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Post by Kristi Lynne on May 13, 2023 17:19:28 GMT -8
"So, how's the 'Daily Mirror's' favorite star? Did'ya make the paper again today?"
"I certainly hope not," Emma groaned, resting her elbows on the counter. "I intend to keep a low profile, for Henry's sake. It's gotta' be hard enough being the Mayor's kid in this town." Storybrooke didn't exactly have much going on, so local elected officials were probably the closest thing to celebrities. Which she was guessing put Henry in an unpleasant spotlight and Regina in an overprotective state. "So, no vandalism, no trespassing, no jaywalking," Emma asserted. "Not even an overdue library book, if I can help it."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 11, 2023 17:52:25 GMT -8
Gail leaned forward, resting her arms on the counter as she listened. Her eyes took in the few patrons, noticing that they were minding their own and not casting their eyes toward Emma as they'd done a few days ago. "Well, your shiny and new seems to be wearing off, but I'd avoid that reporter, Sidney Glass, if I were you." She'd glanced around once more then had leaned closer to speak the last part quieter as if even she didn't want to draw attention to herself when mentioning that name.
She heard the coffee machine sputtering the last of its water through the filter and stepped away to grab the pot and a mug. Placing down the mug, she started to pour as she continued. "He's not above twisting words and embellishing facts." She placed the coffee pot down, then pulled the small dish of coffee fixings and cream over to in front of Emma, then returned to leaning forward and resting her arms on the counter. "And not just 'cause he's trying to sell papers. He's one of Regina's loyal puppies." In other words, he also wasn't above printing whatever Regina wanted as well.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Jun 24, 2023 17:59:52 GMT -8
"Well, your shiny and new seems to be wearing off, but I'd avoid that reporter, Sidney Glass, if I were you. He's not above twisting words and embellishing facts. And not just 'cause he's trying to sell papers. He's one of Regina's loyal puppies."
"And here I thought politicians and the press were supposed to be on unfriendly terms," Emma observed, with an arched eyebrow. "I can't imagine there's all that much to write about here. Apart from whatever stories Regina feeds him to make herself look good. Still, I will keep my distance and not give the guy any more front-page material."
She tore open two packets of sugar, pouring each one into her coffee mug and then stirring. "Oh, I met Gabriella at that toy shop thing yesterday," Emma informed the waitress. "I'm pretty good at reading people, and she seems like the kind that can handle herself. Not like she'd be easily intimidated. But then Vlad and I ran into her and Gold on the street this morning in what looked like a very intense conversation...."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 9, 2023 13:20:54 GMT -8
"And here I thought politicians and the press were supposed to be on unfriendly terms," "I can't imagine there's all that much to write about here. Apart from whatever stories Regina feeds him to make herself look good. Still, I will keep my distance and not give the guy any more front-page material."
Gail gave a satisfied nod. Emma was so right about the usual kind of articles that were in the paper. That's why Gail never bothered reading it. Just catching a glance of the front page of them left on a diner table, almost always seeing Regina's face and some ridiculous heading for an obvious puff piece was enough to make her look heavenward as she tossed it out with the food scraps.
Her mind had wandered a bit, wondering if she'd ever actually read an article from the paper, or if her knowledge of the kinds of articles in it had simply stemmed from summarizations from patrons. Emma's topic change grabbed her attention.
"Oh, I met Gabriella at that toy shop thing yesterday," "I'm pretty good at reading people, and she seems like the kind that can handle herself. Not like she'd be easily intimidated. But then Vlad and I ran into her and Gold on the street this morning in what looked like a very intense conversation...."
Frowning, Gail stood up from her lean, her hands pulling to rest on the edge of the counter. "He got something on her." She tapped her fingers lightly as she wracked her brain for anything that seemed suspicious about Gabriella but came up with nothing. Shaking her head, she sighed her frustration on Gabriella's behalf. "I just... I can't imagine there's anything to get," she said, lifting one hand to lightly gesture her palm upward before setting it back down.
A memory was triggered by something a patron had told her and she shifted thoughtfully. "There is this one weird thing I heard...but...eh," she broke off with a sound of doubt as she waved a hand back and forth, the weak basis of relevancy over the possible connection leaving her hesitant to waste Emma's time on it.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Jul 23, 2023 13:35:14 GMT -8
"He got something on her. I just... I can't imagine there's anything to get."
Emma simply sipped her coffee while Gail pondered. Anyone could present a virtuous face to the public while hiding a dark history. Even Emma still held some secrets despite the local paper's expose. If Gabriella didn't want something to be known, she seemed perfectly capable of concealing it from those she considered friends.
"There is this one weird thing I heard...but...eh."
Emma shot her a look, eager to toss aside whatever bait Gail was about to throw out. "No, no, no. I am off the clock," Emma insisted. "I don't interfere in other people's affairs, unless there's a paycheck or a court order telling me to do so.
"But if you're eager to share information, what's the story on Chef Casanova back there?" Emma inquired with a head tilt toward the kitchen. The cute young cook in the window seemed equally as focused on the waitress as he was on the grill.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 5, 2023 12:08:42 GMT -8
"No, no, no. I am off the clock," "I don't interfere in other people's affairs, unless there's a paycheck or a court order telling me to do so.
Gail usually preferred only sharing things of concern with someone who might share a concern or be able to do something to help. Emma seemed to have a natural inclination to want to help, though grudgingly so. She had shared more than her usual type of gossip with Emma, but that was because Emma was new and at a disadvantage whereas the locals already knew most of everyone's business anyway.
In this case, Gail was glad Emma had stopped her. Billy, the timid mechanic and not always the brightest bulb in the bunch, had told her about the 'smoking hot woman' he'd run into at 'The Rabbit Hole' on karaoke night. After a couple days of pondering her vague familiarity, he'd come to the conclusion that he thought he might have seen her at the hospital when he'd gone in a few weeks ago after a little mishap at the auto shop. He'd taken advantage of Gail's familiarity with the townsfolk to pick her brain. The basic descriptions sounded like he might have been describing Gabriella, but the manner of dress and how the woman had presented herself did not match at all. It was completely out of character for the mild-mannered nurse who tried to make herself invisible. Gail had responded that it was probably someone random passing through town and playfully suggested that perhaps the car hood had bonked him on the head harder than he'd thought.
"But if you're eager to share information, what's the story on Chef Casanova back there?"
The person of interest in Emma's new topic completely wiped Gail's ponderings on Billy and the mystery woman from her mind. "Casanova?" she repeated on an amused chuckle. "That's a good one. I'll have to remember that," she said, her eyes darting toward the direction of Emma's head tilt. Tony fumbled and dropped something he'd been holding at being caught observing them red handed. She could hear some muttered cursing as he disappeared to pick up whatever he'd lost and clean up the mess he'd made and she found herself chuckling more.
Of course he'd been staring over. Emma was a beautiful, confident woman with amazing princess hair. "That's Tony. Total lady's man," she said as if giving a warning, but in a joking way. "Not that he leaves a string of broken hearts or anything," she said, quickly defending the bad light she'd just shone on him, "just that he's a big-time flirt with a winning smile and charm that he wields like a pro. He's got a gaggle of giggling girls always coming in and swooning over him," she said with an eyeroll.
Gail had no idea that she'd mislabeled Tony based off the way her step-sister and her pose, as well as a few other girls, fawned over him.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Aug 11, 2023 20:11:35 GMT -8
"Casanova? That's a good one. I'll have to remember that. … That's Tony. Total lady's man. Not that he leaves a string of broken hearts or anything, just that he's a big-time flirt with a winning smile and charm that he wields like a pro. He's got a gaggle of giggling girls always coming in and swooning over him.”
"Uh-huh," Emma noted, as the 'winning smile and charm' were more details than she'd asked for. "And yet he doesn't seem to mind taking orders from you." She smirked at the waitress over the top of her coffee mug, reminding herself not to contradict her own statement about not getting involved in other people's affairs.
"Hey, if the guy has pretty eyes and knows his way around the kitchen, he's already ranked higher than my last couple dates," Emma confided. "Bonus points if he has his own car, his own place, and no active warrants."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 20, 2023 10:55:26 GMT -8
"Uh-huh," "And yet he doesn't seem to mind taking orders from you."
"Well, that's kinda a perk of my job. I gave him orders," she tapped her order pad beside her even though she was jokingly saying it with a tone as if it was a different kind of ordering around, "and he has to follow them."
"Hey, if the guy has pretty eyes and knows his way around the kitchen, he's already ranked higher than my last couple dates," "Bonus points if he has his own car, his own place, and no active warrants."
Grinning her amusement, she glanced over toward the kitchen distractedly and admitted, "He really is a good cook and he does have pretty eyes--I mean, his own car and place," she quickly corrected, her eyes widened in surprise as to where that had come from when she looked back toward Emma, a slight blush of embarrassment worsening over the poor attempt she'd made to cover it up.
'Oh my gosh, is his charm starting to get to me?' she wondered distractedly. She saw the knowing smirk on Emma's face and the far too clever look in her eyes was starting to make Gail feel uncomfortable with new realizations of apparently obvious and already existing things to others that Gail didn't want to be considering.
Gail stood upright and grabbed her order pad with her friendly server smile back in place, taking full advantage of a new patron wandering into the diner to no longer face Emma or ponder this new realization. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go curl up under the counter and wish for the ground to swallow me," she said facetious, making light of her mortification as she stepped away.
****
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 20, 2023 11:54:09 GMT -8
Several hours pass.
It is late evening of Thursday, October 27, 2011,
still four days after the clock started moving.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Sept 13, 2023 16:51:34 GMT -8
Cora's lips were pursed in concentration as she leaned back to survey her work. The remnants of her cheeseburger-and-fry dinner sat on a plate pushed to the edge of the table, alongside the voluminous binder that held all of her show notes -- cast list and contacts, rehearsal schedule, prop lists, and lighting and sound cues. The mysterious and miraculous Charlie appearing when she did meant the show was back on, with a slight delay, but Cora still had a lot of work to do in a short time.
And her current project in the center of the diner table was a cobbled-together collection of seashells, sand dollars, starfish, a compass, and a captain's spyglass. She gingerly placed a fork, aka "dinglehopper," among the arrangement and regarded it with a critical eye.
"I don't know. Gail, what do you think?" Cora asked, oblivious to whatever business the nearby waitress might be occupied with. "I'm working on centerpieces for the opening night reception. Do you think it's too...ocean-y?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 1, 2023 13:17:59 GMT -8
Gail gave a 'goodbye' wave along with her cheery smile as another group of patrons exited, a slight echo of the door's bell in the quiet diner evidence that only a sparse few were left inside.
With a sigh, she grabbed a bus tub and started for their dish-laden table, keeping a tired, end-of-day, can't-wait-to-sit-down grumble under her breath. Just as she was approaching it, Cora, who'd been contemplatively quiet this evening, broke the silence.
Eyebrows raised at the question, Gail turned to glance at the items, then back at the messy table. Deciding nobody would be needing that table this late at night and wanting to so badly rest her feet, Gail placed the bus tub on the empty table beside it and invited herself to sit across from Cora.
"Ah," she said with a joyful sigh for her feet as she crossed her hands and assessed the items Cora was questioning. "Treasures from Ariel's grotto, right?" she asked, mostly rhetorically as she picked up a large conch shell and put it to her ear, grinning at the 'sound of the ocean'. "I don't think there's such thing as 'too ocean-y' when it's part of the story that literally takes place in the ocean," she pointed out amusingly as she placed the shell back down and looked the items over again, noticing an item that she felt was a big inspiration to Ariel's fascination with the human world wasn't present. "You're missing the dancing couple musical figurine. You know, the one that she looks at when she sings 'I wanna see, wanna see 'em dancin'," she said, singing that line. "I've sorta watched that movie a lot," she confessed sheepishly.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Oct 17, 2023 15:52:35 GMT -8
"Ah, treasures from Ariel's grotto, right? I don't think there's such thing as 'too ocean-y' when it's part of the story that literally takes place in the ocean. ... You're missing the dancing couple musical figurine. You know, the one that she looks at when she sings 'I wanna see, wanna see 'em dancin'. I've sorta watched that movie a lot."
"As have many of us, my dear," Cora affirmed, eager to ease any of Gail's embarrassment at the admission. "The show's success at the box office rather relies on that fact." She paused to jot a note on her legal pad. "But good catch. I'll have to check with Gold and see if he has any similar statues he'd be willing to lend."
Cora took a sip of her coffee and sighed. "You'd think I would tire of those songs after hearing them night after night, week after week, but I never do," she said. "I suppose a director must choose a story that speaks to them, and one that they believe needs to be shared. Speaking of, how come I've never heard that voice of yours at any of my auditions?" she asked with an arched eyebrow.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Nov 11, 2023 11:54:34 GMT -8
Gail grinned as the warm feeling of having been able to be helpful filled her.
"You'd think I would tire of those songs after hearing them night after night, week after week, but I never do," "I suppose a director must choose a story that speaks to them, and one that they believe needs to be shared. Speaking of, how come I've never heard that voice of yours at any of my auditions?"
Gail enthusiastically nodded her agreement regarding the songs and the story and sharing, but then was caught off guard by the last bit. Being told for years to 'cease that noise' by her step-mother and -sisters any time she'd forgotten herself and hummed or sang within their earshot had a way of giving a person doubt in their abilities and it had eventually groomed her into keeping it to herself.
Feeling herself blushing slightly, Gail self-consciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear that had escaped her ponytail. She'd gotten caught up in the excitement of the play and had forgotten herself. "Oh, that was nothing. I was just messing around." Her own words ringing back in her ears sounded like someone fishing for validation which made her feel even more self-conscious. Gail quickly followed up with, "I mean, it'd be a blast, working on a play, but I'm just so busy, taking every shift I can to pay the bills."
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Dec 9, 2023 19:06:31 GMT -8
"Oh, that was nothing. I was just messing around. I mean, it'd be a blast, working on a play, but I'm just so busy, taking every shift I can to pay the bills."
"Ah, well, if you choose to hide that light under a bushel basket, I suppose there's nothing I can do," Cora sighed with feigned nonchalance. Even those who had talent, sometimes shied away from the attention. At least this newcomer Charlie had required very little persuasion to take the stage.
"I'm just relieved that the show's back on," Cora asserted, beginning to clear up the mess she'd made of the table. "Wasn't it just yesterday morning that I was lamenting the loss of Vanessa, my shining star? And then I discover this lovely young woman, possibly even better suited for the role, who I know is going to be absolutely amazing!
"And..." Cora added in a conspiratorial whisper, "I believe it is the same young woman whose unknown identity has been vexing Detective Smith so terribly. I mean, how many anonymous women could there possibly be in Storybrooke? But you cannot say a word to anyone, Gail," she instructed, pointing a cautionary finger at the waitress.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 30, 2023 18:36:09 GMT -8
"Ah, well, if you choose to hide that light under a bushel basket, I suppose there's nothing I can do,"
A bit of warmth filled her again and she couldn't help but beam a smile. It was such a nice feeling to hear someone say something positive to her about herself. So many years of the opposite, which was why she'd gotten out of that house and on her own as soon as she could, but at the expense of working tirelessly with hardly any time for herself in order to pay the rent and the bills.
"I'm just relieved that the show's back on," "Wasn't it just yesterday morning that I was lamenting the loss of Vanessa, my shining star?
Gail made a sound of disgust at that name, then looked to Cora with curiosity. But if not Vanessa, then who...
And then I discover this lovely young woman, possibly even better suited for the role, who I know is going to be absolutely amazing!
Gail's eyebrows raised with intrigue in an unspoken 'Oh?'
"And..." "I believe it is the same young woman whose unknown identity has been vexing Detective Smith so terribly.
"What? The skittish little Bunny Rabbit? Huh..." she said, leaning forward, even more intrigued. Such a mysterious person who seemed so intent on being invisible, now she was set to star in the play? That only heightened her curiosity about 'Miss Bunny'.
I mean, how many anonymous women could there possibly be in Storybrooke? But you cannot say a word to anyone, Gail,"
Of course she wouldn't, which she'd have easily promised had she not been overtaken by some strange, involuntary spasm. Gail twitched upright out of her lean at Cora's command, her voice lodging in her throat, making it impossible to respond. She opened her mouth but the effort of trying to say something caused a coughing fit. Gail grabbed Cora's glass of water and drank.
"Sorry," she squeaked out, placing the cup down and pushing it back toward Cora as she finally found her voice. It all had happened in such quick succession that she brushed it off as having knocked the breath out of herself for sitting up too straight, too fast.
Two fresh glasses of water were placed on the table and Gail followed the warm, comforting hand on her shoulder up to a concerned Tony. "You alright?"
"Oh, yah," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "I think that was the universe's way of telling me to slow down," she said sheepishly, making light of the situation.
"Maybe you should listen. The universe is usually right," he said, giving her one of his distracting smiles. Tony nodded a greeting toward Cora, then headed back to his domain. He rarely ever came into the dining area due to what Gail referred to as his 'fan club', but when he'd seen Gail choking, he'd rushed over without a second thought.
Gail watched him walking away, a bit distracted. "You're a prince among men!" Came her teasing, playfully snarky quip. Tony knew it was her way of giving him a rare compliment without sounding like one. She had misconceptions about him, but they were the kind someone had to figure out on their own. Tony did a quick turn, gave a sweeping bow along with another of those smiles, then turned again and continued on his way.
Realizing she was still watching him with a lingering smile, Gail pulled her eyes away to find Cora watching her. "What?" she said defensively, shifting and schooling her features. Worried that Cora might actually answer that, Gail quickly changed the subject. "So, tell me more about your star. How'd you manage to find her?"
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Jan 13, 2024 18:14:05 GMT -8
"You alright?"
"Oh, yah, I think that was the universe's way of telling me to slow down."
"Maybe you should listen. The universe is usually right."
"You're a prince among men! ... What?"
Cora barely had time to react when Gail was seized with a fit of coughing. The news of the surprise soprano shouldn't have been that shocking. No sooner had the waitress downed Cora's glass of water before the table was quickly supplied with two more glasses of water, care of the cook. Who seemed very animated by his concern for the young woman.
"Well, he moves quite quickly when he wants to," Cora remarked. "Impressive improvisational skills, as well. I'll have to keep that in mind should I need an understudy for Prince Eric."
"So, tell me more about your star. How'd you manage to find her?"
"Ah, yes, that's the interesting part, isn't it," Cora replied, her attention drawn back to the matter at hand by Gail's question. "Turns out Mr. Gold knew about her existence all along. He's the one that told me to look for her at the bakery. The bakery run by her overprotective aunts. Apparently, they've done their best to keep her locked away from the big, bad world. But now, this little songbird is ready to leave the nest."
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Jan 20, 2024 11:04:32 GMT -8
*** Vlad enters Granny's Diner ***
Vlad opened the Diner door and stepped a foot inside just as the sky behind him began to grow colourful as it cycled through the stages leading to dusk. It was getting late, and most of the Diner customers were well fed as it was already past dinner time. Coffee wasn't a necessity as he was strangely anything but tired as the day began to transition into night, and although he could eat a bite or two he wasn't entirely hungry for food at all considering he hadn't even eaten much of anything that day. Vlad wondered if it was stress, or something else underlying. He pondered the thought of paying a visit to Dr. Whale, perhaps running a few tests wouldn't hurt. Walking over to the bartop, he slouched slightly to the side as he leaned his elbow on the countertop in search of Gail. Vlad spotted her in a booth, sitting across from Cora as they seemed to be invested in each other's company. The sight made Vlad grin lightheartedly, as it was like a breath of fresh air seeing Gail put up her feet and take a break for once. At that, he strolled through the Diner until he met the two women at the end of their table, "Good evening ladies," Vlad greeting in a chipper tone, "May I interest you in one of our dinner specials? The steak dinner is absolutely to die for," Vlad spoke in his upmost customer service voice before turning to Gail, "What do you think boss - am I hired or should I keep my day job?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 21, 2024 16:29:57 GMT -8
"Ah, yes, that's the interesting part, isn't it," "Turns out Mr. Gold knew about her existence all along. He's the one that told me to look for her at the bakery. The bakery run by her overprotective aunts. Apparently, they've done their best to keep her locked away from the big, bad world. But now, this little songbird is ready to leave the nest."
Gail went wide-eyed with all the revelations Cora was laying out. "Really," she said with a 'that's very interesting tone'. "Of course Gold knew about her," she said looking heavenward. "I swear, that guy knows everything about everyone. And who'd have thought... that trio of fierce little old ladies had a niece." She leaned forward to speak her contemplation more quietly. "What in the world are they hiding her from? Or who?"
So absorbed in their conversation and her contemplation of all these new revelations, Gail hadn't registered the little bell that had signaled the arrival of a patron who'd been waiting patiently at the counter and who had now materialized at their table.
"Good evening ladies," "May I interest you in one of our dinner specials? The steak dinner is absolutely to die for," "What do you think boss - am I hired or should I keep my day job?"
Gail folded her hands and rested her chin on them, feigning consideration. "Hm, very impressive, but unless you're considering a complete lifestyle overhaul and enjoy the occasional verbal abuse, I'd say keep the day job." A grin broke her serious composure as she vacated her seat. She gestured for him to take it as she put her server hat back on. "What can I get'cha, Doc?"
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Feb 2, 2024 18:17:06 GMT -8
"Of course Gold knew about her. I swear, that guy knows everything about everyone. And who'd have thought... that trio of fierce little old ladies had a niece. What in the world are they hiding her from? Or who?"
"Well, that is the main mystery," Cora agreed. "To shelter her, shield her from harm? Perhaps they think there are monsters walking the streets of Storybrooke...."
"Good evening, ladies. May I interest you in one of our dinner specials? The steak dinner is absolutely to die for. … What do you think boss - am I hired or should I keep my day job?"
"Hm, very impressive, but unless you're considering a complete lifestyle overhaul and enjoy the occasional verbal abuse, I'd say keep the day job. What can I get'cha, Doc?"
"I could be persuaded to take a look at the dessert menu," Cora purred, shifting her attention to the tall, dark, and handsome hypnotherapist. "Have you cured all of the city's ills and put yourself out of a job, Doctor? How very tragic!"
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Feb 3, 2024 16:52:39 GMT -8
"Hm, very impressive, but unless you're considering a complete lifestyle overhaul and enjoy the occasional verbal abuse, I'd say keep the day job. What can I get'cha, Doc?"
In the middle of being amused with himself, Vlad nodded and followed Gail's instructions. He scooted swiftly into the newly vacant seat across from Cora, leaning into the booth comfortably as Gail took his place at the foot of the table. He didn't want to put her out of having a much deserved break off of her feet from serving, yet she appeared to not mind and seemed to cheerfully snap back into work mode as she asked for his order.
"I could be persuaded to take a look at the dessert menu,"
"Make that two. Thank you, Gail," Vlad added graciously on top of the requests made at the table before turning his attention onto the town's star talent.
"Have you cured all of the city's ills and put yourself out of a job, Doctor? How very tragic!"
"With the amount of time I spent in my office you would think so," Vlad chuckled at the light remark as he fixed the positioning of his glasses on the bridge of his nose, "But alas, my work is never done, and that's okay with me - I'm definitely not up for switching career paths anything soon. Though, speaking of opportunities," Vlad said as he flowed the current conversation into one which would be a query for Cora, "I am sure you know of William Robinson? Such a shame of what had happened to him and his shop, but once again the townsfolk of Storybrooke continue to amaze me with their generosity and kindness." Vlad mentioned, waiting for Cora's reply.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 18, 2024 16:17:48 GMT -8
"I could be persuaded to take a look at the dessert menu,"
"Make that two. Thank you, Gail,"
Gail watched Cora's transformation at the arrival of the handsome doctor and grinned, impressed and a little envious over how effortlessly Cora playfully flirted. She wished she had half her confidence.
"Coming right up," she said cheerfully, then headed to the counter to grab a couple of dessert menus.
Due to the dessert options changing and needing to be printed anew each time, there weren't as many of them and currently, only one at the main counter near the entrance. Her eyes scanned the room and landed on one abandoned at the other end of the counter near the kitchen.
Gail headed toward it, Cora's last comment that Dr. Lee's arrival hadn't allowed her to digest yet finding its way to the forefront of her thoughts. Monsters walking the streets of Storybrooke? Surely the aunts didn't believe that. This little town was so boring. Everyone knew everyone. But wait, all this time, she hadn't known that girl--which she realized she hadn't had the chance to get the name of from Cora--existed, so could it be the aunts, who'd been around far longer than many of them had, knew things about people the rest of them didn't. In keeping to themselves, they also kept things to themselves... More likely, they were just paranoid and untrusting of everyone, given they choose to live way in the forest and avoid interacting outside of the bakery.
Gail heard her name quietly being called from the window to the kitchen and looked to see Tony angling his head toward the swinging door. Glancing back to see Cora and Dr. Lee distracted in conversation, Gail decided to take a quick moment to oblige Tony.
"What's up?" she asked quietly after stepping through the door.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his eyes intently searching her face, trying to figure out what thoughts had had her so distractedly absorbed.
"Yah, I'm fine," she waved away. "The water helped. Thank you for that," she said sincerely this time. Catching herself starting to feel drawn in by how his blue eyes intently looked at her, Gail pulled her eyes away for a second and put up a shield by way of crossing her arms. "Stop looking at me like that."
Back to her old self again, Tony's concern melted into that little smirk of victory he got whenever he managed to affect her. "Like what?" he asked innocently as he leaned closer with a swagger and continued to gaze at her.
Gail narrowed her eyes at him and uncrossed her arms to wave her free hand accusingly in the direction of said gaze. "Stop using your charm on me."
Tony gave an exaggerated, victorious gasp. "You think I'm charming," he said as he leaned his elbow on the counter and rested his chin in his hand as he continued to gaze at her with a big grin now.
"That's not what I--" His raised eyebrows made her realize it kind of was what she'd implied and she cut herself off with a low growl of annoyance before she turned into the lady who doth protest too much. "Ugh, I retract my 'prince among men' compliment!" she said, swatting his arm with the dessert menus before heading back out to deliver them to Cora and Dr. Lee.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Mar 1, 2024 16:46:27 GMT -8
"With the amount of time I spent in my office you would think so. But alas, my work is never done, and that's okay with me - I'm definitely not up for switching career paths anything soon. Though, speaking of opportunities, I am sure you know of William Robinson? Such a shame of what had happened to him and his shop, but once again the townsfolk of Storybrooke continue to amaze me with their generosity and kindness."
"Indeed, it gives one the warm fuzzies when the community opens its hearts, and wallets," Cora agreed, aware of the beloved toy store owner who had tragically lost not only his shop but his home to a devastating fire. "But I'm afraid I've no talent for renovation or filing insurance claims. So where do I come into the picture?"
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Ariel
Lost RPG
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- Emmett Rodgers
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- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
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Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
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Once Upon a Time RPG:
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The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
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Post by Ariel on Mar 6, 2024 23:03:09 GMT -8
"But I'm afraid I've no talent for renovation or filing insurance claims. So where do I come into the picture?"
Vlad sat upright, as he cleared his throat in a professional manner. This had now grown into a meeting of rather business, looking Cora directly in the eyes as he spoke empathetically in William's corner, "Do you by chance have any opportunities available for an available and reliable volunteer? Someone who is, perhaps, trying to keep themselves busy and occupied?" Vlad asked, before leaning forward slightly in his seat as he allowed his professional guard to slip a little, "William needs a distraction. The poor man has been through so much lately, and it appears that it has been weighing on him more than he can admit. I am sure you have room for a man in charge of lighting or stage cues?" Vlad insisted, hoping that Cora could give William the benefit of the doubt and help the doctor out on this small little task.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 10, 2024 10:54:26 GMT -8
As she neared, she could hear them talking theatre shop. Gail timed her steps to arrive as Dr. Lee was finishing his contribution to the conversation rather than butting in mid-sentence.
"Here you are," she said, holding out a dessert menu to each. She made the easily digestible small talk for people half distracted in perusing a menu of details not available on them. "As for pies, it's the end of the night so pickings are slim." She glanced toward the counter, narrowing her eyes slightly as she expertly identified what remained in the domed glass pie plates. "We've got two slices of cherry, one pumpkin, and ooh," she said with a bit more excitement to see one of the specials still there, "one chocolate peanut butter cup." Gail looked back at Dr. Lee, then with a grin to the only other person who now knew the secret talent of the bakery. Still, she spoke in the plural as everyone assumed the three older ladies did all the baking. "The bakers at 'Country Bread' have been so creative for Halloween week with special pies based around candy bars."
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Mar 11, 2024 16:17:46 GMT -8
"Do you by chance have any opportunities available for an available and reliable volunteer? Someone who is, perhaps, trying to keep themselves busy and occupied? William needs a distraction. The poor man has been through so much lately, and it appears that it has been weighing on him more than he can admit. I am sure you have room for a man in charge of lighting or stage cues?"
"Well, now that you mention it, the shifting schedule has left me without a props master," Cora advised. "I can't think of anyone more worthy of the job than our William. No experience needed, of course, and no better distraction than the chaos of live theater. I shall go by his shop in the morning to extend the invitation to join our happy little family."
She gave the doctor a bright smile, happy to be of help. "And perhaps he can help me with finishing up these centerpieces for the opening night reception," she signed, still trying to gather up the objects she'd strewn across the table.
"Here you are. As for pies, it's the end of the night so pickings are slim. We've got two slices of cherry, one pumpkin, and ooh, one chocolate peanut butter cup. The bakers at 'Country Bread' have been so creative for Halloween week with special pies based around candy bars."
"That does sound delightful. How about it, Doctor? One slice, two forks?" Cora proposed.
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Mar 13, 2024 21:56:54 GMT -8
"And perhaps he can help me with finishing up these centerpieces for the opening night reception,"
"Cora, my dear, you are a saint," Vlad pleaded with urgent gratitude. He knew that he could count on his old friend to pull through for him even in times where she owed nothing in the slightest to him. He flashed a grin of appreciation in her way, only to be pulled out of the moment by Gail interjecting herself again which he welcomed warmly as he turned halfway in her direction.
"Here you are. As for pies, it's the end of the night so pickings are slim. We've got two slices of cherry, one pumpkin, and ooh, one chocolate peanut butter cup. The bakers at 'Country Bread' have been so creative for Halloween week with special pies based around candy bars."
"That does sound delightful. How about it, Doctor? One slice, two forks?"
Vlad nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed politely on Gail, "You've certainly sold us on the Halloween special, dear Gail," He announced, grateful for her service, "One slice, two forks. My treat," He graciously spoke before turning back to Cora. It was just the two of them again, a perfect moment for Vlad as he slipped a concealed envelope out of behind his jacket pocket and seclusively placed it in her hands between the table, "Oh, and before I forget...a donation towards the theatre. Please do not object, as it is my rightful duty as a member of society to shed my extra expenses into pockets in which I feel they may best serve a purpose," Vlad insisted before allowing the envelope to slip away from his fingertips, his gaze still having a gentle hold onto Cora's, "And might I say, you are doing remarkable things for this community my dear. Providing those in need a place to serve themselves, as well as quality entertainment for our little Storybrooke? You are certainly one of a kind." Vlad tipped his forehead to his own remark as he placed his utter most confidence in the woman before him.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Mar 22, 2024 15:00:15 GMT -8
"Oh, and before I forget...a donation towards the theatre. Please do not object, as it is my rightful duty as a member of society to shed my extra expenses into pockets in which I feel they may best serve a purpose. And might I say, you are doing remarkable things for this community my dear. Providing those in need a place to serve themselves, as well as quality entertainment for our little Storybrooke? You are certainly one of a kind."
Her curiosity piqued by the generous compliment, Cora hesitantly opened the envelope that Vlad had placed in front of her. Her eyes widened at the sight of a check for a surprisingly large amount of money. “I … this ... this is too much, Dr. Lee!" Cora protested. "I can’t possibly accept this. Really, a small ad in the program would be a more than sufficient contribution--”
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Apr 1, 2024 20:40:15 GMT -8
“I … this ... this is too much, Dr. Lee!" "I can’t possibly accept this. Really, a small ad in the program would be a more than sufficient contribution--”
Vlad nodded along with Cora's interjections, knowing that he wouldn't budge in the slightest. He allowed the edges of his fingertips to slight upwards onto the bridge of his nose, wiping away the uncomfortable sweat residue that began to collect beneath his glasses and swiftly fixed them back onto the protruding nose bone before pressing forward, "May I say it again - my contribution to society...and all of the goodness you bring into this community, my dear. No ifs, ands or buts." Vlad insisted with an end of discussion sort of tone, but in the nicest way, "I mean, it's the least that can be done with giving my friend William a spot in your volunteer section and all." Vlad countered any sort of argument that came his way before reminding Cora that she did him a great favor of sorts just now.
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Post by Kristi Lynne on Apr 9, 2024 16:38:25 GMT -8
"May I say it again - my contribution to society...and all of the goodness you bring into this community, my dear. No ifs, ands or buts. I mean, it's the least that can be done with giving my friend William a spot in your volunteer section and all."
"Alright, alright," Cora relented, tucking the envelope into her bag. "Donation accepted. I assure you I shall put it to good use." She picked up her coffee cup, more to have something to occupy her hands than actually drink it. She narrowed her eyes at the handsome shrink across the table. "Am I allowed to guess the source of this generous offering?" Cora mused. "Your horse won at the race track? Your rich uncle died and left you everything?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 21, 2024 13:31:08 GMT -8
Gail was still grinning as she plated a slice of the pie. There was a natural charm to Dr. Lee. Something mesmerizing that just drew you in and made you want to stop and listen intently to the soothing timbre of his voice. She chalked it up to the accent along with the endearments woven into his naturally warm and encouraging manner. Gail wasn't sure exactly what method he used for his hypnotherapy work, but if she was told he used only his voice to hypnotize people, she'd believe it.
Timing her steps to arrive between exchanges, she stopped at the table just as Cora finished asking him a question. "Here you are, one slice of chocolate peanut butter pie," she said, placing the plate down between them, followed by the two forks, which she rested on the plate edge of either side. "Enjoy!"
Wanting to avoid disrupting the flow of their conversation, Gail smiled warmly at both and made a quick retreat.
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