Welcome to Gaia! ::

Tonight could go either way. It could have been boring, or it could have been exciting. Given his recent bit of luck, though, Buddingtonite couldn't help but feel a little on edge, and tonight he wasn't doing his usual thing, which was to seek out new recruits and maybe get his butt handed to him, or mocked, or ridiculed and teased. Normally, it wouldn't bother him- after all, everyone was under a lot of stress and if someone had to be their scapegoat, he'd gladly fill the role (to an extent).

But today, he felt a little down, a feeling that he never usually felt but was more than aware of its existence, and never the type to want people to see him so morose, the Negaverse officer decided it was time to switch up tactics. He spent so much trying trying to convince others to join a cause that he didn't -really- know all that much about, and tonight, he was going to change that.

So tonight, he had his little feelers out for a Chaos aura, looking for one of his own and seeking them out, wherever they may be. All the while, he made his way down the street, not at all concerned about getting caught nor paying much mind to nearby civilians if they spotted him. He didn't care much for civilians, as he wasn't in the mood to cipher their energy, and he had no means of taking their starseeds (yet). To the unsuspecting eye, he was just some whack job, donning a militaristic uniform and twirling a pinwheel as though it were a cane.

And until he got stronger, wiser, that's all he would be. He was going to change that, and he crowed to himself, "Come now, I can't be the only one hitting the streets this evening!"

He felt her long before he saw her, but that didn't stop the lieutenant from having to brace himself from jumping at her sudden appearance. It was a little unsettling how everyone else seemed perfectly capable of appearing on will, yet if he had somewhere to be, he had to walk there. Maybe he wasn't powered at all but merely fed the illusion and therefor the biggest laughing stock of the Negaverse? It would certainly explained why no one seemed to take him seriously, and he tried not to let any of this bitterness show when she called attention to his pinwheel.

He gave it a glance over and shrugged, holding it between his middle and index like an oversized, top-heavy, spinning cigarette and speaking in a sugary-sweet tone, trying to cover up just how annoyed he was with everyone mocking his weapon. "I rather like it, really. No, it doesn't do much in combat, but it makes for a great icebreaker, at least."

Considering no one would let him live it down, apparently. He'd at least look at the bright side and think of it that way. Once he got to captain, he was certain that his upgraded weapon would be worth the ridicule, and he would take immense pleasure in going back to each and everyone that mocked him and demonstrating his new power.

But that would have to wait, obviously, as he was nothing more than a lowly lieutenant, but he didn't dwell on this for too long. He looked at his fellow officer, wearing a kind smile as he tipped his cap to her. "Looking for you, actually. I don't know your name, nor do you know mine, but I can correct that. Lieutenant Buddingtonite, and it is a pleasure meet you, Miss...?"

He care nothing for how public their introduction might have been- after all, he was an agent fighting for the citizens of Earth. What did he have to fear of civilians seeing him offering another a friendly introduction?

"Perhaps not you specifically but an ally in these dark times," Buddingtonite said, clarifying that tidbit and just about done with his personal assessment of the young lady standing before him. She seemed young, but not too young, which meant that any chance at flirting with her wouldn't lead him into legal issues for once. So many little ones caught up in this war... it was hard not to feel like a dirty old man when addressing the rather lovely flowers that he found himself running into. Still, it was best to play on the safe side- others he flirted with were often met with disaster or simply went no where.

And considering this one looked like she could not only handle herself but probably bench press someone like him, any notion of going into hardcore flirting mode would have to wait until he was certain she wouldn't take offense to it. Not that Buddingtonite knew -why- some people couldn't stand receiving compliments- an entire city full of prudes. Here was hoping that his own side was more open to his tactics!

"As you can plainly see, I'm new, and it would be great to get to know my own side. You know, I've seen plenty of Senshi and Knights, but very few of my own agents..." Buddingtonite admitted with a shrug. "It makes me ponder what they're up to, and why I don't seem to be invited to tag along? Or is this wondering around alone gig a rite of passage in the Negaverse?"

It didn't make Buddingtonite feel any better to know that he wasn't the only one that was working solo, for the most part. He was hoping it would, as maybe it meant that it was simply normal or that others were having just as rotten luck as he was. Yet, it certainly didn't feel as good as he thought it would. In fact, it actually made him feel a little worse.

However, he tried not to show. No one was here to hear him complain, after all. "No, I suppose people not knowing who I am should be expected. I'm new, and I'm still learning. But..."

Then he sounded a little too hopeful, and maybe he appeared very delusional to Xenotime, but it wasn't like Buddingtonite to work small. No, he always aimed big, high, and the reward was sometimes worth the risk for Buddingtonite. "I plan on changing that eventually. I plan on making a name for myself in the Negaverse, prove my worth and make myself valuable in the long run. Just... need to find the best way to work my way up the ladder, that's all."

And he gave a shrug of his own, as he added, "If it means getting my hands dirty and getting a few cuts and bruises along the way, than so be it. Though... I'd much rather a desk position if there was one available for the Negaverse. Let the stronger and more experienced to the fighting, you know."

Buddingtonite gave a begrudging sigh when the topic of getting bruised and dirty was brought up, but it was nothing against Xenotime, nor anyone else that preferred that aspect of their role. In fact, he admired those that fought better than him and he looked to them as inspiration, but also, for protection. He fancied himself more of a pencil-pusher, the face man in a situation and meant for good PR work. Fighting was something he figured he'd enjoyed, if he thought he could be any good at it.

He was very honest with Xenotime, gesticulating with his hands and making fisticuffs but making sure not to get too close or risk accidentally hitting her, considering she looked the type to knock him clean out with a single punch. "Yes, I'm aware of that, and I've gotten into a few fights myself!"

Not that he ever came out on top. Most of those fights ended up with him either begging for mercy or looking for the first escape route he could find. Not that he was willing to admit THAT to Xenotime, lest she think any less of him. However, when she offered to help him, the eager lieutenant didn't once think twice about accepting the offer. "However, I could use some help in that department. After all, though my expertise is public relations, you're right. If I can't dazzle them with brilliance or my good looks, then I suppose I could riddle their faces in with a few good punches, right?"

All bravado, little in regards to backing it up. But, if it meant to be a better officer and make his encounters with the barbaric senshi less humiliating, than Buddingtonite was willing to get his hands dirty. "Just... do try and remember that we're on the same side?"

Buddingtonite knew that he shouldn't have judged others by their appearance, but there were times where he had to make an exception. Such as now. Xenotime looked like the kind of person that could bench press a doubledecker bus and then proceed to beat an opponent to death with it if she wanted to, and he wasn't too keen on trading punches with her. If they connected, or when, he knew they'd hurt, and while he should have trusted that she'd hold back, there was a part of him that wondered if she could if things got too heated.

However, he tried not to let any of this doubt reflect on the outside, and upon her invitation, he tightened his already curled fists and gave the first blow. He aimed his first strike at her shoulder, not going for her face as it would have been a foolish move. No, he had no problems in striking females; a fair amount of them deserved to be struck repeatedly, especially when they donned a fuku and spouted nonsense at him. But striking Xenotime in the face?

Seemed like a bad move. He went for the safer route, the shoulder, and he gave it his all, even including a confident shout as he made his move. He may have been a lover and a pisspoor fighter, but that didn't mean he couldn't get into the act and try to have a little fun, even if it could end poorly for him.

He had hit with a little more force than he intended, and had he been able to read Xenotime's mind, he would have been disheartened to know that she wasn't all that impressed with his strength, not to mention embarrassed. He wasn't the strongest of fellows and he accepted this, but he still had an ego to account for, and how humiliating would that be to know that he couldn't even hurt another person when he was trying.

Thankfully, he was unaware of this, but he was also unprepared for the mirror strike, and he had a choice. Dodge or take the hit, and never wanting to take a hit for anyone or anything, Buddingtonite tried to retreat from the blow by stepping back and raising his arms as she suggested. Unfortunately, that caused him to shift his balance and he wasn't quick on the recovery part, and it didn't take long for him to lose his footing and go tumbling backwards and falling flat on his a** with an 'ooffa!'

He wasn't sure which one would bruise more, his posterior or his ego, but he knew that his face was likely as red as the rose on his shoulder. He spoke as though nothing happened, and he remained on the ground for awhile longer, just to see if she was willing to help him up. He knew he wouldn't beat her in a straight up fist fight, but perhaps he could try a different tactic. "I'm sorry, is dodging allowed?"

He may have had a bruised ego now, but he wasn't opposed to accepting her helping hand. With her help, he pulled himself back to his feet and dusted himself off. He wanted to continue to look his best despite his embarrassment, and if he didn't have his looks to fall back on, then what did he have? He bowed his head in thanks, and he made sure not a single ounce of disdain or bitterness could be heard in his sultry tone, though the feelings were still there. "Thank you. Much obliged."

He wasn't necessarily brushing off her advice, despite all appearances. He knew that she was giving him sound advice, and even though he was comfortable with the whole Infiltration Branch and his duties, he knew that he'd be forced into some hair raising situations. He didn't want to think it possible and he'd rather talk his way out of it, or run, but... he could not deny the truth in Xenotime's words. "I haven't been in this business for long but I've already sported much more bruises than I'd like. One of which from my own teammate."

He pointed to his neck but thankfully it was all but healed now. He fiddled with his cuffs again, making it unclear if he was taking her up on the offer to continue or simply looking for an excuse to back down. Though, he was intrigued at her suggestion and he much preferred that idea. "I rather like the idea of meeting at the gym. Less formal, less strength to be involved so that you don't hurt... we don't hurt one another. Sounds like a date?"

He meant that in more ways then one, and he was certain that she was smart enough to decipher it. Just in case, he flashed her a cheeky grin. For safe measure.