[Catherine N]

Joe Rennie. Grayditch street. Late afternoon.

After returning Harold's nod, Harlan once more turned his attention to Joe. He grinned, "Joe, I kinda pegged you for a ladies man when we met. You bein' extremely close with Celeste and all. If I was a bettin man, and I'm not, I'd guess you were defilin' her in the wee hours of the night, like she's your lover or somethin'. Then again though I wouldn't know, wouldn't put it past you though. Who knows, you two might not be somethin' soon enough. My son'll probably swoop her off her feet and hold her with love and respect, something you probably don't do."

Harlen nodded and went on his way, "Well you have a good night big man, keep the street safe."

The old bounty hunter strode away, looking pleased with himself. Joe glanced at the brute standing beside him, Harold was glaring at him again.

"Stupid old bastard," Joe said to Harold, "Probably senile, that or too many years out on bounties has baked his brain inside his head. That or he saw me speaking with Celeste and just assumed we were bumpin' uglies, y'know how these religious types are. "Defilin' her in the night"?" Joe chuckled and shook his head, as if dismissing the idea as absurd. "No Harold, sorry to disappoint, but you've got no reason to kill me today. The old man's full of [censored], but I'm sure you'll get his story when he goes with you and Pawnee."

This seemed to mollify the giant a little, he continued to glare at Joe, but the murderous glint was gone from his eye.

That was low you old bastard. Trying to provoke some kind of reaction from me in the street. But you're barking up the wrong tree there. It's kind of funny the way you tried to use Celeste to bait me there, if anything Junior would be doing me a favour if he took her off my hands. Plus, all you've got is a gut feeling old timer, no evidence. And sorry to say, I'm far to clever and I've been in this game far too long to fall for a trap that obvious. In fact, quite the opposite. I can use this to my advantage.

"Listen Harold, I'm going to do a lap of town, then stop off for some dinner. Why don't you go fetch those suits from the security shack and deliver them to Jimmy. It'll probably take a few trips, but once you're finished you can call it a night."

The big man stared at him for a few moments before silently nodding and walking away.

Ok, time to go lighten the load as it were. If I can pass her off to Rusty, then Colin and Harold don't need to know about what's happened between us. I won't have upset her by abandoning her or by breaking it off. And it's not like she'll say that she was with me the night before she got with Rusty, that kind of woman can get a reputation. So I doubt she'd spill. As for Rusty, well if he has more respect for her than his father does, then he won't say anything either. Don't want to be spreading rumors about your own girlfriend now do you Rusty. Rusty.... He doesn't get on with Harlan, I've heard them bickering in the diner, maybe I could use this too...

Joe strode into the diner, his face looking somber and a little hurt. He walked directly up to Celeste and took her hand. "Can we talk?" He asked, looking into her eyes.

Joe happened to glance up and spot Rusty lurking nearby. "You know, even though we don't know each other that well Rusty, I expected better from you. I thought maybe you were honourable enough to deal with things for yourself, instead of sending Daddy to tell me about your intentions to steal my lady. I guess it's a case of like father like son eh?"

He turned back to Celeste, smiling sheepishly. "Really sorry for that little outburst darlin, but... Well it isn't the best thing I've heard today. But listen Celeste, I've been thinking..." Joe paused for a moment, looking deeply into her eyes.

"Maybe it'd be for the best. I'm always busy around town, wheras I don't think I've seen Rusty leave once since he fell on his face outside. And well, if that's what you want, y'know a guy who'll follow you around all day. Well then you probably should be with him, he can give you a whole lot more attention than I can. You deserve that, I feel awful that I don't spend enough time with you, Rusty could be good for you. It isn't what I want, but," Joe paused and sighed, "but, well I love you Celeste and I only want you to be happy. If that means you being with him instead of me, well I'll just have to try to be happy for you. It's absolutely up to you." Joe offered her a weak smile, continuing to hold her hand.

That should do it. She'll go to Rusty, no hard feelings and no need for Harold to shoot anyone. And I might have sown a little discord between Harlan and Rusty into the bargain. I don't think that Junior will be too pleased that Daddy's telling people his business.

[Chica Cheve]

OOC: Enjoy NV Skirt and watch out for [censored] cazadores!!!

--Evening--
--Frieda’s House--
--Pawnee--

The bedroom door opened and Pawnee’s mouth watered. He had been expecting either Frieda or Celeste to bring him dinner, and now he was starving.

Instead, Brandy walked into the room. She beamed at him.

Oh no. This isn’t good. What is she here for now? Just go with it. NO! Just – just tell her that. . .that. . .

"Hope you feel better Pawnee, you should try that steak." Brandy chirped to him, casually.

“Thanks?” Pawnee said quizzically.

Brandy made a devious smile. The same smile she had worn before during their brief soiree.

"My place is around the corner, next to Celeste's if you need anything,” Brandy put extreme emphasis on the ‘anything’ and then winked, “Sweet dreams.”

After she left Pawnee rubbed his face.

What is that girl doing to me? She is intent on my destruction. . .brining me in like a moth to a flame.

The gold. . .I still don’t have it.

Pawnee heard laughter from the kitchen. He was tired of lying around, but wasn’t in the mood for chitchat. He slid out of bed and slunk down the stairs quietly. He was able to exit Frieda’s house and hobble down the street without being noticed through the dark of night.

Pawnee then entered his house and dug around in the rubble retrieving his stash of coins. He debated spending the night under the stars but ached to spend one more night in Frieda’s bed if that was all he could look forward to. He limped into her house and over to the kitchen, unsure if Frieda was still there of if she’d stepped out.

“Frieda? You here? Any dinner left? I just got my appetite.”

--Evening--
--Red House outside of Greyditch--
--Scythe--

“Boss someone is coming up the road. Do you want me to kill them?” Temujin turned around. He had a sniper rifle propped up and aimed through a small crack in the wall.

“Who’s coming?” Scythe said vacantly.

“Uh. . .,” Temujin watched Brandy saunter down the street without a care in the world. He thought back on his conversation with Elektra, “sleeping beauty.”

Sleeping beauty?

“That little [censored] in glasses,” Elektra cackled. She pulled out her knife and her eyes sparkled, “hey Scythe, can we go out and welcome her?”

“No,” Scythe scowled. He had no idea how to explain his ‘arrangement’ with Brandy to the two bounty hunters so he quickly came up with a lie, “she’s one of Pawnee’s girls. I’m grooming her so in case he tries to run, I can bait him back with her.

Elektra and Temujin nodded.

Good excuse.

“Speaking of which – both of you should hide while she’s here,” Scythe motioned for them to go away, “if she sees you – you’ll scare the piss out of her – and then we can’t use her.”

“Then can we cut her?” Elektra seemed giddy. Although she wouldn’t dare say a word to Scythe she was now intent on popping out during he and sleeping beauty's little 'meeting.'

“No,” Scythe snapped.

There was a knock on the door followed by a soft voice.

“I’m here to see Nicholas.”

“Nicholas?” Elektra mumbled.

Scythe went wide eyed. Elektra and Temujin looked like they were about to burst out in laughter, but he managed to shoo them away before opening the door.

“Brandy?” Scythe peered down at her, “you’re looking well. What do you need?”

[City Swagga]

OOC: tiny bit of Chr control Surfer (but you can change if you want)
James Wilson – Celeste dinner – evening

James sitting his booth Celeste and Joe had entered the dinner and were talking in the corner. Brandy had also walked by, heading out of town again…

Better go now whilst nobody else is there. Why is Frieda lying to me and who the [censored] is farmer boy and why does he want Pawnee?

Getting up out of his booth James & Sue walked around the corner to Frieda house just as Pawnee limped back inside, leaving the door slightly open

Walking up to Frieda's house, James knocked and opened the door “ Excuse me but could I talk to Pawnee outside and alone, no offence Frieda but you have being lying to me and i want answers! ” James said, shutting the door afterwards…

----------------------------------------------------

After a few minutes Pawnee limped outside, some of the swelling had gone down but his face was still covered in bruises and his nose was crooked " what’s up James “ he asked

wow he got [censored] up better not waste too much of his time , he needs rest “

Out in waste earlier today I ran into this guy with a scythe, I saw him talk to Brandy and be attacked by some dogs, I help him and he tells me to [censored] off, lucky for him I ran out off ammo “ James chuckled

“Anyway I Drew this picture of him, “ James said whilst giving the picture it to Pawnee

“ I asked Frieda about him and she [censored] lied to me but Sue told me he was talking to her, Joe and Jimmy yesterday and asking for you, is something wrong Pawnee? Let me help” James asked….

[Jennifer Rose]

Jake - Valentine

Celeste's Diner - Early Evening

Jake now sat in the booth, that over the past few days had felt more and more like his booth. Jesse sat across, minding his own and eating a steak, with whiskey.

Jake drank coffee along with his mash potatoes and steak. Celeste had returned from her stint of, whereever she was, Harlen didn't know. He did know she had Rusty cooking, who apparently didn't do a bad job. He'd made one for Celeste as well, and was going to eat until she made him one, apparently.

Joe had been rambling on to Celeste. He wasn't listening until he heard the word honor leave Joe's lips, - "honourable enough to deal with things for yourself, instead of sending Daddy to tell me about your intentions to steal my lady. I guess it's a case of like father like son eh?"

Harlen had his coffee cup to his lips and his face read, What the hell you talkin' bout honor? His mind said, Joe, you wouldn't know honor even if it was a girl, lifted up it's skirt, and sat on your face.

The father saw his son rigidly point a spatula at him.

Rusty pointed the spatula at his father, "We will talk later!" He turned back to the oven and smacked a steak with the spatula in hand. Some of the grease splashed a bit into the air but no one got hurt.

Valentine could hear every word Joe said to Celeste, and all he wanted to do was choke the snide little weasel till his eyes popped out of his head. It'd be like on elf those prewar comic strips they had in the newspapers.

A scowl was now on Rusty's face, he was brooding. He wanted to shoot something with extreme prejudice. One character reminded him of Joe. His father use to talk to him about The Word, and he would talk about the main antagonist. The Prince of Lies, some called him. Well Rusty didn't exactly know if all Joe did was lie, but Joe certainly reminded him of the character.

Jake sipped his coffee. Just the sight of Joe ticked him off, someone that was so dark, not much good if any good at all. He didn't let this peeve show though. The old man couldn't help but wonder if he would be the one to out down Joe, someone would have to eventually.

[Dan Scott]

Brandy - red house out Greyditch

Standing outside the door, she thought she could hear people talking, the door opened, “Brandy?” Scythe peered down at her, “you’re looking well. What do you need?”

Just him, swear I heard other voices." Hi Nicholas" reaching in her satchel, offering him a beer, " I guess I just wanted to get out for a little bit, you said if I wanted to talk more to stop by." She gave him a big smile, "may I" Brandy gestured to an old chair. " I went to see Pawnee, to basically tell him to leave me alone." a disappointed look on her face, "Then a little bit later, I went and totally contradicted myself." She studied the big man, " How well do you know him? Because I'm having a hard time seeing all those things you said about him earlier." Brandy looked around the house. "and I wanted to thank you for the gun, I didn't get a chance to earlier." she toed the ground and looked back up at him, " You really don't have to aim like you said, I pointed towards a car, and it exploded." she giggled.

WHAT are you doing, he doesn't want to hear your problems about Pawnee "so, why do you stay out here, why not move into town?" Brandy found something intriguing about Nicholas, "what exactly do you do? How long have you stayed here?" She furrowed her brow at him, "you almost hit me in the head with that at the diner the other day." She told him while pointing at his sickle, "maybe you shouldn't wear into places like that." Offering him a playful smile.

[Marcus Jordan]

--Evening--
--Frieda’s Doorstep--
--Pawnee--

“I was out in waste earlier today I ran into this guy with a scythe, I saw him talk to Brandy and be attacked by some dogs, I help him and he tells me to [censored] off, lucky for him I ran out off ammo “ James chuckled

Brandy?!?!?!!? What the [censored] would she be doing talking to him! Is she trying to lure me to him? Oh my God. . .it makes sense. . .

“Anyway, I drew this picture of him, “ James gave a crude drawling of the man with the scythe to Pawnee.

Pawnee glanced at it and went white.

That’s him.

“I asked Frieda about him and she [censored] lied to me but Sue told me he was talking to her, Joe and Jimmy yesterday and asking for you,” James paused, “is something wrong, Pawnee? Let me help.”

Pawnee bit his lip, “Frieda and I have just been keeping this between people we know we can trust, but that guy with a scythe is a bounty hunter. He’s after me – he’s the one who beat me and now he wants me to pay off my bounty. He’s captured Buck and is holding out just a mile or so from here.

Pawnee motioned for James to step inside of the house. He was still hungry and was intent on getting dinner.

“I got a plan. If I pay him off, but he still double crosses me, I want to bring a posse along with me as backup. Harlan said he’d be in, and so is Harold. What about you James? If I go in, and I don’t come back out, I could use everyone I can get, to come after me. Let me know if you’re willing to help. I’m going to him the day after tomorrow and can explain the details later – but right now – I feel like I’m going to pass out unless I get a bite to eat."

--Evening--
--Red House on Greyditch Outskirts--
--Scythe--

“Hi Nicholas," Brandy smiled, handing him a beer, " I wanted to get out for a little bit, you said if I wanted to talk more to stop by."

Scythe grabbed the beer and cracked off the cap with his teeth.

“May I," Brandy gestured to an old chair with a pout and then sat down, " I went to see Pawnee, to basically tell him to leave me alone. . .then a little bit later, I went and totally contradicted myself. How well do you know him - because I'm having a hard time seeing all those things you said about him earlier."

[censored]. The others are listening in. If I tell her to stay away from Pawnee they’ll think I’m up to something screwy.

“Pawnee’s a bad guy. Nothing I can show you or tell you to prove its true, just have to trust me,” Scythe licked his lips, “you don’t have to literally stay away from him. Just don’t. . .get caught up with him. Fall for him. You know? Something tells me he’s going to have a bad end. . .I heard he’s got a bounty on his head, so you know he did something that wasn’t right.”

Brandy scanned the house, “ I wanted to thank you for the gun, I didn't get a chance to earlier. You really don't have to aim like you said, I pointed towards a car, and it exploded."

“Glad to be of help,” Scythe said blankly, “be careful blowing cars up, or you’ll start a chain reaction. Take out the whole block.”

“What exactly do you do? How long have you stayed here?" Brandy furrowed her brow, "you almost hit me in the head with that at the diner the other day," She pointed at his sickle with a smile, "maybe you shouldn't wear it into places like that."

“We’re mercs,” Elektra popped out from a corner. Her tattooed face was alight. Her piercings seemed to jangle, “out here for fame and fortune. . . what are you little girl? And why are you talking to Nicholas, here?” Elektra glared at him, “you two hooking up? What a cute couple.”

Scythe clenched his fists and then pointed at Elektra, “that’s Elektra. Her and her boyfriend, Temujin, travel with me. You have to excuse them, they aren’t the personable type.”

“Oooh, pishaw,” Elektra giggled. She walked up to Brandy, grabbed a handful of her hair and took a long whiff of it. She then began to rub Brandy’s shoulders, circling around her, “you smell like sunshine and punga. Very, very nice. Don’t listen to Scythe err Nicholas. . .hehe - he’s just jealous of what you’re feeling for that kid, Pawnee. I say, if you like Pawnee, go after him. Why not get what you want? You deserve it, right? Wrap your fingers around his heart. Use that pretty body of yours to burrow into his brain and he’ll be yours. . .he'll do whatever you want. . .”

“A word,” Scythe snapped at Elektra.

Elektra shot him a smile, “I was about to run along anyhow. Nice to see you making friends boss. Such young, pretty friends. . . ,” she walked outside.

“Sorry about her,” Scythe turned back to Brandy, “she’s just teasing me. I’ll be honest with you, Brandy. I look at you and. . .you’re. . .like the daughter I never had. I’ve never had any kids of my own, that I know about, so I thought I’d pass some wisdom on to you that I’ve acquired over the years. I wouldn’t want to see any harm come to someone so. . . .sweet. I don’t plan on staying in town for long – got a job back in Virginia I have to get back to. If you see Pawnee again, remember not to fall for him. But tell him you ran into Scythe - he remembers me from down south. Tell him Scythe is still expecting to see him, and it’d be mighty unkind of him to disappoint.”

Scythe spit on the floor.

“I hope that cleared the air,” Scythe cocked his head, “was there anything else, Brandy?

[Neliel Kudoh]

Jimmy Leggio Celeste's diner - The day before

Joe leaned in towards Jimmy and replied in a whisper. "Ok, I'll get on that list for you the first chance I get Jimmy. As for feeding them, I'll arrange the trader for you. But bringing them supplies through town... Well that's pretty risky. Can you spare a man to scout the tunnel? Find out if it comes out in another station? If I can get the trader to deliver there instead, then it'd certainly lower the risk. What do you think?"

Jimmy shrugged. "To be honest, I'm not used to this level of amateurism. But yeah, I'll scout it. See where it ends." With that Jimmy stood from the table and began towards the metro.


"Look Linda, just get one of the men to walk to the end of the tunnel and tell me where it ends. Rennie doesn't want to have a trader walking through Greyditch and making a rather sizeable delivery to an abandoned metro. Makes sense enough, no? Ad this way when we next pick up some slaves we don't have to sneak them in through the front entrance," Jimmy said, standing in the dark, damp metro.

"All right Jimmy. I'll get someone on it."

Jimmy nodded. "Do hurry. When you change shifts come to my house and tell me what you find."

Jimmy left the metro. He was developing a headache from the frustrations rather than the stress of running the slave operation in Greyditch. He stumbled towards his home. Once inside he greeted his wife with a kiss on the forehead and collapsed on the bed.

The next day - Early morning

Jimmy arose early. He had slept from late afternoon the previous day. His headache had cleared and he was in a much better mood. Perhaps he would be able to "socialise" with the people around Greyditch today.

Jimmy checked the various cabinets in his kitchen and only found a pack of fancy lads snack cakes, not exactly Jimmy's first choice of sustenance. He decided he would just go to the diner for breakfast. However, as he was on his way from his house he heard Lucille beginning to cry upstairs. I haven't been spending much time with her. Jimmy jogged up the creaking stairs into his room. Laura was clambering out of bed, and Jimmy grabbed her shoulder and gently pushed her back.

"Stay in bed, dear. I've got this." Laura mumbled something incomprehensible and fell back into the bed. Jimmy picked his daughter up and brought her downstairs.

After feeding Lucille and playing with her (throwing her up and down for the most part, something she seemed to thoroughly enjoy) Jimmy left her back in her crib. She fell asleep almost instantly. Jimmy smiled and made his way into Greyditch.


As Jimmy walked by the house next to his, the one which his slavers occupied, her heard somebody call his name. Linda appeared at the door of their house wearing nothing but sleepwear, beckoning Jimmy over.

"Linda," Jimmy greeted, approaching her.

"Jimmy. Mike scouted the tunnel as requested. It ends up in D.C."

Jimmy swore under his breath. "Where?"

Linda scrunched her face in concentration. "Um.... Falls Church, I think he said. I don't know it, but I'm sure a trader should know it."

Jimmy nodded. "All right. Any threats?"

"Mike says there was a battle, 'tween the Brotherhood and Super Mutants. He hightailed it, so he doesn't know the outcome."

Jimmy sighed. "[censored] Super Mutants and Brotherhood?" His good mood was beginning to diminish. "Look, scope the area later. I'm sure the skirmish has since dissolved.

"Yes sir." Linda shut the door and Jimmy continued onto the diner.


As he was walking, an idea entered his mind. The slave trade in Greyditch was not very organised. Jimmy couldn't be blamed for considering walking. But the town was relatively.. unguarded. Parker and has men seemed to be less and less involved, and Jimmy hardly saw them. The old regulator, Jesse, only occasionally took to the streets in patrol. Jimmy clearly had the most firepower in Greyditch. What would Moriarty do if Jimmy decided to leave with the residents of the town? Jimmy led Paradise Falls, one of the largest settlements in the Capital Wasteland. All the slavers were highly trained, and answered directly to Jimmy. Moriarty would be insane, and stupid, to attempt some sort of counter attack.

Jimmy cleared his mind as he entered the diner, smiling. Let's just see how this keeps up, Jimmy thought, ordering breakfast and taking a seat in an unoccupied booth.


*After finishing his breakfast, Jimmy left the diner and strolled around Greyditch for a while. He was tempted to go to the metro, but he knew it was just make him angry. Jimmy simply wandered around the town, looking at the dead ants, crumbling buildings. Listening to the distant noise of the other residents of Greyditch as the went about their daily errands. This was life for them. To Jimmy's knowledge, these people gave up what they had to settle in Greyditch. To live out the rest of their lives.

Jimmy sat down on a pathway. As darkness fell, he realised how glad that he was only staying in Greyditch until the caps ran dry. Then he could go home.


Jimmy re-entered the diner. He saw that towards the counter Celeste and Joe were in conversation. The bounty hunter and his son were also in the diner, and seemed to be arguing. Jimmy found a stool and sat back to enjoy them show.

*edited.

[Add Me]

(OOC: Watch out for WHAT?! Skirt doesn't need help being a nervous wreck playing Fallout! :ahhh: )

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Frieda's house/Diner ~~ Evening to Late Evening

"Is that necessary? He's not a child," Frieda scoffed at her. Celeste had busied herself cutting Pawnee's steak into small pieces.

"Frieda," she sighed, pausing in her activity, "why are you always picking at me? We might not be friends but we both care about Pawnee. Can't we just agree to get along on that point?"

Frieda blushed. "Okay."

"Thank you." Celeste finished with her task and set her knife down.

"Thanks for dinner Frieda, Celeste, it was delicious." Brandy thanked the two of them, she finished her small steak first, "just gonna say bye to Pawnee real quick. Before I go see Nicholas."

Brandy disappeared up the stairs before Celeste could say anything. She pushed the plate into the center of the table and gave Frieda a smile. "I should get going, make sure Rusty hasn't burned the diner down."

Frieda nodded.

Celeste stood to leave.

"Hey," Frieda called.

"Hmm?"

"...thanks. For everything." Frieda looked uncomfortable. It was strangely endearing to Celeste, who smiled.

"Don't mention it."

Celeste was happy with what she saw upon her return to the diner. No broken dishes, very little trash lying about, and most importantly, the stove hadn't burned down and Rusty still had both his eyebrows. "You've been busy!" she grinned at Rusty as he even tried to flip steaks with some flair. "I can take over now. Thanks for your help. It meant a lot to me to talk to Pawnee for a few minutes. He wasn't conscious when I saw him last night."

Joe came in and his face was cloudy. Celeste frowned. "Is something wrong, Joe?"

He came up to the bar, reached across, and took her hand, looking deeply into her eyes. It made her catch her breath in her throat. "Can we talk?" Joe's gaze flicked over to Rusty, standing nearby. "You know, even though we don't know each other that well Rusty, I expected better from you. I thought maybe you were honourable enough to deal with things for yourself, instead of sending Daddy to tell me about your intentions to steal my lady. I guess it's a case of like father like son eh?"

"Huh? What? What are you talking about, Joe?" she asked, looking between the two men, thoroughly confused.

He turned back to Celeste, smiling sheepishly. "Really sorry for that little outburst darlin, but... Well it isn't the best thing I've heard today. But listen Celeste, I've been thinking..." Joe paused for a moment, looking deeply into her eyes.

"Maybe it'd be for the best. I'm always busy around town, wheras I don't think I've seen Rusty leave once since he fell on his face outside. And well, if that's what you want, y'know a guy who'll follow you around all day. Well then you probably should be with him, he can give you a whole lot more attention than I can. You deserve that, I feel awful that I don't spend enough time with you, Rusty could be good for you. It isn't what I want, but," Joe paused and sighed, "but, well I love you Celeste and I only want you to be happy. If that means you being with him instead of me, well I'll just have to try to be happy for you. It's absolutely up to you." Joe offered her a weak smile, continuing to hold her hand.

Before Celeste could even begin to form a response, Rusty pointed the spatula at Harlen who had suddenly appeared. "We will talk later!" He turned back to the oven and smacked a steak with the spatula in hand. Some of the grease splashed a bit into the air but no one got hurt. Celeste jumped at the sudden outburst and trembled.

"H-here, Rusty," she said, gently taking the spatula from him and giving him a nervous smile, "you were a huge help, why don't you have some dinner and I'll finish up here, okay? Really, I insist, you've been great. Help yourself to a beer." She shooed Rusty out from behind the bar.

Joe appeared a little confused and was still expecting an answer. He rubbed his hands together nervously, having just confessed some deep feelings.

Her eyes flicked around the diner. Harold wasn't around. She stood on her tip-toes and leaned across the bar to plant a long, sweet kiss on Joe's lips. Her eyes sparkled as she pulled away. "Rusty was right: we'll talk later."


FRIEDA ~~ her house ~~ Late Evening

Finally alone in her kitchen, she had a moment to think about things. Her steak remained half-finished and cold on the table in front of her. Canterbury Commons was the first place she'd stayed for longer than a couple of weeks, but Grayditch was the first place she'd stayed since she woke up that she actually had friendships.

She thought of Celeste. Well...cordial acquaintances, at least. Frieda leaned back in her chair and stared up at the ceiling. She could tell Celeste was hostile towards her but only with respect to the blonde's intentions towards Pawnee. After the past couple of days, Celeste seemed to have warmed up a little...or at least, stopped being so suspicious. Maybe she finally figured out that I'm not really trying to hurt anybody.

The chair wobbled and one of its back legs snapped, sending Frieda sprawling to the ground on her ass and cracking the back of her head against a cupboard. "Owww....[censored]," she moaned. She glanced over and saw an old radio wedged between the fridge and the back wall. Frieda fished it out and clicked it on but it didn't respond.

She had it wide open with all its electronic guts spilled onto the table when Pawnee could be heard having a conversation at the door. I didn't even hear anyone knock...or him come down the stairs. Total space cadet, Frieda. Maybe you just need some sleep.

Frieda looked up from the radio she had split open and spilled out onto the table as Pawnee came into the kitchen, with James. Some irritation passed but Frieda was just too tired to act on it. She decided to just ignore James and only address Pawnee. "Your plate is on the counter," she smiled, gesturing with a couple of fingers to where she'd set his dinner before dissecting the dusty radio. They locked eyes for a moment and she thought a strange expression crossed his face. "...what?" she blushed.

She pulled out a chair that still had four working legs and set him into it. Frieda reached across him and grabbed his plate with two fingers and placed it in front of him. "Celeste cut up your meat for you," she said, turning her attention back to the radio.

[Jeff Turner]

Jake and Valentine

Celeste's Diner - Evening

Jake had finished his steak. He sat back in the booth and let out a sigh. He could hear Celeste chirping away, shooing Rusty away from the oven. He looked to his left to see Celeste kiss, he eyes went wide and he slowly looked to see his son's eyes go red.

Rusty was pissed. He just [censored] dropped you like a bag of trash and you KiSS HIM?! He took the beer bottle on the dine top, as well as a plate of supper and dashed out of the diner with a fury. "GRAH!"

Harlen looked up to see Celeste with a looks of slight concern. He popped up quickly, "Rusty! Rusty? I'm sorry Celeste, I'll get yer plate back." He rushed out of the diner, following his son.

Jake breathed heavy as he chased his son, "Rusty, heuuuuh, hoooo, Rusty, wait up."

Valentine did not listen to his father, he continue on to Jesse's house and swing the door open. He sat down at the table and rabidly ate his steak.

"Rusty," Jake called from outside the screen door. "He steppes inside and tried to comfort his son. "Son, if you wanted to get on Celeste's good side that was no the way to do it."

Rusty spoke with a mouth full and tried to say, "What the hell do you know, snitch." It sounded more like, "Wha tha hehll you knooow snuitch."

Jake put his hands on his hips and scoffed off the question.

Rusty swallowed the mouthful and drank a swig of beer. "What the hell do you know, snitch?"

"Snitch?! Man, don't believe Joe. He's tryin' to break us apart, cause a bigger fued then what their already is." He sat down next to his son at the table and looked in his eyes. "Son, you know as well as I do, he doesn't love her. That's not love. That's a conniving sob just trying to get a little something, that actually, he doesn't deserve. I don't know if he said he doesn't deserve her but if he did thats the only truth."

Rusty swallowed his bite, "Well, why did say something about me not having honor?"

Jake spoke with conviction to his son, "Because, he's Joe, he's, he's a bent man, he's certainly the Prince of Lies in this town. Don't fall for his ploy, son. He may not give a crap about Celeste, but you can overcome that with your affection for her. You wouldn't have gotten that ticked off if you didn't like her, and she might know now that you do."

"Great..." Rusty sat there wondering what to do.

Jake told him, "You finish this food, and I'll bring the plate back."

Rusty nodded, "Ok, but I'm still not talking to you."

"Ok, that's fine, we need to later on though."

Rusty chuckled, "Not today, haha!" He continued to eat his meal.

-

Celeste's Diner - Late Evening

Sometime later Harlen returned to the diner with the plate. Joe had taken off apparently, and the diner had slowed down. Jake placed the plate on the countertop. Celeste was wrapping up for the night. Harlen stood behind the counter.

"I'm sorry about that Celeste. Rusty just needed to... Take a breather from the diner. Really though, he didn't like the sight of you kissin that... Prince... Are you sure he's the saint you believe him to be?" Harlen looked at her quizingly, with caring wise eyes.

[Rach B]

Jordan Argero- Entering Town/Diner- Noon the next day

Jordan stumbled towards buildings he had spotted. He had seen them after 2, no, 3 days of waling aimlessly after his squad had been brutally mutilated and killed by Deathclaws. He had just barely managed to get away, but had broken his left leg, and his left arm was bleeding badly. The whole lft side of his torso was covered in a thick red sauce - Blood, he thought, But is it mine... or... He didn't want to think about who's blood it might be.
He tripper over a pothole in the ground, and landed on his side. He struggles to get back up, but his arm wouldn't function and his leg was no help. He managed to prop himself up against a rock nearby. He pushed off the rock with his good arm, and started towards the town again. He reached the back of a building, and heard pvssyr inside. Leaning against the side of the building, he slowly made his was to the front. He observed multiple houses, a playground, and a tent on his way to the front of the building. As he got to the front, his vision started to blur, then fade.

"Urgh, I-- I have to-- Ugh." He lurched forward, hitting the door handle with his shoulder. The sleeve of his white engineer uniform was stained dark red, and the pant leg was starting to turn dark brown.
It won't be long, the blood's starting to dry... He began banging his good shoulder against the door, hoping to get the attention of one of the residents. His vision continued to fade and blur, and he became dizzy. Just as his mind started to shut down, he saw, or rather felt, the door open.

[Dominic Vaughan]

OOC: hope this fixes everything

James Wilson – Frieda house – evening

“I got a plan. If I pay him off, but he still double crosses me, I want to bring a posse along with me as backup. Harlan said he’d be in, and so is Harold. What about you James? If I go in, and I don’t come back out, I could use everyone I can get, to come after me. Let me know if you’re willing to help. I’m going to him the day after tomorrow and can explain the details later – but right now – I feel like I’m going to pass out unless I get a bite to eat."

“ Hell yeah I’m in. i'm not gotta let some Farm boy bully my friend and capture his dog ” James said

Walking into Frieda house, Frieda spoke to Pawnee"Your plate is on the counter," she smiled, gesturing with a couple of fingers to where she'd set his dinner before dissecting the dusty radio. They locked eyes for a moment and she thought a strange expression crossed his face. "...what?" she blushed.

She competely ingored me, I don’t think she likes me in her house , better leave before she shoots me or something…

“ I’ll gotta run Pawnee but by tommorrow I should have some ideas for your plan and if you need a gun or some armour just come to my store” James said as he walked out of Frieda house.

---

Back in dinner James walked up to the counter and asked for some food, after getting a plate full of Yai Guai steak , James sat back down in his booth next to Sue who was also eating some Yai Gaui steak

“I was right Sue , Pawnee is in a [censored] load of trouble” , Sue nodded back

I just hope he knows what he’s doing…

[Phillip Brunyee]

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ After sundown

Rusty grabbed a bottle of beer off the bar, as well as a plate of supper and dashed out of the diner with a fury. "GRAH!" he roared.

Celeste froze, wide-eyed, completely caught off guard at the large man's angry outburst. She watched Harlen rush after him.

"What was that about?" she asked out loud. She caught Joe's eye and he shrugged. Celeste grinned and kissed him again, feeling giddy and affectionate and unable to keep herself from acting on it. She reached into the fridge and pulled out a beer. "Here, Joe, you must have been busy all day. Tell me all about it."

She began wiping down the bar and turning off burners on the stove in preparation of closing for the day. Harlen limped back in and sat on a stool.

"I'm sorry about that Celeste. Rusty just needed to... Take a breather from the diner."

"Oh, it's okay," she replied. "I was startled, and a little confused."

"Really though, he didn't like the sight of you kissin that... Prince... Are you sure he's the saint you believe him to be?"

Celeste frowned, feeling a little angry. "Pardon me? You've got a lot of nerve, Mr. Jake." She rolled her shoulders back and put her hands on her hips. She looked up to meet Harlen's eyes. "Joe is my boyfriend. I'm sorry if Rusty, for some reason, has a problem with that, and I'm sorry if you don't like Joe either, but Joe has been nothing but kind and tender with me." She brushed some hair off her forehead before continuing. "You might not know this, but I knew Rusty heard my conversation with Joe the day we ... became a couple. I saw him laughing at us. Now I was raised to be polite and so I have graciously accepted Rusty's offer to help me in the diner, but if he is going to be like that then maybe he should just stay away."

With that, she turned and picked up a plate and poured a glass of whiskey. She sauntered over to Duncan's table, placed the food in front of him, and sat across from him at his booth with a smile. "Duncan, it is so good to see you! How was your trip? Did you pick up the brahmin you wanted?"



FRIEDA ~~ her house ~~ After Sundown

“I’ll gotta run Pawnee but by tommorrow I should have some ideas for your plan and if you need a gun or some armour just come to my store." James left the kitchen and Frieda followed, locking and barricading the door behind him.

"I think I've had more visitors than Celeste's diner, today," she breathed, sinking into a chair. Pawnee had dove into the plate of food. She watched him stuff his face, amazed and disgusted at the same time. "Slow down, there, or you'll give yourself a stomach ache."

She realized what she was saying and blushed. "...sorry. I'm not your mother. I don't blame you for being so hungry." She stood again and took out some water from her fridge. His face was bruised but she could tell the tone had changed. Frieda cracked the lid off and waited for him to swallow before placing the bottle onto the table in front of him and giving him a kiss -- a real kiss, for the first time in days -- square on the lips.

She pulled away, then kissed his temple. "I'm going upstairs to wash my hair..." she trailed off, leaving him to finish his dinner, walking up the stairs while pulling the elastic out of her long hair.

[candice keenan]

Harlen Jake

Celeste's Diner

"Really though, he didn't like the sight of you kissin that... Prince... Are you sure he's the saint you believe him to be?"

Celeste frowned, feeling a little angry. "Pardon me? You've got a lot of nerve, Mr. Jake." She rolled her shoulders back and put her hands on her hips. She looked up to meet Harlen's eyes. "Joe is my boyfriend. I'm sorry if Rusty, for some reason, has a problem with that, and I'm sorry if you don't like Joe either, but Joe has been nothing but kind and tender with me." She brushed some hair off her forehead before continuing. "You might not know this, but I knew Rusty heard my conversation with Joe the day we ... became a couple. I saw him laughing at us. Now I was raised to be polite and so I have graciously accepted Rusty's offer to help me in the diner, but if he is going to be like that then maybe he should just stay away."

Harlen nodded, "Oh, I agree. He shouldn't have even gotten involved. He likes you but obviously," He looked to his right, where Joe stood, "He's gonna have to put that on the backburner."

Harlen took a step back from the bar, "Well Celeste, i apologize for any rudeness that occurred this evening. I'll talk to Rusty some more, get him to cool off. I will see ya later, I just hope, and pray, that you do to. Goodnight." Harlen left the two love crows as he limped out of the at and on back to Jesse's cabin for the night.

[CORY]

--Frieda’s House--
--Evening--
--Pawnee--

Frieda kissed Pawnee on the lips. It made him close his eyes.

This – this is what a real kiss should feel like.

Fried smiled and pulled away from him, guiltily, “I'm going upstairs to wash my hair."

“Okay. I’m going to lay down again soon. . .but I’ve been hogging your bed. If you don’t want me to sleep next to you let me know and I’ll go lick my wounds back at my place.

Pawnee couldn’t hear Frieda’s answer. He watched her make her way up the steps. She pulled the elastic band out of her hair, letting it fall and flow.

Never get tired of looking at her. What was I thinking with Brandy? I should just clear everything up now. So everything’s settled in case I don’t come back from my visit with those bounty hunters.

Pawnee cleared his plate, wincing from pain every time he chewed. He then made his way upstairs and watched as Frieda towel dried her hair.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” ‘Pawnee blushed, “I knew I could have collapsed in the diner like everyone else in this town. . .but. . .something really drew me to your doorstep. I don’t want to ruin what we have with any more. . .in-fidelably, so I wanted to tell you that Brandy – she – she. . .I think she might have fallen for me. When she came up, I was asleep, and when I woke up, she was. . .really close to me. . .massaging me.”

Pawnee’s lip quivered. He didn’t like the way Frieda was looking at him.

I should have kept this to myself.

“I don’t want you to feel like a fool again, and I want you to know I’d never do anything with Brandy while we’re together,” Pawnee scratched his head shyly, “might not be saying much, but if that were the old me, I might have run off with Brandy – I even had a passing thought or two about it - but you. . .I wasn’t lying when I said it was different with you. And you were honest about your past with me, so I want to make sure that around you I keep myself honest.”

Pawnee went up to Frieda and hugged her tightly.

“And there’s one more thing,” Pawnee looked straight into her eyes, “when I go for Buck, I want you to stay back here. You’ve done enough for me already and I don’t want there to even be a possibility of you getting hurt. This is my burden. I earned that bounty and I should be the one to pay it.”

OOC: Skirt: Let Pawnee know if he can use your bed one more night. :hehe:

[Kyra]

Duncan Talson - Diner - Evening

Duncan slid off the back of Jane and hitched her up before making his way inside the diner. The smell of steak assaulted his nostrils and all to suddenly hunger pangs flared up in him. He took a seat at a table and watched as Celeste left a conversation she was having with Rusty and Harlen in a huff. She placed down a plate of food and sat down at the booth across from him and said with a smile "Duncan, it is so good to see you! How was your trip? Did you pick up the brahmin you wanted?"

Duncan shoved a chunk of steak in his mouth and began to speak "Mind my manners Celeste, but I haven't eaten all day and i'm ravenous." He swallowed down the chunk before shoving another piece in and continued "The trip was pretty good, apart from the mooing of the Brahmin it was pretty quiet." he paused for second contemplating on what to say next then "Yeah I got the.... Brahmin, if you could call them that. Was ripped off to, 4000 caps for a herd worth 2600 caps." He finished his food then turned his full attention on Celeste "But i'm sure you don't want to hear the sour ramblings of a middle aged man" he said with a grin "Tell me, what's been happening with you?" Duncan let his hand fall to his pocket and his memory was jolted "Oh yeah before I forget Moriarty wanted me to give this to you." He pulled out the scrunched up bit of paper and handed it to her. "Sorry about the state it's in."

[Chris Guerin]

Brandy - red house outside Greyditch


Brandy had just asked Nicholas what he did for a living, “We’re mercs,” came from behind, Brandy spit out some beer as she jumped, she saw a freaky woman, with tattoos and piercings on her face, “out here for fame and fortune. . . what are you little girl? And why are you talking to Nicholas, here?” The woman glared at Nicholas, “you two hooking up? What a cute couple.” Nicholas clenched his fists and then pointed at the freaky woman, “that’s Elektra. Her and her boyfriend, Temujin, travel with me. You have to excuse them, they aren’t the personable type.” Brandy sat wide eyed and silent.

“Oooh, pishaw,” Elektra giggled. She walked up to Brandy, grabbed a handful of her hair and took a long whiff of it. She then began to rub Brandy’s shoulders, circling around her, “you smell like sunshine and punga. Very, very nice. Don’t listen to Scythe err Nicholas. . .hehe - he’s just jealous of what you’re feeling for that kid, Pawnee. I say, if you like Pawnee, go after him. Why not get what you want? You deserve it, right? Wrap your fingers around his heart. Use that pretty body of yours to burrow into his brain and he’ll be yours. . .he'll do whatever you want. . .”

“A word,” Scythe snapped at Elektra.

Elektra shot him a smile, “I was about to run along anyhow. Nice to see you making friends boss. Such young, pretty friends. . . ,” she walked outside.

“Sorry about her,” Nicholas turned back to Brandy, “she’s just teasing me. I’ll be honest with you, Brandy. I look at you and. . .you’re. . .like the daughter I never had. I’ve never had any kids of my own, that I know about, so I thought I’d pass some wisdom on to you that I’ve acquired over the years. I wouldn’t want to see any harm come to someone so. . . .sweet. I don’t plan on staying in town for long – got a job back in Virginia I have to get back to. If you see Pawnee again, remember not to fall for him. But tell him you ran into Scythe - he remembers me from down south. Tell him Scythe is still expecting to see him, and it’d be mighty unkind of him to disappoint.” Nicholas spit on the floor.“I hope that cleared the air,” Scythe cocked his head, “was there anything else, Brandy?"

Brandy, still a little shaken from Elektra, "um...yeah, I..I should get going, don't want to walk back in the dark." she looked at the door, and looked back at Nicholas, "Those two....they won't bother me when I leave will they?" Shaking has she pointed outside.


Brandy's house - evening

Trying to busy herself, so she wouldn't burst into Friedas house to confront Pawnee about what she had learned. Brandy starting cleaning up her bedroom. there's no WAY, I'm going to be able to sleep tonight, she ran downstairs and grabbed a bottle of her shine, popping it open, she downed some. This will help, God dammit Pawnee, why?....Why am I attracted to you so much, why do you have a bounty, why, why, why. Promptly gulping down some more shine.

Back upstairs in her bedroom, there was a radio on the nightstand, she flipped it on, static, she tuned in until she heard Three Dogs voice. Taking another drink, the bottle now half empty, she turned the radio up loud and began to dance around as she cleaned.

After she had finished cleaning, and emptying a bottle of shine she flopped down on the bed. my own house, she thought giggling like a school girl. She laid there thinking how to approach Pawnee in the morning.

[XPidgex Jefferson]

(OOC: Sure...leave it up to the girl to decide... )

FRIEDA ~~ her house ~~ nightfall

She hummed some random tune as she squeezed water out of her hair into her towel. Frieda heard footsteps come up the stairs and turned to see who it was. Pawnee stood just outside the bathroom door.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” ‘Pawnee began, his face flushed and smiling, “I knew I could have collapsed in the diner like everyone else in this town. . .but. . .something really drew me to your doorstep. I don’t want to ruin what we have with any more. . .in-fidelably, so I wanted to tell you that Brandy – she – she. . .I think she might have fallen for me. When she came up, I was asleep, and when I woke up, she was. . .really close to me. . .massaging me.”

Frieda narrowed her eyes. "Massaging you?" she repeated. Brandy? Really...? She thought carefully about it for a moment. Maybe I was wrong about her after all. She's been very ... enthusiastic about spending time with Pawnee. Alone. I trusted her, too. What is she trying to pull?

Pawnee seemed to sense the tension she was feeling and continued to speak. “I don’t want you to feel like a fool again, and I want you to know I’d never do anything with Brandy while we’re together,” Pawnee scratched his head shyly, “might not be saying much, but if that were the old me, I might have run off with Brandy – I even had a passing thought or two about it - but you. . .I wasn’t lying when I said it was different with you. And you were honest about your past with me, so I want to make sure that around you I keep myself honest.”

Pawnee went up to Frieda and hugged her tightly. Her heart melted and she wrapped her arms around him, returning the hug. "Pawnee, that's...really sweet. It must have been hard for you to admit that, and I really appreciate it." She turned her head and kissed him on the cheek.

“And there’s one more thing,” Pawnee looked straight into her eyes, “when I go for Buck, I want you to stay back here. You’ve done enough for me already and I don’t want there to even be a possibility of you getting hurt. This is my burden. I earned that bounty and I should be the one to pay it.”

Frieda pursed her lips. Her immediate response was to say no, but there was a particular look in his eye that indicated he wasn't about to entertain alternatives. It was also starting to get late and she had ... other plans for the evening, instead of an argument.

She took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling herself even closer. "I might have something to say about that," she began softly, and coolly, "but it can wait until the morning." Frieda kissed him again, and when she pulled away, she hooked a finger into his collar and pulled him into the bedroom, knocking the door shut behind her with her heel.

[Rob]

OOC: I'm going to roleplay that I've gone to the Fort(a somewhat big place near Megaton) and coming back to Greyditch because I can't figure out how else I can get my character back in the game.

Nick Parker - The Fort - Nightfall

"Allison, do you have everything?" Nick asked as the squad began to pack up all movable weaponry back to Greyditch. They spent about a week or two in the Fort, recuperating and doing contracts. It was time to head back to Greyditch, this time with more ammunition and lots of guns.

"Yup! So, are you ready to go?" Allison asked cheerily. Nick nodded as the entire group packed up their large desert backpacks. He peered out one of the windows and saw it was about nightfall.

"No, let's wait until daylight," Nick said. Katie paced around with a hyperactive attitude as she turned to Nick. "I'm really bored...is there anything fun to do here?" She asked in a childish voice.

Nick shook his head and began to clean one of the pictures of his old squad with a clean rag. Katie leaned forward and frowned as Nick sighed happily. "Nick, who's that right next to you?"

On the picture, there were six people. Four of them were somewhat in the background with Nick holding up his sniper rifle at the front. Next to him was a young woman, about 24 years old clinging to his arm smiling. Nick smiled back at the picture. "It was Julie, my girlfriend...before she was killed during the Springvale incident."

Katie immediately shut up, all hints of jealously gone. She looked with worry as Nick stared at the picture with empty eyes, another trance like state. But unlike the previous times, she just left the room, knowing Nick would snap out of it in about a minute or two. Besides, even if he doesn't wake up from it right away, he'll wake up by the time daylight comes and they're ready to head back to Greyditch.

[Niisha]

Brandy - her house - nightfall


Unable to fall asleep, Brandy got up and wobbled down the stairs to her kitchen. On the counter some of the smaller things she scavenged from the Super Duper Mart lay there. Looking over the carton of cigarettes, two more Jet inhalants, a few boxes of Abraxo cleaner, couple boxes of detergent, a syringe of Med-X, Nuka Quantum, and the prewar money. She snatched up one inhalant of the Jet, inhaled it, then grabbed some Abraxo cleaner and head into her bathroom. She opened the box, poured some in the tub, and added some water. Let that sit for a little bit, then maybe I can get the [censored] out of that tub, returning to the kitchen, she started opening up the packs of cigarettes. Using a razor from her toolbox, she carefully removed all but one of the filters, only cutting herself twice. Looking around, she found an empty tin can, scrubbing it as clean as she could, then sitting it on a piece of clothe from an old t-shirt. She folded the edged of the rag onto the sides of the can, taping it in place, and carefully put the cigarette filters inside, that should strain the water pretty good, thanks grandpa, she thought, back on the first time he had shown her how to make a water filter.


When she went to stand up, she swayed, nearly falling, yep, dats one helluva buzz that Jet stuff, as she staggered to the stairs. Brandy went back up to the bathroom and scrubbed on the tub until there was practically no residue left in it. Taping a piece of wire she had found while cleaning to the top of the can, she hung it over the tubs spout.

As the bath water drew, she stumbled down the stairs, brushing all the tobacco into the empty carton she placed it outside her door. The music from her radio, spilling out into the night air, she left the door open to cool it off inside. Grabbing her sawn-off and the half bottle of shine, she undressed and eased into the room temperature water. This is worth way more than, any caps I would have gotten for that carton, she smiled as she leaned her head against the edge of the tub, enjoying the music that filled the house. Shotgun on the floor next to her, bottle in hand, she lit the cigarette. The warm water easing the aches and pains of sleeping on Friedas doorstep last night, and the confrontation with the Raider that morning, she finally drifted off to sleep.


(OOC: not sure if this would be considered character development, or a post from boredom.

[Darian Ennels]

CELESTE BROWN ~~ Diner ~~ Nightfall

Duncan got right into his dinner. "Mind my manners Celeste, but I haven't eaten all day and i'm ravenous."

"I bet you are!" she replied. "Don't worry about manners -- I run a bar, after all."

He chewed and swallowed for a moment. "The trip was pretty good, apart from the mooing of the Brahmin it was pretty quiet." He paused. "Yeah I got the.... Brahmin, if you could call them that. Was ripped off to, 4000 caps for a herd worth 2600 caps."

Celeste quivered. "I hate getting ripped off. Next time you should take me with you, I'd have talked him down," she winked.

Duncan looked up and smiled. "But i'm sure you don't want to hear the sour ramblings of a middle aged man" he said with a grin "Tell me, what's been happening with you? Oh yeah before I forget Moriarty wanted me to give this to you." He pulled out the scrunched up bit of paper and handed it to her. "Sorry about the state it's in."

Celeste gently took the letter from Duncan's hand. "Oh, it's from dad," she cooed. "Thank you, Duncan." She took a breath before answering his question. "With me, not too much has been going on. Pawnee managed to get himself hurt out in the wasteland -- a wall fell on him! Broke his nose and bruised his face up real bad. Poor guy. He was unconscious last night but he's up and about today. Frieda's taking care of him." The last bit she mumbled.

Celeste swallowed a yawn. It was getting late. "Duncan, I am by no means rushing you, but I'm getting ready to close up. Finish up as slow as you like -- I'll even bring you another whiskey. Thanks again for bringing me this letter," she smiled. Celeste stood and, still feeling gleeful and giddy from earlier, kissed Duncan's stubbly cheek before going back behind the bar. She tucked her letter into her pocket and smiled at Joe as she continued to pack up for the night.

Celeste brought the whiskey bottle back to Duncan's table and poured some more into his glass. "James, Sue," she called to them, "I'm closing."

[Emilie M]

James Wilson – Celeste dinner – Nightfall

James and Sue had finished eating their dinner and were finishing their drinks when Celeste called out “ I’m closing”

“Ok, It’s about time, I’ll head back to shop” James said whilst placing a handful of caps on the table and walked back to the Grayditch arms with Sue.

Sitting down at the table just began thinking of some ideas to assault farm boy’s house such as Sniper at anchorage, The “C4” plan and the classic shoot the [censored] out of them, after an hour of think James well down to basemant and fell asleep on the bed.

------------------ Morning ------------------

James awoke early in the morning and after getting dressed in his Gray suit, James walked upstairs, Sue was wake and his Plans ( notes & drawings of what to do) from last night were on the table

I should think of some more ideas before Pawnee's meeting later on today, would be kinda stupid if all I though of was shooting the [censored] out of the house and if Brandy is "friends" with farm boy maybe we can use it as an advantage...


Grabbing the plans, some paper and two pencils James & Sue walked outside towards the dinner, not many people were outside but Jesse & Brandy were walking around town and a few others were awake.

Sitting in an empty booth James began drawing on a piece of paper whilst waiting for Celeste to come in and make some of that freshening coffee of hers and cook breakfast...

[natalie mccormick]

Jake and Valentine

Jesse's Home - Late Evening

Harlen walked around and then he heard his son yell, "Go to bed you old man, you're keeping us up."

The old man put his put to his lips, and whispered, "Hush, you'll wake Jesse."

Jesse stuck his head out of his room, "Shut up, go to bed." The door closed.

"See," Harlen pointed out.

Rusty closed the door to where the room his father was using. Harlen shook his head in the living room and walked out to the back patio. The night sky was clear so he looked up at the stars. "The stars are like holes that shine heaven's light. I am probably the only person in this town that would associate the two."

The elder looked down and shook his head. Then he looked up as if talking to God, "Am I the only one down here God? The only one down here anymore that believes in your teachings? You took the only other person that ever believed, and she believed with me, in you. And you took her from me. She was only 42, why? It's been 15 years, sure, but she still cuts to my soul."

Harlen raised his hands as if trying to reason with God, "She was second only to you in this life you gave me. And you just took her away, like a flower flowing in the wind. And now, now this 32 year old son of mine acts like a boy, at his age? Really?" Harlen squinted when asking Him. "I had that much of an impact when taking off? He shouldn't be acting like this."

Jake shook his head and started to shed a few tears. He cries with passion at his God. "I live for you and and die for you. You put me in that hole, that prison, years ago, and when I got out I saw the light. I have applied you to this stupid job since. And I've DONE your will. Throw me a friggin' bone here. When will that infinite peace come to me, Huh? When?! That was the reward you promised when I accomplished what you asked of me!"

The faithful man chuckles with tears streaming down his face. "It's as expected though. You just pull the strings. This is your song of course, and we are just notes in the melody. This note has been going on for a long, long time. You have heard when it has gone flat, off beat, or tune. This note is getting tired, my Lord. He aches for that peace you so promised him."

Harlen ran his fingers through his hair then put his hands on his hips. "I don't know how much I have left to put up with this world. You said those who believe in you were not of this world. I have felt distinct from it, yes, but it is eroding me, and wearin' on my faith Lord." Sweat beads arose on his forehead from him getting worked up, and the heat added to it.

He looked up one last time, "Goodnight, and I pray that I can do your will just a little while longer. And I hope that's as long as you need me to, Amen." Harlen limped inside, and went off to bed.

[stevie trent]

Brandy - Friedas house - dawn


THIS IS THREE DOG COMING AT, the radio blared, startling Brandy, she kicked her legs up, slipping under the water. "What th...." She gasped as she shot back up soaking wet. Remembering she had been listening to it while she relaxed in the tub. Looking at her pruned up toes, "cute, fall asleep in the tub, lucky you didn't drown yourself." She uttered in frustration. She shivered as she looked for something to dry off with, and fetching her brush also. She dug through her small dresser, and grabbed a pair of short khakis shorts and a light blue t-shirt, putting her hair in a pair of droopy pigtails, she sat on her bed. Well, you can sit here and wonder, or you can go talk to Frieda and Pawnee right now, she pondered.

The anxiety of wanting an answer, plus a hangover, was making her head throb. Not mention where she had gotten hit the day before. Just go, do it, and get on with your day. Maybe even talk to Joe about fixing some stuff. Stopping in the kitchen, she threw back two pain killers with a drink of water, then took off.

Friedas

Wincing as she knocked on the door, she may as well of been knocking on her head, she didn't say a word. Hearing someone shuffle to the door and grabbed the handle, she fully expected to see Frieda, but instead, Pawnee answered. "Oh, uh, I was expecting Frieda," a little surprised, "sooo, you have a bounty on you? For what?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips and cocking her head to the side. "Nicholas said you were bad, a liar, a thief and a coward. But, I have a hard time believing him when I look at you." She stepped closer, "I can't help but be attracted to you, and after they way you groped me, and what I felt, it seems as though you are to me to", she got closer, "remember, anything, like I said" she turned to leave, and remembered "Oh, and Nicho..err...Scythe said he is expecting to see you, it would be unkind to disappoint."

[Silvia Gil]

OOC: Don't leave us Brandy! What's with Pawnee? He's kisses the girls, and then they try to leave the RP forever

--Early Morning--
--Frieda's House--
--Pawnee--

Pawnee rubbed his eyes. Frieda was gone. He leaned over and smelled the bed pillow which was still full of her scent. It rekindled his memory of her.

There was a knock at the door, downstairs.

Pawnee frowned. He pulled on underwear and pants, and then went downstairs, shirtless.

Brandy was standing in the threshold as he pulled the door open. She looked clean now - all of the mud and blood from the day before was gone.

"Oh, uh, I was expecting Frieda," Brandy's eyes seemed to twinkle. She pouted for a moment and then gave Pawnee a devious smile, "sooo, you have a bounty on you? For what?"

Pawnee squinted at her, "how? Who - who have you been talking to?"

Brandy placed her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the side.

She continued in a girly tone, "Nicholas said you were bad, a liar, a thief and a coward. But, I have a hard time believing him when I look at you."

"I don't know anyone named Nicholas," Pawnee scanned the town. It was early morning. The sunlight stabbed into eyes, "he doesn't seem to have a very high opinion of me though. But you've met me. You can decide for yourself," he smiled, "I ain't that bad, am I?"

Brandy came up closer to Pawnee so they were almost touching.

"I can't help but be attracted to you, and after they way you groped me, and what I felt, it seems as though you are to me to," she cooed.

Groping? Aw [censored]! My hands.

"I am attracted to you," Pawnee mumbled like a little boy, "but. . .but I'm with Frieda now. I - I think your beautiful Brandy, and the sweetest girl I've ever met. I couldn't hurt Frieda though. I hurt her already - bad. . .and whoever this Nicholas was, if he did know me, he might have known that I have a reputation as a. . . .fill-handle-er. A flirter. I used to chase after women all the time, but now I'd like to be a little more honest. It kills me though. . .because. . .because, you're really, really beautiful Brandy. You're gorgeous. I could fall for you in second. I guess I already have. . .kind of."

Brandy put her hand on Pawnee's chest, "remember, anything , like I said."

"Well," Pawnee chuckled, "if I [censored] things up with Frieda real bad, and another man hasn't grabbed you up by then, you can bet a mountain of caps that I'd be the first guy on your doorstep."

Brandy smiled and then nodded. She began to walk away, but then turned back.

"Oh, and Nicho..err...Scythe said he is expecting to see you," she chimed, "and that it would unkind to disappoint."

"Scythe!" Pawnee barked. The smile left his face and was replaced with a snarl, "how do you know him? Is this a setup? Do you work for him? Are you toying with me?"

Pawnee lunged forward and grabbed Brandy's arms, his eyes ablaze.

Brandy looked dumbstruck.

"I hope this is a misunderstanding," Pawnee panted, now unsure of what to think. Brandy looked clueless as to why he was so angry, "if you work for Scythe you can tell him he'll get his [censored] gold - but he better not hurt Buck like he promised! If he's just using you, and you don't know what I'm going on about, then - then," Pawnee clenched his fists, "then I'm sorry. I'm sorry you got wrapped up in this."

Pawnee made his way back into Frieda's house to get dressed, calling back to Brandy over his shoulder.

"I have a bounty on my head, you were right, Brandy. I earned it too. And your friend, Nicholas or whatever, he's the bounty hunter here to collect it."

[Leticia Hernandez]

Brandy - Friedas house - dawn


"Scythe!" Pawnee barked. The smile left his face and was replaced with a snarl, "how do you know him? Is this a setup? Do you work for him? Are you toying with me?"


Pawnee lunged forward and grabbed Brandy's arms, his eyes ablaze.

Brandy looked dumbstruck, "I...he was outside the superduper mart yesterday, NO, its not a setup, I don't work for him, and I'm not toying with you Pawnee, I'm not like that. you're hurting my arms, STOP!!"

"I hope this is a misunderstanding," Pawnee panted. Brandy looked clueless as to why he was so angry, "if you work for Scythe you can tell him he'll get his [censored] gold - but he better not hurt Buck like he promised! If he's just using you, and you don't know what I'm going on about, then - then," Pawnee clenched his fists, "then I'm sorry. I'm sorry you got wrapped up in this."

Pawnee made his way back into Frieda's house, calling back to Brandy over his shoulder.

"I have a bounty on my head, you were right, Brandy. I earned it too. And your friend, Nicholas or whatever, he's the bounty hunter here to collect it."

"PAWNEE, I HAD NO IDEA" she pleaded loudly, "YOU CAN'T GO THERE, NOBODY CAN, I CAN HELP", tears started flowing down her face, "please let help, listen to me, please." She whimpered. Putting her back against the wall, "I had no idea, why on earth would I want to hurt you?" Trying to catch her breath.