2020-04-18 - Cat vs The Hulk: Cat 6 Hulk 0

Winter is gone and such comes spring. Fortunately, Hera seems to be ready to enjoy the warmer seasons as she appears to have a bit of a more cheery mood. Then again, maybe other things are going on that make her appear happy, for now at least. Queso is busy being a cat as he violates the easel's legs with a lot of yellowish fur but the gallery owner only goes behind him to clean up the metal limbs. She maintains a cheery disposition regardless and after clearning a few more things, she heads over to where some cookies are and begins to start to nibble on one. "If I'm not careful." she smirks, "Jessica is going to make me fat with all of these treats. Fat fat fat." Hans watches too from a good sitting position. He doesn't care what fat is. Fat is good!

Nothing like a long winter and the fun of having helped in a martial arts demo and kid's tournament in a small town near by. Devlin shows up still wearing a rather traditional looking but kind of fancy Tai Chi uniform. "Hey Hera. What's up? Got any decent coffee in the pot?"

Hera pauses from chomping on a cookie to offer a smile at Devlin, "Hello cousin!" she says, "Good to see you. Of course there's good coffee, not the best but I think it's the best for you. How have you been? Practice going well?"

Kim makes her way into the gallery. Bouncy and happy as she looks around to see how is here and what is going on. Giving a friendly wave to Devlin and a smile "Nice outfit. Been practicing or some big event today?" she asks before going over to offer Hera a hug "Hey there. How are things going and why is there no Jessica for you to put your arms around. They look so sad with her."

It's been awhile since the dark shadow has, let's go with graced, sure. Graced the windows of the Vivid Dreams. The people parting out of the brute's path while he jogs past the first window wearing his mis-match of labels, backpack over his shoulder the way he does when he's usually on his way towards the gymnasium down the mall.

At the last window, the giant turns his head, his long raven hair bouncing behind him to throw a glance into the gallery. And then he's gone.

Devlin pulls out a small sd card, "Kid's Kung Fu tournament." He hands it to Hera, "I did a Tai Chi Jian demonstration for the crowd and was a judge for a half dozen young teens in Tai Chi open hand forms." He smiles a bit, "Their Master.. the man is a tea nazi..." He groans.. "No coffee to be hand.. and the place in town I swear was serving left over coffee from the Civil War.. and still screwed it up."

Hera rolls her eyes as the hairy 'mountain of muscle' brushes past by. She grumps a few 'not so nice' words at something though hopefully most of the words are not easy to hear. But, coffee it is, and the last thing she is going to do is let Devlin down. The grounds are poured into the filter and the pot is turned on. Fortunately Kim's presence does make her smile and she offers the Asian woman a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "Jessica is working on quite the story. She'll stop by later today if she can. When are you going to do your painting class?" She asks Kim but she does take the SD card from Devlin. "Oh, I'll look at this later for sure."

Kim nods to Devlin's answer "Sounds really neat. Maybe I should take up Tai Chi, trying to keep up with Grace is murder. Ah her exercise routine. I didn't think I was in that bad of shape but oh my it's a bit brutal for me." before she giggles "Nothing like a good spot of tea. I have some if you like Devlin." maybe teasing him a little.

She keeps her bright smile at reception she gets from her friend. "Neat. I just miss my sugar fix from the sweetness between you two. But I know work comes first." she ohs at the question "Yeah that put to the wayside after my stay in the hospital. Soonish? I haven't done much advertising for it. I guess I could do it next weekend. How have the pottery classes been going?" tilting her head as a familiar shadow passes the window. Her last encounter with the man...didn't end well and she's a bit nervous. Thankfully he seems to moving along and she breathes out a quick sigh of relief.

It's a little belated, the giant's return because, like the Cat, you know the Giant came back. Although it may not have been the very next day. He's seen, first walking past the window he peeped in, using both hands to wrap earplugs around a device in his other hand. When he gets to the front doors, the device is gone, and he uses his right hand to tug open the door, ducking under the door frame as he enters, sounding moderately out of breath.

Commenting to Hera, "May as well talk to him." Devlin's attention on the brewing coffee. "No thanks Kim.. only so much tea I will drink in a day.. Been a guest of Master Kent since last night.. " He sighs, "Nothing but tea or water.. had to sneak out to get gas last night to get a beer."

Hera offers Devlin a cup knowing that the paramedic just has to have his caffeine fix. Coffee and medical workers should go hand in hand all the time. "Well, you know I'm a wine drinker actually." But then Cousin It on Steroids comes in and, yes, she has to make an effort to be nice, "Do you want some coffee?" She asks Everett to try to be hospitalble.

Of course Kim's luck isn't that good as the large man returns. Well maybe things wouldn't go as badly as she thinks. She does give him a at least half way friendly wave. Before she nods to Devlin "Alright, it is good for you and tasty. I do like coffee. Pretty bad if you have to sneak out to get a beer. I wouldn't think he'd mind if you brought something in. Then again I don't know him, or anything about Tai Chi." looking to Hera "You want me to fetch coffee for everyone?" she offers.

"Yeeesss-- no," says decisive Everett, "but thanks." He lets his backpack slip around his shoulder and unzips it and from the large pouch extracts a see-through water bottle with one of these balls inside, clear substance to the throat, and a heavy deposit. Without bothering to zip up his backpack, Everett starts shaking the bottle, waving to Devlin and Kim, and rather than join the conversation, he follows after the cat. No jokes. Or lots of jokes, your call. A kissy sound follows, Everett rubbing his fingertips together, trying to coax the feline over.

Devlin gets his coffee, "Thank you, Hera." he takes a long pull from the cup. "So.. Everett, what's up?" He smiles to Kim, "Hard to explain.. just call it social traditions when your a guest." He then smiles to Hera, "You'll figure things out. I have faith." He then sips at the coffee slowly to enjoy it

Queso has a bit of a "WTF" look on his face as Mr. Shaggy starts to 'tell him what to do.' Well, while Queso has been 'fixed' the cat might wonder if he really still has his balls attached. It's Hans' job to take a chomp out of those but Everett's luscious locks have the cat intrigued and....

There he goes. There's a pounce and CLAWS OUT as Everett's long hair just seems all too tempting for the cat not to chase after. It's all playful, right? But depending on what happens Mr. Pretty Boy might get his face scratched up a bit.

Hera just watches, a bit bewildered. She's seen her cat do many things, and quite a few pieces of art have been sacrificed for the feline's pleasure. "I don't know Kim" she tells her fellow artist and just looks baffled. Should she call the cat off of The Hulk? Would the cat listen anyway? Note to self though, never give Queso coffee.

"Then that really is all I need to know. Customs get a little odd with guests." Kim says to Devlin and she should know. "How have things been for you?". Everett seems more interested in the cat, but he waves so that's a good sign right? Of course Queso is interested in playing. A little wince at the claws out. That's probably going to hurt. "I guess coffee can wait for others. So that reminds me, Grace and I got a kitty recently. For a cat charity event if you can believe it. Her name is Lina, Winston and her get along pretty well."

Looking up from trying to antagonize the kitty, the gorilla affixes Devlin with a curious look. Trying to recall if he knows the other man. There isn't a flash of recognition, and his gaze moves over to Hera, then Kim. It's impossible to mistake, his lips on the right side of his mouth pull; a slight smirk. He clearly doesn't recall the time they've met in passing at Minerva's and has made another, possibly also likely, assumption.

"Do we know each other?", he asks, turning his thuggish head back to Devlin.Never take your eyes off a wild beast. That's what they teach you, and what Everett forgot. I mean, how wild can they be, living with the Art Gallery push-over? Long hair dangling, swaying, proves to be too much of a tempting target for the jungle beast and it launches itself. When he turns his attention back to the insane tugging going on at his hair, Everett's expression softens visibly. Just shy of making the 'Aww' sound out loud, he sinks to a knee, then down to sitting cross-legged on the floor. A bundle of his long hair pinched between thick fingers and thumb while he makes motions in the air to move his hair around, giving the cat something to attack.

"Ow," other than his fingers. "Git it. Git the hair monster."

Devlin chuckles a bit, "Cats... just be glad she is channeling her inner leopard.. and not one." He sips his coffee. "May be.. we have run into each other here and there," he answers Everett. "I do get around. Once offered to treat your ankle at the theater."

Devlin nods to Kim with a knowing look. "How are your projects coming along?"

This is all just for the fun of it, right? Queso sees hair, hair hair and long hair and it's DARK hair, pretty pretty hair. Hera doesn't even have that much hair She just watches on in a bit of a shock as the large man apparently appears to 'tempt' her into more playing. In fact, the kitty gives a loud MREOW and puffs up just a bit, but not for long. He's really not that agitated and he wants to play. But still, the claws are coming out. He must grab onto Everett's hair to climb climb and climb. Yes, he's a tree dweller!

Hera hasn't even paid must attention to the conversation between Devlin and Kim, which is a bit unique for her. She does, however, go to get a bottle of saki, as if she's going to need it.

"For the most part pretty well. Juggling a lot of things. Hera reminded me to get my painting back on track. My main project is going okay, antique hardware upgraded and I've been working on a robust defense system. Then there is all the other stuff, the I don't know psychic things. I'm a lot better at them." Kim speaks about the things she's been up to. "Though operation get me into a wedding dress is still slow. How about with you Devlin?" while keeping half an eye on the Everett and Queso. Glancing to Hera as the cat gets more 'playful'.

With feline help, Everett develops extra follicles, "Ow, fuck. Fucking, fuck." Everett tenses, shoulders open while he's climbed and waits just long enough for Queso to settle. A little. Before he uses both hands to sweep his long hair out, over the cat. And since he's wearing his workout clothes, he even has a hoodie with a cat curl pouch. Blanketing the feline under his hair. Everett winces his bottom teeth, and then slowly stands. Especially slowly. Step one, entice cat. Now, escape with feline.

There's a nod towards Devlin, "Oh yeah, the theater," he gives Hera a look, for over one reason. "Does that make you Thewlis?" And then he winces, undoubtedly because he's being turned into ribbons.

Devlin says, "No.. he's the handy man. And you may need myself soon.. I'm the paramedic.. Devlin." never mind he looks like he came out of one of Bruce Lee's movies at the moment. "Also, I tend not to pick up Queso.. she's real picky about that and liable to object in a very painful feline manner." He looks over at the dog, "And.. she has this friend that plays her muscle some days." He shrugs, "I don't understand it.. but cats.. right?"

But, cats are cute, and no matter how much Everett works out, and how handsome these women often find him, a cat will make everyone go awwwwww. It's the superpower that cats have! And, a hoodie?! Something else to play with! By now the cat, whose middle name is courage, has made his way up up and up to get on Ev's shoulder. Then he bat bats at the hoodie, almost looking like he would be a boxer himself!

"Hans" Hera remarks, "Is more loyal." Then the bottle of saki is opened and she asks, "Anyone want a shot? This is the strongest rice wine I have. I guess Alisha is rubbing off on me."

Kim shrugs her shoulders "Maybe you should get the cat back onto the ground. Seems he's getting a little overexcited." she suggests to Everett. A little bit of a giggle given to Devlin at him not getting it. "Cats will be cats. Nekos are adorable that way." then there is a offer of saki "Sure I'll take one. Make it small though."

And there it is. "Oooh. Devlin, yeah, I've heard of you. You're, OW" Everett winces, squinting his eyes closed. There's a pause for a second and then he continues to be not smart, taking hoodie string and dangling at his shoulder-mounted weapon, just to distract the hyperactive cat to give it a quick scritch. Fingers which are just as quickly removed before they become a target as well.

"You're cousins with that girl that ends up in the hospital all the time. I hope she has health care. How's she doing?" Everett digs into his pocket and pulls out his smart phone wrapped with earbud wires then slowly, carefully, walks over beside Devlin to show him the screen, ever mindful of the weight on him, "This is what's up," he says, showing the image with a proud smile. The smile that's lifted to Hera, "Cats," he shrugs, and wishes he hadn't. "Ow. But I'm ok. I drank yesterday. If I do it everyday, it might be a problem." Turning his head, Everett peers at the cat, "I'm not sure I can take him down," he murmurs, answering Kim. "I might lose a finger."

Jessica arrives, talking on her phone as she does so. "If he can't answer a simple question like that, then people are going to think he's guilty as sin. Is he aware of that?" A snort of a laugh at the reply. "True but I like to think there are still some readers of intelligence and moral acuity...stop laughing. I'll call you in the morning." The phone is tucked away in a jacket pocket before she takes in her surroundings.

"Hey, beautiful" she calls over to Hera with a beaming smile. "Kim, I understand congratulations are in order. Devlin, nice to see you again. How is Stephanie? Everett...umm...nice impersonation of a cat scratcher tree. It suits you." As usual, Jessica is carrying baked goodies and wine.

Hooking a finger towards Hera, "Actually.. she's my cousin. Stephanie happens to be my partner at work. Good thing you do not play Jeopardy." He sips his coffee. "I am pretty good at what I do so you know. And I think Stephanie has a decent health plan." He then greets, "Hi Jessica.. but I'm just handsome..."

Hera grumbles a bit as she watches the cat lean in and, eat...Everett's hair? Well, cats eat grass and maybe his hair smells like grass? It looks like it, at least to the cat. But then, the felines eyes go wide and a strange purrrrrrrr is heard from his fuzzy face and he does the butt wiggle of all butt wiggles that only means.

He's going to pounce.

And pounce he does, right on Everett's face and he takes a swipe, either at the large man's strand of hair or his cheek.

Hera might be mortfied at the events but then the muse of her dreams comes in and she's nothing but happy smiles. "My love." she says as she makes her way to the reporter, "How are you?"

"Oh.. your's? Or another family member's?" Devlin inquires seeing what is on the pad.. "Say.. somewhere around 3 months?"

Kim starts to look around for a towel to make a cat burrito with. Not that she can exactly reach Ev's head unless he is bend down some, still one step at a time. She pauses in her quest to give Jessica a friendly smile and wave "Hi Jessica. Congratulations for what? House buying? Anyway how..." well Hera beats her to the question. Then Queso goes full psycho kitty mode. No time to do a regular toweled up cat. She opens her hand and well the gallery tends to get messy. There is a towel somewhere that rises into the air and rushes over to wrap up the facehugger. Not quite managing to get it's paws wrapped very well. Oops.

Everett gives a little turn of his hips to note the new entry and upnods his head slightly all under the supervision of Queso: Giant Rider. "Stephanie? Huh. Uh. Mine, thanks, it's a couple of weeks old." His lips pout, now he knows her name. "Thanks," he smirks, "I'll do just about anything for a kitty, even getting my Ash all scratched up." Taking his phone back, he slips it back into the pocket he removed it from, adding, "Yeah, I've a lot on my mind right now. I'd suck at JeOW."

Squinting his right eye closed, Everett glances crossed eyed at the hair chewing. Then there's a purr and Everett falls for it. "Aww, he likes me." Lifting a hand, he's about to pet Queso, and then gets pounced in the face, claws first. Once more, Everett freezes while he releases a long string of expletives, his eyes clenched to protect them. But. Still. No attempts to take the cat off of him. When the string halts, he adds, "You're clawful evil, you fuzzbutt," it's where his fingers dig in to give the cat another scratch, on its rump. Right before he's gathered by Kim, front paws flailing to cause more damage on the ape's face who just squints his face up and takes it, a throaty sound of displeasure stuck in his throat.

"All the better for seeing you" Jessica replies to Hera - so sweet - before there is a hug and rather passionate kiss in greeting. They're still in their honeymoon period - long may it last. When the kiss finally does break she nods towards Everett. "Do you need to save your cat?" she whispers to Hera. "It could get rabies biting him."

A curious look for Kim's reply. "Yes...the moving in. That's what I meant" she smiles before her look falls on Hera. Weren't there engagement ring activities happening with Kim? Moving on. "We should talk about that too. The moving in...if you're interested. It's not as if we don't spend a lot of time in each other's houses already."

Hera grins at the raven haired reporter and begins to wrap her arm around her waist. "I was worried about you working too hard honestly, too too hard. But, I have a bottle of saki out and maybe there might be some. Hamburger." She ponders that as she knows just how sharp her cat's claws are. But if the passionate kiss isn't enough to distract her Jessica's statement is, "You...you wouldn't mind us officially living together? Like for real?"

Devlin says, "Congrats Everett. Big step... there. I think the cat likes you." He hmms as other things happening as he finishes his coffee. He glances at Jessica and then Hera. Hmmm.. He then inquires of Everette, "So.. do you have felines of your own?"

Kim just has to focus for a bit. Not able to get Queso away quickly enough. Still now he's more contained and probably a little angry, lowering her hand to float the furball and towel to the ground. Releasing her hold on both. Dropping out of her calm state and a wince of sympathy for Everett's sratched up face "Sorry. Wait a few weeks old...did you get yourself a kitten?" that could explain why he was letting the cat run wild.

"Oh thanks." she says to Jessica. There was indeed a proposal given to Grace, just no answer yet. And she's trying hard not to over worry about it. Hearing the two talk about maybe moving in, she gets a broad smile for the pair.

"I've had all my shots," replies Everett, keeping the eye Queso was on closed while he touches his gushing wounds and checks his fingers. The lay person's version of checking how bad the scratches are. Looking up from his fingers, Everett smiles genuinely at the pair, smirking from the right corner of his mouth. Glancing down at Devlin, he points at Hera and Jessica with his left hand, "So is that," as if he's trying to keep the focus off him, however fleeting the feat. "I grew up with them. Had a calico that was a shoulder cat too when I was a teenager."

Looking from Devlin to cat then Kim, his expression is concerned, "You know you should be careful with that stuff, yeah? Thanks, all the same. But I don't want you to get hounded by Them, especially on my account." Another cut check with his right hand, looking at his fingers to examine the surge of blood flowing from cat wounds, he shrugs a shoulder, instead paying attention to the exchange between Jessica and Kim, adding, "A few. It happens when you have five sisters."

Hera leans in to kiss Jessica on the cheek and tells her, "I'll be right back." It's then that she finally decides to be the dominant one. Standing on her tippy toes, the redhead peels the cat off of Everett's shoulders, "Now hush." she tells the feline, "Come visit with Jessica. One day she'll be your other mother."

"Yes, for real" Jessica replies with a happy laugh at Hera's excitement. "Not sure what makes it official though. Do we put a notice in the paper about it?" A tight hug for Hera. "We can talk about it later, okay? But we've been going out for ages now, might be time for that next level."

An aghast look at Everett. "You have five sisters? Wow...do they live in town? Explains quite a few things..." Not that she will say what exactly it explains.

"Careful, Kim, you know not to do that kind of thing for no reason. Everett's right...as much as it pains me to say."

'Other mother'? That has Jessica looking a bit shocked for a moment before a light laugh and a shrug. You never know.

Devlin nods to Everett, "So Everett, just curious.. what about the gallery that interests you?" He walks over to refill his coffee, "Sure you do not want a cup of coffee, Everett?"

Kim sighs and shrugs "I know and I am for the most part. Your welcome though and at some point I'm going to /their/ attention. At least that how I think it works, since I'm not going to give up on using them." she doesn't exactly know anything about first aid. She'll leave the marks up to Devlin to help or not. Tilting her head towards Jessica "It wasn't for no reason. Maybe it wasn't life threatening, but he was still in trouble. No matter it was minor. Seriously though both of you I am careful." sighing again. Still with a smile on her face for the interaction between Hera and Jessica, even for Hera's little slip.

Being an adult is SO hard. Especially for minutes at a time.

"~ Hera and Jessica, sitting in a tree. ~"
"~ K-I-S-S-I-N-G. ~"

That's as far as his teasing goes, though he grins broadly at Jessica, "So who's going where? Are you going to become a land lubber again, or is Hera," Everett jerks a fat thumb in her direction, "got her sea legs? But," he offers his empty palms out, defensively, "I'm happy for the both of you. It's a big step." The smile on the right side of his mouth widens a little more before ebbing. He knows something that he's keeping close to his chest. Thankfully, there's nobody here that could sense that sort of thing.

With a nod, His smile falters, "Well. Four now. And no, they're all back home," the same thumb is jerked over his shoulder. "Oh yeah?" He cants his head and gains his goofy grin, "Like what?"

To Devlin's questioning, Everett looks at Hera first before he shifts his weight to his left leg, "Uh. You know," he shrugs both shoulders. "Just messing with the neighbours." Then he recalls something, "And I know a lot of artists, so it doesn't hurt to be able to give them Hera's card so they can get something sold. Ya'know?"

It seems like Kim understands, so Everett lets the matter drop after, "Just let the cat ribbon my face up. It'll only be an improvement. It would be use if you used it for healing. I think we just don't want to see you getting hurt, that's all." Regardless of how their last encounter went.

Hera rolls her eyes at Everett but she makes sure the kitty is safe and sound on the floor. "Well, who knows?" She asks rhetorically, it may be hard to figure out just what she's referring to though. With a smile she leans in and kisses Jessica on the cheek, "I'd love to move in with you, I really would if, you think you're ready for that. I do need to check something real quick. I love you!" She then offers a wave to Devlin and Kim and goes on her way.

A bit of a brow raise on Devlin's part as he finishes his coffee. "Well, I do need to run. Need to change.. and get ready for my shift tonight."

"We'll talk about it soon" Jessica nods to Hera. "In fact, maybe later tonight? If we still have breath to speak." She watches her girlfriend walk off, sighing happily at the sight, before a wave to Devlin. "Take care. Say 'hello' to Steph for me."

"We're all careful, Kim, but you can never be sure when they will come. A cat was attacking Everett. If someone used their powers every time that happened, we would all be food for the Dark Men by now. Sorry to hear about your sister, Everett." She's not totally heartless towards the man.

Kim considers what Everett has to say. "If you say so. I just hate sitting by when I know I can do something to help." before nodding "Thanks. Really it warms my heart to know you care about my safety." maybe there wasn't lasting harm in her actions. She isn't sure.

Giving a wave to Hera as she heads up. "Congrats." she says to her friend.

Turning her head to Devlin "It was good seeing you again Devlin. Have a good shift." giving him a goodbye wave as well. Turning her attention back to Jessica "Congratulations to you as well. It's big and with luck a happy step." she nods with understanding "I get it. I should work on other ways to help out. Maybe I've been focusing too much on my powers and not enough on other things."

Watching Hera go after everyone, but him, gets a farewell, Everett grins all the wider. Then his attention is called to Devlin, "I think you shouldn't change. Go like that and tell people you're the Kung Fu paramedic and you're going to karate chop their problems away." He, of course, forms his right hand flat and takes a swipe. You kinda have to. Then Devlin's given a wink.

He nods to Kim, "I understand that feeling. All too well."

Two out of five. It's the tipping number. "Don't worry about it -- it happened a long, long time ago. But thanks all the same," he says, a brief point to his cat scratches. His head turns down and he shakes his head with a softer smile, " I better go to the gym and come up with a good story about where these came from. You know, like Nuns Have More Fun." How long has he been holding on to that one. The way he smiles knowingly at Jessica, it's been a long. Long, oh god. Months long time.

Jessica is caught unawares by Everett's reference to the Nuns. Her look of surprise quickly concealed by an indignant look. "What you do with nuns is your business. Though I'm not sure how they would have given you cat scratches."

A nod for Kim. "There are plenty of better things you could do than advertise yourself to them. But, thanks, it will be a big step. Hopefully, I'll be able to make it.Though if it doesn't work out, at least the sex will still be fantastic."

Kim nods to Everett as well. At least in that they understand each other. "Well have a decent workout." she chuckles a little at his joke. "So I've heard. Take care of yourself alright?" offering him a wave as well before he heads out.

With so many people reminding her she isn't likely to forget about shining like a beacon to the things in the night. She does nod in agreement. "I believe that you both will. Sure it's different, but you know Hera has nothing but great things to about you. So I have faith." before a little giggle and blush "I guess if things don't work nothing wrong with good sex. Ah anyway Hera did say you working on a big story. Any interesting on that front?"

He was looking for a reaction, it's what bullies do. And when he gets what he wants, his bottom lip is sucked into his mouth while he walks where he had left his backpack prior to Questo shenanigans and scoops it up by an arm. "Uh huh," he replies to Jessica when he turns around and his green eyes look in the direction Hera left in, then to Kim, before returning to Jessica. "I'm just happy your able to be happy with someone." The smirk on his face says he not only ate the canary, but convinced it to pluck and cook itself.

So happy.
So. So very happy while he waves good-bye to them both.

"Bye, Everett" Jessica offers with an overly sweet smile...before a little scowl. Her smile quickly back for Kim.

"Nothing too exciting" she smiles about the story, dismissing it with a wave. "Some things need to be out there but whether anyone will ever do anything with it is another thing. Or will they just let it all carry on without even a comment, as long as they can watch 'Masked Singer'. I have a feeling that will be the case. Indifference."

"You know a wise friend of mine mentioned that he is very much like a troll. Best not to feed him." Kim comments on the scowl. "Getting stuff out to people is always important. Now whether they do anything, that's up to them. But you know as long as even one person does doesn't it make it worthwhile? I tend to like to think it's always more than one. It never hurts to have some belief in others. They can't always let you down." she remarks a touch hopefulness. "I just wouldn't knock down your story before it even gets out there."

"Oh, I'm not knocking my story. I'm knocking the world" Jessica laughs, winking at Kim. "I'm definitely putting it out there and hopefully someone will read it and make a change. I might even try to make a change."

Since they are alone, perhaps Jessica can ask something a bit more personal. "Hera mentioned you bought an engagement ring for Grace. Is that true? How long have you been going out with her?"

Kim ohs "Maybe I just have a little more hope for the world. There are good people out there after all." a small blush for her at her own misunderstanding. "I'm sure that someone will and hey if they don't. Then just keeping telling them until they do or as you said do so yourself." she offers.

Kim gives out a deep sigh "I did get a engagement ring for my Grace-kanojo. Even proposed to her in front of our friends...until monsters showed up. I still don't have a answer." a tiny shrug of her shoulder "How long though? We've been together for about two and half months. It was sooner when I asked, and I know it's quick. Sometimes you just know and when you fit together like pieces of a puzzle perfectly. In all the ways that matter." she pauses and looks Jessica up and down "If you don't mind answering, why do you ask?" thinking the reporter could be considering asking something similar of Hera.

"I was just curious" Jessica shrugs about the engagement talk, a little blush in her cheeks once more. "I didn't think it was that long but...you're right...if you're sure it is right, then why wait?" She finally sits down and pours herself some wine. "I think I would have to live with someone first. Get used to someone being around all the time before I could be sure." A sip of her drink. "Sorry you haven't got an answer yet. That must be hard to deal with. Monsters? Everyone got through it okay?"

Kim seems to accept the answer though noting the blush. "Yeah exactly. By the time I bought the ring I was sure this was the woman I wanted to grow old with. A bit corny I know, but when you feel that way not acting on it would be worse in a way. You know sorta of like taking your girlfriend to Paris for your first Valentine's Day together. I imagine someone would only do that if it feels right." she winks at Jessica before taking a seat as well. "We were basically living together even before we moved in together. She even got to see my bed head and she could take it."

Another sigh "It's okay. No answer is better than no. She just wants to be sure and nothing wrong with that. As well as talk it over with her twin Faith." she answers honestly. Before looking surprised "Hera didn't tell you? Yeah those things that had been tormenting all of us, like in the hospital. No one was really physical hurt. They seemed to be able to literally feed and drain love or caring. I'm not really sure...so maybe emotionally people didn't make it out ok. At least the feeling came back."

"I think Hera sometimes believes that not telling me the danger she gets in will keep me safe or happy. You know, ignorance is bliss kind of thing. Of course, what happens, is I find out and get even more concerned than if she told me in the first place." At least this conundrum seems to amuse Jessica rather than maker her mad. "It drained love? Maybe she didn't feel like telling me afterwards because she didn't care for me?" she shrugs.

"As for Paris, I had a lot of money saved in my date account. Why not Paris? And she said she had always wanted to go. It was a wonderful time" she sighs, lost in thoughts for a few moments. "What's wrong with your bedhead? Do you have a running score on it? I hope it works out for you and Grace. You love each other very much. It's obvious to anyone."

Kim says, "Oh I see. I am sure she only does so because she cares. Not wanting to put too much of a weight on your shoulders." Kim offers and her friend has said things to that affect. "I do get that. Being more worried about her than if she spoke up. I mean I get Hera's position of not wanting to worry anyone, still with this stuff it doesn't seem wise." she nods her head "I think so. Hera described it the same way that they affected me. The effects were gone in the morning. Or at least seemed to be for everyone. I don't know if they are gone or not. They haven't attacked again since."

"I didn't mean it as a bad thing. I think it was great and even the sound of it was romantic. Just you know, saying when something feels right do it and that you could have experience in that avenue." she says with a happy smile. "Ha if I a running score it would be such a low number. No, my hair looks like a angry hedgehog before I tame it down. It's truly a scary thing. Thank you so much Jessica. I think it will and we do love each a lot. You do know though it's easy to see the love you and Hera have for each other. Even before she was ready to say it. I wish only the best for you both and I know you'll make it work.""

"I have pretty strong shoulders" Jessica assures Kim. "I can take on whatever Hera needs me to. Hera needs to trust me more. I know she's working on it and she's having to get over some serious issues in her life, so I'll give her whatever time and space she needs. Speaking of, I better go and see what she's doing. So nice to see you again, Kim. Let me know when you hear something from Grace." A hug for the other woman. "Take care. And watch out for them." Wine in hand, she heads off to find Hera.

Kim nods "I know she does have strong issues and I'm glad she's working on them. Course you should. It was good seeing you again as well Jessica. I will let you both know when I have a answer." she returns the hug with a smile. "You as well. Try to stay safe." maybe more easily said then done. With Jessica heading to find her girlfriend, she gets up and heads of the gallery. Ready to return back home.