rogueinladysclothing: (Uncertain)
Amelia Royer (Ronsam) ([personal profile] rogueinladysclothing) wrote2018-04-29 07:35 pm
Entry tags:

Calling in reinforcements [Tagging Adia]

"That's it!" she screams at the stove and the charred remains of what the rogue was assured was an all-included meal that 'just needed a little heating' before being served. This is the second meal she's burned in the past hour and enough is enough. "I'm done with this!"

It took far longer than Amelia wanted to get to this point, but now that it's here... Well, it's time to call in someone she can trust to help her. She can't call Harley anymore and Steve is plenty busy with his own home and work, which leaves only the woman who's supported her far more times than she thinks she ever had the right to ask of her.

As she tosses the dirty, but otherwise still good, pan into the garbage along with the burned food, she dictates a message to Adia on her phone.

Hi Adia. Do you have a little free time today? I dreams no don't you dare start smoldering on me ah have need of some help. Please.

She sends the message without double checking it, as she instead focuses on cooling her hands so she doesn't burn anything else. When she can again handle her phone, she digs into the settings to send Adia the coordinates into the small living room of her new apartment. That done, she sends one more follow up message.

Please hurry. It's been a long day and I'm losing control of myself.

Maybe not the best thing to say, but she wants to be honest. It's been a very rough transition to her new way of living and she doesn't know how to fix everything that's gone wrong. She will, however, take the time to ground herself out of the way of the coordinates she sent so that her magic isn't so volatile when Adia arrives.
chiron_survivor: (not sure about that)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-07 04:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's a lot of work," she agrees, smiling at how highly Amelia speaks of her mother. "I'll bet she was very organized."

She stands up and walks over to the kitchen, taking a peek at the dishes in the sink. Dirty dishes are not much of an issue, even if there are a lot of them. More concerning would be if mold and mildew had a chance to flourish in the damp environment. "Amelia? When you say 'rinse', do you mean running them under water, or are you using dish soap, too?" She hopes it's the latter, although she'll do her best not to grimace if Amelia has only been doing the former.

On the subject of dishes, Adia looks around to see if there is a dishwasher. Even a small one would help ease the load of so many dishes. "Hey, uh... let's take out the trash, too." Those pans look burnt to a crisp; Amelia will be better off buying new ones and learning how not to set fire to her food.
chiron_survivor: (that's good news isn't it?)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-08 02:03 pm (UTC)(link)
The random mix of styles reminds Adia a little of her college days when the dorm kitchen contained all manner of dishes, some even pilfered from the cafeteria. It's too bad that Caspar isn't here, she thinks, he has a much better eye for that sort of thing. But first things first -- show Amelia how to keep her sink clean and empty.

Which is going to take a bit of education. Adia keeps her expression neutral, although inside she's cringing a little at the lack of cleanser. "Well, ah... hot water does take care of most food that's left on your plate, but dish soap is important because it cuts down on the risk of germs. Also, it's really good at cutting through oil or grease, so it makes cleaning everything a lot easier."

She smiles at Amelia's question. "Yes, that's the right word. That's great that your building has a chute, that means you can throw out your trash whenever you like." She waits for her friend to empty out the garbage -- already that makes a heck of a difference, when the empty bins are returned. "Ah... well, do you have some paper and a pen? We should probably make a shopping list of the cleaning supplies you'll need. Clean wash cloths are fine for the kitchen so long as you change them out daily, but we should get some dish soap, and..." She glances at the stovetop. "Some type of all-purpose cleanser for the counters. Then we can see what we need for the rest of the apartment."
chiron_survivor: (you're kidding right?)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-11 01:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, Amelia... you really are starting from scratch, aren't you? Adia fidgets with the hem of her sweater, rubbing the soft knit between her fingers as she thinks of the simplest way to explain what's necessary to clean an apartment.

"A broom is great for hardwood floors, but it'd be a lot more efficient to get a vacuum. Do you, um, know what a vacuum is? It's a machine that sucks up dirt into a bag that you can empty into the trash. You can use it on rugs and furniture, too." She leans forward to take a peek down the hallway, unsure of the situation in the bathroom. "The same cleanser you get for the kitchen will work in the bathroom, too, but they make special cleansers for the toilet. And, um, any mirrors or windows need their own cleanser or they'll streak. A duster is probably a good idea, too, for any surfaces that are too awkward for for a vacuum or broom."
chiron_survivor: (reporting for duty)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-12 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course," Adia replies without hesitation. "They're both really easy to use. The trick will be picking the right kind of vacuum because there are many different kinds. They even make little robot ones that do the job automatically." She had even considered one for her cabin, but... well, she already technically has a robot who does most of the vacuuming.

As for new pans, she gives Amelia another nod, and then a soft smile at the concern that the other friend is taking up too much of her time. "I already finished my gardening, and Caspar is taking care of the cabin. It's fine. I can always come back here if you need help later, too." She glances back at the stove. "What were you trying to make that burned?"
chiron_survivor: (not sure about that)

Excellent. :3

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-13 01:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes, that's right." It's a good enough comparison, so far as Adia is concerned. She doesn't want her friend to feel overwhelmed when they go shopping for supplies. It's easy enough for someone used to modern appliances to get bogged down by all the options.

When Amelia starts brushing her hair, Adia returns to the couch and sits back down. There's no rush to go shopping, although she is a little worried about how much trouble the stove has been causing the rogue. It's a modern range, not nearly as finicky as an older model. She looks over at the toaster when Amelia gestures to it and frowns softly. "I'll help you with that, too, if you like. There are other things you can make that don't require the stove."

Although it would be an easy option, she is not going to suggest a microwave. Way too many things that could go wrong with such an unfamiliar device.
chiron_survivor: (over your shoulder)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-17 12:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Is that what you were doing when you were living at the inn?" Adia asks before giving Amelia an encouraging smile. "Cooking isn't as easy as it looks. Some people never really get the hang of it -- oh, not that you shouldn't try, of course! It's just something to keep in mind."

The question of whether Adia is ready to go is met with a slight hesitance, her hands twisting in the hem of her sweater before she consciously lets go. "Yes, I'm ready. But, um, you should lead. I haven't been to the Shopping District in a while, some of the stores may have shifted around."

She should be safe. She'll be with Amelia, and as far as she knows, the AV field is intact. A quick trip for some cleaning supplies will be fine.

No reason to be scared at all. So with a concerted effort to ignore the way her pulse suddenly races at the idea of leaving Amelia's apartment, she stands up and grabs her messenger bag. "I'm the one who should be getting you a housewarming present," she says with an awkward laugh. "But, um, I won't say no to a mocha. Thanks."
chiron_survivor: (that's good news isn't it?)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-19 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, so that is why Amelia ends up going to bed hungry more often than not. "I'll help you figure it out," she says reassuringly. "I had to more or less re-teach myself how to cook once we settled on Atlantis, I can do the same for you."

She takes Amelia's hand gratefully, although when Amelia suggests that they stay inside, she shakes her head and does not sit back down. "No, I... I'm okay to go shopping." She breathes slowly, but is unable to hide the look of embarrassment on her face. It doesn't help that Amelia knows about her stalker. In fact, it some ways it makes it worse. What kind of hypocrite would she be, encouraging Amelia to step outside her comfort zone when she won't do the same?

"If... If I'm with you, then I'm safe." That much she believes to be true. She gives Amelia a tentative smile. "It's just... you know, after everything, being in the Nexus makes me nervous. But if I don't face my fears, I'll never get better. So..." She glances towards the door and squares her shoulders. "Let's go."
chiron_survivor: (a shy smile)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-19 09:37 pm (UTC)(link)
It is a small relief that Amelia doesn't comment further on her situation, other than to reassure her that she won't be alone. Adia has been blessed in so many ways, but the Nexus can be cruel at the most unexpected of times. That's a lesson that Amelia has likely learned as well, although Adia would be quick to forgive her for not relating to the rest. Amelia has the skill and the temerity to take on anyone who would dare to attack her. Adia has only her empathy, and lately it seems even that has failed her.

But at least now she can borrow a bit of that self-assuredness and follow her friend out the door, still holding her hand. Her heart beats hard in her chest, but she quells it with another quiet breath. It's her and Amelia, out for a walk in the Shopping District. Totally safe. They aren't even male this time! The memory of that awkward but ultimately educational shopping experience makes her smile a little to herself and shake off more of her anxiety.

"A vacuum is large enough that we probably should wait. Cleaning supplies we can pick up just about anywhere. Is there a hardware store near where you get groceries? Hardware stores usually have those sorts of supplies." She vaguely remembers passing by one once that was run by a family of large beavers. They seemed nice.
chiron_survivor: (reporting for duty)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-21 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
It's a blissfully uneventful trip, as short as it is, and when they enter the warm little coffee shop, the remaining tension within the scientist's frame finally relaxes completely. She only has good memories of this place from the time she visited with Caspar, especially because it was a place in the Nexus that he could introduce to her, and not the other way around.

Already accustomed to Farel's terse manner, she smiles shyly at his comment, although it helps that Amelia takes up the mantle of playful banter. "The usual, with whipped cream," she confirms. It tickles her a little to think that she has a "usual" here. "Thank you."

And then, as an aside to Amelia, she adds quietly, "I wanted to know where the chocolate whipped cream was coming from, so I insisted."
chiron_survivor: (not sure about that)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-21 01:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"Is that what that was about?" Adia asks with a surprised laugh. "I mean, I knew he was getting me mochas from the same place you were, but he didn't say anything about that first mocha other than the fact that you took him here." Not his typical style, letting someone else treat his girl. Amelia must have made a good case for herself.

Reaching for her own drink, she follows Amelia's lead and takes a sip that's mostly whipped cream, but it's delicious as always. "Thank you," she echoes, giving Farel another smile before he returns to his previous task. It reminds her that Caspar also knows how to work an espresso machine. Kind of makes her wish she could see him in action one of these days, although the thought of him as a barista is a little too unbelievable. He'd make Farel seem downright sunny in comparison.

She joins Amelia at the standing table and takes another sip of her mocha before setting the cup down and absently adjusting the strap of her messenger bag. "Boutiques, mostly," she admits with a look of amusement. "We've been to a couple shows in the Theater District, too. There was a musical about cats...." Her nose wrinkles. "It was... interesting..." That's her polite way of saying that grown men and women dressed as cats is not really her thing. "But it's mostly me still showing him around. Sometimes he'll be really enthusiastic about taking me somewhere nice and then it'll turn out I've already been there..."

Like a certain infamous chocolate shop. Adia blushes a little as she remembers. "I just remind him that it becomes special to me because it's my first time being there with him. It's easier now that he's been exploring the Nexus more."
chiron_survivor: (a shy smile)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-23 02:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"He said very little about your conversation, but believe me, that's a compliment." She takes another sip of the rich drink before adding in quiet amusement, "I know exactly how hard he tries, every time, but it's part of his charm."

The last thing she wants to do is remind Amelia of her own relationship problems, but it is impossible not to talk about Caspar without a great deal of affection. Her love for him is an unshakeable bedrock, the foundation that keeps her current fears and doubts from toppling her over. And despite his own worries, he has remained a paragon of support. Together, they are weathering this storm.

"It is a big place," she agrees, although that brings her little comfort in the context of where 'Josh' might be lurking. The teasing remark about choice of plays makes her laugh a little. "Yeah, fair enough. I think Caspar has sworn off all musicals for a little while." She tilts her head thoughtfully at the suggestion, then leans in and admits in a hushed voice, "I'd like to go dancing with him. But... well, neither of us really know how. I mean, aside from contra dancing, but he's not going to want to touch a bunch of strangers. It'd need to be somewhere more private than that."

She thinks back to Amelia's impromptu dancing lesson at the Halloween party, but she'd rather not bring up that night for a variety of reasons. And, now that she takes a moment to look at Amelia, she has the feeling that prattling on about wishful romantic activities with her boyfriend is not a great subject choice. "But, anyway, there's plenty of time to look into that. Did you want to try looking for a hardware store now? Maybe one is literally around the corner."
Edited 2018-05-23 14:38 (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (oh!)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-05-29 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
Adia smiles warmly at the offer. "You know all the great places, Amelia. You can send me the coordinates via text, when you have the time." And if Amelia doesn't feel like doing it until much, much later, that's fine with her. Maintaining a clean home is her first priority... and really, it should be Adia's, too. Dancing in the Nexus can wait.

The rogue's hand is gratefully accepted as Adia follows her out, sparing the blue-haired barista a smile goodbye. She'd wave, but she's not about to spill her mocha, and anyway, he's got an espresso machine to clean. It's nice to hold hands with Amelia, too, as it reminds her that she isn't alone and vulnerable. But it does strike her as a little out of character. She sneaks a peek at the taller woman and tries not to frown in concern. How long had Amelia been denying herself the comfort of a friend?

Fortunately, the inside of the hardware store is a good distraction. Adia stares in wonder at the variety of items for sale. No matter how many stores she enters in the Shopping District, the shine of discovery never quite wears off. "Ah... hmm? I don't know. I bet they have vacuum cleaners here, although I'm not sure I'd recognize them... let's stick with the cleaning supplies for now."
chiron_survivor: (mildly suspicious)

[personal profile] chiron_survivor 2018-06-08 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"Okay. I'm just wondering about the kind of vacuums that they have here..." The three aisles full of gears has caught her attention, too, and she can't help but imagine some steam-powered mechanical monstrosity lurking in another aisle instead of the sleek, electric-powered vacuums that she's used to.

The hand-holding unfortunately comes to an end when they reach the cleaning supplies and Adia needs to let go so she can gesture to the products. The sharp chemical smell is not particularly off-putting to her, but it clashes with the warm flavor of the mocha when she takes a sip, and she grimaces accordingly. "Um, well... the more powerful a cleanser, the more it will smell, unfortunately. The stuff you spray on counters, that's usually fairly mild, and floor polish smells fine once it's diluted. The stuff for toilets and and shower scum, that's naturally a bit stronger because of the ammonia..."

Her gaze drifts to a large bottle of bleach on display and suddenly she looks very serious. "Amelia," she says, turning her head to look meaningfully into the rogue's eyes. "This is really important, what I'm about to tell you. Never mix a cleanser containing bleach with a cleanser containing ammonia. It creates a toxic gas and even in a place with ventilation, it's super dangerous."

It had never been an issue for Adia, even before she learned about the deadly combination from a chemistry class, but considering her audience, she's not taking any chances.