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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."
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."
[ 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. ]
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. ]
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.
Just in case.
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.
[ 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. ]
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. ]
[ and here comes one part of his company! ]
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. ]
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. ]
(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."
Something like that?
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?
"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.
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.
[ noelle lets out a too-loud giggle and covers her mouth with her hands, allowing herself to hide the grimace and pretend sheโs flustered by the too-accurate mimic of their teacher. ]
Not today! My shift in the Blue Moon doesnโt 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. ]
Not today! My shift in the Blue Moon doesnโt 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.
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.
Is this a ploy to have us spend more time in gym? Because I'm not for it.
[ physical activity with peons, disgusting. in any case he supposes he'll have to make an appearance in the end, just as a show of support. ]
In any case - meet me at the South entrance after school.
[ time to go for a little walk, just before dark. ]
[ physical activity with peons, disgusting. in any case he supposes he'll have to make an appearance in the end, just as a show of support. ]
In any case - meet me at the South entrance after school.
[ time to go for a little walk, just before dark. ]
Huh?
[ taken aback (for real) by the order/request - thank fuck this is a reasonable action for blossom to do, she thinks - noelle is quick to compose herself and slowly nods in reply. ]
Um... Sure. After school. South entrance. [ she looks pretty nervous but, deep down, noelle is suspicious but she knows it's better to stick with a group after school is over. they don't know if there'll be a round two to the freaky kidnapping thing and better to stay in numbers, for now. ] ... Can I ask why? Or is it meant to be a surprise?
[ taken aback (for real) by the order/request - thank fuck this is a reasonable action for blossom to do, she thinks - noelle is quick to compose herself and slowly nods in reply. ]
Um... Sure. After school. South entrance. [ she looks pretty nervous but, deep down, noelle is suspicious but she knows it's better to stick with a group after school is over. they don't know if there'll be a round two to the freaky kidnapping thing and better to stay in numbers, for now. ] ... Can I ask why? Or is it meant to be a surprise?
"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?"
[ 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. ]
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. ]
Edited 2021-03-09 15:35 (UTC)
Exercise is important, dear Angelo. And so is showing a little team spirit.
(Ah, but this sounds like Angelo has some sort of plan that he can't discuss right now. He doesn't miss how direct he is about telling them to meet him either. )
Was that an order?
(He's teasing! But also serious? Was that an order? Are they giving orders? Angelo who do you think you are. Or rather, who are you? He gives him a glance and goes back to poking at his fruit cup or something.)
Yeah, any clues? You know, in case there's anything we need to prepare ahead of time...
(Ah, but this sounds like Angelo has some sort of plan that he can't discuss right now. He doesn't miss how direct he is about telling them to meet him either. )
Was that an order?
(He's teasing! But also serious? Was that an order? Are they giving orders? Angelo who do you think you are. Or rather, who are you? He gives him a glance and goes back to poking at his fruit cup or something.)
Yeah, any clues? You know, in case there's anything we need to prepare ahead of time...
Team Spirit is me enduring class every day when I could be sleeping in and preserving my youth.
[ and yes, it's an order, but that's not the point. angelo just says, rather nonchalant, ]
It is a lovely area of town which most of our neighbours ignore. Good enough for some in-depth breakdown of our research assignments, I suppose.
You don't have to prepare anything but your lovely selves.
[ and yes, it's an order, but that's not the point. angelo just says, rather nonchalant, ]
It is a lovely area of town which most of our neighbours ignore. Good enough for some in-depth breakdown of our research assignments, I suppose.
You don't have to prepare anything but your lovely selves.
Ah...?
[ 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.
[ 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.
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."
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."
[ ... never use those words again, angelo. there's something weird as hell about that. ]
Of course! [ she pretends to squeak out her excitement louder than she should and she covers her mouth, looking embarrassed.
she 'tries' again, much more softly: Of course. ] I look forward to the trip. I'm sure it'll be an enlightening and educating experience for all three of us. I'll try to see if I can get extra snacks from here before the end of school so we have something to eat!
Of course! [ she pretends to squeak out her excitement louder than she should and she covers her mouth, looking embarrassed.
she 'tries' again, much more softly: Of course. ] I look forward to the trip. I'm sure it'll be an enlightening and educating experience for all three of us. I'll try to see if I can get extra snacks from here before the end of school so we have something to eat!
[ 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.
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.
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.
"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.
[ 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. ]
That one. He's coming back from lunch.
... 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.
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...!
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...!
Angelo rolls his eyes. "You have the luck of the draw. Normally I am not one for families. There is no purpose to it in my line of work, or in my previous life at all."
He's completely detached from the idea of it. That being said, he's done quite a bit to make things in the house pleasant, including putting flowers on the table occasionally and just general upkeep.
"We'll practice out in the forest," Angelo mulls it over thoughtfully. "That should provide enough distance from anyone, and if something dangerous comes, well. We can just practice killing it." He glances at the oven again. "As soon as dinner's ready, we can go."
He's completely detached from the idea of it. That being said, he's done quite a bit to make things in the house pleasant, including putting flowers on the table occasionally and just general upkeep.
"We'll practice out in the forest," Angelo mulls it over thoughtfully. "That should provide enough distance from anyone, and if something dangerous comes, well. We can just practice killing it." He glances at the oven again. "As soon as dinner's ready, we can go."
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