{SF} Pimping

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa let out a breath and looked around, once more checking the stage and equipment. She mostly disapproved of this particular activity, once even outright calling it "pimping," but she'd been outvoted, no small surprise there. At least Elsa had managed to abuse her position and take control over the event, wresting it from Frank Cox by means of a sort of loophole. Anything was better than having another round of Frank related mania. Hopefully someone could corral the enthusiastic blonde and keep her far away from the proceedings.

Elsa herself needed to run a last few checks. The stage had been set, quite literally, and she was walking across now. The girl hadn't bothered with the outfit she'd actually be wearing for the event: she'd simply twisted her curled hair back into a high-pony and then slid into a comfortable pair of jean shorts and sensible top. She'd change into something more present worthy when the time came to kick the actual auction off. Not that Elsa planned on having quite the insanity of being at absolutely every auction herself: people could handle things quite well.

She did wonder who would be on the block this year. She knew a handful, thanks, again, to being in charge. They'd managed a loophole to get her sister and her brother-in-law out of the proceedings. What then proved most interesting was that someone had signed Evelyn up. The temptation to purchase the other Conner niggled at Elsa quite well.

There were others that she'd be more tempted to try. One in particular came to mind, but she quickly shoved it aside. Vera M. Solway was in a serious relationship now, if rumors proved true...

So Elsa just ducked down behind a little podium, complete with gavel and everything you needed to peddle flesh. Sighing, she crouched and began fiddling with wires, ending up letting out a yelp as one bit her. She shook it a few times, mumbling a few choice curses in the language of the people she'd spent the month of June with. As she did, she realized that someone had caught up to her. Without looking, Elsa spoke:

"I seriously hope you're here to help, because about now, I'm wishing I had my sister's power."

{post 1000!}

[Vera M. Solway]

The telekinetic's hands gave one good clap after constantly swinging back and forth ever so casually. She had promised to help get most of the booths together, seeing how her powers helped cut the time in half and now she found herself nearing Elsa, and of course she probably knew it was her from the start. "You wished for a telekinetic and here I am. Must be your lucky day." She raised a brow slightly, wondering what it was that she needed done. The stage and everything looked ready to go, she was sure if it had been Frank, it probably wouldn't have been ready until last minute. She walked up towards Elsa, now sitting on her knees next to the Bellefonte.

While she wasn't really sure what to say or ask next, she went for the obvious. "So what exactly are you messing with?" It wasn't really that simple to just pick up on where they left off. Vera hadn't talked to Elsa unless it had to do with important crap and every time she heard Elsa's name it seemed to be because she was off doing her or being in whatever kind of situationship she had with Felix. And yet when Vera had her whole weird makeup/blowout with Riley, he never did answer if the "once" rumors between her and him were true. So Vera was at a very weird place and she figured none of that probably mattered now.

She couldn't even sign up to be apart of the auction block, seeing how Devyn probably wouldn't have liked the idea of her being bidded on. Vera wasn't going to go that route, they didn't need another "almost" relationship ending fight.

The young woman brushed her hair behind her ears as she glanced up and around at the scene of the stage and such, "Sorry, if I kinda find it hard to believe that you signed up to do this."

{yeyyy!!!!}

[Elsa Bellefonte]

She still looked good. It fluttered through Elsa's mind and she quickly pounced on the thought, not wanting it to leak out of her mind and into her friend's. Not that Elsa had any illusions in that regard: she wasn't stupid enough to think that Vera hadn't noticed her affection at this point. In many ways, Elsa and Vera's relationship so perfectly mimicked Elsa and Roxana's that it almost made the Bellefonte girl laugh.

Instead she smiled up at her friend, truly glad that she could at least express her happiness at seeing her again. "Getting the speakers ready," she replied, nodding toward the podium again. "And I signed up for it to stop Frank Cox," she replied, once more moving down, this time to pause and stare at wires. "Plus, this way I most definitely can't be put up on the block again."

Elsa reached for some more wires, only to jerk her hand back again. Sighing, she tapped her hands on her legs before raising back up again, looking to her friend. "Good to see you again," she offered, along with a smile that looked quite genuine, despite being projected through frustrations, only some of which came from the other woman.

[Vera M. Solway]

When their eyes met for the first time in a while, Vera couldn't help but to give Elsa a smile. The feeling was weird but it was a good weird, like when you didn't expect something but it happened anyway. "Ah," She chuckled while looking towards the wires, "At least someone managed to stop her. That has to be some kind of goal." Her eyes then went back to the speaker set up as she nodded, "Now I can't feel bad about completely dodging the opportunity."

"Oooh. Be careful," She advised when she noticed the jerk back. Wires weren't fun and while Vera had no speaker or electrical experience, maybe it was safer if she just did it, or if they actually had a professional deal with it. While pressing her lips together, Vera smiled while looking down before looking back up at Elsa again with a nod. "Yeah. It's really good to see you again too." The smile... it was nice to see on Elsa.

Vera fully stood back to her feet as she placed a hand on her hip, "How have you been? I feel like we haven't really had the chance to talk in a while. I also hear a certain someone was almost an African native. " She laughed somewhat at the last bit, kind of wondering how that went as well as why Felix hadn't been here as well helping Elsa out.

She'd be sure to leave that last part out, for now.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Yes, that was some sort of goal. Elsa supposed that they should almost hire someone to effectively watch Frank Cox... maybe she should suggest Roxana do that at some point. The thought of it made Elsa's lips twitch and amusement start to sink in. She'd need that as the wires buzzed her slightly, and she sighed with some frustration as Vera spoke.

"I have a tapeworm," she offered as Vera concluded, looking over at her friend (and in some other timeline, likely more). "One of the wonders of visiting Africa. Also: Felix and I are effectively separated," she tapped her fingers to her shoulder, "my choice," she looked back. Sometimes she did pick up the stray thoughts, and sometimes she could simply read people's expressions. Both worked well together, particularly with people she knew. "I've heard that you've had much better luck in that regard."

Elsa gave Vera a slightly quizzical look, trying to pretend like she wasn't already jealous of some girl she only knew via rumor... trying and feeling as though she'd failed miserably. Best to look back to the wires, focus on something else... like the pain they gave when they shocked her yet again...

[Vera M. Solway]

Her brows lifted, "Oh." She blinked while not really expecting Elsa to get anything as gross sounding as that, let alone offer the information. That was great to know. Then again, she did ask. "Well." The look on her face kind of stayed there even when Elsa added that her and Felix were separated. Which was kind of a bummer, kind of. While Vera kind found it interesting, there was still that devil on her shoulder that made her believe it was the reason as to why the two of them hadn't really been around each other.

Okay so maybe she had been jealous at the time.

She smirked, "Yeah - well, surprise surprise." For some reason dating and relationships never worked out long enough in her favor until she and Devyn got together. There was that sharp sound of the wires which caused Vera to squat back down next to Elsa. "Maybe you should just let me do it and tell me which wire goes with what." She chuckled, using her powers to hold the wires steady the moment Elsa ever decided to let them go.

She continued, "Me and Devyn haven't ended up in a big fiery explosion of a disaster yet, so that's something." Her hazel eyes looked over at the Bellefonte as she smiled, "For what it's worth, I just thought you and Felix would last longer, you know - You seem like you're really into him." She shrugged, trying to push down the slight pang of jealousy that was trying to float back up to the top. She wasn't too surprised at it being Elsa's choice either. "But who's to say you two won't work whatever it is out. Shit happens."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Yes, there were definitely surprises. Vera was in a steady, committed relationship, Erika was on her second "marriage," and Elsa was single with a parasite living inside her. Yes, their lives had certainly developed in all sorts of fun and interesting ways of late. Elsa almost wanted to just keep shocking herself with wires to make certain that she was still connected to this reality instead of dreaming.

However, she had to admit that Vera had a point. Elsa had just been lamenting the loss of a telekinetic a few moments ago, even if part of that had probably been her missing the sister that kept pulling further and further away from her. No reason to take that out on Vera though: Elsa stepped back and gestured. The wires rose and Elsa started pointing in the right directions, not in the least surprised to see sparks flying as the metal parts touched one another.

Vera explained while they started working. The relationship hadn't exploded... yet. Elsa had taken note of that, but she didn't want to put any stake on it. If she truly wanted to pull affections, she could have said something by now. Instead she remained silent on the subject. Instead she let out a dry laugh as Vera talked about Elsa's relationship. "I do still care for him. I'm just..." Elsa paused, wondering if that was something she really wanted to go into with Vera. She had with Ellen of all people. But it didn't feel like a subject she should be broaching with this girl. "Well, we'll see how things go," she said, before leaning over to try and extend a hand into the mess of telekinetically held wires, finding the multiple "hands" very much necessary.

[Vera M. Solway]

So she still cared for him. That was always good, right? It wasn't like Vera saw Elsa like someone who was incapable of caring for someone other than herself and her family. So it was a good thing to know and hopefully everything would work out. And she absolutely meant that, one-hundred percent.

Or at least that's what she was telling herself.

"Hopefully they go in the right direction." She added as her focus stayed on the wires, maneuvering them, causing even more sparks here and there. Took a bit of time to figure it out but at least it was better than trying to figure it out with her hands. "So a tapeworm, yeah?" She figured a subject changer was probably needed, "How did you manage to even catch that?" Vera chuckled slightly, "Do you just take meds for it and it goes away? Or do they have to suck it out of your bellybutton, Matrix style?"

She furrowed her brows and slightly moved back as a tiny spark flew in her direction. Now she wondered how Frank Cox did any of this herself.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa only smiled slightly as Vera talked about things going the right direction. Yes, she certainly hoped that happened too, though sh wasn't holding her breath. For now she simply stood back and gestured slightly, helping to direct the wires to getting hooked up to the appropriate places in the appropriate order.

Naturally Vera wanted to discuss something else, and Elsa wasn't at all surprised to hear her little passenger mentioned again. "Drinking the wrong water or eating the wrong meat," she replied with the casualness of someone who'd discussed this several times before now. "I'm on several meds and it's supposed to be dying. Routine doctor visits will prove for certain."

Elsa winced as another spark blew out. "I have no idea how Frank managed to put this together," she admitted, leaning forward. Already guessing what came next, Elsa tapped her head: "Mind reader," she shifted again, frowning. "I'm going to move around and see if the wiring's good to the speakers," she backed up and started following it, wanting to make sure that all their issues were at least limited to the one source she strongly suspected.

[Vera M. Solway]

Raising a brow, she continued moving and fidgeting. She didn't know much about tapeworms but it sounded like a bitch. That or carrying a whole new child, an unborn child that was a worm, that was in it's first trimester... yeah that just sounded weird. "That must be the funnest life lesson to learn, huh?" She chuckled dryly not really sure if that was something to joke about. Vera wouldn't know what having a tapeworm in your body felt like.

Vera paused, then moving back a few when the spark blew. "Right," Having to always remember to Elsa could do that. Vera had known Elsa since her first day at B.A. and she still often forgot at the moment. There was no way Frank did all of this without the help of a few guys, probably shirtless guys, but guys nonetheless. Or at least that's how she imagined Frank receiving help for this kind of stuff. The mixed girl stood back up as she gave a nod. "I don't see why you don't just get someone who probably knows more about this stuff like Feli- nevermind."

Thank god Vera was quick with the subject change, "When was the last time you spoke to Riley?" Yeah, not the best subject to change to. Was it always this difficult to be social with Elsa? She was sure it hadn't always been this hard. Then again, she did remember they had quite the awkward moments.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

The tapeworms were a bitch, and Elsa was half tempted to say as much to her friend. It was a subject that she didn't relish lingering on, however, so she remained silent, focusing on finding the wires. She did let out a slight laugh at Vera's comment. "All too true," she agreed. Elsa then noticed that some of the wires were tangled. She moved over to start looking for straps, figuring that getting them straight would at least help somewhat.

While she worked, she listened to Vera talking about getting someone else. Elsa winced slightly at the mention of Felix's name, looking slightly over her shoulder. "Separated," she offered, figuring that was as much of an explanation as any. Her relationship with Felix had always been complicated, and unfortunately the African trip hadn't been a miracle cure.

Vera did seem to want to change the subject, but the change very nearly struck a nerve with Elsa. Why yes, her love life, or complicated lack thereof, was just miserable. Thanks for asking. "I haven't for some time," she offered, "several months," her voice was almost hollow. "Why? Are things not going swimmingly with your current partner? Debra or whatever her name is." Elsa waved a hand dismissively before finding the straps she'd need to work the wires in place.

[Vera M. Solway]

There goes a laugh. Vera supposed if you had to deal with something as shitty as a tapeworm, the least you could do was laugh about it. That and remind herself to watch what she ate and drink... especially if she felt like going to Africa. Whenever that was.

Throughout the whole time, Vera wondered exactly at what point would a fire happen from messing with all of the multiple wires and cords. Hopefully Elsa knew what she was getting into or that she knew what she was doing. Because this was way out of Vera's league. Usually hitting things made them work.

Vera slightly grimaced at herself, knowing very well she hadn't meant to say Felix's name but it just sort of came out. "Right, sorry." She wasn't one to throw salt on a opened wound, especially considering it was Elsa. She paused, blinking before correcting Elsa, "Devyn... Her name is Devyn." Did Elsa not remember her name? Maybe, possibly, who really knew? She didn't want to test that theory. During the time frame that the two (Elsa and Vera) hadn't been around each other, she found herself becoming more and more protective over Devyn. She chuckled, "And things are just fine between us."

She looked over her shoulder with a smirk, "You know Elsa, it is possible to worry about someone else's well being without having problems with your own relationship." As much as she hated to admit, she had her closure with Riley but still thought about him every now and then. They hardly kept in contact (which wasn't new), but it didn't hurt to see if he did with others. "Just wanted to see if he was okay... but you know, I'm sure he is. He's a big boy." Which probably sounded stupid on her end. It was probably a good thing communication didn't come naturally when it came to him. There was a reason for everything.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Right now, almost all of Elsa felt like one giant open wound. People just walked by and casually tossed salt at her, almost as if they could see if something could stick. She couldn't help but feel like, despite having pulled herself out of some spiral, she'd still lost friends, lost her family, lost something important and didn't quite know how to reinvent herself from here.

She heard the name correction. Elsa might have known the name; she frankly didn't care. She'd heard of the girl in passing, some troublesome student that had volunteered for security or something. They'd never met, or at least, not enough to actually have something resembling a conversation. It did seem as if Vera just took the comment as part of the conversation. Elsa worked the straps around.

"I haven't heard from him," Elsa admitted, tightening the straps. "most of the people who end up leaving me don't seem to like to maintain ties," she put a little more effort into the latest strap, stepping back to look at it. "I think that will hold," she turned to look at Vera. "How are things on your end? Everything looking more or less wired?" She took a few steps closer, trying to get a good look, hoping that Vera had at least managed to somewhat focus on the task at hand, that is, between hurling handfuls of salt at Elsa, that is.

[Vera M. Solway]

Her eyes focused back at the task at hand, there was something about messing with wires that always made her feel like those EOD Specialists in the Army, or something along the lines of what her father's Army pals used to do. Vera sighed, "Right," Almost wishing she hadn't asked. Not only was it just a tad disappointing to know that she wouldn't know how he was doing from behind the scenes, but it was even worse to know Elsa sounded so okay with people not keeping ties.

She continued to work on the wires, almost unfazed by any surprising sparks by now. Vera wasn't sure why she felt a certain way about it, Elsa and her had always been completely different. She should've been used to it by now.

Years later and they still couldn't- "Oh." She managed to get the wires from at least coming apart, which was a task after finally getting them together. "More. I think it should be fine, for now... and as long as no one messes with it." She moved over to the side a bit just so Elsa could look. It was her auction this year, it was best she saw that everything was together.

Now there was that nagging feeling, the kind that often made Vera guilty about doing something she hadn't realized she'd done. Maybe for bringing up Riley, or Felix... she wasn't sure but it was there. "Anything else you wanted help with?"

[Elsa Bellefonte]

The wires came together, everything seemed to be put into order. Elsa walked again, thinking now about Riley and her own failed relationships and how she seemed to be continually stuck in some sort of cruel loop as far as that was concerned. Everyone around her paired off as though ready to march into an ark, but there was Elsa. Then again, perhaps that was how things were just going to be for her. It would always be: "but there was Elsa." She couldn't even seem to really get anywhere even with people like Vera. No, Elsa had to keep pushing things down, and now she'd missed her chance.

"It should be fine," Elsa said, nodding confidently. "We'll just make sure to keep any and all blondes away from the area." Elsa gestured at the stage before closing the rest of the distance between her and Vera. She looked at the girl again, hearing the question. Were there things she wanted help with? Too much, but not of the sort that Vera likely meant. Elsa actually found herself standing there for a while, looking at the other girl, thinking, trying to come up with something.

"Have you talked with Roxana lately?" Wow, that seemed desperate. Then again, Vera had been the one bringing up someone else a few moments ago, so why couldn't Elsa now?