xp_logs | Log: Alani and Inez, backdated af to March 22nd, 2023

xp_outlaw posting in

Alani and Inez bump into each other with their borrowed powers and have a magical time together in the city.

Alani knew she should have a hangover, she had not been treating her body with the care she should, especially when she knew she'd have classes again tomorrow. The universe, however, was a cure-all and she didn't feel bad allowing it to do its thing. It wasn't technically breaking any of the rules Arthur had set down, to her knowledge. And she was even going with the flow. The universe seemed to like that. Which was how she'd found herself facing a blonde woman she thought she'd seen on their little communication system.

Immediately a smile formed. "Hi there, you going into the city now that our quarantine ended?"

Inez blinked, hearing a voice that sounded much closer to her than the multitude of voices she heard from New York City. The tea and Amanda's advice had helped her quiet things some but it was still a wild time.

"O-oh, heya, I..." It hadn't really occurred to her because she kinda was the city, in some ways, but that sounded like the most brilliant idea ever. "Yeah, I'd love to, that'd be awesome!"

She frowned and put a finger to her lips though. "...do you know how t'get there? Because I've never been, for all that I'm livin' it at the moment, heh."

"Yes!~" The sparkle of her statement was almost visible, almost. Alani did brighten, though, excitement taking over, and while she didn't bounce on her feet, she did move forward, planning to loop her arm with the woman's before... touch. She still wasn't extremely comfortable with that quite yet when she knew things from it. Instead she nodded. "And I can drive, if you're cool with being the passenger."

She'd started moving towards the garage before pausing and looking back at her new companion. "I'm Alani by the way and if you're worried about anything, don't worry, I'm lucky right now."

"Hi Alani and wait, you're lucky now? Is that one of these powers mix-up things too?" 'Cause she knew aaaaall about that, definitely. "I'm gettin' mine under control and maybe actually being there might help? It couldn't hurt, anyway, yeah?"

She had no idea about that but finding out seemed like a good idea, especially if she had someone lucky with her. That was a sign, wasn't it?

"Yuuuup!~" Oh she had to stop that. Alani shook her head, though the smile remained. "I accidentally swapped with someone, but luckily I know the power's rules, and am happy to help you be wherever you need to get." As she spoke she moved to loop her arm through Inez before stopping herself. But, helping definitely seemed like something she should be doing.

"Keys? Check. Wallet? Check. New friend? Check! I will let you pick the songs, let's go!"

"Oh, ok, that's good!" Inez said with a sigh of relief. "I... well, I didn't know mine, but I know now, but I don't know know 'cause it's a humdinger," she said with a lopsided grin. "Basically it's like I'm New York or somethin', or... or it's in me? I need to go and see what's what though, and I ain't ever been in the actual city, so..." With her borrowed powers it was going to be something else indeed. "It'll be real interestin', heh." She felt like she had to warn her just in case, but having someone with luck powers would be a huge help indeed.

"We specialize in interesting," Alani nodded sagely, though the image was ruined by the laughter as she realized what a wild time they'd found themselves in. "Hmm, but yours does sound much more interesting than anyone I've talked to this week. I've never had New York inside me-" She fell silent as she thought about the words that had come out of her mouth, turning to give Inez a blank face. "That sounds weird when I say it. But I'm sure you'll love the city, you'd make a beautiful couple."

"I never even got takin' out for dinner in advance," she sighed, shaking her head before laughing a little. "Alright, Alani, y'ready to do this thing?" It was likely to get weird but it was just that kind of week, so there was nothing for it only than leaning into it, hard. Apparently.

"Well, don't you worry, I'll take you out to dinner.” She should not be turning to offer the girl a wink and blown kiss as she shifted the car into reverse, but the universe seemed to find it funny or at least didn’t punish her, so she’d take it. “Let me show you the world, or at least, the very touristy things that no one will do with me.”

Another laugh as she shifted into drive. Watch out New York.

=

Time Square was packed as it always was, but they’d at least parked before entering the zoo. “I’ve never actually been here, but I’ve always wanted to for being not from here. How does it feel?” The question came with a wide grin, glee obvious on her features.

"I... well, hell," she said, standing near the center of it all. "I know this is like such a cliche, but..." She spun in circles, raising her hands and looking skyward, closing her eyes and squeeing a little. "This is like the epicenter, I think, it feels so good!" It likely wasn't the real heart of the city but, being from elsewhere and having never been there, Times Square was the first thing she'd pictured when she'd thought of the Big Apple.

After a few spins she stopped, putting a hand on Alani's shoulder to steady herself. "I... ok, that's good f'r now," she said, laughing. "Wow, what a rush. It feels like... like butterflies in my stomach, kinda, all giddy and hopped up on sugar like I was a kid again," Inez remarked. rubbing her stomach a little.

Her energy was infectious and Alani beamed at Inez in return, one hand coming up to help anchor her as she spoke. What she was describing sounded absolutely lovely and just right if she was finally understanding the universe, or really the luck powers she'd accidentally acquired, correctly. "Hmm, yup, sounds right. I knew it," she hadn't, but the assumption said it was either this or that fountain from that sitcom's opening where a group of friends sat on a couch in it. "But hopefully you don't have a sugar crash, baby." A laugh slipped out as she looked around.

"Actually, speaking of crashing, have you eaten? Oh look there's an Olive Garden, I've never been to one of those!"

Inez grabbed Alani's shoulder a little harder at that, not enough to hurt but in sudden realization. "...we must do this. Times Square breadsticks." She looked at her with huge eyes, nodding at her. They would be ridiculously overpriced breadsticks, to be sure, but her inner-NYC was telling her - no, imploring her - to do it. "This is gonna be the best night ever, Alani." And it'll start with carboloading!

If Alani's eyes were sparkling, it was probably just from the wide-eyed wonderment she was looking at Inez with, not the luck. Okay, maybe a little bit of the luck, but who was she to argue with New York? Unable to stop the joyus giggles that broke free, she nodded in agreement, reaching out to touch her shoulders in return. "Alright! A woman after my own heart. Yes, it will be!" The statement was pepped with the feeling that this would be good. And to start, Italian food!

=

"I... I never thought I'd say this, but," Inez started, leaning with one hand against the wall as they exited the Olive Garden. "...I don't know if I'll ever want to eat another breadstick again in my life." She knew that feeling would likely pass but for that moment she was well and truly Stuffed.

"What's next, Alani?" she asked, rubbing her stomach with one hand. The power of NYC was still egging her forward, full of bread and pasta or not, so she wasn't about to give up just yet.

Alani's look of confusion quickly turned into another grin before she laughed. "Okay, I was not expecting that confession, but don't worry, it'll stay between us." She giggled with a conspiratorial wink before she looked around thought. What next, what next? She could finally just be a girl from Hawai'i and do those silly things she'd only seen in movies, so what was that? Oh!

Oh. She turned suddenly, wide-eyed like an owl as she beamed at Inez. “Statue of Liberty? There has to be a ferry, and I bet we can get on it.”

"Oh hell yeah, that's like the iconic thing t'do, yeah? Let's do it!" Inez didn't do too well with boats, not really having been on them much in her life, but she had the power of New York City coursing through her veins so she was all for it. "...can I get one of those stupid lil' foam hats like her crown thingie too, y'think?" It's the little things, after all.

"I bet we could get you one, fuck yeah! Hell, I'll get ya a torch too if you want it." Her eyes were still bright with excitement, already excited for the prospect of the other woman getting herself a foam crown. They just had to get there, and she felt the car would be fine where they'd parked it, so it was just about getting there. Cocking her head she hummed before finally asking. "Have any intuitive feelings about the best way to get there or shall we let Jesus take the wheel?

Inez licked her index finger and raised it to the sky, which did absolutely nothing to enhance or affect her borrowed powers - not that she knew of, anyway - but it just felt right in the moment. Then she pointed at a nearby street. "That way! Though, uh, m-maybe bring up Google Maps or somethin', just t'be safe." Sorry Jesus, technology was her fall back. Besides, they also had Alani's luck so they were golden! Hopefully.

"Let's go, woo!" she yelled, taking Alani's hand and heading out, the movement thankfully helping her to forget about her overambitious consumption of breadsticks.

A snort of a laugh slipped out as Alani was dragged along, free hand whipping out her phone to begin typing in the destination. Of course, the universe was tolerating her, so it was entirely likely she could make her way to the Statue of Liberty blindfolded and without any technology or her wallet, but she had no urge to test that. But, also, that was hardly needed, as it seemed Inez was right. "Great news, we're on the right track, just need to - Ooooh, we're in luck, the 1 can take us where we need to be!" Public transport had been a quick pick up, something she didn't even need luck for, so holding on to Inez's hand she began to lead them to the station entrance with a gleeful cry of triumph.

"You're definitely my good luck charm!" she said, squeezing Alani's hand as they head into the station entrance and hopping on the right car to get to their destination.

=

"How do I look?" Inez asked, putting the foam crown on top of her head and striking a pose for Alani. She was standing in front of the Statue, but unfortunately due to maintenance and cleaning they weren't actually allowed inside, boo. Alani's luck however meant they just caught the last vendor before she closed and were able to snag a sweet deal on some souvenirs, and took copious amounts of pics outside of the monument.

"You look great, babe." Alani chuckled as she took another couple of pictures. The breeze off the bay was nice and blew through Inez's hair just right and again she clicked the capture button. If anything she could finally update her private socials with some 'real' New York pictures that her handful of friends back home still asked about. "Ya know, seems silly but I really did not think it was this big. Maybe one day we can come back and we could actually go inside. Oh, actually, let's not make too many future plans for future Alani, she'll probably be up to something funky."

"What else do your New York senses tell you to enjoy? Anything in particular?"

"That's what she said," Inez couldn't help but respond with a giggle. "I mean, yeah, for sure, I'd be down for that. I won't over-burden future Alani but I reckon I'll want to spend more time with her," she added.

"We're gettin' a lot off the checklist, or so the city's tellin' me, but..." Inez paused, closed her eyes, and rubbed her chin, trying to concentrate. "I think there's one more place we can try an' hit up, maybe?" She opened her eyes again and a small glint appeared in them.

"Y'ever been to Coney Island?"

"Deal, I'll pencil a hangout in with future Alani, and she'll gladly take that," she grinned and winked with a sparkle practically visible from her. Practically, as the shine that briefly appeared in her right eye was gone in an instant.

"Ohhh, I've never been. The only thing I really know is about, like, the OG park, because one of my students is really into it. To the amusement park, m'lady?" Alani held her hand out, grin bright.

Inez took Alani's hand in hers and lifted it slightly, bowing to kiss the back of it with a grin ."Why it would be my honour," she said in an exaggerated Southern accent, holding her hand after and grinning like a fool. "I think I'm gonna win y'a one of those big ol' stuffed animals," she mused. Even if the games were rigged and her powers were gone, it was just an extra challenge, which she certainly didn't mind.

"C'mon, hon, you can pick out the game for me to conquer in your name," she said, tugging gently on her hand as she headed in the direction the city told her to go.

Alani internally blue screened at the kiss to the back of her hand, though a thousand watt smile flashed, and maybe the sparkle wasn't entirely one's imagination. "Hmmmm, I'm feeling a target game, because I'm not cruel. But, I'm gonna hold you to that, Ms. Inez, and take it personally to heart if it doesn't work out."

=

The amusement park was sparse, but considering the time of year, it was probably the ideal day to visit. Alani took in the sights gleefully as she held a giant hamster stuffed animal, staring up at the lights, before she looked at Inez, eyes softening and lips tugging into a small smile as she gazed at the blonde. "Well, consider me satisfied. Now I feel like I have to win something for you."

"Y'didn't feel it earlier, Alani?" Inez said, stopping the little pirouette she was doing as they danced and enjoyed the atmosphere, her eyebrow arching up and eyes going a little wide for a moment or two. She reached out and put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Ah thought y'knew, y'already won my heart hours ago, sugar," she said with a grin and a little chuckle. "It's not as cute a prize as a giant hamster, now, I reckon, but I'm sorry t'tell you there's no takebacks or returns, finders keepers an' all that." She sighed and shook her head. "I'm afraid yer stuck with me."

Her mouth opened to respond, face flushed, though her eyes never wavered from Inez's. The mental blue screen had returned only briefly before it seemed like her brain rebooted. Wait. No. The lights around them had actually gone off. Confusion finally made her sputter, some sound to respond as her face was still hot and she pulled away. It seemed her urge to fade away into the shadows had caused the area to black out. "I'm- Sorry, god, I didn't even know I could do that with Arthur's powers." Alani finally laughed nervously, but... but Inez deserved better than that. "I- you're amazing, I think, this is the most fun I've had in a long time. Do you think, maybe one day, if you still feel that way, maybe then?"

"I... y-yeah, I reckon that'll be one of those... those doors that I'd like t'keep open. Ajar, even," she admitted with a little blush. It hadn't been a joke, per se, but she hadn't expected that reaction either. Inez's head was still swimming, even as she'd been getting used to the borrowed powers, but still, it was buzzing in a very nice way now. A pleasant hum that vibrated a little stronger each time she glanced at Alani.

"But f'r now we should probably start headin' back, I guess," she said with a sigh, genuinely sorry the night actually had to end, but with the power blacking out and their little confessions to each other similarly short-circuiting her brain - albeit the latter in a sweet, somber fashion - the night had peaked in her mind. "We can take our time though, no rush, yeah? I... it's super corny t'say y'don't want a night t'end, I know, but... call me corny, then," she said with her own small laugh.

That got a slow smile, lights slowly flickering back to life as Alani watched Inez, before nodding. "Nah, you're sweet. But we should probably head back. And take it from there."

"Mhm, let's get back home," she relented, starting to turn around before pausing and letting her hand hang by her side just in case Alani maybe wanted to take it in her own. "I'm really glad we got t'do this, though... I think maybe some of those luck powers might've rubbed off on me too, t'have such a nice evenin'," she said with a grin.