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WHO: Washington ("David") & ANYONE
WHERE: various locations in New Amsterdam
WHEN: shortly after arrivals
WHAT: adventures at the skate park and shopping district, baby's first fight club, choose your own adventure!
NOTES OR WARNINGS: will add as needed... violence for fight club?

i. skate park

[ It’s rare that Wash takes any time for fun things — his team back home was responsible for most of them, if left to his own devices he will typically train either himself or them, work on chore type things around the base, not stuff just to unwind. But in Meadowlark, he’s been on his own until Carolina arrived and realized awhile ago that he needs some way to relax after all, at least a little. He’s not good at being a lone wolf, not good at understanding his limits just pushing himself harder to cope… but it’s been awhile since he’s been able to sleep, since he was able to get his struggles with the situation here out of his head even if he’s training as hard as he can. His mind never calms. So even without the more traditionally laid back members of his team, he’s trying something unusual for him. Something just for fun.

He came across a skate park and he hasn’t picked up one of his own yet, but figures if he hangs out long enough he can attempt a conversation, ask where they got their gear, maybe borrow one from someone there and just skate for awhile. Do the hoverboards work like wheeled boards? How much of a learning curve is there? Wash isn’t sure but he’s headed back there now, watching at first and then approaching someone who looks to be taking a break. The guy is skeptical but lets him borrow the board to try it out.

…the learning curve is steep as it turns out. Half the time the board just shoots out from under him and the others at the park laugh, but Wash is used to being laughed at and doesn’t give up easily. He wants to master this, and focusing on it is far more engaging than anything he’s tried here so far. A decent workout, too, as he gets the hang of it and starts doing spins and flips on the thing. By the time the guy taking a break asks for his board back, there are a few onlookers smiling approvingly, willing to let him borrow theirs too if it continues the show. Both fumbling and newfound skill.

Yeah. This was a good idea. ]

ii. shopping

[ Wash has been saving up for an apartment, to get out of the not-safe-at-all feeling Safehouse, but he does have another priority that’s reared its head recently: decent clothes. He still only has what little there was that fit him at the Safehouse when he first arrived, and some of it is looking a bit threadbare. And now that he's got a place and a roommate settled, he can drop some of the rest he was saving. The thing is… he’s barely ever shopped for himself. He was a kid and then he was military and he didn’t have much of his own, or much that he ever liked. He doesn’t have a personal fashion sense, just wears what’s comfortable and it doesn’t quite blend with the aesthetics in New Amsterdam. So he’s in one of the cheaper shopping districts, poking around the stores both curious and overwhelmed by the breadth of choice.

Maybe you want to help him figure out what cuts and colors look best on him, or spot him lingering outside an electronics store smiling dopily at an electronic pet kitten that he shouldn’t waste money on, or ducking into the skate shop to see just how much some sneakers and a hoverboard of his own would run him. The answer is too much, but maybe not in time. ]

iii. fight club

[ Making money as one of the Displaced is harder than Wash would have thought — then again, he’s never had a real job before. Never had to provide for himself, not exactly. This kind of life is as foreign to him as this world but he’s heard there’s good money to be made at the fight clubs down in the seedy part of town. He’d visited and watched a few, didn’t think it was really his deal, he’s more into training and sparring, but he can obviously fight. Oh, he can fight. He might have to be careful when he does but he’s here now and has gotten his shit in order to have an actual match.

The other fighters in the back room, waiting for their matches, all seem to know how this works, lots of them have a look and a persona. Wash doesn’t. He’s just in sweats and a tank top, stretching a little to warm up because that’s what everyone else is doing. It’s not like he needs to, he thinks, but knows that overconfidence won’t get him anywhere.

When they call him that he’s up he follows his opponent down the walkway into the ring, looking up at the crowd. He’s no stranger to fighting with an audience, but not for one. Can he be showy enough to pull this off? They’re cheering, which is something new as well, and he waves awkwardly while his opponent struts around with his arms over his head, shirtless and… oiled? Weird. Probably to slip out of holds as much as it is for looks. Wash shakes the guy’s hand and waits for the bell to ring… then they’re off.

The fight is a flurry of strikes and dodges, Wash pulling most of his punches and kicks because he doesn’t want to actually injure anyone but that means it’s largely a draw and the crowd starts getting antsy. He needs a finishing move, something fancy, something that’ll hold their attention or he won’t be able to do this again, but that won’t hurt the guy. He starts hitting harder, forcing his opponent back into the ropes, then sweeping his legs out from under him while he’s stunned and dropping down on top of him to try and finish him off with one sharp hit that won’t leave any permanent damage… the crowd boos him. They wanted to see blood, pain. Maybe this kind of fighting really just isn’t for Wash, but he stands up and looks to the overseer, who’s frowning… and raises two fingers. Give him another shot, send out the next guy. The man considers, turns his head to speak to the fellow next to him, then nods once. One more chance. ‘Be more impressive’ is written all over the man’s face.

…he can do this. He’ll stop dodging, and he’ll hit harder. He’ll do some fancier moves. Be less efficient. Turn the crowd.

He can be found after the fight back on the sidelines or in the back room, cheers echoing behind him, flexing his bruised and bloody hands. He’s got a split above his eye that’s bled all down the side of his face but is already healing, Wash trying to hide that under a towel and his glowing chest under a sweatshirt. Fellow Displaced will know the signs, though. There’s also a look of uncertainty on his face, perhaps even vague distress about what he just did. The guy will be fine, this is for sport not for real. He just has trouble switching gears in that way. ]

iv. wildcard

[ Wash can also be found being an insomniac around the Safehouse, at work at Red Wings, or training around the city, mostly running and bodyweight exercises in the early hours of the morning… or whenever he starts getting restless. If you’d like something completely different or just a custom starter, feel free to hit me at

cuddlebug or on discord at koutavi#1461 ! ]

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[Ginia waves in the reflection of the window as David looks at the electronic pets. She stops alongside him, leaning in to look with a wide grin at the robot kittens.]

They're adorable!

[Granted, not as cute as a real cat, and they seem fairly basic as far as electronic pets go. But still very cute.]

Heh... hey Angela. Not much like the real thing, though, are they?

[ Wash peers at some of the smaller ones toddling around in the window display -- there's a hierarchy of cuteness happening with these guys, and the more advanced realistic ones aren't necessarily the cutest. He supposes it's what's more important to you that determines which appeals. No matter what they're a waste of money, it's not an actual cat, it'll never be a companion. Just a toy.

...he still kind of wants one. ]

I was just passing by looking for a decent clothes store.

Pretty far from it, though probably the closest option outside of VR.

[But even a VR petting zoo isn't quite the same thing as an actual animal. Ginia wiggles her fingers at the glass. One of the kittens toddles toward her, but it's not quite the same thing.]

I miss feeding stray cats. Even the ones that claw you up trying to get food.

Still not the same, but I guess people here don't know what they're missing. I brought a stray home when I was a kid... that cat hated everyone in the house but me.

[ He straightens up and looks at the details on the boxes stacked beside the pen the toys are in. ]

The blue and white ones can purr.

Look at you, a regular cat whisperer.

[Ginia isn't sure any of the strays like her. Tolerate, perhaps, but maybe because she's the one bearing food. She's pet a few of them though, without getting clawed too.

She looks from David to the cats then back to him.]

Going to get one?

They're just toys. If I was going to get something frivolous, I'd probably go back to the skate shop.

[ Still, he's lingering at the window. They're cute!!! ]

...

Maybe. Let's see how much I have left over of my budget after getting some clothes. You want to come help me pick stuff out? I've never really... shopped like this.

Why not both?

[There's a friendly smile, but Ginia doesn't press too much. She gets it. Most of her money goes toward needed expenses or helping out. VR arcade games and crane games are her indulgence and it took a bit to allow herself that. But if she can encourage someone else to enjoy things, why not?]

I was on my way to get some clothes too. I can help you out. The prices are pretty good where I shop.

[ Wash isn't one for indulgences, but both these things are tempting... still, responsible purchases first, before he completely wears out the few things he has. ]

Because my roommate doesn't have a job yet and I'm hoping she'll take me up on my offer of getting her some stuff too -- I was actually going to message you tonight that I found someone and we'd like that apartment. Maybe you could show us the place later?

You found a roommate? That's great news.

[Ginia grins and is about to give his shoulder a friendly pat before she catches herself. She's gotten used to casual physical contact with Ephemera, but it's not the same for everyone else.]

I'd be happy to. Out of curiosity, who is it? Anyone I know?

[ When Angela's hand comes at him Wash does flinch back a little, but then catches himself too. His expression tuns into an embarrassed grin -- sorry, he's not used to people who aren't his people reaching for him. ]

Um, probably not, she just got here.

[Someone he knows or someone he clicked with? Ginia is curious, but the specifics don't matter. She had plans to move in with Caroline and Ephemera fairly quickly.]

Still, glad to hear that. I'll give you the address so you can pass it on.

[Ginia pulls up the map data and throws it over as an overlay for him to save. Honestly, it'd be easier if he just gave her his contact information, but to each their own.]

The store isn't too far. Hope you're okay with neutral colors?

Thanks. We can meet you there?

[ Again, that apologetic smile -- he saves the location information and thanks his stars that Angela hasn't questioned that he's suspiciously private about his network usage....but you know. That might be a good introduction to what else he needs to talk to her about. ]

Here. [ Deep breath... and he tosses his network id to her overlay to save. [Bad username or site: david @ washington], the latter being a name he's never let on about. ] And uh. Neutral might work. That's like... earth tones?

[ Save him, he's so clueless. ]

Edited 2020-02-22 00:59 (UTC)

Sure. We can work out a time.

[She has a shift at Red Wings, but she can make things work. It helps things are a little flexible at Red Wings. She'll make it work, one way or another.

There's a small look of surprise as his contact information comes in. David Washington, huh, okay. Ginia saves it and leads the way. The store is only a few blocks away, a nice boutique selling work by local designers and a few from other cities. Most of the clothes are bamboo fiber - soft and dries fast, perfect for those on the go - and the styles veer between more minimalist function and more flashy techwear. The colors are far more monochromatic along white, grey, and black, but there are some muted browns and blues too.]

Looking for anything specific?

[ No reaction to seeing the name... hmm. Wash is so focused on that, that he's quiet the rest of the way to the store, wondering if Ephemera didn't give her names... he must not have, since she didn't react to Carolina at first. Oh wait, Angela's asking him a question -- ]

...things that fit? I don't know much about fashion to start with, let alone in this world.

I really like grey.

[There are some people who would relish the opportunity to dress someone up. A blank canvas, someone to steer in a more fashionable direction! But it's Ginia, and she's practical, and her style is akin to biker babe cyberpunk. She sizes David up some and makes some guesses bout sizes, then looks around the store.]

First things first, do you need shirts and outware or pants?

[ Honestly she could pass him just about anything and as long as it fit he'd wear it -- that's what happens when you spend your entire adult life in the military. When he was younger he didn't really pick his own clothes out, either. ]

Shirts and pants, I think the jacket they gave me can survive awhile longer.

[Shirts are easy enough. Ginia pulls a few simple t-shirts - split between solid colors and ones with simple prints or patterns - and some in a hoodie style off the rack. Pants lean more toward cargo pants in this store, and she grabs a few different styles, shoving them all at David.]

Changing room is over there, let me know if I need to look for a different size.

[Pants are tricky.]

You're a lifesaver.

[ Seriously, he would've had no idea where to start, would've just picked out the most basic things to avoid screwing up and called it done having tried on as little as possible. Someone to give some guidance is much appreciated.

He vanishes into the changing room, and it turns out she guessed pretty well... the pants could fit better on the waist, he thinks, not that he's certain when he's so used to wearing sweats in his time out of armor... and he'd like to pick up at least one pair of something slimmer fitting elsewhere, in case he makes a habit of the skate park. But these seem like good basics, for both work and working out. Wash comes out having picked a few shirts and two hoodies, the pants being what he's got to try more of. ]

I could go down a size, I think. I'll try, anyway, you can give your expert opinion.

[While he tries things on, Ginia works on her own shopping. With her height and activity levels, she could use new pants. The cargo pants are nice for moving around in, but she picks out some slimmer jeans too. There's a small selection to try on folded in a basket when David comes back out.]

No expert opinion here, I like what I like, and that's comfy and mobile.

That works for me, too, so I appreciate the help. I'm just going to go grab a different size. Then, uh... there's something else I think I need to talk to you about.

[ And with that EXTREMELY OMINOUS STATEMENT, he's going to vanish into the racks to find more pants. ]

[That's ominous and worrying, but with all the surprises sprung on her, the warning is appreciated. Her brow knits a bit, but Ginia lets David go without question.

It gives her a chance to check her messages anyway. She's taking some pictures for her Cooltalk feed when David comes back.]

[ It's also kind of an impulsive decision, as he'd discussed this with Carolina and she'd just told him to use his judgment which... he didn't always entirely trust when it came to sizing people up. But hell, he's in it now.

He grabs and tries on the pants, verifies they fit, and then wanders back to her before checkout in case she's still looking. He finds her taking pictures and figures now's as good as any time. ]

I figure if you're going to get mad at me, at least you probably won't wreck this nice store... uh. I haven't been entirely honest with you.

[That earns a brow raise and a steady look. Honesty is a fickle thing. They get along well enough, sure, but she wouldn't say they know each other well. Running partners, acquaintances. Space to be friends, in time.

It's not as if she's been entirely honest about things with him. But she waits for him to continue.]

I know you've already met my roommate. She told me.

[ Ugh, he's bad at this. He almost wished she'd recognized his 'last' name on the network id. That might've made things easier, but in the end he settles for: ]

Carolina's a friend from home.

[ carolina's restless at the best of times and having been locked up in the safehouse for the first few days of being here had been... not great, for her. there'd been things to do - working out, chores, just sitting and talking with wash and relishing in the fact that he was okay, that no switch would flip to take him away from her in the middle of their time together - but space to stretch her legs is better.

her first freedom had been sight-seeing in the form of an early morning run. later, she'd left wash to his own devices while she went for what counted as a pretty pathetic, if successful, job interview, but that left the rest of her day free and she's not keen to go pace the safehouse again. so she messages wash about his location (and it doesn't matter what he's doing, she's going to see him) and confirms once she gets it, not bothering to wonder about where it is he might be until she shows up.

and then it's wash on a hoverboard almost tumbling over a railing and she's sure as hell not interrupting him now. she's just joining the crowd of people observing and socializing, finding a spot on a wall to sit, somewhere she can just keep an eye on him until he takes a break. and if she looks a little like she's delighted to have this new thing to tease him about, who can really blame her? ]

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skate park peanut gallery, sorry wash