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 Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2019 1:48 pm
”Wiggleston”. The name had made her smile the first time she’d heard her friends mention it. It had given the whole thing a sense of silliness, even if it was likely not a silly name for the people who actually had that name. Normally she wouldn’t have even considered joining an event like the one they’d been talking about; there was far too much she needed to do, both in work and outside of it, but her friends had been insistent.
She needed to get out. She needed to meet more people. She needed to do something other than work and stay at home, missing her girlfriend on Valentines. A light-hearted party, even if it wasn’t her usual go-to, would still be something to take her mind off things. So Orah had let her friends talk her into it, gotten dressed up nicely, and gone to the party with them.
It hadn’t gone quite to plan at that point… The estate had been lovely, of course, and the decorations beautiful. There had been music and the promise of food… but of course her friends had signed up for the match making and before Orah knew it, everyone was off to meet their pairing and she was left standing outside the ballroom, wondering what to do with herself. Music poured from the room behind her, but it wasn’t really appealing to get dressed up to dance alone… The best option was probably the match making, but the young woman had been counting on being with her friends today, rather than trying to make a new one. That could be fun, of course, but she’d really just wanted a day to relax and not need to try and impress anyone…
Maybe the buffet was the best option. Maybe by the time she finished, one of her friends would be free again to hang out with her.
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Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2019 4:46 pm
The very idea of working an event like this immediately appealed to Roderick. The Wigglestons were somewhat known to him, and when he saw the volunteer form to be a 'Janet' for the day, well, he simply couldn't resist.
Julian certainly wouldn't mind him doing a bit of work for others, outside of the Tattoo parlor, especially when he knew he was helping out in the name of friendship, so here he was!
The uniform was surprisingly not too different from his normal day-to-day wear, a vest and slacks, light blue in color, and a proper butler's coat to finish off the look of a proper servant for the day. And honestly, he loved it. It felt so good to be dolled up like this, giving smile after smile and being the best version he could be to strangers.
Since his particular set of skills didn't quiet fit in well here at the party, part of his job was to go up to those alone, and perhaps keep them company until they decided what he could do. One of the party attendants instructed to him to someone they had noticed was alone after the match making service took their friends away. That certainly couldn't be something to happen on this day of friendship!
With a grin, Roderick approached the young woman and gently tapped her on her shoulder, smiling when she turned around in pleasant surprise.
"Good afternoon, I'm Janet, I'm here to--- Oh! It's Orah, isn't it? I... Well, heh, I'm Roddy, not Janet, but, you know, work and all. I'm here to accompany you for a while, until your friends return."
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Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2019 6:26 am
Orah started when someone tapped her shoulder, a deep voice announcing themselves as 'Janet'. She was even more confused when she turned and found a familiar face, olive skinned with rich magenta hair.
"Roderick?" She said in surprise, blinking up at the taller man. He looked very... smart, in his jacket and slacks, though he'd also looked nicely (pleasingly) professional the last time she'd seen him too. The jacket really emphasized his shoulders today, though it covered the tattoos running up his arms.
"I didn't know you'd be here today! Are you working the event?" She said with warmth, already feeling better with someone she knew to talk to. Better than hovering awkwardly alone... Even if now she wondered if her hovering had made the workers anxious, enough to send someone to check on her. "Oh! Its really sweet of you, but you don't have to keep me company if you have other work you should be doing... I was just waiting for the others to get back. Thinking about food or something."
She waved her hands vaguely, hoping she looked reassuring.
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Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2019 11:18 am
"It is a surprise, isn't it? I'm here as a favor, and... Excuse me for the name "Janet", the host and hostess thought it was funny, pulling a name from one of their favorite TV shows and calling us all by it... I don't know their reasoning, but it made them happy, and I didn't mind." Roderick's smile turned a little sheepish at the admission. He certainly didn't look like a Janet, but looks could be deceiving.
"No, no, it's my job today to accompany those around the park without anyone, to help them feel more comfortable. If you'd rather me not, I understand, however I'd be very honored to be by your side for the day. There's lots to do, and for me, it wouldn't be work at all." Perhaps that was a bit too forward, but he truly was looking forward to spending time with Orah, now that he knew who she was. A familiar face was always more pleasant to keep company than a stranger who might feel incredibly awkward around them.
"If you are looking to get something to eat, the buffet is right over here. I haven't eaten yet either, so it would be a perfect time to go together."
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Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2019 11:52 am
He looked nice when he smiled. He had a sort of face that looked like it should always be smiling, or that smiling should be its natural state. The hint of sheepishness, if anything, was endearing. It said he liked to humor an older couple and she found it sweet. Not everyone enjoyed simple things like that.
It was her turn to feel slightly embarrassed then, and warmed. It was a pleasant thing, being told your company is enjoyed, even if he might have said it just to be nice.
"Yeah, um... I'd like that." Orah said, trying to think of something to follow it up with and failing. 'Better than eating alone'. 'It'll give us something to do while we wait'. She had to restrain herself from letting them fall naturally from her lips. The words wanted to, but they felt like they dismissed his company and that was something she was trying to work on. Thoughtless words to play off her own worth, that just ended up hurting someone else...
"Have you... had a lot of work recently?" She finally managed to scrape together as they headed for the buffet, shoulder to shoulder. "Anything you really enjoyed?"
Work was a safe topic, and hopefully one he liked. The tattoo he had done for her had healed nicely, and was still both a surprise and a pleasure to see when she caught her reflection. Not all of her scars were as easy to erase, but most of them had not had the impact that one had.
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Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2019 7:09 am
"Excellent!" Roderick was more than happy to ocompanny her, and allowed her to lead them towards their destination where all the sweet and delicious smells were coming from before he caught up to be by her side.
The crowd was beginning to thicken as the party got into full swing, and that means lots of people to bump into. Sometimes it felt awkward being so large and unwieldy, as he was, but it could be useful, especially when it meant he could be bumped into first before they got to Orah. It wasn't much of a way to protect her, but the uniform did have people note he was a worker here, so they allowed a little more space.
"I've had a few big projects so far, the kind that take a few months to complete. And lots of little ones too, just quick projects like butterflies or hearts. The most popular things these days are just little black and white tattoos, where people write down a thought, or a promise to themselves as a symbol of who they wish to be.... Ah, but my favorite since yours was this armsleeve a young woman wanted. Blues, greens and white, like the ocean, but with an abstract detailing to it. Swirling about like the sea itself... She told me it was a representation about how she couldn't always control the storms that rolled in, or the waves that tried to drag her under, especially the ones that were inside her. But what she could do is know that one day, the sky would be clear and the ocean calm again. It was all very beautiful and poetic, and I ended up loving it so much I asked her to come with me to an exhibition at an art show. She declined, but did let me take pictures, so that was an experience." Roddy was always one who could keep talking and talking about the beauty of his work. So many people had different stories and symbolism that they wanted to have made into their art, and he always felt lucky he could be chosen to be trusted with that story.
Ah, but he did talk a little too much about it, and more embarrassment started to fill him and show on his face.
"What about you? Have you been out doing anything interesting these days? I don't believe we spoke much about work before for you, if you wish to talk about that sort of thing. I think I recall you mentioning a Nursing program."
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Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2019 12:33 pm
His stories brought a smile to her face. It was pleasant to hear about people getting things that meant something to them. They didn't all have to be meaningful, tattoos were pretty on their own, but she liked the stories.
The press of people pushed her closer to Roderick's side, but they parted a bit for him and the two still managed progress.
"Oh, I don't know about interesting..." She dissembled, wracking her brain for something to share of her own. She didn't... do much, really. She worked at the hospital, she patrolled. She stayed home and watched movies, at the things Arian baked. It wasn't very exciting.
"Though, I suppose every day in the emergency room could be called interesting. I work at the hospital as a nurse in urgent care. I am one of the first people to see them when they come in and while its stressful, I think I get to do a lot of good with it too. People get comfort from a friendly face, from someone who shows they care about them. I like to think it helps."
She also, sometimes, caught senshi and knights as they came in. If they were careful, she could smooth things over for them, help them find explanations that fit their injuries without giving away their participation in the war. Those were the people she really looked for, the ones she did all of it for.
"I'll spare you most of the stories I have of that, they're not really fun stories. The best ones are people who come in convinced they're dying, and it turns out to be gas, or food poisoning. Or a cut they over-exagerate about. Those are easy enough to take care of and send on their way, good as new, and its nice sometimes to see someone who isn't critical." She said with a smile.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 9:55 am
"You're an incredibly amazing person to do a job like that. To care and to do your best to calm down what is very often a stressful time, not many people are cut out for that, so you should be proud." As many times he had seen blood, vomit, and other excrement raising his sister's children, he knew he couldn't do what Orah did. There were emotions there that fueled the pain, much different than the willing pain of those under his needle, or the sobs of children who couldn't get their way. Roderick just knew that was something he could never do.
He was far too soft for that sort of environment.
"And I'm sure what you do does help. Even if it's just a small smile and a moment of understanding can go a long way. It's like knowing that when you call 911, someone on the line is there to help you and guide you through that tough situation you're in... Ah, but this is supposed to be a happy day, so I'd hate to remind you constantly of trouble at work. Is there anything else you were looking forward to doing here besides the Buffet?"
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Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2019 4:54 pm
The compliment made her cheeks pink and she waved her hands.
"I just... do what needs to be done. There is always a need for people to do the things I'm doing, I might as well be the one to do it." She said. It was hard to express how unimpressive she found the act of simply stepping up to do something. Anyone, really, could spend the time to get a license and find work, the hospitals were never staffed well enough. She wasn't special or outstanding just for that, even if people liked to think so.
"Oh! Um... I'm not sure. I didn't really know this was going on until my friends invited me to it. I'm just sort of tagging along... what else does the event have going on? Besides food and friendship match-making?"
The flow of people had shifted as they walked and they found themselves in the line for the tables, guided towards the spread of food Orah could already catch smells of. The linens were spotless, the trays gleaming... it felt very fancy, a luxury she had only experienced a handful of times at things like weddings. She picked up a plate as they passed them, making sure to snag a napkin to tuck under it.
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Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 2:40 pm
"Yes, there's always a need, but it's as you said, you answered that need and stepped up. It still requires an incredible amount of patience and dedication, and one hell of a stomach. You are very strong, no doubt about it." He himself, however, decided to worm his way from the topic. the talk and thought of blood made himself a little queasy, something he didn't want to be if they were going to eat soon.
The closer they made it to the buffet, the more he could smell something good. Grilled meat maybe? Thankfully the rumbling of the party hid his growling stomach.
"Well, there's the ball, and the lake cruises... Some games... Perhaps we can find one of those you're interested in. My personal favorite is the cruise, but it is a little chilly today for a boat ride."
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Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 7:14 am
Orah fought the urge to hug her plate to her chest like a little girl, quietly, and embarrassingly, pleased he thought she was a strong person. She hadn't thought that of herself for most of her life, but there had been times, as a senshi, she had to face things that it did take some bit of strength to face. She had fought, and lived, for over five years now. It did take strength to do that.
Games sounded fun... more so now that she might have a partner for them than they had when she was alone. They made it through the tables of food and out to one of the open ones to sit down before she picked up the topic again.
"I'm sure we can find something. I do agree, it is cold for a ride... and I sort of prefer games over boats anyway." That was an understatement, but it didn't seem like anything useful, to bring up how terrified she was of deep water and spoil the mood. The food smelled and looked good, and Orah set to happily. She could cook, of course, and enjoyed it a bit, but it was a luxury to get to eat something someone else had made. Especially if that person was professional.
"Is there anything else you do with your free time? Other things you like? Movies? Video games? Parties?" He didn't really seem like the party type, or the club type, but she could never really judge that. It had never been something she had tried, personally. "Other than parties the Wiggleston's throw."
Orah laughed softly as she popped a strawberry into her mouth.
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Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2019 6:31 am
Slowly Roderick piled food onto his plate, bit by bit. He wasn't a small man by any means, and when food was free, well, that instinct to consume kicked in pretty hard. With a full plate, he gently guided Orah over to a free table and sat across from her.
"Hmmm... I paint alot in my free time... Random designs and water colors that I use as examples for work. And I spend alot of time with my best friend, Staccato. He's a chocolate labradoodle who would love to be here if pets were allowed and I wasn't working..." The sweet pup was likely back home with Julian, snuggling and watching T.V. and the thought made him smile fondly.
"What of you?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2019 5:29 am
Orah smiled, mostly to herself, at the amount of food her companion heaped on his plate. It gave her a fond feeling, and she knew some of that was an old hold over from a time that had never come, and a man that didn't exist. It added a tinge of sadness to things, but in a warm way.
Roderick wasn't Herger, but he was a good man too.
The meal passed easily, at least for Orah. She didn't have a lot of hobbies to speak of, not since she'd started splitting her time between senshi work and hospital work, but she'd done more, before, and she could talk about that. Roderick had children to talk about and she had many stories of her little brother, when he had truly been little. She'd never had a dog, but she told the story about how her friend Nathan had smuggled a kitten out of a pet shop for her. He'd promised to go back and pay for it, of course, but the effort had been sweet. Chaonis had a hard exterior, but he cared, at least about the people he chose to give his friendship to. It had been an adventure convincing her father to let her keep the calico kitten.
Games came after the food, and Orah found herself laughing more than she could remember doing in a long time. She laughed other times, of course, but had it been this easily, or this often? Roderick made it easy to find her mistakes and fumbles and losses amusing. Before she knew it, her friends were back and the day was waning, the sun getting low.
Orah waved to the group waiting near the entrance for her before she turned a small, warm smile on Roddy. It made her eyes warm too, and she offered her hands to him.
"Thanks for keeping me company today. I had a lot of fun. I know I took up alot of your time, but I really do appreciate it." She said.
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Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2019 8:53 am
Roderick, on the other than, could certainly talk.Countless stories of shenanigans, children, and what his work was. There was so many things he wanted to share with her, but far too soon, their time was gone.
When they had to part... In a way, his chest ached. He couldn't remember the last time he had been with someone where it didn't feel like he had to play the role of 'guardian' of.
They were both adults... It felt like it... Maybe that was what it meant to find a like-minded companion.
Call it greedy, but he really wanted to see her again.
"I had alot of fun with you too. It made work fly by fast and certainly made me feel happy to be with you, Orah." It was bold, he knew it, but as he took her hands, he gave them a gentle squeeze.
They fit well with his own, he thought.
"May I give you my number? If you'd like to spend more time together, perhaps when I'm not trapped as a 'Janet', I'd very much like that."
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Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2019 8:58 am
It almost seemed like his larger hands swallowed hers, and they were warm. It felt good, offering some measure of comfort she couldn't define. She couldn't help her smile for him, even as she colored at his compliments.
"Oh! Yes, of course. That's... Yes, I'd like that. It would be nice to hang out again." The idea of it made her feel fluttery inside. Would Laney mind? Except... Orah knew there were people in Laney's life that she didn't share, so there was nothing wrong in having people in hers likewise. Something to talk about maybe, but no reason why she should worry over it. Even if she couldn't help that either. "I'll give you my number as well, in case you want to reach out too. I'm free sometimes on weekends."
She felt good being with Roderick. If she could turn off her brain, it would be easier to enjoy time with him, away from what made her life so complicated. She needed that, even as she valued the people in her life that knew both sides of it.
Roderick's number sat high up on her contact list when she tucked her phone away, and on impulse, reached out to hug him. His shoulders were too broad to let her really wrap her arms around him, but she managed before she turned to go, offering him a wave as she trotted to catch up with the friends that were waiting for her.
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