when the boys looked up they would have a good view of her figure. Madeline looked down the hole and smiled. "Hello down there how's it...."

It was then when Madeline spotted a familiar face. A bright smile crossed Madeline's face. "Welcome home Brother, what kind of hole are you digginn for yourself this time?" Yeah pun was bad, but it was a sister's right to tease.

[Candi]

Working with the guys was never boring. For the most part they did not let her do anything. When they could stop her. She was stronger then most would realize by looking at her. Lately the men were getting used to her presence on the scene. Which meant that she was participating in the digging. The only difference in her dress and what the men wore was that she had a full body coverall. Men were easily distracted and she was told she had to dress appropriately so not to cause any more accidents. Thankfully the other man was healing nicely they said he might even regain sight in his right eye...one day.

The shovel she was wielding was pushed into the earth so it stood up on its own. Gloved hands were lifted and stretched above her head as she bent her back to the right just so. The gloves that encased her hands were to keep them from blistering during the manual labor. Under the gloves her hands were soft as a baby's butt. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail that happened to be covered by a light blue bandanna that now was more of a dusty blue if truth be told. Camel work boots had her tiny feet encased in them.

Hearing Jake flirt with the first woman did not get her. She heard the words the way he was speaking she also knew about the men on the site. The first time she had gone out to work with them ... the day of the blinding accident...steel rods and all...she heard a lot. It was a good thing she wasn't overly sensitive. Normally when the men remembered she was there they toned it down a bit. Oddly enough Jake was usually the loudest and the worst offender. A part of her had a feeling it was because he did not want them to think he was whipped. Even if a few of the men on the crew had offered to take her off his hands.

When the guy whom normally was not on the crew piped up about the girl that Jake was speaking to and about it perked her up. Then she heard the other female voice. That voice had something a bit predatory in it. Enough that it caused her to turn from where she was digging. After a moment and hearing that that voice knew the new guy, Xavier, she started walking over to where they were standing. A smudge of dirt across her cheek. Without stopping to remove her gloves, arms instinctively wrapped loosely around Jake's shoulders. A purr like voice came up as green eyes that did not fit with the rest of her tan skinned features twinkled at him. "Are you taking your break already? I thought we were going to sneak off for a bit." A small playful pout pursed her lips. Right hand moved slightly as her fingers curled just so around his neck. The fingers on the glove were well worn but it did not stop her from playing slightly.

Her hand that had rubbed against his neck moved to lower to his chest. Turning her head she looked up at the two females. "Hello up there." Her voice had a honey quality to it naturally.

[Jake]

Xavier must have known the girl. Both girls considering that now his sister was there in her painted on jeans. He knew a lot of chicks that did the skinny jeans thing. Skinny jeans on a skinny girl. Not like his girl here, the one that was hanging on his neck and and enticing other forms of inspiration that were going to be implemented shortly. 

Speaking of implementation, he cocked to the side and whipped his arm around her waist to pull her from behind him to the front. This was love handling baby and the way Jake had his muscled arm around Candi's waist to hold her next to him and coaxing his leg between hers made it clear that he wasn't shy about getting physical with his girl. "You know what happens when you start speaking suggestions to me."

Wasn't he fortunate that she didn't mind sweaty guys - she got down and dirty with them when she came to jobs so she couldn't complain. Right? 

He reached out with his extra hand and back-hand tapped Xavier on the shoulder. "Hey, you better tell your boy to watch your girl if she's going to be coming around the site like this." That's right, from what the guy had said Jake assumed that Xavier was referring to someone else being flip-flop girls guy.

 All attention went back to the girl he was with and his face was mere inches from hers as he was looking deep in her eyes. "Not all the guys here are taken, ain't that right, baby." Ending with a smack 'n grab to his girls ass. Oh she should have never got him started with that suggestion. She knew how he was. 

And when a man is inspired . . . 

[-:|[ Titania ]|:-]

So what Titania got out of that, was that Xavier was saying she did have a boyfriend, but that he was not wishing to take credit for being him. Interesting. She was in one of those moods today that would make her be playful in her own way. She heard the words that Jake had said to Xavier and a grin formed. "Hello Xavier. Have you happened to see my boyfriend around here? I think he's been off hiding somewhere." The words were spoken in curiousity, even if the hint of a impish grin was starting to form over her lips. Oh she knew full well what was going on. But it was Epiphany that had invited her here, honestly until Epiphany told her about Xavier being there, she had not a clue. With his keeping away, which she never would figure that out, he hadn't exactly kept her up to date on things.

"Epiphany came by earlier and invited me to stop by. Said that there was a nice form or two, to the shoveling that I should come see." A grin did form then, "Can't say that she lied." Now she would look to the lady that was wrapped around Jake and offer a smile, "Hello." Before turning to the odd greeting from Madeline. Before Madeline left this Inn and went on to her own, well from what she got it was her dads place that Madeline was running, either way, they had gotten along rather well. "Hello Madeline." The words were not spoken in a overly friendly tone because the greeting she had recieved from her was not overly warm. Nor did she miss the look on Madelines face when it lit upon her brother, intersting, interesting indeed. Maybe that explained more then it should of.

[Xavier]

He smirked, his eyes going from Jake to what was apparently his girl, then back to Titania. "As a matter of fact, I just saw him. He said to tell you he's missed you, and that he is hoping to see you very soon. Something about making up for lost time and finding out the test results....." He chuckled, obviously joking around. "So, what's been going on? Non-coffee related, of course...."

He took his time climbing the slope that led out of the pit they were digging, walking over to Titania while wiping sweat from his form. "So, you gotta hug for your man, or are you too busy checking out the meat factory here?"

[Candi]

She did her part, she said hello to the females, that was all that was required right? It was not like the girls wished to converse with her. Not minding that in the least, she wasn’t, her attention was now upon Jake. Sometimes she had a one track mind, and her current flavor of man, did not seem to mind. A girl had to know how to keep a man like Jake interested. It was something she could do blindfolded…hmm now that was an idea, that they had yet to put into motion.

When his arm came around her, and flipped her around to the front of him, even his leg making itself a home between her own, caused a rather wide grin to form over her lips. Her head titled backwards so she could look up at his face better. A grin, the sort that on a guy would be called a sh*t eating grin, formed. “We both end up happy for some time to come.” Yes, she wasn’t going to say the pleasure was all one sided, both gave to satisfy the other, at least…so far.

She could complain, but with what she had in mind they would be all sweaty and dirty when they were done, if they hadn’t started that way. She did not mind getting down and dirty with them men, it actually was a turn on, no wonder Jake was such a happy man.

Now, she was not above playing her own games with Jake, she knew that they were going to have to go off soon, or else get in trouble for playing on the job. And it would be a good breaker for them both before they got to the heavier work. As his head was tilted just so to look into her eyes, her hand came up to cup his cheek, gently. “For today, I don’t remember whom signed up to be my guy for tomorrow. Have you guys worked it out yet?” A playful wink up to Jake, he was very well known for his flirting and he should be used to hers. For a girl to survive more then a day on the site with the men she had to have a few games up her own sleeves.

She could only hope he was so inspired. Glancing around a moment she leaned in close to him, her chest pressing against his, though hers was covered in the coveralls her form was still very feminine underneath and he was familiar with what he was feeling against him. Up on tip toes she went, rubbing her chest against his in the movement, moving her mouth next to his ear she would whisper. “If we are going to sneak off we need to before Mark notices.” Mark was another of the guys, whom was less then pleased about the fact that Candi was into Jake, when he thought she should be into him. He wasn’t afraid to make his thoughts known.

[Jake]

He flirted with the ladies and she flirted with the fellas, it was all a bit of fun and games with nothing serious tossed in the mix. The person on the other end might think it was serious but that was their problem for not being able to catch a play. Jake was confident enough with himself and his relationship with Candi to not worry about her hanging around guys or having them as friends. He didn't even worry about Mark who kept trying to paint him all colors of wrong. 

And speaking of Mark, now Jake couldn't help but look around and see if he was obviously trying to not be obvious about looking. In this scope he saw that Xavier had stepped up and admitted that he was the flip-flop girls guy! He realized that not everyone was as out in the open with their relationships as he was - Jake could be a showboater. But hey, that's how he was. 

Spotting Mark shoveling not to far away he swung Candi around, so that envious gut could get a good look, and locked lips with her in a full and deep kiss. It was the type of kiss that he had an arm around her shoulders for so he could dip her and stretch it out. Eat your heart out Mark! 

He pulled her back up and leaned back himself to get her feet off the ground. No worries, he had her nice and secure. 

"You guys take it easy, I gotta take care of my girl," is what Jake said as he went to bounce her up so he could carry her away. Because...

When a man is inspired....

[Madeline Cauthon]

Madeline smiled down in the hole with a knowing smile. "Yeah, you go do that!" She always did enjoy watching a man take charge. "Have fun you two."

Turning her attention back to her brother and Titania. "Hello Titania, you look like you're doing well. "

Madeline walked around behind Titania to where she would be facing Xavier. She happened to notice the scar and gave him a soft smile. "Glad to see you made it home in one piece. I want to hear the story behind that scar, and about your time in the waste. Now do you think you have a hug for your big sis?"

[-:|[ Titania ]|:-]

The two in the pit, did not escape her attention, she remembered a time like that. Before. It made her a little envious, watching the man, take complete control, something about that turned her on. Not that anything was shown outwardly, it wasn't the man it was the attitude, the take charge sort of way.

A impish grin was given to Xavier. "Hopefully he starts comin' around again." That was if he was still her man, if he wasn't around it wasn't like they were together then, ya know? Long silences and disapearances made a girl think things that weren't all good and healhty for a relationship.

She was stepping foward to wrap her arms around Xavier, even if he was all sweaty, when Madeline spoke up. Pausing she took a step back, to turn to face Madeline. "I have been well, and yourself Madeline?" Curiousity was in that voice of hers. And then Madeline was asking Xavier for a hug, so she stepped back, she didn't want to be in the way of a man and his sister.

But she still spoke, "Epiphany did invite me here. But you never mentioned that you were going to be working on the digging." A small frown for when she started speaking she was looking back to Xavier. "Perhaps I should just...." That's where her words stopped, because she wasn't going to do that right now, she figured if he wanted her to leave so he could continue to hide he would say it. Besides it looked like he and Madeline had quite a bit catching up to do, so she stepped to the side out of the way, when they were done maybe she could suggest that her and Xavier talk on his break or when he was done for the day.

[Xavier]

Xavier smirked, winking to Madeline, then turning his attention back to Titania. "Perhaps you should...oh, I dunno.....get your sweet ass over here and hug your man." Without waiting for her to protest, he enveloped her in a tight hug, kissing her gently as he did so. "Missed you, short-stuff."

His attention reverted to Madeline, Miss Prankster herself, and he chuckled. "A Trolloc got lucky while my attention was on the Myrrdral, kiddo. Nothing to worry about, the Aiel Wise Woman got me through the worst of it." He stepped over, giving her a brotherly (and sweaty) hug. "Great to see you, Maddie. Or should I be calling you Madeline Sedai?" He smiled, quite proud of his sister for being raised to the Green. He had a special affinity to the Greens...they were the fiercest fighters the White Tower had to offer. "And yes, I'll give you the full story soon...that is, if you aren't gonna take off for the Tower of Ghenji and attack."

Sighing slightly, he turned back to Titania. "So.....when I'm done here, we need to do some catching up." He winked...if she knew him at all, she knew what catching up entailed with him. "That is, of course, if you're done staring at the sausage buffet here." He jerked his head back to the other workers, then snickered. "Besides, I'm way prettier than these guys."

[Candi]

The flirting was to be expected, they worked on a construction site, the scenery might change but the pair of them did not. She was just as secure in her relationship with Jake even when others could not understand the pair. Mark wasn't the only man that tried to paint Jake all shades of wrong, but Candi trusted her man, just as he trusted her.

When Jake flipped her around, she had a grin, because with Jake you never knew what was going on in that handsome head of his, but she knew she would enjoy it. Hands clasped to his arms, when he spun her out of instinct, not because she thought he would drop her. And when he moved to go in for the kiss with her being dipped and all, her body did not put up a struggle, it was more of a graceful move, as if they did it all the time. Because they did.

Then she was up in his arms, a big grin spreading over her features, as she snuggled into him just so. Legs moving up to wrap around his waist, didn't want to get in the way of his legs, and he had bounced her up. Perhaps it was wrong of her, but she would press her lips into a kiss, and then blow it out to the work site. Was it her fault if it went in the area that Mark was working? To her he was just a good friend, even if she flirted with him at times, which probably didn't help matters. She thought he was just joking about wanting her to leave Jake. Glue. She was like glue to him. "And he better do it right." A grin was shot to the others, as they went off.

[Madeline Cauthon]

Madeline graciously returned her brothers hug. "Call me what you wish Xavier, and no Genjii can wait. My talents are needed here in New Haven."

Letting go of the embrace, but no his hands, she gave her brother a warm smile. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must head back. Dad opened up his old place, and I'm helping him run it. You should stop by sometime, he'll be happy to know you returned in one piece."

With that, Maddie opened a gateway and took her leave.

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