Edge of town, around 10 pm, Thursday the 25th, July 2024. Waning gibbous, cloudy sky.A van like this had no make or model, a van like this had a name. When Vince had acquired it, he had decided on "Van Helsing".
Helsing was an ugly monstrosity. The mural on the side could only do so much to hide the rust that had started eating into the car.
Usually, a mural like that would depict a magican fighting a dark lord. Vince's mural showed a wolf howling bellow the moon. It was a nice painting, one of the few indicators that Vince wasn't the artist.
He hadn't been able to resist a car like that, even thought it was a proper disadvantage in his line of work. Even the most inept cops were able to describe and track a van like that, after all.
A cassette-to-aux adapter, that had been included in the deal (and probably double the value of the car) made sure Vince's cell could play all his favorite songs through the scratchy speakers.
Vince thought it was a rather odd artistic choice of everyone he listened to, to include a loud bang every few minutes. Just as Dasha's voice taunted him via the loudspeakers about his truck breaking down, he couldn't explain the backfires away anymore. By now, they were accompanied by a trail of thick smoke, and no matter how ancient the car was, it wasn't supposed to pollute that much.
A moment later, smoke started to fill the driver's cabin as well. That was certainly not by design: the only smoke around here should smell like weed, not like something burned.
At least Vince had the presence of mind to look at his GPS before he was robbed of his sight.
He was in nowhere, West-Virginia, and only one little dot was close to him: Laurel Hill Springs.
Five minutes later, the sight of "HELL" lightened up the sky. The red was bright enough to be even seen through the thick smoke, opposed to the lights of the city behind.
Even with the missing S, Vince recognized the brand of the petrol station. By now, the windows of the van were open, so everything about the car seemed to be smoking: the engine cover, the tailpipe and the inner. Every few yards, a loud bang shock the van.
The engine died just as Vince was steering the metal beast space behind the gas station. The wheels had just enough momentum for him to roll on a parking space, before he stopped the car. He had the feeling that it wouldn't move for a long time.
Vince opened the door and jumped out of the vehicle.
The van had been so noisy he could rival a gang of desperados riding into the town and shooting the place up. Vince was sure someone would come looking.
Vince leaned against the side of the van,.
As the smoke cleared out of the open van-doors, "Beat the Devil's Tattoo" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club started to play from the speakers.
Vince listened to the song as he enjoyed the cold night air. The moon shone through the clouds, and the town nearby looked peacefully.
Wherever he liked it or not, he would stay here for some time.
Van Helsing
It had been a long day of the usual business. Dusting, crafting…staring awkwardly at the people in the store and trying not to look terribly upset that they were there. It was a fine line he tiptoed across. Now that the sun was down, and the few tourists around had either gone to bed or off to more exciting things, he was out and about his usual little ritual.
He was currently walking down the side of the road, barefoot so he could feel the rocks and grass under his feet. He wore just a shabby pair of dark jeans, stained with grease and suffered with some rips and tears here and there and a black t. In one hand he held a trash bag and in the other he held a large recyclable bag. It was full of items that he had been slowly picking up off the side of the road and from various shops around town. The garbage bag was full of just that. Bits of trash from along the side of the road and lost items that were too far gone even for him. He'd leave the shop with his bags and just slip down the street to the end of the line before heading back up to drop off his things and maybe hit the bar afterwards. It really did depend on his mood or if he found something extra interesting on his walk.
Even in the dark he saw the trial of smoke and heard that poor metal beast yelling its last as Vincent came down the road. It would have been fairly alarming for anyone within range. It’d take him a little while before he saw it though. He stopped as he circled round back and caught a glimpse of the thing. It certainly wasn’t something he expected to see. He might have seemed like an odd hobo there in the dark, standing there quiet with his bags and just staring at the mural on the man’s van but there he was, no shoes and all.
“My condolences...” He said to the dude, finally looking at him before moving on his feet again, walking towards the large trash container that wasn’t too far from the van that may or may not have seen better days. If the dude ended up not being able to fix it Caprice would absolutely take off the sides and use the rest of scrap. He genuinely liked it. Though his taste wasn't always something to be really proud of.
The trash went up and into the bin easily and he spoke again. "Beer? You look," he paused for a brief moment as he really looked at the other man, "and smell like you need one. Can't promise it's cold though..."
He was currently walking down the side of the road, barefoot so he could feel the rocks and grass under his feet. He wore just a shabby pair of dark jeans, stained with grease and suffered with some rips and tears here and there and a black t. In one hand he held a trash bag and in the other he held a large recyclable bag. It was full of items that he had been slowly picking up off the side of the road and from various shops around town. The garbage bag was full of just that. Bits of trash from along the side of the road and lost items that were too far gone even for him. He'd leave the shop with his bags and just slip down the street to the end of the line before heading back up to drop off his things and maybe hit the bar afterwards. It really did depend on his mood or if he found something extra interesting on his walk.
Even in the dark he saw the trial of smoke and heard that poor metal beast yelling its last as Vincent came down the road. It would have been fairly alarming for anyone within range. It’d take him a little while before he saw it though. He stopped as he circled round back and caught a glimpse of the thing. It certainly wasn’t something he expected to see. He might have seemed like an odd hobo there in the dark, standing there quiet with his bags and just staring at the mural on the man’s van but there he was, no shoes and all.
“My condolences...” He said to the dude, finally looking at him before moving on his feet again, walking towards the large trash container that wasn’t too far from the van that may or may not have seen better days. If the dude ended up not being able to fix it Caprice would absolutely take off the sides and use the rest of scrap. He genuinely liked it. Though his taste wasn't always something to be really proud of.
The trash went up and into the bin easily and he spoke again. "Beer? You look," he paused for a brief moment as he really looked at the other man, "and smell like you need one. Can't promise it's cold though..."
With his old Ramones-T-Shirt, his leather jacket and his jeans that maybe had a few too many turns in a washing machine, Vince wasn't exactly ready for a black tie event himself. He wore shoes, though.
Vince leaned against the van some more and regretted that he didn't smoke. It seemed like the perfect moment to light up a cigarette. The van handled that part for him, though: it still smoked.
He turned his head towards the new guy. For a moment his eyes reflected the moon in an odd angle. It was the same gleam you could see with cats that suddenly looked at a light source.
The moment vanished in a blink, and Vine nodded towards Caprice.
"Hey." he said. He tilted his head for a moment, trying to figure Caprice out. That guy also didn't smell right.
Maybe he was just three raccoons in a t-shirt. That would explain the smell as well as the hobo-habits.
"Yeah, I could do with a beer. Do you know anything about car-mechanics by chance?"
Vince leaned against the van some more and regretted that he didn't smoke. It seemed like the perfect moment to light up a cigarette. The van handled that part for him, though: it still smoked.
He turned his head towards the new guy. For a moment his eyes reflected the moon in an odd angle. It was the same gleam you could see with cats that suddenly looked at a light source.
The moment vanished in a blink, and Vine nodded towards Caprice.
"Hey." he said. He tilted his head for a moment, trying to figure Caprice out. That guy also didn't smell right.
Maybe he was just three raccoons in a t-shirt. That would explain the smell as well as the hobo-habits.
"Yeah, I could do with a beer. Do you know anything about car-mechanics by chance?"
He had only caught the glint out of the corner of his eye when he was moving about. That brief moment as the light shifted. It was noted but it was a moment that he would put a pin in. Weird things happened here so it could be a number of things. A couple of fireflies or a glint of lights reflecting off of something. Who was to say? He might be something like a bunch of racoons in a T shirt but thinking someone was off wasn’t always the first go to.
He set the bag down and crouched in one easy moment as he reached into the bag. He moved some of the items around, inside before he pulled out a gallon zip lock with two cans of beer. He might seem like a hobo, but he wasn’t going to put his mouth on anything that had just picked up from the side of the road. That was gross. He took them out and stood, reaching to hand one of the lukewarm cans to the other man.
As he reached out towards the other to hand the can over before cracking his own. He just kind of stared at the man, sizing him up as he took a sip before answering.
“I don't. But I’m sure someone in town can help you out with..” His eyes looked at the very large hunk of metal as he just sort of trailed off. He wasn’t sure to call it a van, a piece of junk or art or a home on wheels?? “It is a little late though so it’d probably have to wait till morning unless they’re still at the bar down the way.”
“Did you paint that yourself or did you buy it like that?” It was a genuine question and his tone shown no real hint of judgment in it when he asked.
He set the bag down and crouched in one easy moment as he reached into the bag. He moved some of the items around, inside before he pulled out a gallon zip lock with two cans of beer. He might seem like a hobo, but he wasn’t going to put his mouth on anything that had just picked up from the side of the road. That was gross. He took them out and stood, reaching to hand one of the lukewarm cans to the other man.
As he reached out towards the other to hand the can over before cracking his own. He just kind of stared at the man, sizing him up as he took a sip before answering.
“I don't. But I’m sure someone in town can help you out with..” His eyes looked at the very large hunk of metal as he just sort of trailed off. He wasn’t sure to call it a van, a piece of junk or art or a home on wheels?? “It is a little late though so it’d probably have to wait till morning unless they’re still at the bar down the way.”
“Did you paint that yourself or did you buy it like that?” It was a genuine question and his tone shown no real hint of judgment in it when he asked.
Vince exchanged yet another nod for the can. He ripped it open, as he looked at Caprice. Being sized up wasn't something he enjoyed in particular. A low growl escaped his throat, before he could catch himself.
Easy there. No need to start fights today, there was always tomorrow.
"Thanks for the beer." he said, his voice sounding way more hostile than intended. He took a sip of the beer.
It helped a bit.
"Got it like that. It basically called out to me."
Vince watched the van that still smoked, then after a moment, he stepped around the van and opened up the hood. Well, there was probably a lever to do so properly, but Vince being Vince on an almost full moon basically just ripped the hood open.
He poured some beer over the engine. It made a sizzling sound, but at least the smoke started to cease.
"…did that help? I think that helped" Vince said, before emptying the can, now quenching his own thirst instead of his poor car.
Easy there. No need to start fights today, there was always tomorrow.
"Thanks for the beer." he said, his voice sounding way more hostile than intended. He took a sip of the beer.
It helped a bit.
"Got it like that. It basically called out to me."
Vince watched the van that still smoked, then after a moment, he stepped around the van and opened up the hood. Well, there was probably a lever to do so properly, but Vince being Vince on an almost full moon basically just ripped the hood open.
He poured some beer over the engine. It made a sizzling sound, but at least the smoke started to cease.
"…did that help? I think that helped" Vince said, before emptying the can, now quenching his own thirst instead of his poor car.
A hand moved to his pocket and his eyes narrowed a little. Oh, he heard the growl. As faint as it was. His demeanor seemed to relax a little though at the sound. A little but not completely. Almost as if he was amused by it. Not so much that he thought it was funny. Not even close.
He gave a nod in response and took another drink as he watched the man make another questionable life choice. Then again it seemed a lot of the others' choices were questionable. But he wasn’t one to judge so just took another drink.
“With the smoke? Yes…Driving? No one should drive while drinking...” He delivered the line in the same dry tone as the rest of everything that came out of his mouth so far. Though he did indeed just try and joke with the other man. Even if it was a terrible one. He might have sized the other man up, but he figured he liked him well enough. And honestly, he’d probably like him more if he had punched him. But that was neither here nor there.
He gave a nod in response and took another drink as he watched the man make another questionable life choice. Then again it seemed a lot of the others' choices were questionable. But he wasn’t one to judge so just took another drink.
“With the smoke? Yes…Driving? No one should drive while drinking...” He delivered the line in the same dry tone as the rest of everything that came out of his mouth so far. Though he did indeed just try and joke with the other man. Even if it was a terrible one. He might have sized the other man up, but he figured he liked him well enough. And honestly, he’d probably like him more if he had punched him. But that was neither here nor there.
Vince nodded towards the strangers pocket. "Is this the part of the US where we still do things by quick drawing? Because my gun is somewhere in the trunk, and I'll have to move a lot of stuff to get there. I think you have a shot of winning this."
He closed the hood. It refused to stay closed, but after Vince had applied enough pressure, at least it did only stick up a little. Vince shrugged and crushed the can in his hand.
"Little risk of me driving and drinking right now." he said as he threw the crushed can through his open window. Somewhere in there was a collection of crushed cans already, although little of it had been beer.
"…you said something about a bar around here?"
He closed the hood. It refused to stay closed, but after Vince had applied enough pressure, at least it did only stick up a little. Vince shrugged and crushed the can in his hand.
"Little risk of me driving and drinking right now." he said as he threw the crushed can through his open window. Somewhere in there was a collection of crushed cans already, although little of it had been beer.
"…you said something about a bar around here?"
The purr of Vik McQueen's Rosewood Classic Grand O'Vale wasn't approaching particularly fast... It seemed to have been slowly coming down the dark and otherwise empty road from a distance long before it intentionally rolled into a full stop near the pair at the sHell Station.
Like a specter from out of the darkness, it was truly a beauty.
All shiny and perfect. Rose gold detailing a glittery pearlescent cream paint job. Freshly washed at .... What was it? 10 ish? on a Thursday......... Look, there wasn't a lot to do, ok?!
From a distance there was no driver? That couldn't be right...
Caprice knew Vik only let two people drive her car. And she was probably busy dealing with the last minute details and soft opening of The Crow-Bar a few miles back in town.
Then suddenly, still about 20 feet away, a shaggy blonde head popped into view. She seemed to be fiddling with something in the driver's seat, probably very against Vik's strong suggestion to not do anything other than drive the fucking car with eyeballs on the road.
She was turning down the radio, already grinning broadly at Caprice and his companion.
As she put on the emergency break, flicking some ash out the driver side window, "Well, Hey there Cap! You out makin' new friends?"
The freshly washed car smelled... pretty LOUD. That wasn't anything particularly new or entirely off limits, though. What else were people gonna do in a sleepy small mountain town?
She was short, like short enough she might be sitting on a phone book in the big car... But also sassy enough she might punch you in the arm, while smiling, for mentioning it.
"Want a ride?" She looked at the van and then Vince with a smile, and back to Caprice finally.
"Vik decided to let me out of my cage early."
Like a specter from out of the darkness, it was truly a beauty.
All shiny and perfect. Rose gold detailing a glittery pearlescent cream paint job. Freshly washed at .... What was it? 10 ish? on a Thursday......... Look, there wasn't a lot to do, ok?!
From a distance there was no driver? That couldn't be right...
Caprice knew Vik only let two people drive her car. And she was probably busy dealing with the last minute details and soft opening of The Crow-Bar a few miles back in town.
Then suddenly, still about 20 feet away, a shaggy blonde head popped into view. She seemed to be fiddling with something in the driver's seat, probably very against Vik's strong suggestion to not do anything other than drive the fucking car with eyeballs on the road.
She was turning down the radio, already grinning broadly at Caprice and his companion.
As she put on the emergency break, flicking some ash out the driver side window, "Well, Hey there Cap! You out makin' new friends?"
The freshly washed car smelled... pretty LOUD. That wasn't anything particularly new or entirely off limits, though. What else were people gonna do in a sleepy small mountain town?
She was short, like short enough she might be sitting on a phone book in the big car... But also sassy enough she might punch you in the arm, while smiling, for mentioning it.
"Want a ride?" She looked at the van and then Vince with a smile, and back to Caprice finally.
"Vik decided to let me out of my cage early."
His brow lifted a little at the gun joke. Guns? That was fun. Not for him and never for the person aiming at him “You’re the stranger friend.” If anyone was shady in this moment it was the shabby outsider. Though that did bring up a good point though. They were indeed strangers still.
Cap watched the man struggle with his car and then just throw the can inside. He blinked a few times at the clitter and clangs from what sounded like the many cans inside. He’d simply drink the rest of his, crush the can and toss it to the trash bin that was just right there. Why this guy’s first response was to put it in his car was a little odd. Must have been a force of habit.
As for Caprice’s bad joke. He was totally making the lamest joke about the car now being drunk since the man had poured some of his beer on it. He didn’t correct him though. An unfunny joke was even less unfunny if it was explained.
“Yes. It's just right…” He trailed off and stopped speaking as he heard that familiar engine crawled down the road. It was hard to miss the Ol beauty. The beauty to Vincent’s beast for sure. And Caprice’s face changed a little. It softened and he might have even been smiling for a faint moment as the car stopped and the little blond woman came into view.
“Possibly. His van broke down.” He didn’t even know the other man’s name just yet. “Caprice…” He left the end open for the other man to offer up his name in response. Before he headed towards the car front seat of course. Though he did open up the back door as an invitation for Vincent as well. What else would he do in the middle of nowhere with no working car?
“Thank you. I’d like to stop at the shop before anything.” He needed to drop off his things after all.
Cap watched the man struggle with his car and then just throw the can inside. He blinked a few times at the clitter and clangs from what sounded like the many cans inside. He’d simply drink the rest of his, crush the can and toss it to the trash bin that was just right there. Why this guy’s first response was to put it in his car was a little odd. Must have been a force of habit.
As for Caprice’s bad joke. He was totally making the lamest joke about the car now being drunk since the man had poured some of his beer on it. He didn’t correct him though. An unfunny joke was even less unfunny if it was explained.
“Yes. It's just right…” He trailed off and stopped speaking as he heard that familiar engine crawled down the road. It was hard to miss the Ol beauty. The beauty to Vincent’s beast for sure. And Caprice’s face changed a little. It softened and he might have even been smiling for a faint moment as the car stopped and the little blond woman came into view.
“Possibly. His van broke down.” He didn’t even know the other man’s name just yet. “Caprice…” He left the end open for the other man to offer up his name in response. Before he headed towards the car front seat of course. Though he did open up the back door as an invitation for Vincent as well. What else would he do in the middle of nowhere with no working car?
“Thank you. I’d like to stop at the shop before anything.” He needed to drop off his things after all.
Vince shrugged. "I'm a collector." he said, as if that was a good reason to be messy about cans. As if that was a good reason to be the stranger friend. "I've read you can… never mind."
That wasn't something to explain a stranger, especially not one who didn't seem to be too fond of gun jokes.
He whirled around as the lights of the new car turned up. With two casual steps, he was behind the front of his van once more, as his body tensed up.
His eyes became slits, as his eyes tried to make out the driver of the color-inverted hearse. The drawback of his good night vision was a minor light sensitivity, and for a moment all he could see were headlights.
At least until the car came to a stop close by, and he finally saw the blonde hair popping up like in a shampoo commercial.
Suddenly, Vince felt strangely self aware. Here he was, extra jumpy, hiding behind his junk pile of a car, while he could smell traces of soap, and other load smells, he couldn't quite place, from a car that was everything his Van wasn't, with a driver that was everything he wasn't.
The big guy forced himself to relax, as he stepped back in the open.
"You're short." were his very witty, suprised first words, as he finally got a good look at the blonde curls owner.
He exhaled. "…rough day." he excused himself.
With a side-glance to Caprice he answered his unasked question. "Vince."
Then he slowly stepped up to the creamy car.
"I could use a ride. I just don't know where to yet." he admitted, as he rubbed his upper arm.
That wasn't something to explain a stranger, especially not one who didn't seem to be too fond of gun jokes.
He whirled around as the lights of the new car turned up. With two casual steps, he was behind the front of his van once more, as his body tensed up.
His eyes became slits, as his eyes tried to make out the driver of the color-inverted hearse. The drawback of his good night vision was a minor light sensitivity, and for a moment all he could see were headlights.
At least until the car came to a stop close by, and he finally saw the blonde hair popping up like in a shampoo commercial.
Suddenly, Vince felt strangely self aware. Here he was, extra jumpy, hiding behind his junk pile of a car, while he could smell traces of soap, and other load smells, he couldn't quite place, from a car that was everything his Van wasn't, with a driver that was everything he wasn't.
The big guy forced himself to relax, as he stepped back in the open.
"You're short." were his very witty, suprised first words, as he finally got a good look at the blonde curls owner.
He exhaled. "…rough day." he excused himself.
With a side-glance to Caprice he answered his unasked question. "Vince."
Then he slowly stepped up to the creamy car.
"I could use a ride. I just don't know where to yet." he admitted, as he rubbed his upper arm.
*made some polishing edits* 11:15 pm on 7/25/24 EST.
What a bunch of weirdos...
Gillian looks at them both with their big boy stranger-danger dude vibes like, 'What the fuuuuck???' for about a half-second before unlocking the doors anyway, since Caprice was here and... usually she was a good judge of character. Or just pretty lucky.
As Vince noted how small she is, Gil let out the a delighted giggle, immediately charmed. Caprice might note that Gillian WAS absolutely the most ridiculous flirt, however she didn't require attention, but she did enjoy ... herself almost all of the time.
Like a little cream-colored dragon, Gil's nose exhaled a plume of dank pink smoke.
She didn't seem particularly concerned that Vince might try to murder them. The irony of Vik's car made her laugh to herself.
HOW has she not ended up murdered?
LITERALLY WHAT?
The inside was a luxurious red, almost sickly contrasting the "sweet" paint job of the car. On second thought, it sort of looked like a slice of red velvet cake when any of the doors were open. That, or a super filthy film set.
Every surface, leather, chrome, or velvet.
Simply perfect.
Other than the weed & faint perfume of girly body products. The front and back weren't divided by much except the deep, red velvet bench seat.
There were some sheer red curtains tied against the side walls. The back was similarly velvet, all of it...
And under the oval windows were velvety red loveseats framed by more matching curtains. It looked like something out of a horror punk porno.
It was pretty fantastic.
Great at the drive inn.
The front boasted a lot of leg room, two full seatbelts, and one of those really silly lap belts in the center; usually reserved for a small cooler of sandwiches & drinks on a road trip. All three could probably fit, as Gil was smallish.
"Nice to meet you, Vince," she grins, takes a deep drag & extends her silly little golden cigarette-holder and joint to him.
"Laurel Hill Springs, the Paradise of the Mountain!" she explains he can get some refreshments at her friend's new place and charge his phone if needed, generally take a load off for a bit. "Mechanic's nice, but, it might take a few days. The dickhead with any special parts in the city is too chickenshit to come back here alone after having words with Vik & Wyatt at .. many points or another." she laughs and looks at Caprice with a smile.
"You find some good stuff? I bet Pearl will be tickled to see you if you have anything for her."
Caprice would know she's totally kidding, not because Pearl wouldn't find Caprice a true delight, but probably because she was too over the moon for some dad-hug named Wyatt. He did give good-ass hugs, though...
(I love that everyone in town is hot as shit, except the old racist cunts o'course. It's like a spooky soap opera!)
(I am simply parched, my god!)
What a bunch of weirdos...
Gillian looks at them both with their big boy stranger-danger dude vibes like, 'What the fuuuuck???' for about a half-second before unlocking the doors anyway, since Caprice was here and... usually she was a good judge of character. Or just pretty lucky.
As Vince noted how small she is, Gil let out the a delighted giggle, immediately charmed. Caprice might note that Gillian WAS absolutely the most ridiculous flirt, however she didn't require attention, but she did enjoy ... herself almost all of the time.
Like a little cream-colored dragon, Gil's nose exhaled a plume of dank pink smoke.
She didn't seem particularly concerned that Vince might try to murder them. The irony of Vik's car made her laugh to herself.
HOW has she not ended up murdered?
LITERALLY WHAT?
The inside was a luxurious red, almost sickly contrasting the "sweet" paint job of the car. On second thought, it sort of looked like a slice of red velvet cake when any of the doors were open. That, or a super filthy film set.
Every surface, leather, chrome, or velvet.
Simply perfect.
Other than the weed & faint perfume of girly body products. The front and back weren't divided by much except the deep, red velvet bench seat.
There were some sheer red curtains tied against the side walls. The back was similarly velvet, all of it...
And under the oval windows were velvety red loveseats framed by more matching curtains. It looked like something out of a horror punk porno.
It was pretty fantastic.
Great at the drive inn.
The front boasted a lot of leg room, two full seatbelts, and one of those really silly lap belts in the center; usually reserved for a small cooler of sandwiches & drinks on a road trip. All three could probably fit, as Gil was smallish.
"Nice to meet you, Vince," she grins, takes a deep drag & extends her silly little golden cigarette-holder and joint to him.
"Laurel Hill Springs, the Paradise of the Mountain!" she explains he can get some refreshments at her friend's new place and charge his phone if needed, generally take a load off for a bit. "Mechanic's nice, but, it might take a few days. The dickhead with any special parts in the city is too chickenshit to come back here alone after having words with Vik & Wyatt at .. many points or another." she laughs and looks at Caprice with a smile.
"You find some good stuff? I bet Pearl will be tickled to see you if you have anything for her."
Caprice would know she's totally kidding, not because Pearl wouldn't find Caprice a true delight, but probably because she was too over the moon for some dad-hug named Wyatt. He did give good-ass hugs, though...
(I love that everyone in town is hot as shit, except the old racist cunts o'course. It's like a spooky soap opera!)
(I am simply parched, my god!)
He didn’t mind if the man had decided he’d rather sit up front instead in the back where the dead things took their last trip. He’d have to get really snuggly though. The bouncy blond might be small, but they were also two grown men. (I couldn’t find Vic’s size in his profile so forgive me lol) And while Cap was odd, he didn’t mind people being in his space too much. Lord only knew he didn’t always know when not to be in someone’s bubble. That and with how jumpy Vince was right now he didn’t really scream scary threat.
He looked down at his bag. He liked Pearl as much as he liked most of the town’s people. She was kind to him, so he was kind back. But everyone in town, including him, knew about that crush. It was hard not to, and he didn't blame her. Caprice also didn't know how to really handle that man. “I think so. A few credit cards and a phone...” There were a couple of items that might be something someone would come back for like some jewelry but that would be a little harder for him to just give up. “I did find some keys though.” He shrugged. There were a couple people in town who had a habit of losing things. Or rather seemed to be cursed to things up and vanishing.
(Those were the vibes you were hoping for!
)
He looked down at his bag. He liked Pearl as much as he liked most of the town’s people. She was kind to him, so he was kind back. But everyone in town, including him, knew about that crush. It was hard not to, and he didn't blame her. Caprice also didn't know how to really handle that man. “I think so. A few credit cards and a phone...” There were a couple of items that might be something someone would come back for like some jewelry but that would be a little harder for him to just give up. “I did find some keys though.” He shrugged. There were a couple people in town who had a habit of losing things. Or rather seemed to be cursed to things up and vanishing.
(Those were the vibes you were hoping for!
)
Vince was a tall guy. Well, he "only" had around 1.85m in height, but he had a way of filling up space that gave him the aura of a larger man, even at those moment where he was jumpy or slightly embarrassed.
Vince returned to the Van one more time. He plucked his cellphone from the van. The speakers fell silent, sparing everyone a round of Blue Öyster Cult,
As he left, he locked up the car. It hadn't had any remote-locking functionality yet, and Vince wasn't even sure if it was necessary. If he lost his can collection, he wouldn't be too sad, and it was a good excuse to get more cans.
After he was done with his mobile home - well, just home by now - he got into the car next to Gill.
For a moment, the smell was overwhelming. Vince almost felt like he was a cartoon character, floating at the smell of cake. Luckily, he was able to keep it together pretty well, as he closed the door behind himself. Still feeling a bit floaty he turned around to take in the atmosphere in the inside of the car, before finally turning over to Gill.
Despite not knowing Vik or Wyatt, the thought made him still laugh as well.
"Sounds like a good place to be. I'm not in any hurry, I can wait for a bit, I'm just a big city boy. I'll need some time to get used to actually seeing trees and mountains." he added a quick smile.
(I'll be a bit slower the next two days or so
)
Vince returned to the Van one more time. He plucked his cellphone from the van. The speakers fell silent, sparing everyone a round of Blue Öyster Cult,
As he left, he locked up the car. It hadn't had any remote-locking functionality yet, and Vince wasn't even sure if it was necessary. If he lost his can collection, he wouldn't be too sad, and it was a good excuse to get more cans.
After he was done with his mobile home - well, just home by now - he got into the car next to Gill.
For a moment, the smell was overwhelming. Vince almost felt like he was a cartoon character, floating at the smell of cake. Luckily, he was able to keep it together pretty well, as he closed the door behind himself. Still feeling a bit floaty he turned around to take in the atmosphere in the inside of the car, before finally turning over to Gill.
Despite not knowing Vik or Wyatt, the thought made him still laugh as well.
"Sounds like a good place to be. I'm not in any hurry, I can wait for a bit, I'm just a big city boy. I'll need some time to get used to actually seeing trees and mountains." he added a quick smile.
(I'll be a bit slower the next two days or so
)
(All good!)
The little blond raised her brows at 'keys'. Phones and credit cards were only SOOOO interesting. But, keys could be mundane or an adventure. Caprice knew she couldn't resist the following three things: Gossip, Aggressive Cuddling, & Adventure.
Likely, much to the chagrin of Vik...
As for Vince, or anyone else really, Gil wasn't afraid to be curious. She eyes him from introduction all the way to the front door. When he slides in beside her she offers him the joint properly, smiling. Otherwise, she's taking a drag, "Excellent! We'll see if we can get you sorted out. Are you two hungry? Like, plus drinks yes. But, also nourishment? Maybe a milkshake?" And more smoking?
One has to take their night off and run with it out here, you never know...!
"Oh, I'm sure someone can take you all over." Did she wink!?
The little blond raised her brows at 'keys'. Phones and credit cards were only SOOOO interesting. But, keys could be mundane or an adventure. Caprice knew she couldn't resist the following three things: Gossip, Aggressive Cuddling, & Adventure.
Likely, much to the chagrin of Vik...
As for Vince, or anyone else really, Gil wasn't afraid to be curious. She eyes him from introduction all the way to the front door. When he slides in beside her she offers him the joint properly, smiling. Otherwise, she's taking a drag, "Excellent! We'll see if we can get you sorted out. Are you two hungry? Like, plus drinks yes. But, also nourishment? Maybe a milkshake?" And more smoking?
One has to take their night off and run with it out here, you never know...!
"Oh, I'm sure someone can take you all over." Did she wink!?
Ooh he knew. And with the assortment of things, he was starting to see there might be more of that gossip coming. The woods were starting to look a little strange. Well…a l little more than their usual. A pit was slowly starting to form in his stomach thinking about it. It could be a number of things…
“Sounds good Gil. Just don't forget about the shop.” He reminded the little gal. She was stoned after all. If they were going to go into another person’s space, he was going to want his shoes. Manners and social norms and all that.
“I can cover the food at the diner if you want to cover whatever drinks and stuff we do after.” After all, gal did have the hook up. And it didn't seem like Vince was in the best place to pay for anything right now. He could call it a welcoming gift if he’d like.
Though the more they sat in the car the more Cap was able to actually take in the smells. Sure, the aroma of weed and cleaners were heavy but there were a few smells that didn’t seem like they matched. More so now that they were all so close. His head turned and he briefly eyed Vince before looking away. He didn’t say anything though.
(No worries! Appreciate the heads up.)
“Sounds good Gil. Just don't forget about the shop.” He reminded the little gal. She was stoned after all. If they were going to go into another person’s space, he was going to want his shoes. Manners and social norms and all that.
“I can cover the food at the diner if you want to cover whatever drinks and stuff we do after.” After all, gal did have the hook up. And it didn't seem like Vince was in the best place to pay for anything right now. He could call it a welcoming gift if he’d like.
Though the more they sat in the car the more Cap was able to actually take in the smells. Sure, the aroma of weed and cleaners were heavy but there were a few smells that didn’t seem like they matched. More so now that they were all so close. His head turned and he briefly eyed Vince before looking away. He didn’t say anything though.
(No worries! Appreciate the heads up.)
Vince shot Gil another one of his careful smiles. By now he had stopped being jumpy and started being coy, by the looks of it.
He was about to say something, when his stomach started to growl at the other passengers. Well, better than his throat.
"I'll have to owe you two one." he admitted, money really was tight. He'd have to get a job around here to pay for the repairs.
Vince decided there was a moment to think about stuff like that, and it wasn't when sitting an exiting car with a curious blonde. Or even better yet, he just would never think about it!
"It's been ages since I had a milk-shake." he suddenly realized, as if not having a milk shake was a crime against humanity. "Do they have anything with meat?"
Vince inhaled again, filling his lungs with the smell of weed. There was something relaxing about the ride, even though he always paused when he saw the lights of another vehicle in the rear view mirror. Only when his curiousness about the other car passing by was satisfied, he returned to his old self. Maybe he still was a bit jumpy.
The somewhat awkward big lug didn't fit his almost aggressive predatory smell.
He was about to say something, when his stomach started to growl at the other passengers. Well, better than his throat.
"I'll have to owe you two one." he admitted, money really was tight. He'd have to get a job around here to pay for the repairs.
Vince decided there was a moment to think about stuff like that, and it wasn't when sitting an exiting car with a curious blonde. Or even better yet, he just would never think about it!
"It's been ages since I had a milk-shake." he suddenly realized, as if not having a milk shake was a crime against humanity. "Do they have anything with meat?"
Vince inhaled again, filling his lungs with the smell of weed. There was something relaxing about the ride, even though he always paused when he saw the lights of another vehicle in the rear view mirror. Only when his curiousness about the other car passing by was satisfied, he returned to his old self. Maybe he still was a bit jumpy.
The somewhat awkward big lug didn't fit his almost aggressive predatory smell.
As if she wasn't wearing the smallest cut-offs on the planet... Gil grinned at Caprice while turning around from the front seat, leaning forward into the back. She reached out and brushed Cap's cheek with her fingertips. The little blonde didn't have to look to know he would want his shoes, but she nodded and offers him a bright smile, "Haha, okay. Deal! Resupply. Food. Refreshments!"
From... where? Gillian produces a golden dollar coin and puts it in his palm when he opens it. She looks at Vince over her shoulder, still half in the back of the vehicle tormenting Caprice.
"Ah, don't worry about it."
She eventually slid down the seat and back into appropriate driving position, her perfectly shaped brows and sparkling eyes check the rearview.
"Very quality juicy, crispy smash cheeseburgers." It sounded almost erotic... Before they pull away Gillian was sure to wave & smile charmingly at the singular sHell Station attendant then point at the van. With a double thumbs up as if to say, "I am serious and adorable, I promise we'll get it towed ASAP."
She made a little heart sign & kissy face, the young teenager at the register rolled their eyes and walked away from the station window, Throwing their hands up in exasperation... "See? It's fine!"
She lets the guys keep the joint while she drives. The breeze is glorious with the windows open. Not terribly far down the road, they arrive safely in front of The Hoard, Caprice's place.
When Cap gets out of the car, half-joking, she leans out the window to call at him.
"You should wear that one I like!"
From... where? Gillian produces a golden dollar coin and puts it in his palm when he opens it. She looks at Vince over her shoulder, still half in the back of the vehicle tormenting Caprice.
"Ah, don't worry about it."
She eventually slid down the seat and back into appropriate driving position, her perfectly shaped brows and sparkling eyes check the rearview.
"Very quality juicy, crispy smash cheeseburgers." It sounded almost erotic... Before they pull away Gillian was sure to wave & smile charmingly at the singular sHell Station attendant then point at the van. With a double thumbs up as if to say, "I am serious and adorable, I promise we'll get it towed ASAP."
She made a little heart sign & kissy face, the young teenager at the register rolled their eyes and walked away from the station window, Throwing their hands up in exasperation... "See? It's fine!"
She lets the guys keep the joint while she drives. The breeze is glorious with the windows open. Not terribly far down the road, they arrive safely in front of The Hoard, Caprice's place.
When Cap gets out of the car, half-joking, she leans out the window to call at him.
"You should wear that one I like!"
He gave a nod though the others couldn’t really see it. Most of the people in the town owed one another something in some sort of fashion. Be it money or favors and most of the people owed Caprice something. Which was nice when he wanted something but honestly hates normal currency. It was just so dirty.
That train of thought was stopped suddenly by that itty bitty lady who was doing what she did best. Be an absolute menace. His head tilted just ever so slightly towards her touch and he smirked. An absolute menace.
“Gift for a gift.” He held onto the golden coin that was given to him happily. The gal knew him well. Or as well as you could know him. Caprice had to remind himself to bring the gift to the bar opening that he had made for the galls.
Once they started moving he’d lean forward and bum the joint from the front seat before taking a puff or two, handing it back and just sitting back to enjoy the ride. It was a small town so it wasn’t like they had too far to go.
“Thanks. I’ll be back in a sec.” He popped open the door and stepped out once they pulled up to to the shop. He took a couple of steps and stopped to look back as she called after him. “Behave…” He said in the mod dad tone he could muster. To be honest he was talking to the both of them.
He stepped inside the stop, letting the inside and all its woody wonder be seen for a moment before it was closed.
(Skip me a round while cap gets ready.)
That train of thought was stopped suddenly by that itty bitty lady who was doing what she did best. Be an absolute menace. His head tilted just ever so slightly towards her touch and he smirked. An absolute menace.
“Gift for a gift.” He held onto the golden coin that was given to him happily. The gal knew him well. Or as well as you could know him. Caprice had to remind himself to bring the gift to the bar opening that he had made for the galls.
Once they started moving he’d lean forward and bum the joint from the front seat before taking a puff or two, handing it back and just sitting back to enjoy the ride. It was a small town so it wasn’t like they had too far to go.
“Thanks. I’ll be back in a sec.” He popped open the door and stepped out once they pulled up to to the shop. He took a couple of steps and stopped to look back as she called after him. “Behave…” He said in the mod dad tone he could muster. To be honest he was talking to the both of them.
He stepped inside the stop, letting the inside and all its woody wonder be seen for a moment before it was closed.
(Skip me a round while cap gets ready.)
Gillian knew of Cap's distaste for standard currency and she liked to get his thoughts on tipping performers... Bills & stringy things were specifically part of the fun!!!!
Her smile is completely mischievous.
"I am extremely well behaved! I'm even trainable!!!" Similar to the way she'd eyed Vince, Gil watched Caprice walk away as she relaxes back into the red velvet seating. She's almost small enough to kick her legs freely, unable to resist fidgeting. Here, it was more like she just didn't stop... bouncing...
The radio had been turned down so they could talk. While parked, the faint sound of some sort of psychedelic rock playlist drifts through the slightly hazy air.
As Caprice enters and they get a glimpse of the shop, Gil is flooded with a variety of feelings. She smiles coyly over at Vince. "When he's open, you gotta check the place out. Most magical craftsman here. Just gorgeous work. It makes me feel really cozy and nostalgic."
Her smile is completely mischievous.
"I am extremely well behaved! I'm even trainable!!!" Similar to the way she'd eyed Vince, Gil watched Caprice walk away as she relaxes back into the red velvet seating. She's almost small enough to kick her legs freely, unable to resist fidgeting. Here, it was more like she just didn't stop... bouncing...
The radio had been turned down so they could talk. While parked, the faint sound of some sort of psychedelic rock playlist drifts through the slightly hazy air.
As Caprice enters and they get a glimpse of the shop, Gil is flooded with a variety of feelings. She smiles coyly over at Vince. "When he's open, you gotta check the place out. Most magical craftsman here. Just gorgeous work. It makes me feel really cozy and nostalgic."
Vince watched the gold coin change owners with a curious glace. Was John Wick actually a documentary about how this town traded favors?
The whole thing amazed him, the exchange as well as Gill going into a driving position, despite looking very fun-sized compared to her seat.
It didn't look save or intended by the designer.
Vince already knew he would love this town.
He opened his mouth to say something, but after Gill's comment about cheeseburgers, he knew he wouldn't get any sound out that was safe for work, or for anyone so he closed his trap once more.
For a moment he swallowed, even just thinking about the burgers. Luckily, Gill didn't do advertisement, or any burger joint in this town would drown in money.
Luckily, while Vince was distracted by his more primal instincts (food! I'm talking about food, honestly!), Gill handled the situation with the Shell-workers with a lot more finesse than he would've been able to. Growling wasn't always the best form of communication after all.
But it was versatile. For example, he growled as Cap told him to behave.
"I'm house-trained, best I can offer." he then joined in on Gil's banter.
And suddenly, he was alone with the bundle of energy that had an excellent taste in music. For a moment he just sat there awkward, not being a menace at all, then he finally found his footing again.
"Magical craftsman? I might need a thing or two for the van, I should check it out." he admitted. "Can I have a puff?"
The whole thing amazed him, the exchange as well as Gill going into a driving position, despite looking very fun-sized compared to her seat.
It didn't look save or intended by the designer.
Vince already knew he would love this town.
He opened his mouth to say something, but after Gill's comment about cheeseburgers, he knew he wouldn't get any sound out that was safe for work, or for anyone so he closed his trap once more.
For a moment he swallowed, even just thinking about the burgers. Luckily, Gill didn't do advertisement, or any burger joint in this town would drown in money.
Luckily, while Vince was distracted by his more primal instincts (food! I'm talking about food, honestly!), Gill handled the situation with the Shell-workers with a lot more finesse than he would've been able to. Growling wasn't always the best form of communication after all.
But it was versatile. For example, he growled as Cap told him to behave.
"I'm house-trained, best I can offer." he then joined in on Gil's banter.
And suddenly, he was alone with the bundle of energy that had an excellent taste in music. For a moment he just sat there awkward, not being a menace at all, then he finally found his footing again.
"Magical craftsman? I might need a thing or two for the van, I should check it out." he admitted. "Can I have a puff?"
Moderators: .the.MILK.theef. Caprice (played by KorrokMustache) Jackson Dewell (played by Hoogabooga) Carrie Mae Vance (played by TheLittleWitch) Beygl