2022-12-02: Asylum
- Log: 2022-12-02: Asylum
- Cast: Leina Ashta, Banagher Links, Mineva Lao Zabi, Sayla Mass
- Where: Villa Mass, AEU Spain
- OOC - IC Date: 26 November UC0096
- Summary: After a disastrous wedding, Leina brings Banagher and Mineva to the safest place she knows.
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
The tunnel is long, and winding. It's easy to get lost from the false passages, Leina however seems to know exactly where to go.
Either she's navigated it to drill for emergencies or there's some marker she's seeing that the others aren't.
She's still wearing her asymmetric green jump suit from the wedding, but she's discarded her other flat for this and is just walking on the balls of her feet.
Eventually they hit a dead end but she walks straight to the end of it she presses something in the rock, which then shines against her fingertip. Then puts her eye up just above it as a light glows and scans it.
Security to get in this way seems to be much more stringent than getting out.
With a mechanical shudder the rock wall slides open, and a second brick wall that follows, as Leina sighs comfortably when her feet touch much less rough stonework in the wine cellar and she lets her heels fall.
In the cellar there are upon rows of wine upon the racks. There are some old casks from when the Villa was a proper vineyard, but most of those are empty.
"Alright, can breathe easy now you two." The tunnel door closes in rather short order automatically behind them once everyone's in. Leina ascends the stairs, that brings them out of a staircase near the kitchen and she calls out - "We're here!" ... Sayla would already know this, but she still calls it out anyway.
Which immediately brings the jingling cadence of a blue Maine Coon cat that runs up to Leina and rubs her legs with a mrrrp of demand for attention, as Leina bends over and scoops him up, "Hey Foras. So sorry I left you alone, cruelly bereft of my petting hand." She whispers near his ear, "As weddings go, would have rather stayed home."
The fluffy cat looks towards the other two in greeting, "Meet my friendly fluffy boiiiii."
As she leads them all straight towards the living room, happily spoiled feline in tow... "Make yourselves at home and stretch those legs. ... Desperately need a shower, but feel that's gotta wait until after we have a chat."
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
There are few things that could raise Banagher's spirits after the ordeal they've all just been through, but... a secret tunnel is definitely on the list. Holding tightly to Audrey's hand, he gives each false passage and forking path a curious look. "How big is it down here?" He asks, as Leina navigates them through the 'dead end'.
Banagher's own clothing is looking very much the worse for wear. He's lost his tie somewhere along the way, his fancy shirt dangling open at the neck. The glossy jacket is tattered and torn from their encounter with the Banshee's wrath, and his pants and shoes are covered in dirt.
At the appearance of Foras, Banagher's eyes light up. "A cat! I've never really seen one up close before. Can I pet him?" Though he politely waits for permission before touching the animal, it's clear he's eager, scooting a bit closer to Leina. "You're famous, fluffy boy. Sometimes I wonder if I need to be jealous of you!" It's a joke, and he smiles to the animal.
Following behind Leina, Banagher glances to Audrey, checking in with her. He can't forget her terror at the sight of that... thing, Elisa summoned to the battlefield. While his thoughts are still consumed by that black Unicorn, that thing isn't far behind.
When they finally reach the living room... "Thank you, Leina." Unable to help himself, Banagher gawks at the sheer size of the Villa, and the quality of the items within. "T--this place is amazing! Are you sure we're okay to sit down? I'm all dusty..." Squeezing Audrey's hand once more, Banagher tries to brush the dirt off his pants, mostly unsuccessfully. "A shower would be great. But a chat first, yeah."
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva follows close behind the other two, hand-in-hand with Banagher, still wearing her green dress. It's not *that* much worse for the wear, dirt and tear aside, though the shawl is nowhere to be found. Probably crushed beneath some masonry back at the chapel. Her heels are likewise absent.
There's still a bit of adrenaline running through her, tension she hasn't quite been able to shake since the wedding. But as she steps out into the cellar, it starts to fade, Leina's reassurance doing much to calm her down.
She scuffs her bare feet a few times on the floor, trying to get at least some of the dirt of the tunnel off before she ascends into the house proper, before proceeding up--and she gasps at the sight of Foras. "Ohhh, look at him," she gushes, reaching out a hand to let him give her a sniff before giving him some firm, slow headpets.
She glances over at Banagher as he turns his attention to her, and she nods. She's-- 'okay' would be a stretch, but it's evident that she's managing. And Foras' presence is doing a fair bit to ease her anxieties. She seems oddly guarded, though...
"Ugh. Yeah... I'd hate to get dirt all over," she agrees, looking over her dress and silently lamenting the fact that it may well be ruined.
<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.
Sayla found herself having to book a flight back down quickly, having received the message shortly after a comfortable afternoon of drinks with a new friend. She had the trip to the orbital ring to sober up, and a driver met her at the closest station.
They stopped to get food on the way- it sounds like it would have been needed. As she's getting things ready, Sayla hears Leina's call and it's reassuring. "Head into the living room. I'll be there in a second!"
When the group enter, there's a large coffee table with jug of water, a coffee press, a pot of tea, a glass of fresh orxata where she expects Leina to sit (in the middle of a three seater), some plates and cutlery and a poured coffee on the opposite side from Leina. There is also an abyssinian sitting in the chair opposite Leina. There's also things to clean ones hands and face with, if need be.
"I don't think you have to worry, Banagher. The bond between a girl and her cat is one that no partner can interfere with." Now that Leina's here, Sayla walks in with the food she has kept a distance from a cat and warm in the oven. She puts the paper wrapped bundle on the table, tearing it open to reveal a pile of fish and chips. There's battered prawns and calamari there too, along with a bowl of lemons for squeezing. "I hope this suits everyone."
Sayla looks over the three of them, her battered walls at full strength. "Please sit down, the cats get enough fur on the couches we have to clean them regularly anyway. It's not a problem."
The first thing Sayla does, now all is sorted, is walk over to Leina and hug her, dirt and mess be damned, as tightly as she can. She holds it for a few seconds, before pulling back. There's other things to discuss. "Banagher, it's good to see you again. And..." She looks over to Mineva, and it's clear Sayla's tense. This was inevitable, but...
Sayla doesn't offer to shake hands, instead guiding the trio toward the couch. "It's nice to meet you," she says, trying her best to remain level. "I'm Sayla. How would you like me to refer to you?"
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
"Big." Leina had said without actually answering the question.
She's all smiles at how the two love Foras, "You can - and he's the best." Leina tells them both, as Sayla speaks of her bond between her and a cat, as she then grins at Banagher, "You don't want to start that fight for my affection Mister Links." Leina winks at him, her tone teasing, "You'll lose."
She laughs at him gawking at the size of the Villa, "To me it's just home. And sure."
Leina grins at Mineva, confirming what Sayla says that it's okay, "It's fine. Really! God after all we went through a little dirt on the furniture is the last thing we're worried about. I'll clean up later."
Note she does not even mention the staff here, she just says she'll do it.
As Sayla walks over, the first thing she does is... give Foras over to Mineva to hold (He does not seem to mind, his big eyes fixing on Mineva, as his tail flicks in curiosity) before giving Sayla the biggest hug...
"God I missed this. We had to hold back for what felt like an eternity." She murmurs to her, trying to be so quiet that Banagher won't catch that one.
Leina then takes a seat upon the couch, and lets Audrey answer this one - in her eyes... she's always the one who gets to decide who she is.
Taking a sip of her Orxata, she grabs some calimari and takes a bite, "... Incredible." She sighs in contentment, "We missed the reception for obvious reasons, so this is lifesaving.
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Audrey's nod gets a soft smile from Banagher, and one in return. Maybe not 'okay', but they're here, alive and together. They can do this. Later, he's going to have to ask why she's so guarded... Maybe it's just the stress of the wedding battle.
The moment he's granted permission, Banagher steps forward. He imitates Audrey's motions, letting Foras sniff his hand, then petting him very, very delicately. "So soft..." A grin, up at Leina. "Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of going up against someone with so many unfair advantages. Look at this fluff!"
They move forward. "Sayla." Banagher greets, giving the older woman a tired, thankful smile. "Thank you -- so much, for sheltering us. I know it's a risk." Before he can go on, the smell of the food hits him and takes his focus. "Oh, thank you for the food, too."
Quickly retrieving some cleaning items, Banagher offers some to Leina and Audrey, then cleans his own hands and face. It's grounding, letting his heart rate slow. The young man is methodical, cleaning between each finger, scrubbing under his nails. When he's finished, he folds the dirty cloth and puts it back on the tray, looking much recovered. Leina and Sayla hugging so tightly brings a smile to his face once more, and he turns away, giving them a moment.
"Um, I'll just--" Slipping out of his jacket and shoes, Banagher hangs them on the back of the offered couch. "Thank you again, sorry for the mess.." He looks a little baffled at the coffee press, but coffee does sound nice. At Anaheim, he certainly developed a taste for it. Gathering up an even third of the offered food, Banagher sits to the right of Leina's spot -- noticing the second cat, and beaming.
Leina takes a drink of that mysterious liquid, but Banagher is starving. He wolfs down the food he's taken, only making the barest effort to be polite. "Does the cat --?" He holds out a bit of food toward Foras, curiously. "They like fish, right?"
He's about to ask Audrey if she wants him to gather any food for her when he senses the tension between Sayla and Audrey. Banagher stiffens slightly. So far, this is fine, but... Sayla's been hurt so much by Zeon. If anything goes badly, at least they know how to get to that escape tunnel.
No. They can trust Sayla. She's made that clear. Banagher takes a deep breath in and out, then smiles at Audrey, giving her another nod. It's okay. They can do this.
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva makes a beeline for the tea, pouring herself a cup and immediately taking a grateful sip as she takes a seat to one side of Leina. "Thanks, but not right now," she declines Banagher. She's still a bit too... everything... to be hungry. The sight of Sayla certainly adds something to the everything, though--it sets her mind racing, briefly, a mess of emotions that's difficult to discern, before settling on... relief. A modicum of safety, beneath the tension she shares with Sayla in this moment.
She smiles. "Audrey Burne. It's nice to meet you, too." She remains guarded, but the smile is genuine. "I'm sorry we've gotten Leina into so much trouble. But... thank you. For doing so much to help us. To help me." She looks down into her cup. "If you hadn't helped me get off the Orbital Ring, I'd probably be in a prison cell somewhere."
It's at this point that she finally takes the offered cleaning items, at least taking the time to clean her hands.
Beneath it all, though, she's calm. This place feels... safe, to her. Not quite home, but...
<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.
"Me too," Sayla whispers back. The relief at having Leina safe is palpable, even with the walls.
Sayla waves her hand dismissively. "It's fine. This is hardly the first time I've sheltered fugitives, and it won't be the last. Even if you weren't both dating Leina, I'd do it." She moves to her own chair, and looks down at Buer. "Alright you," she says, giving the cat a few gentle taps on the head. "Off." There is a brief stare down, before Buer jumps down, and Sayla sits- only for Buer to jump on the arm rest and climb up to sit on the top of the chair behind her. Sayla reaches up to scritch her chin, before taking a sup of her coffee. "They do. That one likes fish a lot- so keep an eye on your plate." She reaches to serve herself up some, and notices Audrey not eating. Hrm. Sayla picks up a prawn, bites into it, and pulls the meat free of the tail before finishing it in one bite.
"Audrey," Sayla confirms. She can keep up with that. Still, Sayla smirks. "Believe me, if I know one thing about Leina, she is fully capable of getting into trouble on her own. Usually the sort I approve of." She takes a breath. "And really, I don't think this particular incident was any of your faults." Sayla had been aware of the wedding, but... other matters took priority. It was probably for the best, all things considered.
"It's... part of what I and the foundation do. I apologize that I was not in a position to meet you in person at the time." Sayla's quiet for a few moments, looking at the Zabi heir. What did she know? What had Haman Karn told her? Taught her? "It should be fine for you to stay the night at least before you move on. I don't know when Judau and Roux will be back but neither of them are going to sell you out. I don't think Anti will be back until things are under control in Tsutsujidai, but even if he is he's not going to tell anyone either."
She takes another sip of her coffee, thinking. "Do you have a plan from here? I can easily get you back to Sweetwater, but I know Full Frontal was able to find you there."
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
"They do. Keep an eye out, they're both expert food bandits." Leina grins at Banagher, not actually minding TOO much if they make off with a little something every now and then.
It shouldn't be encouraged though! It's the principle of the matter not to spoil them too much in that regard.
Leina has absolutely no fear when it comes to this encounter between Mineva and Sayla. She just can't see Sayla causing someone she cares about harm except in very specific situations.
Introducing herself as Audrey, Leina actually grins at her apology, and Sayla's response - "Usually." She echoes - but she decides not to tease in this moment, given the coming thank you she's giving to Sayla for her help.
Sayla's reserved, and tense, she can tell - that's not unusual, the degree to which isn't even that unusual to her, she figures it's because of who Mineva is.
She has no idea how correct she is, in the understatement of why that's a big deal.
"Zero chance they would. They'd probably even escort you two wherever you wanted." Judau may be pissed at Banagher but there's no way he'd leave Mineva out in the cold, she's sure of it.
As Sayla asks about the plan, Leina says nothing for a time, taking a sip, before picking up some fried cod, nibbling on it.
"It does beg the question. How?"
Leina looks sidelong at Banagher, then at Mineva, "Like - even if they kept Char's old mansion under surveillance, he arrived far too quickly right? I had the impression you two weren't there that long before calling me."
Another nibble, she swallows... "Vist seems to have much more trouble finding you. Relying on old fashioned surveillance and intelligence work."
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Audrey is calm. This, in turn, calms Banagher, who sinks back into the couch with a sigh. It's so much more comfortable than his pilot seat, especially with the Unicorn in such poor shape... A little wave of anxiety echoes from Banagher as he thinks about the Unicorn. Repairs are going to be both costly and lengthy. And without a ship to return to, how will he even manage them?
Banagher laughs at the potential theivery of the cats. "They're so beautiful, they can have whatever they want!"
Sayla acknowledges that they're both dating Leina, and Banagher's heart leaps in his chest. It's not an approval, not really, but -- almost! Holding his plate of food a bit more securely, the young man continues to eat quickly, watching the conversation move between the women. "We really did expect just a normal wedding, even if the bride is --" He thinks for a moment. "A little horrible. And wow, the other one -- did you two see? She got shot in the chest and just popped right back up." A break to eat another few bites. "What the hell is that?"
"Thank you. I trust Sayla and Judau and Roux, without a doubt." Banagher stops eating as Sayla discusses their future plans. He looks down at his quickly-emptying plate, furrowing his brow. "I don't know. Anywhere we go, we'll put people in danger. Leina -- I -- don't want to return to the Garencieres, and I don't think Audrey does, either." He's hesitant. Part of him does want to go back, but after Torrington... "I don't know if anywhere is safe. The next coordinates are unlocked, but without a ship..." Banagher trails off.
"I have no idea how he found us so quickly. He's a Cyber-Newtype, and if he has Char's memories, um..." A glance to Audrey. "Maybe a bond with Audrey came as part of that? I don't know if that's possible. He could very well have some kind of connection with me, instead, I guess."
Leina brings up Vist, and Banagher takes a breath. He opens his mouth, then changes his mind and closes it. There'll be time later to talk this over -- there's too much else at stake right now.
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva grins at Banagher, "That's what they're banking on. Cats are charming little beasts." She reaches out to pet Buer. The mention of the three dating elicits a small rise in her, a satisfaction--it's not an endorsement, no, but acknowledgment without judgment is a lot.
She takes a sip of tea, listening as Sayla asks about their plans--and as Leina starts to speculate about Full Frontal. She shakes her head. "I'm not sure he expected to find us there. It's safest to assume he did, but... what we've managed to piece together..." Her thoughts drift, and she changes direction. "He may have been chasing implanted memories," she concludes. "I think we need to wait a little while before we try returning to Sweetwater. The Federation's got suppression forces there after what happened..."
"And I'm not sure where to go from here," she admits, looking away. "Besides following the next set of coordinates from the Unicorn. And even that... the black Unicorn Lilith was piloting might have its own key. We need to be careful."
Throughout all this, there's a certain intent to her emotions--a desire, an anticipation. Like there's something she wants, or needs, to do. Something focused on Sayla.
<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.
Speaking of not spoiling, Sayla cuts a little bit off the piece of fish she had prepared, passing it up to Buer who takes it from her hand, and jumps off the chair to eat somewhere private. She chooses to not comment on not encourage them.
Sayla shakes her head. "Ms Mesua's people would be aware of the Sleeves keeping constant observation." She start tapping her fingers as Leina posits that Vist has more trouble.
"You say that now, but they might hold you to it." It's always a little fascinating to see people encounter animals like cats for the first time. Buer pauses at Mineva's reaching hand but, surprisingly, lets the young woman per her without complain. How interesting.
"I was told something similar. Whoever that man behind the mask is, he's not Char Aznable." Sayla's hurt creeps through the wall, but perhaps strongest to Mineva. "By that logic there's a chance he'll emerge in other places where the Red Comet left his scars." Sayla takes a breath.
"Maybe it would be best not to pursue the coordinates for the moment." Sayla takes a deep breath as she considers, remembering Amuro's appearance. "Without the Unicorn there, no one can pursue what the coordinates lead to- and it's easier to lay low without an MS than with one. The Sleeves have made loud plays now. If you really have to pursue this, you can wait until they're otherwise-" She stops. "...That rather complicates matters. Damnit."
Sayla grimaces... what to do. "...I think the best plan for the moment is for the three of your to rest. Leina, can you take care of sleeping arrangements?" Sayla picks up a chip. "I'll see if I contact someone to see to the Unicorn while you're cleaning up. Do you have any other clothes? I know you've been on the move for a while.
Sayla can feel it, that pressure trying to make her aware of something. That's fine. She needs to do this too. "And Audrey? After you've had a chance to clean up, would you be willing to talk with me one on one? I think it better to clear the air sooner, rather than later. We can talk in my study, if that works for you."
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
Leina just is all smiles as Mineva describes cats as charming little beasts to Banagher, the cat talk with the two putting her in a good mood, "Pfft, you're gonna spoil them Banagher. Don't be fooled by their good looks - they have robber's hearts."
Banagher remarks that he doesn't think either of them want to return to the Garencieres gets her peering at him for a time. She's glad that at least neither of them would want to.
It turns to more speculation about Full Frontal, and Sayla feels Leina's worry and sadness at her anger over Full Frontal.
"The Ra Mari is an option, but the longer you stay with them, the more chances of discovery. The crew is trustworthy but Captain York can't account for the loyalties or tongues of two hundred people."
Leina laces her hands together in consideration, "I think if the second Unicorn wasn't at the technical college with..."
She gives Banagher an apologetic look, "... with Cardeas, then it might be missing the La+ program. That feels like his creation. We can't know that for sure, but... personally I'm more worried that even if it was used for a personal vendetta by Captain Aiden, that it was a test run before they turn it on you."
Ultimately she agrees with Sayla's assessment, she just tries to elaborate upon it to try and put their minds more at ease, "If we hear reports of it being sighted at the next coordinate location, we'll know differently, but laying low and making things difficult for them to find you seems the best course for now."
One on one? Leina gives Audrey an inquisitive look, as if to ask her if she's comfortable with it, however she has no real reason to question Sayla's motives here beyond things being compounded by her being a Zabi Princess.
(Other than how well her first one on one Banagher meeting went.)
Taking another sip, and then a bite of a potato wedge from the 'chips' part of the fish and chips, she puts it down and stands up, fingers already working at the phone, "Don't worry, I'll arrange that one too." She tells Sayla, "I'll courier over some clothes in their sizes to our dummy PO Box then call someone to pick it up so they can't track it."
She'd ask Banagher what styles he wants but - Banagher is fashion impaired. Better she just do it.
"Alright come on you two. First stop, the showers. We've got enough bathrooms that there's no need for you two to take turns. I'll set up your room then take my own turn."
Old habits it seems, taking care of everyone else before herself. However in this case can anyone object? It's her home, and they're hosting them.
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Banagher nods at Audrey's insights. Then, quietly, he murmurs to her, picking up on her emotions. "What's going on? What do you need?"
Golden eyes light up as Buer takes his treat and hurries away, managing not to laugh in delight. These cats really live an incredible life... Maybe later he'll be able to hold one of them, too. Banagher smiles to himself at the thought.
"Captain York and the Ra Mari were amazing. They were so kind to us, but I -- can't keep putting a target on them. Especially now that the black Unicorn is here. That thing hated us. I could feel it, it wanted to destroy the Unicorn. It was so angry."
Leina speaks up about Cardeas and the La+ program, and a little wave of sadness echoes from Banagher. "I think you're right. If the black one didn't emerge until now, it must've been made recently. And father wouldn't have been a part of it. I don't think Captain Aiden will be able to chase the Box. But she was willing to nearly kill us at the wedding... I think you're right, Leina."
"I'm sorry. This is really an impossible situation, and you're in the middle of it, now." Banagher murmurs, placing his now-empty plate back on the table. "When you have time, Sayla, there's something I'd like to talk to you about. Please." Banagher pauses, taking another breath. Whatever this thing is, it's something that worries him quite a bit. "Yeah, we've got some clothes back on the Unicorn. Haro's watching over our stuff."
But -- new clothes! Banagher blushes, glancing away. "I--if you're sure it's not a burden, thank you. My jeans really are getting pretty scuffed up. I'm looking forward to it, Leina."
Banagher looks surprised, glancing between Audrey and Sayla. He gives Audrey a quiet little tilt of his head -- is this okay? Does she want this private meeting? Banagher will absolutely insist on being there should she wish him to.
Standing, Banagher collects his shoes and jacket, then follows behind Leina. He glances back at Sayla curiously. What does she want with Audrey? What is there that he and Leina can't hear?
"As long as you make sure to get some rest too, Leina, and a shower! I'll make sure not to use up too much hot water. And I can help set up the rooms, if you want, I don't want to be a lazy guest."
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva nods to Sayla's assessment of Full Frontal, "That's right. Whatever he is..." He's not Char. She's sure of that, almost more than she is anything else at the moment.
She continues scritching gently at Buer's head, scratching right behind the ears. "Mm. I suppose laying low is the best idea for the moment, but..." Ugh. She hates the idea of doing nothing. Even if she doesn't know what to do, she can't help feeling like she has to do *something*. "We brought a few things with us. They're in the Unicorn," she glances back, in the general direction of where it was hidden. "I didn't think to get them. After everything that's happened, it was the last thing on my mind."
She relaxes a little as Leina reasons things out, and she nods. "Yeah. That's... you're right. Just... watch and wait." Ugh.
She smiles a little as Sayla offers a one-on-one, and looks to Leina and Banagher. "It's fine! I've just got a few things to talk about with her," she nods, taking a bigger drink from her tea. "And she's got a few things to ask me, I'm sure." Bashfully, she adds, "It's not every day one's ward starts dating someone like me."
<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.
Leina puts out her options, but she feels uneasy at the mention of a Londo Bell ship. And Captain Aiden... barely hours ago Sayla was talking about having drinks with Alma again, and inviting her. Now... "If it doesn't have the La+ program, that gives us time." She taps again. If they have time, rest really is the best option. Sayla blinks at Banagher's urgency. "Of course. After you've had some time to catch your breath. I'm sure all three of you are exhausted."
Sayla shakes her head. "It's not. The household fund," Sayla says the words pointedly at Leina before she orders, "can wear the cost." She looks over to Banagher, her ally in getting Leina to rest. "Banagher's right. We have enough water pressure to handle three showers at once, please just use your ensuite rather than waiting. Right now I'm worried if you wait too long, you'll pass out in there."
Sayla's eyes linger on Mineva again, as talks about... him. "We can go get them later, either through the tunnels or with a vehicle. Probably better to move at night. Right now if you've got time you should rest before making a plan. It's often the best course of action." Mineva's last comment, though...
"Quite," Sayla says, but there is a hint of something in Sayla's eye. Leina will recognize it for what it is. Mischief. "And as a pediatrician, I'm worried that all those years in hiding may not have left room for adequate sexual education. I think it better to resolve that before spending the night with Leina and Banagher." She says it with a completely straight face, and waits a beat, then two for the reactions to hit before smirking, the signal it *was* a joke.
Probably.
<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.
Leina doesn't respond to anything in regards to using the household fund but, when Sayla has that feeling of mischief, Leina turns her head, and lofts a single eyebrow.
"Sayla Mass!" Leina enunciates with a sense of indignation, then...
... there's an abrupt shift to a thin curve of a smile, and a wink - and her own sense of mischief, "What makes you think I don't have that one taken care of on my own?"
Leina doesn't even wait to judge the reactions of the three of them, she just leaves the room as if this were no big deal to her.
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Sayla gets a warm smile. "Thank you. I really am tired. That battle was terrifying, and -- I'm really tired of this suit too." Suddenly, he remembers Leina paid for it, and he hastily speaks up. "It's really nice! It's comfortable and I like it a lot! It's just, been a long time, while wearing it."
"I can go back and get our things, if you'd like me to. Though I might need help navigating that tunnel again." He adds, a little bashfully. "I don't want to leave Haro by himself for too long, he gets lonely." The young man looks impressed that the house has three bathrooms, not to mention enough water pressure for all three. "Please take care of yourself, Leina. We can all work together to get things ready."
"Alright." Banagher says, gently, leaning in to kiss Audrey's cheek. "Then I won't worry."
He's only just pulled back from that kiss as Sayla speaks up. Banagher listens politely, then freezes. A terribly deep red blush comes into being, covering his cheeks, and trailing down his neck beneath his shirt. "W--wh-- I mean, at Anaheim -- it's not like Char --" He doesn't even have a hoodie to hide in. Banagher doesn't know what to do with his hands.
...oh, it was a joke. Banagher reaches up, covering his face, then laughs. "...I can't believe..." That blush only grows more vibrant as Leina gets in on the joke, completely overwhelmed. Quickly, he flees, chasing after Leina.
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva blushes crimson and her mind goes a little wild at Sayla's comment, a downhill tumble thoughts coming out of her mouth as stammered, stuttered half-words and out of her mind as a storm of embarassment. There's a grinning glare as she realizes the joke. Oh dear. She's going to have a time, living here...