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xp_logsAngelo, searching for food in the main kitchen, is spotted by Alani.
Angelo had discovered that his and Jean-Philippe's kitchen was almost empty. This, naturally, would not do, and while he waited for the next grocery delivery, he was raiding the main mansion kitchen as a stopgap.
He was humming cheerfully to himself, leaning in to see what was in the back of a cupboard.
Alani wandered into the kitchen in search of coffee or something to eat. Mostly coffee was on her mind because it seemed so chilly. That was, of course, until she noticed that there was another person already in the kitchen.
"Hi!" Before she realized it might not be a good idea to startle people, she'd already excitedly greeted the person.
He straightened up automatically, just catching himself before he smacked his head on the top of the cupboard, and turned to see who the unfamiliar voice belonged to.
"Hi! You're new?"
She jerked, in turn, straightening her posture before nodding a confirmation. Actually seeing the person who'd been in the fridge, she realized the light wasn't off and a large grin tugged at her lips.
"Yes. Oh! I'm Alani... Ryan. What can I call you?"
That wasn't a common reaction - shock, staring, and that was from people trying to be polite, but not delighted grinning - and he studied her curiously with a smile in return.
"Angelo Espinosa. One of the resident lawyers. Nice to meet you, Alani."
Schooling her features was harder than usual, but still she tried so he didn't think she was completely unused to interacting with people.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Angelo. A lawyer, wow. Nice. Have you... have you been here for a while, then?"
"Just over fifteen years", he said casually. "I was a student here, and like a lot of people, I never left. Then the Professor offered me a job."
"You've been here for fifteen years?" Her eyes widened in shock. “Dang. So I take it it’s a good environment here? Or... at least good people?”
"Good people, yes", he said without hesitation. "The environment... is safe, most of the time, and also mostly good. Though sometimes there are raging arguments on the journals."
Assured, Alani nodded, before finally moving towards where she'd found mugs before. “That’s good to know. Though, ‘most of the time’ does make me a little nervous, not gonna lie. But, I think I can handle avoiding people’s arguments, at the very least.”
"Got to be honest, sometimes trouble does find us here. But", he promised her, "it'll have to go through every one of the staff before it gets to the students. And you're safer here than anywhere."
"Less mail bombs?" She tries to joke, but her attempt at a smile falls flat and instead she focuses on pouring coffee. "Good. That's... I'm glad. Sorry, I try not to sound so cynical usually. But I’m still a little peeved, to put it mildly.”
"No mail bombs. They wouldn't get past Wolverine's nose." He glanced at her, casual but mildly concerned. "You had trouble of that kind out there?"
"It was one mail bomb. I sound dramatic, sorry." With coffee in hand, she flashes a sheepish, partial-grin. “Yeah. I was openly advocating Mutant Rights, so, I guess I set myself up there.”
“I think you’ve got a right to be dramatic. Did the police get who did it?”
Privately, he wondered if they’d even tried.
“No. They didn’t,” she shrugged, “but I like to think they tried. If anything, no one was physically hurt, and I’m very thankful for that.”
This time her smile is less forced, and she takes a sip of the coffee, content with the beverage.
Angelo nodded. "Definitely a bright side. And just imagine how frustrated the people must be that they didn't get you, and now they can't find you."
“It took every ounce of my self-control to not post a picture of me next to the blast zone with the caption ‘I lived, bitch’ - Every ounce.” She’s as solemn as she can be, before looking suddenly at Angelo. “Oh! You were doing something! I’m so sorry if I distracted you. I’m still so pumped meeting people.”
"Don't worry about it", he said easily. "I was just raiding the fridge to stock the one in my room until the groceries get delivered. I don't usually mind stopping to chat."
“Oh thank goodness. I was worried there for a minute. Because, ya know, lawyer and, I assume, real adult with a real adult life.” She gestured at herself, then. “And here I am, forgetting groceries exist. Wearing me crocs around like a scrub.”
“Real adult with a real adult life - somehow, it still surprises me too - and a fiancé who can’t be without food because I’ve seen what happens when energy projectors go past their reserves.”
“Well damn. A real adult and affianced, that sounds amazing. Though the lack of food is also pretty relatable. I’m... sorry but I’m going to ask, when you say energy projectors, that’s like people who use their energy to - bear with me, I’ve started speaking and now I have to continue, even though I feel foolish - project something, right? Like fire or light? I’m kind of new to the whole science aspect of mutations...”
"Not foolish at all", he reassured her. "And I promise, any question you've got, I'll answer. That's right - anyone that creates energy from their own self. Fire, light, electricity..."
“Oh thank goodness.” She chuckled before taking another sip of coffee. “Huh. I learn more every day I’m here. Which is a very nice thing... What, uh, what do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?”
"I'm one of the in-house lawyers, when they need me to be, and I do legal aid work out in the real world." He grinned. "And that's just the day job."
“Sorry, I meant - Wait, ‘just the day job’?” She tried to examine his features. “Now you’ve got my curiosity involved and that other question can wait a little. What does that mean?”
"Oh, you meant powers - I'll show you that in a minute. The other work I do is... well, you're here, so I'm pretty sure you're safe to tell. I work with the Mutant Underground."
“Yes, that! Oh…oh damn. That is-” Alani set down the mug, clasping her hands together as quickly as she could to keep things whole. “- Wow. A lawyer who knows the Mutant Underground, you must live quite the life.”
"It never does get boring", he agreed with a grin, "but that's the way I like it. Don't think I'd know what to do with myself if I wasn't kept busy."
“I completely understand that. I’m...” She frowned then shrugged. “I’m usually like that, but the move has left me mostly just reading and working out, because I’ve nothing else yet.”
She carefully picked up the mug again to drain its contents. “If I come off a little odd, I’m sorry. I’m kinda a human blender, I think. I get too excited and I’ll break something.”
"Don't worry about it." He watched her, considering. "What is it, super strength or something different?"
“God, I wish! Super strength sounds so cool. But, alas, no. Things go through me - or I go through things, maybe – but regardless the thing in question gets shredded.” She frowned, looking at the mug in her hands. “I try and keep it reined in. Got quite good at it, even.”
"Well, you're in the best place", he assured her. "You got it under control on your own, and if there's a way for it to never, ever happen when you don't want it to, we'll help you find it."
“That’s... good to know. So,uh,” she motioned in his direction,cocking her head in curiosity, “what is your power then? Wait! Is it super strength? Because if so, I’d love to see that!”
"It's not, but you really need to meet Molly." He grinned. "You'll love her. I stretch. Like this."
He reached out for one of the kitchen cupboard doors, well out of arm's length.
"I'm tryi-" She gasped when he stretched, fumbling the mug before slapping it down onto the counter. "Holy fucking shit that's cool!"
That got him outright beaming.
"Isn't it? And there's so many ways to use it. But what were you saying?"
It took a moment to rein her thoughts back in, still awestruck by the display.
"Huh? Oh, yes! I was going to say, I'm trying to meet everyone, really. So hopefully I'll meet this Molly person, soon."
“She likes people”, he said lightly, “so she’ll probably come find you sooner or later. She’s got super strength.”
"We'd be fast friends, then... I would hope, at least. I’m pretty fond of people myself.” She thought for a moment before continuing. “And super strength. Any... I don’t know, tips for a newbie like me? Don’t drink the water? Avoid neon colored clothes?”
"The water's fine, and neon might get you a funny look or two but if you really want to wear it, nobody's gonna tell you not to." He considered, thinking of serious tips. "There's a moose in the stables. She's tame, ish, but just so you don't get a shock."
It took a moment for that to register, before she stared at him owlishly. "I'm sorry - Moose? Like the big deer? In the stables just... chillin with the other critters?" She looked down at palms, confusion growing. "H- How? Why?"
"Molly", he said simply, laughing. "When she was a kid, a guy who used to live here just... got her a moose. I guess she'd said she wanted one?"
At the reappearance of the name, she snorted, trying not to laugh. "Well damn, I really do need to meet this Molly then. I've so many questions for her now, and this is the first I'm hearing of her, so she has to have great stories."
"You have no idea", he said, grinning. "Mind you, pretty much everybody here does. Would you believe Asgard actually exists?"
"You told me about a moose in the stables and now you're dropping 'mythology is real' on me," she sighed dramatically. "But, please do tell. Are all mythical places mentioned in mythologies real or just Asgard? This is the most I think I've learned in one sitting, and now I need to know everything."
“I wouldn’t say the others definitely don’t”, he answered after a moment’s thought. “But Asgard’s the only one people here have visited. Visits us sometimes, too.”
"I want you to know, that if you're pulling my leg I will be so hurt that I will cry, and I am not a pretty crier, and I will stand in front of you and cry, ruining your day." She told him seriously, before leaning a bit on the counter, grinning slightly. "Have you been? Or been visited by? Either?"
"Cross my heart, there wouldn't be any need to make up stories." He crossed himself, trying and failing to be solemn. "Yeah, I have. Both, actually, and got some souvenirs to show for it."
She'd opened her mouth, before her expression shifted to a curious-awe. "Seeing as you just crossed yourself, I'll believe you. Golden apples? Or - hmm, what else do I remember about Norse mythology? Ale horn that's connected to the ocean? Am I close?"
He laughed. "No, I never got close enough to those to steal them. I got a sword and a set of leather armor. I still get them out when Asgard comes calling, 'specially if it's not a friendly visit."
"But they exist?" Now she leaned forward, brow quirked though her grin had come back with a vengeance. "Well damn. Not too excited to hear some visits aren't friendly, but having a sword sounds cool! Is it?"
"They do exist - and I think it is! I even got tattoos of the runes on it, they don't do anything but they look pretty cool. And the not friendly visits usually don't get anywhere near the mansion", he assured her.
"Double damn, that's pretty extra cool, now. Heck, is it weird of me to ask if I can see your tattoos? And, good-“ she frowned, then sighed again, less dramatic, more relief, “- I know I must sound like the world’s biggest whiner, but I’m really looking forward to a place that’s safe. To plan my next course of action in life...”
After a pause, she laughed a little. “Sorry. If ya want I’ll pay ya for listening to me blab. I’m a talker. It’s a problem.”
He laughed. "No payment needed, and not weird at all. I'll show you sometime when we're not in the main kitchen, 'cause that might get some looks... and you're not the first or the last to come here for a place to catch their breath."
She perked up at the offer. "Well that's good to know... In a mansion full of mutants, I’m not the only one who just needs a breather from a mansion not full of mutants.”
"Not at all", Angelo agreed. "Quite a few of us with stories that come down to that, one way or another. Some more dramatic than others."
"On one hand I'm glad to hear that," she raised a hand to illustrate her point,"but, also, I like to pretend my coming here wasn't dramatic, so thinking that there are beginning that are more dramatic than mine? Ouch."
"Yeeeah... I'm not going to tell anybody else's story for them, and mine's ancient history, but some people had it pretty rough." He shrugged slightly. "But they wound up here, and all the help anybody could offer's available if they want it."
A slight smile appears as she nodded, bringing her hand up to run it through her hair. "Yeah. That is an uplifting aspect that I forgot about. I'm really glad they're okay now..."
“When I was a student here”, he said with a wry grin, “me and the others I ran with had a rep as the trouble kids, not that we didn’t deserve it. Trouble and troubled... but look at me now. At 16, I’d never have believed it.”
One brow shot up at his admission, her smile turning broader. "That - I would not expect. But, I guess if I came here when I manifested, I'd have a very different story and thoughts about where I'd be in the future... I bet you're a damn good lawyer."
“I do the best I can”, he said simply. “Public defense, ‘cause someone’s gotta do it and it should be someone good.”
“Someone good would be my preference, yeah... Is that why you’re also involved in the Underground, then? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Don’t mind at all, and yeah, that’s one of the reasons. I used to do it more officially, with a group called Elpis in developing countries and then I ran X-Corps here in America... but that was before things changed. Still couldn’t let it go, though.”
Alani offered a sheepish smile. "You might judge me, but I was honestly pretty group blind when I was a teen, and then I was a hermit, so I can't tell you I know those names. But, that sounds like a really great thing to have done. I want to do something like that... to help people, little mutants needing support."
Angelo nodded eagerly. "That's just the thing. Not everybody gets lucky enough to wind up here if they get kicked out or have to run away."
"Yes! Exactly! I'm really glad to be here, and I just keep thinking about, ya know, what if I didn't? I lucked out, other people didn't. But I don't know how to get my foot in that door."
"Ah, now, there I might be able to help you." He grinned. "Already having my foot in, and all."
“Oh - really?” She blinked in surprise before grinning back at him. "That would be really appreciated, honestly. Or, I mean, if you need any help with stuff like that, I'd be glad to help. I got loads of free time and don't mind grunt work."
“Then you’ll fit right in, ‘cause there’s plenty of that, and sometimes it does get more exciting. And yeah, I’ll just need to introduce you to one of the two cells I know about.”
“Perfect! My god you have no idea what you’d be doing for me, like, I can’t even put it into words. I will be the best grunt I can be, promise.”
Angelo grinned. "Then the next time I get a call that somebody needs us, I'll bring you along."
Alani beamed in response. "Please do! I - fuck, honestly my brain is still trying to catch up to this happening, and I'm afraid I'll wake up in a second." She chuckled, trying to reign herself back in. "I, god, I must sound wild."
“Less than you’d think. Half of us who were here as students kept trying to make the other shoe drop, never mind expecting it.”
"That is oddly reassuring. Additionally, what I'm picking up on is that I need to live in a shared space and just pick up on everyone's life stories, or the bits they drop."
“Pretty much. Most of us will, at least by accident from time to time. Hang out on the journals and in the common spaces, you’re bound to hear things.”
“Right, right, so keep a notepad with me at all time so I can start a yarn wall of the residents and their dossiers... that’s what that’s called, right? Those spy files?”
Angelo laughed. "That's what it's called. It might just help you keep track."
Alani grinned, before giving a nod. “Perfect, if I do well, maybe I could be a detective... probably a P.I. actually, I truly doubt I’m cut out for real detective work. Sorry if I’m keeping you, I know I’ve already said that but - thought I should reiterate that and my gratitude.”
"I'm in no rush", he said easily. "And if you want to be a PI, I know some folks you should talk to."
Her joke being met so seriously made her stare blankly at him. “Oh, right - lawyer. Sorry that was a joke, and I doubt I’d be a good PI. I am unashamedly a scrub right now, who used to post social media activism. Hoping being here and taking classes will help me figure out what I wanna do.”
"Sorry, yeah, I do that... but really, whatever you decide you want to do, we've probably got somebody that can help you on your way."
“No, don’t apologize, man, if I really wanted to be a PI, I’d be chuffed that you could get me connections! Once I figure it out, I’ll blast it on my journal, see who can help me be what I wanna be.”
Angelo grinned. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see, then."
Alani couldn't help but grin back. "I mean, were I you, I definitely wouldn't wait with bated breath. But... I'm sure there's something out there I'll wanna do. Grunt work aside," she added quickly.
"Yeah, nobody wants to do grunt work", he agreed. "But nobody's going to rush you to find your thing."
She offered a shrug, grin turning lopsided. "I like busywork if it helps. I’ve had all this free time, any more and I’ll take myself a long walk off a short pier." She let herself laugh, pleased with her memory for that little gem.
"I promise, you won't be given work just for work's sake. Anything the Underground gets you to do, will be something it needs."
“Oh - I meant, fuck,” she laughed as color rose in her face. “I didn’t mean to imply it would just be work for works sake. I just... I kinda, sometimes put my foot in my mouth, so sorry if I sound like an ass.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Nah, that was as much my conclusions as anything. Tends to be what I think of as busywork, but I shouldn’t’ve assumed. There might well be scut work involved - there still is for me, half the time, but important scut work.”
"Like the American education system kind of busywork, don't worry, I get where the line connecting point a to point b came in." She nodded slowly, still embarrassed but refusing to acknowledge that. "Luckily there's scut like me around - did I use that word correctly? I probably shoulda googled that before I said I was one, huh?"
"No reason you shouldn't use it that way", he said cheerfully. "It doesn't mean anything terrible... I think."
"Good enough for me," she said, cracking another smile. "And, well, even if it were a bad thing to be, could be worse as well, right? Always worse words to be hanging around."
"True, that. And you've probably heard quite a few of them, from what you said."
"Oh, yes, I have. Luckily, I picked up on the duck way of life, no need to let other people's words get me twisted. You?"
"Yeah", he said with a wry grin, "if they can come up with it, I've probably heard it. I can pass without technology if I really have to, but it hurts."
"Some nice encounters mutants across the board can share," she snorted, "good stuff. I think if I were a little less red in some spots I coulda passed, but, still semi-human passing. Hell, I might've gotten away with it if it weren't for my own mouth."
"Well, hell, keeping under the radar isn't for everybody. And if everybody could and did, nothing'd ever change, would it?"
"Ya took the words right outta my mouth, Angelo. And, I mean, come on," she motioned at her face with a toothy grin, "I look really cool. How could I not share this?"
He grinned back. "You do look pretty cool. It's like tribal decorations, right?"
“Oh, Angelo, I am a big fan of the way you think. I like that.” She couldn’t help but keep grinning as she went over that in her head. “Less official is hardly bad.”
"Not at all. I've always been in favour of less official channels, in their time and place."
“There’s always a time and place for less official matters, to be fair... Where they’re needed.” She agreed.
"Exactly!" He nodded firmly. "And with things the way they have been, maybe more than ever."
“So, when this comes about, exact officiality to be determined, if I can't con you into letting me help along the way, is there like a call list I could be added to? Or a forum I can check for updates on?"
“There’s a locked group on the journals I can get you added to. We haven’t used it in quite a while, but it’s still there.”
“Locked group. My god, this was quite official, eh? Ya got me startin ya feel self-conscious about being the new kid.” She attempted a laugh, but this time it was more nerves than she’d realized. “Should I... introduce myself to the others beforehand? Like in person?”
"It couldn't hurt", he agreed, trying to reassure her. "Jean-Phillipe, my fiance, was part of it. Sooraya I think you might already've met, and there was Doc Cecilia, John but he's not here much now... and a couple of others."
It still hurt, thinking of Yvette and Frank.
“Oh! Yes, I do know Sooraya! I mean, well, we’ve talked. I guess it'd make since if she was involved from what she said... Okay, I will meet them. Jean-Phillipe, Doctor Cecilia, and... John." Alani nodded, intent on doing as she said. “Might need a last name for that one, but I’m sure there can’t be too many Johns running around, right?”
"Only one, as far as I know. But it's Allerdyce. He spends most of his time in Chicago these days."
The gears slowly squeaked to a start in Alani’s head before she sharply gasped. Putting two and two together was her strong suit. “Your friend who pushed you off the roof?”
"He didn't mean to", Angelo protested, but he was laughing. "Yeah, that's him."
“Uh-huh,” she flashed a grin, “but if it’s all the same, I won’t be meeting him on a roof. Or have alcohol involved, due to my lack of gliding abilities.”
"Seems fair", he agreed easily. "...not that he goes around pushing people at random anyway."
“I’ll take your word on that. I’m trusting you here.” With a chuckle she looked to her empty coffee mug. “Damn, I’m not gonna lie this is... like possibly the biggest convo I’ve had here. I mean Underground and super secret group to help mutants - and you have a sword and can glide. You would pinch me if I was having some wild fever dream, right?”
"Welcome to the madhouse", Angelo said wryly. "You've only just scratched the surface."
“That is a terrifying and exciting statement... Leaning more towards excitement, though. Especially with the prospect that something amazing coming along.”
“Life here can be both. Though not so much of the terrifying on mansion grounds, most of the time. Folks work hard to see to that.”
“Good, good. Strange question, bear with me, but is that in a physical or digital sense? Or both?”
“Mostly physical”, he admitted. “Mail’s screened and security’s tight - nobody gets past the front gate without us knowing about it anymore - but if they get hold of your email, not much we can do about it, except use the harassment laws and hope it scares them off.”
“Honestly, the mail things still got me pretty positive to the security,” she said with a laugh, “and I burned most my emails before coming here. Only kept one and I wasn’t planning to break it out anytime soon, seeing as it’s not even linked to the account that got me in this mess. I will hold on to some shred of hope in the harassment law, if need be.”
"Yeah, you don't have to worry about anybody making good on their threats. Not much gets past Kyle's nose, and anything that smells like explosive - unless somebody ordered fireworks and takes responsibility for them - gets taken out and thrown in the quarry out back."
"This is what dreams are made of - nothing gunpowdery coming in the post and a quarry to dump it in if it does. Totally unrelated, you can order fireworks here? That's a thing?"
“Not usually - we’ve got a person or two that can make their own - but in theory I guess someone could on the Internet.”
“We truly live in the time of opportunity. Hmm, you know, I’ve been asking all the questions and while that’s probably normal, it does make me feel a bit rude. Do you have any questions that I could wildly guess the answers to if I don’t already know ‘em?”
"Only to be expected", he said with a grin, "getting dropped in a whole new place where you don't know anybody. But questions, uh... anything you want to tell me about yourself?"
“Oof, that shouldn’t be fair, dang,” she stared down before looking back to him and making a face. “I’m not really too interesting, honest. I already told ya I just wreck things. Uhhh - Oh! Did I mention I produce a pink light while wrecking things?”
"I didn't just mean your powers, I meant you, but OK... does the pink light do anything?"
“Angelo, sadly my powers are the only cool thing about me. And, no, I don’t even think the light does anything.”
"No, see, I don't believe that", he insisted. "You seem pretty cool to me. Maybe we can test the light thing out sometime, controlled conditions like."
She let out a laugh before shrugging. "We'll see if there's anything interesting that I can't think of. But that sounds like it could be fun! I’ve never thought to really try that.”
"This is the best place for it. Safety, the world's leading experts, and nobody will blame you if it turns out a little bit destructive."
“It’d always be at least a little destructive, sadly. Can’t wait to get the world’s experts to dissect what it is I do exactly, do they give stickers? That’d definitely sweeten the pot.”
Angelo laughed. "I should think they could be talked into giving stickers. I'll have a word if you like."
“Oh, yes please.” With that, she offered her best kiss up grin. “A gold star goes a long way, but I’ll also accept scented ones or cute ones. Do they just watch as you use your powers? Or how invasive are we talking? I’m interested but the sticker price would go up depending on the answer.”
"Depends on the powers. Somebody like Molly, with invulnerability, they'd be testing the limits of that - broke a few needles trying, from what I hear - but they'll make a schedule of tests that fit you. Might be some more invasive stuff if they think it would be relevant or helpful."
“Oh good, I don’t plan to break needles but I guess if they’re tests for me they’ll know what’s what. It’s almost strange that this is the most foreign concept to me. Spies and stuff? Totally. Doctors that are focused in how mutation works? Wild.” She laughed before patting her face. “More coffee might make my brain work better.”
"You want some?" He turned and reached for the coffee maker. "There can always be more coffee."
"That's my life motto, if you’d believe it." She moves to pour herself another mug. "So, aside from your real people adult life and volunteer work, uh, what'd ya do for fun around here?"
"Fun?" He considered. "Well, when I get time... date nights, hang out in the TV room and see who's there... sometimes go into the city."
"Right, right, so all good things. Thought it'd be a good questions, just in case." She couldn’t help but grin a bit. “Thank you, ya know, for taking the time ta talk to me. It might be just a normal thing for you, but it’s big for me.”
"I've got a dog, too, but I'm told taking her for walks is an obligation and doesn't count as fun if it's the only time I get out. Which at times it has been."
“You have a dog, too?!” She winced at the shrill tone she'd accidentally lapsed into, before offering an apologetic smile. "I don't make the rules, but I would definitely count taking her for walks as fun... even if it's also an obligation."
He laughed. "Yeah, her name's Joyita. Got her as a present for my eighteenth birthday, so she's getting on a bit now but she still likes her walks."
“I’ve never met her and I already love her dearly. Would protect her with my life.” A slight laugh escaped as she quirked her brows. “Good to know I can add ‘zoo’ to the ‘madhouse’ reasons - definitely a pro though, and no cons really so far.”
"And I haven't even told you about the other animals yet", he said with a grin. "Past and present, it's mostly been dogs and cats but Laurie had a pig at one time."
“For a pet or in a ‘had it for an entirely normal reason and accidentally released it in the halls’ kinda way? Follow up, Laurie, who is she, what does she do?” She paused. “Wait, don’t answer that, or else I’ll get in the habit of asking. Half the fun of a yarn wall is probably just getting tidbits and going from there.”
"Had it for a pet. She called it Pablo - and I can tell you if you want, or letting you pick it up later is totally fine too."
“Pablo the pig - nice alliteration. Was he by chance a potbelly pig named Pablo? Hmm, I feel a bit like that’s cheating, ya know?” She made a motion of weighing options. “Lot less conspiracy theory-like if I get all the facts at once.”
"You know, I think he was." He grinned. "I won't tell you, then. Let you have some fun."
"God bless. That is a naming genius I need to meet." The hand without a hold on her mug went to rest over her heart. "You're too kind to me, Angelo. Thank you.”
"You're very welcome. There's an awful lot to learn around here."
“I may have figured that part out a little. Talking to you has truly enlightened me to the amount.”
"I live to serve", he said, laughing. "At least to give you some idea of what you're dealing with."
She snorted a laugh in response. "And you're doing amazing. If you were being paid for this, I would write a heartfelt compliment to your boss about how you deserve a raise."
"Now that would be a fun job. Just giving the introductions to the mansion, however I want."
“Exactly! Mix it up every time, different random facts for different walkthroughs and orientation groups - like a realtor agent, but less soul crushing maybe.”
"And I'd probably never run out of random facts. Even if some of them, people would think I made up."
“Then they’d have to wonder which facts were true if they met up with people that got a different tour. I can see it now. Amazing.”
"Maybe I'll pass the word around, so even when I'm not the one giving the tour, everybody does that. Consistency’s important."
“This is the forward thinking planning I can believe in. Yes, please tell others. If I knew facts I would pick and choose what I tell people - once I learn some, I’ll add to the chaos, promise.”
Angelo grinned, delighted. "You'll pick some up in no time. Or just invent your own, the truth here is so weird anybody would believe you."
“Got - make your own truth. Once someone new comes in, I am on it.” She laughed into her mug before finishing the beverage.
Angelo had discovered that his and Jean-Philippe's kitchen was almost empty. This, naturally, would not do, and while he waited for the next grocery delivery, he was raiding the main mansion kitchen as a stopgap.
He was humming cheerfully to himself, leaning in to see what was in the back of a cupboard.
Alani wandered into the kitchen in search of coffee or something to eat. Mostly coffee was on her mind because it seemed so chilly. That was, of course, until she noticed that there was another person already in the kitchen.
"Hi!" Before she realized it might not be a good idea to startle people, she'd already excitedly greeted the person.
He straightened up automatically, just catching himself before he smacked his head on the top of the cupboard, and turned to see who the unfamiliar voice belonged to.
"Hi! You're new?"
She jerked, in turn, straightening her posture before nodding a confirmation. Actually seeing the person who'd been in the fridge, she realized the light wasn't off and a large grin tugged at her lips.
"Yes. Oh! I'm Alani... Ryan. What can I call you?"
That wasn't a common reaction - shock, staring, and that was from people trying to be polite, but not delighted grinning - and he studied her curiously with a smile in return.
"Angelo Espinosa. One of the resident lawyers. Nice to meet you, Alani."
Schooling her features was harder than usual, but still she tried so he didn't think she was completely unused to interacting with people.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Angelo. A lawyer, wow. Nice. Have you... have you been here for a while, then?"
"Just over fifteen years", he said casually. "I was a student here, and like a lot of people, I never left. Then the Professor offered me a job."
"You've been here for fifteen years?" Her eyes widened in shock. “Dang. So I take it it’s a good environment here? Or... at least good people?”
"Good people, yes", he said without hesitation. "The environment... is safe, most of the time, and also mostly good. Though sometimes there are raging arguments on the journals."
Assured, Alani nodded, before finally moving towards where she'd found mugs before. “That’s good to know. Though, ‘most of the time’ does make me a little nervous, not gonna lie. But, I think I can handle avoiding people’s arguments, at the very least.”
"Got to be honest, sometimes trouble does find us here. But", he promised her, "it'll have to go through every one of the staff before it gets to the students. And you're safer here than anywhere."
"Less mail bombs?" She tries to joke, but her attempt at a smile falls flat and instead she focuses on pouring coffee. "Good. That's... I'm glad. Sorry, I try not to sound so cynical usually. But I’m still a little peeved, to put it mildly.”
"No mail bombs. They wouldn't get past Wolverine's nose." He glanced at her, casual but mildly concerned. "You had trouble of that kind out there?"
"It was one mail bomb. I sound dramatic, sorry." With coffee in hand, she flashes a sheepish, partial-grin. “Yeah. I was openly advocating Mutant Rights, so, I guess I set myself up there.”
“I think you’ve got a right to be dramatic. Did the police get who did it?”
Privately, he wondered if they’d even tried.
“No. They didn’t,” she shrugged, “but I like to think they tried. If anything, no one was physically hurt, and I’m very thankful for that.”
This time her smile is less forced, and she takes a sip of the coffee, content with the beverage.
Angelo nodded. "Definitely a bright side. And just imagine how frustrated the people must be that they didn't get you, and now they can't find you."
“It took every ounce of my self-control to not post a picture of me next to the blast zone with the caption ‘I lived, bitch’ - Every ounce.” She’s as solemn as she can be, before looking suddenly at Angelo. “Oh! You were doing something! I’m so sorry if I distracted you. I’m still so pumped meeting people.”
"Don't worry about it", he said easily. "I was just raiding the fridge to stock the one in my room until the groceries get delivered. I don't usually mind stopping to chat."
“Oh thank goodness. I was worried there for a minute. Because, ya know, lawyer and, I assume, real adult with a real adult life.” She gestured at herself, then. “And here I am, forgetting groceries exist. Wearing me crocs around like a scrub.”
“Real adult with a real adult life - somehow, it still surprises me too - and a fiancé who can’t be without food because I’ve seen what happens when energy projectors go past their reserves.”
“Well damn. A real adult and affianced, that sounds amazing. Though the lack of food is also pretty relatable. I’m... sorry but I’m going to ask, when you say energy projectors, that’s like people who use their energy to - bear with me, I’ve started speaking and now I have to continue, even though I feel foolish - project something, right? Like fire or light? I’m kind of new to the whole science aspect of mutations...”
"Not foolish at all", he reassured her. "And I promise, any question you've got, I'll answer. That's right - anyone that creates energy from their own self. Fire, light, electricity..."
“Oh thank goodness.” She chuckled before taking another sip of coffee. “Huh. I learn more every day I’m here. Which is a very nice thing... What, uh, what do you do, if you don’t mind me asking?”
"I'm one of the in-house lawyers, when they need me to be, and I do legal aid work out in the real world." He grinned. "And that's just the day job."
“Sorry, I meant - Wait, ‘just the day job’?” She tried to examine his features. “Now you’ve got my curiosity involved and that other question can wait a little. What does that mean?”
"Oh, you meant powers - I'll show you that in a minute. The other work I do is... well, you're here, so I'm pretty sure you're safe to tell. I work with the Mutant Underground."
“Yes, that! Oh…oh damn. That is-” Alani set down the mug, clasping her hands together as quickly as she could to keep things whole. “- Wow. A lawyer who knows the Mutant Underground, you must live quite the life.”
"It never does get boring", he agreed with a grin, "but that's the way I like it. Don't think I'd know what to do with myself if I wasn't kept busy."
“I completely understand that. I’m...” She frowned then shrugged. “I’m usually like that, but the move has left me mostly just reading and working out, because I’ve nothing else yet.”
She carefully picked up the mug again to drain its contents. “If I come off a little odd, I’m sorry. I’m kinda a human blender, I think. I get too excited and I’ll break something.”
"Don't worry about it." He watched her, considering. "What is it, super strength or something different?"
“God, I wish! Super strength sounds so cool. But, alas, no. Things go through me - or I go through things, maybe – but regardless the thing in question gets shredded.” She frowned, looking at the mug in her hands. “I try and keep it reined in. Got quite good at it, even.”
"Well, you're in the best place", he assured her. "You got it under control on your own, and if there's a way for it to never, ever happen when you don't want it to, we'll help you find it."
“That’s... good to know. So,uh,” she motioned in his direction,cocking her head in curiosity, “what is your power then? Wait! Is it super strength? Because if so, I’d love to see that!”
"It's not, but you really need to meet Molly." He grinned. "You'll love her. I stretch. Like this."
He reached out for one of the kitchen cupboard doors, well out of arm's length.
"I'm tryi-" She gasped when he stretched, fumbling the mug before slapping it down onto the counter. "Holy fucking shit that's cool!"
That got him outright beaming.
"Isn't it? And there's so many ways to use it. But what were you saying?"
It took a moment to rein her thoughts back in, still awestruck by the display.
"Huh? Oh, yes! I was going to say, I'm trying to meet everyone, really. So hopefully I'll meet this Molly person, soon."
“She likes people”, he said lightly, “so she’ll probably come find you sooner or later. She’s got super strength.”
"We'd be fast friends, then... I would hope, at least. I’m pretty fond of people myself.” She thought for a moment before continuing. “And super strength. Any... I don’t know, tips for a newbie like me? Don’t drink the water? Avoid neon colored clothes?”
"The water's fine, and neon might get you a funny look or two but if you really want to wear it, nobody's gonna tell you not to." He considered, thinking of serious tips. "There's a moose in the stables. She's tame, ish, but just so you don't get a shock."
It took a moment for that to register, before she stared at him owlishly. "I'm sorry - Moose? Like the big deer? In the stables just... chillin with the other critters?" She looked down at palms, confusion growing. "H- How? Why?"
"Molly", he said simply, laughing. "When she was a kid, a guy who used to live here just... got her a moose. I guess she'd said she wanted one?"
At the reappearance of the name, she snorted, trying not to laugh. "Well damn, I really do need to meet this Molly then. I've so many questions for her now, and this is the first I'm hearing of her, so she has to have great stories."
"You have no idea", he said, grinning. "Mind you, pretty much everybody here does. Would you believe Asgard actually exists?"
"You told me about a moose in the stables and now you're dropping 'mythology is real' on me," she sighed dramatically. "But, please do tell. Are all mythical places mentioned in mythologies real or just Asgard? This is the most I think I've learned in one sitting, and now I need to know everything."
“I wouldn’t say the others definitely don’t”, he answered after a moment’s thought. “But Asgard’s the only one people here have visited. Visits us sometimes, too.”
"I want you to know, that if you're pulling my leg I will be so hurt that I will cry, and I am not a pretty crier, and I will stand in front of you and cry, ruining your day." She told him seriously, before leaning a bit on the counter, grinning slightly. "Have you been? Or been visited by? Either?"
"Cross my heart, there wouldn't be any need to make up stories." He crossed himself, trying and failing to be solemn. "Yeah, I have. Both, actually, and got some souvenirs to show for it."
She'd opened her mouth, before her expression shifted to a curious-awe. "Seeing as you just crossed yourself, I'll believe you. Golden apples? Or - hmm, what else do I remember about Norse mythology? Ale horn that's connected to the ocean? Am I close?"
He laughed. "No, I never got close enough to those to steal them. I got a sword and a set of leather armor. I still get them out when Asgard comes calling, 'specially if it's not a friendly visit."
"But they exist?" Now she leaned forward, brow quirked though her grin had come back with a vengeance. "Well damn. Not too excited to hear some visits aren't friendly, but having a sword sounds cool! Is it?"
"They do exist - and I think it is! I even got tattoos of the runes on it, they don't do anything but they look pretty cool. And the not friendly visits usually don't get anywhere near the mansion", he assured her.
"Double damn, that's pretty extra cool, now. Heck, is it weird of me to ask if I can see your tattoos? And, good-“ she frowned, then sighed again, less dramatic, more relief, “- I know I must sound like the world’s biggest whiner, but I’m really looking forward to a place that’s safe. To plan my next course of action in life...”
After a pause, she laughed a little. “Sorry. If ya want I’ll pay ya for listening to me blab. I’m a talker. It’s a problem.”
He laughed. "No payment needed, and not weird at all. I'll show you sometime when we're not in the main kitchen, 'cause that might get some looks... and you're not the first or the last to come here for a place to catch their breath."
She perked up at the offer. "Well that's good to know... In a mansion full of mutants, I’m not the only one who just needs a breather from a mansion not full of mutants.”
"Not at all", Angelo agreed. "Quite a few of us with stories that come down to that, one way or another. Some more dramatic than others."
"On one hand I'm glad to hear that," she raised a hand to illustrate her point,"but, also, I like to pretend my coming here wasn't dramatic, so thinking that there are beginning that are more dramatic than mine? Ouch."
"Yeeeah... I'm not going to tell anybody else's story for them, and mine's ancient history, but some people had it pretty rough." He shrugged slightly. "But they wound up here, and all the help anybody could offer's available if they want it."
A slight smile appears as she nodded, bringing her hand up to run it through her hair. "Yeah. That is an uplifting aspect that I forgot about. I'm really glad they're okay now..."
“When I was a student here”, he said with a wry grin, “me and the others I ran with had a rep as the trouble kids, not that we didn’t deserve it. Trouble and troubled... but look at me now. At 16, I’d never have believed it.”
One brow shot up at his admission, her smile turning broader. "That - I would not expect. But, I guess if I came here when I manifested, I'd have a very different story and thoughts about where I'd be in the future... I bet you're a damn good lawyer."
“I do the best I can”, he said simply. “Public defense, ‘cause someone’s gotta do it and it should be someone good.”
“Someone good would be my preference, yeah... Is that why you’re also involved in the Underground, then? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Don’t mind at all, and yeah, that’s one of the reasons. I used to do it more officially, with a group called Elpis in developing countries and then I ran X-Corps here in America... but that was before things changed. Still couldn’t let it go, though.”
Alani offered a sheepish smile. "You might judge me, but I was honestly pretty group blind when I was a teen, and then I was a hermit, so I can't tell you I know those names. But, that sounds like a really great thing to have done. I want to do something like that... to help people, little mutants needing support."
Angelo nodded eagerly. "That's just the thing. Not everybody gets lucky enough to wind up here if they get kicked out or have to run away."
"Yes! Exactly! I'm really glad to be here, and I just keep thinking about, ya know, what if I didn't? I lucked out, other people didn't. But I don't know how to get my foot in that door."
"Ah, now, there I might be able to help you." He grinned. "Already having my foot in, and all."
“Oh - really?” She blinked in surprise before grinning back at him. "That would be really appreciated, honestly. Or, I mean, if you need any help with stuff like that, I'd be glad to help. I got loads of free time and don't mind grunt work."
“Then you’ll fit right in, ‘cause there’s plenty of that, and sometimes it does get more exciting. And yeah, I’ll just need to introduce you to one of the two cells I know about.”
“Perfect! My god you have no idea what you’d be doing for me, like, I can’t even put it into words. I will be the best grunt I can be, promise.”
Angelo grinned. "Then the next time I get a call that somebody needs us, I'll bring you along."
Alani beamed in response. "Please do! I - fuck, honestly my brain is still trying to catch up to this happening, and I'm afraid I'll wake up in a second." She chuckled, trying to reign herself back in. "I, god, I must sound wild."
“Less than you’d think. Half of us who were here as students kept trying to make the other shoe drop, never mind expecting it.”
"That is oddly reassuring. Additionally, what I'm picking up on is that I need to live in a shared space and just pick up on everyone's life stories, or the bits they drop."
“Pretty much. Most of us will, at least by accident from time to time. Hang out on the journals and in the common spaces, you’re bound to hear things.”
“Right, right, so keep a notepad with me at all time so I can start a yarn wall of the residents and their dossiers... that’s what that’s called, right? Those spy files?”
Angelo laughed. "That's what it's called. It might just help you keep track."
Alani grinned, before giving a nod. “Perfect, if I do well, maybe I could be a detective... probably a P.I. actually, I truly doubt I’m cut out for real detective work. Sorry if I’m keeping you, I know I’ve already said that but - thought I should reiterate that and my gratitude.”
"I'm in no rush", he said easily. "And if you want to be a PI, I know some folks you should talk to."
Her joke being met so seriously made her stare blankly at him. “Oh, right - lawyer. Sorry that was a joke, and I doubt I’d be a good PI. I am unashamedly a scrub right now, who used to post social media activism. Hoping being here and taking classes will help me figure out what I wanna do.”
"Sorry, yeah, I do that... but really, whatever you decide you want to do, we've probably got somebody that can help you on your way."
“No, don’t apologize, man, if I really wanted to be a PI, I’d be chuffed that you could get me connections! Once I figure it out, I’ll blast it on my journal, see who can help me be what I wanna be.”
Angelo grinned. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see, then."
Alani couldn't help but grin back. "I mean, were I you, I definitely wouldn't wait with bated breath. But... I'm sure there's something out there I'll wanna do. Grunt work aside," she added quickly.
"Yeah, nobody wants to do grunt work", he agreed. "But nobody's going to rush you to find your thing."
She offered a shrug, grin turning lopsided. "I like busywork if it helps. I’ve had all this free time, any more and I’ll take myself a long walk off a short pier." She let herself laugh, pleased with her memory for that little gem.
"I promise, you won't be given work just for work's sake. Anything the Underground gets you to do, will be something it needs."
“Oh - I meant, fuck,” she laughed as color rose in her face. “I didn’t mean to imply it would just be work for works sake. I just... I kinda, sometimes put my foot in my mouth, so sorry if I sound like an ass.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Nah, that was as much my conclusions as anything. Tends to be what I think of as busywork, but I shouldn’t’ve assumed. There might well be scut work involved - there still is for me, half the time, but important scut work.”
"Like the American education system kind of busywork, don't worry, I get where the line connecting point a to point b came in." She nodded slowly, still embarrassed but refusing to acknowledge that. "Luckily there's scut like me around - did I use that word correctly? I probably shoulda googled that before I said I was one, huh?"
"No reason you shouldn't use it that way", he said cheerfully. "It doesn't mean anything terrible... I think."
"Good enough for me," she said, cracking another smile. "And, well, even if it were a bad thing to be, could be worse as well, right? Always worse words to be hanging around."
"True, that. And you've probably heard quite a few of them, from what you said."
"Oh, yes, I have. Luckily, I picked up on the duck way of life, no need to let other people's words get me twisted. You?"
"Yeah", he said with a wry grin, "if they can come up with it, I've probably heard it. I can pass without technology if I really have to, but it hurts."
"Some nice encounters mutants across the board can share," she snorted, "good stuff. I think if I were a little less red in some spots I coulda passed, but, still semi-human passing. Hell, I might've gotten away with it if it weren't for my own mouth."
"Well, hell, keeping under the radar isn't for everybody. And if everybody could and did, nothing'd ever change, would it?"
"Ya took the words right outta my mouth, Angelo. And, I mean, come on," she motioned at her face with a toothy grin, "I look really cool. How could I not share this?"
He grinned back. "You do look pretty cool. It's like tribal decorations, right?"
“Oh, Angelo, I am a big fan of the way you think. I like that.” She couldn’t help but keep grinning as she went over that in her head. “Less official is hardly bad.”
"Not at all. I've always been in favour of less official channels, in their time and place."
“There’s always a time and place for less official matters, to be fair... Where they’re needed.” She agreed.
"Exactly!" He nodded firmly. "And with things the way they have been, maybe more than ever."
“So, when this comes about, exact officiality to be determined, if I can't con you into letting me help along the way, is there like a call list I could be added to? Or a forum I can check for updates on?"
“There’s a locked group on the journals I can get you added to. We haven’t used it in quite a while, but it’s still there.”
“Locked group. My god, this was quite official, eh? Ya got me startin ya feel self-conscious about being the new kid.” She attempted a laugh, but this time it was more nerves than she’d realized. “Should I... introduce myself to the others beforehand? Like in person?”
"It couldn't hurt", he agreed, trying to reassure her. "Jean-Phillipe, my fiance, was part of it. Sooraya I think you might already've met, and there was Doc Cecilia, John but he's not here much now... and a couple of others."
It still hurt, thinking of Yvette and Frank.
“Oh! Yes, I do know Sooraya! I mean, well, we’ve talked. I guess it'd make since if she was involved from what she said... Okay, I will meet them. Jean-Phillipe, Doctor Cecilia, and... John." Alani nodded, intent on doing as she said. “Might need a last name for that one, but I’m sure there can’t be too many Johns running around, right?”
"Only one, as far as I know. But it's Allerdyce. He spends most of his time in Chicago these days."
The gears slowly squeaked to a start in Alani’s head before she sharply gasped. Putting two and two together was her strong suit. “Your friend who pushed you off the roof?”
"He didn't mean to", Angelo protested, but he was laughing. "Yeah, that's him."
“Uh-huh,” she flashed a grin, “but if it’s all the same, I won’t be meeting him on a roof. Or have alcohol involved, due to my lack of gliding abilities.”
"Seems fair", he agreed easily. "...not that he goes around pushing people at random anyway."
“I’ll take your word on that. I’m trusting you here.” With a chuckle she looked to her empty coffee mug. “Damn, I’m not gonna lie this is... like possibly the biggest convo I’ve had here. I mean Underground and super secret group to help mutants - and you have a sword and can glide. You would pinch me if I was having some wild fever dream, right?”
"Welcome to the madhouse", Angelo said wryly. "You've only just scratched the surface."
“That is a terrifying and exciting statement... Leaning more towards excitement, though. Especially with the prospect that something amazing coming along.”
“Life here can be both. Though not so much of the terrifying on mansion grounds, most of the time. Folks work hard to see to that.”
“Good, good. Strange question, bear with me, but is that in a physical or digital sense? Or both?”
“Mostly physical”, he admitted. “Mail’s screened and security’s tight - nobody gets past the front gate without us knowing about it anymore - but if they get hold of your email, not much we can do about it, except use the harassment laws and hope it scares them off.”
“Honestly, the mail things still got me pretty positive to the security,” she said with a laugh, “and I burned most my emails before coming here. Only kept one and I wasn’t planning to break it out anytime soon, seeing as it’s not even linked to the account that got me in this mess. I will hold on to some shred of hope in the harassment law, if need be.”
"Yeah, you don't have to worry about anybody making good on their threats. Not much gets past Kyle's nose, and anything that smells like explosive - unless somebody ordered fireworks and takes responsibility for them - gets taken out and thrown in the quarry out back."
"This is what dreams are made of - nothing gunpowdery coming in the post and a quarry to dump it in if it does. Totally unrelated, you can order fireworks here? That's a thing?"
“Not usually - we’ve got a person or two that can make their own - but in theory I guess someone could on the Internet.”
“We truly live in the time of opportunity. Hmm, you know, I’ve been asking all the questions and while that’s probably normal, it does make me feel a bit rude. Do you have any questions that I could wildly guess the answers to if I don’t already know ‘em?”
"Only to be expected", he said with a grin, "getting dropped in a whole new place where you don't know anybody. But questions, uh... anything you want to tell me about yourself?"
“Oof, that shouldn’t be fair, dang,” she stared down before looking back to him and making a face. “I’m not really too interesting, honest. I already told ya I just wreck things. Uhhh - Oh! Did I mention I produce a pink light while wrecking things?”
"I didn't just mean your powers, I meant you, but OK... does the pink light do anything?"
“Angelo, sadly my powers are the only cool thing about me. And, no, I don’t even think the light does anything.”
"No, see, I don't believe that", he insisted. "You seem pretty cool to me. Maybe we can test the light thing out sometime, controlled conditions like."
She let out a laugh before shrugging. "We'll see if there's anything interesting that I can't think of. But that sounds like it could be fun! I’ve never thought to really try that.”
"This is the best place for it. Safety, the world's leading experts, and nobody will blame you if it turns out a little bit destructive."
“It’d always be at least a little destructive, sadly. Can’t wait to get the world’s experts to dissect what it is I do exactly, do they give stickers? That’d definitely sweeten the pot.”
Angelo laughed. "I should think they could be talked into giving stickers. I'll have a word if you like."
“Oh, yes please.” With that, she offered her best kiss up grin. “A gold star goes a long way, but I’ll also accept scented ones or cute ones. Do they just watch as you use your powers? Or how invasive are we talking? I’m interested but the sticker price would go up depending on the answer.”
"Depends on the powers. Somebody like Molly, with invulnerability, they'd be testing the limits of that - broke a few needles trying, from what I hear - but they'll make a schedule of tests that fit you. Might be some more invasive stuff if they think it would be relevant or helpful."
“Oh good, I don’t plan to break needles but I guess if they’re tests for me they’ll know what’s what. It’s almost strange that this is the most foreign concept to me. Spies and stuff? Totally. Doctors that are focused in how mutation works? Wild.” She laughed before patting her face. “More coffee might make my brain work better.”
"You want some?" He turned and reached for the coffee maker. "There can always be more coffee."
"That's my life motto, if you’d believe it." She moves to pour herself another mug. "So, aside from your real people adult life and volunteer work, uh, what'd ya do for fun around here?"
"Fun?" He considered. "Well, when I get time... date nights, hang out in the TV room and see who's there... sometimes go into the city."
"Right, right, so all good things. Thought it'd be a good questions, just in case." She couldn’t help but grin a bit. “Thank you, ya know, for taking the time ta talk to me. It might be just a normal thing for you, but it’s big for me.”
"I've got a dog, too, but I'm told taking her for walks is an obligation and doesn't count as fun if it's the only time I get out. Which at times it has been."
“You have a dog, too?!” She winced at the shrill tone she'd accidentally lapsed into, before offering an apologetic smile. "I don't make the rules, but I would definitely count taking her for walks as fun... even if it's also an obligation."
He laughed. "Yeah, her name's Joyita. Got her as a present for my eighteenth birthday, so she's getting on a bit now but she still likes her walks."
“I’ve never met her and I already love her dearly. Would protect her with my life.” A slight laugh escaped as she quirked her brows. “Good to know I can add ‘zoo’ to the ‘madhouse’ reasons - definitely a pro though, and no cons really so far.”
"And I haven't even told you about the other animals yet", he said with a grin. "Past and present, it's mostly been dogs and cats but Laurie had a pig at one time."
“For a pet or in a ‘had it for an entirely normal reason and accidentally released it in the halls’ kinda way? Follow up, Laurie, who is she, what does she do?” She paused. “Wait, don’t answer that, or else I’ll get in the habit of asking. Half the fun of a yarn wall is probably just getting tidbits and going from there.”
"Had it for a pet. She called it Pablo - and I can tell you if you want, or letting you pick it up later is totally fine too."
“Pablo the pig - nice alliteration. Was he by chance a potbelly pig named Pablo? Hmm, I feel a bit like that’s cheating, ya know?” She made a motion of weighing options. “Lot less conspiracy theory-like if I get all the facts at once.”
"You know, I think he was." He grinned. "I won't tell you, then. Let you have some fun."
"God bless. That is a naming genius I need to meet." The hand without a hold on her mug went to rest over her heart. "You're too kind to me, Angelo. Thank you.”
"You're very welcome. There's an awful lot to learn around here."
“I may have figured that part out a little. Talking to you has truly enlightened me to the amount.”
"I live to serve", he said, laughing. "At least to give you some idea of what you're dealing with."
She snorted a laugh in response. "And you're doing amazing. If you were being paid for this, I would write a heartfelt compliment to your boss about how you deserve a raise."
"Now that would be a fun job. Just giving the introductions to the mansion, however I want."
“Exactly! Mix it up every time, different random facts for different walkthroughs and orientation groups - like a realtor agent, but less soul crushing maybe.”
"And I'd probably never run out of random facts. Even if some of them, people would think I made up."
“Then they’d have to wonder which facts were true if they met up with people that got a different tour. I can see it now. Amazing.”
"Maybe I'll pass the word around, so even when I'm not the one giving the tour, everybody does that. Consistency’s important."
“This is the forward thinking planning I can believe in. Yes, please tell others. If I knew facts I would pick and choose what I tell people - once I learn some, I’ll add to the chaos, promise.”
Angelo grinned, delighted. "You'll pick some up in no time. Or just invent your own, the truth here is so weird anybody would believe you."
“Got - make your own truth. Once someone new comes in, I am on it.” She laughed into her mug before finishing the beverage.
