Re: Welcome To Central City! Please don't feed the Alchemists.

[Theo Chulainn]

He twitched as the girl called him a state alchemist. He wasn’t one yet. He decided to let her believe it. “Ah no I have my own bachelor pad as you can call it.” He chuckled. “well if you need me don’t hesitate to ring I’ll come as fast as possible.” He said smiling. “Well if I’m not doing state alchemist things….” He said giving a nervous chuckle. But then again after today they would never see each other again.

“I mean I’m off to this amazing mission soon!” He lied. “Off to exotic lands to search for things the military want.” He said smiling. “ That’s the life!” he grinned. “So what stuff will you be getting up to now?” he asked leaning closer. “I mean you moved her for a reason right?” he question further tilting his head slightly. Causing his fringe to move so both he eyes were able to see her.

[Shula Brighton]

Acra was kind of an ass, but he was an ass with good intentions. He was completely clueless, but he was also kind of sweet in that useless, ass-ish way. It would be kind of nice to have a friend here, and eventually maybe he'd realize she was a grown woman. Maybe. Hopefully. She sighed lightly, drinking the last of her chocolate. "I came here to work, of course... My brother is a State Alchemist, like my grandfather. He's stationed in East City, though... Central is kind of the hub for everyone in the Military, so I figured here I'd have a better chance at seeing him again since I don't see him or hear from him much." She sighed again softly, hating that she'd have to accept that it could easily be another year almost before she had any time with Aaron again.

"But I'm here for work. The office I'll be working at apparently is a disaster area and nobody's worked that position in months, so it's pretty backed up. Other than that? Just studying.... You are where I want to be. State Alchemist. I've got something really good I think they'll like, but it still needs just a little more tweaking since I designed it more to help with my dancing than anything, but... I'll get in.

[Theo Chulainn]

He blinked. Her little imagination story had a lot of weird twists. He chuckled. How cute of her. “Ah so I might be seeing you round the office then?” He grinned. “Well when I’m there.” He decided to keep playing along. “ So what important role are you going to be playing?” he asked smirking. He watched her finish her chocolate drink and

He lent back in the chair. Luckily the girl would never find out he wasn’t a state alchemist…yet. “It’s a tough test kiddo but good luck to you.” He said smiling. “I’m sure your clever enough to pass them tests and impress those old biddies.” He grinned to her. “There hard to impress. Let’s just say I had to melt a mighty impressive spear to even get them to look at me.” he sighed softly. “There many great state alchemist’s in history and there not impressed by just flashy. Its got to be a massive firework display to get them even the tiniest bit interested.” He lent over and ruffled her hair again. “Be sure to find me once you get in the state alchemist kiddo. I bet we’ll make a great team!” He said grinning to her.

[Shula Brighton]

The patronizing tone of voice was one Shula was honestly used to from a lot of people, but for the life of her she couldn't figure out why he didn't believe her about working, what she'd been studying so hard for, or even that she was an adult. Did he just not believe anything anyone said, or was he just being incredibly facetious and sarcastic and the jokes were just sailing over her head? In either event, if Shula's pride had been a living thing, it would be grousing badly from Acra taking so many stabs at it. She took in a breath, working to swallow her frustration as she took another sip of the water she'd been brought.

"I haven't started yet, but I'll be working pretty close with the departments of defense at the various bases, forts, headquarters and directly with the soldiers. Be my job to sort and relocate soldiers and their families." Shula listened quietly for a moment, chewing over what Acra was telling her about the exams. She knew they were hard, but it had probably changed a bit since her grandfather got in, and maybe even since Aaron. She let out a tiny sigh, resting her cheek in her palm. "Yeah, I know it'll take more than flash to impress them, and that's why what I have isn't quite ready yet I don't think... I said, I use what I've worked out more for entertainment than attacking... I've about got it, though."

Shula was a proud creature, and putting so much time, energy, study or dedication into anything that yielded positive results always gave her the same satisfactory tingle up her spine. She smiled against her palm, sure that by now Acra would have made him think of something that she'd said and really believe her that she was actually a hardworking adult that knew what she was doing. Surely.

[Theo Chulainn]

“Sounds boring..” Acra said. He hated paperwork. Part of his own job was irritatingly boring. “desk work always annoys me to the point I rather burn a hole in my head.” He huffed. “Though who knows maybe we’ll see each other round the office.” He played along with her game though part of him believed her. He game was very in detail for it to be all lies.

He smiled to her again. “And hey! I bet you pass with flying colours.” he stretched and sat back in his chair rocking it on its back legs a bit. “Let me know when you do your exam. I’d love to watch.” He added. Hoping he could pass himself before her so his lies weren’t exposed. A brunette woman walked over. “Sorry but the café is about to close soon.” She said giving a few apologise. Acra sighed. “Ah it is rather late.” he said clicking his finger joints. “Shall I escort you home?” he asked her grinning.

[Shula Brighton]

The afternoon hours had really been slipping by, and Shula wondered just how long she'd been gone for. Then again, she had been walking quite a while before she found the bookshop, and God only knew how long she was in there before settling on the antique book of poetry and gave the shopkeeper a list of books she was looking for. Shula reached into the pocket of her coat and pulled out a small brass watch that was missing one of the straps, the bit of leather on the other so thin and faded from years of use that it was beyond repair and needed to be replaced. "You're right... I've been out a lot longer than I thought. Grandfather will be worried." Shula's voice was quiet as she looked at the watch a few seconds more before jamming it back into the deep pocket.

Slowly she stood, pulling on the heavy red wool and buttoning it before redoing its belt and glanced up at Acra. "You really don't have to worry about walking me home... If you can just tell me where I am and direct me back to Penchant Street, I'll be able to get home alright." Shula's smile was warm and sincere, even if she was still kind of annoyed that her hero didn't see her as an equal. Oh well... First day in a city and I've been lost, nearly killed, rescued and humiliated. At least the worst of it HAS to be over, right?

[Theo Chulainn]

“I don’t mind walking you back.” He said a bit worried she might get lost or mugged…or worse. “And I can tell your grandfather that I kept you out so late cause I was busy enjoying your company.” He gave her a cheeky grin as he walked out. “come on…least I can do.” He said giving her some puppy eyes.

He inhaled heavily and exhaled once they walked out into the fresh air. “Ah.” letting out a sigh he looked to Shula. She looked rather beautiful in the dimming sun. “Will you allow me the honour of walking you home?” he asked again deciding to not drop it till she said yes. He knew he was good at being irritating. And he was sure he most likely was as stubborn as her if not more. “Come on. I got to make sure my damsel in distress makes it home to her worried grandfather in one piece. Safe and sound.” chuckling he leant over a bit so he was eye level with her.

[Shula Brighton]

....How could anyone be so charming and such an ass at the same time?! It was amazingly annoying, and his smile, though playful and infectious was equally cheeky and dripping with a superiority that she had no retort for. He saved her life and he knew it, and her stubbornly resisting that fact just seemed to give him more satisfaction to it, as though he found her denial and stubbornness amusing. Shula walked with Acra out to the parking lot and made a face at the temperature change, pulling the coat higher up on her neck. It got chilly in South City sometimes, but never cold, and Meissan rarely dropped below needing a heavy jacket.

Shula sighed lightly. "I suppose if I say no you shan't direct me, either, and now I don't know who is safe to ask for help around here... How about if I just let you walk me to the street I live and not my house?" Her left eye twitched a little. Whenever she read fairy tales as a little girl, she never liked picturing herself as the girl locked in the tower because that was too close to her waking life; she always wanted to be the one on the white horse out doing heroic things for the land and the people. He saw her as a child that needed to be saved and protected? Shula bit back a small growl, looking from side to side on the street to try and figure out which way looked more familiar as she stepped away from Acra's grinning mug. "...That was a one-off. If I'd been able to get my hands free, it wouldn't have gotten to that point. Now.... which way is home....?"

[Theo Chulainn]

“Fine…sure I can’t walk you to your door?” He asked as he started walking with her through the park and out into quiet streets. Sometimes he wished he had a car to drive there but he left it at the flat choosing to walk today. He smiled to Shula. “understood. I’m sure you could hold your own.” He had always been told short people were feisty. Walking along he hummed a little. “So like it here?” he asked noticing her shiver he removed his jacket and draped it round her shoulders. “Take it you came from warmer places then central?” he asked. Leading her round the maze of streets he found it rather relaxing. Though he couldn’t help but frown as she took a few steps away from him. Guess she didn’t like him that much and just wanted to get rid of him. He sighed through his nose but he do the gentlemanly thing and return her home. Safe and sound.

[Shula Brighton]

The addition of Acra's jacket really was thoughtful and it did help against the chill. The cold really would take some getting used to. Meissan was hardly ever cold, and when it was even the slightest bit chilly, Shula wasn't allowed near the windows where the draft might be. Really... her home life had left her so unprepared for everything, didn't it? She sighed lightly. "It's really hard to say if I like it here or not yet... Meissan is just a tiny village; some maps don't even show it listed. I haven't been outside during the winter since I was small..."

Shula paused, glancing up at Acra, noticing his brilliant smile was gone, the taller man instead looking rather unhappy about something. That's when she noticed how quiet he'd gotten and the gap between them. Three year in the world wasn't a lot of time to learn to be social with other people, or how to politely interact with them. But... She was trying, and needed to try harder, or she'd never get it. Shula's gait changed a little bit to try to match Acra's (even with her fast, tiny steps) and slowly lifted up her hand to reach up around his arm. "A lady being escorted should walk with her arm around her knight's arm like this... Right?" She sighed faintly and gave a small, apologetic smile. "I really should be thanking you more... You did save me, after all. ....Guess I'm just a bit overwhelmed... I'm sorry, Acra."

[Theo Chulainn]

He blinked giving a soft blush when she hugged his arm. “Not a problem Shula. No need to thank me. As I said before I hope every gentleman would jump in to the rescue.” He walked quietly for a few minuets just finding the right turn off to get closer to her road. “Yes it be best you get some warm clothes. Winter can be bitter. It’s lucky I can heat myself up with alchemy.” he said grinning.

Soon reaching her street he looked to her. “What house number?” he asked looking to see if he would need to cross the road. He liked the small quaint little houses that lined the street. He was so use to large mansions surrounded by vast gardens or spacey flats in the city’s finest area it was nice to look at the well used and cosy little homes. Sometimes he would wonder what it would be like if he lived in a not so wealthy family. Where his father would have been home every night.

[Shula Brighton]

"That's handy at least... Mine's pretty right now, but I'd end up lighting myself on fire. She chuckled softly, leaning into Acra a little more as they walked, not wanting to mention how uneasy she'd have been if she had walked home alone in the growing darkness and not fully known where she was. "This city honestly is the furthest I've ever been away from home, and the coldest... Dunno what I'd do if I ever got transferred to North City, or the fort near Drachma. Freeze into a Shula-Pop, most likely."

They turned around the corner and warm red eyes lit up as they were finally on Penchant Street. Oh God, she was finally home! Sorta, anyway. She smiled, giving Acra's arm a gentle squeeze. "My house? 738.... It's that one right up there, with the gray shutters! And it looks like my grandfather is still home, too. Shula's step quickened, a bit eager to get back to her new home. The old townhouse was a pale shade of blue with faded gray shutters, a fireplace that may or may not have worked poking from the roof. The house was very old, and looked like it could have done with a few small repairs if one looked a bit closer. There was a large box waiting at the top of the marble stoop, and Shula let go of Acra's arm to inspect the label. The postcode was from Resembool, and the shipping label featured a delicate pair of sewing shears and red thread. Shula beamed. "Ohhh, I know what THIS is~"

[Theo Chulainn]

“Maybe give me a demo some time?” he said watching her hug his arm more. He gave a warming smile. He had always wanted a younger sibling to protect and teach. Seeing the house he smiled. “looks cosy…” he added. “I hope he wasn’t to worried.” He then spotted the package she picked up. “Something from home?” he questioned. Looking over the address in confusion.

He watched her look at it like a excited 5 year old at Christmas. He went up to the door and knocked. Wondering what kind of man would open the door. Would the grandfather be angry at him for keeping his grand daughter out to long. He got a bit nervous now. Would he be labelled a creep for taking the young teen out for so long. Las thing he would want would be to lose his job from false accusations of being a predator.

[Shula Brighton]

"I don't usually dance for an audience, but maybe I could at least show you the important bits and see what you think. You've already passed the exams, so you'll know better what will fly and what won't." Shula beamed, looking the box over happily as she fumbled through her pocket, looking for a key to the door. "I said, Papa works in Resembool and lives just outside of city limits, so knowing him it's a housewarming gift, probably from his shop or from his vineyard. Just as Shula found the key the latch clicked and the door turned, opening to reveal her grandfather.

Salt and pepper hairs blended against the soft chestnut color of his hair, pulled back into a short, loose ponytail at the base of his neck. Though his shirt was slightly rumpled around the bottom where it tucked into his pants and he was dressed casually, there was a certain amount of pride that hung in the air around him from years of serving, not allowing the aging man to stoop or slouch. His hazel eyes looked Acra up and down, and then looked to Shula as he stepped aside for them both to come in. "If you're here selling granddaughters, I'm afraid I'm already full up," Ulrich said with a teasing grin. Shula only stuck her tongue out at the old man, walking into the house and putting the large box down in the living room. The house wasn't anywhere near done being unpacked yet, large half-opened boxes and trunks lining the walls in the larger rooms, only a few pieces of furniture messily shoved into the living room. He gave Shula a tired sigh, looking away from Acra.

"Wasn't aware you'd be bringing home guests... You left your phone on the table. I was starting to wonder when you'd be coming home..."

[Theo Chulainn]

As soon as Acra heard vineyard he could feel the corners of his lips twitch upwards into a grin. Like a cat with a cornered mouse just waiting for the right moment after terrifying it victim enough to then strike. “Oh he owns a vineyard? So he sent you some vine to give to your grandfather I bet?” he smiled ruffling her hair. “Remember you got to be 18 to drink that.” Smirking he followed her in.

Meeting the older man he could feel the air around him. The one that demanded respect and held the wisdom of a state alchemist. He gulped a little and held out his hand. “Greetings sir. Your grand daughter got a bit lost and ran into the odd sods of central. I felt the need to escort her home.” he said politely much different to his way of talking to Shula. But with the years experience of speaking to impress.

[Shula Brighton]

Shula's face scrunched when Acra mussed her hair again; damn she was going to have to sit down and rebrush it. She sighed inwardly as she knelt by the box, ignoring Acra's teasing that she wasn't old enough to drink. He was sweet, but he really was kind of a jerk that he didn't believe her that she was a grown woman working for the military, even if she was on the young end of the spectrum. So what if I'm a little short for my age? Shula pouted slightly to herself, glancing down at her chest with a tiny blush. ....And a little under-developed, too. Damn! It's times like this I wish my body was better and my skills at other things were worse... She casually cut the tape on the box, sifting through it as she glanced up at her grandfather, whose hand was being shaken by Acra now. It was funny how he seemed almost nervous to be meeting him. Ulrich wasn't nearly as tall as Acra, but everyone seemed to always mind their manners when they spoke to him, even if they didn't know him from the South City HQ. There had always just been something about the old man that usually just commanded a person's respect.

Ulrich looked Acra up and down before taking his hand, shaking it firmly. He knew that Shula hadn't been allowed out of the house for almost all of her life, and even while working at South HQ she'd lived in the apartments they provided with him always nearby. Shula getting lost wasn't too surprising in this big city, and to hear that she'd had a run-in was a little distressing, but who was this boy that was escorting her home...? "An act I greatly appreciate, Ulrich replied, trying to keep his tone light and still a bit playful as he tried to measure the young man up. "She's my favourite granddaughter, so I'd rather like to keep her around. Brighton. Ulrich Brighton. And whom do I have the pleasure of thanking, mister...?"

[Theo Chulainn]

His eyes flicked to shula as he coughed a little. He back straightening slightly. “Schiwatas…Acra Schiwatas.” He smile politely. A lot different from his fanged filled grin or his mischievous smirks. “And no need to thank me. I did what I hoped any citizen of central would of done.” He added. He released Ulrich’s hand. Looking to Shula he ruffled her hair again. “Well kiddo. See you around. You got my number if your ever lost again.” He teased flashing his famous arrogant grin. He turned to Ulrich. “Pleasure meeting you sir.” With that he waved and turned to the door to head home himself. His fingers were twitching for a coffee. Trying to figure out the nearest vender who would still be open he let his hands touch the door handle. Slowly opening the door he turned to smile and wave at Shula one last time. Before stepping onto the street. Presuming he would never see the damsel in distress that he saved again.

[Shula Brighton]

The faint smile on Ulrich's face didn't fade as he let go of Acra's hand, making a mental note to continue to size him up if they ever met again. He was tall, good-looking, and had saved his fairly innocent granddaughter from who knows what; something told the old man he'd be seeing Acra again. Shula was just the type that, while not stupid at all, had 'easy target' written on her forehead and that was just the type that handsome young men with flashy smiles liked to go after. "All the same, thank you for bringing her home. Good night, then." Ulrich gave a small, polite wave before he turned and left the room, heading back to the kitchen and leaving Shula alone with Acra as the young man started to leave.

Shula looked up from sifting through the box as Acra bid them both a good evening. The box had some nice little gifts in it; some wine, some newspaper clippings talking about his atelier, some curtains and a few new skirts. Definitely a great way to end the night in her book. Acra's hand was on the door and he gave a small wave as she stood up, walking back toward him. She was about to say something until he ruffled her hair once more and called her kiddo. Again. Shula's face scrunched, the pale wheat blonde of her bangs now sticking out everywhere. Her fingers immediately went to smooth them out as Acra headed out the door, the small blonde following after to stand on the marble stoop.

"Acra?" Shula's voice was light as she reached out for the taller man's arm before he could walk away completely. She smiled. "Thank you again for tonight, Acra.... I wouldn't mind going out for coffee with you again sometime. Maybe I can catch you at work when you're not out on field missions? It would be nice to have a friend out here.."

[Theo Chulainn]

Acra looked to Shula. Who was now holding his arm giving him the cutest puppy dog eyes he had ever seen. His lip twitched and he could feel his resolve melting. As if he was looking down at a box of tiny kittens. He had to gulp to suppress an ‘awww’ that was begging to erupt from his lips.

He smiled at her questioning carefully taking her hand and pressing his lips softly to her knuckles. “Of course princess.” He said making a small reference to the damsel in distress type meeting they had. “of course…you have my number…if you need me just call and I’ll come as fast as I can.” He said softly before heading into the street giving her a wave and a wink before walking off into the night.

It took a few step before he shook his head. His action to that young girl was a tad disturbing. Maybe he should change his phone number and avoid her. He didn’t want to be labelled a creep.

[Shula Brighton]

As her knuckles were kissed, Shula's cheeks flushed softly in the early dark of the night. Nobody had ever given her that gesture before... then again, nobody'd ever saved her from anything like that before, either. She smiled, looking down as Acra let go and started to walk off, assuring her that she could call him if she needed him. She gave another small wave, her shyness resurfacing. After a day like today, her poor little mind and personal defenses were shot. She stayed on the stoop for a long moment before opening the door again, walking back inside and locking it behind her. She sighed tiredly, running her fingers over the top of her hair and playing with her ponytail absently as she walked straight back into the kitchen, sat down at the table and thumped her head down lightly on the wood. After a moment she folded her arms and hid her face behind them, saying nothing.

Ulrich glanced over at the frazzled young woman, putting a large bowl of some leftover Xingese over rice next to her. Shula didn't even look up at the food, still far too drained. Her grandfather said nothing as he filled his own bowl and sat down, waiting patiently for the girl to drop the last of her defenses around one of the few people he knew she could be completely open with. There was a long moment where nothing was said, the old man waiting quietly, patiently as pride gave way to a tiny, muffled sniffle. Slowly, Shula lifted her face away from her folded arms, cheeks glistening faintly before she moved her hand to wipe them dry with her sleeve.

"I've never been so terrified in my life," Shula admitted quietly, answering what she knew her grandfather would be asking. She sighed faintly before recounting the day's events leading up to her very lucky rescue, and her sweet yet dopey hero. Finally she sighed again, reaching for her dinner.

"You're going to have to learn to be less careless, m'love," Ulrich said thoughtfully. "Whether you realize it or not, every move you make has its cost and consequences. You gave up the safety and routine of living at home for the Military, and then you did it again when you agreed to be transferred from South to Central Headquarters... Catch your breath when you can, but you've got to keep up." Shula wiped her cheek again with the heel of her palm before she looked up to Ulrich slowly with a tiny, distant laugh, making herself smile a little.

"....So how was YOUR day?"

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