2020-06-11 - Caged Tiger

A couple of weeks ago, Ainslie ended up Dreaming. The repercussions of this soiree landed her, in 'waking' (ie. her return to the proper world), in the hospital for a few days. Luckily the gash in her abdomen was superficial but it bled a lot and there was a bit of stitching to be done. THank the fates that the muscles of her abdomenal wall were not compromised. But 'lo, there were layers of skin and very meager fat layers that were torn up and Ainslie had to be treated. Ugh.

A few days later she was discharged and went home to lick her physical and financial wounds... because a hospital stay does cost money. Her boss Stefhan will have been informed almost immediately after her hospital stay that she was still not 100%. Ainslie hated asking for time off more than the injury... to be seen as unreliable (even after nearly having her GUTS ripped out) is a fate near-worse than death.

So now, on this misty chilly Thursday night, she is settled into her modest (but clean) home... the wound is no longer 'dangerous' but it is sore and itchy as it heals and the dis-solvable stitches... well, dissolve. Clad in a loose-fitting t-shirt that falls slightly off-the-shoulder, and a pair of black biker shorts, Ainslie is sprawled on her couch with a glass of water in her hand. She is hearing the frippery on her television but not really paying it much mind. It's a cool evening out there, and dark eyes settle upon the panes of a window as the raindrops beyond 'plip plip plip' upon the glass.

Stefhan had received word of part of her 'adventure' as it were. He's unhappy, not because she's taking time from work but because a potential hospital stay rings of bad news. He moves away from the car and tells the driver to wait. Paid well, the driver will likely stay behind for quite some time and not complain about it. Money talks and the bullshit walks in many cases, but not letting any crap slow him down, he makes his way to Ainslie's door.

There's a knock knock knock there and, misty or not, he comes there and waits as the dampness begins to mist his typical business suit. For a change, he doesn't care about its state but he doesn't want to be too much of a pest. After a pause he calls from the other side, "Ainslie?" As if seeming to ask permission to walk inside. He has one hand on he door knob and another hand holds a paper bag of chinese food, hoping she would like such a dish. Heaven knows her boss can't cook but he can bring things over.

In the process of becoming Stef's employee, Ainslie's address will have been disclosed. In the wake of her boss coming into his Glimmer, Ainslie will have reinforced her address and that he seek her out if he ever felt scared or endangered. Despite it all, she never -- ever -- expected Stefhan to make his way into the corridors of Huckleberry Trailer Park.

Ainslie, hearing his voice calling to her beyond the door and catching sight of that handsome mug through a side-window, feels an abrupt jolt of 'OH FUCK' ... not because it's Stefhan, but because he's taken his pristine, orderly self into this park. Ainslie was never one to be self-concious of her living quarters but here.. it's the first inkling. She quickly stuffs her dark hair behind her ears, the rest tied off into a messy bun. Out of habit she pushes to stand, long legs swinging over the edge of the couch.. but freezes, hissing in pain. Damnit, healing. Slow now.

Ainslie stands and moves to let Stef in. Right when he's showing himself in, Ainslie carefully pulls the door open the rest of the way. Her color is high but she manages her typical crooked smile... eyes are dark and bright with the slightest hint of a shadow from her discomfort. "Hi Stef... come in." She sniffs delicately, looks down at the paper bag.. "Is that... ohh..."

She steps back to let him in, offering to take his coat. The modular isn't pretty on the outside but in here? No clutter, clean.. dated but in that good retro way. Ainslie keeps a clean house, even in a place that is stereotypically seen as trashy. "Is everything ok? I should be right back t'work by Monday, I promise. I-I've missed the place.."

Many business types would snub such an area and anyone of 'so called' higher class wouldn't be caught dead in such a place. Stefhan was born with a silver spoon in his mouth but he doesn't seem to have the attitude that many 'rich' people would. Knowing he had a purpose in coming here, he didn't feel awkward stepping into the mobile home park. It's not a typical place he would 'wander into' but he did have an obvious reason for showing up. "I don't know the whole story." he says, "And, I am curious but, if you just got out of the hospital I don't think you should be worried about greeting me. I hope you, like Chinese, right? I have samples of Tiny Spicy Chicken, Beef and Brocolli, Kung Pao Chicken, Mongolian Beef, you'll have to let me know what your favorite is." They have probably gotten to know each other better but he's still unclear about some of her preferences.

"I'm glad you've missed the place but, the only way I'm letting you come back to work is if you're better. With that said, is there anyone I have to put a hit out on for hurting you? You'll have to catch me up on who hurt you. Trust me." He says with a bit of a cold tone to his voice, "I will be out for revenge. I don't want any harm to come to you. I'm dead serious about that."

As the man names off the choices, Ainslie's dark eyes widen more and more. "I like every bit of it... I've not been eatin' much. Been sleeping more than I'd like to admit to..." She sighs softly.. "Guess it's par for the course with what I went through. It's fuckin' weird Stef.. yer gonna have to sit down for this." She offers to take the bag, and if he passes it over Ainslie will make her way toward the kitchenette. A peek over a shoulder at Stef, "You been doing ok though? I hope yer not too stressed.. see, I hate not being around to help." She means it.

A beat, her shoulders drop slightly. Not back until she is 'better'... hmmph. THen, when her boss says that he would take a hit out on whomever hurt her? Ainslie damned well believes it... her sharp gaze softens. "That's the thing... it ain't so easy. It's... yeah, it's a story. Do ya wanna sit with me and have some of this, and I'll tell ya everything I know?" She turns, bag in her arms, to watch Stef. It's not a far walk from the doorway to the kitchen; through the tiny den, into said kitchen with a tidy workspace and a compact table and chairs off to the side by a window. A clock tick-tocks tiredly on the wall. Pictures everywhere: cars, a green landscape of many soft hills and a wide dark ocean; smiling people, a woman with Ainslie's eyes... family.

Ainslie takes two plates out of a cupboard.

Stefhan follows moving slow and offers over the bag if she's willing and able to take it. "Well, I'll bring you food tomorrow if you would like. We definitely need to get you healthy. As far as a story I definitely have time and I want to hear everything. If someone messes with my star employee, that person messes with me, plain and simple so." He goes toward the chair and takes a seat, "I'll offer up my ear. In fact, I'll offer up two. The more I know the better plan I can come up with to deal with this so, tell me anything you are comfortable with and trust me, you will be taken care of."

"I'm on my way there, promise." Ainslie gives the man a huge grin, especially when he's up for sharing this greasy MSG-laden bounty. Or so she assumes. Regardless, this is her Canadian Maritimes behavior at it's finest, insisting that people eat even if they're not hungry. Carefully she goes about bringing things over to the little table, opting for that instead as it is more intimate for talk. She has a breakfast bar facing the kitchen in the partition between kitchen and den, but that would mean they'd have to sit side-by-side. Turning her upper body too much hurts her.

So showing Stef to a seat at the small table with a few simple chairs, Ainslie opens up the paper bag and begins dishing out portions of the takeout Chinese. A bit of everything for each of them. A plate, fork, knife and couple of torn-off rectangles of paper towel are handed over to Stef.... fancy!

She sits down with a tiny whoosh of breath, directly across from Stef, and sets her dark eyes upon him. Her expression softens with some gratitude, "Thanks for worryin' about me... sometimes I don't feel as if I deserve this." A crooked grin, she stabs beef and takes a bite. Chews, swallows, then talks again. "Can I get ya somethin' to drink?" Damn, should've thought to ask before settling!

She reaches up to tuck back her unruly pile of hair again. "So... I swear this makes sense, me askin' ya this question. How've ya been handling yer Glimmer? Has it been making some sense?" She asks gently, forking another mouthful of food and chewing, her intense gaze riveted upon Stef. Swallow, talk: "... what happened t'me has to do with the glimmer."

Stefhan offers a polite smile, and certainly a sincere one. The smaller space doesn't appear to bother him. Then again, Ainslie has probably seen where his 'living quarters' are. In the back of his large building there is a bed, a mini fridge, and a spot for his cat. That's his place though and it's not hers. A man of wealth may not need a huge mansion to seem happy.

But then more of the truth comes out as he settles himself to sit beside her and sample the food. "Oh, I'm not thirsty yet, though this food can be, a bit, how can one say, full of salt? I'll handle that later though." If the notion of drinking might involve alcohol, it might not be the best thing to offer up. "Lo mein." he says as he goes for some of the noodles, "At times, this is my favorite but yes, you deserve this, you deserve someone looking out for you. Trust me." There's a bit more left to that statement that he reveals but, time will tell what he means, "I have to admit, not as your boss but as your friend, I feel a bit, disappointed in myself for not, keeping you from harm." Though, assuming he could intervene, she will never see a bill from the hospital.

"But, the idea of glimmer. It's truly a lot to take and, I am questioning things about myself that I never thought I would. Alisha seems to say she would protect me and she already has but, I never thought a woman would be, my protector? I thought it should be the other way around honestly. I used to fantasize about being the noble knight rescuing the damsel in distress. Maybe fantasies might change? That's a topic for another time though. Please, do me the honor of telling me exactly what happened to you."

Having since risen to gather drinks, Ainslie returns with some water for the pair of them. Seems she's not of a mind to drink, either, with her injury. She sets a glass down in front of Stef and seats herself across from him again. As he mentions Lo Mein as being his favorite, Ainslie takes only a bit of said dish and favors the others. Aw look, she's leaving his favorite for him! Easing back carefully with a tiny wince, Ainslie continues to bring the delightful salty fare to her gob but she pauses at Stef's words. She pauses, stares at him.. blinks. "A-ah.. well.. ya see, I don't reckon this is somethin' that could be foreseen. What happened to me. I mean.. I wasn't alone... it's a really weird story..."

Munch munch chew, swallow. She hefts her glass, gulps down water, the front of her lithe neck pulsing with the fierce swallows. She sets the glass down and furrows her brow, "I went to bed a couple of weeks ago as I usually do.. late, dead tired.... next thing I know I'm..." Deep breath.

Ainslie digresses, "Take the protection.. take the help, Stef. I mean it. Because if ya don't, if yer goin' forth alone and unsure... this happens." She points to the flat front of her abdomen, still bandaged lightly beneath her t-shirt. "Ya stick with Alisha and whatever she has to offer, to make this easier... take it. Because I think this weird mojo had a hand in my being cut up..." She stirs her food around a bit, doesn't seem keen to eat more just yet.

Ainslie eases her body forth so she can really give Stefhan a level, intent gaze: "I went to bed, just as I said.. and woke up in another world.. or so it felt. I was dreamin' of being in this snowy, rustic place.... Ariana was with me..." A beat, he may not even know her but she continues. "She was some kinda Viking warrior and I was... fuck.... I was ill equipped. Ya ever see those shitty old B-movies from the 40s with the bad costumes? We were facing a monster... God as my witness as I sit across from ya, spilling this out.. I can hear it's howls in my head. We fought it, we were struck by it... it hit me right here.." Points to her belly, "And when all was said and done and when I woke up... I had this. This wound."

Ainslie looks beseechingly at him, "Stef, I like my nip of beer and weed now and then but I don't do psychedelic drugs. This town is fuckin' weird. I was somewhere else... somewhere I can't hope to explain... and I came back with injuries. I think it's all because of the shine.. the glimmer. From what Ari mentioned..."

She looks down into her lap, looking embarrassed and in one rare instance: vulnerable.

Stefhan nods to her as she goes to get the water. It may well be a good way of showing respect and thankfulness for further hospitality. Though, in some cases, he knows it's best to stay 'pure' when it comes to certain liquids. What one does or does not consume is not for debate at the moment though. Her politeness regarding the food is mentally noted as well though when she mentions something foreseen he can't help but let it slip to ask, "I wonder if any of these newfound gifts lets someone see into the future? I, I am not sure. Though, that would be a good question to ask."

With how she changes from telling the story of being 'dead tired' to giving helpful advice, he also notes her insistent words. "You didn't deserve to be hurt like that, not at all. I don't have a habit of going into anything unsure. I'm more about planning and keeping things on a straight road." He tries to add some humor to the serious chat and says, "I'm not one of those men with curves."

But, the topic is an important one so he doesn't joke for long. "I do want to, better myself. I truly do so if I am to better myself, I need to be willing to seek assistance. Alisha already saved me from myself and my pity once, and you stood by my side when I was in one of my darkest moments. I'll do anything I can to protect you Ainslie, but I fear, for right now, I can only do that in the physical world. This other world, I don't think I could help you much though but, who is this Ariana? I'd like to talk to her if that's possible. Still, I do agree, this town is fucking weird." Seems like the businessman isn't ALWAYS proper. "I doubt I would have these new gifts if I stayed in Chicago or Seattle."

There is a pause though, as he gets to his main point. "I want to hear more but, for now, you are healing, yes? And, if this is to happen to you again, what can I do to make sure YOU are better prepared?" At the thought of being alone well, he makes sure she knows she's not by herself in this.

Working. Temp pose to keep scene going. Pose after work!

"I..." Ainslie looks down at her food, pauses to scoop up some and chew it gently. Carefully... swallow. She's not wolfing things down as she is given to doing, typically. Seems she is trying to be gentled with her injured body. "I wish I knew, Stef... it's such a weird phenomenon. Which is why I think we should both sit down with someone who knows more about it and find out what we can do." She looks up at him with those fierce eyes, "Yer 'awake' now and it's only a matter of time til' ya experience this. And shit, I don't want to be unprepared next time.. because it feels like dreamin', it's as unpredictable as it.... and the scary shit is? What happens there comes back with us."

Seems the worry goes both ways, here. Ainslie takes a long swig of water and belatedly addresses her boss/friend's previous query.

"Ariana is a... real good friend of mine." Blush, she rubs the back of her neck. "I will level with ya Stef.. she's a friend and a fuck buddy, pardon my language. Ya see I, ah.. I go both ways." Blush... hey, he trust her right? She can tell him anything!

Ainslie fidgets, "We met awhile back and got on well... she's rough but pretty solid.. and she's been to those weird places before. I reckon if we both, you and I, farm for information on how we can be prepared.. it's for the best. Ya.. ya know Kip, right? She and Ariana are best friends." That might make more sense!

Stefhan pauses as the conversation takes a bit of a more 'interesting' turn. Yes, the two have certainly forged an excellent working relationship and it's likely fairly clear that a good friendship is in the making as well. He blinks a bit when she mentions 'fuck buddy' but after a pause he chuckles a little. The idea of swinging both ways doesn't seem to surprise him that much, even if he is, or was, more of a traditionalist. "Your language is fine." He comments, "Besides, I am in your home so, your rules. But, I do find myself using a colorful metaphor here and there. I will level with you too, I could care less who you fuck as long as they don't hurt you emotionally or physically, especially emotionally. Passions can often lead to other things just, be careful. I know what it's like to have your heart broken. It definitely changed me in many ways but, that is another story."

He finds himself smiling a little at the mention of Kip, "Ah yes, the pretty dark haired lady." Though it's obvious he does have a thing for blondes. "I took her out on a dinner date once. Nothing romantic came of it but, I would call her a friend so I'm happy about that. So your, special friend is her friend. Interesting. It is a small town but, should we discuss the matter of you being well protected? There's, supernatural things at work and I want to keep those in my social circle safe from harm."

The leggy brunette, bless her, doesn't even blush with the shame of admitting to her 'lifestyle' choices. This is but one part of what makes Ainslie tick... a big one. She chuckles a bit, favoring her sore abdomen, before her gaze softens. She has kind eyes, too. "Aw.. thanks, eh... really, nothin' to worry about Ari is rough," A beat.. should she mention blonde? Something tells her that the Russian's cool beauty would take Stef by surprise... she withholds this part for now. Not out of jealousy or anything like that but just... the roughness of the other woman could startle Stef.

Or intrigue him more. If that were the case he would have to share. How's that for non-traditional? c.c

AHEM--moving on.

"Ya would like her.. no nonsense and she saved me in that fucked up place. She kept me safe. Maybe we can all arrange to meet once I'm healed up and back to work.... in just a few days, boss pal. I promise." She takes a big slug of water, another bite of Chinese food... swallows and continues. "I will go stir crazy in here if I ain't back soon.... but I promise I'm safe. I wish I had more to say or advise of.... well, that other place. I wonder if.. well, I dunno if going to bed with a locked gun strapped to my hip would help, if I were t' go back to wherever that was. IF stuff comes with us. It's that weird Stef..."

She looks down into her lap. "I can fire guns, but I ain't used to having one. It's the Canadian in me." Ainslie smiles shyly.

Stefhan listens to her describe her lover. Sooner or later he will likely meet her, or perhaps he's already seen her and drooled over her without knowing? His flaw is getting better and better, but still, attractions are attractions. Romance isn't on his mind at the moment though in their working relationship the two might have discussed such things off and on. Hanging out at The Hub as often as they both do, Ainslie probably heard him go on and on about his 'well to do' family in Chicago and why it is better for him to stay with Mr. Snuggles.

"Whenever you are ready." he tells her. "Take all the time you need. I live for work so I'll make sure things are always covered. My main love is my son." The cat of course. "And speaking of loves, marksmanship is another passion of mine. I was never into martial arts. I don't mind watching such displays of power but, a gun will shut that stuff down real quick. Whatever you don't know, I can teach you. Would any of these newfound beasts be vulnerable to a bullet? I don't know why not but, maybe you or your lady friend could answer that question."

Indeed Ainslie will have heard whatever bit of familial history that Stef would have been up for telling her. Also, she will have been a good listener. She may be a bit vulgar and definitely not a conventional lady but hell, she's a damned good listener. One thing Ainslie knows: she is thankful for her perfectly functional family (even if they're all a bit nuts... but in a fun way) in the Maritimes.

"Well ya got yerself a damn fine son. He's my pal afterall... it's one thing t'be a reliable employee but we both know I gotta get back there for Mr. Snuggles. He's probably wonderin' where I'm at." Ainslie remarks with fondness, but then her friend's latter words sober her some. She nods gently, "After that madness.... I reckon I gotta know somethin'. Somethin' more.... that's the thing about that fucked up... world... whatever it was. It's always changin'.. I don't think anythin' is for sure. But if I can at least shoot in a straighter line, or figure out how the lines blur... all the better."

She checks their waters and stands, making to pour more water into each cup. "I ain't so cowardly as to say I wasn't scared. I was scared shitless." Ainslie concurs, helping herself to a second helping of the bountiful Chinese scoff.