Christmas Magic?

Scenes taking place outside of London or Muir, but still on the Islands.

Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:55 pm

The train rides to Cardiff had been pretty unremarkable. Natalie seemed lost in thought most of the time. Elsewhere, one of Ashlie's communication protocols was getting a flood of GPS data from Natalie's phone, updated way more frequently than was necessary. That slowed down when they reached Cardiff and Natalie started having to pay attention again.

Her mother was waiting for them when they got off the train. There was some family resemblance to Natalie, but Natalie had obviously gotten most of her appearance from her absentee father. Natalie's mother gave Natalie a hug and then turned to look at Shari, holding her arms open, "You must be Shari."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:22 pm

Shari, in what she's begun to think of as her 'default' human shape, is full of nervous energy for most of the ride. She bounces her legs and gets up a bunch to wander up and down the train carts. On top of being nervous about meeting Natalie's mom it feels weird to not be on constant alert and keeping an eye out for the ticket controller, which is the only way of riding the train or tube she's really familiar with. Really, Maldon aside this is the first time since she's remembered who she is that she's ventured out into the world and it's odd to not be hiding. As much anyway.

When they finally arrive Shari has to make a conscious effort to not instinctively turn into the most unassuming person and blend into the crowd. "Hi Miss Denisov." she says with an awkward wave that stops halfway through when she notices the obvious invitation to a hug. She ducks in for a quick embrace. "Nice to meet you. And thank you for inviting me to celebrate the Christmas with you."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:54 pm

"Not a problem. It'll be nice to have someone else in the house. It's usually just the two of us. Let's grab your bags. My car's not far."

"New car, mum?"

"How did you..." She stops as Natalie gestures at her pocket. "Oh, right. Yeah, the old one needed a whole new engine, so it was just easier to go new."

It didn't take them long to retrieve their bags and soon they had piled into a sensible, but nice, small car. Natalie climbed into the back seat with Shari. "Natalie told me you're a new student, Shari. How are you liking university?"
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:12 pm

"Yeah, kind of... stumbled my way into it, I guess. I like, but it's pretty tough. I don't have the most academic background."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:17 pm

"It'd be boring if it were easy. That's what I always tell Natalie."

"Oh god, Mum..." Natalie groans.

"Oh shush, Natalie. Where are you from, Shari?" Natalie's mum is practicing the time-honored technique of driving while looking at her passengers in the rear view.
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:30 pm

"Syria..." she says a bit awkwardly. "I'm kind of a refugee." she adds, scratching the back of her head.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:33 pm

"You poor dear. Well, I'm happy you were able to come to our country. How did you and Natalie meet? She's been close-lipped about things."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:41 pm

"Thanks. Not everyone is." she says, obliviously committing that cardinal sin of bringing up the vaguest notion of politics. "Nat was bummed out over her power and I tried to cheer her up by kinda... shoving her on stage to DJ at a club." Shari chuckles.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:47 pm

"Good for you! I tried telling her she needs to get out more, but what do I know? I'm only her mother."

In her seat, Natalie is slowly sinking deeper into her coat.
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:52 pm

This is going really well! Which kind of leads Shari down the road of babbling about stuff without thinking it through much. Or at all. "I found that when she's being upset with me the Making Out helps a lot." she cheerfully informs Natalie's mom.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:57 pm

If Shari were in her natural form, she and Natalie would make an absolutely festive couple between Shari's green and the shade of red that Natalie suddenly turns.

"I see," says Natalie's mum, not entirely sure how to respond and trying not to laugh at her daughter's obvious embarrassment.
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:06 pm

"Oh. I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong? I did not mean to make a joke."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Sat Dec 02, 2017 12:03 am

"I think Natalie's just embarrassed," her mum reassures Shari. Natalie nods a few times.

"You didn't have to tell mum about that."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Mon Dec 04, 2017 5:12 pm

"My bad... Guess I'm still getting used to your customs and all."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Tue Dec 05, 2017 4:22 pm

"She'll get over it eventually," Natalie's mum says, trying to soften the situation.

The Denisov residence appears to be a flat in a nice high rise in Cardiff. The main area was open concept, running from kitchen to dining area to living area. The living area had a tree put up in it decorated in multi-colored lights with presents arrayed under the tree. Everything was modern in design, but with ample padding. "Make yourself at home. You can put your things in Natalie's room," Natalie's mum instructs Shari.

Natalie walks over to look at the tree, shedding her coat as she inspects the ornaments.
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Tue Dec 05, 2017 5:08 pm

Shari nods and follows Natalie, looking around at the more modern take on Christmas decorations, compared Will's efforts in the mansion.

"Hey, I... I'm sorry about that. I shoulda known it would embarrass you. I just kinda start talking when I'm nervous..."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Tue Dec 05, 2017 5:22 pm

"Yeah, well..." Natalie's sounding conflicted. "You didn't know. It'll be okay." Natalie sounds a little dubious, but also like she's trying to smooth things over.
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Tue Dec 05, 2017 8:07 pm

"You know I don't mean to make fun of you, right?"
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High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Tue Dec 05, 2017 8:19 pm

"I know you didn't know. It's okay." She tosses her coat on the couch. "Come on. I'll show you where the essentials are." She heads towards a small hallway.
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Wed Dec 06, 2017 11:08 pm

"Okay!" Shari shrugs out of her slightly-too-large coat and throws it on the couch as well before following after Natalie.
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High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Thu Dec 07, 2017 5:52 pm

Natalie's room looks pretty similar to her dorm room. Lots of tech scattered around on the desk and on the shelves on the wall. There is even some hanging on straps from the corner posts of the double bed. It all has a very 'cocoon' feeling. Natalie gestures to one of two other doors in the room, "Bathroom's through there. You can take the bed, I have a cot I'll set up."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Thu Dec 07, 2017 6:46 pm

"You sure? I mean it's your bed and all. And I can always shift to make myself comfortable." she says, shrinking down a bit and sprouting fur as she hops onto the end of the bed. She halfway disappears in her loose clothes as she folds her legs under herself.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Thu Dec 07, 2017 6:52 pm

"You're our guest. Plus it's also not like it's really been mine for a while. I think Mum mostly keeps this room the way it is because she doesn't want to let it go yet."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 08, 2017 4:55 pm

"So you'd rather sleep on a cot than in the bed with me?" Shari asks bluntly.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Fri Dec 08, 2017 4:59 pm

Natalie can't seem to bring herself to look at Shari. "I'm... I'm not ready for that yet. This is all still really new and..."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 08, 2017 5:10 pm

"Well. If you don't want to, you don't want to." she says and slowly shifts back into her 'normal' human self. She doesn't seem angry, but maybe vaguely disappointed.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Fri Dec 08, 2017 5:29 pm

Natalie apparently picks up on the disappointment. She rubs the bridge of her nose and then sighs, "I... I'm going for a walk. If you need something, just ask Mum." She turns and heads to the living area. There's the sound of an exchange.

"Where are you going, Natalie?"

"Out."

"Don't you think...?"

"Not now, Mum." That's followed by the sound of the door closing.

After a moment, Natalie's mother appears in the bedroom doorway. "Everything alright?"
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Fri Dec 08, 2017 8:59 pm

"I... dunno." Shari says awkwardly. She doesn't want to make the same mistake again and start blabbering, even if Natalie isn't here, but that just leaves her feeling weird. "I think I upset her somehow..."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Sat Dec 09, 2017 12:13 am

"Natalie doesn't deal well with change, even changes she has a hand in. She tries, but..." Ms. Denisov fidgets with one of the devices on a shelf next to the door, "Sometimes she just needs her space, even if the space is small and crowded with electronics. You're the first person she's tried to bring here since primary school and the first significant other, at least that I've been aware of, so I'm sure she's just a bit overloaded at the moment."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Mon Dec 11, 2017 5:39 pm

Shari nods awkwardly. "So it's not just a hum--a western thing?" she asks, barely catching herself.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Mon Dec 11, 2017 6:52 pm

"No, I think it's more of a Natalie thing. She's always found machines easier to relate to than people, even before she started *actually* talking to them."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:09 pm

"Is there anything that I could do differently? She seemed to be much better before I tried to kiss her. Or before she knew where I'm from. You don't think it could be that, right?"
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:43 pm

"I don't think that's it, dear. I think she just needs some time to adjust to the concept of being with someone. It's not something she's ever done before as far as I know."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Tue Dec 12, 2017 4:28 pm

"Hmm. Okay. This is tougher than I thought it would be."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Tue Dec 12, 2017 4:34 pm

"Relationships are a hard thing and they require a lot of work. They're never as easy as they look from the outside." There's a note of wistfulness in her tone. "I have some cookies. Maybe some of those would help pass the time until she gets back?"
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Tue Dec 12, 2017 4:35 pm

"Sure. Thanks Miss Denisov."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Tue Dec 12, 2017 7:07 pm

It's at least an hour before Natalie returns, slipping in the front door quietly.
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Tue Dec 12, 2017 8:33 pm

An hour is plenty of time for Shari to go through a whole bunch of cookies, even when she's being polite and eating them slowly. By the time Natalie returns she's sitting on the couch in the living room, awkwardly waiting around the way you do in what's mostly a stranger's place.
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Natalie Denisov » Tue Dec 12, 2017 8:38 pm

"I'm going to go pick up a pizza for dinner," Miss Denisov says, grabbing her keys and coat. "I'll be back in a little while." She gives Shari a reassuring smile before heading out.

Natalie slowly takes off her coat, hanging it up before moving to sit on the couch. She takes a deep breath, "I'm sorry about earlier."
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Natalie Denisov
Student
 
High Concept: Ghost In The Machine
Aspect: More Comfortable With Things
Aspect: Quad-Core Mind
Aspect: Lighthouse Keeper
Aspect: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Re: Christmas Magic?

Postby Shari » Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:19 am

"It's okay. I got cookies." she says as if that excused everything. "I saved you some."
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Shari
 
High Concept: Shapeshifting Stranger
Aspect: Shaping Yourself
Aspect: Philosophy of Form

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