This is Why You Don't Date Coworkers! - Take 1

[21:54] <~zoofman> Alright, so!
[21:55] <~zoofman> Chase lucked out and just happened to be in town when one of these things was happening, the meeting place appears to be The Mac Family Brewery on the border between the Historical and the North District at around 6 PM.
06[21:56] * Chase slips on over, curious to see just what kind of people are here.
[21:57] <~zoofman> This happens to be on Wednesday, and the streets are a bit less crowded than you'd imagine, which is why you're suprised when...well, roll me acrobatics!
[21:58] <Chase> 2d6-1 aaaaaah
[21:58] <DiceMaid-9001> Chase, aaaaaah: 3 [2d6=1,3]
[21:58] <~zoofman> FWAM!
[21:59] <Chase> "Oh shit, wha-?"
[21:59] <~zoofman> Some chick rounds a corner way faster than she should be running and practically runs you over!  She trips up and falls herself a few feet from you.  The Pikachu clinging to her shoulders spills off as well.  "Damn it!"
06[22:01] * Chase stumbles backwards a couple of feet, trying to keep his balance, and fails, landing on his ass with an 'ow'. He blinks a couple of times at the chick and shakes his head, pushing himself to his feet. "Hey, you okay?" he asks, offering a hand.
[22:03] <~zoofman> She slowly sits up, rubbing her elbow. "Sorry sorry sorry - I should be asked you that!" She takes your hand and gets up.  Her Pikachu facepalms and hops back on her shoulders.
[22:04] <Chase> "Eh, it's fine." he shrugs it off with a grin. "It happens. You in a hurry?"
[22:04] <Chase> What's she look like?
[22:05] <~zoofman> She looks slightly older than Rosetta.  Brown hair, a caramel skin complexion.  Her clothing isn't odd to -you-.  A Combee and Cambria t-shirt, plaid skirt, black boots and a spike studded armlet and belt.  She has a black leather messenger bag rather than a purse.
[22:06] <~zoofman> "Sorta!  Yes!  I think I'm gonna be late at this rate." She says with a nervous smile.
[22:08] <~zoofman> Her PIkachu is sorta odd too but you can't put a word on why quite yet.
06[22:08] * Chase nods once, then twice, then thinks, checking his watch. "Yeah, I better hurry, too. I was just heading to the Brewery."
[22:09] <~zoofman> "Brewery? Which Brewery?" She hops in place a bit, not entirely unlike what Rosetta does.
[22:11] <Chase> "Mac Family's... There's a Singles Mingle there tonight, thought I'd check it out. Waaait... is that where you're off to, too?" he asks, after a moment.
[22:13] <~zoofman> She beems and nods. "Yup yup!  Do you know the way?  Mind if I follow?  My name is Alice by the way what's yours?" :D
[22:13] <~zoofman> Good word this girl talks fast.
[22:13] <Chase> "Chase! Sure, I'll walk you." He smiles. "This way."
[22:15] <~zoofman> The PIkachu just continues facepalming at this exchange.  She follows around right behind you. "Hi Chase!  So you're an Explorer huh?  Where from?  Who you travel with?"
05[22:18] <Chase> "Heh, Red Blade! Our team's new, but we're coming up fast. Besides me, we got three others, Rosetta, Saryx, and Genevieve. Rose is a really athletic girl with mystic powers, Saryx is a smith that trained over in Sandseeker, and Gen is a doctor from Thundercry. I'm a musician, an aura seer, too. And together we're the Zodiac Braves. How about you?"
[22:20] <~zoofman> "Hmmmm no one I know!  Me? Um." She pauses. "Gym Trainer! From Venomtalon.  We sorta count, get to come to things like this!"
[22:20] <Chase> "Oh, huh! I didn't realize that. That's cool. You enjoy your work?"
[22:20] <~zoofman> "Nope!" :D
[22:21] <~zoofman> "You're a musician? What do you play? What genre?" She circles around in front of you
[22:21] <~zoofman> This PIkachu is so sorry for all of this
[22:22] <~zoofman> Roll me perception btw
06[22:24] * Chase laughs. "I can play electric and acoustic guitar, I also do vocals. I ain't exactly with my band anymore, but we were all about rock with a hint of different genres. Panic! at the Ditto? They're traveling now too, so you might see them playing sometime, with me with them if I'm in the area too. Oh- and I've always wanted to learn the sax."
[22:24] <Chase> 2d6+1 Spending two action points
[22:24] <DiceMaid-9001> Chase, Spending two action points: 5 [2d6=1,3]
[22:24] <~zoofman> This Pikachu has TWO pairs of ears? what
06[22:25] * Chase notices, but decides to wait on her response before commenting.
06[22:27] * Chase also makes sure they're going the right way.
[22:27] <~zoofman> "Guitar! Me too! Panic! at the Ditto? Haven't heard anything from you, sorry.  Sounds avante garde though! Kickass! Will try to!"
[22:27] <~zoofman> You luck out, you can see the place.
[22:31] <Chase> "You play, too? I wouldn't mind hearing, sometime. Oh,. heyy - that's the place up ahead." He decides to leave the pikachu issue alone for now.
[22:32] <Chase> "Who knows?" he laughs. "Maybe we'll get to know each other better." He jogs on ahead.
[22:32] <~zoofman> "Oh hey! Race ya in!" VWWOOOOOM. Oh god no wonder she ran into you, this girl's quicker than Shawyun.
[22:32] <Chase> "Aw shit, wha-?"
06[22:33] * Chase is so out of shape. ;-;
[22:33] <Chase> But he tries!
[22:34] <~zoofman> The place is a pretty cool looking building! Lots of cast iron, wood, old photos dating all the way back to the original Ivyhollow, a few pool tables near the rear...and a few people at the bar already.
[22:35] <Chase> "Classy." he says, making his way in.
[22:36] <~zoofman> Alice is already chatting some really buff guy with long hair and a goatee who seems to be drinking out of a pitcher.  Next to him is a rather athletic, hispanic blond girl.  There's a few others you don't recognize as well, but...
[22:37] <~zoofman> Near the end of the bar you see Biggy Lils sitting next to a red haired woman with a large hat and glasses.
06[22:39] * Chase has to hold back his amusement, and approaches the two. "Is this seat taken?" he asks with a smile.
06[22:40] * Lilith has clearly had a drink or two. Buzzed, but not drunk.
[22:40] <~zoofman> (I think he's asking you that, Break)
[22:40] <Lilith> ".....yyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaahno I don't think it is."
[22:41] <~zoofman> The glasses girl looks over. "Uhm. Hello." Roll me intuition.
[22:41] <Chase> 4d6+2
[22:41] <DiceMaid-9001> Chase, 4d6+2: 20 [4d6=4,5,6,3]
[22:41] <~zoofman> Her expression is so easy to read 'oh thank god she's LOSING IT'
[22:42] <Lilith> "Sssssssso I was saying about BLONDIE."
[22:42] <~zoofman> "Uhm. Yes, you were - I am Scarlet by the way -" She extends a hand to you, Chase.
[22:42] <Lilith> "She has the cojojojojones to tell me I should study something more prrrrractical."
[22:42] <Lilith> "And I'm like."
[22:42] <Lilith> "Cindy."
[22:42] <Lilith> "You double bitch."
[22:42] <Lilith> "You fuckin' studied mythology of all things."
[22:43] <Lilith> "Just because you got all the looks and got lucky in the League doesn't mean you can rub it in."
[22:44] <Lilith> "Blondie didn't even pass calculus in college. -Calculus-."
[22:44] <Lilith> "Makes me wonder who the hell she had to screw to be Champion." She takes another heavy swig.
[22:45] <Lilith> "Ffffffuckin' tells ME to be practical."
[22:45] <~zoofman> Scarlet just laughs awkwardly.
[22:45] <~zoofman> Oh god this is THE WORST
06[22:45] * Chase has a seat, then, ordering a drink, then reaches over to shake her hand. "Chase. Nice meeting you." he glances at Lilith with a bit of a bemused expression.
[22:46] <~zoofman> "Are you not from around here?  I have only been to these events on White Chord so every now and then a new face pops up," She desperately tries to change the subject.
06[22:47] * Lilith 's forehead thumps against the counter, but she holds up her mug blindly. "Gauss. Beeeeeeeer me."
[22:48] <Chase> "Red Blade City. Our team is actually kind of new, but I've already met Dr. Vai." He just looks at her behind Lil's back and mouths "Is this usual".
[22:49] <~zoofman> The Drifblim patpats its master and requests a new beverage from the bartender.  Scarlet mouths "EVERY. TIME." ;-;
[22:50] <Chase> "I came here during college, but funny how you look at a place different once you've been in an Explorer Team... I can appreciate how back then I didn't have to wade through volcanic marshes for a few miles."
[22:51] <~zoofman> "Hm? Oh!  Yes, that'd make sense of course yeah.  Being new in general. Hehe..."
[22:52] <~zoofman> She nods. "I know what you mean.  I graduated from here as well.  Can't blame you about the marshes.  Dreadful. Ugh."
[22:52] <Chase> "Got to wade through a lot more shit from here, though." he laughs. "I better get used to it." he throws back a shot.
[22:52] <~zoofman> "It is sort of odd to think there were explorers all around us and we didn't really notice it - that was the big thing for me."
[22:53] <Chase> "Yeah, I know what you mean... this opened my eyes a lot about how our region works. Just what has to go into maintaining the quo, and how hard some people work to manage that."
[22:55] <Chase> "A few months ago I was playing my guitar in joints without even half the atmosphere of this place, not a goddamn care in the world."
[22:55] <Chase> "So what about you?" he asks Scarlet, glancing occasionally at the increasingly drunken Lil.
[22:56] <~zoofman> "I'm actually a private breeder.  Was in town this week to try to gather some new stock.  Didn't have much luck though." She sips her drink, which you think is a Orange Island Ice Tea.
[22:57] <~zoofman> "You being here means you have an Artillery Badge - if any of you chose the eggs, well, that's my work."
[22:57] <Chase> "I can't imagine how many guys try to toss pickup lines at you because of that."
06[22:58] * Lilith doesn't even look up, but actually tries to hold on to a legitimate conversation. "Everything going well with the stock?"
[22:58] <Chase> "Oh, I went for the new TM they're developing, but a couple of my teammates did grab eggs. Really impressive work."
06[22:58] * Lilith feels better now, having ranted about familial issues.
[22:59] <~zoofman> She nearly coughs her drink up with a laugh.  "Hehe...yeah it can get pretty crude."
[23:00] <~zoofman> To address Lil, she eh's.  "It's really cut throat at the moment.  Specially because it's approaching Spring, House Fauxicore is snatching up every cat and dog they can.  Honestly if I -did- get any canines or felines i probably would have just pawned it off to them anyway..."
[23:01] <Lilith> "Pffffft. Let me know if you need anything."
[23:01] <Lilith> Thump.
[23:01] <~zoofman> She looks back to Chase. "Lillith and I know each other from her work regarding trying to establish Safari Zones, and...well, we're the primary source of Pokemon trainers have in this region.  And that's really weird in today's world."
[23:02] <Chase> "Yeah, I see how that might get stressful... "
[23:02] <~zoofman> "It's like day trading with puppies."
[23:04] <Chase> "You might be responsible for Haydn, then, too. When I decided to become an Explorer, I got a Timburr from General Myers that had been bred pretty well."
06[23:04] * Chase nods.
[23:05] <~zoofman> "But outside of that it isn't bad ; the parents are my own caught and trained anyway, and most the young are sold off while still eggs.  And hatched ones go fast anyway.  Having lots of little babies around is always fun."
[23:05] <~zoofman> She shakes her head.  "I specialize in fire types, so I'm afraid not."
[23:06] <~zoofman> Scarlet nods to the blond woman watching Alice talk this guy up.  The blond seems hella amused by this.  "She might be able to tell you where he came from.  Fighting Types tend to come from her neck of the woods."
[23:07] <Chase> "Oh? Well... I don't think I'm selling any of my pokemon, but if you're interested in fire types, I might can let you borrow one of mine." he holds up his Artillery Ball. "Not really sure how viable FOVs are on the breeding market..."
[23:08] <~zoofman> "Uhm."
[23:08] <Chase> "You'd probably -have- to buy him, huh? No nearby facilities?" he says, after a moment.
[23:08] <~zoofman> She fidgets a bit. "Very.  Some of the older families in the business have made it the way it is at the moment from spreading those genes down from generation to generation."
[23:09] <~zoofman> "And yes, legally I can't unless he is registered to me."
[23:09] <~zoofman> "Well, that or immediate family, that is."
06[23:09] * Chase nods. "That's a shame. I don't think I can let go of Brahms."
[23:10] <~zoofman> "The League wants to try to cut down on our business some, and also encourage more capturing to attract foreign trainers.  It's an odd transition phase..."
[23:11] <~zoofman> "I'm sure Lilith has told you about it when she's, uh, not indisposed."
[23:11] <~zoofman> She nods. "I can't blame you, nor would I expect you to.  To be honest not many people -do- just sell off Pokemon they've raised or caught nowadays."
06[23:11] * Chase pockets the Artillery Ball again after a moment. "We've only known each other a few days, actually. And uh, I'm not exactly the best person to discuss economics with." he laughs. "I'm more behavioral science."
[23:12] <~zoofman> She pht's.  "I would like to think I am as well.  Or was until I realized how tied up this industry is at the moment."
[23:13] <Chase> "You think so?"
[23:14] <~zoofman> "It used to be the largest source of Explorers leaving the Guild was death.  Nowadays it's because it's better money elsewhere.  Can't really blame them.  It's often a thankless job."
[23:15] <~zoofman> Around this time Alice poofs over next to Lilith. "Hi!" :D
[23:15] <Lilith> ".....herrow."
[23:15] <Lilith> Thump.
[23:15] <Chase> "Oh, hey Alice."
[23:16] <~zoofman> "Mr. Tempest and Miss Hernandez said you needed a hug!"
[23:16] <Lilith> "Who."
[23:16] <~zoofman> She hugs the shit out of Lilith~
06[23:16] * Chase pffffffs-
[23:16] <Lilith> "....fffffffffffffffffffuuuuank you."
[23:16] <~zoofman> The Pikachu patpats as well
06[23:16] * Lilith looks up.
[23:16] <~zoofman> Scarlet can't contain a laugh as well.
[23:17] <~zoofman> The tall man muscular man is just watching emotionously.  The blond is laughing.
[23:17] <~zoofman> -one of those mans
[23:17] <Chase> "If that's the case, maybe you should hook up with Thomas." he teases Lil.
[23:17] <Lilith> "I am so pathetic that I need to rely on HUG CHARITY for my sense of self-worth."
[23:18] <Chase> "I'm actually -surprised- someone like you doesn't have men wrapped around her fingers."
[23:18] <~zoofman> Alice doesn't really seem to get what she did wrong, just keeps smiling.
[23:19] <Lilith> "Three dates in the past mmmmonth did not go so well."
[23:19] <Lilith> "First and last, every time."
06[23:20] * Chase just shakes his head sympathetically.
[23:20] <~zoofman> Alice: "Wow that sucks!  Don't give up though!" Another hug.
[23:21] <~zoofman> Scarlet just siiiiiips.
06[23:21] * Chase leans back towards Alice. "She really does need those."
[23:23] <Chase> "Speaking of." he has another shot, only his second, actually. He's fairly slow on the drinks. "Let's not forget what these meetups are about... This may be a bit forward, but I'm curious, ladies, what are you looking for in a partner?"
[23:24] <~zoofman> Scarlet stirs her drink some with her straw.  "Hm. That is rather forward.  Why aren't you that forward, Lilith?"
[23:25] <Lilith> "BECAUSE EVERYONE HATES MATH"
[23:25] <Lilith> "I LIKE THINGS THAT EVERYONE HATES"
06[23:26] * Chase laughs. "Well, you're not gonna find much different here." he says. "I never was very good at math, but I had a look at your profile. Your publications look like interesting reads at least."
[23:27] <Lilith> "So you agree that Cindy is a dumbface?"
[23:27] <Chase> "I, uh..."
06[23:27] * Lilith looks up again. "Yeah, I know. Econ's fun stuff. A lot of people call it the dismal science for a reason."
[23:27] <Lilith> "I'm trying, though."
[23:27] <~zoofman> Scarlet then looks to you. "I've been looking to meet someone but my schedule has made it dificult - it's not terribly different than how your own is, I imagine."
[23:28] <Lilith> "Two jobs makes things hard."
[23:28] <~zoofman> She then answers Lilith. "I haven't ever met Cynthia, let alone seen her in person, Lilith.  How would I know?"
[23:28] <Chase> "We're not very busy at the moment, but that'll probably change soon enough."
06[23:29] * Chase glances at Alice, expecting a response from her, too.
[23:29] <~zoofman> Alice jumps in place some.  "I've been looking for a partner! I think I'm too young for this crowd though!"
[23:29] <~zoofman> It's worth noting she's had like
[23:29] <Lilith> "I"M OLD"
[23:29] <~zoofman> three redbull vodka things
[23:29] <~zoofman> in the time you've been here
[23:29] <Lilith> "SO ANCIENT"
[23:29] <Lilith> "PRACTICALLY RELICANTH-TIER"
06[23:29] * Lilith thump.
[23:30] <~zoofman> Alice: "It's okay my dad left my mom and she has tons of men chasing her! And she's waaaay older than you miss!"
06[23:30] * Chase gives Lilith an awkward, semi-comforting pat.
[23:31] <Chase> "I don't mind older women myself, but I'm still pretty young... 23. "
06[23:31] * Lilith looks back up, and actually decides to scan the crowd for once.
[23:32] <Lilith> "I have the terrible feeling that I should be looking for men with grey hair."
[23:32] <~zoofman> Alice: "Besides Mr. Tempest thinks I'm annoying and Chase probably likes miss Scarlet more!" :D
[23:32] <~zoofman> Scarlet blushes some at this. "Mr. Tempest." shrugs.
[23:34] <Chase> "Scarlet's an interesting lady, but I bet you prefer something a bit more solid." he says to her. "I'll be honest,  I'm not entirely sure how comittal I'm feeling just yet, myself."
[23:34] <~zoofman> HRRRRM Biggy Lils! Do you have stats yet at all ? :O
[23:36] <~zoofman> Scarlet deflates a bit. "I understand.  And...yeah that's probably true."
[23:36] <Lilith> 4d6+2
[23:36] <DiceMaid-9001> Lilith, 4d6+2: 15 [4d6=5,1,1,6]
[23:37] <~zoofman> Well, aside from Chase...
[23:38] <Lilith> "....fuggit. Should I talk to Mr. Tempest?"
[23:38] <~zoofman> There's also Mr. Tempest, a black guy with a robotic arm at the other end of the bar you don't recognize chatting up some white guy, and...
[23:38] <~zoofman> You see a guy in a suit and Rapidash mask sitting at a table in the corner, he slowly takes a sip of his drink, eyes locked at you.
[23:38] <Lilith> "....aw HELL naw."
[23:39] <Lilith> Whatever she just saw, it instantly sobered her up.
[23:39] <~zoofman> it's gone a second later.
[23:39] <~zoofman> well that was weird.
[23:39] <Chase>  "I'm sorry, you're a charming woman, though. Best of luck in finding someone. I'll mention you around friends if you like."
[23:40] <~zoofman> She nods slowly, seems she's maybe used to this.
05[23:40] <Chase> Not that he knows too many people that qualify for coming here, aside from Saryx, and oh god that wouldn't end well.
[23:40] <~zoofman> Alice gives her an apologetic hug too and a PIkachu patpat.
06[23:41] * Chase winces, feeling just a bit bad.
[23:42] <Chase> But he brushes it off, after a moment. "Can I buy you a drink, Alice?"
[23:43] <Lilith> "....then again, he seems to be happy with Rocket Tits there."
[23:43] <~zoofman> Alice: "Huuh? Okay!"
[23:44] <~zoofman> Alice: "But Mr. Tempest isn't with a robot, Miss Biggy!"
[23:44] <Chase> He gestures for her to have a seat nearby.
[23:44] <Lilith> "....Miss....Biggie."
[23:44] <Lilith> "That is not cool."
[23:44] <~zoofman> Alice plops down. "Yeah the horseman said to call you that!"
[23:44] <Lilith> "And you just reminded me that I'm a Miss."
[23:44] <Chase> "Hey, Dr. Vai. ...Lillith? You care if I call you Lillith?"
[23:45] <Lilith> "....he sent you, too?"
[23:45] <Lilith> "Lil, Lili, Lilith, I've been called it all."
[23:45] <Chase> "What do -you- want to be called?"
[23:45] <Lilith> "I don't mind."
[23:45] <Lilith> "...."
[23:45] <~zoofman> Alice: "No he just said to call you Biggy!"
[23:45] <Lilith> "Right now."
[23:45] <Lilith> "Definitely not Biggie."
[23:45] <Lilith> "Right now I just want to be called beautiful."
[23:45] <Chase> "Well, in any case, let me give you a bit of advice from a guy who knows, okay?"
[23:45] <~zoofman> Alice: "Okay Lilly!"
[23:46] <Chase> "Guys may talk about how they like bigger chests but deep down it doesn't actually matter that much. You gotta have a bit more confidence."
06[23:48] * Chase orders a Dragon Rage for Alice.
[23:48] <~zoofman> Scarlet sits quietly for a bit then calls the bartender over, closes her tab and stands to leave.  "I think I'm going to go ahead and catch the next train home...Lilith, I'll see you at the next assembly on Non-Catch Regulations.  Alice, Chase, a pleasure..." she waves a bit and heads out.
[23:48] <Chase> "...Man, now I feel kinda bad."
[23:48] <Lilith> "Sure, hon. Give me a call if you need more analysis."
[23:49] <~zoofman> Alice examines this drink, not sure what's in it. "Yeah that was pretty brutal!"
[23:49] <~zoofman> "She's probably gonna cry herself to sleep tonight!"
[23:50] <Chase> No wonder these two are friends.
[23:50] <Chase> I have no idea what a Dragon Rage is, either! But it's probably big and angry.
06[23:52] * Chase turns his attention to the younger woman. "So, Alice... You seem pretty energetic. Is this your first time to a mingle?" he asks.
[23:52] <~zoofman> She takes a sip of it. "Oh! It's Haxorus Piss, Monster and Simple Sryup!" Chugchugchug...
[23:52] <~zoofman> She starts jitttering in her seat.
[23:53] <~zoofman> The Pikachu is not amused.
06[23:53] * Chase orders one for himself as well. "Yeah, they're a kick." he grins.
[23:53] <~zoofman> It just shakes its double ears
[23:56] <Chase> He glances at the pikachu. <This is a bad idea, isn't it?> he auras silently to it. Oh well, he made his bed, now he's going to sleep in it.
[23:57] <Chase> He waits on Alice to answer his other question, though.
[23:58] <~zoofman> (oh sorry I missed the question)
[23:58] <~zoofman> Alice: "Yup!  I ran all the way here from Venomtalon to make it."
[23:58] <~zoofman> Alice: "Had to sneak on a boat in Darkfeather!  Not sure how I'm gonna get back..."
[23:58] <~zoofman> The Pikachu laughs. <ha. ha. ha. ha.  kid you're asking for BIG TROUBLE.>
[23:59] <~zoofman> Well if your aura sight is on, Chase, roll me Focus.
[23:59] <Chase> 3d6+4 and here go my other two AP
[23:59] <DiceMaid-9001> Chase, and here go my other two AP: 10 [3d6=2,3,1]
[00:00] <~zoofman> You pass out on the spot.
[00:00] <Chase> (Gee, thanks, Dicemaid)
06[00:00] * Lilith sighs, and checks her phone to make a post.
[00:00] <~zoofman> Alice seems very confused, shake shake...
[00:01] <Lilith> She notices the new Zodiac Braves page, and posts to it.
[00:01] <Lilith> "Welp."
[00:01] <~zoofman> "Hey! Thor! Can you zap him up?"
[00:01] <~zoofman> The Pikachu SIGHS, hops down, "Chu." ZAP!
[00:01] <Lilith> "Is that really necessary?"
[00:01] <~zoofman> Okay you're back awake now.
[00:01] <Lilith> "...."
[00:01] <Lilith> "Double welp."
[00:02] <Chase> "Ow, shit..." he rubs his eyes. "...that wasn't alcohol." He holds his head.
06[00:02] * Chase blinks a few times, adjusting his aura sight OFF in a bit of confusion.
[00:02] <Lilith> "Yeah, you've got some heavy eggs on you to down a mixed Haxorus Piss like that."
[00:02] <~zoofman> <Words of advice. Don't mix spirits and aura senses.> The Pikachu is staring at you for a bit.
[00:02] <~zoofman> Roll me perception again.
[00:03] <Chase> 2d6-1
[00:03] <DiceMaid-9001> Chase, 2d6-1: 5 [2d6=5,1]
[00:03] <~zoofman> This time around you notice it's not got a second set of ears, those are antennas.
[00:03] <~zoofman> It hops back on Alice's shoulders. Alice: "Are you okay?" D:
02[00:04] <Chase> <I got my senses FROM spirits, both the drink and the ghost kind. Still, though, ugh...> He shakes his head. "Yeah, sorry, I'm fine." he laughs it off.
[00:05] <~zoofman> Alice: "You should probably cut back some!  Won't they throw you out normally for that? Huh Beautiful?"
[00:05] <Lilith> "...."
[00:05] <~zoofman> That second part at Lilith.
[00:05] <Lilith> "I give up."
[00:07] <Chase> "Just drank too much at once, I guess... like I said, it's got a kick." he plays it off, glancing at the Pikachu after a moment, then back at Alice. "I have to say though, that's a really interesting Pikachu. Are those antenna?"
[00:07] <~zoofman> She picks him up off her head and holds him out. "Yup!"
[00:08] <~zoofman> Now that you look at him he's also got dragonfly wings, and the end of his tail seems to have a needle on it.  "Mom said he wasn't BUGGY enough so I fixed him!"
[00:09] <~zoofman> Buggychu: < I won't try to stop you, but I know what you're thinking.  It'll just end funnier to me. >
[00:10] <Chase> "Oh, you're one of those kinds of trainers... That's pretty awesome." <Man, now you've got me all -curious- and shit.>
[00:11] <~zoofman> "Uh huh!"
[00:11] <~zoofman> "Cool innit?"
[00:11] <Chase> He nods. "Bugs, huh? They suit you. Energetic and cute."
[00:12] <~zoofman> :O
[00:12] <~zoofman> "I've never had a boy call me cute before! Thank you!"
[00:13] <Lilith> "What do they usually call you?"
[00:13] <Chase> "What, really?"
[00:14] <~zoofman> "Uhm."
[00:16] <~zoofman> She starts counting off on her fingers. "Failure.  Incompetent.  Annoying.  An embarassment.  Worthless.  Crybaby..."
[00:16] <~zoofman> "...Yeah that's about it!" She nods :D
06[00:17] * Chase starts to think on it, and put two and two together, then thinks at the Pikachu. <She isn't here for romance, is she.>
[00:18] <~zoofman> <Oh. Oh. Go ahead. Ask her again.>
[00:20] <Chase> "Eh? Those don't seem to suit you. You came here in a hurry though, didn't you...? What were you hoping to find?"
[00:20] <~zoofman> Alice: "I'm looking for a partner!"
06[00:21] * Chase leans forward, taking another sip of his drink. "Well, tell me more."
[00:22] <~zoofman> Alice: "My mother's a jerk and told me if I don't want her to keep calling the Rangers to find me and drag me back home every time I sneak out I'll need to have a partner!"
[00:23] <~zoofman> Alice: "The group's description said Explorers come to these to find partners!  And Explorers can travel freely!"
[00:23] <Chase> "...Aahhhaaa."
[00:23] <~zoofman> The PIkachu loses it.
[00:23] <~zoofman> It's cracking up, turning away and covering it's mouth.
06[00:23] * Chase has to laugh a bit too.
[00:24] <~zoofman> "Mr. Tempest and Miss Hernandez" start chuckling too, you think they heard this already.
[00:24] <Chase> "Sorry, Alice." he says in the middle of laughing. "But... I think we need to have a talk about what kind of partners they meant."
[00:24] <~zoofman> Alice starts to frown. "Why...are you laughing?  So you don't want to be my partner?"
[00:25] <Chase> "Just hear me out a sec, I'm not laughing -at- you."
06[00:25] * Lilith will ease up on the girl a bit, and scans the bar yet again.
[00:25] <~zoofman> Alice nods slowly.
[00:26] <~zoofman> Roll me perception, Lilith.
[00:26] <Chase> "It's just... these meetups are for Explorers to find -romantic- partners. Boyfriends, or girlfriends, or even something a bit more. I think your mom meant more of... a chaperone or something."
[00:27] <~zoofman> She seems less sad and more just...perplexed with herself. "Oh."
[00:28] <Chase> "Sorry, I think I got the wrong idea about you, earlier."
[00:28] <~zoofman> Alice: "So you turned down Miss Scarlet not because she can't travel much but because you don't want to mate with her." it's more blunt and slowly processing than anything.
[00:29] <Chase> "...oh, huh, you're actually sharper than I thought. No, it's not even that. It's more... I was looking for a bit of a more casual encounter and I think Scarlet was looking for a long term relationship."
06[00:29] * Chase blinkblink
[00:30] <Lilith> 4d6+2 leeeeer
[00:30] <DiceMaid-9001> Lilith, leeeeer: 13 [4d6=1,4,1,5]
[00:30] <Chase> "Pokemon are lucky, they don't really have much potential for relationship drama, I think."
[00:30] <~zoofman> Alice: "About me? And ... oh."
[00:31] <~zoofman> Down by the guy with the robot arm, you notice the white guy next to him is actually...  http://i.imgur.com/03NpW.jpg
[00:32] <~zoofman> Oh, and behind the bar you see the horseman staring at you again, drying off a bottle.
06[00:32] * Lilith leers back at Mister Horsemask. I see you, punk.
[00:33] <~zoofman> He throws down some ninja dust, and poofs.
[00:33] <~zoofman> No one seems to notice.
[00:33] <Chase> To the Pikachu he quietly says. <You saved me a -damn- good bit of embarassment. Thanks.>
[00:33] <Chase> "Yyeaaaaah."
[00:34] <~zoofman> Alice: "I thought that only happened in television and movies!  Huh... You thought I wanted to..."
[00:34] <~zoofman> Buggychu < Naw this isn't the funny part yet. >
[00:34] <Chase> "Yeah, I did. Sorry."
[00:37] <~zoofman> Alice blushes a lot. "Well.  Uh.  Hrm.  Well if you turned down Miss Scarlet then I bet you wouldn't be my partner even if I did! Zut."
[00:38] <~zoofman> Alice: "This will be tougher than I thought!  Oh I haven't asked those guys yet!" She points at Arnaldo and wobbles to her feet.
[00:39] <Chase> He laughs. "Good luck, Alice. Just uh, be more careful in the future. You're old enough to take control of your own life, that takes a good deal of-"
06[00:39] * Chase spittakes in the middle of drinking Dragon Rage.
[00:39] <Chase> "Arnaldo? The hell is he doing here? I thought he'd be rolling in women."
[00:40] <Chase> "That's uh, Captain Arnaldo of the Veilbeak Bastards." he says quietly. "I'm not entirely sure he's the kind of guy you're looking for either."
[00:40] <~zoofman> "Bye!" She starts over to talk with him and the guy next to him.  "Miss Hernandez" Is popcorning to this over a plate of fries. Mr. Tempest is. so confused.
[00:41] <~zoofman> Well, she turns as you say that. "So..."
[00:41] <~zoofman> "What do I do then?"
[00:41] <Chase> "Well..."
[00:41] <~zoofman> Miss Hernandez pounds the table and gives you a 'this woulda been so funny' glance
[00:42] <Lilith> "Maaaaaaan."
[00:42] <Lilith> "Well."
[00:42] <Lilith> "It could have been worse."
[00:44] <Chase> He thinks on it a bit. "You said you're a gym trainer, and you got here by yourself all the way from Venomtalon, you can obviously take care of yourself despite what other people've said about you. Personally, I think you're old enough to decide what to do with your own life.  But if you want to go exploring..." he thinks a bit.
[00:46] <~zoofman> Captain Arnaldo does actually walk down to this side of the bar after a bit. "Hey Violet-" he says as he passes.  He stops next to Lilith. Coughs. "Dr. Vai I believe?"
[00:47] <Lilith> "Oh. You've heard of me."
[00:47] <Lilith> "Or Mr. Tempest sent you over to laugh at me, too."
[00:47] <Chase> "Well, hell, I guess I could ask my team if they're okay with letting you come along for a bit. The responsible thing is probably escorting you back to Venomtalon, but I dunno when we're leaving the island. We're in the market for a boat, though, and we have reasons to stop by Light Isle anyway, so..." He adds. "Probably a few adventures to be had along the way, anyway."
[00:49] <Chase> "Why don't you just apply to be an explorer, though?"
[00:49] <~zoofman> "Pht. Have you talked with that guy at all? Don't think he knows what a joke IS.  But no - I've read your case study on the derelicts you're partnered with.  I gotta say my crew might be roughly ten times the size but I think you got the worst of it."
[00:50] <Chase> "Sup, Arnaldo." he says at the dude.
[00:50] <Lilith> "They work, though."
[00:50] <Lilith> "Difficulties are fine as long as they can be overcome."
[00:50] <Lilith> "....I was trying to make that sound profound. Shit. Can I try again?"
[00:51] <~zoofman> Alice considers this a bit but as she opens her mouth to speak...well let me respond to Lilith first.
[00:53] <~zoofman> Arnaldo: "Sounded plenty fine the first time to be honest.  Anyway, I have propisition for you."
[00:53] <Lilith> "Okay?"
[00:54] <~zoofman> Alice: "Well I've been -trying- to but I really don't know what I'm looking for! We don't have internet at -" twitch twitch.
[00:54] <~zoofman> Alice: "Ah crap." Pikachu <HERE IT COMMMMES>
[00:54] <Chase> "What?"
[00:56] <~zoofman> A freaky looking, larger than normal Heracross jumps through a nearby window, startling the staff and patrons.  It stomps over to Alice, picks her up, sticks her under one arm.
[00:56] <~zoofman> It looks over to the three of you. <You see nothing!> Alice: "Uh, by Mr. Chase! He's gonna drag me home now" :T
[00:57] <~zoofman> And back out the window it goes!
[00:57] <Chase> "Hey! Alice!" Holy shit, her mother must be relentless. He tries to get a last aura glimpse as they go!
[00:57] <~zoofman> Roll me focus again.
[00:57] <Chase> 3d6+2
[00:57] <DiceMaid-9001> Chase, 3d6+2: 11 [3d6=5,3,1]
[00:57] <~zoofman> Okay, this is weird to look at.
[00:58] <~zoofman> This Heracross seems to have a bubble around it, Alice and the Pikachu.  A sorta smokey grey bubble.  You can't see any of their auras within it.
[00:59] <Chase> "What the hell..." he says quietly as he walks to the window and stares.
[00:59] <~zoofman> It's already flying off but you can see her waving down to you :D
06[00:59] * Chase half-heartedly waves back, not sure what to think of all this shit.
[00:59] <Lilith> "One would -think- this would look shady as hell and call the Rangers."
[01:00] <Lilith> "Am I the only one who finds things jumping through the window to abduct women at all strange? No? Really?"
[01:00] <Chase> "...No kidding. She must be some VIP's daughter if she can scramble the rangers consistently to find her... that and that weird Heracross... I don't think it'll do much good to call the Rangers for this."
[01:01] <Chase> "Venomtalon, huh..."
[01:01] <~zoofman> Arnaldo just pauses for a second, then resumes conversation as normal. "Right. So I have this...thing I need to discuss with a woman of your intellect and expertise.  Preferably in private.  How about dinner next Thursday?"
[01:01] <Chase> "Well, I'm sure as hell going to look into this."
[01:01] <Lilith> "Depends on what you want to discuss, I suppose."
[01:02] <Chase> "Bartender, tab. I'll pay for the girl's too if she didn't. Not the window though, fuck if I know who's going to cover that."
[01:02] <Chase> He means the vodka red bulls, rather than the dragon rage he was already paying for.
[01:02] <~zoofman> The bartender is just sorta shocked. "Huh? Oh, alright.  Thank you, sir..."
06[01:04] * Chase pays for the drinks. "I'll see you later, doc, cap'n." he waves at Lil and Arnaldo, and starts to head out, in a bit of a sour and brooding mood.
[01:05] <~zoofman> He gets that ready for you as Arnaldo thinks a bit on how to phrase this. "Okay so stay with me here cause I'm trying to keep that element mystery but it's a fair question."
[01:07] <Chase> "People are goddamn crazy these days..."
[01:08] <Chase> "Maybe I -should- look for a steady relationship at this rate." he mutters to himself as he leaves.
[01:09] <Lilith> "Alright."
02[01:10] <~zoofman> "Primarily I wanted to talk money and such but seeing as we're both at this sort of event why not a date too.  There. I said it."
[01:10] <Lilith> "Talking money on a date usually isn't such a good idea."
[01:11] <Lilith> "Usually comes off wrong and such-like."
[01:12] <~zoofman> He scratches his head. "But you're an economist."
[01:14] <Lilith> "Economics isn't aways about money. Plus it's just tacky."
[01:15] <Lilith> "It'd mostly come down to being pushy about how others spend their money and why how I would spend it is so much better. It's not just good dinner talk."
[01:15] <Lilith> "Or having more or less of it, either. Blegh."
[01:16] <~zoofman> "Hah."
[01:16] <~zoofman> "That thing about spending other people's money. Hahahaha."
[01:16] <~zoofman> "I '." Cheesy toothy grin.
[01:16] <~zoofman> (I'm liking you more by the minute)
06[01:17] * Lilith raises an eyebrow.
[01:17] <Lilith> "That, and the talk about money came up before the talk about dates."
[01:19] <~zoofman> "I make a living out of spending other people's money better than they would, after all.  It just struck me as funny."
[01:20] <Lilith> "In what sense?"
[01:21] <Lilith> "Also this sounds pretty shady. Double-shady."
[01:21] <Lilith> "It's like being shady, except there's two of it."
[01:21] <~zoofman> "Well, my crew ARE pirates, after all, on paper.  Though the details are less murky than you probably imagine."
[01:26] <~zoofman> "Anyway, apologies for taking your time with these trifles.  G'day, miss, and good luck dealing with the horsedemonthing that seems to be stalking you." He turns to head back to the other side of the bar.
[01:27] <Lilith> "No problem. I might see you later, Arnaldo."
06[01:27] * Lilith looks over at Gauss. "It's probably a good time for us to leave, too," she says, opening up her wallet.
[01:27] <Lilith> "Unless you see any other interesting guys."
[01:27] <Lilith> "..."
[01:28] <~zoofman> Gauss is staring at you so hard
[01:28] <Lilith> "Would you even know of the right kind of interesting guy? Is this something Drifloons even think about?"
[01:28] <Lilith> "GAUSS YOU ARE HOLDING OUT ON ME AREN'T YOU"
[01:28] <~zoofman> God he just wants to
[01:28] <~zoofman> strangle you
[01:28] <~zoofman> but he can't he loves you
[01:28] <Lilith> "....do you need a hug?"
[01:29] <~zoofman> group hug :3
06[01:29] * Lilith hugs the balloongoast. :3
06[01:29] * Lilith pays for her drinks. "Alright, then. I think I've got some of your favorite hot cocoa mix left."
[01:29] <Lilith> "Assuming Masque de Horse didn't find it and mix it into his protien shakes or something."
[01:30] <Lilith> "Seriously, those things are just -vile-."
[01:30] <Lilith> "But hey, putting up with my shit is at -least- worth cocoa."
[01:30] <Lilith> "Sound good?"
[01:30] <~zoofman> Gauss nods and floats along~
[01:31] <Lilith> "MILK-DERIVED ENJOYMENT IS GO"
[01:31] <Lilith> And they're gone.
[01:31] <~zoofman> Little does she notice the man in the suit and horse mask in the corner of the bar...sipping...1,1 her O.J. still.
[01:31] <~zoofman> (/mini)
[01:33] <Lilith> (AW HELL NAW)