Day in the Park (Elayne/Mod/Open)

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] He had been back to Ashvale. In the very town, if one could call it that, that he had been hoping to never see it again. It was small, quaint and filled with irritatingly stupid people. Not a single one of them knew how to bargain and swindle. No wonder Era’s economy was down the drain. Anyway, he had returned to the city to confirm his requests from his first visit. None of them seemed to have learned about the brilliant invention called the phone in the town. It turned out better that he had come to double check the order anyway. They had been missing a few things he had wanted. Of course when Lance mentioned this, they tried to charge him more. Luckily after a long, displeased and stern talk with manager in head of the wood mill, Lance was able to talk them out of the extra charge. Finally he was able to confirm the order would be sent out in two weeks to his factory. Despite getting a bit of free merchandise, Lance Rossi was still in a bad mood. It had been a long day and though the weather seemed pretty fair, Lance was hot and tired. He was not in the mood to take any more crap from anyone. He was hungry but he couldn’t see himself finding any restaurants in the Ashvale. Finally he managed to find his way back to Evergreen city. It was their that he bought himself a sandwich and a bottle of sparkling water before finding his way to a park. He had no desire spending his time inside a small, cramped restaurant and the park had less people walking about as well. Not to mention benches. He had managed to find an unoccupied bench and sat down before beginning to nibble away at his food. There was no need to rush. It was mid day and he had nothing overly important to get done. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly was walking through the streets, lost after looking into another lead she had for the original owner of the gun. Of course she hadn't been able to find anything, and nobody knew of any murder in the city. To make matters worse, her hair was a mess and Carly had yet to find a single mirror in this good for nothing city. Finally coming across the park, Carly looked around and nearly swore when she saw that there was already someone here ... and no mirror in sight either ffff. Seeing that the man in question was eating made Carly remember just how long it had been since she had last eaten, not that it mattered right now. She could try and earn some money later, or maybe try to coax some spare change from the man in the park. Combing her fingers through her hair to at least attempt to make herself look reasonable (though of course she would need to find a mirror later), Carly approached the man,"Excuse me sir? I'm lost ... and ... I haven't eaten in days ... could you help me?"she asked, looking at Lance with big eyes.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Ah, peaceful, quiet and free from annoying… Lance’s ocean blue eyes snapped up as he saw someone approach. Figured the first thing that would come out of her mouth was begging. Why were cities always filled with moochers, beggars and bum’s? Though she was much different from the ones he was use to. She was rather pretty, her hair could use some work and she looked rather young, but she was pretty none the less. Being pretty wasn’t enough though. He was not going to give some tiny girl any of his food or money! Even if he had of been in a good mood, beggars could just starve for all he cared! “

[/b]No, I can’t.[/b]” he replied after a small pause before adding a “Sorry.” for good measure. He desperately wished he had a newspaper at that point so he could he hold it up and ignore her. Sadly he didn’t have anything other than his food, a small bag and his pokeballs on him. So, without worrying if it seemed unbelievably cruel or not, Lance went straight back to eating away at his sandwich.

[/color][/scrolly]
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[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly looked at the man for a couple of moments before it was clear he wasn't going to help her .... jerk, of course she had to run into the one person that wouldn't help a poor lost girl. A loose strand of hair fell out of her ribbons and fell in front of her face making Carly push it behind her ear almost frantically. Well fine then ... if he wouldn't help a kid then she'd try something else~. Sighing, she sat down on the far end of the bench and placed her backpack next to her,"Oh ... ok then, I'll figure something out. I just though that you'd be able to tell me where you got the sandwich at least ... ,"she replied, looking at Lance before continuing,"You know, you really are handsome, I don't think I've seen a guy with hair like yours before. This may sound odd ... but do you have a mirror I could borrow ... ?"[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Lance was trying his best to ignore her as she sat down, but that was failed as she began to talk again. Some people just didn’t get the hint that they weren’t going to get help. He was about to snap at her and claim it obvious he had gotten the sandwich from a near by restaurant but instead she continued to speak. The comment on his hair was her saving grace. Or was it is? Either way, it had managed to quickly change his mind about her. She wasn’t too bad. Perhaps a little annoying but then, what woman wasn’t? At least she had good tastes. He knew he was good looking and he certainly did love his hair. Hopefully she wouldn’t get the idea that she could touch it though. That was only for those he… well… you know. Sadly she was still asking for things, but… well borrowing wasn’t quite the same as taking, right? It was, he hoped, for her hair. Letting out a sigh, Lance set down the half eaten sandwich and picked up his own bag. “I believe so.” He replied to her as he opened the bag and searched through it for a moment. Sure enough he found a small pocket mirror and pulled it out. It wasn’t much but it at least served it’s purpose for him. “Don’t break it” he held it out for her to take before adding, “There’s a shop down West street over there that sells the sandwiches and such.” There. Now no one could claim he hadn’t done his good deed for the day! [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly breathed a sigh of relief when Lance said that he had a mirror and took it carefully in her hands before setting it on her lap."Oh thank Arceus, I looked everywhere and couldn't find a mirror in this blasted town,"Carly replied before pulling the ribbons out of her hair and setting them on her lap as well. Rummaging through her backpack, she pulled out a brush and set about fixing her long blonde hair, using the mirror to make sure there were no stray strands this time as she pulled her hair back up in the ribbons again. It still wasn't quite up to her standards (normally she would spend hours brushing it first) but Carly wasn't going to make the man wait any longer for his mirror back. Giving back the mirror, Carly smiled,"Thanks, I thought I was going to go nuts if I couldn't do something with this hair of mine, I'll look into the shop later too. I'm Carly by the way, and who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?"she asked, dropping the innocent kid act altogether as it seemed this man wouldn't be swayed with tears.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Lance raised an eyebrow for a moment as he watched the girl begin to work away on her hair. It was looking much better ever moment but he didn’t comment on this. Instead he turned his attention away and began eating his sandwich again. He just shoved the last piece into his mouth when she spoke again and held out the mirror for him to take back. Though he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow again when she claimed that she would look into the shop later, Lance didn’t question it. Instead he worked on putting his mirror back into his bag. “Lance Rossi,” He replied zipping up his bag before looking up at her. Still looked so young. It was a pity really. She was actually very much his type. Perhaps a bit needy, but it was a mans job to provide for a woman now wasn’t it? Still… he might as well just be flat out honest with her. He really didn’t feel like having someone waste his time even if he really wasn’t doing much to begin with. “Look, you’re very beautiful, I must admit, but I do not relish in the idea of spending my time with little girls. You should find yourself someone else to bother.” With that he picked up his water bottle and began to open it, his eyes drifting away from her. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly winked at Lance and giggled when he called her a little girl,"Works pretty well don't it?"she said in a playful tone,"I'm 20 hon', hardly a little girl anymore. And besides, why would I want to leave someone as handsome as you?" Scooting closer to Lance, Carly crossed her legs and leaned back against the bench, waiting to see what Lance's response was.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Lance was just about to take a sip from his water bottle when spoke, causing him to stop. His eyes slid over to her, bottle still nearly at his lips as he gave a questioning glance. That questioning glance soon turned into a look of shock, followed by a rather obvious blush. Twenty years of age… He was ten year older but she was still legal and it wasn’t like ten years was too big of a difference. He had already admitted that she was pretty. Oh powers, he hoped she wasn’t lying about her age. Alright, he had to whip the stunned expression off his face. Play it cool. Stay collect. “Well, that makes this an entirely different ball game,” He claimed with a smirk before finally taking that sip of his water and lowering it to his lap. “I admit. You had me fooled. Surely if I had a heart you’d have eaten me a live. So are you flattering me now out of honesty or are still trying to get my money?” He wasn’t fully sure if he would mind being used now. She wasn’t under age and though he didn’t fancy the idea of having his wallet emptied, he could use for some… relief. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly laughed at the look of obvious shock on Lance's face and listened as he spoke, mentally cursing as he guessed correctly what she was intending but then again ... she was being truthful about his looks, Arceus he was hot. But hey, who said she only had to pick ugly guys for her victims anyway."Well now, why would I be lying about a thing like that handsome?"Carly replied, winking at Lance as she did so,"But I don't believe that you don't have a heart, everyone does~. You did tell me about the sandwich shop after all and lend me your mirror, now that's not what I call heartless." Laughing softly, she continued,"I find that being seen as a little girl helps anyway~ people drop down their guard more often than not, makes them more likely to give away information they wouldn't if they knew my real age. I betcha I can get money from the next passerby just by batting my little lashes at them,"Carly replied playfully, twirling a strand of hair in her fingers as she spoke.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Once again Lance raised an eyebrow as she claimed innocents. He wasn’t certain if he believed her or not, but what difference did it make? None he hoped. Though he soon shook his head and looked away from her when she claimed he had a heart. He could have pointed out that her assumptions that his two good deeds were very easily seen by a selfish stand point. However, it was oddly different having someone claim he had a heart. Most often he was certain people believed him to be nothing more but an ass. No, he would enjoy the complements. “I must be one in hundred.” Lance teased a tad mechanically before added, “But alright. Let’s see you work your magic” Were people really that gullible that she could anything out of them? Perhaps most males would. They tended to be pigs more then half the time even if they believed the girl to be under age. Females on the other hand… he’d like to see just how many of them would actually fall for the act. He assumed less than the males at least. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly giggled when Lance took up her challenge and stood up,"All right~ it's a deal,"she replied cheerfully, winking at Lance before continuing,"And if I win you'll have to take me out on a date mk?" Not giving Lance a chance to respond, she moved over to a nearby couple who happened to be walking away from them and 'tripped,' immediately bursting into tears soon there after. The couple immediately stopped and helped Carly up who immediately gave them some sob story of not having eaten for days (which was true) and being scared about the bullies at night. The man looked at his wife who was in tears at this point and hugging Carly and telling her what a poor brave child she must've been and where are your parents. Carly explained that they were both gone and that she had been living on the streets. The man was beginning to look worried now and pulled out his wallet, giving Carly some money. The woman wanted to bring Carly home but Carly insisted she'd be all right now thanks to how kind they were. The man nodded and after extending an offer to stop by their house anytime for supper, left with his wife who was in tears once again. Once the man and his wife had gone, Carly stood up and brushed herself off. Ugh ... she was going to need to find a better outfit one of these days, this one was just getting a little too dirty for her liking. Walking over to Lance, she waved the money in front of his face and smirked,"Not only did I get the money but I get a free meal at their house whenever I want~,"Carly replied in a cheerful, victorious voice before sitting down on the bench again and placing the money in her bag,"So now, about that date ... ."[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Take her out on a date? He almost wanted to ask what sort of date. He last date hadn’t been quite what he had been looking for. Not girl wise, just… well, it wasn’t important. He hadn’t had a chance to ask her anyway as she off to her victim before he could get a single word in. Instead he was stuck watching. He had to admit, the more he watched the more impressed he was. She was a good little actress. That or the people she had picked to scandal were complete fools. Actually, he was certain it a was both. He had believed her entire story though he wouldn’t have cared. In the end, she had gotten money out of them, and thus came out victorious. As she returned to him, Lance had nothing less than a rather smug look upon his face. He was indeed shocked at how well that had gone for her but he wasn’t about to let her have the pleasure of knowing that. Now, he could be a jerk and claim that he never accepted her prize but… She had deserved it he supposed. Besides, she was pretty and his mind was already fighting with it’s self on whether or not he wanted to hire her for some… jobs. “I assume you already have it all planned out, hum?” He asked. He had a good feeling she was a girl who knew what she wanted long before she acted upon it. She could use him, but was determined to get something out of her as well. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly finished putting the money away and looked up at Lance when he asked if she had the date planned out and smiled,"Why, I thought I'd let you figure that out~. I really hadn't thought so far as that, just the pleasure of being seen next to a hottie like you really."she replied, winking at him. Oh Arceus, had she really said that out loud .... well at least he still seemed to like compliments, perhaps he hadn't noticed after all. Though if her past luck with this man was correct, he had ... oh well, it wasn't like she could take it back now. "I do want to get something to eat though, I wasn't lying when I said I hadn't eaten for days ... and I don't get near enough money with the odd jobs that I do."Carly admitted, shrugging,"But that's life~, it's been tough for girls like me ya know?"[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Just to be seen with him? Well he couldn’t argue with her at least, but was that really her reason? He supposed she didn’t know for sure if he was rich or not though his attire would be speaks volumes alone for that. It was too late for him to act the way he would with most women he asked out, however there was no reason he couldn’t spoil the girl if he was going to take her out anyway. Especially if he was picking the date. Odd jobs? “Then you haven’t found yourself the proper employer.” Lance replied, holding back the urge to ask what sort of odd jobs she did. He would get that chance later. Instead he stood himself up, picking up his bag along the way before holding out an arm for her to take, “I know of a place where you can eat.” and where he could simply have a cup of tea. “Though I’ll give you full warning. I’m nosey and I’ll be expecting you to tell me all about this tough life of yours.” Then he could decide what to do with her. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly shouldered her own backpack and shrugged when Lance said that she hadn't found the right employer,"That, and I don't think people like the fact that I look like a girl. But really I do freelance work, I'm an investigator of sorts. You'd be surprised what people say when they think nobody's listening,"she replied before placing her arm in his,"Same goes to you then~. I don't mind answering questions, but I'm curious too, and frankly I wonder what a handsome man like you was doing all by his lonesome."[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Investigator. Hum, now his mind truly was beginning to try and figure out whether or not he could hire her. She was beginning to sound more and more useful by the moment. Now all he had to do was find out just how far she would go and her views on a few things. He surely couldn’t ask her to do some things for him just to have her black mail him. At least her words brought a clever smile to his lips. “I’m afraid even I can’t answer that question,” he replied to her comment on him being all alone, “I tend to be by myself more often than not.” He began to lead her down one of the many paths in the park, heading towards the fancier side of the city. The place he was thinking of heading was at least three or four blocks away so they had time to talk. “I’m the brother of a duck, and perhaps the black sheep in our family,” He began to explain, having no issues with hiding that much. Even Felis would probably claim as much. At least that’s what Lance believed. “Most of the attention of others fall upon him while I hang out in the background. Not that I mind. I tend to prefer the company of myself over others.” He didn’t bother looking at her as he explained this, but instead kept his eyes forwards in a rather thoughtful gaze. “Now, why would a pretty little thing like you be struggling in such a world? With your skills Id think you’d be able to latch yourself onto the first rich moron you pass by. Or is that your plan with me?” He finally drifted his gaze back to her, giving her a rather playful smile this time. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly laughed when Lance said that he couldn't answer her first question and went on to explain that nobody really payed much attention to him. Well now, wasn't that just too bad ... in Carly's opinion, either his brother must be rather well known or even more good looking than Lance was ... wait no, pay attention this was no time to daydream darnit."Well now, that's just too bad ... ,"Carly began, leaning against Lance ever so slightly as she continued,"It's no fun being alone, now as for me? Well it's kind of a sob story and I get the feeling that you're not the kind of person to hear that sorta thing so I'll keep it short. My mom died when I was little, I saw my dad killed in front of my eyes and I've been trying to find the guy who did it ever since then. Even have the gun that killed my dad but for as long as I've looked for the guy I still haven't been able to track him down. If it hadn't been for my older 'brother' I would be on the streets for sure. " Carly sighed and shrugged her shoulders, a teasing glint in her eyes as she spoke,"Now as for being single, people take one look at me and assume I'm still a child kinda like you just witnessed so I kinda kept it that way. Easier to remain discreet when you don't have guys chasing after you after all~."[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] It was too bad… well, as Lance had claimed, he didn’t mind it but… well perhaps if his life had of been different he would have liked the company of others. With the things were now, even the people he wished he become true friends with couldn’t. He was always forced to wear his mask, hiding his true feelings. But these were things he didn’t want to think about at the moment. “Ah the tragedy of losing one’s family,” He replied, “I understand how you must feel. I lost my own parents to attack on the forest castle two years ago. Though I can’t say I’ve ever felt the need for revenge.” He had looked away from her as he spoke again. His mind actually wondered for a few moments before he finally added, “But wouldn’t your own life style be just as lonely as my own? You did say it was no fun being alone.” Sure she had mentioned having a brother but he didn’t see that as something that could make her less lonely. After all, his brother was alive, was he not? Two of his brothers were, along with Rosa. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/VC%20Pics/CarlyTable.png][atrb=height,300][atrb=width,493][atrb=style,border:0 firebrick none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(240),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:3px;margin-left:230px;margin-top:45px;margin-bottom:10px;)]Carly fell silent after she admitted what she had been through in her past for a time and listened as Lance said that he knew what she was going through. Half-laughing as Lance pointed out that her lifestyle would be just as lonely as his, Carly sighed,"Yeah, but this attack wasn't your fault was it hmm? My dad was killed because I was playing little miss investigator and overheard something I shouldn't. He died protecting me ... if it wasn't for a Sawk that happened to find me I could be dead ... or worse ... ,"she said, her voice growing quieter as she remembered the day that still gave her nightmares. It almost made her want to pull out her old stuffed Buneary but ... that would never do, not in front of Lance at any rate. "As for my lifestyle being lonely, I've just gotten used to it really, I mean I know I look like a kid and it does help trying to find out secrets or clues to my latest case, but even still ... it ... does get lonely. I mean, people are so fixated on appearances that they don't see me, sure it's nice to be invisible at times but not all the time,"Carly continued before giving a kind of half-laugh,"I suppose now's a good time to mention that I officially turned 21 about 5 minutes ago~."[/scrolly]