Around Town: March 1-4 & 7-12

[runs_on_batteries]

♥ Who: Tony and OTA
♥ Where: Varies
♥ When: Varies
♥ What: Tony working on random projects around town.
♥ Rating: PG-13 for language and general Tony irreverence/ rudeness/ and nudity! (It's a bath house?) If it gets worse, I promise to add warnings.

[ooc: Pick a date (or I'll pick one) and you can assume Tony's at one of these locations.]

[1. Affurgato] At different points of the day (at least between noon and 5 on Fridays through Sundays), Tony can be spotted at the cat café. He had his favorite corner booth where he could easily see most everyone who came in and keep an eye on them once they were there. He rotated back and forth between the soup and salad of the month depending on the temperature. Rio was the first cat he befriended but with each visit that included a quiet period of time working on some project on his tablet or reading, Harmony often joined him now.

Right now, the uniquely beautiful kitty sat like a happy loaf of bread taking up half the table, Tony paused between bites of his salad to run his hand along the feline's fur with a soft murmur of some kind of praise. He was absorbed in what he was reading, but clearly not enough to neglect his furry friend.


[2. A 'café' right outside the largest library.] The actual library was too quiet for Tony. He paced, he talked to Friday through his tablet, and most distracting of all, he played with holographic images and diagrams. So after trying that for an hour, he relocated to a cafe beside the library, at one of the tables on the patio. Even though the temperature was still slightly too cold to be comfortable, with his scarf and tea, he was fine. And by tea, it was actually hot water with a slice of pineapple in it. It wasn't too bad and it was warm, so he was drinking it anyway.

The current holographic image was that of the arena with various angles something could be fired from. The light blue image spins as he scratches his beard and studies it, deep in thought.


[3. Bath House] Because why the hell not? It had been chilly and rainy (this time just water rain) the last few days and who didn't love a nice relaxing evening at the spa?

Tony was stretched out comfortably in one of the hot spring pools with his flip flops and towel on a dry ledge within arms reach. Bare chested anyone could see the chain he wore around his neck with a tiny, black, skull charm on it. Only thing that would make this better was a pina colada.


[4. Wild Card] Tony can be found anywhere around town, whether he's out walking, shopping, or working on a project. He's at various VR cafes and often at Petals and Pages too. Bug him at your own risk!

*Adding one for reasons*
[5. 'Adult' Store] (Obvs CW: Sex stuff) He hadn't expected to really need this stuff so soon after arriving, but there were absolutely no complaints that he'd been wrong on this one! He strolled around the store amused and alarmed by some of the things the natives had come up with for their god's porn stars.

He picked up a bottle of lube that just didn't look right and turned it around in his hand. The clear bottle revealed a very worrisome color and texture. He walked up to the counter. "I don't know what this is, but I can guarantee it shouldn't go near someone's dick." He looks at it a little closer and then gives the native a frown. "Is this motor oil, you toaster reject?"

Comments

3

[callmegladio]

He'd heard about the bath house and he'd walked passed it a few times, but had never actually gone in. Until Tony had suggested it. With nothing better to do he'd agreed. A little relaxing couldn't hurt.

So there they sat, at opposite sides of the hot springs in one of the smaller pools. Gladio leaned back, head pillowed on a towel behind his head and sank down under the water to his neck. It was so damn good, he swore he could feel each and every single one of his muscles relaxing one after the other.

"Shoulda done this sooner..." He drawled lazily, eyes closed and grin wide.

Re: 3

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony had rested his head back and closed his eyes. "You probably wussed out because you didn't want someone to see your ten meter kielbasa and go screaming in terror," he answered with a mild tone as though he was simply remarking on the weather. He only managed to keep that up for a few moments though before he peeked at Gladio and snickered.

He folded his arms behind his head and sighed contently. His small, seashell bracelet being the only other thing he was wearing besides the necklace.

[callmegladio]

"I've no idea what that is, but fuck you anyway." Gladio replied in the same mild tone, though laughed a second later. He could guess what Tony was suggesting, but that wasn't it at all. Gladio wasn't embarrassed about his body at all. Maybe he could be selective of who saw it but not by much.

Like Tony, he wore nothing more than his own necklace. Not that anyone could really see anything below the water. And that was fine. He was just happy to be enjoying a relaxing soak in the almost too warm water.

[runs_on_batteries]

"It's a type of sausage," Tony explained needlessly. He might've continued, but he just grinned when he heard that laugh. He liked Gladio's laugh. It was always so genuine and deep.

He was content to soak in silence for a few more minutes before he opened his eyes again and scooted a bit closer. The rock he found this time was slightly higher, but it didn't take much effort to get comfortable again. "Alright, just for that.. put 'em up." He waved his hands. "Feet. I'm an expert at this."

[Wild card] Petals and Pages

[ancientflower]

Aerith had taken a liking to this little shop. She tended to split her attention between it, the botanical gardens and Valeo. They where her favourite places to be, mainly because of the flowers!

Of course the flowers here where tended to by several others, as well as herself, but she liked to keep an eye on them anyway. Plus the little shop was just... comfortable.

She was sat on a comfortable couch, legs tucked under her and a hot tea cupped between her hands. On her lap was a book. A strange book about constellations, it seemed. It was very pretty to look at at the very least.

Re: [Wild card] Petals and Pages

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony hadn't expected anyone to be here. It was something he was still getting used to here. He not only had privacy, but there were also public places he could be for extended periods of time and still be alone.

He came in today in a casual sweater and jeans outfit carrying a box. His eyebrows rose when he noticed someone else was there. He opened the lid of the box and came over to her. Inside were some iced carrot cake cookies. "Care for- Aerith, right?"

[ancientflower]

When the door opened Aerith looked up with a smile, then a cock of her head as she curiously watched the man look at her with surprise before deciding she was safe to approach. A small smile curved her lips, amused, and then delighted when the box the man held was opened to reveal cookies!

Her green eyed gaze lifted, her smile widening. "How quickly you forget, Mr Stark. But that's right! You're settling in well?" She removed a hand from her cup and gestured for him to sit with her.

Ainir 5-6: Closed to Gladio: CW- PTSD talk, very angry and running his mouth

[runs_on_batteries]

[Following this.]

It was late, after a really good day. Tony had gone back to his new study and doing a bit more organizing when his attention was drawn to Era's message. It had started off poorly and he almost got out of the rest, but somehow they got to the point he was really trying to help her. It was tough to deal with as all of his issues were stirred up.

The first sound that Tony was agitated would've been the pacing. However, he was in his study so that checked out. The sound of him getting sick a bit later was not, but the bathroom fan and the AC/DC music playing in his study might have covered even though. The roar of rage, litany of curses, and sound of glass shattering against a wall though.. that was unmistakable.

[callmegladio]

The pacing wasn't anything new. Nor was the music. Though Gladio thought he'd heard something else but he hadn't been entirely sure. Not until the shout and the sound of breaking glass.

Gladio was on his feet in an instant. The book he'd been reading was tossed onto the coffee table as he ran to the stairs and took them two at a time to get up them. He didn't know what the hell was going on or what had set Tony off but if it meant breaking more of their home he wasn't going to be best pleased.

"The hell's going on?" He called out before he'd even gotten to the door. When he reached that he pushed it open and paused at the threshold, not sure where the glass was for his bare feet.

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony felt dizzy from how fast he'd stood up along with all the emotions that were flooding his system. He was pale and had a very light dusting of sweat on his brow. One of their water glasses was in pieces under a mark on the freshly painted wall.

He looked up when Gladio opened the door, with an expression that rivaled the one from the last time he'd lost control of his temper. "Never- Never is that bitch allowed in this house or anywhere near me again. Ever! I don't know what sick game she's playing.." But he fell for it. He'd thought he was helping her. He thought he was sharing a vulnerable, personal truth and.. "And it's in writing!" He groaned, suddenly realizing what he just did. Oh he'd been so played!

[ 1 ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ If Tony has started to become an Affurgato regular of sorts lately, then he might be familiar at least with the presence of the server, a woman with pure white hair, pointed ears and distinct facial markings that are a little more pronounced than the ones Lup now sports. Due to being a little busier of late, she hasn't always had the time to speak much to him beyond seeing that his orders were served, though he often seemed distracted for her not to want to disturb him.

Still, when the café is less busy, Honerva does get around to checking on the cats and customers, and with cats on the table it's also important to make sure they aren't sneaking any bits of the meal, though at least she's subtle about that part. ]

... Greetings. Has all been to your liking today?

[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony knew something was off here. There was something he was missing, some other piece of this budget he neglecting. Hmm, but what if that's something else he could do? That's a business niche he could-

He looked up, momentarily startled to see a woman standing there for who knew how long. He blinked and he remembered where he was and what she'd said. Oh, right, this was that server he saw around here. He knew that.]

Besides your hours, your no loitering, and your no giving treats to the cats rule, this place is perfect.

[He chuckled.]

I'm kidding, this is a lovely place. How are you? Have you had any relief now that the replicators seem to be behaving again?

[shroudedsecrets]

I do not make the rules, though I must see to it that they are enforced.

[ She half shifts her arms in a light shrug, an amused lilting cadence to her tone. ]

Although it has gotten a little quieter, now that everyone is... expected to pay for our services once more. The need is not so pressing.

2

[silversoldier]

Sephiroth was on the way to one of his favorite places to return a few books when he caught sight of something interesting. It wasn't so much the technology that drew his attention. After all, he had practically been raised in a laboratory and made to fight all manner of simulated monsters in ShinRa's advanced VR training rooms. Rather, it was the location that intrigued him and this man's focus on it.

Sephiroth approached him and, without asking or being invited, took the opposite seat in the casual way only those with true confidence and the strength to back it up can muster. Sephiroth's green, cat-like eyes emitted a soft and otherworldly glow. He cooly appraised the the schematic in front of him and then the man behind it.

"What is your interest in The Arena?" he asked, without preamble. He had his books settled in his lap--some light reading on the robots--and his miles of long, silver hair draped forgotten across the back of the seat. As usual, Sephiroth wore his SOLDIER uniform.

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony was reaching up to expand one particular area when he abruptly had a guest at the table. He tilted his head and did exactly what the other man was doing- assessing him.

Even though he was asked one question, he decided he had one of his own that was more pressing. "While I can appreciate the aesthetic- it's very dramatic-, doesn't the gap in the front make the cloak rather pointless? I'm a fan of the glowing eyes bit with the silver."

[silversoldier]

Sephiroth blinked once, slowly, at the unexpected ramble about his appearance directed his way. It recalled to mind the various and sundry times he had been used as an ornament at ShinRa functions. Sephiroth loathed his fame, the PR, parties, and most especially his self-dubbed fan club. He had nothing to prove and didn't care for the attention nor understand it. Like now. Why was this man fixating on his appearance? Unless this was one of those social cues he didn't know what to do with.

Sephiroth surmised this was likely the case and responded with a simple, "the cold doesn't bother me." He ignored absolutely everything else as irrelevant and directed his attention to The Arena, all this without a change in tone or expression.

2/wildcard later

[iustaegis]

[ She had been making her way to the VR cafe for preparation of their VR-game building together, having decided to go there half an hour earlier to prepare, but as luck would have it she spots someone familiar on the way. ]

Tony...?

[ Her gaze shifts from him to the hologram display. Just what is he building. Is that an arena..?

She approaches the table, smiling. She speaks fondly, ] Your mind doesn't quit, does it?

Re: 2/wildcard later

[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony's gaze shifts from the arena to Pyra and for a brief second he stares at her blankly. He'd had too many other things working in his mind that her presence seemed terribly out of context.

Fortunately that didn't last long and his expression broke into a bright smile. He got up and gave her a hug.]

Pyra, sweetie, what are you doing here?

[iustaegis]

[ The hug takes her by surprise, but she answers it with one of her own in return, and should he be amenable to it, she'll secure a hand-hold right after. ]

Oh, just on our the to the VR cafe... [ She says, absently, and then lifts upon her toes to try to peek over his shoulder to eye the hologram. ] What's that?

3

[the4united]

Despite the fact that there are often other people around, Devon can't help going to the bath house. The hot springs are amazing, and even though he's naturally drawn to water he finds himself wanting to visit this place more than any other. He makes his way confidently to the pool, thankful that here pretty much everything is a little bit wet so it's easy to find his way.

As he gets close to the water, a small stream eels it's way out of the pool, up over the edge, and across the stones before curling around Devon's ankle. The stream of water quickly twines its way up his leg. Devon snorts out a laugh.

"You really should stop that, you know. It's not like this is the first time you've met me."

He doesn't even consider the fact that other people in the bath might be able to hear his comment. It also doesn't occur to him that a normal person would figure he was talking to them and not the water.

Re: 3

[runs_on_batteries]

"Stop doing what?" Tony asked, pushing back the towel he'd had draped across his eyes. He just so happened to be in the pool next to the man who had spoken and as far as he could tell, no one else was around. Well, there might be some native over in the regular pool, but over here in the baths, Tony only saw the two of them.

He glanced up at the stranger, though he'd promptly look away again if the newcomer happened to be nude (like Tony was under the water).

[the4united]

Devon startled a bit and whipped his head around to face Tony. There might have been a very small blush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks, although that could also been the heat...

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound rude. It wasn't even about you. I was talking to..." Well, this was going to sound weird, but there was nothing he could do about it now. "the water."

Did that make him sound like a liar now?

1. Feel free to chose whatever date works best for you!

[pinkxeno]

[ She should be patrolling, and she has patrolled for a bit, but if Mina finds the cat café and can't help herself. Just five minutes will be fine, right? So she enteres the shop, waving at the patrons excitedly, and reaches for the first cat that comes to meet her. Like the excited girl she is, Mina picks it up, nuzzles it and keeps it cuddled in her arms.

And then she spots Tony. Since it's someone she recognizes, she comes closer with a big grin ]

Hello! You like cats too, uh? [ obviously, otherwise he wouldn't be here ]

[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony looked up from what he was reading and reached for his mug. Seeing who was greeting him, he smiled.]

Mina, how are you? Yes, so long as they're here and not at my house chewing on cords or knocking shit off my bookcases. You look very.. colorful today.

[Was colorful a compliment? He mostly meant it as one.]

[pinkxeno]

[ she will absolutely take that as a compliment ] Thank you! I designed it myself! [ obviously - all heroes kind of choose their own suits.

She moves the cat she has in her hands and pops it on her shoulder, letting it settle there ] I didn't have any pets back home either, I lived in the school dorms, but I'd like to have one, one day. If my hero work allows.

Say- have you been settling in okay? Any big discoveries? [ sorry, Tony, too Mina you are a genius, so she will always think about that a bit ]