Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 12, 2021 20:07:22 GMT -8
Casual. It was a challenge for Riley. Even when they were on a shoestring budget they knew how to pop, stun, to catch eyes. It was an art form and one they took pride in. The problem laid in casual, Riley felt like they weren't trying, not putting in the effort. They didn't hold others to this standard, but for themself it always felt like taking a shortcut, not doing enough. But Dani liked casual. Riley had to remind themself of that. So in that way, it was putting in an effort, or at least that's how the Moth sold it to themselves. Casual. When Firebringer had suggested a date, Riley jumped on the opportunity. Though this date was quite unlike the ones they had become accustomed to in the city of sin. The pitch was to grab some coffee then hang out at Barnes and Noble and figure it out from there. Not a bar, not a club, not a show, but coffee and a bookstore. The bright one felt like a fish out of water. They had made an effort to arrive at the designated coffee shop early. The moth had arrived a whole fifteen minutes before the agreed upon time. A skill they were honing due to the strict rehearsal schedule they had been placed on Today Riley wore a simple white striped tank top, fitted tan pants, adorned by their favorite cow skull belt buckle. Their look was finished with black boots and a black leather jacket. The moth shielded their eyes from the blazing sun with a pair of large orange-rimmed sunglasses. Standing outside the coffee shop, Riley had a single earbud in their ear. They were watching a video on their phone ,of the routines they were currently learning. Their foot tapped to the rhythm, masking their nervous energy. |
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Mar 14, 2021 14:16:15 GMT -8
Dani had spent way too much time trying to get her hair to sit the right way, but, Hero of Vegas or no, her Keeper screwed up her hair to never be able to be even slightly tamed. Not that she'd ever really tried to take care of it before, but it's a sucky thing when you finally do want to care about it and can't. At the very least, today no tears were shed. No. This is what wigs were for. So, after throwing on a pair of black jeans, a midriff black tee and her black boots, she was ready to go. She arrives at the coffee shop a minute before the designated meeting time and genuinely, she felt relieved, worried she'd be late. But her driving skills are fantastic. Yeah. Fantastic is the word. She took a quick look around for Riley and when she spotted them she just inwardly eeked. They look so cute. And of course they were distracted. "Hey there," she says as she slides over, trying to sneak up as a mild surprise. Because she's that person. |
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 14, 2021 15:05:25 GMT -8
As Dani got closer to the distracted Darkling, she could make out the faint sound of the music coming from Riley’s earbuds. Who at the moment, was currently counting out beats under their breath, while tapping their foot in time.
“1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4,1,2,12-”
The poor Moth didn't see the Elemental coming, only catching wind of her Mantle moments before it was too late.
“Yeek!” Riley jumped in their spot in surprise, their earbuds flying from their ears. Their iphone slipped into the air and their hands quickly juggled it before catching it, sharply clutching it to their chest. For a second the Darkling almost vanished into the sidewalk.
“Christ. Dani!” They spun on their heels to face the torrent. Their face quickly moves from shock, to a scrunched annoyance and they stick out their tongue.
“Mean”
As their heart rate started to settle ,they slipped their phone away to get rid of the distraction Riley stepped towards Dani wrapping her in a hug.
“I’ll get you back” They whispered sweetly into the torrent's ear before stepping back to take a look Dani’s outfit.
“You're looking “ Don't say it. Don’t say it Don't say it “hot.”
Dumb Joke Riles.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Mar 14, 2021 15:56:12 GMT -8
Dani can't help but giggle at Riley's response. Also kind of glad it didn't get her smacked in the fact. It happens on occasion when she tries that.
"Mean? Me? What? Never." She squeezes Riley as they hug her and sigh with a hint of sadness as they move away, "I have no doubt that you will."
Then big ol' blush, "Oh heh heh heh, why thank you. I mean, and you, uh- look, you know, gorge, as usual," When did I start stammering? Gees. It was true though. It's crazy just how beautiful they could just pull off a casual look.
"Um, yeah, so-" Brain. Brain. Where did I put you? ...right. "So, here's what I was thinkin'. We go see some books and then maybe we do the mall arcade thing like it's the naughts?" Because she can't expect Riley to be in a manga section of a book store for hours on end. Even though Fire could absolutely sit around a Barnes and Noble for like 6 hours going through every book she could get her hands on. Like it's 2008 or something.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 14, 2021 16:52:45 GMT -8
“Thanks!” The Bright One flashed a smile, soaking in the compliment.
“Books and arcade games? John Hughes eat your heart out. So, you want a coffee or somethin’ ?’” They say, jerking their thumb towards the coffee shop. A warm drink would be a good place to start, something to ground the Moth. The date style wasn't the norm for Riley but they were going to give it their best shot.
“My treat” Whether Dani accepts or not, Riley makes their way into the shop. The line was short, so the wait wasn't long before Riley was putting in an order.
“A Chai Latte, blended, with a bit of honey” Riley looked to Dani, if she wanted to order. Once placed Riley paid, and left a generous tip.
As they waited for their drinks, Riley looked to Dani. At a bar you can drop any sort of question, raunchy, humors, introspective. But without the noise of the crowd or music, any question asked here felt like it was being examined under a magnifying glass. The darkling did take long to find an easy ice breaker.
“Would you rather vacation at a mountain cabin or a beach house?”
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Mar 14, 2021 18:03:35 GMT -8
"Coffee would be great," She says with a smile. When they get to the counter, she orders a caramel latte.
There is a big bundle of excitement in her. Date dates. Not like, hanging out at a bar. Her mind takes a moment imagining all the fun things they could do. Check out theme parks. Drunken evenings at Dave & Busters, getting angry while playing that cornhole simulation. Beating up dinos. Yes. And bars too. Cool clubs and dancing. But dinos...
She fidgets a little with hair, well, her wig, as they wait. Riley's question makes her perk a little bit, "Mountain cabin or beach house..."
There is a moment where she wonders if Riley will make the connection between Fire and her dislike of water there, but it isn't like she doesn't like sand. ...most of the time. Actually, after the desert, her relationship with sand isn't all that great either.
"Gotta say mountain cabin. Though I do love me some boardwalk fries when they can be obtained. Mountain cabin doesn't have the walk up food. What about you?" She gives them a curious look.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 14, 2021 19:48:22 GMT -8
“Mountain cabin” Riley mused over that answer for a moment.
“Sure it doesn't have the boardwalks, and treats. But it's isolated, and romantic, nice stars, cozy”
Their drinks were called and the Moth quickly fluttered over scooping them, before handing Dani her Caramel Latte.
“Caramel latte for you. I think I will go with Beach house. I have found memories from my time in California. Always warm, a good cold beer, good friends and maybe some volleyball “ They chuckle for a moment.
“Er. I guess the ocean aint you’re much thing, these days right? I should of picked a better second option” They blushed slightly at the slip up.
“Okay your turn.” They pushed open the coffee shop door, holding it open with their hip and leg letting Fire go first before following.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Mar 14, 2021 21:07:23 GMT -8
"Thank you," she takes the latte and enjoys a quick sip. "There are lots of things to do at the beach that aren't involving the water. I'm a really good setter if you need a volleyball partner," she gives a little wink. "Of course, you know, I think of myself in a cabin in the woods and all I can hear my brain saying is 'Only you can prevent forest fires'."
For some reason, that just makes her crack up, "Sorry. sorry," she snorts a little bit, "Um..." Breathe, girl. Breeeeathe. She shakes her head and takes a deep breath before taking one more sip of her drink before walking along with Riley.
"Okay, hmm. Oh, lazy Saturday morning cartoons or get up and be active?" The sidewalks are active with people as they walk along towards the bookstore, a little spring in the Ifrit's steps as she walks with her Moth partner.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 15, 2021 6:59:44 GMT -8
The Bewitched sipped their latte as Dani amused herself about the idea of the Smokey the bear slogan. It gave Riley some relief, knowing their question had not been in poor taste.
"Well next time I have a match, I will tap you in" The moth snickered, taking another sip of their Chai. They Wander down the street instep with the Ifrit.
"Saturday cartoon or be active?"
The moth's gut instinct was they should be asleep, but that habit was being waned. Who needed to sleep anyways?
"Oh boy. If ya' had asked that when I was younger. Would've said Cartoons. Claire and I use to sneak in a few on the mornin's before our folks woke. There was one.."
Riley snaps their finger trying to conjure the name of the show back into their memory. Their antenna flick absently as they dug in their memory
"Claire loved Magic school bus" She would.
" I liked, Roger? No, Doug. That was it. Wow hadn't thought about that in...a long time. Well that and Sabrina, but my parents hated that show"
Riley chuckles and shakes their head before taking a sip of the coffee.
"But no tv now. So I guess then be active? Still learning how to use my Saturday mornings."
The darkling fluttered ahead of Dani, moving to walk backward in pace with her. Unworried about running into anyone it seemed.
"Ah'ite, what about you?"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Mar 16, 2021 19:40:35 GMT -8
She grins at the way Riley walks backwards, enjoying getting to look at their face. Urgh. I could stare at you forever. Like a total creeper.
"Oh god, Magic School Bus was the shit. Like, when they'd show episodes in school, it was a quality day." Those were fond memories and it makes her smile. "It was one of Talia's too. When she was really young though, it was Dragon Tales. She couldn't get enough of it and if you were up nice and early, but not too early, it would be playing on disney."
There is something about the way she says it that just makes her look as if she's lit up a little bit. Talking about Talia tended to do that to her.
"Personally, I was a huge Aaahh!!! Real Monsters fan. And Angry Beavers. And Cow and Chicken. Dexter's Laboratory. Ohhh, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. That was my show." Obviously, she was a huge cartoon lover. Or, at the very least, nostalgic.
She takes another sip of her drink while they walk, the book store only a block away. "I personally like a good sleep in. I'll do my workouts, but I hardcore romanticize waking up, lazing after making a bowl of cereal and watching some toons with people. Or person. It's never as amazing as I want it to be, but one day it will be. Kind of one of those optimists. At least, I try to be. Getting up and doing isn't horrible though."
"Okay, your go." She's kind of enjoying this little back and forth with them. Learning more about them and what they like.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 17, 2021 6:24:11 GMT -8
The Moth's head tilts to the side, their antenna flopping with the motion. Dani was, as delightfully expected, enthusiastic about cartoons, much like her other nerdy interests. Riley couldn't help but smile at the Elementals energy as she listed off half a dozen favorite shows. There was something contagious about that enthusiasm.
Riley reflected on two of them' childhoods. It was hard to imagine a young Dani, at least not without her Mien. Watching Saturday morning TV, was Talia beside her or scrunched in front of the tv? What about her parents, making breakfast in the kitchen? Did they live in Baltimore or somewhere else?
An ache of sonder struck the darkling at the moment, imagining the life that led Dani here. How different it must have been to their own.
" I never got a chance to watch many of those. My Parents were... selective." Riley chose the word carefully.
The description of Fire's perfect Saturday pulls a smile from the Moth.
" Doesn't sound half bad for a Saturday. I think that kind of optimism is good, gives you something to strive for right?" Perhaps we should give a try sometime.
Riley looks like they were about to say something more before shooting a glance over their shoulder. The pair were fast approaching the book store. Riley takes a sip of their chai, before twisting in place with a hop and a skip. They flutter towards the door, pulling it open for Fire with a cheesy smirk.
"After you," once Dani takes the invitation Riley proceeds with the next question.
"Okay, what is one of the most embarrassing moments you've had?
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Mar 18, 2021 23:03:33 GMT -8
Fire didn't know much about Riley's family, not yet anyway. Though from the idea of parents who were 'selective' in what cartoons their kids could watch, and given that they are from... Texas, right? Oof. Probably helicopter conservative parents? She wouldn't be surprised at least. That would mean that it is something she could introduce to them, something special between them. That could be fun.
"Oh, well, sounds like we have quite a few lazy Saturday mornings ahead of us," she gives a little wink. And then her brain went - Oh god. The implications. No. Very, very slow. Sleepy cuddles are nice. Can do those. Oh, sleepy lazy cuddly Saturdays. Want.
She walks into the bookstore with Riley, smiling as she takes in the waft of new book smell, "Urgh. I love new book smell. It's so good." She slowly begins making her way to walk through some isles. "Oh God. Most embarrassing? Lemme think." So many. Soooo so many. She takes a good sip of her drink, enjoying the warm caramel taste as she thinks on her most ridiculous life moments.
"Well, there was that one time. Oof. There was this um... thing. It, uh..." Oh. This is a Lost story. How do I edit to make it public appropriate? "Complete weirdo dude, lived over by that really green area we know about." Hob in the Hedge. That reads right? "Invited me and my group to their place. We owed him some Baileys. Um, so we brought it and for some strange reason, he thought I was coming onto him and it got real gross. My group had moved into another area briefly, and he did a thing and I smacked him so hard he... uh... passed out." Almost died... Not my fault he was so squishy. "My group came back and found me and like... the look they gave me with this dude passed out on the ground and me just standing there. Their response was 'what the hell? We left you here for like five minutes.' Just that awkward moment like you got caught for something you weren't supposed to do, but it was a good thing, but it was a bad thing. It was awk. Like, it was a good hour of prolonged embarrassment between the dude and then my group. Yeah."
"Unless you mean a really funny one. In which case, I was making fun of my sister for almost falling down the stairs and within a minute of me doing that, I literally fell down the stairs, spraining my ankle. Talia laughed so hard that she cried." She smiles at the memory. Good times with Talia.
"Okay, what's yours?"
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 19, 2021 7:47:48 GMT -8
The Moth smiled at the expressed enthusiasm from Dani. They had never really considered or given much thought to the "New Book Smell." It gave the Darkling a pause looking to the shelves and shelves of books.
New book smell.
Riley looked back to Fire as she began to explain her experience with a hedge Hob.
"Oh no."
"Oh"
"Yikes"
Came a series of responses as the story proceeded. The poor Hob had no idea what was coming for it. Riley chuckled, shaking their head.
"I bet the other's didn't let you live that moment down?"
They let Firebringer lead them through the store; after all, this was her territory of sorts. Riley scans the bookshelves and displays, with idle curiosity but mostly listening to Fire's story. Hearing about Dani and her sister, the Moth lets out a snicker.
"Ah, now that is grade A wholesome sisterhood right there. Ah'ite, so...where we startin' in here?"
They smirk to Fire, taking a moment to think of their own embarrassing moment.
"Got a few, honestly. K' so. Oh god. Don't judge. Back in Santa Clarita, when I-"
was lying about being a Cal arts.
"There was this party, bunch of Cal art students, theater kids, dance, a few film nerds, and the like. It was a hell of a rager. I may have had...half a dozen jello shots. "
Riley Laughs slightly; they could almost feel the headache.
"Well, the next day, I am openin' the coffee shop. Feelin' as pitiful as a three-legged dog. Doin' all I can to power through it. Then the door opens, and who is it? But my crush at the time, with Claire, who he brought over as a surprise. Didn't know she was even in town. I was so surprised; I threw up right there and then on the counter. "
Riley laughs, going bright red at the thought.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Mar 20, 2021 2:39:29 GMT -8
Dani giggled a bit, "Yeah. It was uh, somethin'." She walked them down through the YA fiction, seeming to look for something for a moment before listening to Riley's story. She put her full attention on it.
She expected and didn't expect the ending at the same time and she had to cover her mouth to both keep from cackling and just having her jaw hang from the surprise, "Oh my god. You poor thing. You pulled a Stan." She chuckles a little bit before singing softly, "There's the girl that I like-" makes fake gagging noises.
"No, that sounds horrible though. Sorry you went through that kind of insane embarrassment. A crush and your sister. That's a double whammy. One that could go away eventually and the other that will ham on you about it for life. Oof." She smiles a little at Riley though, "But did you end up going out with them after that?" That really was a big curiosity.
Slowly, she picked through the books until she found the one she was looking for and she let out an evil sounding giggle. "Oh. I got a good question. Thing you like that others judge you for. Guilty pleasure. Like, someone liking Nickelback," In her hands, she is holding the first Twilight book, "And, before you ask, no, this is not mine. Coworker keeps talking about how horrible this series is, so I'm gifting the first book to them as a gag gift."
The Elemental looks to them as they walk along the isles towards science fiction and anime, curious what kind of answer they'll get. Though, as they walk, her eyes can't help but just note, once more, how she could probably stare at them while walking into traffic and it would be fine... she thinks as she walks right into a bookshelf. She lets out a surprised gasp in response, dropping her book and nearly the drink with it. "Shit. Where the hell did you come from?" She asks the inanimate bookshelf, as if maybe it would apologize for being in her way. Actually, maybe she should apologize to it for walking into it. She picks up her book and a strong blush comes to her cheeks from the embarrassment. Some Summer I am. Vigilance, my ass.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Mar 20, 2021 13:24:22 GMT -8
“Oh I thought I was goin’ to die. Claire is kind and only keeps it in her back pocket for the occasional taunt.” Riley sighed, shaking their head with a chuckle at Fire’s gagging sound.
“Yeah we ended up datin’ for ...like a month? I would blame the vomit story, but he was a terrible kisser, and had a bad habit of mansplaining politics” The moth couldn't roll their eyes hard enough at the memory of that.
“Guilty pleasure huh?” The moth paused going over the pleasures of their life in their mind for a moment before noticing the book Fire had just grabbed.
“Uh-huh yeah a coworker” Riley gave an exaggerated wink. “ I heard somewhere it was like a fan fiction of 50 shades of grey or somethang’’?”
They picked up one of the books with an unimpressed glance. “ I mean why not just go for 50 shades? Sure it’s a little problematic in how it depicts S&M, but it is very hot”
Then Fire ran into a book display. Riley lost it.
They let out a huge laugh that cut through the quiet of the bookstore like a gun going off. The moth squeaked and slapped their hand over their mouth as they buckled over with laughter they were trying to contain.
“Ya need me to teach this shelf a lesson?” They gasped out through the restrained laughter.
“Ya’ okay?” They whipped a tear from their eye from tha laughing as they regained composure.
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