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Forums » Prelude: Zakmur-Dah » Luke's Introduction

Start off with setting, who's there and a rough amount of time before our first hunt.
The terminal of LAX was teeming with busy travelers from all walks of life shuffling their luggage as they hurried to their flights like lines of colorful ants. The tall rugged looking blonde shifted his backpack on his shoulder before returning his hands to drum and fidget with his ticket book. All he had as luggage was his one carry on bag, the rest of his clothing and items were scheduled to be shipped overnight that afternoon. He'd told his agent that he would be back in a few months after things cooled down and instructed him to sell the furniture and put his truck into storage for the meantime. There was no way he was going to pay the rent on his downtown apartment if he wasn't living there, and lucky for him, he was able to sweet talk his way out of his lease. Well, sweet talk and sign a photograph for the landlady’s niece whom he'd promised to meet when he returned. Apparently she was single, smart and very cute. He knew what it meant when people described girls as cute and smart.

Luke was feeling pretty good after their visit to one of the many LAX bars, and still had a satisfied smirk on his face because Rashid had insisted that they would be late if they stopped for one of the overpriced airport drinks. There they stood in line, not late and he was already considering sneaking off to get another jack and coke. Luke took a moment to glance down at the paper that was serving as his entertainment while they were in line and scowled at it. Scooting up next to his companion, he raised the offending parchment up and pointed to the ticket. ”Does this seriously say economy class?” he asked incredulously.
Rashid let out a rough laugh at the reaction of the spoiled kid. Yeah, it does at that. Not my fault you pissed off your babysitter before you decided you wanted to take a look at what I was putting together.
This kid took everything for granted, and knew next to nothing about the way the world worked. Rashid was pretty sure that his looks got him almost everything he had. The boarding lineup was just starting to settle into some order, and Rashid felt the kid edging off again, so thought he might be able to keep him tied up for a minute.
You know, I've put a lot of work into this Outreach, and I was hoping that another big name would help out some, my goal is to bring people like us together, not just help out the area and aid the kids who lost out on opportunities, but to make a family who could grow up together. Rashid put a lot of emphasis on that last bit, his personal feelings edging out as he talked. Most people know your story, a rich only child who grew up in the big state who got himself scouted and left in a hurry Rashid's eyes bored into Luke with a fiery intensity, I'm not even looking for a year, but I need to know that you will at least try to stay dedicated to the cause as we build ourselves up.
Luke bristled at being laughed at, it’s not like he’d ever booked his own flight before. Usually his agent did it or the assistants in charge of whatever event or location he was going to. It wasn’t that he was necessary above doing it himself, he was sure he could have figured it out, it just had never come up. Had he done it on his own, he was sure he would have at least put the effort forth in getting them first class seats since private flights were still too expensive. Maybe someday when he was more famous. Luke didn’t feel he need to argue it anymore, the tickets were bought and they were already in line. He did roll his eyes dramatically behind his sunglasses, making sure the broader man could tell that was what he was doing.

The clerk glanced at him dubiously as he handed her the ticket and his I.D., Luke could tell that she thought she recognized him. As she read the name on the paper, he lifted up his shades to give her a quick conspiring wink, at which she flushed and giggled, “Enjoy your flight Mr. Mason.”

Rashid was talking next to him as he walked, reminding him again how important his outreach center was to him. Luke understood, it was nearly all the man talked about sometimes and it was something he cared about a lot but he couldn’t help but feel like the guy needed a girlfriend or something. Maybe he just needed a few beers and to get laid. Luke arched his eyebrows and looked over his shoulder at him as they entered the plane ”Who said I was rich? Mama spent her entire paycheck keeping our ranch above water, it was a labor of love not a source of income.” he said not surprised that his friend had heard that. Most people thought having a ranch meant you were well off, but the animals they kept were for his mom’s hobbies and because she loved having them around, there wasn’t much profit in keeping pets. After his dad walked out things were rough, and his mom worked extra shifts at the animal hospital just to keep their home during the divorce. He’d even gotten a job at the local feed store when he was 15, both to help pay for bills and the discount it got him on supplies for the ranch. Luke didn’t expect pity though, he really enjoyed his upbringing even if it was a lot of juggling his time between high school drama productions, guitar lessons and work, both at home and at the store. Now it all didn’t seem to matter that much seeing that he could send his mom money anytime he liked, one of the perks of running off to Hollywood.

Luke shoved his back under his seat, he wasn’t mad or annoyed in the least, but he did level his shifting hazel eyes on the other man’s eyes. ”I know this is important and I promised you I would come and help out,” he said sincerely, ”I’ll stay until another contract comes up. I owe you a lot, and not just for giving me a place to allow things to cool down. I don’t know what would have happened if you guys hadn’t been there when.. Well you know when.” Luke meant it too, he could have easily killed people if Rashid hadn’t tipped off the other pack that he was about to change. ”You can have the window seat, but don’t get comfy, we won't be sitting here long.” he grinned mischievously.
Rashid smiled appreciatively as Luke talked on and began to wonder what exactly the kid would be able to help with. I mean sure, the fame wouldn't hurt, but as a volunteer he lacked the...maturity Rashid was hoping for. Ah well, people shone brightest during their weakest moments , who knows what could happen.
What do you mean by that? Rashid just caught up with his conversation and worried that some scene might be made. There was something to be said about traveling without people leaping for your attention. Especially after all the time they spent filming, rehearsing, and dining, a little less attention is sometimes nice.
”Oh, nothing,” Luke chimed innocently as he made eye contact with a cute brunette stewardess. The woman came over all smiles and giggles, he wasn’t sure if she recognized him or if she just thought he was good looking. One way or the other, it didn’t matter to him as he flirted with her and ordered two jack and cokes. ”So, tell me more about these other ‘team’ members you have lined up back at your place,” he asked as he watched her walk away and not even trying to be subtle where his eyes were looking.
Rashid watched on, almost entranced by the play that just happened. you sure you can even taste the Jack anymore? He asked, slight skepticism creeping into his voice. Parties seemed to be all this kid did. But hey, maybe as an event organizer, he would step up. Just need to make sure he understands limits...and a budget.

I have 3 others out there right now like us. Misfits in their own way too. Rashid's eyes gazed out the window at something not there for a moment before snapping back to the conversation. The O'Keefes are the pair that warrant the most interest I suppose, twins those two. Rosie works the precinct in the area, and she has some great connections around. Her brother, Rory, I don't know what he does really, only met him once or twice. Little distant, little odd, but smart. Damn smart. The stewardess comes back with one drink and and her friend, a petite blonde whispering excitedly in her friend's ear while carrying the second drink.

Any excuse to see the star, huh? Rashid muttered quickly. Anyway, TK is the last one of that bunch, a whiz with computers, consults on all sorts of things. The four of us got an idea stuck in our heads before I left. I want to use the Outreach I put together and clean up the neighborhood.

Rashid stopped talking and looked over at the girls, an easy signal that they were done talking, so they could shower the Texan with attention.
”So, I’m hearing two nerds and a cop. What are you trying to do to be? Did you put out an ad for the most boring people possible?” Luke said in a comical tone. He wasn't trying to be rude about his new pack mates but he didn't need a cop breathing down his neck and not one but two poindexters, a sure way to bring down any party he tried to have. Resisting the urge to groan, Luke downed his jack and coke in two large swigs. He was going to need a lot more than that to process this information.

Holding up his glass he called over his shoulder to the stewardess, ”Miss, there seems to be something wrong with this drink,”. Luke grinned broadly as she came over and asked what was wrong. ”It's empty, that's what's wrong. My friend here needs another too, he has to drink himself pretty,” he said handing the smiling women the glass. ”I'm going to need a lot more of those. You know, Misty, it would be a lot easier to serve us thirsty fellows if we were closer to the bar.” He winked as he jerked his thumb towards first class.

Flirting to first class


Agentunicorn rolls 11d10m8 = 6 ( (1 2 10 2 10 6 10 10 2 7 8 2 8 3 4 → 6 success(es) against 8) ) ones:1 #flirtintofirstclass
The woman giggled and walked off to the front of the plane as Luke leaned over to his traveling companion, ”I can do this, look that stewardess recognizes me, and I bet we can get the drinks served with the stewardesses on our laps.”

“Oh god, what now? Think she'll notice your black eye too?” Rashid poked at him but Luke just grinned.

“Black eyes make you look sexier.. like you're rugged. How the fuck would you get any tail if bruises didn't look cool?” Luke was pressing his luck and it was obvious he knew it by the way he flinched, preparing for a solid punch to the arm. He was saved by the woman returning to escort them to the first class area, whom he followed with a very smug look on his face.

They sat down in the roomy chairs and Luke reclined immediately as his friend rolled his eyes, “They don't need to see bruises, they see me sweating and pounding my opponent to dust as they get weak in the knees. You have people following who you pretend to be, I have people following ME”

“Man that's deep, you want to write it on a greeting card? Put it in haiku form? Limerick?” He was almost about to open his mouth again with more sass with a solid jab connected with his arm causing him to yelp.

“Shut it smartass. Let's just agree with our personal style then. I'm sure you have your girls, and I know I have mine. In the meantime, get those stewardesses walking away so I can admire them before we get you drunk.”

Luke’s eyes shot playful daggers back at his friend as he rubbed his arm, “Ow, gez don't you pull those punches at all?”

“If I did, you would never learn to take them,” he smirked in return, which rewarded him with more grumbles from the blonde man.

“Oh stewardess, his man hit my arm. It's very sore, could you please get the masseuse?” Luke flashed Rashid a wicked smile as the woman came back over and she shook her head while smiling sweetly at him. “What? There isn't one? I guess you'll have to do it.” The stewardess laughed but she did comply with his request eagerly, the smug look on his face returning. Of course the rogue couldn’t just stop there so he looked up at her with a suggestive wink. “It seems my drink is empty again, Misty. You know what would be easier? If you showed me where you got them in that secluded little stewardess station of yours,” he said already getting up to follow her over there.

Luke spent the rest of the flight occupied, returning to his seat when the captain announced they would be landing soon, flushed and drunk but rather satisfied looking. “I think I like this vacation already,” he slurred through a grin as he fastened his seatbelt.

Moderators: Rashid Mosley (played by cyranax) The Storyteller (played by Gingerkid88) Tanya Barnes (played anonymously)