Kittens! (invited ones first)

[Alexandrea]

Alexandrea watched as her friend and the as yet unnamed offspring of Ginny got better acquainted and smiled when Alanoth agreed to being "Uncle Al". He seemed sad however, and Alexandrea wondered who the last kitten would be going home with. Perhaps it no one else came, Alanoth might step forward?

He seemed distracted when Charlie introduced herself so Alex grinned and stepped in. "I'm sorry, I should have introduced you two! Charlie, this is my friend. Alanoth. He also works for me as a driver on occasion." Alex took the kitten back, which promptly crawled out of her hands and back up to her shoulder. "And Alanoth, this is Charlie, she is my friend and we.. work together on some things sometimes." She gave the other woman a wink. This was no place to be bringing up the fifth column. Taking a step back in hopes the two would shake hands.

Zodiac came over soon after and once the paperwork was handed over, spoke to them in their minds and then gave the two kittens a little love. Her phone went off and the busy woman seemed mildly annoyed but took it with good humor, leaving the three alone again with the two baby cats.

"Alanoth, would you mind if I offer Charlie a ride with us? That is, unless you have a car of your own, Charlie? Would be nice to catch up with you both."

[CharlotteC]

Charlie looked up at the sound of Alex's voice, she was stepping in to actually call forth the fact that she had tried to introduce herself earlier and Charlie was happy for the help. She stood up as she looked between to two of them and nodded to Alanoth "That's quite an interesting name." She said softly in a polite tone before she looked back at Alex as she mentioned that they 'worked' together. It was a good way to say it because they did have their times where they were working together for a common purpose. She sighed a little and glanced around the area, she didn't want to give people a reason to attack her again so she made sure to keep as quiet as possible whenever she said certain things. Still she offered her hand to him once again for him to shake should he want to do such.

Then she looked back at Alex and her kitten with a smile, it was something that she would like as well. "If it's alright with your friend, I would love to catch up. Though I do have my car outside, but I can just lock it up and pick it up later." She said as she continued to pet her own kitten, petting his little back gently as she looked around at those that were still there for a moment. Then she looked at Alex once more and smiled "Do you know what you're going to name him?" She asked as she reached her free hand out to pet her kitten for a moment and then returned to petting her own.

When it came to what she wanted to name her own kitten, she had to think about it, there were several names that she wanted to use, from ones as well known as 'Salem' to other ones that seemed to fit her more Hacker personality like 'Bit' or 'Tron' or 'Neo', had she been left with a girl she would have done 'Trinity' or 'Selena' but since she happily got a boy she had a few more names to think about. There were, after all a lot of names to choose from. She would probably go through all of them and see which one the kitten responded best too, since she heard that was a good way to go about naming animals.

[Alanoth (DELETED 1528)]

Alanoth had begun to daydream again while standing there aimlessly, and his daydreaming didn't improve his mood whatsoever. He had dreamed of seeing Alex, Octavia, Keara, Corin, Angele...everyone he had ever cared about laying dead, or being set upon by Hunters. In both cases, he was completely helpless, unable to do more than watch them in agony.

He snapped out of it due to Zodiac's mental intrusion, and it took awhile, but he finally remembered where he was and why. Before Alex or Charlie could notice, he wiped at his eyes, producing watery tears. then he put on a small smile and inclined his head in a half bow at Alex's request. "You're the boss, if you want her to come along, then by all means she can. We have more than enough space in the Bentley."

[Alexandrea]

"No idea what her name will be yet" Alexandrea said grinning to Charlie as she loosened the kitten from the tangle her hair had become and set her gently into the pet taxi, placing the papers inside with her. "I am sure she will let me know."

Alanoth seemed sad but had agreed as had Charlie, that all of them riding together would be alright. Alex looked at the last kitten and hoped that it would find a good home but just in case, she sent to Zodiac;s mind. *If the last little one needs a home? I know someone who I think could use some four legged furry love.*

"Shall we go then?" She didn't wait for an answer after addressing her two friends, she just picked up the pet carrier and headed for the door. Turning around with her hand on the handle, she called back out her farewells.

"Thank you again, Zo. And Ginny. And it was good to see everyone. Ten percent off of everything at Quartermaine Custom Creations until the end of the year for anyone who comes in and says, 'Ginny sent me' !"

[Zodiac]

She returned with the papers for Jesse and offered him the folder. The remaining male perched on her shoulder looking about-wondering what was going on with all the activity around them.

"If you decide to have her checked on by a vet, these showed she got a good start before you took her, so there should be no problems." She smiled and inclined her head. "I think the two of you will get along very well together. Between her and the one Doc selected, I am sure they will keep Velveteen on her toes as they get older." The idea of Vel being followed around by Ginny times 2 amused the girl. She reached out and gave the small girl some scratching behind her ears and nuzzled it.

Then the gypsy turned her attention to Alex and her group as they were leaving. "Hey! No fair making money off my Ginny." she teased as she waved good bye to them. "Enjoy them, love them. I am sure they will keep your extended existences from being boring. Blessings of the night to you all and thank you."

The crowd was vanishing now. A brief gathering of different views was now ending. Normally some of her guests would be trying to kill each other, but kittens put those feelings on hold for a moment. Sometimes that was the best anyone could hope for, she supposed. She walked by Ginny's 'throne' and dropped the one boy next to his momma and then flopped on the couch next to CC. Czesław turned his attention to her-almost as if daring her to try something funny.

"Don't even think it, you little furry sack of ****," She pointed a warning finger at the kitten, who at once batted at it. Zodiac could see him once he grew up stalking around Silks as if he owned the place and annoying customers he decided he didn't like.

[CharlotteC]

Charlie gave a little nod at Alex, it made sense in a way. She smiled to Alex as she watched her untangle the kitten and put it into the carrier with the papers. "That probably wasn't the best idea. "Dear, you may not want to keep the papers with the kitten, she may mistake it for her potty." She said quietly and then turned her attention onto the strong and silent guy beside her. He seemed upset about something but she wasn't in the right position or right to ask about the whys of it. When Alanoth snapped out of it and mentioned that she was the boss and that he was fine with it, she smiled a little at them both.

She picked up her own carrier, feeling the kitten's weight shift as she waited by the door for them, her eyes going to Alex for a moment as she said goodbye to Zodiac and Ginny. "Indeed, Thank you for the kitten Zodiac, and thank you so much Ginny." She said in a soft, polite tone while silently thanking that nothing happened. A small part of her still didn't trust that the people could still come after her now that they knew who she was. Thankfully though, she was, for the most part, safe. She glanced around and then looked to Alex as she spoke about a clearance. Her brow lifted but she didn't say anything she just smirked and shook her head. "Thank you again." She said to Zodiac before waiting to follow Alex and Alanoth out of the apartment.

[Jesse Fforde]

I wonder, idly, what problem Velveteen has against cats. I make a promise to myself that I’ll take this little kid and go visit her, just to see how she’ll react. Zodiac hands me the papers and repeats what I suppose she’s probably said several times already this evening. That seems to conclude the business; she even goes so far as to bidding everyone goodbye. I take that as my cue – there’ll be no sitting around and chatting, then. No socialising. Just pick up your kitten and go.

That’s fine. I was never really one for meaningless socialising, anyway. Not really. Kind of.

I fold the papers and tuck them inside my jacket, cradling the black kitten in one hand while I do so. I then tuck her in against my chest as I zip the jacket up. She purrs and gives a soft meow; her claws, momentarily, stick into my chest. I give the smallest of smiles as I salute Zodiac goodbye, and exit onto the landing. I take the elevator down, and wander back to where I parked my bike. The kitten is warm against my chest.

When I’m settled on the back of the bike I make sure that there aren’t any gaps in the jacket through which the kitten might crawl. As soon as the bike roars to life beneath me, she sticks her claws into me again. And as soon as we’re on the streets and moving, she doesn’t move at all. Smart cat is smart.

At the Eyrie, I unzip the jacket to check on her. She’s still purring and seems fine. Good. I got one with gumption. As I carry her through the doors and into the elevator that’ll take me up to the hut, I wonder what I should call her. Of course, my mind drifts to mythology; I think of Jormungand, the piece that I have in mind. I think of Jormungand’s father, Loki. All male names, they do not work. I think Loki’s other offspring; Fenris, the Werewolf. And Hel, Queen of the Dead.

I smile.

Yes, that’ll do it. Her name will be Hel. Not that I’ll use it much, but just in case anyone else inquires. Inside the hut, I close the door and put the kitten down; I watch, amused and curious, as she gets to know her new home.

[Alexandrea]

Eyes bugged out as the realization of what Charlie said sunk in and Alex quickly saved the paperwork from the very gross possible outcome. Once the sheets of the kitten's medical history were safely zipped up inside Alexandrea's Jacket, she gave Zodiac brief hug in thanks and made her way out the door, fully expecting Charlotte and Alanoth to follow.

"Hey, Charlie? You know this is not the best neighborhood..." Alex said softly once the door had closed behind them. "Might be better if you did not leave your car here unattended. Al will see me home and once you get your new friend settled in, maybe you could swing by for a meal? I'm a pretty good cook even if I do say so myself... I have a roommate, Kira, but I am sure you have met her before." *In the 5C halls* Alex sent privately. A business card was hurriedly produced along with a pen, and Alex jotted down the address and directions to the townhouse in Willow Court then offered it to the young allurist.

"So, what do you think?"

[CharlotteC]

Charlie looked at Alex as she began to speak to her, holding onto the cat carrier. Alex had a point, not only that but she really didn't want to leave the kitten alone in a carrier too long, nor did she want to leave her car near so many people that had attacked her. With her luck, they'd rig her car to blow, but she didn't say that. Not here. She didn't want to give them ideas. So when Alex handed her the card and told her about Kira, both in and out of her mind, she nodded and took the card from her friend.

"That actually sounds like a pretty good deal to me, I'm growing rather tired of Rhett's poor excuse for cooking." She said with a soft laugh before she glanced over her shoulder for a moment. She knew part of her was being paranoid, but still. At the same time it seemed no one really could be too safe in this city. Then she glanced to Alanoth and gave him a polite nod to say goodbye before she moved to give Alex a hug "I'll probably see you in an hour or two, sound good?" She asked, waiting for Alex's answer before she turned and headed for her car that wasn't parked too far away.

She went about doing everything she could to make sure that the kitten - safe in his carrier - was secure and wouldn't be jostled too much as she drove. Then she was back in her car and starting it up, the card Alex had given her was tucked into her back pocket and she was glad that she had someone that would talk her through some things as well as having another friend. She loved Cherry when she saw her, but she really did need more people to help her get through this life since her sire was rarely to be found.

When she got back to the apartment she smiled at the fact that not only had Templeton had not only returned but had already built the new cat palace that she had him buy. Toys were dotted about, she could see the bowl for her knew kitten already filled with kibble and another bowl filled with water. She sighed softly and looked down at the Carrier. "Ok little dude, time for some freedom from jail." She closed her apartment door and leaned down to open the carrier, she would wait until the kitten was acclimated to the place before she gave Alex a call.

[Alexandrea]

"An hour or two sounds great. Gives us both a chance to get our new friends taken care of and for me to start dinner. You have my number if you need it and I'll see you later!" Alexandrea gave Charlie a quick hug before the young Allurist left and smiled brightly.

She turned to nod at Alanoth and give him a grin, knowing that her friend and driver would understand it was time to go.

The car was just as it had been left and after an uneventful ride home, Alex bid Alanoth goodbye and took her new kitten into it's new home.