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Post by Cameron "Booker" on Feb 2, 2016 11:06:35 GMT
"What now?" Booker mumbled as Walltur's nudge caused some of the beer he was drinking to miss his mouth and dribble down his chin. Booker glanced over at his friend's sketchbook, "I hate to say it buddy but this one has a lot less feeling in it than the one we sold to that kid tod-"
"Oh..." he slowly interjected into the middle of his own thought, "these are plans for tomorrow..."
"Well," he said taking hold of the sketchbook, "Give em here!" Booker examined the lines and circles and facts and positions that littered the page, "I'll never figure out when you have the time to come up with all these plans seeing as we're always out and about but..."
Booker set Walltur's work back down on the table with enough force to create an audible thud. "So I guess we all know our roles out there tomorrow by now," he said sliding the sketch to the middle of the table, "Best we can do now is try to make sure we work together and not just against the other team."
Pouring himself another beer from the pitcher he grinned, "Now's the bit when we voice any questions or concerns ya know. I'm sure that Walltur has a lot to explain but...considering his conversational style it might be best if we ask him directly."
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 2, 2016 13:20:38 GMT
As little old Leo brought their pizza to the table, Quinn grabbed a slice and leaned over Charlie to look at the notebook. She resisted the urge to lay her head on his shoulder, but placed hand on his knee to steady herself as she leaned and ate the pizza with the other hand. She normally probably wouldn't have been gutsy enough for a move like that, but the alcohol was kicking in a bit. She noticed the dried, pressed flowers that Walltur had given Booker and smiled. Definitely significant. Did Booker even address those? Damn. If Charlie gave me flowers or something...I'd be fucking prancing around with them like a damn fool.She looked at Walltur's plays and noticed some statistics off to the side. "So...looks like you've thrown some math into this playbook of yours. Nice touch, Wally. Maybe you can explain those to us a bit more in the locker room in the morning?" She leaned back into her seat without making eye contact with Charlie and grabbed a second slice of pizza. "Oh," she mentioned in between bites, "and I noticed 5 newbies wandering around earlier today. So, maybe Vester Lombard will have some sub in/out? Would that be allowed, considering the whole damage point thing? Like 'oh I'm hurt, sub me out boss.'" She frowned. "I mean, I wann-a chance to play with all of 'em, but maybe when they sub back in they'll somehow feel their teammate's pain?" She laughed. "Ha! Maybe if I hit someone hard enough, the whole team will feel it! Kinda like when Walltur pounds his notebook on the table." She winked at her teammates as she finished her pizza. "Though...it's just a test. Guess they can sub however they wanna." "Alright. Finish up your slices and pay the man. I love chatting with y'all and drinking of course, but we DO need some rest before morning." She leaned over to Charlie, contemplating kissing his cheek. Nope. WAY too sober for this shit. "Thanks for the group date, Specs. We should do this again sometime...but different..." Maybe not too sober? Oh man, shouldn'ta had that third beer after the Coke an' whiskey...Wonder how Charlie's handling his drinks? He's been awful quiet... Fuck it. Quinn finished her third beer and fourth drink of the night and sat back in her chair. "Alright, guys. Research time. Who says Vester gets to have all the fun? So..." She looked around at the guys. "IF I were to ask any of you on a real date, who here 'd say yes?" She challenged each one of them with eye contact. "You won't hurt my feelings. This is just for research purposes. I'll even take down data!" She smirked.
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Post by Walltur on Feb 2, 2016 16:32:10 GMT
Having had a large portion of a pitcher himself, Walltur became a bit more introverted as the discussion continued. He felt a quiet sense of pride at Quinn and Booker's compliments on his calculations, its the closest he really had to actually being heard. His drawings helped, but there's always more room for interpretation that way.
He noticed Quinn and Charlie being a bit more affectionate, and felt a twinge of jealously himself. His reputation and communication skills have proven a barrier to a relationship, he had never really given the idea of dating much thought. He already had close friends, and the opportunity to spend time together with the ones he cherished the most...
When Quinn presented her research question, Walltur froze up a little. She had a knack for understanding him, and he appreciated her live on the edge attitude. Maybe there hasn't been any romantic feelings on his end because Walltur assumed there wasn't much chance for him anyways. Even then, a chance to spend some time one on one with Quinn could still be fun. With a small smile, he replied a little louder than a whisper.
"Yes..."
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Post by Cameron "Booker" on Feb 2, 2016 21:49:10 GMT
Booker considered Quinn's question. It was a serious question that demanded a serious answer...
After much internal deliberation Booker ventured an answer, "I'm with Wally on this one." Continuing with an even face he added,"I don't think you asking me on a date would have made me say no to Walltur's plans." Gesturing at the sketchbook he addressed his teammates, "But you raise a good point Quinn. The other team may try to distract us with romantic promises..."
"So," he said with resolve, "We need to make sure we are focused out there! Don't let anything distract you from our goal!"
"Walltur," Booker practically shouted, "I would like to know if you could draft something up to represent our team. Something that represents us and what we stand for." Booker grinned at his teammates, "I'll pull some strings and see if I can't get that art onto a few tshirts for the game tomorrow..."
"I'd pay ya Wally but after this meal I don't have any cash until next payday,"Booker added He thumbed the dried flower he'd been holding in his hand "All I have is this flower but I don't quite feel like parting with it."
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 2, 2016 22:50:24 GMT
Charlie quietly sipped his beer as Walltur worked on another drawing. He started to feel the effects after only drinking half. He discreetly asked a passing waiter for a glass of water. By the time he was almost finished with his beer, his glass of water arrived and the pizza was set on the table.
Food, I definitely need food. Dear God, this is why I don't drink. I can barely handle the stuff.
Charlie nibbled on his pizza trying to control his buzz, while the others talked about Walltur's drawing. Charlie was taking a drink of water when he felt Quinn's hand on his knee. He sputtered into his cup, trying not to spray water onto Quinn. He set his water down. For once, he was thankful that he was drinking. At least he could blame his reddening face on the alcohol. Quinn's face was so close to his all he could o was stare. Look away dammit! You look like a creep! Why aren't you looking away? His alcohol muddled mind finally turned his gaze away to try and focus on Walltur's drawing, as well as what was being said about the game tomorrow.
Charlie's hand dropped down to his lap and was slowly creeping towards Quinn's. Stop it! She doesn't like you like that. She would probably think you're weird for trying to touch her hand. Then again, you can just write it off as an accident... Before their hands could meet, Quinn sat back in her chair. It's for the best.
Charlie's thoughts started to drift towards the Quidditch game tomorrow when Quinn posed her question. Charlie froze. Is she being serious serious? Or is she being Quinn? Of course I would go on a date with her. I would be crazy not to. Not that I haven't thought about it. As Charlie slowly mulled over his response, the other two boys said yes. Jealousy started to rise in Charlie. Why am I feeling this way? The alcohol. Must be the alcohol. Act cool, Charlie. She wouldn't take you seriously anyways.
Charlie took out the stack of singles to pay for the pizza and drinks as he said as casually as he could, "Of course I would go on a date with you, Quinn." He set the money on the table as he got up, a bit wobbly, and smiled at Quinn, "A-Anyone would be crazy not to. I told you you would get more than a f-few yeses. Are we ready to go?" Charlie started to head out of the restaurant. A part of Charlie saddened as he knew a date with Quinn was near impossible. He didn't have the guts to ask, and he figured she saw him as no more than a friend. At least there's Quidditch tomorrow.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 2, 2016 23:22:09 GMT
Quinn was surprised at Walltur's response to her question. She smiled a bit and decided to just answer with a nod. Huh. Well I didn't expect that. That was nice of him, I guess. I don't know that I'd actually ask him...maybe only if Charlie said no...just as something to do. Is that mean?
Then Booker chimed in with some conspiracy theory about the other team using romance against them...Quinn tried not to laugh out loud and shook her head at his antics. Oh, Booker... She decided to throw him out of the data she was keeping in her mind for the research. It seemed he didn't quite understand her question, as usual. Although, the answer she was really anxious to hear was Charlie's.
She bit her lip in anticipation as Charlie laid down the cash to pay for their meal. Then, he spoke the clearest she'd ever heard him. Not a single stutter. She could feel her face light up. He would?! Holy shit this changes everything. She waited for Walltur and Booker to make their way to the door, out of sight, as she pulled on Charlie's shoulder to turn him around. Today. It has to be today. Today has been...perfect. Almost.
Comfortable enough that they were the last patrons in the pizza place and that Walltur and Booker were nearly at the door and wouldn't be able to see, Quinn grabbed Charlie's bowtie. She yanked him towards her and planted a kiss on him. A few seconds went by...two, three, who was counting? Everything felt warm, to Quinn. Her buzz from the alcohol combined with the kiss with Charlie made her head spin -in a good way. She released Charlie and looked him in the eyes. "Thanks for a great date, Specs. So...we should do this again sometime, yeah?" She bit her lip and laughed a little as she followed the others back to the testing facility, leaving Charlie to his thoughts on what just happened, and to catch up.
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 2, 2016 23:36:16 GMT
As Charlie was leaving Quinn grabbed his shoulder to halt him in place. A few moments went by and he was starting to wonder what was up when Quinn suddenly kissed him. On the mouth and everything.
What is happening?! Holy shit! What do I do with my hands? This is happening. This is real life. I'm not just delusionally drunk.
After a few moments in realizing that Quinn was indeed kissing him, Charlie relaxed a bit into the kiss, tentatively putting his arms around her waist like he saw people do in movies. When she broke the kiss she said something, but he could really only focus on the fact that she looked cute biting her lip, before she walked after the others. He couldn't believe that had actually happened. Between the alcohol and the kiss, Charlie was so overwhelmed that he passed out.
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Post by Walltur on Feb 2, 2016 23:53:16 GMT
Hearing Quinn's response to his answer, Walltur had expected as much, but its better than outright rejection. Hearing Booker mention the flower made Walltur blush slightly, centering him back to his usual reflective self. Giving him a smile, he chuckled at Booker's assessment of the true nature of Quinn's question. Hearing Charlie's response, the large man relaxed and felt warm. Maybe there was still hope after all, if Quinn's reaction said anything.
Walking with Booker to the exit, the two of them stood around for a little while, contemplating today's events. Who knows, maybe something will happen between those love birds after the game. Holding the door open for his companions, he caught Quinn catching up to him, gave her a quick nod. Puzzled by the lack of their last companion, Quinn lumbered around the corner to find him passed out at the table.
Poor little Leo looked helpless, giving Charlie light smacks on his face, but nothing would rouse him. Walltur mused: either Charlie really couldn't hold his liquor, his courageous act sapped the last of his energy, or... Hehe, best not to presume.
He took a glance back at the door, knowing the others would be wondering where half their party went soon enough. Hauling the young man over his shoulder, he easily bore the load of his teammate as he marched out the door to meet up with his friends. Upon reaching them, he raised an eyebrow, his eyes moving from Charlie back to Quinn.
"Resting."
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 3, 2016 0:11:46 GMT
As Quinn saw Charlie being carried by Walltur, she felt her grin fade into a horrified expression. Oh shit. Did I do that?! "Shit, man. Walltur, thanks for getting him. Yeah...I uh..I told him some really great news and he must have fainted. My bad."
She then felt a small, guilty smile creep back onto her face as she realized what had happened. Awww Charlie. He likes me... She felt bad for causing him to pass out, but in a way it was really somewhat sweet...she nearly skipped back to the testing facility with the rest, hoping that Charlie would be alright when he woke up, and that he'd remember what had happened. Please god, remember that kiss...She smoothed his hair over his forehead while he was out, hanging over Walltur's shoulder.
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Post by Walltur on Feb 3, 2016 0:26:58 GMT
Walltur grinned down at Quinn, being careful not to rock Charlie around too much. As she put her hand through Charlie's hair, he gave the young man a slight hitch, tried to give him more support. He met Quinn's eyes as she looked up to him, his eyebrow having dropped down, having settled on his hunch.
"Light-weight."
He gave Quinn a wink, her secret safe with him. He looked around to Booker, who had been keeping pace with everyone back to the training facility. Using his free hand, Walltur grabbed his notebook from his pocket and held it up to his friend and gave him a nod.
"Soon."
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 3, 2016 3:27:26 GMT
Quinn smiled at Walltur's compliance. He knew. Hell, he'd probably known longer than SHE had. She led the group back to the testing facility, held open the doors for Walltur as he carried Charlie, and when they finally reached the hallway to the bunks, she spoke up.
"Um. Walltur, do you know if he went down hard? Like hit his head? M-maybe someone should keep an eye on him. I'm a night owl anyway, so we can lay him down in my bunk and I'll keep an eye on him til he wakes up. Make sure he's alright and all that shit." She looked at the boys, hoping they wouldn't consider it creepy that she volunteered to watch her crush sleep. Well someone's gotta make sure he's alright...and potentially remind him what happened...Fuck, I'd reenact it if I didn't think he'd pass the fuck out again. Cutie.
She led the boys down a few hallways to her bunk, which she'd kept private for certain reasons. Sometimes they'd hung out in one of their bunks, playing cards and shit, but not hers. Hers was sacred. With a sigh, she entered her passcode and opened the steel door to reveal walls covered with posters of art and tapestries she'd bought in the markets, photos of street performers she'd taken, and a small collection of stuffed animals on the bed. She entered the room first, tossing the animals in a corner and making room for Walltur to lay Charlie down on the bed. Quinn sat in the chair at her desk and began fidgeting with some of her market trinkets.
"So...when I say I'm going home for a weekend, I actually just hang out in the markets. A lot. That's how I found the pizza place. It's kinda become my new home." She smiled at the boys. "Welcome to my inner sanctum." She made a grand gesture of presenting her eccentric room. "Really though, thank you for carrying him. You guys can work on the shirt sketches if you want. I'll take it from here." She removed Charlie's glasses, folded them shut, and carefully rested them on her desk.
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Post by Walltur on Feb 3, 2016 4:06:12 GMT
Walltur carefully laid Charlie on Quinn's bunk, his head supported by pillows, limbs nice and straight. He even folded part of the bunk's comforter over half of him, finding the hidden alcove to be a bit on the chilly side. He turned to Quinn, nodded in agreement with her plan.
"Anytime."
He put a hand on Booker's shoulder, motioning for them to give them some time, but still giving Booker an opportunity to respond to these sudden changes in events. Walltur retrieved his notepad and pencil, beginning to think of ideas as he ventured his way to the cafeteria...
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Post by Cameron "Booker" on Feb 3, 2016 4:13:22 GMT
Booker listened to Quinn speak as she led them into her private sanctuary. He had spent a lot of time trying to break into the room for curiosity's sake but due to some sort of fluke, or perhaps Quinn's own design, the room that the computer directory had directed him to was Delores's. After spending a good month trying to break into what he thought was Quinn's room a lunchlady in only a towel was the last thing he thought he'd find. He'd have to try to remember where this place was but at the moment he was listening intently.
After Quinn finished and turned to take care of Charlie the weight of what Quinn had just let slip hit Booker like a ton of bricks. "Wally," Booker whispered to his friend while glancing over at Quinn and Charlie, "You mean to tall me all this time she..."
He lowered his voice as much as possible to not create any awkwardness regarding what he was about to ask, "...has been getting pizza without us?"
Without missing a beat, however, Booker realized that pizza wasn't the most important revelation to be had here. "She said she had been going home..." he thought to himself, "that means..."
"LEO THE PIZZA MAN IS YOUR FATHER?!" he exclaimed incredulously.
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Post by Quinn Starling on Feb 3, 2016 4:26:05 GMT
Quinn shook her head at Booker's remark. She sighed. "No, Booker. My father was a gypsy. Now would you....just go with Wally and make us some damn shirts, please?" She threw a stuffed animal at him to encourage him to leave. "By the way, if they're still playing hangman in the cafeteria, I'm pretty sure it's 'broomhandle.' Maybe finish up that game if it's not over, yet." How did people find his ignorance charming? At least it was entertaining...she smiled down at Charlie, who- fortunately -didn't have any large bumps on his head from the fall. She went over and kissed his forehead and loosened his bowtie. It couldn't be comfortable -or safe -to sleep in. She also removed his shoes and laid them neatly on the floor. She sat back in her chair and played some quiet music on the radio and entertained herself with some gadgets until he woke. She listened to the lyrics... well fuck. This is awkwardly fitting. Hope he at least remembers something... Song: Do I wanna know
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Post by Charlie Bertani on Feb 4, 2016 23:58:31 GMT
Charlie woke from a dream that reminded him vaguely of a song he once heard. www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKjZuykKY1I (I don't know how to do the fancy hyperlink) As he woke, Charlie was slowly becoming aware of three things. One: His glasses were not on. Two: He had no clue where he was. Panic slowly rose in his chest. Okay. Keep calm. What was the last thing I remember?Charlie remembered going to get pizza. He remembered Quinn ordering him a beer, and then she asked who would go on a date with her. He smacked himself on the forehead as he remembered his response. I can't believe I said that... Things got more blurry, but he was pretty sure... Charlie felt his stomach drop. Did Quinn kiss me? No. No way. No. It has to be a part of the dream. There's no way. But it didn't truly feel like a dream. He could remember the feel of her lips on his. He felt heat rise to his face. I'm not sure that happened. Maybe I won't mention it unless Quinn does. I should probably figure out where I am. Charlie sat up and squinted, looking around the room. It was decorated with a lot of stuff. It smelled... girly. He was becoming aware of a song playing, but being freaked out about waking in a strange place made him unaware of the words. Finally, he noticed a figure sitting at the desk. He squinted harder. Is that...?
Three: He was in Quinn's room. Charlie could pick out Quinn in a crowd within seconds. Even without his glasses he could tell it was her from a mile away. How did I get here? He wondered with alarm. Did we? No. I'm fully clothed. He inwardly sighed with relief. He didn't know if he could handle going any further than an ambiguously remembered kiss. Charlie cleared his throat to get Quinn's attention, "C-could I g-get my g-glasses?"
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