2020-02-04 - Go-GULP gossip

Doctors and perscriptions and followups and things, such has been Hera's life since he has gotten home. It takes time to get back into the swing of things, and with her 'new' experiences adjusting will be a bit awkward. People shine and glow more than they ever had but she puts that into the back of her mind as she realizes business is business. Without money, the gallery shuts down so there she is on a couch with a laptop close by and at least five folders full of paperwork. "Ok so, classes are bringing this much in." she says, trying to use some math, "But, this type of wine costs 25 less a bottle if I buy it per case, this evening class consumes half a case so...." Yeah, go get that calculator app. Hans just gives her a strange look as she deals with math type things. These hoomans and their strange habits...

Kim wanders into the shop on texting her phone giggling and her cheeks red. She looks around in some way to make sure the gallery still looks okay and Hera isn't laying on the floor again. No smell and her friend on the couch looking busy. "Heya Hera." announcing her presence as she starts to walk in her direction. "Are you busy?" looking at laptop and really trying not to think about it's contents. It's her friend...but oh the secrets it could hold it's like candy to Kim. By now the bump on her head is pretty small and she can finally wear her normal make-up again.

Hera looks over toward the entrance and offers a wave, "Oh hello there." She says, "Just reviewing somethings about how to maximize profits. Need to make sure I keep this stuff operational." She then grunts a moment and says, "I'm sure it'll be a while until I get the bill from the hospital. Insurance doesn't pay for everything of course and in a month or so I really wanted to do a fundraiser for St. Jude. This place hasn't had an official fundraiser for charity even though I have been getting out into the public to spread the word."

Kim continues to text a few times but still listening to Hera still giggling softly. She does look up as she finishes. Giving a nod to Hera "I see business stuff. Is going that bad that you have to worry about keep it open?" and here's a brand new concern for her friend "If you do need any help with the hospital bill just ask. I'd be happy to chip in. Mind if I sit?" gesturing her free hand to the couch. "The fundraiser yeah. It's still a good idea, but you have to take care of you and the gallery first."

Hera shakes her head and says, "No no no, I got it, I really do it just takes a lot of analysis. As much as I'd just like to sketch and build figures and do nothing else, the real world doesn't work that way and all. Speaking of being practical, I was actually thinking of getting a vehicle but after the hospital fiasco, I better wait, I definitely better wait on that one and of course, I don't mind if you sit. What has kept you busy today?"

Phone buzzes and Kim looks at it going beat red as she is taking a seat. Clearing her throat before speaking again "If you are sure. I really don't mind helping...though I'm thinking of buying a house here so...no friends come first. Promise if you need help you'll tell me. Honestly I don't much about running a business so can't really help in that aspect. Getting a car or vehicle of some sort isn't a bad idea. After you feel a hundred percent again." the question is asked and she has really wanted to tell Hera. Just with everything going on "At Mac's place getting a little work done now that I feel better...but ah mostly thinking about Grace. Oh Hera Grace and I have sort of gotten to together!" she is so excited about it. "I'm awful because I'm not focused on you when you aren't doing well...it's just distracting."

Hera nods but she looks over at Kim curiously, "I came from the streets, remember? I know what it's like to be with nothing so, I'm going to do what I can not to wind up that way again. If you want me to promise you such, I will, but I really think I'll be fine." She then blinks and grins widely, "Oh? Well I really really really have to hear ALL the details ok I mean, seriously. So she doesn't have a thing for the ogre anymore and" she giggles, "Is that why you're blushing?"

Kim exhales and tries to get her blush under control. "I remember and I hate to think of you in that sort of position again. So okay really I make quite a bit of money. More than I can spend and if you need it I am there for you." Kim really isn't sure what to think about the wide grin...though it's finally her chance to talk to her friend about it. "I'm pretty sure you don't want all of the details. Just after everyone left from the night out we hung out and talked. I almost kissed her that night, but I couldn't do that to Mac. With things being eh complicated. I talked to Mac and you know it hurts but as much I like her she can't be the person I want or need. Anyway next time I hung out with Grace I did kiss her, we talked too of course. Things happened and yeah...Orge? Why will no one tell me about the other, you know we haven't talked about what it means. We will for sure...the blush? I was teasing her a bit and she turned it around on me. So yes...oh wow I'm going on...sorry it's alright to say shut-up Kim." the words all come in a rush.

Hera feels her phone buzz and she goes to check her messages. However, Kim seems to have almost all of her attention, "This isn't about me." She says curtly then as Kim tells the story her eyes go wide. "Oh wow." she says, "No no no, go on. I told Grace I would support her but." She giggles and suddenly looks like she's about to jump off the couch in excitement, "This is wonderful! I never liked how that oaf put his hands on her, it just looked disrespectful to me. Please, don't shut up. I don't know Mac but if Mac couldn't give you what you needed oh this is great! I'd celebrate but I really shouldn't drink anything right now, really. If you kissed her, like really really kissed her, on it's on like Donkey Kong! She deserves someone like you. Contrary to what rumors may say, you're a good person. That's what she needs."

As Hera is speaking to her she rises her phone. Giving a happy sigh, luckily Kim can multitask "Grace says hi." she starts looking rather pleased that her friend is happy for both her and Grace. The oaf that put his hands on Hera now that a story remembers as she finally realizes who this is. Her lips purse, no, no we was going to give him a chance and now it's more important than ever. "Grace talked to you about me? Oh maybe you aren't talking that for support. Well Mac thinks she can't and maybe I agree but feelings don't just go away...she did tell me to go for it with Grace. I don't think either of us should drink for awhile. We can celebrate with coffee though. Yeah it really really kissed and a lot of other stuff. Oh Hera it's been over six years and it felt more wonderful than I remembered...okay you definitely don't want to hear about that. Huh I think I'm a good person. Anyway you are probably joking. I'm just so into Grace and I don't want to mess this up. Maybe that's why. No nevermind we are both happy together and that is what is important right? Live in the moment?"

Hera grins as she continues to listen to Kim and she tries not to take on too much of a 'motherly' point of view. Kim probably looks younger than she is but she does nod, "I told Grace to just be herself and be honest and everything will work itself out. I told her that honesty was more important than anything. I realize that now with Jessica. It's been years since I had a relationship too and, well, Jessica was and is the only woman I chose to be with. I didn't encounter many women as I did men back in 'those' years." She doesn't seem to discuss it much, "But that was well, I was just doing as was needed at the time. Jessica, it's too soon to tell her this but I love her, I know I do, I have to. I'll tell her that when the time is right. We really haven't been seeing each other that long but." She rolls her eyes as she rambles a bit too much, "I guess I'm saying this because it's a reminder to be honest. I was so worried about telling Jessica the truth, that things started to glow and then she came in glowing brighter than anyone. Funny how that worked out. So" she finally gets to the point, "Continue to be honest with Grace and yes, live in the moment, but be mindful of the future." It's then that Hera frowns as something else comes to mind. She realizes that with intimacy, complications can happen, "And please, seriously, promise me that no matter what happens, you will protect her, ok?"

Hera is certainly more worldly than she is. Really aside from the odd people she hangs out with she's been pretty sheltered. "You are right honesty is important in these situtations. Eh well I've had relationships they just weren't physical ones. Jessica has done wonders for you, anyone can see that." hearing her talk even a bit about that time Kim reaches out to give a hug to Hera. "I know you've hinted you had to do a lot. It's all your choice now though. You were just saying to be honest...you'll be able to tell her when you feel ready. Time isn't a factor in what the heart wants. Just yeah in your own time." Kim never minds when others go on especially when they put up with her rambling. "I will be honest with Grace. When someone is important to me I'm always honest, even on the hard stuff. I know we have to think about the future too and I am. Just for now I'm just taking things as they come." at the ask for a promise, she already did to the artist but Hera was still recovering. It is one she'll repeat as many times as she needs to "I promise I will protect my Grace-kun. No matter the cost to me. With everything I have I'll protect her."

Hera waggles her eyesbrows a bit as she can't help but try to be somewhat lighthearted, "At least my experienced help me please my lady in ways that, most wouldn't be able to." she giggles, "Actually, never reallize thought I could be bi but, damn, she's so amazingly gorgeous and, I love making her moan." Confidence yeah, she manages to say this without a blush, "But, I don't want to say anything that would embarass her too badly. In all seriousness she, is very special to me, and I thank you. As long as you are honest yes, live in the moment. Some of the stuff will be difficult but, there's a lot of future out there. That is what Gray Harbor is teaching me. As long as you promise to protect her, I am happy. Like I said she just has that look that, well, bad people, they would exploit it if they could."

Hera sits on the couch in a far off part of the gallery. There likely aren't too many couches here as the place needs to maintain a bit of a professional look, even if it's a bit artsy. Queso is heaven knows where but Hans is around, likely giving funny looks at his alpha as she has a giggly conversation with paperwork all over her. Kim may be a bit distracted by her cellphone so when she zones out texting 'special' people, Hera goes back to doing paperwork. While she looks a little tired, all in all, things seem to be well.

Kim gives a slow shake of her head "Well I wouldn't say most...or at least presence company excluded." Kim does little flex of her arms before giggling "Sometimes it just takes that certain someone. Jessica is pretty and bet you are very good at making her moan." Kim understands Hera's point "I get it. But isn't giving pleasure like that one of the best things in the world? Getting is nice too. Lots of stuff is difficult...sometimes though the things most worth having are. You and Jessica will do great and I have hope for Grace and me. I know there are those would try, but they'll have to get past the great asian wall for that to happen." despite the seriousness she goes laugh at the little nickname "I will though Hera don't worry." and yeah she look down at some more texts and sends off replies.

Hera winks over at Kim and says, "I have high hope for you too. She might have been nervous, but you two are both good people. I told you Grace was special to me because she, even though she had family, stopped by to see me on Christmas Eve. That's very special. Hans and Queso kept me company during the holidays too but I was starting to feel a bit, well, depressed during Christmas because I always worried about spending it alone. She was kind enough to make sure that didn't happen. I made a lot of Christmas gifts too speaking of giving pleasure. Yeah, not THOSE kinds of gifts." she laughs, "But even for Jade and Thewlis I made a sculpture for them. I guess I am a bit of a romantic at heart, you just have to be careful these days. Thank you, for looking out for her. Now that we have to worry about them, well, sounds like they could be worse the traffickers."

Jessica feels that she is in a level of relationship with Hera that she can just walk in anytime she feels like...and it is a public gallery too. "Hera, hon?" she calls out, wincing as she realises there still could be customers about that may not relish hearing such lovey-doveyness. She makes her way to the area where Hera looks to be working and Kim looks to be texting; the modern world in miniature. "Hey, Kim, how are you?" she smiles while heading for Hera to give the redhead a hug and a very passionate kiss in greeting.

"And how are you feeling?" Jessica asks her girlfriend with some concern, caressing her cheek as she stares into her eyes. "I brought nibblies" she grins, lifting up a paper bag she placed on the floor for the hug. "Home cooked desserts. Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey. I better stop before I sing the rest of that song."

Kim gives her friend a smile "Thanks. Well she was nervous at first, we've maybe moved past being nervous. I mean I was pretty nervous." listening to how Grace helped Hera get through the holidays "It was sweet of her and I bet she did it to help. Plus your company and no one should spend the holidays alone. She is a kind person isn't she?" getting a broad smile on her face, shaking it off "Oh you did cause I've been meaning to expand my...right not those kind." as her face gets flushed again "That...that is so nice of you. I'm probably a romantic too, I have ideas for Valentine's day. If traffickers in town there would be signs right?" then there is more buzzing of her phone. As she looks at the screen her eyes go wide. "Oh...oh hi Jes...Jessica sorry a little distracted." okay focus Kim "I'm doing really good. Really good. Oh how are you doing Jessica?"

There's no customers or students here, at least for now. The only thing of note are two ladies having a lovely chat. Of course when Jessica enters she yelps in happiness and almost jumps off the couch in excitement. It's a bit too much for her though so she doesn't jump too high but the passionate kiss is certainly welcome. It's then that Hera holds her close and sighs happily, "Definitely much better now that you are here and, oh food, oh thank God, I'm such a horrible horrible cook and you're nothing but the best." With a pause takes a deep breath but continues on, "I'm glad you were able to come in. There's always so much news going on in this town and with the new experiences and all I, well, I really want to train for somethings, really."

"I'm doing great, Kim" Jessica grins happily. "Hera's here, how could it be anything but the most wonderful of days?" A quick kiss to the redhead's cheek. "Have you got some plates? This is 'Zoolbia-Bamieh'. A Persian version of churros basically. I hope you both like them." She will settle on the couch, letting Kim have her text conversation while looking a little concerned at Hera. "Training? In your 'abilities'? Careful, hon, remember there are things watching. Oh, has anyone seen Stephanie lately? She wanted to talk with me about that explosion."

Kim is perhaps a little absorbed in her texting and other things. She does look up and gives the pair a smile at how cute they look and the affection. One topic gets her attention though "Hera practicing may not the best idea. I've been told that even practice can get unwanted attention. Really I've been told to only use it when absolutely needed." echoing the sentiments before nodding to Jessica "I'm glad to hear. And I can how it would be a fantastic day...sorry the most wonderful of days. Just aww. Oh I've had those before. They were really good to you make them, cause I've never had homemade." she hhmmms "I run into Stephanie the other day and she wanted to talk to you about all of well this stuff. Compare notes and such. I got her number and if you want I can pass it along to you."

Hera kisses Jessica on the cheek and goes to find some plates, "Yeah, you are, both right I just, I have so many things running through my mind I suppose. If you can't train though, how will you know if your abilities can really, do what they need to do? Is there a way to sort of, shield yourself while learning more about all this or, do you just have to get lucky?" Logical questions it seems but knowing that alcohol should be avoided she does go over to turn on the coffee pot. "Stephanie should be pretty easy to get a hold of. She's almost always with Devlin." She then looks at the two and says, "She seems to have a bit of a crush on him, but you didn't hear that from me, ok?"

"If I could get her number, that would be great, Kim. Thanks. She wanted to talk about the glowing? I'm really not an expert. I don't think anyone is. But I'l share what I know." Jessica frowns apologetically to Hera. "Once you've awoken, it becomes pretty instinctive. As for doing what you need?" A light laugh at that. "I don't think it will ever do that, but it can certainly help when called on. Fear can be a great teacher. As for them... I haven't encountered any directly that I've been aware of, but I use my abilities sparingly. Those who use them a lot. They seem to get themselves in trouble all the time. All those things that happen around town...they're not all 'natural occurrences'."

Kim shrugs "I couldn't get a clear answer about that either. Just seems like you have to feel your way through it. It really seems like a lose-lose thing. Use it and get horrible attention or not use it and have to guess your way through." she states with a sigh. It bugs her she can't just practice to her heart's content. Another text and a few replies she jumps out of her seat. Smoothing out her hair. "Mind getting me a cup Hera?" she looks to Jessica and flips through a few screens offering the number "Sure. Not so much about the glow but all of the world and abilities. We were in a public place so couldn't be exact about things. She said she hadn't been able to talk to many others who are special like us."

Hera rubs her forehead a bit and says, "I think something wierd happened I was in this wierd place with Stephanie disappearing and Devlin in the desert or something." She almost looks like she's going to go off into a daze and then blinks, "Oh yeah, coffee that's right, and food, good food." She offers a smile at Jessica and says, "How did you ever get to be so perfect at everything?"

"I'm a long way from perfect" Jessica smirks, while blushing, at Hera's praise. "Just ask the local police. But when you say it...I tend to believe it." A nod to Kim with the Stephanie explanation. "Happy to chat with her. I may even ask her about her intentions towards Devlin." A teasing wiggle of her eyebrows before some concern about the dream. "Yes, the dreams you have in this town can be...dangerous. You need to be able to control them. Guide them in the direction you want them to go. Remember, they are your dreams...possibly. I was in one which involved snakes on a plane. Seriously."

"I've heard about that. The Dream stuff don't really have experience." Kim states and really it's best to leave to Jessica. "Well Hera thinks you are perfect and I've never known her to be wrong." maybe being a little teasing to the couple. "Stephanie did say her and Devlin where just on a professional level. But cool I will let her know that you are. Snakes on a plane...really? Just how bizarre does this dream stuff get?"

While they others are talking Grace arrived. Opening and looking inside. "Hi!" Looking around some at the gallery just to see if anything new has been hung up. Then looking to those present. A white top and leather jacket worn, and dark blue denim. "How are you all?" Offering hugs to everyone inside. Though then ending with a hug to Kim. "Hi Kim-Chi." Trying out a nickname. A slight blush though. Not having caught the conversations, and thus just looking between them. "Feels like I missed something."

Hera shakes her head to Jessica and says, "No no no, you're close to perfect, if not perfect. As far as Devlin well, I don't think he's interested but, not my place to get involved." She then rolls her eyes and says, "He's my cousin so, of course I'm going to get involved." She then coughs a little and says, "Snakes on a plane would have been normal for that experience I had and Grace" She waves to her, "You haven't missed anything, would you like some coffee?"

Jessica was pretty sure that Grace and Kim were a couple from their actions on a previous night. Today, she is certain. A warm smile for the pair as nicknames are bandied around. Why don't Jessica and Hera have cute nicknames yet? This is much more important than any story she is currently working on.

"I'm doing well, Grace. Thanks." The conversation turning back to darker subjects. "Dreams get bizarre even without whatever is happening here. This place adds to it...and sometimes it seeps into what we think of as the real world." A little snort of amusement. "I would be terrible working at the Gray Harbor Tourist Board."

Kim gives a last look at her phone when Grace comes and she just gazes at her. But just hug, oh no. When she is hugged she gives a very passionate kiss to Grace, knowing she is in her friend's store she doesn't make it too wild or last long. When it breaks she smiles at Grace "Hi Grace-kun. That sounded wonderful coming from your lips. Ah yeah we were just talking about all the strange stuff. Why we shouldn't practice abilities and Dreams. You know like in the doc."
Looking over to Hera "I'm not sure Stephanie likes him that way. More of a comrade in arms way. Could be wrong though. I first thought someone didn't like me very much and I was so very wrong there. But I'm sure your cousin wouldn't mind a little matchmaker stuff." She listens to Jessica "Yeah I heard it can happen even when you are awake. It just happens as far as I understand."

Hera offers a cup of coffee to Grace and Kim and then says, "Thing is, Devlin already has a girlfriend, I think. I could be wrong though. Her name is Morrigan, like I said I could be totally wrong but Stephanie was all over him at the movie. I was just sitting there cheering the alien on. Aliens are people too ya know!" She then goes over to whisper to Jessica, a kiss landing on her ear after the whisper.

Grace smiles and nods to Hera. "Coffee would be nice, thanks." Looking between them. Furrowing her brows about dreams. "Things can get rough, but hopefully it is okay." Snickering about not being on the tourist board. Smiles as she does kiss Kim in return. Smiling at her. Then a snicker about someone not like Kim. "You're too hard on yourself." Blinking about it happening whenever, "Dangerous." Pondering, "Is there a way to avoid it?"

The whisper makes Jessica smile happily. The kiss even more so. Oh, she has desserts for everyone! Jessica places them on the retrieved plates for everyone. "We can avoid it by staying quiet if that is what you want to do. By quiet I mean not using your abilities, though that glow we have does attract danger regardless. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it all, to try and determine how best to react to it, but it's a slow process." Time ofr a deft change of subject. "Ah, if Devlin has a girlfriend, then maybe we need to find Stephanie someone. And, judging by how happy the four of us here are, maybe it should be a woman?"

Kim ohs towards Hera "Things could get well awkward there then. I didn't know about the movie, just about Stephanie said. We didn't get too much in personal life though." she gives a small chuckle. Accepting the offered coffee, just the thing to cool her down? Taking a sip. Before gazing at Grace for a time with a touch of red on her cheeks as she says close, quiet words spoken. She does raise her voice "As far as I know you can't avoid the Dreams. Even non-glowing people can get pulled in." glancing to Hera for case in point. "Jessica you have way more experience than I do. I've heard that even talking directly about any of this can draw /Their/ attention is that true? Oh well I don't know if Stephanie would be into that. But you never now and when the right person comes along. I honestly don't I know Stephanie well enough to even know to fix her up with."

Hera thinks a moment and shrugs, "I don't know either. I guess I could keep my eyes open but, I never considered myself to be the best matchmaker. I'm just happy that I met my match." She wraps an arm around the beautiful woman near her. "I guess you couldn't spend the night tonight? I'd just love to sleep in your arms. That makes home truly feel like home."

"Of course I can spend the night here. Especially if you do that thing you do where I'm...ummm...and you put your...umm...I'm gonna stop talking now other than to say, yes, I will stay the night" Jessica blush-smiles. "Once you've done your paperwork. Unless I can lure you away now?"

Kim awws at the sweetness from Hera. She isn't so enamored that she can't appreciate it in others. "And what a match you found." she says while leaning against Grace's shoulder. Well the other couple seems to be ready to leave. She tugs at Grace's arm and tilts her head towards the door. "We should get heading out. Sorry Jessica I'm all full of questions and you should just be focused on Hera. We'll get out of your hair." because Kim isn't in a hurry to leave for some reason.

Hera kisses her girl on the side of the face in a bit of a sensual manner. "I love exploring your body and finding certain buttons to push, I'm learning more and more about where to press and." But maybe such talk shouldn't be that bold. Only friends are here but still, "I tell you what, I'll work on this paperwork and come back and lead you upstairs later, if that's ok with you love."

"Sure" Jessica nods to Hera. "I'll cook us up a proper supper while waiting. Don't be too long though." She watches her girlfriend leave before looking back at Kim and Grace. "I think you two are a great match too. I hope it works out."

Kim blushes a bit at the comment from Jessica "Thanks. I think so too and I have every confidence it will. I will say again what great couple you and Hera make. I'm so happy you found each other." being polite while in a hurry. In part to give Hera and Jessica their privacy and also because she wants some alone time with Grace. She waves to Jessica and Hera as the two head out the door. Kim giggling as they leave.