16236/Skateboard Shopping Over Kill

Skateboard Shopping Over Kill
Date of Scene:	01 November 2023
Location:	American Dream Mall - East Rutherford, NJ
Synopsis:	A trip to the American Dream Mall in NJ is mixed snow boarding, the food court, a ride on one of the tallest Ferris wheels around, and a face off with mutant haters blocking entry to the water park. Sara and Josh grow closer throughout the date, and Witchblade himself takes over to chat with Joshua.
Cast of Characters:	Sara Pezzini, Joshua Foley

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Sara Pezzini has posed:
It was rare for Sara to take a day off from work. Normally she worked seven days a week, up to twelve hours a day, and that wasn't including the times she was called away by SHIELD or the Avengers. Today however, she had big, big plans that involved a short road trip and Joshua Foley.

Josh woke to a text on his phone that simply read: Dress warm, pack a swimming suit, and meet me in the living room around eight in the morning.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Sara could tell Joshua was awake, the shower was running. Reaching out to grab his phone when it buzzes, his eyes widen slightly. He texts her back. 'Thought you had work today! But I welcome the change of plans!'

With that, he's trying to think of what may require both a swimsuit and warm clothing. Another text, 'Sus. LOL.'

Soon enough though, the shower is done, Joshua dries and gets dressed and packs the requested clothing. Coming down the stairs, carrying a well-worn backpack, Joshua is wearing a pair of blue jeans and a sweatshirt of a darker blue color as he almost takes the stairs two at a time, "Do I need to put on some coffee?" he calls out, before adding. "Good morning, Pez!"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara was up at six o'clock every morning. There was a routine to the start of her day that few rarely saw. First was a series of stretches, not quite exercise but enough to ensure her body was limber and ready for the day. A shower followed that, which thankfully she had her own so Joshua could take over the other any time he wanted.

Not one of those women who cared about fashion, choosing what to wear was only restricted by the dress code of the NYPD... business casual with a jacket. She sometimes skirted the limits of the dress code by wearing her biker boots, but since she was her own boss now, that rarely mattered.

Checking her phone when it buzzes she chuckles softly and replies: 'Took the day off. Totally sus, be scared' and even adds a scary face emoji.

By the time he comes downstairs she is already there with her heavier leather coat on the back of the couch, and a small pack beside it.

"Already made some, and have a cup for you."

As he enters the living room, she picks up a cup from the coffee table and offers it toward him. In her other hand is her own cup, and one her face a chuckling smile. "Morning Josh, I love that you call me Pez."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"You're an angel." Joshua teases and leans in to kiss her warmly, before offering a wink. "It's because you taste sweet, like a bit of candy I get all to myself." Accepting the coffee, he doesn't doctor it, instead taking a sip from the mug and closes his eyes to relish it.

"I'm also perfectly fine with you calling me Josh. Nettie calls me Elixir, because of what I can do. So I think that's better as like... a secret name, right?" He suggests with a chuckle. Not that he'd ever be someone that will need a superheroic identity.

"I have been totally dying to ask you what you have planned and where we are going today, but you know." A smile, warm, affectionate as he has become more settled with living under the same roof. "Rule two. Trust. And I want to be surprised. When are we heading out?"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Taking another drink of her coffee, her cup almost half empty, Sara offers a nod with a soft smile. "I wasn't sure if you preferred Josh or Joshua, so I thought I'd give Josh a try. And yes, I think Elixir would be more your secret identity name, as the super heroes like to call it... not that I think you could be a secret," she suddenly gets a wicked little smile as she adds. "Unless we dress you in a bodysuit with hood and mask, but then I'd never be able to super hero again."

Wrapping both hands around the coffee cup in her hands she takes a moment to imagine him in tight clothing then gets back on topic. "I promise that you'll enjoy what I have planned today, I've yet to hear of someone who didn't. I figure we'll head out once we've finished out coffee."

Joshua Foley has posed:
It's probably a good thing that Joshua cannot see what Pez is thinking about, even if she gives him a good mental image. And a clearing of his throat. "For my powers to work, I need skin to skin contact. The more skin I have exposed, the more... it works." That last part, he probably made himself realize that he might be making things worse for Pez.

Though he does lift up the side of his sweatshirt to give her a view of his hip and -- as much as he hides it beneath baggy clothing, he's definetly got a defined ab set. She was going to discover that later today, anyway!

"Good thing I packed board shorts and not a speedo!" he chirps playfully as he finishes the coffee. "Like I said, Pez. I trust you. And I want to be surprised by you as much as I want to surprise you in turn."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Thanks to the comment and the peek of his abs Sara blinks her eyes a few times as a goofy broad smile spreads across her face. Clearly she is thinking of him saving lives buck naked, or perhaps she is chaste enough to imagine a speedo? No, of course she isn't... he's naked.

Lifting her cup to her lips she takes a small drink while still looking at him then finally has to look away to stop herself from thinking about it. She nearly busts up laughing, as that is how she handles embarrassing herself in front of someone. It was rare, but it happened.

Finishing off her coffee, the goofy smile lingering through it, she puts the cup down on the coffee table (one a coaster), then moves to grab her jacket. "Thank you for giving me that image," she finally says as she slides her arms into the sleeves. "It's going to be stuck in my head for a while, a long while, probably all day."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Which is only fair, it's illegal how many times Joshua imagined Sara naked after she showed up in a dress that teased her curves so much he was caught completely off-guard. Luckily, in the few days they've been living together, he hasn't seen her in a nightgown, that might have broken his mind.

Her laughter brings a smile to his face and he takes his empty mug and gathers hers to take into the kitchen to put in the sink. As he grabs his red puffy coat to wear over his sweatshirt, he considers her. "Play your cards right, Pez, and you might get a full examination tonight." he says, trying to half-lid his eyes and put on a sultry smile.

It's works so much better on her.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Up to this point Sara had been the controlling flirt in the relationship, dropping the hints, flashing the right smiles, playful eyes, but Josh just played a trump card with the skin to skin requirement and speedo comment. Now he puts on just the right sultry expression and an ache starts deep in her chest. Staring at him with an almost blank expression, it's obvious he won the flirt battle today.

Even as he's adorning himself in the warmth of the red puffy coat she just stares at him. It doesn't help that Witchblade is whispering in her mind, for some reason egging on the rising desire. It wasn't his usual M.O., usually he would taunt and tease human weakness or something of that nature, but this time was different.

Clearing her throat, she grabs the pack off the couch as she states, "I'm out of aces, you win."

Joshua Foley has posed:
'You win.'

That was unexpected, and it stops Josh cold. She can see his cheeks, that warm golden color grow brighter. But instead of doing a victory dance or gloating about it, he smiles with a hint of mischeviousness. "Pez, my dear..." an added term of endearments. "...this was but a mild skirmish in the heart of our relationship. Dumb luck on my part." But as he gets his coat secured and slings his backpack he approaches her.

His arms go to her sides, pulling her a bit closer, so that they touch, and he gives her a proper good morning kiss, his mouth lingering with hers for a few moments longer than usual. Taking his prize, perhaps? A small tug of his teeth on her lips, and while they aren't making any other physical contact, she can easily tell he's as flushed with desire as she is.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
It is only right that the to the victor go the spoils of the battle, or perhaps it is the reward from the King's daughter for winning the joist. Whatever the explanation, Sara steps into him, pressing her body against his as her arms slip around him. Leaning into the kiss, her eyes close and through the kiss her mind floats away to a glorious place of warmth, bliss and joy.

Knowing full well that if they stayed locked in the kiss for too long they would never leave the house, she pulls herself away after one last flick of her tongue over his lips. "We need to go now," she breaths before kissing the end of his nose. "Or we will stay here for the entire day and I won't get a new skateboard."

Joshua Foley has posed:
The two of them melt together so warmly that it's hard to convince himself to leave the warmth of her embrace. But she makes an accurate point and his grey eyes meet her green ones and he smiles at the kiss on his nose, wrinkling it up in an expression of humor.

He does leave her arms, however, as chirpy as he was a few seconds ago. "It would be terrible not to get you a new skateboard." he agrees, amusement that she's using that excuse. "I'm ready when you are. Do you want me to carry your bag?"

Because he is totally assuming that Sara is calling an Uber or a taxi to their destination.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
A few more breaths in and Sara has control of herself again, for the most part anyway. "That won't be needed," she offers, wiggling her brows as she wiggles her finger in a 'follow me' motion.

Walking through the dining room and kitchen to the back door, she opens it then pauses to ensure he is following. Down the back steps, she heads along the short stone path to the door on the side of the garage.

"I thought it would be far more fun if we took one of my favorite modes of transportation," she explained as she unlocked the garage and opened the door.

Most garage's play the part of home to cars and trucks, this one however is different. Although it is the size of a standard two car from side to side, complete with two garage doors, it is in fact far deeper than a normal garage. Inside there are no cars, instead there are six motorcycles, and two that look like they are in the process of being rebuilt.

"Welcome to my hands on hobby, pick which one we'll be using today." She gestures to the selection then moves to collect two of the many helmets hanging on the wall by the door.

Joshua Foley has posed:
"I mean, I'm used to different modes of transportation. When we were going after Athena's bridle in Greece, Nettie had me ride her broom. That was an experience." Joshua offers as he folllows after Sara - because the view is nice behind her.

As he realizes they are heading to the garage. When she mentions they're going by motorcycle, his smile grows. She may not know he's a bit of an adrenaline sports junkie, hopefully she'll catch on soon - she may get a taste of it today, in fact!

As they walk among the motorcycles, Joshua is taking each one of them in with curious interest as he looks sorta towards Sara for a bit of guidance and finally sets his hand on one -- after making sure it's not in disrepair. A grin is shot over to Sara as he tilts his hip slightly and makes it look like he's a model posing on her bike. "Will this one work?"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Gaging the size of helmet Joshua needs, Sara selects a blue and white full face masked helmet, then grabs her usual black one with full face covering. Turning, she watches him move through the bikes and offers, "The Ducati is only a one seater," as she points past him, then walks over. "The others are all good for two."

When he stops at the steel blue Honda Blackbird, a broad smile dances across her face. "Now that's a fantastic choice. Great speed, easily handling and comfortable second seat. You ready to find out what it's like to fly while still on the ground?"

Offering him the helmet, she then puts her own on over her chestnut red hair. Using the dongle on her keychain to open the garage, she walks the bike out before swinging her leg over to stabilize it for him to climb on behind her. "It's important to lean in close against my body, and when I lean, you lean. You'll be able to feel when I do, so don't worry too much, just try not to fight my motions and we'll be fine."

Joshua Foley has posed:
When she mentions he made a good choice, Josh can't help but to have a pleased smile. "Good, I'd hate to admit I know very little about motorcycling. I had a bicycle when I was a kid." And that was about it.

He takes the helmet from her, and his expression goes a little more serious as she instructs him. He nods. It's a lot like skateboarding in that regard, leaning and moving in time with the vehicle of choice.

"Got it." he agrees with her easily, before he chuckles. "I'll make sure not to overlean too much until you're used to my weight."

With that, he is moving to slip the helmet on over his blonde hair and fastens it into place, pulling on the strap to adjust it to make sure it's secured to his head properly. He rotates it back and forth to make sure there's little give and then taps it a couple of times to assure it's on good.

He then gives her a thumbs up. "Ready!"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Closing the garage with another click, he hears the boop-boop of an alarm as Sara starts the bike up. Perhaps to his surprise, even with him on the back, she walks the bike down the driveway a little more before reving the engine to get it moving of its own volition.

Hitting the street at the slowest safest speed before the bike would tip over, she is nice enough to gradually work up to the speed limit. This slow work up gives her the time to test his weight on the back, adjust herself accordingly, and for him to cling on for dear life if he so chooses.

"Get ready," she calls out loud enough to be heard. "It's about to get exciting!"

With no more warning, the slow speed she was going ramped up quickly. Technically, she was breaking the law by going way too fast, but she didn't seem to give a flying rats ass about it.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua's arms easily slide around Sara's waist, holding onto her, and pressing close. While there is room in the seat to make it seem like it's something that it's not, well, that closeness is totally there. He's settled into the seat, arms around her and he puts his feet where they need to be when she starts to ride.

'Get ready'

And with that little warning, there's the sudden acceleration that pushes him back onto his seat, his arms secured around her, lacing his fingers together to hold her to him.

And to his delight and maybe hers, he lets out a loud 'WHOOP!' of excitement as he pours on the speed and he presses closer to her.

The blood rushes all over the place in his body, discovering that yes, she may very well be the same type of thrill seeker he is.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
The 'Whoop' is all the more encouragement Sara needs to really open it up, though thankfully for most New York drivers she waits until they hit the highway. It may be obvious at this point, but she is definitely a thrill seeker, living on adrenaline even as they weave in out of traffic.

The experience she has with the motorcycle become clear as she deftly avoids the big rigs, even using the shoulder once. One might think that being a New York police officer would make her less inclined to break the law, but then one might not know Sara Pezzini if they are thinking that.

Like all good things however, the need for speed gets them to their destination quickly. The American Dream Mall stretches out before them as she pulls into the parking lot.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Pressed against Sara for most of the trip, Joshua is just enjoying the ride. There may be those that catch a glimpse of the pair as they ride, but the helmet and gloves do a good number to hide Joshua's golden skin.

He leans as needed, moving in concert with her, serving as a good counterweight as needed. He doesn't realize where they are going until the large slope that sticks up a good thirty stories into the air starts to come into view.

Sara will feel his arms grip a little tighter around her - not so much to hang on, but an embrace of appreciation as he gains the realization of what she had planned for the day. Slowing into the parking lot, he can sit up more properly, not having to koala her so hard now.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Moving the bike into one of the select few motorcycle parking spots, Sara drops her booted feet to the ground to steady the bike and shuts off the engine. Turning very slightly she lets out a cheerful, "Surprise!"

Once he has climbed off, she kicks the stand in place and swings her leg over so she can stand beside him. "I've never been here, just read about it so many times and decided... it had to happen."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Climbing off to wait for her to come stand beside him, Joshua is just drinking in the sight of the whole complex. "Look, that's the ski slope!" he points out to her. "That would be the perfect place to give you your first lessons in skateboarding, so if you fall on your butt, it doesn't hurt!"

His hand reaches down to hers and if she allows it, he splays his hand to lace his fingers in hers. "And over there's the Ferris Wheel. I don't know if something like that is your thing." Josh teases playfully. "Might be a little romantic for you." A wink, and then he realized now why she told him to pack swimtrunks as well.

"You have our whole day already planned out, don't you?" Again, teasing. He knows she goes by her whims. "Let's take care of the skateboard first, then we'll go do all the fun things... I heard there was a hotel here if it gets too late and we need to crash for the night." Seperate rooms, of course, he assumes.

With that, a gentle tug on her hand as he watches her get the helmets together to store. "Thank you, Pez. This is awesome."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Watching his excitement brings a huge grin of satisfaction to Sara's face. It was moments like this that reminded he was young, and yet it didn't freak her out or cause her concern. Yes, he was young but that didn't mean he was a child. Everyone needed a little 'child at heart' and he had this innate ability to draw her's out.

Lacing her fingers into his, Sara leans to place a kiss on his check. "Ferris wheels are nice, even if there is a romantic notion attached to them, they offer a slight thrill related to the height that they go. It's best to get caught at the top for a short time, though that might not be your thing," she admits, then giving his hand a tug starts walking.

"The whole day is up for grabs," she continues, slinging her pack over her shoulder. "Skiing, Ferris wheel, water park, whatever you want to do, we do. I've never been skiing before, always lived and worked in New York, and only took one vacation for a cousin's wedding."

Pausing to pull the door open for him to pass through first, she follows right behind him. "The food court is said to have a massive selection, so I figured lunch could be a roulette decision."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Dunno, get caught up at the top with the right girl, I could linger for a while." Joshua admits. "I'm not really afraid of heights, so that's not an issue." Though when he glances over at her and sees her smile after the kiss to his cheek, his smile becomes affectionate.

Which is why she had a second before tugging him along and he walks with her, his hand leaving hers to slip around her waist and he pulls her to him in a squeeze before they reach the door.

Stepping in, the blast of warm air and the sounds of lo-fi versions of current hits causes him to draw in a warm breath of air.

"My parents said we were going to come here when I turned sixteen." he admits to Sara as he walks in and waits for her to follow, staying in step with her. "They never did because of everything. I think I like it better under these circumstances." And then he realizes. "When's your birthday?" he asks her curiously.

"Mine's the day after Valentines. When I was kid, they usually just had my birthday on Valentines - cheaper to buy a big heart shaped cake or something and they didn't want to look cheap for buying a day after Valentine's clearance cake."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Walking with her arm around his waist was a million times better than holding his hand, so when Joshua wraps his arm around her, Sara wraps her around him and keeps it there. Even as they reach the door and go in, they are now attached at the hip.

"I'm really glad you like this," she offers softly, growing more excited about having chosen this location and the adventure ahead.

When he asks her birth date she actually has to stop and think about it. Since her father was killed, she hadn't really bothered with celebrating, so the date took a minute to remember. "Oh... uh, August tenth," she finally says. "And constant Valentine's birthdays had to be annoying. That'd be like always having Halloween cakes, or Christmas cakes with candles shoved in them." She snorts a little. "I promise, that's not happening for your next birthday. You're getting a real cake of your favorite flavor, in the colors and shape of your choice."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Being attached at the hip is a million times better. He runs her hand along her side, considering her words as they walk. "August tenth, got it!" He'll put it in his phone so he's reminded later.

"I don't know about the cake." he admits. "I'll be 21 then." In case she didn't know how much of a cougar she was being. "Maybe we can go someplace special, have dinner together, share some wine or whatever drink you want me to try and see if we can make it really special." A wink at her before he leans over.

"Though if the cake is on you, I could persuaded to take a nip or two." A little blush as he straightens back up and tries to innocently pass it off. "So, skateboard first!" He's heading right over to the huge Information Map to look for a place.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
A slight smirk touches Sara's lips as he enters her birthday into his phone. She remembered the days people just said they'd recall the date and then forgot, those were the best days.

And then he told her how old he was and she actually stumbles slightly and stares at him for a moment, "Oh lord I'm a cougar," she says probably too loud, but the surprise turned the volume up. After a slight laugh she continues with, "And I don't give a damn."

Falling back into step with him she clears her throat, "Your twenty-first birthday will be wining, dining and a cake... you get a cake or my Aunt Ruth will have my hide for failing to maintain the tradition." Leaning in a little she whispers, "The lingerie I'll be wearing for the after party is my own tradition."

Looking over the map while he lets that sink in, she considers the locations, the far too many location. "If we're going to be riding the Ferris wheel, skiing and splashing down slides, we should get the skateboard on the way out," she suggests, then looks back over at him.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Apparently, when he won the small flirting skirmish this morning, he should have been ready for a full blown assault by her the first chance she got. And what's worse? He gave her that opening. His little comment about cake was terribly timed.

Because just as she mentions the lingerie, they happen to be walking right by a name brand lingerie store that happens to be known for it's lacy and barely there outfits that have very little to do with actual angels. Joshua's cheeks turn so bright that the glow draws attention for other patrons -- and the soft mutters that come with it.

"Oh god." She won, she totally won this round as he tries desperatedly to calm down and not imagine what his Pez would like in every lacy, satin, and pleather piece in display in the store window.

"Which of those three of those would you like to do first?" he manages to squeak out, a desperate push to regain composure, stop glowing and settle back into the groove of the date.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
In the war of romance and relationships there were many small skirmishes, and of course some major battles. Winning was always a good feeling, even at the cost of your partner's embarrassment. As Sara watched Joshua's cheeks literally glow, she knew she'd one this skirmish and the score for the day was tied.

She could have laid on more, the store they passed filled with a number of choices she could point out and let him imagine her in, but that would be adding unneeded shrapmetal to the embarrassment wound. Instead she looked back to the map to give him a moment to collect himself and used every ounce of willpower not to laugh when he squeaked.

"Let's start with skiing, since we're already bundled up," she offers in return, hoping to help him along with the composure thing. She could hear the mutters and murmurs of people all to well, and those she didn't hear Witchblade did and reported. None were bad enough to require her attention, so she left it slide.

Joshua Foley has posed:
There is a moment where his eyes lingered on one outfit more than the rest. Sara might have taken note of it before he is tugged back to the hear and now instead of the mental bedroom that he and Sara were in for a moment.

"Skiing's good." he agrees easily, his complexion returning to a warmer and normal shade instead of redhot. He has heard the mutters as well and he moves slightly, away from Pez. He doesn't want her to get caught up in his problem of his mutation - an obvious one he can't hide. "Sorry." he manages as he realizes he brought attention to them.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara does not in anyway let him move away. She tightens her arm around his waist, leans in against him and even places a kiss on his cheek. To anyone watching that is familiar with the body language and relationship code, she just claims the glowing cheeked Joshua as hers... and dared anyone to try and take him. She understood his desire to distance her from his chaos, but to her it was an unacceptable thing. They were all equals, and if others in the world couldn't accept that, then they could choose to look some where else or, if necessary, go fuck themselves.

"Don't do that," she whispers when she is close to kiss his cheek. "You don't get to feel guilty for being yourself. I'm proud of who you are, and I'm extremely happy to be here /with/ you. They can go to hell Josh, and if they do want to make a scene, I have the NJPD on speed dial."

Joshua Foley has posed:
He had almost gotten used to it. The stares. The words. 'Genefreak, mutie, genejoke, abomonation.' He had heard them all. And even now, with Sara pulling him back to her tightly, he can even hear the mutters of why a woman like her is with a freak like him.

His grey eyes close for a few seconds. To concentrate on Sara's words for him, her obvious affection. She had said it a few nights before. Asked it. Was it love or attention? She had his absolute attention at the moment. Nothing in the world exists. Just her. With him.

He stops pulling away, stops trying to run. He presses back to her, as intimate as they have ever been with their clothes on. "Not going anywhere." he promises her.

"I'm with you. And I will be with you and yours as long you wish and want to have me. Point three." Loyalty. His eyes open to look back up at her. And in front of everyone, he leans in and kisses her firmly on the mouth, just to make sure to everyone that in everyway she owned him - he owned her as well.

Breaking away after a moment, he nods. "Let's go." His breath is still shaky, but he's recovering quickly. Because to be honest...

Sara Pezzini is exactly what he needs.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Ignoring the looks and comments, Sara returns the kiss as if they are the only two people in the mall. No one needed to know why a 'girl like that' was with a 'freak like that', it wasn't there business and if she stopped to think about it, she'd get herself arrested by the NJPD.

He was moving past it, which is exactly what he needed to do. With her arm still around him, she guides him through the mall toward the where they could ski. On occasion she would slow down to look in a window something being displayed, but she never lingered for long.

"I once heard an expression, a motto some might say," she finally said to break the silence. "Friends may come and go, but true friends will stay, like an octopus to the face." She paused with a grin. "I might not have eight legs, but you can consider me well and firmly attached."

Joshua Foley has posed:
He tried to pay more attention when she paused. They're a couple, even if they haven't actually said those words yet. Christmas is a little less than two months away, he needs to get ideas on what she liked. Even if she's figured out that her in lingerie would be more than enough present for him.

As she brings up the motto, he snickers slightly. "Octopus huh? That's an interesting take on it." There's a grin, but he decides to tease her. "Gosh, Pez, I hope we're a little more than friends. Because it's not just arms and legs I want to be attached to."

And with that, he keeps walking - they are getting close, there's that fresh smell of snow in the air, the little bite of a chill that suggests a freeze. There's a little bounce on the balls of his feet in excitement. "We can stay here as long as you want... but maybe just a couple of runs, so we don't miss out on the other things?"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
His flirt pulls a laugh from Sara and she bumps him with her hip while walking. She had a matter of seconds to either give this one to him, or steal the ball, and sadly her brain was using football references while thinking about it. Split second decision gives him this one because she can now smell the snow and feel the crispness in the air.

"Everything starts as friends," she replies, then her eyes behold the snow.

"I've driven in that stuff, built snowmen, had snow ball fights... never once have I deliberately gone sliding around on it," she admits, adjusting the little pack on her shoulder. "You ready to watch me fall on my ass a few times?"

Joshua Foley has posed:
As they enter the shop level of the store, there's the skis and boards for sale and rent. The music is cheerful and upbeat as he looks around. At the far edge of the shop is the opening leading to the snow field and ski lift.

"Have you ever gone surfing? It's a bit like that. You're gonna do fine, you hold balance on your bike well, you can do this!" he encourages her, his attention turned from flirting to teaching.

Finding one of the boards and starting to look through the rentals, he gestures, "Find a pair of ski boots in your size. Hopefully you wore warm socks."

Grabbing a snowboard and running his fingers along it, he nods. "This the nose." A tap to the front, then a tap to the back. "Tail." Both sides. "Heel side, toe side. Snowboarding is a game of angles. If you aim straight down, you're going to go really fast, but you're going to have little control. You want to turn..." and he moves both feet together, left and right. "This will help you control your speed. If you have to stop, jump, put both feet forward and lean back on your heals. You may fall, but you'll come to a stop."

After handing her the board he grabbed, he moves to find a broad for himself, picking one out and comes over to help with the search for boots.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara watches his movement and listens as he explains the snow board and it's intricacies. Part of it goes over her head due to having no reference, she'd never been surfing and when he asked, she shook her head.

Accepting the board she looks it over and lets her hand run over it, getting a feel of how it is constructed before it gets slipped under her arm. "It's nearly winter, I always wear warm socks. I don't usually get to /keep/ the warm socks..." she lets that thought fall away without finishing it, no need to get into how Witchblade adores destroying her clothing.

A young man in the shops uniform offers a nod, clearly not bothered by Joshua's appearance because he approached and listened to the man's lesson and seems quite pleased by it. "If you don't want to purchase ski boots, or a snow board, we have a huge selection that can be rented out if you prefer," he pauses to point. "Joe over there can help with boot rentals, and Meghan there can help with the boards for skis. I hope you both have a great time."

His piece said, he offers a smile and nod, then makes his way around to a family that just arrived in the shop. Sara watches him for a moment longer, then looks to Joshua. "Whatcha think, rent or buy? We'll likely do this again, and we might even go to one of the ski resorts some time, so purchasing wouldn't be a horrible thing."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"I think we'll be fine with renting today." Josh counters. It's cheaper. And he doesn't want to be seen as that type. "If you really like today, we'll revisit buying?" he suggests to Sara and gives the customer service rep a little fist bump. "She's a board noob, gonna break her in." he explains.

"These are some pretty solid planks." A tap of the board so that Sara knows what he means. "We'll pick out our rentals and be over there in a 'mo!" he promises, before he turns his attention to Sara.

"You're sweet." he says with a grin, considering her and trying to figure out how to say what's on his mind. "I don't want you think I'm only in this for the gifts and all. I don't mind you getting me stuff, but I have no way of matching it except in little ways."

"I just don't want you thinking I'm taking advantage of you. I'm more interested in you, not what you can give me. If that makes sense?"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Offering the service rep a nod as he departs, Sara looks back to Joshua in time for the speech... at least it felt a little speechy to her. One brow lifts slightly as he talks, and she can agree that there is logic to some of his words.

"Okay, so this is how this is going to go," she states perhaps a touch more firmly than intended. "We'll rent this time because you're right about that, I might loath this and not want a board. However..."

The pause here is so she can pull him a little away from a few people in the shop, and her voice goes a little quieter. "You don't get to worry about my money, nor to you get to compare mine to yours. If I want to shower you in gifts, then I'm going to shower you in gifts, that doesn't mean you're taking advantage of me, or that I'm trying to buy your affection. It doesn't even remotely imply that you're in this relationship to get presents."

Leaning in close, she brushes her lips against his ear and her tone turns to a mixture of seductive and coy touched with teasing, "Because we both know you're in this relationship to get into my pants."

Joshua Foley has posed:
She yanks him to the side for a talk and Joshua finds himself looking into her green eyes as she explains things to him. And not really offering him any wiggle room to bargain or argue with her. "Okay, but I'm not gonna dump you when I'm done with medical school." he finally manages in a small couter-retort of humor.

Though he nods solemnly. He disents to her, part of that whole open communication thing. However, when she presses in close and breaths in his ear, he gives a tiny gasp of pleasure - but he didn't collapse like he did the first few times. He's learning.

Speaking of pants though. His hand slides down her side and when she presses in, he gets a good handful of her backside and squeezes it before letting go. And it's his turn to whisper. "Wanted to get a good handful before it's bruised up for later."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
One little nibble of his ear lobe and Sara steps back, accepting her rump being grabbed with a grin. She was pretty sure it would be bruised later, so now was a perfect time, even if a kid across the shop was standing wide eyed staring.

"Right, let's go rent our equipment," she states, taking his hand again. "So we can start with the butt bruising part of the day."

Joshua Foley has posed:
A snicker and his hand finds hers again. They can hip hold later, handholding will work for now. Once Sara and he have their gear rented, he carries their gear out to get it on and then to the ski lift to take them to the top of the slope.

Scoping out a spot that's secluded for them to work, Joshua walks Sara through the basics now that they have actual gear to work with. And after a few false starts, he starts shadowing her as she boards. There is more than one time that she ends up in the snow, and Josh makes his way back to her to encourage and support for her to get back up.

But she defintely is getting the hang of it as they come up on the last run for their rental. "Alright, I'm gonna take a last run for myself. Do you mind?" he asks her, his eyes alight with excitement. While he has not once complained with snowboarding with her, she can tell he wants to cut loose.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
In spite of the slow start, the falls and the amount of man made snow she inhaled, it was more than evident that Sara loved the hell out of snow boarding. She may not be an expert by the time they reach the bottom for the last time, but she most certain was better that most beginnings would be.

Detaching herself from the snow board, the one aspect of this she hated, she plants her butt on a bench and watches the excited youth break through again. With a soft laugh and smile grin, she gestures toward the run, "You have my blessing, go, be bad ass."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Leaning down, Joshua kisses her cheek. "Best girlfriend ever." he teases before he is sliding his way over to the ski lift. Right on over to the challenging hill. He settles in for the ride, he makes his way to the top.

He has to peer a little, but he can make out Sara way down there at the bottom. He lifts up his arm to wave at her - at least in that big red coat he is easily visible. And down into the powder he drops. He takes off, sliding over the snow like a finger over cashmere - when he hits the first jump, he pulls his hands to grab his heels and bends in the air.

He lands and builds more speed. Hitting the next hill, another jump, he repeats the same trick as before, except this time, he continues the rotation, doing a twisting flip in the air before planting his board back into the snow, throwing up powder. Even now, there's a couple of the cameras that watch the snow are focused on his run down the slope, making it easier for Sara to see him.

When he hits the last jump, he starts to twist and pulling into that flip, half of it completed with a pair of inverted twists and turns and then it almost looks like he's going to land on his back before yanking the board beneath him and hits the ground hard.

The board shimmies and shakes, and he fights to keep it under control before he does a hard turn about ten feet from Sara and comes to a sliding halt in front of her. Throwing back his hood and pulling off the goggles, she can see a different glow. Warm, bright. Excited. A glow that comes from being... well. He's thrilled.

"Hi. Come here often?" he asks her.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Until he gets closer to the bottom, Sara relies on the cameras to follow him down. She was right to call him a bad ass, and as she watches she can hear people murmuring about the guy on the slopes. Some are pointing and waiting for him to get into range that normal eye sight could catch his moves, but her eyes are far better than average so she can watch sooner.

As he comes down toward her, a couple of people bolt as if he's going to run into them but she remains seated on the bench with a huge goofy smile on her face. She wasn't worried about him crashing into her, she always had back up clothing in her pack, and then he slides to a perfect stop right in front of her like a pro.

Springing to her feet, not quite a pounce, she leaps to wrap her arms around him in a huge hug, "Any time you do babe," is her reply before she kisses him soundly.

Joshua Foley has posed:
He wasn't expecting the pounce and on the board, he doesn't get a chance to balance. Sara collides with him and in the midsts of his kiss, he loses his footing and falls back into the snow, pulling Sara down over him.

Not that he was ready to release her yet, but he breaks the kiss to start laughing. A bright, happy thing that hasn't been heard from him in perhaps years. No cares. No worries. He's with her.

And not a damn thing else matters.

Releasing her, he waits for her to get up before unstrapping his boots and moving to stand himself. "Let's turn in our gear and go? Ferris wheel or swimming next?" he asks of her, as he gets his board and boots to carry to check in. "So, want to do this again?"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Honestly Sara wasn't expecting to knock him over. She'd gotten a little too exuberant and down they went. He didn't have to break the kiss before she was laughing into the kiss, which isn't normally what you want but in this case, was perfect.

Rolling off him into the snow she laughs a bit more before picking herself up. "Sorry about that," she offers, still chuckling. "I think we go eat, then Ferris wheel, and by that time we should be good for swimming."

By the time she finishes speaking, the snow ball she was forming behind her back is complete, and she tosses it at his chest just as he is standing up.

Joshua Foley has posed:
"I have worked up a bit of an appet--"

The thought is never finished as there is a *pomf* of a snowball hitting him in the chest and he looks down at it, before kneeling down. "Really, now..." he says, working on rolling up a snow ball.

As he was getting ready to get up, an employee comes over. "I'm sorry, there's no throwing snow for those over 10!" he points at a sign that says that.

Joshua looks over at Sara and just breaks out laughing again as he drops the snowball and allows it to land back in the powder as he turns in their gear and moves to press in against her side again. "To the food court!" he announces.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara was already getting ready for the next snow ball when the employee points out the sign. Her bottom lip sticks out in what has to be the prettiest pout as she says in mock sadness, "Well that just sucks."

But then there is the prospect of food and she drops the not completely formed snow ball back into the whiteness beneath her feet. Walking over she takes his hand in her own so they can return the boots and boards together, then head down the main mall corridor to the food court.

Malls have this innate ability to always offer everything that is horrible for the human body, Deep Fried Love, and then they add on top of that the sugary things that everyone craves, Cinnabon. Thankfully the American Dream Mall has over thirty places that offer up their delights, and some are almost healthy.

"Holy shit," she breaths out as she looks over the map of the food court. "So many choices... pizza, burgers, chicken, tacos and the list just keeps growing!" She blinks once and looks at him. "This is on you. I chose Chinese, so you choose lunch."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Oh no. No you do not!" Joshua laughs outright when she tries to push off the food choice on him. "We have so many options, and I'm going to hit a few that I know I like. And in return, I expect you to do the same. And we will secure a table together and eat and share and see what the other picked."

Because that sounds much more fair to his mind. And he gets to buy his own food, bonus!

"Split up, meet back here in a few minutes?" he asks, and with a kiss to her cheek, he departs her side to go pick up the foods that he wants, a wave over his shoulder.

And in a few minutes, he returns. He got a Burger from Burger Shack, a corndog from Deep Fried Love, curry from Don Don Curry and a cookie from Hagen Daas. He takes a seat at the table and picks at some of the fries that came with his burger as he waits for Sara to return.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara's jaw drops and she was just about to complain but he has already whisked himself away to get his own food. With a snort, she fakes another pout then heads off to find herself something good. Her first stop is Charley's Philly Steaks for a sandwich, Five Guys for some fries, and Mrs Fields for a cookie. Her drink is iced tea without sugar, which she grabs on the way to the table.

"You are damn lucky your so cute Josh," she snorts at him as she sits down. "Other wise I'd of followed you to every place you went to purchase your lunch. Sneaky little bastard..."

It would all have been believable that she was mad except for the grin on her face and the inflection of nearly laughing in her tone. "Out thinking me like that... how dare you."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Gotta stay one step ahead of you since I need to know when you're trying to get in my pants." Joshua responds with a wink at Sara as she takes a seat. He immediately reaches over and snakes a fry, so he can compare it to the fries he got. He snacks on both. "Maybe because it's your fry, that makes it so much better."

He takes a bite of his burger, apparently his appetite is fully back and healthy - and he'll probably have this all burned off before dinner. Not from his activity, it just seems his power burns off whatever it doesn't need to use. He hasn't figured that out yet.

"Tell you what, I'll decide dinner before we get back to the house?" That seems to be a good compromise to him.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Pretending to swat at his hand as he takes a fry, but not really connecting with this hand, Sara laughs. She'd intended the fries for both of them anyway, because the sandwich she got was huge.

"I'm always trying to get into your pants," she states bluntly, then leans to look at his ass. "I'm pretty sure they'd fit me."

Without another word she takes a bite of her sandwich, noting a guy a table over trying to cover his laughter from over hearing them. Only once she's chewed and swallowed does she add, "That seems fair. We can stop and get something to take back, though not at the same speeds we used getting here."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Gonna make me languish, huh?" Joshua asks, though he's at least toned it down a little in public. The burger is made short work of as he moves his attention to the corndog. He opens his mouth wide to take a huge bite off of it after slathering it in mustard, and then realizes how this might all look to Pez and he bites down, eyes narrowed playfully before he starts to chew.

"We could just have it delivered to the house?" he suggests as he remembers they did come in on a motorcycle. "Uber eats is good for that." Before he takes another bite of his corndog, he holds it out to see if she wants a bite.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
"You shall languish until I say other wise," Sara pronounces with a giggle, then takes one of the fries to eat.

She doesn't seem to be watching how he eats, or whether his food is quickly devoured or left sitting there. She nibbles at half her sandwich, leaving the other half in range for sharing, and takes a fry here and there. If this were a lunch a work situation, she'd be devouring her food like a hoover vacuum cleaner, but since it's not, she can take her time and enjoy.

It isn't until he offers the corndog that she even realizes he had one. "Oh no thank you, Josh," she replies to the offer. "I prefer Hot Dog on a Stick corn dogs, but you did get the amount of mustard right."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Well, offer was made. The rest of the corndog is his. He also made sure to secure a cup of cherry lemonade to wash it all down.

And he has more food than her, so he is devouring it at a pretty steady pace. Compared to what he was eating two months ago, this is paradise.

He never imagined he'd be here. With her. Or even alive for that matter.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Unless Joshua ate it, half of the Philly Cheese steak had to be rewrapped because there was no way Sara could finish it.

Pulling up the map of the entire mall on her map, she studied it for a moment to get her bearings then nodded. There were people wandering around cleaning off tables, but she gathered everything up herself and took it to the garbage to toss.

"Ferris wheel," she states and points the direction. "Will probably be a longish line." Taking his hand once again, she starts the walk toward the Ferris wheel.

Each gondolas on the wheel was large enough for up to sixteen people and was climate controlled, which explained the massive size of the wheel. Moving through the line, she watches for signs of the VIP vendor, and immediately purchased one of the VIP gondolas so that the two of them would be alone for the thirty minute rotation.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Nope, after the curry, Joshua was full. Sara's sandwich is all on her. He watches her as she pulls up the map and when she starts to police up her remnants, he did the same, putting the cookie away for later.

Taking his tray to toss his own trash away, he sets his tray down and once she has his hand, he laces his fingers with hers, no longer concerned with who sees him. He stands a little taller and pulls her a little closer -- clearly she is not the only one laying claim on their partner.

As they arrive at the line, Sara was not kidding. While there is plenty to do, the Ferris Wheel is a draw. At least it's not nighttime, the wait would be almost two hours long.

Not that matters as Sara secures the VIP seating before he could offer one word of protest. There's a small awk but he stops himself. They had that discussion back at the snow slope. Now in a much shorter line, his hand leaves hers, only to find her side again. And he uses his free hand to work on the zipper of his coat. Now that they aren't in the snow, he's gettiing warm. "Remind me to put this in my backpack before we get in the gondola."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara slides her arm around him and watches as he works the zipper with one hand, so she reaches over with her free hand to off assistance. "Why not take it off now? It shouldn't be very long before we reach the wheel, and if you're getting warm from the coat and not other reasons," she offers a brow wiggle here. "then take it off."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Could be getting warm for other reasons." Joshua drawls sweetly, a grin over at her as she helps him get the zipper down. Releasing her for a moment, he shrugs out of his backpack and coat. He starts to fold the coat to put in his backpack until they are ready to leave the mall.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
The VIP gondola offers comfortable seating, a table with snacks and beverages, and the most amazing view of New Jersey one could ever have. The windows have been shined to perfection, not a speck or spot visible, and as it is afternoon the sun is hovering above them in the sky to light up everything.

The rotations of the Ferris wheel run for thirty minutes, allowing for plenty of time to take in the view, relax in the chairs, enjoy a refreshing beverage, and still have time to hide the cookies on the tray in a backpack.

Sara spent a a short part of the ride standing at the window and looking out toward New York. New Jersey was all well and good, and actually quite beautiful, but she was a New Yorker through and through. Of course she could /see/ New York, it was too far away, but she kept trying for a bit.

"Quite a view," she commented softly, but by that time she was looking at him and not out the window. There was something about the way the sun shining through the tinted windows on his skin that just drew her attention right to him.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Who really wants to see New Jersey, though?

Joshua settled in on his side of the seat, relaxing in. The view is pretty nice, he's not saying anything on that, his attention fully out the window and not at first catching the fact that Sara was referring to him.

The afternoon sun on his skin shows that cascading sunlight in a gentle autumn wave of golden light.

Standing next to Pez, it is only when he notices their reflection in the glass that he realizes Sara is looking up at him. He turns his attention to her and his hand cups her cheek, his thumb exploring her skin. "You're beautiful, Pez." he admits quietly to her.

"I didn't know that the last week and change was going to bring something so wonderful in my life to grab my attention. But I'm glad it did."

No talk of fate or kismet. Just chance and circumstance. And they have a few minutes before they hit the apex of their ride, so he takes the advantage to lean down and kiss her anew. She feels so warm to him, and he lingers for a few moments before breaking and pressing his forehead to hers.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Watching the sun on Joshua's skin almost felt like looking at the sun itself, an act forbidden without fear of going blind. Sara couldn't help but reach out and run her finger lightly up his arm, it was beautiful to her eyes.

When he leans down to kiss her, he finds her standing to meet him so she can wrap her arms around his body and caress his back. She had a response, it was on the tip of her tongue. Now his tongue was on the tip of her tongue and that was so much better than anything she could have thought to say.

Her belief that there was no love at first sight, no such thing as soul mates was beginning to waver. Never in a million years, and Witchblade had in fact lived that long, did she expect to find a man like Joshua. He was so much more than any woman could expect from a partner, and to her, he filled an empty place in her life so perfectly, she never expected it to be possible.

Joshua Foley has posed:
Don't ever let Joshua hear those thoughts outloud, his head will pop like an overflated balloon and he'd melt into a golden puddle. Becuase he never expected Sara to step into his life, to offer him a hand up and bring him into her embrace. She's caring, the right amount of boldness and bluntness. And more than beautiful. She's someone he can rely on and just be himself with.

He's forgetting the view outside, his grey eyes searching her green ones and he swallows with a thoughtful pause. But he'll try. "We don't have to go swimming." he suggests quietly. "I've had a great day, but I could see your swimsuit at home as well and not have to worry about everyone gawking at you." Okay, a little jealous. But if she turns him down, he won't complain.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Continuing to stroke her hands over his back, even after the kiss ends, Sara laughs gently before laying her forehead against his. "That's the hormone talking again," she offers quietly. "I won't say it's not tempting..." closing her eyes she breaths in a slow breath, almost as if she is breathing him in to her lung. "... but I want to know you more before we fall madly in bed together."

Tempting, very much so, enough that her heart beat has sped up again and her breathing is effected. In the past she always rushed into bed with her partners, and they all ended badly, for reasons relating to things she hadn't bothered to discover before hand... such as being married. To be fair, even he had not remembered he was married, still...

"We can skip swimming if you want to shop around instead, but no matter how wonderful this is, and how amazing it will be when we do fall madly in bed together, I'm not ready."

Joshua Foley has posed:
There's a nod, and Joshua doesn't slump or sulk. He kisses her forehead. "Very well." he agrees with her, as he straightens back up to lean against the glass and look out over the city. Though his hand remains with hers.

"We can do whichever you want. Shopping around some more is fine, or if you just want to walk. Or we can see about swimming." he shrugs. "Long as I'm with you."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Turning her eyes to look back at the view, Sara gives his hand a squeeze before she takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry I'm not ready... I just," she sighs. "I don't want to rush. Everything in my past was too fast, I went from one date to being in bed with them, and they all ended poorly... well, all but one."

Using her other hand she reaches over to caress his cheek. "The one that I actually took time with, he's the one who just... disappeared. I know why," taking a slow breath she finally looks over at him. "Ghost Riders have a calling just like the Witchblade, and when the inner voice says go, they have to go."

Looking away from him to the other side of the gondola, she takes a moment to keep herself from actually crying, but whispers, "Everyone I've ever loved has left Joshua. My mother, my father, three of my old partners, my supposed best friend... I've made an art out of being alone, and I don't want to be. I don't want to risk a chance of forever on moving too quickly."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"It's my fault." He admits to her. Even with all she said, he shoulders the blame. "I have been pushing you since our first date. And you kept saying no. So I deserved it, because I should have seen the warning signs. I apologize." he offers to her quietly. "I will not ask you again. Or push. Or suggest. Not until you tell me you are ready." His hand caresses her cheek.

"I'm not a Ghost Rider. Or an Avenger. Or an X-Men. Titan. None of them. I'm a nothing mutant that can heal people. I get asked to help when needed, but never because I'm wanted along. You're the first person that made me feel wanted since Nettie."

He turns, and his arms move, circling her waist and he pulls her back against him. He holds her tightly to him, refusing to let her go. "I love you are dangerous words, Pez. But they're also some of the sweetest words I'll ever hear from you lips." he whispers against her ear as his chin settles on her shoulder. "It's been three dates, are you sure you want to use them?" He doesn't play his hand. He's letting her dictate. Decide.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara shakes her head as he blames himself, she is partly to blame and she knows it, but before she can protest that he is pulling her into an embrace that she very eagerly welcomes. Putting her hands over his, she lays her head lightly against him.

"You are more than nothing Joshua, and should never call yourself that. You are amazing, a hero in the making just for what you can do... saving lives. You don't have to be able to fly or fight or rush into danger to be a hero, you do it every time you heal someone." She closes her eyes, nuzzling her head against his as she does.

"It's comforting and beautiful like love," she breaths. "It replaces the yearning in my heart and soul with warmth like love. It is love this very moment, maybe not, but I know that if things continue as they are, it will be love."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"I'll accept that, because I feel the same too. So please..." A light kiss to her neck. "Stop thinking you're going to wake up in the morning and I'll be gone. I'm not going to rush you, but I can ask you not to project your past relationships onto me. You burned those. They're gone." Joshua points out to her. "I'm not them. I'm me. And I want to be every part of your life, Sara Pezzini."

He doesn't pull back from her, but turns so they can both look outside at the view. "I can't fight something that's not there. I can't prove your doubts wrong with you..." He pauses. "You told me three things. Communication. Trust. Loyalty. I'm adding a fourth. Faith. I need you to have the faith in me that I have in you. I'm not here to lose my virginity and leave. I'm here because it's beautiful and sweet and you make my heart skip a beat with every touch and kiss. I want to make it blossom inside of you."

"And I want you to believe in me. Because you say you do."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
"Faith," Sara repeats softly.
    There was a time in her past that she had faith in the Christian god, her father being Catholic had led to that. As she grew older and saw all the hatred, chaos, and pain she lost that faith, she could not believe in a God who cared to little for his worshippers.

When the angels invaded New York, she was one a select few to travel to the Silver City where God resides... a trip that shattered everything she thought she believes and in its place came the truth regarding God based entirely in facts.

What she had Faith in now was Gaea, Witchblade's mother. She had faith in some of mankind's ability to find their way through this world without divine intervention... and the more she thought about it, she had faith in the human heart and soul to be stronger that anything else in the universe.

"I don't mean to project my past relationships on you," she finally says after a time of silence. "I project them and my fears at the same time, and that's wrong of me. I'm sorry, I will do better with that."

Turning her head to look at him she says softly, "Faith is something I can give, faith that you will stay true to your word to the best of your ability, but you're wrong. You can prove my doubts wrong and you can fight what you can't see... it's the easiest battle on the planet." She offers him a soft smile. "Just stay, and you've done both."

Joshua Foley has posed:
He was raised Christian. Until he was told he was an abomonation of God. That one of his parents must have sinned to have a freak like him - or he himself was the sinner, and this was his repentence. He had been ex-communicated from his church and abandoned. All he has is faith in his fellow human beings.

He tilts his head down and plants a light kiss on the side of her neck. He lifts again to tell her quietly. "I'm not going anywhere. Nothing is going to make me."

"Communicate with me. Trust me. I will be loyal to you and I have full faith in us." he confesses to her. "It's not full love, but it might as well be one step below. As the ride comes to a stop, he moves to release her. "What would you like to do next, Pez?"

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Wishing that the Ferris wheel had at least another ten minutes of rotations, Sara glumly accepts that the end has come. Taking a moment to turn herself around and kiss him lightly, she collects her pack from the seat, puts all of the cookies into it, then disembarks.

Once they are free and clear she pulls the map up again on her phone as she says, "There's only one adventure left, unless you count shopping... which I would not. We should finish the day with a visit to the worlds largest indoor water park, then bundle up and head home."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Gathering his own gear, Joshua follows her out. And once they are able, he's holding her again. Tighter than before. He's got to convince her that he's going nowhere.

Honestly, if you ask him, he has the rest of his life to do that.

His hand caresses her side as they walk as they make their way across the mall to the largest water park in the area, not quite the largest in the United States.

As they get in line to get tickets, he chuckles softly. "You must really want me to see you in that swimsuit, hmm?" He has a very lewd sudden thought and he starts to lean in to tell her, but stops himself. Why?

Because among all the rules and regulations of the park, there's one sign he's noticed. It's from the New Jersey Department of Health.

'Those with obvious skin conditions and/or wounds are not allowed into the Park.'

Joshua splays out his hand and sighs. He can't turn it off. He's tried, so many times before. "I'm sorry, Sara."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Enjoying the walk, not too fast but not exactly slow, Sara continues to do a little window shopping as they go. She's not a big time shopper, usually she picks something on line, has it delivered, gets to wear it twice, maybe three times, and then it gets shredded.

Reaching the line, she presses more against him as people move around them, not really paying attention to them or the sign while they talk. It is his sudden apology that has her looking around in confusion and only then does she spot the list.

"Oh hell no," she states with a hint of venom, the New Yorker slipping out a touch. She keeps herself from completely losing her shit by slipping into NYPD mode, preparing herself for what is likely to come. "That does /not/ apply to you Josh, so no reason to apologize. You don't have a skin condition or any open sores, to block you from entry would be the same as blocking an African American or Latino, so no worries."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"We don't have to do this, Pez..." Joshua comments, even if she's already pulling him along. He knows he's the minority here and he really doesn't want to cause any trouble.

The ticket taker glances over as a burly security guard comes over. "Dude. Read the sign." he points to it again. "I don't know what that is all over your skin, you can't come in though."

Even as he's turning to look at Sara. "Even if she asks nicely." he adds with a small sneer.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
As they reached the ticket taker, Sara reached into her jacket pocket and removed her badge. Flipping it open she waited until Joshua indicated her and held it up. It may be a NYPD badge but New Jersey and New York often shared police officers as the two states were next to each other and small enough to some time require a carry over.

"Pretty please," she offers, a slight tilt to her head. "I really do not want to have to list by the book which laws you are attempting to break right now, so I'll just drop one... Sokovia Accords, then ask nicely that you accept my credit card and let us in."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Nice badge." the security guard says, as he gives a sharp shake of his head. "You can buy a ticket for yourself all you want." he points out to Sara, and then gestures to Joshua. "He's a no go."

"I know the Sovokian Accords. It protects muties from getting thrown out of their homes and forced into war. It doesn't do shit for him wanting to go swimming. I suggest you..." a sharp look at Joshua, "Go home and get yourself a kiddie pool!"

He's had this fight before. Sara can see it in Joshua's eyes. There are still so many places that do not accept mutants. Both of his arms wrap around Sara's to hold her tight - and to hold her back. "Babe, please. It's okay. I'm used to it. Let's just go."

"Why don't you go, and let her stay?" the guard asks, which causes Joshua to hold Sara tighter. "Nothing rash." he whispers into Sara's ear.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Folding the badge closed before sliding it back in her pocket, Sara cants her head a touch. The anger rising in her chest was almost palpable, and yet her tone remains calm and filled with authority as she says, "Get your manager."

For one brief moment she glances to Josh, then slides her arm around him. She had to make one last attempt in front of everyone, to make them see that this was wrong and something had to be done about it. Laws against discrimination were clear and straight forward, race, religion and gender. Mutants were a race and in a court of law, which she was willing to take it to if she had to, they would win.

"You shouldn't have to be used to it," she states just as calmly as her previous words. "You shouldn't have to fight for the right to exist as an American citizen, the laws protect you whether uneducated, thick headed, pompous functionaries like a ticket taker wants to accept it or not. So we'll talk to a manager."@emit Folding the badge closed before sliding it back in her pocket, Sara cants her head a touch. The anger rising in her chest was almost palpable, and yet her tone remains calm and filled with authority as she says, "Get your manager."

For one brief moment she glances to Josh, then slides her arm around him. She had to make one last attempt in front of everyone, to make them see that this was wrong and something had to be done about it. Laws against discrimination were clear and straight forward, race, religion and gender. Mutants were a race and in a court of law, which she was willing to take it to if she had to, they would win.

"You shouldn't have to be used to it," she states just as calmly as her previous words. "You shouldn't have to fight for the right to exist as an American citizen, the laws protect you whether uneducated, thick headed, pompous functionaries like a ticket taker wants to accept it or not. So we'll talk to a manager."

Before Sara can say anything else, a woman a few people back calls out, "Stop being a racists and let him in!" This is followed by several, "Yeah! Just let him in!" calls from other people in the line. Yes, there are those who support the ticket taker, but they are fewer that usual as most people here are families seeking fun in the water, and children... for all their innocence, tend to be more open minded.

A girl of maybe ten wanders up to the front of the line and holds up a fistful of money toward the ticket taker, "Here, I'll pay for him to go in instead of me, okay?"

Joshua Foley has posed:
The problem is, it's not that cut and dry. Mutantism is not considered a disability, so the ADA doesn't cover it. Mutantism does not have a race or gender, it affects all - so civil rights do not apply. It's that grey ground that places like this get the right to ban mutants without having to say they are banning mutants.

The Security guard speaks quietly into his radio, summoning said manager.

And for every one that is coming to Sara and Josh's aid, there's at least one that is speaking more quietly of "I don't wanna swim with him." "His skin's gross." "What if it's contagious?"

The manager comes out in a hurry, an older gentelman who comes to the front. "What's going on?" he asks, and then sees Joshua. "Oh. I see." He draws in a breath and sighs as he approaches the group. "Hello, I'm the manager here. I'm sorry for the inconvience, but I'm going to need you and your companion to step out of line. We can discuss things further over there." he gestures to a spot for them go talk, while he gestures for someone to get the little girl back to her parents.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
The little girl's mother had already come up part way, and when the manager suggests someone get her back to her parents she comes up and takes the girls hand. "You did a good thing honey, they're just hateful people... the kind your daddy and I told you about. What do we do with hateful people?"

The little girl looked at Josh, sadness in her eyes before turning to look back at her mother, "We pity them an hope they learn to be nice some day."

Sara is not happy. The area may be grey, but she has connections, she knows people, and right now she's seriously considering a call to Lydia to get the Brotherhood involved. The woman may no longer be a member, but at least she knew who to call.

Leaning over to kiss Josh on the cheek, she looks back to the manager and says, "You can expect a phone call from several lawyers, and perhaps even a representative of Genosha and the Brotherhood. It's not worth the fight today, I'd rather go pamper my boyfriend with kindness then let men like you attempt to shake his confidence."

Slipping her arm around Joshua's waist, she uses her strength to turn him and start to walk away. "We'll go home, order something in, and watch a movie with water in it."

Joshua Foley has posed:
"I don't make the rules. Corporate does. And until we understand fully what causes conditions like your friend's, we have to err on the side of the caution of our patrons." the manager explains in polite leagalese. "If you want, I can give you a voucher to our gift shop on the other side of the mall so that you may pick up a free T-shirt." he offers in the way of a compromise.

And Joshua doesn't get a chance to say anything, but a small whoof of breath as he realizes exactly how strong Sara is when she pulls him away from the others. "Sorry!" he calls out to the crowd.

As if it's his fault.

Pressing back close to Sara, his free hand scrubs at his face again. He's flustered and upset, she can see that, but there's no tears. Just his teeth gritting down hard on each other and she can see the tips of his fingers starting to turn black.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
When he calls out an apology he can feel Sara tense up before she says, "Never apologize for being yourself Joshua, you have nothing to be sorry for. That manager just gave me the fuel for the fire required. They've discovered what causes mutation, an Xgene was discovered as the origin, which clearly means it isn't contagious."

She keeps walking as a semi-brisk pace, keeping him close against her until they are far enough away that she feels she can slow down, breath, and let the anger start to fade away. It is then that she stops, turns to face him, and leans to kiss him with a mixture of passion, anger and release all in one.

Joshua Foley has posed:
"Yeah, but it doesn't stop them from being assholes about it." Joshua offers guiltily. "You remember the whole cure thing a few months back. They still treat it like a disease."

He was about to say more when Pez presses into him with a heat he has yet felt from her. Pushed back against the wall, his hands grab onto her, returning the kiss with equal ferocity and need. He barely has a chance to breath as he doesn't surrender to her, but instead fights her for dominance in the moment. Breaking the kiss for a moment, he manages to heave in several breaths. His fingers are back to their standard gold, but she can see some traces of black that are retreating back up his sleeves.

He needs to calm down. She's not ready, she made that clear. "...let's go home." he says quietly. "Please."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Fast and hard breaths follow the kiss, her desire to break the anger and pain he was feeling being more successful than she intended. The passion lingers in her body, the desire and need tingling up her spine.

Remaining close, she can feel the heat and the rising interest of his body. "We're going home," she whispers before a gentle kiss, then another, and then she stops herself there and tears herself away.

She wanted him, every inch of him, to feel his skin against her own. Her body said yes while her brain said no, and she was attempting to keep the promise to herself to give it time.

Joshua Foley has posed:
When she pulls away, Joshua gives her several moments as he looks down guiltily. And finally, he manages to push off the wall and touches her hand as he walks by her, but doesn't make full contact.

He doesn't want to tempt her if she doesn't want to be tempted. "I can call an Uber and meet you at home." Or even sleep at the Belle. He doesn't offer that though. He's not running away from her. Just trying to give her and him a chance to breathe.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Three heart beats is all it takes for Sara to move after him, taking his hand in her own. "There's no need for that," she says softly. "We came together, we'll go home together. You still have to decide what we're having for dinner."

She lets a little silence fall as their walking, inside her head a battle going back and forth, as well as Witchblade whispering. "You aren't pushing me you know," she finally says, once the exit doors are in sight. "I kissed you, remember? There's nothing wrong with temptation, with playing in the fire, with pushing the limits... unless it's bother you."

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua draws in a breath. "I feel a bit like a ping-pong ball here." he admits to her quietly as they exit the mall and he immediately regrets not pulling his coat on. "I figured you were teasing me about the whole three date thing." he admits to her. "And we've played with fire since the word go."

When they reach her motorcycle, he takes off his backpack to start to pull on his jacket. "You kissed me and tempted me, and I'm not bothered. Push as much as you want, I'm not running." But then, he steps in and whispers something in her ear.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara's eyes slide half closed as a shiver runs up her spine from the whispered words. Bracing herself against him to keep from tipping over completely due to weak knees, she pulls in a slow breath as her eyes open to settle on his.

The change isn't obvious unless someone is looking closely. The red stone on the bracelet flashes and begins to swirl like smoke until an eye forms, and in that moment tendrils of metal wrap up her arm (over the sleeve of her coat) to form the Gauntlet that is the true Witchblade. Her once green eyes become red, and when she speaks her voice sounds like both her own and a male speaking in unison.

"You are going to hurt her," Atum, the Witchblade says coldly, bluntly. "They all hurt her, and you are no different. How can she or I believe your words?"

Joshua Foley has posed:
Joshua is taken aback by the sudden change. But Sara had warned him - it was bound to happen sometime. Thankfully not when they were furthing along than you are now.

"You must be the Witchblade." he responds, pulling on some reserve of his courage, and his grey eyes remain on hers, not pulling away.

"Why would I hurt her?" he asks bluntly. "You. You are the one that is tethering her to the past. Whispering to her of her fears and of what happened in the past." he says firmly, his lithe frame straightening up.

"You are trying to keep her from being hurt, and I get that. It's the last thing is going to happen. And if it does, you can hold my life in forfeit for it." Yes. He just offered the Witchblade his life in the return for Sara's heart.

"But I... no. She deserves the chance to be happy. And I want to be the one that does it.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara's head tilts very slowly to the right as an almost dark smile comes to her lips. The young mutant offered his soul to the Witchblade, something Atum was quite able to take should the mutant prove to be exactly what Atum believed him to be.
    "Bravery," they say firmly. "This impresses me, that you would stand up to me. I could squish you like a gnat on a windshield if I desired it." They pause, Sara's eyes closing.

"If you are true to your word, if you make her happy, if you win her heart... your soul will be protected for as long as you exist, and she will be beside you." They take a breath and her eyes open to once again look at the golden skinned mutant with glowing eyes. "But if you hurt her, I will rip your soul from your body and torture it for all eternity."

Even as the last words were passing Sara's lips, her body jerked and nearly fell forward, a staggering step that looks like she might fall. "Stop it!" She screams out, her own voice, no others and her eyes fade back to green.

Breathing hard she looks around quickly and when she see's Joshua is still there, she steps toward him. "Are you alright? Did he do anything? Did he hurt you?"

As quickly as it appeared, the Gauntlet disappears in a flurry of metal tendrils back into the bracelet with large red stone.

Joshua Foley has posed:
"If I hurt her, then I deserve whatever you give me." Joshua retorts.

As Sara starts to return to normal, he lets out several breaths, and sucks a deep one in, holding and only letting go when her voice is her own again. "No, darling, we just had a little heart to... blade." he confesses to her softly.

"But I need you to know. Even if you say no... I am falling /hard/ for you." he confesses. "You can do with that what you want."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Even with his assurance that he wasn't hurt, Sara runs her hands over his arms, then up to caress his cheek, absolute and complete concern and worry at level ten. "He knows better that to do that," she whispers, looking tired all of a sudden. "I got distracted in my own head, it allows him the opportunity... you're sure your alright?"

And then he says it... and she freezes in place looking at him.

"I'm not going to say no any more," she says after a few seconds of silence that may very well feel like minutes. "I need you to know that I haven't felt this way since... since my first love in college. No more nos, no more questioning... communication, trust, loyalty and faith, right?"

Joshua Foley has posed:
When she starts checking him over, there's no tell-tale blood stains or holes. Not that it matters, he'd healed up by now if she had run him through. Maybe. Hopefully. He's never tried to mitigate magical damage.

"I'm alright." His grey eyes are slowly coming back from that momentary panic as she goes silent. And he bites his lip as he waits.

When she finally tells him the truth, he nods. "Our four promises." he agrees and steps into her for another kiss. "Let's go home?" he asks her quietly. Their home.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara wraps her arms around him for a hug, a moment of feeling him against her and knowing he is alright, knowing he is there and not leaving. The four promises, it was a beautiful title for their mutual decision on how to proceed.

"Yeah, let's go home," she says with a nod.