xp_logs | Kitty, Jamie and Lorna

On holiday in Florida for the long weekend, Kitty has a surprising encounter. Isn't it a small world?

Jamie had already decided that astronaut gift shops were the best kind of gift shops in the world, and was dithering between a space pen and a stack of freeze-dried ice cream blocks when his face fell. "I'm an idiot," he said, turning to Kitty. "You're dating a complete idiot. I have to run back to the hotel."

Kitty was still bouncing on the balls of her feet from the tour, which must have looked very strange as her nose was burried in a rather massive book, two others clutched in the corner of her arms. She managed to pull her attention out of the book long enough to give Jamie a look. "You're clearly suffering some sort of dillusion if you think I'm leaving this shop yet. What on earth... or off it, whee, did you forget?"

"Uh." Jamie clearly hadn't yet managed to break his ears of their habit of going red inconveniently. "My wallet, actually. Left it next to the sink, I can picture it in my head right now, but we were in such a hurry this morning getting out here in time to be first in line and that's totally not your fault because I was just as excited as you were but . . . yeah, forgot my wallet." He coughed. "I think I can make it back there before housekeeping comes through but I'd kinda have to leave, like, right now, or ideally five minutes ago. Um. Think you'll be okay by yourself for an hour or so? No reason both of us should blow our afternoons." He tapped the book and grinned. "'Sides, you probably won't even notice I'm gone."

Kitty managed not to laugh at him, but amusement sparkled in her eyes. "Love you, very much, but this is up there on the silly meter." She closed the book and shifted it in her arms so she could lean over and give him a kiss. "Get out of here. I'm sure I can entertain myself here in geek heaven for at least an hour."

"I am very silly, this is known. Love you too, especially when you put up with me being an idiot. And now, I flee." Suiting actions to words, Jamie ducked around a rack of Space Shuttle keychains and made a beeline for the exit.

As Jamie dashed out of the gift shop, Kitty turned back to the bookshelf with a smile. The third book closed already, it would make more sense to find a fourth than to go back to reading it. After all, she'd be able to read he books when she got home. Kitty browsed through the titles, managing not to scoff too loudly at some of the really bad ones. Honestly, you'd think they wouldn't pander quite so much to the masses, but there were a couple real gems. She'd already added a fourth to the pile in her arms and was debating between two others, when a flicker of a familiar shade of green in the corner of her eye caught her attention.

Turning her head, Kitty blinked, startled. She'd never seen any green hair dye come out quite so vibrant, but what on earth would Lorna be doing here. But as the woman turned the corner Kitty got a clear shot of her profile, and it was definitely Lorna. Kitty set the books down on the edge of the shelf and darted through the crowd, trying to catch up. "Lorna? Hey, Lorna, wait up."

The green haired woman halted and half-turned back, watching Kitty out of the corner of her eye. She didn't move except to adjust the scarf knotted around her neck and check her watch. She smiled only once Kitty was close enough to speak to. "Kitty, hey, what are you doing here?"

Kitty grinned. "Exactly what any good, red-blooded geek would be doing - marveling, lusting after the neat toys, and shopping. But what are you doing here? Enjoying the break before school starts? Jamie and I are having a last holiday, since classes start next week."

She shook her head, "Not exactly. I've been taking care of my cousin. Florida was the doctor's orders and Cammy begged to see Kennedy Space Center so here we are." She gave a quick gesture that encompassed the whole place. "Is Jamie with you then?" She looked around sharply. Kitty would be easy enough to deceive but Madrox...that was chancy.

Kitty snickered. "Yes and no. He's a dork and forgot his wallet, so he had to run back to the hotel. Ought to be back in half an hour or so. Hey," she added brightly, "you want to, like, do dinner with us, then? Where are you staying?"

There was the slightest pause before she answered, "No, I can't. I have to get back to Cammy and our flight leaves really early." Kitty was brilliant; she knew this as well as her boss did. But not the genius they wanted. That was too risky yet and it was too risky to tip off Kitty now. "You guys have fun though. Make sure you get one of those shuttle models for Miles. He'll die of joy."

Kitty pouted slightly. "That's too bad. Jamie's going to be so bummed he missed you. Sure you can't stick around just for a bit 'till he gets back? You could help me pick out which model to get, cause that's an amazing idea. Way better than just loading up all the midgets on space ice cream."

She shivered though it was hot as always. "No, I really have to go. Cammy isn't up to long days like this." She continued to eye Kitty for another moment...the girl could be useful after all...but Madrox... She smiled. "Sorry. It was good to see you though."

Kitty noticed the shiver, sort of, but shrugged it off. "If you've got to go, you've got to go, but Jamie is going to be kicking himself double for this one. It was definitely good to see you though. It's not been the same at school without you, and I'm not just talking about the food. Hope your cousin had fun in Florida, though, and have a good flight."

"Aw, that's sweet. I will. Be good, Kitty." Malice flashed her a smile and gave her a quick hug then strode off, disappearing into the crowd. She was going to get in trouble for this. She was sure of it.

Kitty waved as Lorna headed off then turned back to collect the books she'd left before perusing the models. Jamie was going to be sad he'd missed Lorna, but Kit bet she could find something to distract him with.