Who: Angelo + .... whomever When: March-April, likely. Where: [ hand gestures ] What: general log, closed starters for some people, open starters for anyone who just wants to hang Warnings: will be updated as they come up.
One lovely weekend afternoon is punctuated by Angelo chopping vegetables for what is to be their dinner: shepherd's pie. It's an easy enough recipe that he doesn't have to worry about much in making, and the ingredients are forgiving. In any case, he's no chef: the cuts with the vegetables are haphazard and uneven, but he never professed to be any better than this, anyway.
Still, one has to eat. After the events in the shelter there's been plenty to think of, including security in the house and in general, and he doubts he's the only one who thinks of such a thing anyway.
There is water boiling in a kettle for tea.
"If you are not opposed, we can train before dinner." Angelo continues to scoop ingredients into small bowls for ease later. "The guns they have here aren't to my taste, but that's the unfortunate reality of living in this period. It does the job, however."
And he's no sniper, but then again, he knows how to kill effectively. "Previously, my job was to protect my Captain as leader of his Royal Guard. I do take pride in my ability to destroy and kill where necessary. It is most useful for him."
Sitting perched on the counter, bare legs dangling from under the hem of his pretty seafoam-green dress, Huaisang 'supervises' the food prep process with a glass of white wine in hand. "Do guns require a lot of strength?"
It doesn't seem like they would, small as they are, but he knows how much strength is required for archery, and he knows how much skill and spiritual energy is required for swordplay, so he just assumes that guns will be similarly difficult. Combat requires power. And yet he has agreed to this lesson, wanting to at least understand the basics of the weapons. Even if he never picks one up again, it will still be good to know such things.
"Not at all. Once you learn the basics, anyone can handle them. Some makes or models might be a bit heavy and require some upper body strength, but there are options to take smaller ones instead, which are still pretty effective by themselves."
He can see how difficult it would be if it needs endless training. Not everyone has the time for that - certainly not them, in this world, when there are constantly in/visible threads to deal with.
Angelo assembles the meal, adds the last bit of garnish, and puts it in the pre-heated oven. Should be good enough for a few days once it's cooked.
"That sounds useful." Especially for an army. It seems obvious, and Huaisang wonders at once how that changed the course of history. Archers were highly trained and thus costly. A ranged weapon that required little training and less strength? Vast armies could be composed of mere peasants rather than skilled warriors. "Are they difficult or costly to make?"
Angelo gives it a thought, and replies, "in this era - it shouldn't be. Considering this country is always at war, the methods of manufacturing weapons have been standardized across the board.
In any case, it can also be used for hunting wild animals, if one prefers something a bit easier to handle than a simple bow and arrow." Angelo starts cleaning up around the sink. "Which is the excuse I plan to have if some of them get too nosy about having it in stock here."
Huaisang thinks he might need to research the basic construction of these weapons in order to bring the technology back home. Assuming that at some point he'll see his home again. He's not really sure about that anymore. People have come here and disappeared, but he doesn't have a lot of faith that they're home safely again.
"What a good son, providing meat for the table." His smirk is wryly amused but still gentle. He's very pleased by the way that Angelo has cared for their needs on this topic.
[ other than THE HIGH SCHOOL or HIS RESIDENCE you can find angelo at the following locations:
1. STARLIGHT DRIVE-IN he won't be watching the movies but catch him eating hot dog and soda while reading comic books or something.
2. PUBLIC LIBRARY because he goes to school, he can be seen either doing homework here or perusing the non-fiction section. he'll be taking out books on gardening, recipe books, or sometimes, the occasional nonfiction classic on action and adventure.
3. HONEYBEES angelo works at the third floor. you can catch him during the lunch break or see him perusing each floor, and checking out what merchandise other departments have. he's probably looking at skates tbh, it's something to pick up for the summer.
4. BLUE MOON DINER time for a burger and fries! head over to his booth to say hi. ]
[ an extra arrival has taken up some space in the non fiction section, specifically on languages— a small yet familiar blond wrapped halfway through a scarf to obscure his face can be found sifting through paperback copies of THE LINGUISTICS OF AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE and other similar titles. he has a couple other novels tucked under his arm, one (and consequently, two or three) that slips and hits the floor with a domino effect of thunk thunk thunk.
he works quietly to bend down and pick them up, but seems to be carrying too many at once with arms too short to successfully secure them all. teen romance novels such as STARS IN HER EYES, A BRIGHT TOMORROW, MORE THAN SUMMER LOVE and THE MASQUERADE AT SEA HOUSE are among his picks that he pulls together and stands upright with. luckily, he's been guided to more suitable romance than the earlier corset rippers he'd gotten his hands on (innocently; the covers looked romantic enough to pique his interest). these new ones were not for adults and technically, in this world, he's recently turned 13. his adult content detector doesn't wail, thank god.
it's a shame that in his haste to find a table surface to organize, falco walks right into the man that was now close beside him browsing. everything falls out of his hold, ] Sorry sir, [ he says hastily and a touch muffled beneath the scarf's safety and kneels to sloppily push the fallen books into a pile supported by his messenger bag falling sideways. ]
[ that's a lot of romance novels. he'd dunk him for it, but there's literally not much else to read in this place.
sign language, however. that's ... rather useful. ]
That one's ought to be useful. [ angelo taps on the sign language book. ] Though I have to say, it's been years and years since I've seen it, or since it's been of any relevance in my time.
[ ah, it's— someone more important than he thought. there's a brief pause in scuffling his book pile back together, eyes a lovely shimmer at recognizing the young man internally dissing his interest in romance. it didn't matter too much when he'd gotten him out of that nightmare in the first place. ]
I thought I could use it sometimes, [ apparent in the slight slur his words bring when lip movement was required of him, tight and uncomfortable. he gives what he's already read from other books so far a small shot with a gesture to accompany quiet, and maybe sometimes difficult words: ] hi, Mister Angelo.
[ every day angelo hates the fact that he is at school, and every day he has to remind himself that this is what his captain would want, and the latter always wins. his captain would want him to educate himself and be a better person. this is a terrible argument to have in his mind because he will always lose it, it's not even an argument to begin with, and yet he has it with himself every day, anyway. in fact, he would argue that he even made friends. his captain would be amused at the thought, especially since they're very different from the royal guard.
it occurs to him that a version of santa rosita is exactly the kind of future that his captain probably envisioned at some point in time and he doesn't know what to make of it.
at lunch, he sits at his usual spot in the cafeteria, waiting on company to join in. ]
[ 'blossom' scurries over to his table, beaming bright and happy as she slides next to him. ] I hope you've had a wonderful day so far! I did really well in math today and got commendations for it!
[ aka she got another condescending pat on the head but she seems to be charming the teachers here. noelle will continue to force herself to endure the irritating cooing and gushing if it means using her good will with them to her advantage one day. ]
(It's not that Claude doesn't appreciate punctuality but he also appreciates food. The food from the school cafeteria really leaves a lot to be desired but he's grabbed some things for himself before coming over to sit with Angelo and Blossom.
Golly wow, it sure is great to have friends.)
"Great job!" (Is he mimicking their math teacher? He sure is.) "Well done, Blossom. You did it again."
[ angelo is more or less an average student, quiet if not intense, so he has nothing to add about his academics. he eats a fry, watching the cafeteria, watching them. ]
[ noelle lets out a too-loud giggle and covers her mouth with her hands, allowing herself to hide the grimace and pretend she’s flustered by the too-accurate mimic of their teacher. ]
Not today! My shift in the Blue Moon doesn’t start until the weekend. They were nice enough to let me enjoy the week before I join them proper. [ she keeps her hands covered her mouth as she tilts her head to the side, blinking one exaggerated confusion. ]
(Thank you, his impersonations are flawless. You should hear him mimic a certain uptight religious professor back home. Claude is pretty sure he only passes that class because the professor is trying to get him out as quickly as possible.)
Lucky. I start practice this week. (Ahem,) Let's go, Beavers. I figured getting involved here would help fit in so I'm trying the basketball team.
[ after another broadcast, and after the days they spent trying to forget about the tunnel, it stands to reason that santa rosita was full of cops.
... and more of a reason to test them, and more of a reason to fuck around and find out exactly what their deal is. waiting isn't the perfect set-up this time around, after all; it doesn't bring them any closer to understanding this world if they wait.
but figuring out what the cops' deal is is definitely on the agenda, so here they were. sneaking around, as delinquents do. ]
He's definitely by himself. He must have slipped away from the others to get an early bite...? [ whatever. the most important bit to focus is this: this dude is perfect for what they have in mind. they need to take this chance since it's all but offered on a silver platter.
noelle hums thoughtfully under her voice, trying to think of a way they can flag down the cop's attention without arousing too much attention.
... and, sometimes, the simplest ideas are often the wildest and require you to put in the effort. or, in this case, put yourself in the line of fire because: ]
If you want, I can try to lure him to you two. [ she looks at them with wide eyes, like she's shocked she's suggesting this at all. ] I can approach him, explain I saw suspicious activity, and bring him here. If I need to tear up and sell the 'scared girl needing help' act, I can give it a shot...!
[Okuyasu keeps to the ground, avoiding visibility at all costs. His first encounter with the Santa Rosita police ended with him losing his identity for weeks, but if they were to find out what Harding's power was - and if he was indeed a Stand user - they had to take risks. He relaxes at Noelle's offer as bait. Better someone else than he.]
Make yourself all cute and weepy. No guy can resist that. [At least he thinks most other guys get soft around sad girls.] I'll stay here and keep an eye out for his powers. I don't wanna end up having to run.
[He rests a hand on his left chest, where his lung used to be.]
[ time to map out logistics. angelo lays down a town map. ] - we'll cut through this street, and take the next one over. That should lead us to the back of Greene's where they take deliveries. We can hide there until things settle down, and then we'll split up.
Don't go to your houses immediately just in case we're being followed. Blend into the crowd or in public transportation.
But for the most part - I'd rather not do this again. Treat this endeavour like there won't be another time.
[ noelle takes a deep breath, like she hasn't done this before, and then moves out into the open and hurries towards the cop. while she approaches them, the two can see from behind her ducking her head, rubbing at her eyes furiously to get her tears flowing.
and flowing she does- the moment she lets out a distressed cry of 'officer! help!', the cop immediately hones in on her apparent trouble and meets her halfway. the conversation can't be heard due to distance but it isn't long before the cop nods in agreement to what she seems to be asking, his expression sympathetic yet stern.
the policeman soon follows her towards where the others lie in wait. he's doing his best to assure the teary-eyed, panicked-looking girl that everything will be okay. noelle does her best to keep him preoccupied and not notice either angelo or okuyasu, having him soothing over her worries and keeping the ever-present of tears in her wide, wide eyes at bay. ]
[Noelle is an amazing actor, Okuyasu realizes. While she speaks, he nods at Angelo and shifts to the side. At this angle, he won't get a good read on the cop's Stand if he summons it, and the closer he can be when he has to join the fight, the better. The Hand can't travel too far on its own.
The policemen steps closer to offer a comforting hand.
Okuyasu waves at Angelo. Now! he mouths, and has The Hand summoned, floating beside him.]
when he comes to the world is different again, and he is told by the people in his household that he was, in fact, a santa rositan for a week straight and no amount of magic or otherwise could help him. there simply was some kind of ... magical hold on him that prevented him from saving, and made him hyperventilate upon trying to remove it, as if it were better for his mental state to be in the doll-like state that he was, until it was fully lifted after almost a week.
it's unfortunate. embarrassing. he hates himself for being too weak to fight it. and he thinks about how it affected others in the city as well, dreading the kind of effort needed to survive here.
he sends off a text to blossom - i'm here. are you? simple enough to let her know he's alive. and to okuyasu - instructions to the diner. late at night.
so here he was, glum on the desk as he eats his fries and pretends he cares about his milkshake, going over his homework like it matters. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
HUAISANG @ the gun show.
Still, one has to eat. After the events in the shelter there's been plenty to think of, including security in the house and in general, and he doubts he's the only one who thinks of such a thing anyway.
There is water boiling in a kettle for tea.
"If you are not opposed, we can train before dinner." Angelo continues to scoop ingredients into small bowls for ease later. "The guns they have here aren't to my taste, but that's the unfortunate reality of living in this period. It does the job, however."
And he's no sniper, but then again, he knows how to kill effectively. "Previously, my job was to protect my Captain as leader of his Royal Guard. I do take pride in my ability to destroy and kill where necessary. It is most useful for him."
no subject
It doesn't seem like they would, small as they are, but he knows how much strength is required for archery, and he knows how much skill and spiritual energy is required for swordplay, so he just assumes that guns will be similarly difficult. Combat requires power. And yet he has agreed to this lesson, wanting to at least understand the basics of the weapons. Even if he never picks one up again, it will still be good to know such things.
Just in case.
no subject
He can see how difficult it would be if it needs endless training. Not everyone has the time for that - certainly not them, in this world, when there are constantly in/visible threads to deal with.
Angelo assembles the meal, adds the last bit of garnish, and puts it in the pre-heated oven. Should be good enough for a few days once it's cooked.
no subject
no subject
In any case, it can also be used for hunting wild animals, if one prefers something a bit easier to handle than a simple bow and arrow." Angelo starts cleaning up around the sink. "Which is the excuse I plan to have if some of them get too nosy about having it in stock here."
no subject
"What a good son, providing meat for the table." His smirk is wryly amused but still gentle. He's very pleased by the way that Angelo has cared for their needs on this topic.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
OTA @ several locations -- timing is whenever's convenient.
1. STARLIGHT DRIVE-IN he won't be watching the movies but catch him eating hot dog and soda while reading comic books or something.
2. PUBLIC LIBRARY because he goes to school, he can be seen either doing homework here or perusing the non-fiction section. he'll be taking out books on gardening, recipe books, or sometimes, the occasional nonfiction classic on action and adventure.
3. HONEYBEES angelo works at the third floor. you can catch him during the lunch break or see him perusing each floor, and checking out what merchandise other departments have. he's probably looking at skates tbh, it's something to pick up for the summer.
4. BLUE MOON DINER time for a burger and fries! head over to his booth to say hi. ]
library!
he works quietly to bend down and pick them up, but seems to be carrying too many at once with arms too short to successfully secure them all. teen romance novels such as STARS IN HER EYES, A BRIGHT TOMORROW, MORE THAN SUMMER LOVE and THE MASQUERADE AT SEA HOUSE are among his picks that he pulls together and stands upright with. luckily, he's been guided to more suitable romance than the earlier corset rippers he'd gotten his hands on (innocently; the covers looked romantic enough to pique his interest). these new ones were not for adults and technically, in this world, he's recently turned 13. his adult content detector doesn't wail, thank god.
it's a shame that in his haste to find a table surface to organize, falco walks right into the man that was now close beside him browsing. everything falls out of his hold, ] Sorry sir, [ he says hastily and a touch muffled beneath the scarf's safety and kneels to sloppily push the fallen books into a pile supported by his messenger bag falling sideways. ]
no subject
[ that's a lot of romance novels. he'd dunk him for it, but there's literally not much else to read in this place.
sign language, however. that's ... rather useful. ]
That one's ought to be useful. [ angelo taps on the sign language book. ] Though I have to say, it's been years and years since I've seen it, or since it's been of any relevance in my time.
no subject
I thought I could use it sometimes, [ apparent in the slight slur his words bring when lip movement was required of him, tight and uncomfortable. he gives what he's already read from other books so far a small shot with a gesture to accompany quiet, and maybe sometimes difficult words: ] hi, Mister Angelo.
no subject
[ he frowns at his general appearance, and then asks, ]
I suppose they haven't noticed at all? Or they've just been ignoring what had happened to you?
no subject
They’re acting like I don’t have anything, or that I should see a doctor at most . . . Or try jazzercise.
[ whatever that was. if he could, he’d clearly be frowning. at least his eyes do most of the work successfully, . ]
There’s really, [ a pause, just to give his mouth a break, ] something wrong.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
@ LIARS' CLUB.
it occurs to him that a version of santa rosita is exactly the kind of future that his captain probably envisioned at some point in time and he doesn't know what to make of it.
at lunch, he sits at his usual spot in the cafeteria, waiting on company to join in. ]
no subject
Angelo! Hello!
[ 'blossom' scurries over to his table, beaming bright and happy as she slides next to him. ] I hope you've had a wonderful day so far! I did really well in math today and got commendations for it!
[ aka she got another condescending pat on the head but she seems to be charming the teachers here. noelle will continue to force herself to endure the irritating cooing and gushing if it means using her good will with them to her advantage one day. ]
no subject
Golly wow, it sure is great to have friends.)
"Great job!" (Is he mimicking their math teacher? He sure is.) "Well done, Blossom. You did it again."
Something like that?
no subject
[ angelo is more or less an average student, quiet if not intense, so he has nothing to add about his academics. he eats a fry, watching the cafeteria, watching them. ]
Are you both busy after?
no subject
Not today! My shift in the Blue Moon doesn’t start until the weekend. They were nice enough to let me enjoy the week before I join them proper. [ she keeps her hands covered her mouth as she tilts her head to the side, blinking one exaggerated confusion. ]
no subject
Lucky. I start practice this week. (Ahem,) Let's go, Beavers. I figured getting involved here would help fit in so I'm trying the basketball team.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
> feel free to ff after this
( fast forwarding! )
(no subject)
(no subject)
//slides in, sweating profusely sorry for the delay!
HALF THE SCOOBY GANG JUMPS A COP
... and more of a reason to test them, and more of a reason to fuck around and find out exactly what their deal is. waiting isn't the perfect set-up this time around, after all; it doesn't bring them any closer to understanding this world if they wait.
but figuring out what the cops' deal is is definitely on the agenda, so here they were. sneaking around, as delinquents do. ]
That one. He's coming back from lunch.
no subject
noelle hums thoughtfully under her voice, trying to think of a way they can flag down the cop's attention without arousing too much attention.
... and, sometimes, the simplest ideas are often the wildest and require you to put in the effort. or, in this case, put yourself in the line of fire because: ]
If you want, I can try to lure him to you two. [ she looks at them with wide eyes, like she's shocked she's suggesting this at all. ] I can approach him, explain I saw suspicious activity, and bring him here. If I need to tear up and sell the 'scared girl needing help' act, I can give it a shot...!
no subject
Make yourself all cute and weepy. No guy can resist that. [At least he thinks most other guys get soft around sad girls.] I'll stay here and keep an eye out for his powers. I don't wanna end up having to run.
[He rests a hand on his left chest, where his lung used to be.]
no subject
[ time to map out logistics. angelo lays down a town map. ] - we'll cut through this street, and take the next one over. That should lead us to the back of Greene's where they take deliveries. We can hide there until things settle down, and then we'll split up.
Don't go to your houses immediately just in case we're being followed. Blend into the crowd or in public transportation.
But for the most part - I'd rather not do this again. Treat this endeavour like there won't be another time.
[ he turns to noelle. ] Whenever you're ready.
no subject
[ noelle takes a deep breath, like she hasn't done this before, and then moves out into the open and hurries towards the cop. while she approaches them, the two can see from behind her ducking her head, rubbing at her eyes furiously to get her tears flowing.
and flowing she does- the moment she lets out a distressed cry of 'officer! help!', the cop immediately hones in on her apparent trouble and meets her halfway. the conversation can't be heard due to distance but it isn't long before the cop nods in agreement to what she seems to be asking, his expression sympathetic yet stern.
the policeman soon follows her towards where the others lie in wait. he's doing his best to assure the teary-eyed, panicked-looking girl that everything will be okay. noelle does her best to keep him preoccupied and not notice either angelo or okuyasu, having him soothing over her worries and keeping the ever-present of tears in her wide, wide eyes at bay. ]
no subject
The policemen steps closer to offer a comforting hand.
Okuyasu waves at Angelo. Now! he mouths, and has The Hand summoned, floating beside him.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
MORE BAD IDEAS ABOUT COPS, ROUND 2 / THE DINER
when he comes to the world is different again, and he is told by the people in his household that he was, in fact, a santa rositan for a week straight and no amount of magic or otherwise could help him. there simply was some kind of ... magical hold on him that prevented him from saving, and made him hyperventilate upon trying to remove it, as if it were better for his mental state to be in the doll-like state that he was, until it was fully lifted after almost a week.
it's unfortunate. embarrassing. he hates himself for being too weak to fight it. and he thinks about how it affected others in the city as well, dreading the kind of effort needed to survive here.
he sends off a text to blossom - i'm here. are you? simple enough to let her know he's alive. and to okuyasu - instructions to the diner. late at night.
so here he was, glum on the desk as he eats his fries and pretends he cares about his milkshake, going over his homework like it matters. ]