Chen's Grocery Role Play Sept 29

 Ushi Chen wipes the counter down absently glancing around.

Rita Potter walks in the grocery store and grabs a basket, nodding to the elderly woman at the counter.

Oshi Shikigami: Hello Hani! Hows it going young man?

Haninozuka Wang whistles some scary theme song.. fanta goricall only a month til the best day of the year .. 'he says excitedly

Ushi Chen surveys the customers critically and gives the odd nod as someone passes. She takes out an order sheet and frowns at it "Why'd they raise the price on that one?" she mutters in annoyance.

Rita Potter moves over an aisle and examines the snacks, fondling the pen hanging off of her sweater.

Oshi Shikigami: Oh yeah Halloween! Yeah, Tatsu is working on a painting of it, She will send it to you when she finishes with it. Have you got a costume or something? Going to hit the cemetery? Oshi winks.

Haninozuka Wang looks at you 'what so scary about the cemetery .. those people dont like people to bother them 'cuz its scary 'he says shaking his head .. 'nah .. i think i want to be a zombie or something.. he says softly .. but im not to sure yeah. but free candy right 'he laugh soflt

Rita Potter considers the snacks with a critical eye.  Seems to be quite the decision

 Oshi Shikigami: Oh, and she sent me something. Oshi digs in her pockets and comes up with a small, looking to be pillbox and hands it to Hani. It is from Tatsu, cabin mate, the priestess. She had it carved just for you. Opening it he will see a short pencil, and long lead. The lead itself is micro minutue carved in extraordinary detail it is Hani's name and a image 3D of Godzilla all carved from the lead.

Haninozuka Wang smiles as just as he was about to reach for a bag of popcorn .. he instead reaches for the pillbox and opens it .. he carefully and daintily picks up . the pencil and examines .. he nods smile 'this is wicked 'he smiles carefully stowing it back in the box and putting the box in his pocket. he fishes around for in his back pocket .. 'this is for her ' he say softly explains ... 'its a micro Sd card with the edited prologue to that horror film I'm working on 'he says.

Ushi Chen observes what appears to be a gift exchange with mild interest and then tosses the order form aside and sticks her pen back in the pen cup with a clink.

 Rita Potter glances at the woman and boy and moves closer to them.  She watches the exchange.  "Oh, that's lovely." she looks at the gift in the boys hand.  Then at the boy  "Are you an actor?"  she wonders.

Oshi Shikigami: Oh wow! That's so cool! Could I read it too? Bu hey if you would prefer not, that is totally fine to. But I shall get that off to her I am sure she will be thrilled. Oshi smiles brightly.

Haninozuka Wang looks back his eyes glancing at the pen clink .. his eyes dart around at the exit . his breathing increases before he registers the ladies speak .. he looks at Rita ' nah .. just a future film maker .. 'he say softly and then his eyes shift to Oshi.. "its just some video footage that I record and a script.. but sure .. I don't mind you looking 'he say softly and reaches out to pluck the bag off the rack.

Ushi Chen opens the till and checks her coin rolls hoping someone intends to buy food today and not just clog up her aisles with idle chatter. Her expression is mutely sour.

Rita Potter smiles.  "How ambitious.  I've known many.  Covered James Cameron a few times."  she looks casual.

Oshi Shikigami: I bet some of those navy times may think they have created a monster by bringing her on board. She has already blown away their math team, Seems she is doing some teaching to them! Se did a painting for the captain, and he has it proudly displayed in his cabin. I wouldn't be surprised if she "owns" the ship soon, all at thirteen years old, Oshi chuckles.

Haninozuka Wang chuckles at Rita 'I bet that was treating picking his brain.. ' he smiles and look at Oshi "Good then she can order them to pilot that thing back here once in awhile 'he says seriously .. 'maybe she'll rule the world one day " he says chuckling.

Ushi Chen cracks open a new roll of quarters and they clatter into the drawer. The phone rings and she answers it "Chen's? What? No.....we are not a Seven Eleven Mister." She clicks it back onto the receiver without a goodbye and snorts.

Rita Potter looks at the woman.  "His girlfriend is in the navy?  At thirteen?  In Canada?"  she sounds scandalized.

Oshi Shikigami: Yup, Entirely possible. First they have to do what was it she said, "target practice" With bows and arrows. Yeah, that was it. So, who knows. But I would suggest you be good to her when she is wearing her officer's sword, though. Oshi says in mock sternness. Oh ma-am no that would be in the Japanese Defense force Naval Operations. And she volunteered with her parents permission, even though they asked her first.

Haninozuka Wang blushes.. 'she not my girlfriend ' he half shouts.. a bit confused and embarrassed... 'she a friend that happens to be a friend 'he say .. he looks down at the bag flipping it over pretending to read the ingredients.... he looks back up at Oshi..'well she is good with a sword . like michonee.. like she is my own Michone in my world.. 'he laughs 'she is such a bad ass 'he say softly looking at the bag again ... he turns to Ushi 'do you have this is ultra spicy "

Ushi Chen laughs at the kid yelling "she's not my girlfriend" and then deadpans "It's Sriracha. That's not hot enough boy?"

Rita Potter arches her brows and smiles.  "Do tell.  The Japanese military.  Fascinating." she glances at the boy with her smile completely intact.

 Oshi Shikigami: Yes, contrary to popular opinion, members of the opposite sex can be platonic friends. I agree with you Hani. It would be sad to think half of the world would either be lovers or no friend at all, yes? Oh, um, I guess I could have put that differently, but you know what I mean. Oshi blushes a moment and seem to be distracted by something in the shelves.

Haninozuka Wang still looks at the lady and in fluent Mandarin.. say 'no it is .. I need it hotter ' he says softly and turns to the ladies "I'm not zombie... I just like the way it feels when the pepper burn my mouth 'he says softly . he looks at Oshi. his eye raising 'what do you know .. 'he say questioning .. before looking back at the bag.. then turns back to Ushi.. 'well do you have wasabi .. ' he adds

Ushi Chen answers back in broken Mandarin "I speak Cantonese. And aisle 3 for Wasabi." she looks annoyed by the question.

Rita Potter nods and waves the whole thing away with her slim hand.  "Right.  Right.  Now about this child military in Japan..."  she urges the woman.

Oshi Shikigami: Yeah, these government types cam to the school here, and gave her a bunch of tests. And shortly after they chatted with her parents in Australia at the time. She went and talked to them all, and when they asked, and offered a degree, and an officers rank, they all accepted it. So she went off to the Navy. Oh, yes she, like myself are Japanese.

Haninozuka Wang counters in broken Cantonese "Sorry madam thank you." he bows at her.

Muishitsu Monshin steps quietly behind a small gathering of towns folk.

Ushi Chen barely bows back but inclines almost as a posture change. she notices the new customer behind and peers curiously, and slightly critically like she tends to do.

Rita Potter looks thrilled beyond words.  "From a school here in Canada?" her smile offers interest.

Oshi Shikigami: Hani, do you remeber if Tatsu fed Miso wasabi? I need to get him a treat. I cannot see much else that would be a special food for him here. Yes, Tatsu was staying with me here, increasing her English skills, which are as good as mine already. While her parents where vacationing in Australia. She is my cousin, and I have been caring for her here.

 Haninozuka Wang: watches Ushi gaze and point 'look a bad ass samurai dude.. 'he says in English this time .. he turns to oshi .. 'yeah .. cool little dude. he loves wasabi'

Muishitsu Monshin: Clears his throat "Excuse me, Namaste." He bows ceremonially "I am new here. I am Muishitsu Monshin from China."

Rita Potter nods.  "Is that so?"  she replies.  "And when she is trained by the Japanese ... she'll return to Canada?" she turns to look at the newcomer, her eyes dancing.

Ushi Chen sees the man bow formally and tilts her head, just staring at him now. At his name she straightens and stares.

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi scoots over to the aisle where the wasabi was said to be and returns quickly. Yeah! OK, hope this makes our little 'mutant' a happy boy! Oshi smiles. Well, I believe that is her ultimate ambition when she left, anyway. But After she has had some time in the military, I suppose that could change? Seems it has with others I have know anyway. So, who can say. But I am happy to be here for her, if she wishes it. Oshi nods and smiles.


Haninozuka Wang looks up at the dude 'sorry 'he says in Mandarin ..then goes back to English as he looks around the next aisle at the different soft drinks and stuff

Muishitsu Monshin: There is never a need to apologize young man.  Then moving toward the cashier)) ... In English, just in case some here don't speak Cantonese... As I said I am Muishitsu Monshin I've come to Cedar Point to discover if perhaps anyone would know of my Great Grandfather Ning Hai Chen.. I'm told he was once an important part of this community.

 Ushi Chen gapes at Muishitsu "I didn't recognize you Muishitsu. I am Ushi Chen." She half laughs "You've come a long way ...."

Rita Potter grins.  "Naturally."  her voice is only mildly dry.  "Um ... excuse me." and ges arund the corner to look at bottles and snacks. When the man and wrinkled cashier start talking she glances over her shoulder.

Oshi Shikigami: So anyway, it seems they are intent on making some new promotional thing about younger people in the Defense Force, in Japan, and are doing a sort of pilot program to see how it works. Or so it was explained to me.

Haninozuka Wang grabs a bottle of mountain dew before beeline for condiment aisle .. looking at Oshi . 'they start young.. so they can hook them 'he says knowingly.

Muishitsu Monshin looks more closely at Ushi "My Ushi! how you've grown! Of course you're only about 15 years younger than I, but you do not at show your age! I was not certain that any of my relatives were still here! It is a long way from Guangzhou."

Ushi Chen smiles more warmly than many see from her and does a genuine proper bow in greeting saying in Cantonese "Greetings and blessings cousin." and then in English as she leans back "Many generations from it. I'm afraid all I have to show you is a grave and old pictures. But welcome."

Rita Potter glances over.  "Young pilots.  How encouraging!"  she looks at the boy and her smile actually widens a moment as she nods.  She coughs slightly when the man speaks to the woman Ushi.

Oshi Shikigami: Well I know there are some people that think it is horrible, and some who don't know, and some that are fine with it. But I honestly trust Tatsu's judgment more than her parents. And as long as she is OK with it, I am too. But, if anything goes wrong, I would fight for her too. regardless. Oshi says resolutely.

Haninozuka Wang leans over his head sticking out 'it sucks.. don't they have grown people to do that shit '' he hides back behind the aisle.

Muishitsu Monshin raises a brow and glances quickly back at the youth, surprised at his language in a public place.. then turns back to Ushi "I'm just very happy to find you here Ushi." He glances over his shoulder, looking outside with a nearly imperceivable tick of nervousness. "I'm considering making Cedar Point my new home here in Canada, now that I'm retired." Again glancing quickly out the window. " It seems right to come to the place that our Great grandfather helped in it's early days."

Ushi Chen looks past her cousin to his glances wondering if he is expecting company "Are you here on your own Muishitsu? Do you have a family with you? There are some accommodations in town. I don't recommend the B&B though. It is run by a woman of ill repute...."

Rita Potter arches her brows.  "Her parents are neglectful?  Or they have exercised bad judgement before?"  she wonders looking curious.

Oshi Shikigami: Hani, I will say it just as she explained it to me, OK? She said, that they do not need her to hold onto a gun and charge the enemy. She said, They have some complex math, that perhaps only a few people in the whole world could help answer. And that with "someone" right across the sea, works bitterly hard, every day, to be able to destroy your homeland, what person, in good consciousness, say, it is not my problem? MY GOD I am proud of her! Osh says loudly.

Haninozuka Wang shrugs "I didn't say wasn't proud of her .. it just sucks.. but yeah she is special.. alright.. normal people 'he shrugs plucking some hot sauce of the shelf and going up the aisle .. 'but that's life huh .. 'he shrugs .. looking around the aisles wandering a bit as if just looking to see what he might like

Muishitsu Monshin again raises his brows at the mention of the brothel. "I have come alone Ushi. and I will be looking for accommodations even yet tonight if it's possible. My attempts to call ahead for a hotel stay didn't work out because of the storm damage in Guangzhou. All the lines were down before I had finally decided to come.  You Mentioned a grave and photos. I look forward to seeing them and to spend time catching up with you. I've not seen you since you were a teenager." He glances at the boy." Do you remember much from your brief visit to Guangzhou?"

Ushi Chen sighs "It was a long time ago..." she stops talking as the woman asking many questions gets closer to her and looks suspiciously at her before continuing "We can offer you accommodation until you are settled Muishitsu. I will share with my granddaughter and grandniece to make the space. " she pulls a key from the till drawer and offer it to her cousin "Upstairs. do you remember my brother Michael? He and his wife and their daughter live there as well as my granddaughter and I. Feel free to take the first room facing the parking lot. I will move my things later. But if you are hungry, get what you need from the store. I'm sure you had a long flight and terrible food."

Rita Potter grabs a bag of chips and turns to the counter.  "Did I hear you mention the B&B?  I was thinking of staying there.  Who is this woman of ill repute?"  she sounds concerned.

Oshi Shikigami: Yeah, "normal people", Trust me that I do understand! My parents wanted me to find a nice guy, and raise a family. What girl needs to be an artist a photographer, a plumber, and an engineer! Yup. I know. And there is Tatsu, and she is a decade younger, and will have her PhD before I do! Before she is an "adult"! You want to talk special? Yeah, she is so special. Oshi begins to tear up.

Haninozuka Wang raises his eyebrow 'ill repute.. the b and b 'he say softy 'what you talking about.. they make bomb ass.. egg toast sandwich and give the best candy.. 'he says softly confuses 'he looks back .. and goes to Oshi and pats her back 'look I'm sorry .. she was meant to be where she is .. 'he smiles at her

Muishitsu Monshin bows with respect and then reaches out slowly for the key... "I really don't need to put out your whole family Ushi, I failed to let you know I was coming. It seems unfair to make everyone move on my account." He looks to the woman with the chips then to Ushi. "Is a brothel really allowed in such a modern city as Cedar Point?" Then tucking the key in a hidden pocket in his hamika, I'll stay until I can find a place that won't put you and your family out of their own places..

Ushi Chen smiles "It is a bed and breakfast and I'm sure the eggs are acceptable. Just don't let that hag Tallulah get her hooks into your men." she takes the chips from the woman still eyeing her suspiciously. She noticed Oshi getting emotional and looks at her and Hani blandly before looking back to her cousin "We are family and you need a bed. You would do the same for us I know." She swipes the chips and says in a bit of a bark "2.25. You wanna bag? 5 cents."

Rita Potter smiles brightly.  "Tallulah .... No bag."  she reaches into her pocket for her card, which she swipes.  "Have a FANTASTIC day."  she beams and heads for the door.  If anyone is watching, she will call out.  "Cody!"  and throw her bag of chips in the trash out front without even opening them.

Oshi Shikigami: Oh, Hani, I know you worry for her, and care for her. And I appreciate that you were there for her to. She has always express gratitude on that. Whatever paths you make, separate, or together, I am blessed to see that those younger than myself, still can do what they believe, and have the ability to choose. Seems there is just not enough of that, any more.

Haninozuka Wang stifles a chuckle.. rolling his eyes . biting his lips motioning his head at Ms. Chen but pats Oshi's shoulder 'well thanks for that .. I'm sure it'll turn out okay .. its like script writing.. you already know the beginning and what you want it be in the end.. but its the middle part you have to worry about 'he smiles .. and watches .. why she throw that away .. he says watching her ..

Muishitsu Monshin: "Ushi, I see from the sign that you must own this store? You've done very well for yourself..." He glances outside quickly and pats the key in his pocket."I've come because I've retired from my work and ((uncomfortably)) there's nothing for me any longer in Guangzhou." He seems to drift off in thought and then catches himself and returns his attention to Ushi.

Ushi Chen sees the woman toss the chips and looks after her like she has three heads. She snaps her gaze back to Muishitsu and looks proud at the compliment "It was our father's Michael and I took it over with Jade. Only grocery in town, they don't like it....go to Vancouver!" She laughs and then nods slowly "Your life sounds complicated. Mine too. We'll talk when the customers and nosy waste makers aren't listening. "

Oshi Shikigami: Someday, Hani, you will understand, how silly futile and hopelessly entwined in ones own realty, and further disregard, for those, one can become Jaded, misunderstanding, or worse... Understanding only too well. And you get to a point you just say "F" it. and let the fates blow in the winds, as they choose. And hope, you do not end up regretting what you have done, to late to deal with it.

Haninozuka Wang folds his arms across his chest 'I don't do what people say if it doesn't benefit me somehow... and I don't regret.. cuz it was my choice ' he says softly ..smiling 'but yeah .. I sorta understand .. 'he says softly ' sometime regrets even become something good.. I'm living proof'he chuckles .. walking up to the cash register and adding a couple of bars of chocolate to his chips and mountain dew

Muishitsu Monshin steps back a pace to allow the young man to the counter. "That sounds like a good idea Ushi. It's my habit to take a walk every day and being in a new place, I will surely be out and about a lot as I learn the layout of Cedar Point. I'll also be looking for a library or maybe records at the Town Hall for some family research. I'm sure you probably know as much as anyone about our family here.. It has been a long day. The plane was very turbulent and I've been traveling actually three days to get here. Perhaps I will look around for a snack and find a cafe for breakfast in the morning.. Now Ushi," He looks her in the eye  "I want you to know I pay my way. I can offer you what I have or please keep a tab for me until I can convert my money to Canadian. Okay?" Muishitsu Monshin looks casually around at the shelves.

Ushi Chen starts swiping Hani's order across the scanner and it blips as each item adds up. At a certain point she has the popcorn and the hot sauce in each hand "Trying to break the toilet? S'gonna hurt later." she jokes wryly and keeps swiping "You got bags?" she demands and then says "31.87." She calls over to her cousin "Alright. I'll keep a tab." her tone is a little sarcastic like the tab is fictional between them.

Oshi Shikigami:Yeah, Hani, LIFE is like that. Things seem to flow real sweet. Only to have everything you believe in trust in, is all swept away in a heartbeat. And you are left with nothing - again - and start, again. And hope, pray that this time... But it only is for a while, than again, the wheel turns.  Oh! I almost forgot, how about some parsly? So my tuttle can have fresh breath, after his wasabi treat? Osh asks at the counter.

Haninozuka Wang looks at you 'nah.. my digestive tract works just fine.. i don't even get a stomach ahe with this ..'he raise his eyebrow.. and pulls a canvas bag out of his back pocket.. 'eah .. i have bags 'he say softly . he says slowly count out his money .. and settles it in on the counter.

Muishitsu Monshin quickly makes his way through the aisles picking up a few snack items. and returns to the counter. "Ushi, Do you want to show me the room? or shall I just go up?"

Ushi Chen looks at Oshi like she's asking if they have moon cheese "Parsley for a turtle? Don't they eat pellets? It's in the produce if you want to waste your money." She glares down at Hani's slow counting as if willing it to go faster and then says offhandedly to Muishitsu "Yeah go on in. I'll be up if I ever get a break...."

Oshi Shikigami: Yes, parsley. And I know they make them have really stinky poo, but that is later, afterwards, one can "prepare".

Haninozuka Wang looks at her and finally hands her the money in ones and change before smiles 'thanks.. 'he say after he hands the total to her

 Muishitsu Monshin: Bows with respect.. Thank you Ushi for your great hospitality and reception. Considering you had no notice of my arrival I very much appreciate all you're doing for me.. ((nervously glances again out the window briefly but intently as though to break through the darkness)) waits for Ushi's reply and then makes his way to the stairs he saw outside on his way in near the dragon.))

 Ushi Chen takes the money from Hani and puts it in the till. she bows back to her cousin "My home is your home as they say." She will of course ring through Oshi and give her the usual Ushi till treatment when it's her turn.

Oshi pays the extra five cents for a bag, and places her purchases in the bag, bows to each one there, and says to no one in particular, I am heading home now to reward a well behaved turtle. Smiles and heads out the door.

Haninozuka Wang also pick up his purchase and slumps off to his usual hiding places on the island before he has to be end at night

It was just another day at Chen's with new faces and old.

Falcon Island Part 6 - Truth in the Light of Day

Steph wakes up with a pounding headache and a desperately full bladder. She stumbles uncomfortably down the ladder. Anna and Michael still seem to be asleep and she's relieved after last night. She grabs her glasses from the table, fishes in her pack for a bottle of Tylenol and takes two with her water bottle before bolting out the door to the outhouse.


Michael Reinhardt wakes and pulls himself out of bed. He gets out of bed and considers heading got trees for a pee, then the shower rooms to wash his hands and the mess hall/tent/building for a little coffee. He notes that Steph is gone, but doesn't put too much detective work into it, even though he remembers the night before perfectly. Grabbing his shaving kit he begins behind the showers, then moves in the shower building to wash his hands and brush his teeth.


Steph had to sit for awhile. It was a lot of wine last night. Afterwards she almost dozes from her hangover and then sniffs at the air remembering she's in an outhouse and making a face "Ugh..." She finishes up and stumbles outside, her legs feeling heavier than normal. Shaking off the smell as she walks to the shower house to wash her hands she can't help but still be struck by the beauty of this island and the forest beyond the path. Steph pulls open the wash house door and heads for a sink, freezing in mid step as she sees the back of Michael's hulking form already at the other sink. Maybe she could sanitize her hands with pine needles or something? With an exhale she walks up to the other sink and starts washing with a quiet awkward "Mm...morning."


Michael is rinsing his hands when he is joined by Steph. He smiles and lets her see in his mirth that he remembers events perfectly. "Mornin." he dries his hands and zips up his bag. "Feeling up for some coffee and a walk?" he tucks the bag under his arm.

Steph looks sideways at him and blushes deeply "Um yeah ok.....maybe food to carry too. I didn't really eat yesterday and I'm super hungover." She shakes off her hands a bit and fights with the paper towel dispenser. It's completely jammed and she shakes her hands again and then wipes them on her pants like her son Tristan would.

Michael watches her and chuckles. "Food too." he agrees. "I need to drop off my kit here and I can meet you in the ... cafeteria or whatever that is?" he offers. "Then we get some stuff, find a place and ... yea ... talk."

Steph turns with a look of dread and squeaks out "Ok......" If a guy was planning to give her a let down speech she'd really prefer it was quicker than what Mike was suggesting. With a throat clearing she heads for the door "See you in the dining hall then."


Micheal nods and heads back to the cabin to drop off his kit. Once that's done, he jogs to the mess building and pours himself some coffee and talks with the cook about a picnic. The cook grins and packs up a small basket with fruits, cheeses and crackers in it, plus another Thermos of coffee. Hooking it over his arm, he looks at Stephanie, sipping his coffee and looking more awake already. "Ready?"

Stephanie had been sitting at one of the tables nursing a coffee. She had eaten a banana first and it was thankfully sitting well. She watched Michael walk in, get coffee and chat with the cook briefly and then he suddenly turned with a picnic basket. If this was a let down easy, he was sure going to a lot of trouble. With cautious optimism she walked to him and smiled "Alright then..."

Michael looks at her. "Relax." he tells her and heads out, holding the door open for her. Once they are both outside he begins to walk, saying nothing until they hang a left between the outhouse and the showers. "Well ... first of all, I wanted to apologize for India .. at the Memorial? She ... well ... I'll blame it on Motown or wherever it is she got famous." he begins.

Stephanie laughs "I like India. she was just having a bit of fun I think. Don't worry about it." She still looks very curious as to what Mike has in mind. Is this a date? Is this an elaborately polite let down?

Michael chuckles. "Yea ... well ... shes become sort of like a little sister and she seems to think I need to get out and socialize. Apparently getting a cat does not qualify as socialization." he shrugs elaborately. "Whew knew?" he leads them down a path and around to a place with a tent and a hell of a view. "We can sit here, watch the view and talk?" he moves to the edge and sets the basket on a rock with room for the both of them to sit. "India DOES have a point. Since my fiance went missing ... I haven't been a real social butterfly. But I wasn't before either."

Stephanie smiles about the cat and then looks sympathetic "Oh I'm so sorry. I had no idea. When did she....I mean, do you want to talk about it?"

Michael sips more of his coffee and opens the basket with a deep sigh. "Well ... that's sort of why I wanted to talk to you." he looks over at her. "You and I get along, but ... and I am not a stalker, just a trained observer ... I notice you don't date anyone either. At least not in town. I don't either, but I ... ugh ... " he looks a bit uncomfortable. "I don't know how exactly to say this without looking like the worlds largest ass hole. It was easier with Sara .. my ex-wife. Because I DO like you Steph. We always had good, if short conversations, haven't we?" he is really hoping she won't slug and run.

Stephanie looks thoroughly confused now "Uh...yeah...OK...what exactly are you getting at Mike? Kinda mixed signals here....."

Michael scratches his hair, unintentionally looking like the stereotypical dumb jock. "OK .... I hear you don't date and don't necessarily WANT to date ... like me. So I had been thinking before now that I should just ask you out. The whole kiss thing last night .... well I guess that cemented it. So I thought you and I could hang out more regularly. I guess this is just me ... giving full disclosure ... " he nods to himself. "Cause that's only fair, really to tell you since Ryan knows and Anna knows..." at this point he does seem to be talking to himself.

Steph starts to look a little annoyed with this now, feeling under scrutiny "I HAVE dated. It just hasn't gone well for awhile...thank you very much. Not every guy wants a single mom and I've had a lot of rejection. So if this is a not you it's me speech...then fucking out with it already. That was nice last night....very nice..... but I don't have a lot of patience for being jerked around."

Michael arches his brows, but doesn't pull back from the annoyance. "I want to go out with you. That's the thing. I don't care if you have a kid. You're a great lady ... really. I think we probably like the same snarky movies ... some of which aren't kid appropriate. So in that way it ISN'T a its not you its me thing, cause I really DO want to hang out with you. The thing is .... My ex-wife was my beard and my missing fiance vanished in the 2011 Cedar Point earthquake." there .. he blurted it out. "And I like you enough that I don't want to lie to you and hurt you by making you think I want a heterosexual relationship with you. I just ... want your friendship."

Steph's eyes had been narrowed but now they almost popped out of her head and her jaw dropped for about 30 seconds before she found her words "You're gay?! And Oh my god I'm an idiot..." She puts her face in her hands with a moan and then starts laughing "I'm sorry I"m sorry....I'm totally cool with the gay thing....just let me process." she exhales and emerges from her hands "I can kinda guess what you mean by beard but I haven't heard that before. You want me to pretend to date you so you don't have to fully come out? Mike I'm happy to be your friend and even go out with you as friends......but you don't have to hide who you are. That's not right. There's nothing wrong with it." After a moment she frowns and asks "Why the hell did you kiss me? I mean maybe you were dreaming of someone with an Adam's apple but at some point you knew...it was me...."

Michael listens with a slightly embarrassed, sheepish look on his face. "Yes, I want you to pretend there is more to us than incredible movie nights." he chuckles at the rest. "Remember, I said ex-WIFE. My last beard was my best friend ... she and I never had sex but we DID get married to cover my homosexuality. Cause Steph ...." he shakes his head. "Its not always okay. Cedar Point might be OK .. only a few homophobes I've been able to guess at, but ... my family .. my father ... that would go badly. I came close with Harley ... my fiance .. but then he disappeared. Me and Sara got divorced. My father still hasn't forgiven me for that. So yea ... I'm ... I'm hiding ... call me a dinosaur." he sighs, realizing he is rambling. "Anyway, I have never had sex with a woman, but part of my hiding means I've kissed plenty." and then he sighs. "But yes. Harley has been on my mind a lot. I miss him .. what can I say?"

Steph exhales slowly and says seriously "I need to think about this. I'm sorry your family isn't supportive. That more than sucks. Harley was from Cedar Point? Do you mean Harley Bell, the archivist guy? I knew he went missing when Eryn did but because of Tams and Anna, and the fact that Eryn was a friend, I was focused on her. They never found her either. I guess that's just the way with quakes right? I am sorry...for your loss." She blushes a bit and says quietly "I did kind of like the kissing part...."She giggles after "Sorry, not appropriate."

Michael nods. "That's fine. Take as long as you need." then he shrugs, ignoring his family. "Yea. Harley Bell. I was about to come out and move here then .... yea." he sighs. "But that is NOT the way with quakes, really. It's just ... like the Bermuda Triangle weird. But thanks. One minute I'm over it I think and the next I'm binge watching Parks and Recreation." he chuckles. "I like kissing ... what can I say? I guess I'm good at it?"

Steph looks pained as he talks about Harley and then gives a little snarl at his kissing comment "Yeah you are but keep the ego in check buddy." She looks at the basket "Wow you really want to be my fake boyfriend don't you? What's in there? I'm starved. I had wine and marshmallows for dinner. I don't recommend it. By the way, Parks Canada Boy thinks you're cute. He claims to be "homoflexible". Could mean he's both gay and a gymnast in the sack." She teases.

Michael chuckles. "Hey, I am confident. And I love kissing ... even women." he goes into the basket. "We have cheese and crackers and apples...." he brings out a paper plate and a knife. "A very elegant spread." he starts slicing up cheese and making little cracker and cheese sammies, setting them on another plate. He glances up. "Is he, now? Homoflexible pretty much means he's gay, but if a woman is special enough he can make an exception. He's pretty cute but ...." he motions around with the knife hes slicing cheese with. "I can only do so much ... nature ... stuff. Besides ... he took April's ovaries out. Can I date a man who's cut into my pussy?" he deadpans, still cutting the block cheese into slices.

Stephanie laughs heartily now "I'll keep that in mind. You should tell Ziven that one if it ever comes up. I think he'd enjoy it. You know I've never watched Parks and Rec. I tend towards what I can watch with my kid and I'm not sure he's quite there yet. So if you want to talk about the Ninja Turtles or any of the animated Batman shows I'm totally well versed." she smiles "Sad I know." She reaches for a cheese and cracker sandwich, stealing one before he's done arranging.

Micheal chuckles. "I'll tell him at April's next appointment." he grins. "Then you can watch it with me. I DO like the show, but probably never would have watched it if not for Harley." Then he beams. "I love a lot of the Batmans. I'm more a fan of Batman The Animated Series. But I have a bunch of them. Ninja Turtles .. not so much." he watches her steal a cheese and cracker and shakes his head. "Committing a theft in front of a cop. Man ... that's ballsy. More reason to like you. And no I am not the gay guy who goes insane when you destroy my plated presentation." He keeps shaving off cheese.

Steph smirks " Apparently not ballsy enough though. And here I thought you and Anna had a thing. I think her mother might still be prenaming some imagined cherubic red headed grandchildren because she thinks so too. Course you're not nearly suffering poet freak show enough to fit with Anna's usual type."


Michael laughs and picks up an apple. "Well, Anna sort of became an accidental beard. We'd meet and talk and people would look at us like they couldn't figure out if we were related, or dating or what. And ... honestly I never discourage that kind of thinking. Especially when I knew Anna doesn't like me that way ... she deflected a few of the women in town who DO seem interested in dating me ... or maybe banging me is more like it." he quarters and de-seeds the apple as he talks. "I told her while I was investigating Lee .. cause ... I know what its like to have a loved one vanish in one of these damn earthquakes." neatly and cleanly quartered, he cuts them into thinner slices. "I don't mean to talk about Harley so much.' he seems to be apologizing. "Coming to Cedar Point was supposed to heal me, according to Sara. SO I can get on with my life and find someone and ... whatever." he doesn't want her uncomfortable with ex-lover talk.

Stephanie looks kindly at Michael "That's a horrible thing for anyone to ever go through. It was bad enough losing Eryn as her friend...but Tams...I could barely watch what it did to her and I can't imagine what either of you have had to feel. She's a reformed alcoholic now so if you need to talk...please talk...don't let it eat you from the inside like she did. As much as anyone can, I get it."


Micheal has turned the apple into thin slices in his anxiety. "Yea. Well, Tams doesn't know about me and Harley, but I can relate. But I had Sara. If not for her, I would have eaten my gun a long time ago." he shrugs. "I was pretty big then, but after that I have actually bulked up a lot more. Working out instead of eating ice cream and crying." he places some of the extra slices of cheese on the apple. "But now it's your turn." he glances up at her. "Ryan told me your ex ... Tristan's father .. was a jerk, but no details. What happened? I know its personal so slap me and tell me to shut the fuck up if you want ... uncomfortable questions and truths are pretty much an occupational hazard with me."

Steph finishes another cracker sandwich and makes a face as the topic turns to her life. "Colin Rankin." She breathes in and out slowly looking thoughtfully out at the water "We met in Business Admin at the Simon Fraser. We were both a little older than the right out of high school crowd so we connected. Then it became the typical girl meets boy, girl gets pregnant, boy takes off. It would have been nicer if he had been upfront about his plan to bolt earlier...and not you know...at the hospital when I was in labour. He's never contacted me since or asked to see Tristan so that's that. My family were and still are amazing though and Tristan's OK."


Michael listens as he chews and swallows. "Gotcha. I know there guys like that, cause I've dealt with a lot of them in the Vancouver PD. I've heard women comparing and it seems a lot would prefer a guy bolt at 'i'm pregnant' than after." he takes one of his prepared cheese and cracker sammies and adds an apple slice. "But if your son likes Batman, he's more than OK. And your brother is cool for his level of geek." he chuckles and pops the sammie in his mouth.

Steph laughs "Thanks Mike. That helps. I think we've run out of awful topics now right? Tell me about the kitty cat?"

Michael smiles and has another apple, cheese and cracker sandwich. Swallowing he grins. "I was patrolling after the earthquake and heard a mewling in a car that had crashed. She was inside of the car, all scared and whatnot." he doesn't tell the Lee part of the story, ignoring it as irrelevant. "I took her back to my place cause ... the town was chaos. I put up posters and everything, but no one claimed her. And she seems to like me okay. Plays with the strings of my sweat pants and hoodies and has a ball on my back while I do push-ups." he laughs. "I guess I'm one of those guys who likes to call himself taking care of those weaker than me .... but I think April can take care of herself quite nicely. If you come over and watch Parks and Rec with me, you'll learn why I named her April."

Stephanie grins "That's very sweet. Your feline personal trainer. I look forward to meeting her. Tristan has a fish tank so it might be cruel to have a cat." She chuckles.

Michael arches his brows and looks mischievous. "Nature of the male beast." he assures her. "To watch the hunt live, and in person. Will I have to ask Mom for a new fish, or will the cat fall in the tank and freak out, which is ALWAYS funny." he nods and then gets serious. "So .... if you look forward to it, does that mean me and you get to get you out for the occasional meal at a restaurant and movies and other places that specifically denies admittance to people under eighteen, let people think dirty things about us until you meet the man of your dreams and break up with me?" he looks at her hopefully, with a sort of boyishly handsome half smile.

Stephanie bursts out giggling "Wow...when you ask like that..." she turns her head, still getting a hold of herself and then says "Alright, we can give it a try. But also put a clause in there for you meeting the man of YOUR dreams." She looks at Michael seriously "I know the loss you've suffered is still with you but it might still happen one day that way Michael. And you're much more charming than I am so it ups your chances." she teases "the last real date I had was so bad I couldn't even be polite. I climbed out the bathroom window of an Italian restaurant in Surrey. By the way, we maybe shouldn't eat at that one unless I wear a wig and sunglasses."

Michael grins. "I thought it was premature to get on bended knee, too." he sighs. "I know, never say never." he doesn't mention that he's never had anything remotely serious since Harley .... or before Harley. He had one man who relieved a tension or two, but that was agreed upon sex ... nothing more than friendship. But then she tells about her last real date and his brows go up. "Noted, but that could be fun." he puts on a mock thoughtful face. "Oh wait, you were the guy so detestable she crawled out of the building as if it was on fire, right? That's impressive. Can I have your autograph?"


Stephanie shakes her head, smiling "That won't be necessary. But I may ask you to be my plus one for a wedding in October. Do you dance?"

Michael nods. "My mother taught me. No teasing." he considers. "I have a couple suits, if its formal. Just let me know what you're wearing so our ties don't clash." he holds up a hand. "I know I know ... sooooooooo gay."

Stephanie flutters her lashes "Should I start wearing ties? I do enjoy pantsuits." she teases. "Although it's one of my more traditional cousins, Tomiko Yamada, so I'll probably be in a dress to fake being a more tradition following Japanese Canadian. It's at the Nikkei Museum and Cultural Center in Burnaby, October 15th."

Michael chuckles. "Sorry. So MY tie doesn't clash." he sighs. "Could be the word 'wedding' threw me off. I've only been to two. My brothers and my own. So .... that means a kimono? I know less than nothing about Japanese culture. I really only got into the food when your brother and I got partnered up. You've probably seen me with chopsticks. Kinda a menace." he had taken to simply eating the sections of sushi roll with his fingers after one too many went flying.

Stephanie gives Michael an amused look as he reframes the tie thing and then shudders "Not that traditional...thank god. Just a tasteful dress should do it. When I first started working for my parents Mom had it in her head we should wear kimonos. You have to strategically tie them or pin them so they don't gape inappropriately. It's an awkward garment to work in. I was so glad when she gave up on that."

Michael smiles. "Parents and tradition. I've been there and done that, believe me. How a Celt and a German managed to fall in love I will never know. But I suppose I am lucky it is my mother who is the Celt ... my father would never go for a kilt ... man-skirt. Too.... you know." he shrugs.

Stephanie snorts "Has he met s Scotsman? Some of those kilted dudes have enough testosterone to kill a horse. Sadly I know because of Colin and his Scottish family but yeah, moving on. Anyhow, that would be awesome if you could come with me to Tomiko's wedding. I have to warn you though...my family tends to try and assimilate all perceived partners they like and I suspect they'll like you. India's one of us now. Mom's already planning the Christmas portrait positioning. I think I finally talked her out of the scuba gear underwater theme at the Vancouver Aquarium. I can't let her put a pregnant woman in a wet suit...it's just cruel. I dunno if Ryan's told you about the portrait thing. I'm sure his copies are well hidden."

Michael shames his head. "My father .... is German. Old school German." he grins. "India knows about me and so does Ryan. But ... I really am not the worst husband in the world. Sara had lovers. I never...." he cuts himself off at the scuba gear suggestion. "Ohhhhhh yeaaaaaaa .... Ryan failed to mention that. And India .. yea .. she won't get in a wet suit and she may attack anyone who tries to get her in one. She had a hell of a self defense instructor." he chuckles. "Now I gotta see those pictures...."

Stephanie thinks about what he says about Sara "So it was a marriage of convenience with Sara? She wanted a cover of hetero-normative domesticity so she could do what she wanted that wasn't that without eyes on her too?"

Michael sighs deeply. "Not exactly." he explains. "Yes, she was attracted to me. No, I never slept with her .. or any other woman. She saw through my lying about that and I confessed to her I was gay. Then she agreed to be my beard and .... yea ... she met my family as my girlfriend." he drops his head. "Maybe six months after Harley and I got together .... my family was pressuring me ... they loved Sara and ... there was no good reason for us NOT to get married. She knows how my father is ... she's seen fights over little shit ... seen him react to anything gay related. So .. she agreed to marry me. But it was MY idea that she didn't have to be faithful to me." he keeps his eyes averted. "Her career was beginning and ... honestly no one expects celebrities to be faithful ... so when Harley vanished ... and I saw no point in the ruse .. I wanted a divorce and we used the excuse that she'd been unfaithful.": he snorts. "My father still blames me. Hilarious." but he doesn't sound amused.

Steph takes in all in, nodding slowly. After she gives Michael a look of compassion and says "That's a mess alright. I'm so sorry. What is she famous for, Sara?"


Michael finally stops staring at the ground. "Well .. never know .. it may happen again .. although I expect as open, honest and strong as you are, my father may hate you even more than you'll hate him." then he grins. "She's a model and sometimes an actress. You'd have to be into the high fashion mags to know her face. She really is a great person."

Steph shrugs "I occasionally read Vogue...but mostly Cosmo for the stupid quizzes." She looks curious about the father comment "Well is he racist AND homophobic or just a minor garden variety jackass?" She smiles with sarcastic sweetness after.

Michael shrugs. "Shes mostly on the e-zines." he licks his lips. "He is old fashioned and blah blah blah. You're a single mother, for starters. That, of course makes you a gold digging whore out for my income." he blows out a breath. "He may also find some shit over your being Japanese ... you know ... like your father was a kamikaze pilot .. he isn't interested in things like facts. My great uncle was a child Nazi solider so ... it isn't like there's a whole lot of room to throw stones in my family."

Steph gives one derisive laugh and rolls her eyes "Good god! Well my father is a retired sushi chef. My grandfather did get thrown into an interment camp though ...you know for the crime of simply being Japanese in Canada at the wrong time and place.How did you turn out normal Mike? Geez..."


Michael chuckles. "Well, my mother is a sweet gentle Irish girl. I guess she has a taming effect on him or something. But my father will tell you he thought I was going to wuss out until I became a cop. As it was going to school and getting a criminology degree was a sign of weakness. Believe me .... there is a reason I am so deep in the closet."


Stephanie sighs "Well that just sucks. I'm here for you. So what now Michael?"


Michael offers her half a grin. "Now we date." he replies. "I take you out to dinner. Movies. Maybe a museum or something. If you want, Tristan can come, or I can be your adult escape." he winks and waggles his eyebrows. "But mostly ... we have fun and let people think. Whatever is in our future ... we'll worry about it then."


Stephanie laughs and nods "With you on all that. I guess we can just let the rumours start if folks see us walk back and I'll explain to Anna on the side. I already kind of drunkenly raved about you kissing me last night." 


Michael nods. "Yea. She was never really cooperative. Besides two redheads and she hasn't clocked me once ....." he shakes his head. "Unbelievable. And she'll ... well she knows I'm in the market and ....' he stops and grins. "Wait. You did? Raved?" he leans forward. "Do tell."


Stephanie gives Michael 's leg a little light shove kick "No because then your ego will swell till it pops." She giggles "And it wasn't so much my words but my general reaction....marshmallows and wine -bad!" 


Michael chuckles. "Oh I am VERY bisexual when it comes to having my ego stroked, baby." he teases. "Marshmallows and wine ..... I'm not so sure I want to know now." he strokes his chin. "But it must have been something .. which means I have to keep a smile on your face. And I will do my damnedest." he promises.


Stephanie sarcastically pffts and stands up "Alright Mr. Promises. Let's go fuel some rumours and see what the rest of the island is up to. But thanks for this..."


Michael stands with her and packs the basket back up. "Oh .. now whatever could we have been doing out in all this ... nature." he chuckles. All packed up, he hangs the basket off of his left arm and offers her his right to hold his hand or wrap his arm around her for the walk back. "Thanks Steph. You really are a lifesaver."

Falcon Island Part 5 - April in September - The Adventures of Michael's Cat while he's away!

Michael Reinhardt opened his door and placed his armyesque duffel bag on the floor outside. Then he leaned back into his apartment and took out another, smaller bag, a wheeled on carry-on suitcase, which he also set outside of his front door. Once that was done, he moved back inside. "Come on, baby. It's a little trip. he emerges with a little Siamese looking cat who climbs onto his shoulder and looks around. He takes the handle of the small bag and walks across the hall to the door of his partner Ryan Yamada and India Tor. They had agreed to take care of his cat, April, while he was on Falcon Island. Lifting his hand, he knocked.

India Tor opened the door almost immediately, smiling. "Come in..." she whispered, motioning them inside. "Hello cutie." she reached up to pet the cat on Michael's shoulder. It looked like the kitten had plenty of space up there.

"Aww, hi India." Michael acted as if she were talking to him, knowing full well she was not. But he chuckles. "Ryan's still asleep?" he asked, letting go of the suitcase and lifting April up and off of his shoulder.

"Yea .. his day off and all." India confirmed. "Is that her stuff?" she nods at the suitcase, which was, ironically enough, a pink hello Kitty carry-on. She looks up at him with raised brows.

"Don't judge, India." Michael warns. "It's cute and cuddly, just like my baby." although he realizes if Ryan were watching, he would have have not acted like a ... well ... man who is pussy-whipped.

"I ain't say nothin." India giggles softly.

Michael nods and hands April over. The kitten mews but seems Ok in India's embrace. "Her food and water dish are in there. I mostly fill her dish when she needs it, which is usually no more than morning and evening. I left the litter box at home cause Ryan said he picked one up from Chen's store?"

India nods. "Right, right."

He continues. "There a couple of toys in there but she never seems to like the toys I buy. She likes the draw string of my sweat pants and hoodies, and my socks, but only when I am trying to put them on." he shrugs as if unable to understand the behavior. "But maybe she will play with you alright? She's just barely a year old. The doctor didn't give me a date, so I am saying October the first. I know I'm a softie .. don't rat me out, okay?"

Trying not to giggle, India nods. "I will take care of your baby, Michael. It's good to see you have SOMEONE." she nudges him. "Now say goodbye to Daddy and we girls can have some fun."

Michael sighs and leans in to kiss the cat on her little head, then goes out into the hall, grabs his bag and heads downstairs without looking back.

India walks into the hall with April and they watch him go. "He'll be back." she promises the kitten before they go back inside.

She unpacks the suitcase, which has a small bag of little in it for the litterbox that was bought for their guest. Under the stairs, India set it up, but knew Ryan would clean it, since she was pregnant and couldn't. Then she sets the kitten init, so she knows what it is.

Then she sets the kitten down on the counter and sings a little song as she prepares the water dish and the food dishes, placing them on the floor. She puts April in front of them where they are sniffed and finally, singing "November" the song from Parks and Rec that Michael asked her to look up because April was the cats namesake, India lay down on the couch.

April wandered around the first floor a little bit before she joined India on the couch. Deciding to sleep on the limp of belly, she looks around, occasionally getting up to look out of the windows, only to return to India's belly. Her rented human sings for a bit and falls asleep ... as does April, feeling content.


Ryan wakes and rolls toward India's side of the bed, reaching for her and then patting at an empty spot. He sits up with a small frown, disoriented. Smacking for the phone on his bedside table he squints at it and mutters "Fuck I really slept....oh....Mike...Mike's cat...." He swings his legs over the side of the bed and pads down the stairs quickly in a plain black t-shirt and boxer briefs. He's about to text Mike when he notices two forms on the couch, sleeping, one India and one cat - April. He smiles at the scene and steps quietly towards them, The cat is closer to hand height so he reaches out and gently pets at her back behind her head. The startled animal turns and nips at him and then lets out a low growl.

April is startled out of her sleep and sees a strange man. Well ... not strange. He's been around her human before. She recognizes his smell but .. still. The lump on the soft human is nice and hers now.

India hears the growl and opens her eyes, aware of the slight weight of Michael's cat. Watching the exchange, she grins. "Morning, sunshine." she murmurs to Ryan. "I guess we fell back asleep." she giggles, reaching out to April, who butts her hand, nuzzling into it and looking at Ryan as if he is Cujo the evil big bad ol dog.

Ryan backs up a bit "I think I spooked her." He smiles "But she seems to like you. Sorry I slept through Mike. What time did he leave?" Ryan listens for her answer but pads over to the coffee maker and starts getting it ready to brew a pot.

India stretches, one hand going over her head and the other on her belly and April ON her belly. "We girls have to be careful and stick together." she defended the kitty with a grin. "He came by around eight. Probably so he could go get something to eat before he picked up Anna." she explains. "He brought over her food and water dish, litter and food." she grins and picks the cat up, moving to Ryan and nuzzling his neck. "So we're parents this weekend. Practice run." she grins.

Ryan leans the back of his head into India and lets out a little "Mmmm." He reaches a hand around from his hip and caresses hers behind his and then turns looking amorous. He leans in ready to kiss India when the little cat she's holding hisses at him. Ryan puts both hands in the air and leans back "It's OK April....this is what the grown ups do....geez a little touchy isn't she?"


India giggles a bit. She can't really help herself. Ryan isn't the largest man in the world, but watching him back off from little April was plain and simply funny. "Well ... maybe she doesn't want you hurting me." she suggests, setting the kitten down on the floor, where she glares up at Ryan before moving to the food dish to nibble a bit. "For all I know I remind her of her mother. I know cat lovers and they say cats will adopt people as cats. Maybe your not a cat guy like Michael?" but her face does reflect the difficulty of picturing Michael Reinhardt as a 'cat person'.

Ryan chuckles and puts his arms around India now "Mike's not exactly cute and cuddly. I suppose I'll live if April doesn't like me. I'll relegate myself to litterbox duty I guess.. with no thanks from Miss Priss."

India smiles and presses into him, which is still relatively easy, her baby bump is still so small. "Maybe we will have a girl." she predicts. "And this is just the part of her growing up where she hates Daddy and loves Mommy? I hear that's the first three or four years and then daughters love Daddy ... period ... forever." she giggles and moves to pour them coffee. "If you do things with her, maybe she will warm up to you?" she suggests.


Ryan snorts "Do little girls hiss and try to bite like that? I mean Steph was vicious but I'm pretty sure she's part demon." He sighs "So I should play with April? Did Mike bring some cat toys?"


India giggles. "Well ... sometimes." she confesses. "When my Dad got mad at me he called me a hellcat ... or when I got mad ... or something." she shrugs innocently. "No .. he said she liked playing with his drawstrings ... now if Michael had said that and NOT mentioned the cat, I probably would have slapped him but ...." she turns with her coffee to move to the couch. "But I am sure we can find something for her to play with..." she looks around at the windows for April. "Where'd she go?"


Ryan stands at the counter with his coffee for another moment and chuckles "If Mike wanted to tell you about playing with his drawstrings I'd be kicking his ass pretty fast." He looks around on all the furniture and under it "Huh I dunno....maybe she's like string? Do we have any twine in the kitchen...or an old shoelace?"


India chuckles. "I only pull YOUR strings, baby." she teases and turns towards the door. "Ohhhhhhh. My ......" by the door are their shoes. Best place for them, really. April is on top of one of Ryan's shoes, ripping at the laces, as if there is nothing else in the world.


Ryan runs over "No no no! Bad kitty! Stop it!" He reaches for his shoes and April takes a swipe at him, claws out and gets him good on the top of the hand "Ow fuck!"


India covers her mouth with one hand and tries not to giggle. She moves around the couch just as Ryan is attacked.. She drops to her knees and takes both the kitten, who lets herself be picked up and Ryan. "You OK?" she asks him as the cat glares at him.

Ryan holds his hand and looks annoyed "Yeah...but she's psycho. Mike said she was sweet...."

India grins and shakes her head. "She's a baby, Ryan." she chides him. "Only a year old. OK, I know that's grown and Michael did just have her fixed and chipped. Maybe that has something to do with it?" April is distracted by her locs and takes a swipe at one, playfully.

Ryan exhales in a bit of a huff "Maybe." He walks over to his shoe and picks it up, examining it and fussing with the laces. He looks at April sternly and says "Not for cats!"


India giggles. "See, you're getting the hang of this fatherhood thing." she announces with pride and moves back to the couch. She sets the cat on the cushion and lowers her hair so her locs wave free ... and April is suddenly in play mode. India giggles. "I'm a cat toy! See there IS life after retirement!"


Ryan straightens the tongue of his sneaker and sets it down. He glances over at India enjoying the little demon cat and mutters "Spectacular. I'm going to hit the shower."

India keeps playing with April. "OK baby." and once he is gone, she stops. "Union coffee break, April." she ties the locs up out of her way. She goes to drink her coffee, turning on the television. April wanders off to continue her exploring and plot her domination of her new territory.

Falcon Island Part 4 - Campfire Gathering

Oshi Shikigami: Good evening doctor! I am hoping all is well with you and your 'flighty' friend? Oshi smiles and looks to the others. And continues: I guess I must say I am a child of urban living. I love to get out in the wilds with critters, but I am shall we say less adept? So Please if you see me doing something stupid, let me know She quarries.

Anna Wright laughs "That's an interesting request Oshi. Careful what you wish for? How are you feeling Steph? Sleep help?"

Stephanie Yamada still looks a bit worse for wear "Yeah a bit. I still don't want to eat. Is puking in the woods bad for the critters? Because I did some of that..." She smiles at the man in uniform "Hi I'm Steph."

Ziven Ayala smiles. "Yes. I am just knocking off for the day." He grins. "Well, except for not wearing high heels around here, you seem to be doing alright." he looks around the fire and makes a short head count. "Did Michael turn in already?" he wonders. Fresh air could be narcotic for townies and those from the city. He looks carefully at Steph. "Welcome. You didn't come with me, so let me guess ... seasickness?" he wonders. "Oh and I'm Ziven Ayala ... the local vet."

Oshi Shikigami: In Japan, you seldom go more than a couple of meters before you bump into someone. LOL Of course, now I am in Canada. And that means I have to GO at least a few meters, to find anyone. LOL

Anna Wright smiles at Steph and then Ziven and Oshi "It's nice to have the space. I've already taken a great walk today."

Stephanie Yamada nods "Brutal seasickness. Hi Oshi, Sorry I'm a bit off still. I am happy to be here though. Nice to meet you Ziven."

Ziven Ayala chuckles. "You don't strike me as someone worried in nature, Anna." He moves to the setup and glances at Steph. "I make a mean ginger tea." He offers. "Great for seasickness. Air sickness. Just an annoyed tummy."

Oshi Shikigami: Oh and a wonderful vet too, he is! He cured my turtle 'Miso' of "Ick" with a well diagnosed medication. Oh, and Miso sends his regards and thanks to, Doc! Steph, glad you are here too. If you want, I some tea that might help a queasy stomach, Steph? Oshi looks concerned.

Anna Wright smiles "Sounds like there's a lot of tea for you Steph." she chuckles "And yeah Mike wandered in after Steph and crashed. I think this place is overwhelming that city boy."

Stephanie Yamada shakes her head "I'll be OK. It's clearing. I took some Gravol before I napped...and Jesus I almost screamed seeing a man in our cabin before I remembered he was on this trip... he snores by the way..."

Ziven Ayala smiles and nods. "Just keep the tank super clean and he'll be fine." He reminds her. He grins. Probably. He thought Cedar Point was the middle of nowhere. This kind of fresh air is special." He chuckles and looks at Steph. "I heard that but its a soft cute snore... not one of those snores that sets the animals in the woods to attack. We had a woman here that snored like that. I had to tranquilize a bear and she slept RIGHT through it."

Oshi Shikigami: Well, I guess you are all safe if I snore, as I am in a cabin it seems, all by myself, at least for now. Oshi chuckles.

Anna Wright smiles "Well I'm glad he won't attack wildlife to the cabin. We could roll him later...might just be a position thing." She smiles at Oshi "Or carry him to Oshi's cabin if they both do and record them."

Oshi Shikigami: (Oshi Blushes)

Stephanie Yamada looks at Ziven, impressed "I am so freaked out by bears. I brought pepper spray...does that work?" She laughs about rolling Michael or putting him with Oshi.

Ziven Ayala laughs. "Just let me have my camera when you do that. I bet its priceless. Des he usually sleep flat on his back like that?" he looks between Anna and Stephanie, as if they knew. He chuckles. "Well... pepper spray will certainly distract it enough for you to run. But din’t climb a tree cause they can too"

Oshi Shikigami: Well, I tend to be tolerant of roommates, however a bear, well that might push a limits. Even if he can stand my snoring...

Anna Wright shakes her head "Steph, if you miss you'll just piss one off though. Better to back away slowly. Bears would be smelly roommates Oshi...ew."

Stephanie Yamada laughs "Snoring and smelly...." She looks at Ziven "Were you in our cabin? How did you know how Mike was lying?"

Ziven Ayala grins. "As long as theres no food left laying around... and no one snoring like a badger in a trap... it should all be good." He shakes his head. "I have sharp ears. I walk around in the middle of the night when we have guests and heard him. I didn't even peek." He grins and notices neither woman flinched at his asking if Michael USUALLY snored, and let his mind go amuck.

Oshi Shikigami: Well Doc, I was hoping you could tell me, if there as any chance of finding any native reptiles on this island? I know it is a bit north of the usual. But wondered, if there were any indigenous at all? or we hopelessly to far north to expect anything. I would love to get photos... Oshi looks concerned.

Anna Wright nods at Ziven "I'm a stickler about the food thing in bear country too." She glances at Oshi and then back to Ziven "Salamanders maybe...ah no amphibians aren't they..."

Stephanie Yamada just shrugs and warms her feet on the fire-pit.

Ziven Ayala grins. “Well, we have a few. You just have to look around. But be careful. There are Western Rattlesnakes here, but we try and keep them off this part of the island by keeping food secure so the mice and other animals don't lure in the rattlers." He tells her. "But sure... We have all kinds of wildlife here."

Oshi Shikigami: Well, ever since I helped recapture that escaped Komodo Dragon in Tokyo a few years back, I have sort of an online "fan base" that just loves any reptile photos I take. And, I think, that after having to take ALL of those shots after, I am due to whatever I do find. But, I try and be realistic too...

Anna Wright shudders at Ziven the idea of rattlesnakes and then looks at Oshi in utter fascination "Wow really?"

Stephanie Yamada mutters "Damn... maybe I could pepper those too." And then smiles at Oshi "But we got the Dragon Lady here and the guy who tranqs bears... We're like the wilderness avengers!"

Ziven Ayala nods. "Well, the rattlers are on the Threatened list, so you'll find a few here, as it's a bit of a preserve for them ... trying to bring their numbers back up." He arches his brows. "I can't see you anywhere near a Komodo ... their pretty dangerous. You're a risk taker." He almost teases her. "They can get large enough to kill humans in the wild."

Oshi Shikigami: Yup. I will e-mail you the link. Big deal back then. You would have thought it was Godzilla! LOL But yeah, I got the un big boy, but got nipped too. A hellish lot of shots, and a bounce into the hospital for all that. But, it is old history now Anna. Oshi smiles and passes her phone with the link to Anna.

Anna Wright listens to Ziven attentively and then takes the phone and exhales into a whistle as she looks at it.

Stephanie Yamada just chuckles and repeats "Wilderness Avengers." Quietly.

Ziven Ayala winces. "Ouch! Yea ... that's a nasty bite. I'd rather get bit by a rattler, myself." he considers. "The spider bites wouldn’t be much fun wither but that's one I've managed to miss."

Oshi Shikigami: Well as it is bacteria, I just might have to take the whole series over again, if I did get nipped again. But, I also picked up on a few defensive maneuvers to, so well, who knows anyway? Oshi chuckles again and seems OK with it.

Anna Wright laughs "Steph and I have lived such sheltered lives. "

Stephanie Yamada nods "Even with all the fricken raccoons!"

Ziven Ayala chuckles. "Now the raccoons ... Those are a whole different kind of scary, to be honest."

Oshi Shikigami: Oh, Anna? I got another e-mail from Tatsu. She asks how you are doing? Oh and not hard to guess, how Hani is too! But she wanted me to say, that she is OK. Some things are new and strange to her, for sure. But she is doing OK! She says please do not worry. She is having a good time, most of the time, she is not sea-sick, at least. And to tell you she misses your food! And she "smiled".

Anna Wright smirks at Ziven "Oh my god, the spring was madness this year." She glances to Oshi "Tell her I say hello back and I'm glad she's well."

Stephanie Yamada snorts "My brother was rabid... literally rabid...oh and Mike too... they were like feral cop partners... Could have been a zombie apocalypse I tell you."

Ziven Ayala arches his brow. "Really? I'll have to get that story the next time I see April." He grins, as if he can hardly wait.

Oshi Shikigami: Oh, please do not get me started on the raccoons. The police already want me to register my Kendo stick, as a "lethal Weapon". And tell me I can't um, dissuade them seriously with it. So I am left to use some of my other, um, "...Do" skills, to protect myself from their attempt to take over cedar point.

Ziven Ayala laughs. "Well, I can sort of understand that. Theres quite a bit of trouble if the RACCOON gets hurt ... which doesn't always make me popular if I have to go in and issue fines. I am REALLY glad I wasn't called to Cedar Point for that this year."

Anna Wright makes a face at Steph "You might be exaggerating on the rabid part... just a bit there. Wasn't it more the shots they reacted to? It's not like they were foaming at the mouth chasing people..." She giggles at Oshi "You really are a superhero."

Stephanie Yamada makes vicious faces back at Anna and then everyone and then says dramatically "My brother's girlfriend hid him from the world like a werewolf. He may have been foaming... seriously." Her tone is a little tongue in cheek.

Ziven Ayala looks interested. "That makes a bit more sense. Those rabies shots are just terrible. And if you have a reaction it can be worse." he laughs. "Well, maybe she was just ... I don't know ... I don't have a girlfriend. All I have is Charlotte, and the last time I had the rabies shots she just let me rot. Ahhhh friendship."

Oshi Shikigami: Oh! Anna, no! I just did what any person would have done... Stopped Godzilla from destroying Tokyo, and turned the tide of the "invasion of the rabid invaders!" (she catches her breath) Any citizen would have done the same. Oshi bows deeply towards Anna.

Anna Wright: Anna smiles "Nope Oshi. I let the coons take my street and went back in and hid in the kitchen." She makes a face back at Steph and then looks confusedly at Ziven "That sounds a little harsh for Char."

Stephanie Yamada lets out a quiet fake werewolf howl to make her weird point.

Ziven Ayala shrugs. "She has had a rough year or so." he admits. "I really DO like her, just don't tell her that. She probably wouldn't believe you."

Oshi Shikigami: So, Oshi says slowly, How about that ’Harvest Moon'? It seems quite but is full tonight. And it is always a special time in so many traditions... Oshi looks each in the face, and smiles...

Anna Wright nods at Ziven and smiles "I won't bust you for being a human." Smiling at Oshi she says, "It was magical, like a pumpkin in the sky. Sorry, I really like pumpkins."

Stephanie Yamada snickers "I like pumpkin lattes, but I slept through the pretty part of it."

Ziven Ayala looks up and nods. "Very." Is his only reaction to the moon. He chuckles and his eyes move to Anna. "I don't blame her. She isn't always easy to live with... Especially since our relationship isn't like that. But then again I'm willing to bet I'm not too easy to live with either. Old habits and all that." He looks at Stephanie. "Another city girl, eh, as the Canadians say." The proof he isn’t actually Canadian.

Oshi Shikigami: So, Does anyone know what a "rail gun" is, just curious... Oshi looks around the campfire, with a serious, but not intent look.

Anna Wright was still smiling at Ziven and Steph and had opened her mouth to say something in reply to one of them when she heard Oshi and slowly blinked at her "No I don't... why?"

Stephanie Yamada gives Ziven's chair a little soft kick and then raised a brow "Oooh Parks Canada Boy is not a Canuck? Curiouser and curiouser?" She stopped to listen to Anna and Oshi too now.

Cha Meleon: Blinks at Oshi. "Besides a gun? I've sen them in video games." He looks at Steph. "Nope.” I am actually an American. Born and bred on a reservation in Alaska. My mother wanted me to come here to Canada... get off the reservation and... that life."

Oshi Shikigami: Well, I don't know I should be talking about this, but haven’t been told specifically. But my cousin I think, is working on making one. She is in the Japan Navy, and I think she is helping design one to use. This is like a hyper-sonic 'arrow' that could shoot down missiles. And I think she is doing the math. As odd as that sounds... Oshi looks with a slight bit of fear in her face, as she asks...

Anna Wright leans back, folding her arms "Hmmm... That's a bit... ugh..." She had heard Ziven too but was distracted by Oshi.

Stephanie Yamada tilts her head at Ziven in interest and then looks at Oshi "My Grandpa was in the navy. All he did was tap at people in morse code really. Then he got tossed into an interment camp off the coast here after Pearl Harbor... Canada has it's own special brand of screwed up although that sounds pretty intense Oshi."

Ziven Ayala looks at Oshi even, his face carefully blank on the subject of the military kid. He's decided to keep his opinion to himself on that subject, but he wonders if the math she is doing is telling her where on the ground and civilian populations the missiles might wind up with. It has to land someplace. His mouth opens and then closes without a sound.

Oshi Shikigami: I am sorry, Oshi shrugs. And says, I should not bring such things up. It is likely is whodunit, and likely I am taking thing to far, for others. My apologies. Forget I even said it. This is a night to enjoy, anyway. So who brought the marshmallows? Oshi smiles, sot of, and looks at the others.

Anna Wright winces a bit and says kindly to Oshi "If you need to talk it's OK. But marshmallows might help." She offers Oshi a sick and passes a bag of them her way.

Stephanie Yamada nods "so might wine... sugar and booze for supper... ah fuck it I'm camping... I'll be right back." She walks over to the cabin and dashes up the steps, sneaking in to grab stuff and not wake Michael.

Ziven Ayala stretches his hands towards the fire, staring into it. He only half notices Stephanie get up.

Oshi Shikigami: There is something primordial, about a fire? Seems like no matter how advanced we get, a fire kind of brings us back to the very basics, yes? Oshi tries to sound encouraging.

Anna Wright: Anna watches Steph go and nods, enjoying the fire too. She sees Steph return with two huge bottles of cheap sweet sparkling white wine and a stack of what looks to be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles birthday party paper cups. She can't help bit start cracking up at this "We are so classy!"

Stephanie Yamada starts pouring and possibly to everyone's horror, rapping "Knock knock you about to get shell shocked...." She offers a cup to each person and will fill generously if it's a yes.

Ziven Ayala nods, but looks serious until the Ninja Turtle cups are brought out. "Hey!" he mock glares at Anna. "Don't dis the turtles. I went down in the sewers in Anchorage. Man, my mother almost killed me when we got home." He takes his cup and drink with dignity. "I really shouldn’t be in uniform, but stripping to the waist now... yea... that could be worse than drinking in uniform. He raises his cups. "To Turtle Power." He intones.

Oshi Shikigami: Ah! The proverbial, "Cheap white wine"! Wow, it is tradition with fish. And fish is Japans traditional food, er and rice. No rice, must improvise... Yes, Saki that is not Saki, but looks like saki and well, I guess tastes sort of like saki. So close enough for government work! Oshi offers a toast, and says KOMPI! Raises a glass and drains it in one big swallow.

Anna Wright takes her glass and shakes her head at Steph and then laughs at Ziven "Oh no a fan!" She grabs a few marshmallows and then tosses the bag to Steph "You really should eat or you'll be wasted in..." She cuts off as Oshi toasts and downs hers and then adds "In two of those." in reference to Oshi's action.

Stephanie Yamada smirks at Ziven "My kid would like you Parks Canada Boy... and strip away... we won't tell." She teases. She grins as Oshi "Kompi!" She toasts and then says, "So I think Anna here is holding out on us. When I went in the cabin Michael said, "I'm not ready to get up baby..." She stares into Anna grinning and asks pointedly "Are you baby or should we wake him and have the turtles interrogate?" Steph eats two marshmallows in a row and then washes them down with most of her glass

Ziven Ayala grins at Oshi and Anna. "I won't sing the theme, no matter how much you beg me." he promises. Then Steph speaks and he looks at Anna with a grin. "Well,... this is getting interesting." He sips his wine and looks ready to hear every glorious dirty detail.

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi looks a bit surprised for a moment, then she turns to Anna, and give a large grin. She mouths the words to her, "You go girl!" and gives an exaggerated wink. Then returning her attention to the others, with a smile on her face. and drains the last dregs of her drink, and pops a marshmallow.

Anna Wright simotaneousnessly smiles and glares at Steph and then whips a marshmallow at her head and it bounces off "I asked Michael here...as a friend. Do you think I would suggest all three of us share a cabin if I WANTED something to happen with him? I'm not his "baby" but now I am curious too." She drinks a healthy sip of wine.

Stephanie Yamada scrambles to save the marshmallow and puts it on a stick to roast "Fire cleanses all..." She looks at Anna "Interesting. Well, he's cute... and my brother's partner... so maybe I should not be looking... and find out who baby is..." she laughs, looking around at them all.

Ziven Ayala chuckles and shrugs even as he leans back as marshmallows fly. ”I was kinda hoping that was EXACTLY what you were sharing a cabin for." He holds up his hands before anyone can protest. "Hey, I encourage sex all the time... Hoping the fish and birds and snakes and mammals get it on all night every night. So humans... that's rare for me." He laughs and knocks back his wine. he looks at Steph, appraisingly. "He could have been dreaming of you, for all you know. So keep on looking, I say."

Oshi Shikigami: Well, if you look at it 'scientifically’, without sex, we would not even be here. So who am I to say. Some even actually like it, I hear? But that, is likely an unsubstantiated rumor? Who can say? Oshi pours herself another drink, And anyway, who needs offspring, when others can provide? She says with a little air of mystery.

Anna Wright wolf whistles at Steph and then gives Ziven a little exaggerated gasp of mock disbelief. She giggles at Oshi "Yep, I like being an aunt and an extra aunt." She looks at Steph and grins.

Stephanie Yamada snorts at Ziven "Well you can feel free to imagine all kinds of things we won't be doing. Whatever floats your boat man. Actually I'd love to prank the big guy. Anna, did you bring any makeup? Wonder how sound a sleeper he is...."

Ziven Ayala arches his brows. "You talk like a virgin." He cheerily chides. "Who doesn't like sex? And if not sex, masturbation." He grins at Steph. "Oh, I plan on it." He tells her and then chuckles. "Evil, evil, evil..." he tisks.

Oshi Shikigami: Maybe he needs a, "Copper Tone Tan”? Oshi snickers. Well, I an't saying I did, not didn't Oshi responds. Besides, How would be here, if it was anything less than, and she stands and bows, "GLORIOUS" She says with a slight mocking tone to her saying. Bows, perhaps a bit deeply, and gets another marshmallow and drink. Watching who responds.

Anna Wright watches Oshi, worried she may tip into the fire with her bowing after the wine. The hat would just go poof. She had been blushing a bit at the topic, hoping the cover of darkness would hide it. She decides to get on the prank train "I might have an eyeliner. We could give him an epic stache?"

Stephanie Yamada giggles "No one knows you like yourself." She chugs back another glass after pouring it and offers the bottle around after "I was thinking of more of a Mrs. Doubtfire look. Oshi do you have any lipstick? Ziven, do you have anything horrid and matronly in the lost and found?"

Ziven Ayala watches Oshi, hoping she is sober enough not to tip. She doesn't and Anna starts talking staches and he shudders. He takes the wine and is about to pass it to Anna when Steph mentions the Mrs Doubtfire look. Then he pours himself another 'glass' THEN passes to Anna, "Fraid not." He tells them. "And Michael doesn't look like a man I want to find out I donated anything to this at ALL. He'd pound me and I'd be nothing but a shadow."

Oshi Shikigami: Oh, well Stephanie, I actually have a color that Tatsu, said was, um too intense? I think it is still in my pack. I shall look. Oshi smiles and digs into her pack, finding it, hands it over.

Anna Wright: Anna pours herself a glass while quoting "It was a run by fruiting!"

Stephanie Yamada takes the lipstick eagerly "Oh this is perfectly horrid for him. I LOVE it. Thank you Oshi."

Cha Meleon is sipping his wine when Anna speaks and he nearly chokes. "You ladies scare me." He watches the lipstick change hands and looks at Steph. "Well? What are you waiting for? Matching pumps?" He challenges.

Oshi Shikigami: She said I should wear it any time I felt like a "whore day"... And yes, defiantly a case of "run by fruiting", I should think!

Anna Wright just shakes her head and mutters "Oh that's harsh."

Stephanie Yamada looks at Ziven "Have you got pumps? I mean dude probably wears size 13..." She downs some more wine "Liquid courage. He's a tough guy. He might kick my ass too." She jokes.

Cha Meleon snorts. "I'm homo-flexible. Not suicidal. And he IS cute. Maybe you will throw him off women... a guy can hope." He doesn't mention her brother... the other brother.

Oshi Shikigami: I would offer my boots, but I know he would not fit them at all! Well, it is better to know now, than later? yes? So if it pushes him over the edge, it was going to happen anyway? Hum? Oshi looks for confirmation. Then she busts out laughing, and says, Oh what the hell, It is just fun anyway. It is not like someone would take a picture for Facebook or something? She queries.

Anna Wright smiles "We could just share it among friends. I'm sure Ryan would be amused."

Stephanie Yamada Steph downs her glass and pours another, stopping halfway through as she feels a major buzz happening "Whoah... more marshmallows. If I can actually get makeup on him without waking him, there will be pics."

Ziven Ayala shrugs. "None of my business, either way, Oshi." He grins. "Good luck! I'd love to see that."

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi, conspires with the other ladies, and contributes to this masquerade, and sillies. (Perhaps she has another male member of her family, that she is doing this with, in effigy?)

Anna Wright: Anna looks worriedly at Steph "This won't work if you pass out you know... Better go in now while you still have coordination."

Stephanie Yamada Steph puts down her drink and beams at Oshi and Anna and then pulls the cap off the lipstick "To Beautification!" She stands, weaves a bit and then stabs the lipstick in the air "I got this..." And heads for the cabin.

Cha Meleon watches Steph go and toasts her back silently. "Good luck..."

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi takes another slug of wine, smiles and says, well, There is someone who will have many, many better days, than the next one. That, my friends, is a gift. Oshi toasted again, and sit quietly.

Anna Wright: Anna watches with a mix of amusement and slight horror, drinking slowly and chuckling.

Stephanie Yamada tiptoes in and carefully climbs onto the bed. She inch crawls up to Michael's face and drags  the lipstick across hi bottom lip, trying to be light and quick.

Michael Reinhardt feels her and lets the lipstick on his lower lip before grabbing her and pulling her into a deep slow soft yet powerful kiss.

Stephanie Yamada tenses up in surprise but alcohol and attraction win her over as well as the hell of a kiss and she finds her mouth moving with his. Her breath quickens and she loses herself in it. God it's been too long and it feels so nice. Mid kiss she opens her eyes and pulls away blushing and breathless.

Michael Reinhardt doesn't fight her pulling away and looks up at her in the darkness.  "I think you and I need to talk."  he grumbles softly .. a sound she can feel lying against him the way she is. "But tomorrow ... okay?"  he offers her a soft smile.

Stephanie Yamada just makes a little whimpered sound and nods, distangling herself awkwardly and stepping off the bed quickly.

Michael Reinhardt smiles and, he moment she stands, he rolls over and falls almost immediately back to sleep.

Cha Meleon grins. "If you just said Steph has balls ... I agree." He says to Oshi as he also waits.

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi looks and says seriously, to them. I never had a brother, to tease. I guess, that shows, huh? She asks in a sincere tone.

Anna Wright smiles "I didn't get one until I was 10 and we had to work hard to like each other so we tried not to do that."

Ziven Ayala laughs. "I am an only child and after this I am glad I was."

Oshi Shikigami: Well, I don't want him to be too badly embarrassed. I just well, I just don’t know...

Anna Wright looks towards the cabin "Steph has two brothers. They both still talk to her." she says laughing.

Cha Meleon listens but hears nothing, really. "Well... maybe she did it?" he chuckles. "But I pity their childhood."

Ziven Ayala listens but hears nothing, really. "Well, ... maybe she did it?" he chuckles. "But I pity their childhood."

Oshi Shikigami: Well, the closest I have, is my cousin. The modern trend now is to only have one child in Japan. So she is sister, if you will, to me. Even though we are cousins. But not a brother anywhere. Not yet, or likely ever. So I just envy those who have both brother and sister. Something I never had or will... Oshi pops another marshmallow.

Anna Wright smiles at Ziven, loads up a stick and begins roasting two and nods "I'm glad you have Tatsu.

Stephanie Yamada emerges looking completely embarrassed and hands the slightly mashed lipstick back to Oshi as she sits. Her hair is out of place and she seems to have some lipstick smeared across her own lips haphazardly. Quickly she shoots back the rest of her wine, saying nothing.

Ziven Ayala chuckles and nods. "Yea. me too. She's a good kid." Its all he really wants to say. That kid is not his favorite subject. Then Stephanie comes out, and his eyes widen as he takes into the state of her. "Well?" He demands, wondering what tale she has to tell, as they heard nothing.

Oshi Shikigami: So anyway, I seem to sometimes be less than able to deal effectively with the concept of a brother. That is more like from an Anime or something, some guy with super powers. But one I dare not love, in "that way". So very sad. So, very sad.

Anna Wright: Anna looked at Steph wide eyed and then nodded distractedly at Oshi before saying, "Steph?"

Stephanie Yamada wipes at her mouth and exhales, pointing towards the cabin and Michael "That backfired... kind of..." She starts giggling. "He must have really been dreaming of someone... because he grabbed me and kissed me..."

Ziven Ayala listens, his eyes getting wider. "Ohhhh... so... um... he's straight." He sighs. "Figures." The disappointment in his voice obvious.

Oshi Shikigami: "WOOT!" Oshi says, and then blushes greatly, Oh my! That is a "thing" isn't it? She queries.

Anna Wright: Anna bursts out laughing "Better than getting decked. So how was it?"

Stephanie Yamada blushes "God damn......" She shakes her head around " I think he figured out it was me by the… end of the kiss, and then he said we had to talk. That's always doom..." She swats at Ziven "Maybe he'd like you better. Oshi gave him the lipstick!" she teases.

Oshi Shikigami: On reflection, I am unsure how Tatsu would respond, to my giving my 'hooring colors' to a guy? I think, she just might be disappointed? Oh hell, I don't know. She is still trying to figure out why she doesn't hate all boys now...

Ziven Ayala looks at Steph. "God-dam good kisser?"he grins at her. "Maybe he wants to talk about doing it again when he's more coherent. All this country air has that city boy in a tizzy. But hmmm... if he's bi-sexual...." He laughs. "Well I'm not a whore and gay or straight, I doubt Michael is... he just took in a cat and its like a daughter to him. Which means he doesn't have much social life."

Anna Wright smirks "Tatsu will figure it out. So where are you sleeping tonight Steph? the bunk next to that comfy double bed he's in... or..."

Stephanie Yamada just looked awkward now "Nope nope nope! Top bunk... feet towards Hot Lips." she declares.

Ziven Ayala laughs and he sakes his head. "I have no MASH references... but I shall leave you ladies with another show line." He stands and toasts them. "I'll be in my bunk." He kills the drink, crumples the cup in his hand and walks off. "Good night, Ladies."

Cha Meleon faints

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi, thinking discretion is as good as honor, stands mostly steady, and bows to all. And not trying to make a spectacle, says, I have a busy day tomorrow, and I think it best I work on preparing for it soon. Bows again and heads to her cottage.

Anna Wright gives a little bow back and smiles "Night Ziven. Night Oshi. Come on Steph... we have to go back in there."

Falcon Island Part 3 - Outhouse Detour

Michael Reinhardt actually entered the outhouse and quickly exited. It would be a long weekend, if his three second dodge was any indication. He slips out of it and then around it, away from the people. He sees a bath and tosses off a quick prayer for some of the luck of the Wee Folk and looks at the ground. A path greets him and he follows it. From the air, it leads to a cabin, one of the two he thinks might hold the old man, Norman Gibbs. Walking down the slight hill he comes to a cabin door. The screen is closed but the door is open, and he peers inside, hoping against hope that Harley's old boss is inside.


Norman Gibbs sits at the small staff kitchen table with a large needle and thick weaving thread. He's making something, a wall hanging that hasn't revealed it's shape yet and just looks like a random mass of braids. Some days that's all they turn into. Norman rocks himself side to side as he works at it quietly humming. The tune is recognizable even, Amazing Grace. It's mournful the way he hums it, haunting even.


Michael peers through the screen and listens to the music. Not a religious man, the music chills him regardless. Glancing to his left at the path from whence he's come and seeing no one, he places a hand on the handle of the screen door and tests to see if it is open. "Mr. Gibbs?" he says in a normal voice. "Norman?"

The door is unlocked and Norman stops humming for a moment and calls out "Who's there? Ziven?" Not waiting for an answer he breaks into song. "I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind but now I see....."


Michael gets the idea that the man may be blind, which he wasn't the last time they had met. "No. I'm .. I'm Michael." he opens the door and steps inside. "Harley's .... I knew Harley. You talked to me at the ... cemetery." even now he can't use the word 'funeral'.


Norman's eyes go wide and he pales, dropping his macrame. Clearly he can see Michael and it's triggering something in him "Harley?" It's a moment of lucid recognition but then it slips and he laughs, his eyes shrinking again and the lines around them crinkling "The preacher came...they sent the preacher after the doctor and I thought I was dying. He brought me a bible and sang songs to me, nice songs....."


Michael arches his brows. For a second it seemed he was recognized and then ... this. He moves in. "May I sit?" he asks, even as he does exactly that. "I ...." and for a moment he has NO IDEA what to say to this man. So he goes with his gut. "I thought you were crazy, but you weren't. Were you? You saw ... something. Saw something happen to Harley." it is actually more statement than question he realizes as the words come from him.


Norman picks up the macrame and starts pulling at the threads now, unraveling, destroying. His voice gets quiet and his eyes are on the mess of threads "I'm not supposed to talk about Harley. The doctors....the preacher.......they'll come for me. I'm safe here." Norman starts breathing fast and his head snaps up. He gives Michael a hollow stare "He went...into.... the light."

Just then Charlotte's work boots can be heard clomping down the dock walkway. She pushes open the screen door with a creak and then looks at Michael talking to her father with alarm "What the hell are you doing in here?!" She demands defensively.


Michael understands in many ways why the old man was told not to talk about Harley, but before he can say anything the man says he saw Harley go into the light. But as he opens his mouth to reply, boots sound and the privacy is invaded. He looks at the old man and says quickly. "I saw that too, with another man." before the door fully opens. Instead of being defensive in return, he turns in his seat. "Just talking to your father, is all." he says casually, as if he were a long lost friend who was passing by and stopped in to chat.


Norman smiles warmly at Charlotte "It's Ok Charlie. This is Michael. He's Harley's lover. He's looking for... The light. The preacher tried to tell me it was Jesus.." Norman unraveled the threads so they were one long string now, enough to hang oneself with.

Charlotte gripped her clip board and looked between the men perplexed "What?!"


Michael had been looking at the woman who had entered the cabin, but at Norman's blunt words, his head turns and he looks at him with wide, astonished eyes a moment. No one ... not in his entire life ... had ever come right out and said that to him. It completely derailed him. "He ... told ... you? About me?" he manages to choke out. He'd assumed that, even though Harley was not in the closet that he had kept their relationship as secret on his end as Michael had. Charlotte is, for the moment, not even there.

Norman has no social filter left about discretion. He winds the string through his fingers and carries on "He was suffering not telling and he needed to tell. Don't talk about it.. He said. Then they said don't talk about him. He's not dead..." Norman starts rocking again, his voice agitated "Not dead... Not dead!" He pulls the string so tight it cuts into his knuckles now as he begins shouting "He's not dead!"

Charlotte drops her clipboard and runs to her father trying to grab hold of him. She clasps him in a strained hug and glares at Michael barking "Get out! Now!"

Michael stares at him, swallowing hard and fighting tears. This was not going as he planned. Then the older man gets hysterical and his daughter runs to hold him. Michael blinks and clears his throat. "I'm sorry, ma'am." he rasps, then clears his throat again. "I can't do that." he reaches for the hand with the string wrapped around it and looks at Norman. "I believe you." those were not the words he had planned to have come out of his mouth, but there they were. On the table.

Norman hears the words "I believe you." and something shifts in him, an unspoken release. It's like an instant calm button. He feels the other man's hand on his and exhales, leaning into Charlotte. He starts to tear up too and says hoarsely "People usually tell me I'm crazy."

Charlotte takes in the shift in her father and both he and Michael's emotion and slowly eases out of the hug. She doesn't say anything but sort of gives a begrudging nod and steps to the shelf by the sink, looking for bandages for the cut knuckles.

Michael sighs. "I admit ... when we met at Harley's funeral ... I thought you were too. But I was pretty crazy that day myself." he swallows. "Did Harley tell you we were supposed to get married? I mean I know he admired the hell out of you, so he probably would have. That was the plan. And then ... he was gone. But ..." he moves his hand from the old man but keeps it near. "I saw someone vanish into that light. Just like you did. And I am NOT crazy. My problem is ... I saw this with my own two eyes. How can I deny it?" he is totally focused on Norman.


Norman looks mournfully at Michael "Harley told me about the engagement. Who did you see vanish Michael?" He opens and closes his hands causing the blood to dot along the cuts.

Charlotte seemed to be busy counting out bandages and digging for some antibiotic cream. She sits down with both one chair over from her father and takes his hand, starting to treat the cuts. After swiping antibiotic cream across the lot she says "You saw Lee didn't you?" without looking up.


Michael can feel the slightest of smiles across his face, pleased that SOMEONE beside he, his beard and Harley himself had known about the engagement when it happened. Then his smile fades. "Yea. Lee Chen Wright ... but you can't tell anyone, either of you. I'm not insane and I'm not going to be labeled insane if I can help it, because if I AM I can't find them. Where they actually went, if I can." he sighs. "I'm a cop ... and I've falsified enough reports to give the family comfort." he looks at Norman. "You understand ... I'm a cop ... logic was ... everything to me .. just like Harley was." not that a man considered insane and his daughter would be believed, but he knew ... this was Anna's friend.


Norman nods knowingly. He looks as if a weight has been lifted. Morgan will believe you. He believed me when no one else did." Norman looks pointedly at Charlotte as she bandages the rest of his knuckles.

Charlotte looks between them with a conflicted expression and then catches her father's words and look "I want to. I just need something that can be explained....I'm really trying...I am." She crumples the wrappers from the bandages and gives Michael a hard look "I'll keep your secret, but I don't like it. Anna is my friend. This is her brother we're talking about and her cousin before him...and Harley...and so many. You want me to just believe in aliens or something?"


Michael chuckles dryly. "That's who sent me to find you, but ... all due respect, sir. He isn't exactly the most reliable witness either." he looks at Charlotte. "Miss Gibbs." he would call anyone that if not told to refer to them by their first name most of the time. "I think like you do. There's no aliens, there's no portal to another dimension. No Lion, witch and wardrobe. That's for books and movies." he shrugs. "Until you see a man vanish in a puff of light. Without a trace. If I put that in my report .... who would believe me? I'd wind up like the rest of the Quake Takers ... and lose my job to boot. Even when the drug screening came back negative." he blows out a breath. "I can't go to Lee's family and say never fear, he is alive and just beyond the veil. This isn't Harry Potter. SO I did my job and let them have closure. And sacrificed my own. I took them gently by the hand and led them to believe Lee either skipped town or drowned." he sighs. "And I look forward to the day when Ushi and Anna kick my ass for lying to them when they come back. Cause this has been happening since Cedar Points founding. The problem is .... I have NO IDEA where that light takes people. Maybe its aliens, or Narnia or hell ... they could be at Area 51 or the Kremlin ..." he runs a hand through his red hair. "But I know what your father went through telling the truth and I want to thank him ... but also ... Mister Gibbs ... you need to drop the story. My whole job is finding the truth. If you can't give it up, let me take the torch. I have no idea how to find them but .... I can't think Harley is dead anymore ... or at least I can't think he died that day you saw him vanish." he blows out a breath. "Lying is better than being institutionalized and medicated for telling the truth. But now ... you know there someone else who doesn't just believe you but KNOWS you are telling the truth. Can't that be enough?" and it is then he realizes he may have lied to Ryan about having accepted the disappearance.


Norman sighs "It's been hell. I don't want you to go through it. This has been the safest place for me since it happened and I have Charlotte to thank. I feel connected though, connected to things the light showed me. Spirits, angels...energies. Ziven is very open to these ideas and tells me the traditions of his ancestors. We were not meant to live in the mundane, but to balance with the ethereal. Singing helps sometimes. Wherever Harley is, I hope he can do the same."

Charlotte just looks tired now. This is too much for her to process all at once. She pours herself a glass of water and downs it and then remembers her manners and pours two more, setting one in front of each man.


Michael sighs "That's why I am investigating this all on my own time and not telling anyone that hasn't seen the same thing I have." he rubs his temple. "Well, all I know is what I saw. Did you see anything BEYOND the light .. where Harley may be? Buildings, other people, anything?" he sounds a bit insane, as if its hard for him to not go crazy himself. he reaches for the water. "Thanks ma'am." he looks at her. "Believe me ... I know how you feel now I think. More. I refused to believe in anything I couldn't see with my own eyes ... until I saw something with my own eyes that was ... impossible to all I have been taught."

Norman shakes his head, thinking "It just looked like the room we were in...the light was around him like a full body halo."

Charlotte listens from her chair, after sitting again. She still wears a skeptical expression but keeps quiet, taking it all in. Her father is lucid, more than she's seen him be in years and for that she is both grateful and amazed.

Michael considers it. "I saw he Mayors house and the Lavender Dreams and ..." he pauses, really thinking. "Where the fuck did the school go?" he murmurs to himself. "The school was gone." he considers carefully. "And the houses on the circle were ... different ..." he frowns to himself. "Mister Gibbs .... was it EXACTLY the same? I know its been a long time but ... like ... was there a lamp or ... a light switch or ... were the chairs the same Same filing cabinets? Like that?" he keeps the excitement out of his voice, cause what he is playing with now is simply .. well .. insane and impossible.

Norman closes his eyes, trying to picture the event that took Harley. He's replayed it many times. He starts listing things "Wooden file drawers..a chair...a desk....no wait....there should have been a computer on it...it's a typewriter! I know it even. It's in the lighthouse museum now, Morgan's museum. I donated it as a relic of town life in the 1900s...."

Charlotte looks intently at her father, listening.

Michael considers the words. "I don't know Cedar Point history real well, but .... it was like an older Cedar Point for me too." he strokes his chin and chuckles ruefully to himself, glancing at Charlotte. "Well ... is a portal in time any easier to swallow than aliens?" he runs a hand through his hair. "So I just need to find Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell to find my fiance...."

Norman starts to laugh, not in the demented way he had been earlier but genuinely "If that's true, some part of Harley would love it.....time travel? It's every archivist's dream!"

Charlotte looks between the two men and shakes her head "This just keeps getting weirder..."

Michael laughs a bit himself. "Yea. He would have." he sighs. "Looks like he may have got his fantasy fulfilled" he glances at Charlotte. "Tell me about it. So all I have to do it figure out time travel with my criminology degree." he shrugs. "What could possibly go wrong?" he looks at Norman. "Listen, I don't want to keep you up too long or anything but I'd like to come back and visit you." he pauses and looks almost shy. "You're the only person who really KNEW Harley. I mean he talked about you and all. It's like .. I don't know." he fumbles about a bit, wanting to be close to ... something Harley.

Norman smiles "Anytime Michael. I feel like you brought a bit of him here with you. Thank you."

Charlotte still looks amazed by her father's grip on reality right now, despite not being sure of the possibility of what the two of them are suggesting. She nods at Michael and says "You're in cabin 2, behind the plane."


Michael nods and stands. "Its been a real pleasure Mister Gibbs. I'll be in touch." he promises and he means it. Then he nods to Charlotte. "Thanks .. I'll find it." and he heads out of the door, feeling better than he has in literal years.