Gilidry

Good story.

He's definitely a scrapper. I would say Martial Arts considering his background. For the secondary power set I'd suggest either Invulnerability, or Super Reflexes, depending on what type of benefits the robotic parts provide.

Invulnerability is your Superman-ish set. Gets hit a lot, but takes little damage. Super Reflexes is kinda Spider-Man. Very quick and hard to hit, at least in theory.

The name is much trickier. This may sound exceedingly cheesey but Stephen Steele popped into my head as I read the story. He has a new power core so Iron Heart seems fitting, but it's probably already taken.

Although, considering he lived so long as a normal human, its hard to picture him taking on a typical Hero-type name. So maybe he would keep his original.

Maybe not much help, but hopefully I can spark an idea or two for ya.

For a second, Manion's smile left his face, and a chill went down his spine. He hadn't seen the tatoos Beth mentioned, so he couldn't be sure, but a bad feeling still crept into his gut.

The fact that Gertrude hadn't reacted negatively to him made him feel a little better. On the other hand his tattos were unfinished, only the first stage of a multi stage process. He had left before he could be branded with the more intricate and colorful designs most people associated with Tsoo tatoos. If Gertrude knew, she hid it well.

"No, I wasn't asking her about them. I know more about them than I care to. It... came up in conversation and I was explaining them to her. I didn't know her ex had some too. You're probably wondering about them, I'll explain on the way if you want."

He smiled again at the mention of malts. "Sounds good, I haven't had one of those in a while."

He grabbed his jacket, and followed her out of the bar.

Ahhh...

Thank you.

I needed the smile this morning.

"What did I say? Just that I was waiting for you, so I could walk you home. She must just be in a hurry to get me outta here." He smiled, indicating it was just a joke.

"Ahh... dessert... well, lemme tell you a secret." He leaned over and lowered his voice. "Honestly, the whole dessert thing was just a ploy to get you to sit and talk with me. I know! How horrible, the deception! Sorry." He laughed and continued. "Anyway, now that the horrible secret is out, I hope you can forgive me. Pie or no pie, it's really up to you, and if you'd rather leave now that's fine too. Let me know, I'm easy to get along with."

"Here," he said, taking the money out of his wallet, and placing it in her hand, "this should cover it."

She may have only been joking about the extra ten percent, but he didn't hesitate to add it in anyway. He didn't give her so much that she would consider not taking it, but it was still probably more than she expected.

"If I had known the therapy was gonna be so cheap, I'd have come looking for it a long time ago. Might have to come back for another session." he said with a wink.

Her laughed seemed to change the mood of the room. He felt better hearing it, knowing that she must be feeling better too. The tension and heaviness of the earlier conversation was gone, and Manion was glad that he wouldn't have that hanging over him later when he walked Beth home.

Once the tab was settled, Manion put the cue back on the wall, and took the billiard balls back over to Narshawn.

He found a table in the corner facing the dining area, and sat to wait.

((OOC: Lets see ya sneak up on me now. ))

The compliment and the contact made him blush a little, but he smiled.

"Thank you. Believe it or not it means a lot to me. I'd trade every badge I've ever got to hear that more often." As he talked he gathered up the billiard balls.

"As far as Beth goes, I could never..." he paused for a second, looking at Gertrudes arm, and decided to rephrase the sentence. "I wont let that happen to her. You don't have to worry about that. And don't worry about what you told me. That stays here, at this table, between us.

"Now what do I owe ya for the drinks. And don't give me some story about a magical disappearing tab. I'm already putting up with that from two women. One 'cause I like her, and the other 'cause she's bigger than me. Even if you give me a hard time about this, I'll still find a way." he said with smile.

((OOC: Like I said, Im not rushing her story out. Talk all the time she needs. And mine won't take much prying, just have to give him enough time to get it all out, and ask the right questions. ))

"You misunderstand me." he said quietly. "But you don't know me so that's ok, I don't mind. But lets clear a few things up so that we don't end up on the wrong side of things." He put the cue on the table, and leaned over it. His head was down. Not wanting to be taken the wrong way, he chose his next words carefully.

"I didn't offer to help because I feel sorry for you. I offered to help because that's what I do. I see hurt and I want to make it go away. I feel sorry that these things are happening to you. I admire the fact that you haven't given up. It shows you have the pride and strength that a lot of people in your position can't seem to find. All I was offering was an ear or a shoulder, in the hopes that maybe I could help you feel a little better." He paused and looked up at her.

"Now, as to whether or not I have better things to do... let me be the judge of that. If I didn't care I wouldn't have asked. I know you probably see me as another busy hero, too involved with bigger things. A lot of people do. Maybe I wasn't supposed to hear what I did, but what kind of hero would I be if I just walked away and pretended to not notice. What kind of a man would that make me?

"Now, so you understand me a little better, let me share something with you. I wasn't born a hero. I used to be a normal person, just like you. I made a few mistakes, but was given a second chance. My powers aren't even really mine." he pulled up his left sleeve, revealing a winding tatoo. An eastern style dragon that went around his bicep. "This may look familiar, maybe not. Its a Tsoo design, done with their special ink. I've got another just like it on my other arm, and a few more. Without these I'm just another normal guy who knows Martial Arts." he pulled his sleeve back down and continued.

"I hated the person I was when I 'earned' this 'gift'. It's a little complicated, but the short of it is, I got caught like every other criminal in Paragon. One of the heros must have seen something in me, because I was given a choice not many others got. I could join the good guys as a hero, or join the bad guys in jail. It's probably the oldest cliche in Paragon City, but I'm the kid that lost his parents and ended up in the wrong crowd, and is now doing everything he can to try and make up for all the mistakes he made."

"I never have anything better to do. Even something as simple as making someone smile is a huge deal to me."

He looked up and gave a weak smile. "There, now we're even. One sob story for another."

((OOC: That's the abridged version. Manion knows Gertrude is on the clock, so he skimmed over some details. If you want to know more, just ask. ))

"You're right, Im sorry. It's not my business. I shouldn't have pried."

He could tell that this was a touchy subject for her, and he was upset at himself for not letting it go earlier.

"But its good that you have help, for whatever reasons." He wasn't sure what else to say. He wasn't going to bring it up again. She would mention it if she felt she needed to. The last thing Manion wanted to do was make her uncomfortable and distract her. Her job was already hard enough without him causing problems.

He watched her head to the kitchen, stopping to compose herself before she went through the doors. He chided himself again, shaking his head, for butting in.

As he chalked the tip of his cue, he looked towards the dining area. He thought he had heard Gal's voice and hoped everything had gone well for her this evening.

When Gertrude came back, she looked a little better, but sill appeared nervous. She asked Manion again, if he needed anything and he replied, "Yes please. A refill on the cola, and I think a shot of vodka too. Grey Goose if you have it. If not then whatever your house vodka is." He looked at her again for a moment. It looked like he was about say something. Another apology was in his eyes, but he stopped, thinking it best to just drop it.

Not sure how to return Gemini's greeting, Manion nodded slightly and said, "Thank you. You also."

Then he turned to Gertrude. His eyes were filled with disbelief and anger over what he had overheard. He may not have known Gertrude, but that didn't change the fact that something wrong was happening.

He leaned back against the pool table, not as much interested in the game anymore. He wasn't going to press the issue about her scar, it sounded like she would have to talk about that later, probably more than she wanted to. But she still looked a little shaken.

"Guardian angels? Yeah, some people only talk about them. Thats just 'cause they're afraid to admit that they might need help. I think everyone's got one, and anyone can be one. Most people don't realize that though. Looks like you've got a few on your shoulder, I hope you can see that. Don't be ashamed to let them help you." he stopped for a moment, and a seriousness that hadn't been seen on him before crept across his face. Here was a good person that needed help. The man became the hero.

"You have a restraining order out on him I hope. I won't get involved, looks like thats pretty well covered, but if you haven't done that yet you should." he stopped, fearing he might make her uncomfortable.

His face softened. The hero became the man again.

"I'm not sure if there is anything I can do to help that the Sisters aren't already doing, but I'm going to make the offer anyway. If you need anything, even if it's just someone to talk to, let me know." he smiled lightly, trying to ease the tension a little.

He stood, back against the table, his cue resting next to him on his left. His arms and legs were crossed in front of him, and he was watching Gertrude, trying to think of a way to get her to smile again.

((OOC: The attention Manion is giving to Gertrude isn't from an attraction in the same way he is attracted to Beth. He is, however, a sucker for the 'damsel in distress'. Which you probably guessed already. If he can't offer help directly he will still try to make her feel better.))

That wasn't at all what he expected. For a moment the waitress in front of him faded and a weary woman took her place.

He saw her scar, and the way her mood changed, if only for a moment. He knew that people had to hide things to get back to a somewhat normal life after the war. He was doing it too.

Maybe she did want to talk.

He waited until she came back with his drink before he said something. "You're not old. I'm just young. I didn't mean to upset you." He smiled, hoping to make up for his stumble earlier.

He wasn't sure if he should ask about her scar. He didn't want to drag out anything painful. If she wanted an ear, well that he had.

"Thank you for checking on me. I'm ok. How about you?" He figured it was a vague enough question that if she didn't feel like talking she wouldn't have to. But he asked it with a tone that said he was willing to listen if she wanted.

Not wanting to make her feel pressured, he lined up a shot on the three.

"Yeah Beth... I'm walking her home tonight." he smiled and looked towards the restaurant.

"I guess a cola please, thank you." he said. Then he stood up, something seemed to catch his attention. He managed to catch her before she left.

"Wait what? Trying? Did I miss something?"

He didn't think she wanted to shoot pool. She was still working after all. If she wanted to talk, well there really wasn't much trying required there. He wasn't sure what she meant so he took a shot in the dark.

"Do you want to play?"

Yet again, Manion was confused.

((OOC: Please forgive the poor guy. He isnt trying to be frustrating. Also, if anyone wants to drop in for a game, he would be more than happy to share the table.))

"Hi Gertrude. Yep I was here opening night. Manion." he said, offering his hand in greeting.

"A shame? Now why would you say that? Actually I'm killing time til Beth gets off work."

"Besides, anyone else would probably run circles around me on the table. I like getting a shot in every now and then." he said jokingly.

"Hmm... I dunno actually. I've been drinking water and I just ate, so the beer might be a bit much, but something with a little flavor would be nice." he said with a shrug and a smile.

((OOC: Yeah the flirting thing, I remember. If she starts laying it on thick he might get fidgety, but if she keeps it light it may go right over his head. Such a touchy balance. I'm all for intersting conversation though. ))

"Im so sweet? Thank you for saying so, but you say that like you're worried I might change my mind. Why?" He looked at her, asking with his eyes as much as his voice. It never occured to him how insecure she might be.

"Umm, no the water is fine tonight, I'll have more of the same." he said as she cleared the table.

((OOC: If Beth chooses to answer him, Manion will wait and respond appropriately before heading to the pool room.))

Still a little puzzled over the conversation, Manion went up to the bar and asked Narshawn for a set of billiard balls. He nodded a hello to the people at the bar, not wanting to interupt their conversations.

He set the balls on a table, one towards the back near the juke box. He went back to the box to put on a few songs, flipping to the "S" albums again. "I'll be darned... Savoy Brown." he said out loud as he put his money in. "Train to Nowhere" kicked in as he set up the balls for a game of Nine Ball.

He went to the wall and chose a cue, 21 oz. He rolled it on the table. He knew it would be straight, but did it anyway. He chalked the tip, and cue in left hand, lined up his break.

((OOC: Sorry if this seems a bit much detail-wise. Felt like I should add a little meat since my last bunch of posts have been skimpy. Plus... I love me some pool. ))

"Tell ya what," he said, continuing his conversation, "if Martin won't give you a break til your off the clock, that'll be ok. I've been itching to try out the pool tables you guys have in the back anyway."

He stopped for a moment. Remembering the look on Beth's face when he had gone to the bar the last time.

"But... I'll wait til you talk to him. I'm not trying to blow you off, honest. It'll just give me something to pass the time til you're off."

He suddenly had second thoughts about this idea. The little bits of conversation he got when she stopped by to check on him were enjoyable. Although he did feel that maybe he was being too much of a distraction.

Well, Martin hadn't given an answer either way, and the question was already out there.

/em raises hand

Blender here.

Although I've had to tape all my buttons down cause "Frapee" just wasn't doing it for me.

((OOC: Not at all, he didn't go anywhere. I'm enjoying all the stories. I realize it takes a bit of work to keep up with all of them and am more than happy to wait til it comes back around. At worst I may have thought that my last post got swallowed. Last thing I want is for Gal to serve me up. ))

He gave her a look over, not being rude, just trying to be funny. "Hmm, Im not sure why your all that worried about staying thin, but we dont really have to have pie again. Sorry, I'm not that creative when it comes to this sort of thing I guess."

"No I wouldn't mind at all. I will be here waiting to walk you home in either case, or did you change your mind about that?"

((OOC: Sorry for the short post, was headed out the door. Will get more in on the next one. ))

((OOC: Wow, good read guys and gals!))

"Uh... I..." he scratched his head, and his mouth hung open a little. "I was gonna get to that, honest. I was just gonna wait til later when you were off the clock, really." It was his turn to blush, this was another first for him. He had been waiting for a good moment to ask her when she had off, but she beat him to it.

"But to answer your question directly, yes. I will come in Thursday to have dinner with you. Just tell me when and where I should meet you and I'll be there."

He had composed himself and his open mouth turned into another sly smile. "There, now that I've ansered your question, I'm still waiting for an answer to mine."

He crossed his arms, resting his elbows on the table, and leaned over looking her in the eyes in mock defiance.

((OOC: Bah... just couldn't wait could ya? ))

((OOC: Aah good question. I tried explaining that in a previous post. Basically Manion works his assignments from his contacts during the day, and has lately been taking the evenings off at the advice of his mentor Gilidry. Beth has just given him another reason to take that advice instead of blowing it off like he was doing before. What started as him just taking a break has turned into something unexpected. You tryin to say hes spending too much time here? Also, Im not trying to rush anything, he'll get to it when he gets to it. I was just teasing a little, sorry. ))


"The food was excellent. The spices Gypsy used were just right, although I can see why Gal might have her tone down on them a bit."

"And yes that was an offer Miss Beth. Not only do I enjoy the food, I also enjoy the company if you don't mind my saying. Gives me something to look forward to after a long day of helping out my contacts with their assignments. Now I know we just did this last night, but until a better plan comes along where I can get you to sit when you babble, then I'll just stick with what's worked so far."

"Now what else would you like me to say?" he asked with a broad grin.

I think my head just exploded.

Manion laughed as Beth did her impression of Martin. "He better not go back on putting her in there. Now that you're here, I won't be so quick to offer myself up as the lamb again." He said that in such a way that it would be a compliment to Beth more than an insult to Candice.

After listening to Beth's description of the group he replied. "No I haven't met Sibling yet. I had a feeling that Gypsy and Narshawn were part of the group... Sisters I guess I should call them. I saw them greet the first group when they came in and kinda guessed by the way they were acting."

Manion was glad things had calmed down a bit. Even if Beth couldn't sit and talk it was nice to have her stop by every now and then.

The dinner was great as always. The goulasch was spicier than the last time he had tried it, but he liked it. He would have to make sure and mention that the next time he ordered it.

"So, you in the mood for pie again tonight?" he asked during one of her stops to the table. "I know its still early, but I thought I would give Gypsy a little heads up. I don't want to get her backed up in there."

((OOC: Playing to your ego? Well, of course! And hard for you? Maybe Im just being too subtle, but Manion's got a story too ya know. I could just crowbar it in somewhere, but I'd rather keep waiting for a spot where it can slip into the thread all natural like. Wait, please don't take that the wrong way, Im in no hurry and having a great time. ))

["Well, that must have gone well," Beth caught Manion's attention. "Gypsy's back in the kitchen, and I don't think I have ever seen her sweat like that."]

Manion looked up again and laughed. "How do you keep doing that? I have yet to see you coming over."

["Martin stuck Candice in the bar, she screwed up two orders already, and he won't have her being near the Sisters.]

"I'll have to thank Martin for that later." He said with a smile.

"And yes I am a little curious about the group..." He paused, not wanting to seem intrusive or rude, and he wasn't sure what questions to ask anyway. These women were obviously part of a tightly knit and closely guarded group, and Manion wasn't the type to just walk up and start asking questions.

((OOC: Arggh! Must... know... more... but... wont... ask... lol ok this suspense is just harsh, oooh to change my personality for just one post. ))

Manion had been waiting for Beth to return with news of Candice when he saw her stop to help a woman at a nearby table. Although the woman was dressed less elegantly he still recognized her and wondered where her companion from the other night was.

His thoughts were cut short as two women were shown in. Their very presence seemed to draw all eyes to them as they were shown to a table. From the way Martin acted towards them, Manion guessed that these must have been the guests that Beth had told him were coming.

He watched the scene unfold, trying not to seem nosy, but definitely curious. One of the women headed to the kitchen and the other stayed, observing the room. Her eyes stopped brielfy on each of the diners and when they came to Manion, he found himself unable to divert his gaze. Normally he would have looked down, not being one to hold eye contact with anyone for fear of causing a misunderstanding. Try as he might though, he couldn't look away until she had. It was only a fraction of a second, then her eyes moved on to the others in the room.

Another little voice in his head made note that Candice had been very scarce. He figured she must still be in the kitchen, that was the last place he had seen her go. Hopefully she wasn't giving Gypsy a hard time.

Suddenly full of questions, he made a quick survey of the room again, searching out Beth.

"Ahh, well. If I get a bill is right. But considering mine keeps getting 'lost' how am I ever supposed to tip you?" He smiled, knowing that the bills werent really lost, but playing along anyway.

"Martin wouldn't be the only one." he said with a smile. "I'd much prefer your company, but I cant keep you all to myself." His smile was cut short as he watched the exchange between Martin and the other patron. "To be honest she kinda makes me... well uneasy for lack of a better word."

"Heres a thought. Why don't you keep her here to cut down on the complaints. I'm pretty patient and it would take a lot for her to really get to me. As much as I'd love to have you here all night I'd hate to see Gal lose business over one bad egg. Plus having her in one spot would make it easier to keep an eye on her." Part of him hoped she would say no and take over for Candice, but another part of him wanted to take the brunt of it all for everyone else.

He wasn't sure what was going on, but in all the nights he had been here he'd never had a bad feeling. The way everyone was acting tonight though made him uneasy, and he wasn't about to ignore that. Even if nothing was going on and he was just being paranoid, at least he could offer to try and help soften the damage Candice seemed to be doing until Gal came back to staighten things out.

"Beth," he said, lightly placing his hand on her forearm to get her attention. "dont apologize, you dont talk too much, not enough in my opinion, and I mean that in a good way." He paused for a moment.

"And if it helps any, I know what you're trying to say. I've been through it too. I just wish I had someone like Gal in my life back when I really needed it. You're very lucky. She loves you a lot, she made that very clear to me last night." He smiled, and laughed a little.

"If you have to go I better let ya. I don't want Martin to get upset with you."

"Oh, and one more thing. Gal gave me back some money with the note. You did get the tip I left you right? I know... its a silly question, but I just wanted to make sure."