1809/Pancakes

Pancakes
Date of Scene:	23 May 2020
Location:	Cecily Winters' Apartment, NYC
Synopsis:	Mori awakens in unfamiliar surroundings and has breakfast with Cecily.
Cast of Characters:	Mori Merritt, Cecily Winters

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Mori Merritt has posed:
It had been a field of red. First she thought it might have been a dusty red, like Mars or places in Arizona where the earth was so red that the dust was colored. Eventually, though, she was able to back up, to see that it was the setting sun. The sun was setting, but there were buildings engulfed in flames. They didn't look like buildings she was familiar with. Thick black smoke billowed from the nearby structures, surrounding her, filling her lungs and burning them. She felt herself coughing, trying to get a good breath somewhere away from the smoke, but it only kept filling her lungs. The smoke around her was dark, but it closed in and got darker until all she could do was cough and swipe feebly at the darkness to try and find something, anyone. Anything.

So when Mori wakes up, she's not certain where she is or what's happened, she only knows that she's awake. Her arms are outstretched above her, desperately swaying to try and find something that's not there. There's a small yelp, mostly because it's entirely disorienting to wake up somewhere you don't recognize.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Mori might find her surroundings to be interesting. First, she's not even outside. Second, she's on a couch. Third, it's not her apartment. She'll also find that the jacket she'd been loaned isn't on her person, and neither is her blouse, but there's a nice blanket draped over her to keep her modest and warm.

    A glance to the surroundings will see a mix of things. A work bench with reloading tools and empty brass casings, boxes of ammunition open with cartridges standing and stacked neatly, and a couple of large cabinets with reinforced bar locks and various firearms inside. To the other direction, a neat and tidy, if spacious apartment. Well, tidy except for the dining table.

    Atop the dining table, a bookbag that looks strangely familiar, a handgun and submachinegun with slide locked and bolt open, mags sitting near them. Then two chairs, garments draped over them. The jacket Mori had been loaned, splotches of blue on it, and a white blouse, with stains of both blue and dark red. There's a lingering mixture of scents. Chemicals. Gunpowder. Blood.

    ..and bacon?

Mori Merritt has posed:
The scents are strong--Mori still isn't used to the strange sensation of her heightened senses. Everything about the change had been too much to handle for months. So the scents, all jumbled together, have her wrinkling her nose and shying back a bit, clutching the blanket to her chest until she smells something a little more welcoming.

"H-Hello?" She's not really sure what to say, other than just to bring it to attention that she's awake--and to make sure no one has left bacon cooking unattended. That's dangerous.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    There's footsteps, bare skin on hardwood flooring. A creak of boards, and then someone steps out into view, across from the dining table. "You're up..." a certain vulpine-esque woman says gently. "...I was at your side almost all night. We're safe here..." she says gently. The warm, hug-giving woman is back, though the smile on her face is a faint one. She's clad in casual sleeping attire, a simple tank top and modest panties, leaving her legs, and most importantly, her tails, free to move.

    However, the proof that yesterday evening wasn't some nightmare is all around. The firearms on the table, the bloodstained clothing, and even more telling, the bandages visible wrapped around Cecily's upper body. A messy bloom of angry red apparent at the front of her upper left shoulder, the wound deep enough that her slow healing factor will still require some time for it to seal back up.

Mori Merritt has posed:
"What? I've been out all night?" Mori's gaze shifts to the table, then the chair with the bloodied clothing. Finally her gaze goes back to Cecily. "I'm so sorry, you had to get me back here and you're inju--" She sits up. "You're /injured/! Are you okay? I sort of lost track of what was going on. I'm not usually in the middle of gunfights or whatever happened there."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "I got blood all over your--my coat... and put you to bed on my couch," she nods to the blanket and all. "You were practically in a coma all night, though," she shakes her head. The outburst makes her glance down at her shoulder, and she gives a rueful smile to Mori. "I was just doing my job, dear. There was a threat to someone dear to me and I handled it, despite my own personal safety..." She sighs, "...I used to get hurt all the time on the force, too, but nothing like this.." she murmurs, grimacing as an attempt at a shrug sends pain shooting through her arm. "Are you okay?" Cecily asks, still sounding more concerned for the girl than herself.

Mori Merritt has posed:
"What? I'm fine. This isn't the worst. I usually just don't end up in someone else's place, though." Mori glances over. "It used to be a lot worse, things took a while to adjust to. I just got to a point where I had to move on with my life and try and be a person again. So I'm trying." She smile gently. "Doing okay so far."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily nods, ears tilting a little, "I suppose that makes it easier for me to be more worried about you, mmm?" the fox hazards, turning to vanish back into the kitchen again. "Let me finish making breakfast and we can talk more?" she asks. "I admit, I'm curious as to what your.. situation is. As you said try to be a person again?" She pokes her head out and frowns, "...usually that implies some kind of trauma."

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Yeah, I can't entirely remember all of what happened. An accident. Took me a while to recover because everything was just... confusing. My body was confusing, everything I was thinking was confusing..." Mori makes a shoo'ing motion. "Do your cooking, I'm not going to poof or something. I'm fine right here."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    That little frown remains, but with a nod, Cecily once more vanishes. There's sounds from the kitchen, the smell of bacon intensifying as frying noises rise in volume. There's some clunks and clanks, plates being moved around, and soon she comes back to set the table. Cups of tea and glasses of orange juice, and then two plates with short stacks of pancakes and slices of bacon.

    "I admit I'm not sure what you like to eat, dear... and I apologize immensely if you happen to be vegetarian or vegan... but this is what I have, and a good meal helps hasten recovery. Come have a seat?"

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Wow, that's a /real/ breakfast." Mori sounds a little surprised, but certainly pleased by all of it. "I've been dying for some food, so I'm really glad you saw fit to feed me after all of this." She looks at the food as she settles at the table. She grabs a slice of bacon, chewing on it for a moment before replying. "I'll eat just about anything. I'm not too picky, especially given I find my options limited."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "You should take better care of yourself..." says the woman with a blade wound so deep there's a hole in the sidewalk. The 'mama bear' is talking, but also smiling, seeing how enthusiastic her unexpected guest is enjoying breakfast. Cecily takes her time, operating primarily with one arm, and sets to drinking from her teacup first. "Am I going to have to check on you to make sure you're fed regularly, too?" the fox asks, a hint of playful in her tone of voice. It might be hard to believe that this woman was dealing what could be considered an extreme level of violence barely twelve hours ago.

Mori Merritt has posed:
It /is/ a weird comparison. Mama bear did feel like an accurate way to describe the situation. "Oh, I eat /all/ the time. Lots of snacks. I just try not to cook because one time I almost burnt the whole building down when I just spaced out while cooking something on the stove." Mori does sound like a bit of a wreck sometimes. "So I just order a lot of pizza and reheat leftovers in the microwave."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily shakes her head, eating a bite of pancakes before pointing her fork at Mori, "That's not what I asked you, dear," she says after she swallows, still smiling gently. "Am I going to have to check up on you regularly now? Though a diet of pizza and leftover pizza is hardly the best thing in the world... and it can get rather expensive, too. Though, I can understand your reluctance to cook if you suddenly lose touch with this reality for a bit..."

Mori Merritt has posed:
There's a sheepish smile. "If you brought me homecooked food once in a while, I would not argue. But that's not at all a request or a requirement or any sort of obligation. I am just putting it out for the world to hear that I happen to enjoy free food." Mori goes back to her bacon, happily distracting herself with it.

Cecily Winters has posed:
There's a snort, a stifled laugh, and Cecily shakes her head. "Be careful when you make offers like that, dear. I might be a busy woman but I will most certainly take the time once in a while to check on people I care about. Your enjoyment of free food or not, it's not a hard commitment for me to make," the fox smiles and nibbles on one of her bacon pieces.

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori offers a warm smile. "Do it, then. I appreciate the check up. To be honest, I don't really have anyone doing that and I'm still not entirely sure I won't just..." She shrugs. "I've been alright for a few months now, but I can't explain everything happening and I don't really have a lot of friends in the city. It might be nice to have someone drop by every once in a while to make sure I'm not comatose in my apartment."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "I suppose, though, that the only thing I can't promise is..." she sighs and sips on her juice. "...I can't promise what happened yesterday won't happen again..." she glances over her set-aside firearms and her stained clothes. "But I can promise that if something like that does happen again, I'll keep you safe, dear," she nods and returns that smile. "I'll do my best to make sure you're okay at home, too. You'll have to let me know what kind of food I should bring by sometime, or drag you over here too, in case you're out wandering again."

Mori Merritt has posed:
There's a curious look afforded Cecily as Mori seems to be contemplating this. "Being anywhere in New York is just as dangerous. I'm not entirely helpless, I just don't exactly have much in the way of practice. Throwing rocks around is fairly new... so you don't have to worry that I'm completely helpless." Her smile is warm and friendly, and she goes back to her food, digging into it like someone who hasn't eaten in a while. She probably hasn't.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    The fox blinks at the response, feeling chastised despite Mori's friendly warmth. Cecily's cheeks turn a light shade of pink and she casts a smile to the young woman while shaking her head. "My apologies, dear... no, you're not a child. And yes, the city is dangerous. Still... as much as I'm channeling my mother here..." she says with a quiet laugh and takes a bite of her food while watching her companion shovel it in.

    "I do like you, and I do care for you..." she confesses, "...take that as you will but I'm more than happy to act on that fondness and take care of any auxiliary needs you might have, even if you are quite capable."

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Oh, I didn't mean it to sound as if I'm ungrateful," Mori points out, the smile still present, though she does look a little concerned as to her own tone. "It was more of to make you feel better that I'm okay when I'm on my own rather than that I don't need the help. I spent a good six months of my life barely able to crawl out of bed, I certainly am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth."

There's a small nod. "So I appreciate it, I do. I came to New York, apart from going to school, to try and figure out how to... cope better with my life? I'm not sure how to put it. What I have learned is that a lot of this is /much/ harder without good friends to help."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    The faint blush is still present on Cecily's cheeks, as she nods, listens, and of course noms. "I suppose in addition to clumsily telling you that I like you, I'm also happy to reinforce the notion that you're not alone. You've met some nice people, that I recall not long ago, and that was even with me present... and you're a very kind person from what I can gather. You just have a lot to... figure out?" She suggests.

    "Just don't let me smother you, dear.. or..." she sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "..or be too weird. I spend a lot of time... detached."

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori laughs. "Well, maybe we'll do well for each other. I've not got a lot of friends in New York, aside from in my classes... and they certainly don't know how weird things can get." She scratches her head before taking a sip of her juice. "But you're right, I do have a lot to figure out. I'm not really sure where to start. Maybe it'll just get better over time. It seemed to work before. I'm up and walking and taking classes, so that's an improvement." She shrugs. "But I do appreciate the company and the concern. I guess it's nice to know I have backup if something goes wrong again. I don't exactly remember what happened in the first place. Powers waking up or something?"

She shrugs. "I guess we all have something to work through, right?"

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "I'd like to think so, dear," Cecily says quietly over her mug of tea. She has it in both hands, eyes hazy through the faint wisps of steam rising up in front of them. "No matter how weird things get, I'll be here for you, okay?" she offers, making a gentle promise.

    Then she considers the answer, or the question? And shrugs. "...I... don't remember much of what happened when all... this happened..." she gestures towards her ears and the like. "Just a sensory overload when the fighting was right on top of us... I suppose everyone has a different sort of awakening...?"

Mori Merritt has posed:
"It was kind of that, I think. I was in the woods and then suddenly I don't remember anything after that. I ended up at home in bed and it was like the whole world was just... it didn't make sense. There was a lot of mental sorting to try and understand what things were. I was... functioning physically, but mentally it was hard to focus or understand anything. I stayed in bed a lot, but I didn't sleep. I just thought."

Mori frowns, just slightly, as she recalls it, looking down at her food. "Anyway, different for everyone." She takes a bite of her pancakes, finishing it before speaking again. "I'm fine now, at least enough to mostly not end up in too much trouble."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily nods, nibbling on her last slice of bacon, having saved the best for last. "...I imagine how difficult it could be, to the best of my ability. Having the... overlay of a different reality superimposed on your own...?" she asks, still unsure if she's getting it right. "It just goes to show how strong you are... mentally and emotionally... that you can come out of that and still face the day, and the public, and be.... you..." she says encouragingly.

Mori Merritt has posed:
There's a warm smile that spreads across Mori's face at the compliment. "Thank you! I never really thought of myself as that strong, but I'm glad someone thinks so. To be honest, it has sort of been a lot to try and figure out. I still don't understand why I'm seeing it or what it all means, but I'm glad I'm still able to be me in the middle of it. I imagine some people wouldn't have been able to handle that."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "You never know how strong you really are, or think you are, until someone tells you... When you experience it and move forward, it just seems... like living... to an outside observer..." she finishes her tea and moves to stand, her own plate empty now. "...it seems extraordinary. But as I said, I'm glad you're handling it. One day, one step at a time. And my promise to you still stands. When I'm in a position to be able to, of course..." she glances at the surroundings, the woman likely isn't even home except to sleep and eat and shower, but she takes care of it at least. "So I might not be able to begin to fathom how to help you understand what's going on with you... at the least I can offer my support."

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Well, I'll be sure to call you if I've fallen in a body of water or I'm being chased by a squad of goons," Mori looks amused, but there's a hint of seriousness in there. "Or maybe if I just want company for tacos." She smiles. "But thank you for the help so far, you've been very kind to me, even if I do look a little weird on the surface. I mean, not physically, but I mean..." She shrugs. "You know what I mean."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily scrunches up her nose a little, and puts her plate down. She moves around to Mori's chair, hesitates for a moment, and then leans down to hug the girl around the shoulders. "As a woman who does look weird physically... coming from one odd girl to another, dear... you look fine. Just because you get lost in your mind from time to time. You have my support, this I promise you."

Mori Merritt has posed:
The hug's certainly something that does a good job of soothing Mori. She relaxes, letting out a deeply held breath. "I didn't mean to make it sound like you looked weird... and saying that also sounds awkward." She huffs out another breath. "I... appreciate it anyway. You're very sweet." She puts down her fork so she can reach up her arms and hug at the arms around her in return for just a moment. "Sorry if I scared you with all of this. I don't usually make it a habit of passing out fully on people."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    The fox shakes her head, "I didn't think you said I looked weird. Simply saying that I can relate on a certain level," she states, "And that I don't find your own personal struggles to be weird at all. ..even if you do." Cecily holds the hug for... maybe a bit too long before finally letting go and standing. "It's fine. I honestly have no idea who these... people... were after... I suspsect it might have been me to an extent? I... do look like this after all..." her tails curl a little and her ears droop. Then as she glances around again, the lockers of firearms, the weapon still on the table. "..I don't usually make it a habit to get in gunfights in the middle of the street, either... despite appearances..."

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Doesn't matter. You handle yourself well either way. Hopefully those guys don't come after you again." Mori pauses. "As much as I hate to say I hope they go after you, I just don't want them to go after /me/. High speed chases and guns and stuff, not really my world. Kind of seeing it's hard to avoid, but I don't go out of my way to go be a hero. I'm just me. Maybe that'll change, but for now I'll settle for catching someone's taco if it's about to fall." A sacred duty.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Again, Cecily's head shakes, "You rescue the tacos, dear, I'll..." she rolls her shoulder a little and winces again, "...do the hard things...." she gives a sideways smile. "I always was one to stand in the line of fire... despite preferring to stay further from the action and let the big bright caped heroes enjoy the spotlight... still... not the first knife I've taken, won't be the last.." she murmurs quietly. A silly grin comes to the fox's features now, and she leans in and kisses Mori on the cheek, if the girl lets her. "...for dealing with what you do every day, you're a hero to me, dear. Keep moving forward, even if it's tiny steps."

Mori Merritt has posed:
The cheek kiss gets a smile and a laugh, and Mori gives a bit of a nod. "I'll do my best. Hard to think of myself as much of a hero when you've got people like Superman and Spider-Man out there. Then again, I think I kind of like being in the background anyway. You get shot if you're right out in front, right? I'll just be an everyday hero with the tacos." She shrugs a bit, then finishes off her juice. "I should probably get back. I don't want to intrude on your hospitality any more than I have already. You've been /more/ than kind."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "You just do what you can, even if it's for yourself, dear..." she takes up the empty dishes and heads for the kitchen. Her tails wave behind her slowly as her hips shift with her steps. "Let me get dressed and clean up a little... I'll see to it that you get home safe. I promised you that much at least, yes? I can have a car pick us up, it just might take a bit... I'm rather wary of taxis right now..."

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori laughs a little, then she nods. "Alright, I suppose that's fair. You did promise to get me home, so it would be a little sad if you didn't get to. Take your time, then. I don't mean to rush you, I just feel a little bad taking up all your time. Pretty sure my neighbors get suspicious if I'm not home though. They'll give me weird looks." She chuckles. "I really should move."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "My time is mine to give, and I have no previous engagements..." Cecily calls out gently from the kitchen, the water running. "I would offer to let you stay here, but we aren't as close to NYU as your current place..." she explains. "You still have classes and things to go to, yes? It wouldn't do to add a commute to that. Even if I have an abundance of space and nobody to share it with. But you are welcome to visit. I... don't get visitors. You're the first in a while, really."

Mori Merritt has posed:
"I'll come visit then!" Mori pipes in as she peeks in the direction of the kitchen. "If you don't mind, that is. It's nice to get out somewhere other than my apartment at times. Sometimes you just need some fresh surroundings and it can entirely change your perspective. So I wouldn't /mind/ coming back. I'll try and bring a present next time. Maybe a board game or a puzzle or something, so that you have something to do with guests!" It's an encouragement to /have/ guests.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily shrugs even if she's unseen, and comes back from the kitchen. "To be fair, having guests here can be.. problematic.." she nods to the lockers of heavy artillery. "Or could be, I suppose... I'd certainly prefer to limit the comings and goings and... well there's a reason my business card only has a phone number on it.." she chuckles softly. "You needn't bring any gifts. Just your cute self. Perhaps a movie and some popcorn, if you feel the need to get away from your apartment. Or reality."

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Well, hopefully me visiting won't cause too much of a problem. I can be careful." Mori's already trying to think of ways to be sneaky, but by the way she's scrunching up her face, she's not coming up with much in that realm. "I can do movies, though. I like finding movies I haven't seen. Not much for re-watching."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "You're perfectly welcome here," Cecily assures, "And I could probably use the relaxation time... I'm always on duty, it feels like..." she sighs and pulls her chair over to sit next to Mori. "But, first things first.. let me make a call, and let's get you home, yes?"

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Yeah, I'd appreciate it. Especially because I'm not sure my door's locked... so I have no idea if my stuff's still there." Mori makes a bit of a face, but she shrugs. There's little she can do about /that/. "You should take a few more breaks, though. Being a workaholic never really helps. You miss out a lot on life that way."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily mirrors that face, "I never leave home without a sidearm anyway.. though I'll have to get a... nother.. new blouse.." she laughs quietly. Hers is still draped over the chair, red and blue stains on it. "Not that I don't have a small collection..." she muses, then stands up. "I'd offer a shower but if you're concerned about your property then you might be best taking one at home. Your clothes should be dry now also... let's get cleaned up and head out?" she offers.

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Right, that sounds good," Mori agrees, popping into the bathroom for only a brief moment to make herself at least look presentable enough to deal with the public. Once she's out, she looks back to Cecily. "Ready to go!"

Cecily Winters has posed:
    While Mori is in the bathroom, Cecily is taking her time to get her clothes situated, shoulder bandages and all. Still, even so, she manages to get herself put together professionally. In fact, Mori seeing her in bedclothes is probably the most dressed down anyone has seen her as of late. She secures a hip holster carefully, opting to avoid the shoulder for now until she finishes healing. "...this is going to stay like this for a few hours more... it was deep.." she murmurs.

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori's concern is abundantly evident as she peeks over. "You going to be okay? I mean, it's not as if I can do anything about it, but I'm certainly... hoping it's not that bad?" There's a sheepish smile. "I kind of hate wanting to help when it's obvious I can't. It's the thought that counts, right? Just... be careful."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "I heal quickly... part of my... powers...?" she offers, sitting down to slip her shoes on. "I still suppose I'm some sort of kitsune... I think the fire clinches it... But well and truly, thank you for your concern, dear" Cecily assures before standing up again. She checks her sidearm and holsters it properly, securing herself, and her things, before looking to her most precious of cargo.

    "Ready?" she asks Mori gently.

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Well... that's a good thing. Doesn't change that it probably still hurts." Mori's not looking on the bright side as much as pointing out that she doesn't have to shrug the whole thing off. She checks to make sure Cecily does at least look like she's okay before she nods. "I'm ready."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "Oh, no, it hurts like hell," Cecily manages a laugh. "I'd stay in bed another few hours, but I'm not tired and you're much more important to me," the fox states. She gathers up her bag and her keys, giving the latter a little twirl on her finger. "Besides, I doubt you'd want to stick around until lunch time when your home is still unlocked."

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Oh!" Mori certainly looks a little guilty. "Next time, you should stay in bed. I'd find my way home if I had to." She doesn't protest, however, moving for the door. "Or maybe next time we can just not get into that kind of trouble where you're injured. One can always hope."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily shakes her head, and slides her free arm around the slightly-shorter woman, giving her a half-hug as they head for the door. The apartment itself is in the top floor of an old industrial building, and as such there's a creaky cargo elevator and everything to go with a couple of rounds of secure doors. "I'll be fine, and yes, we can hope that our next outings together will not involve shootouts and cyborg cab drivers..." she sighs. "Shootouts make for terrible dates..."

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori's careful in the hug to make sure there's no undue strain there that might somehow jostle the injured shoulder. "I will do my best to suddenly be a good luck charm so that /doesn't/ happen." She offers a cheerful smile. "Positive thinking does wonders, I'd say." She lets Cecily lead the way, naturally falling into step close by. "Shootouts make for a terrible /anything/, really." She points out.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "Well you're an adorable good luck charm... and kitsune are supposed to have some degree of luck... maybe it was just the shitty traffic the other day that did it for us..." she muses, taking them downstairs. True to word, a grey sedan is waiting for her. "Ms. Winters," the driver nods to the pair, "And miss...?" he looks Mori over, tipping his hat. Cecily will, of course, leave Mori's introduction to the girl, even as she moves towards the open rear door.

Mori Merritt has posed:
"Well, hopefully I'm not bad luck and just negated things," Mori says, though she looks over at the driver. "Merritt. Mori Merritt. Nice to meet you!" It's a chipper introduction, all things considered, and she looks over to see Cecily moving for the door. She glances back at the driver. "Thank you for this." Perhaps thanks aren't needed, but it's her way of doing things. The warm gratitude is offered either way.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "You're welcome, Miss Merritt," the driver states, moving to open the other door for Mori. "Your father sends his regards--and his concerns. You should really call for a ride more often..." he tells the fox.

    Cecily just gives him a lopsided smile, "Thank you, dear... but the traffic was terrible and Mori was soaked... had I known what was going to happen I would have just walked her home..." she sighs, turning to look to Mori. "You'll have to tell David where we're going. I only know it's in the vicinity of NYU?"

Mori Merritt has posed:
The opened door nets the driver another quick expression of gratitude, and Mori enters the car on the other side and settles in carefully. "Oh, there's an apartment complex just on the south side of the campus, it's literally right across the street from the campus proper so it's pretty easy to get to. Means I don't have to drive to get to campus, which is incredibly nice." She glances over to Cecily. "Next time it's crazy like that, we'll definitely have to walk."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "Very good," the driver responds, gently closing the door and moving to take his seat. "Just relax and enjoy the trip, then." Cecily buckles in carefully, taking extra time with her shoulder, having opted to sit in the side that wouldn't have the seatbelt crossing over it. "Thank you, David," she states kindly and sits back with a quiet sigh. "That's fortunate. I tend to be all over the place, though I'm usually one for public transit when possible..." she smiles at Mori. "I suppose I just wanted to get you home quicker and safer."

    Thankfully, the ride to NYU and the apartment complex is... completely uenventful.

Mori Merritt has posed:
With the ride not resulting in injury or death, Mori seems to be much more at ease--even with the prospect of her apartment remaining dangerously unlocked. They are, as she mentioned on the way there, just 'things' and unimportant in a greater view of the world. It does sound a little bit like she's making sure to prepare herself in case something bad did happen. As soon as they arrive, she makes her way back up to the second floor where her apartment is.

The door, it seems, is closed at least. And, as she opens it, it does indeed appear to be unlocked. A cursory glance inside provides proof--everything's safe and sound.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily is, of course, there to comfort Mori, both as the girl attempts to rationalize a potential loss of property, and then of course when the actual inspection occurs. Cecily waits at the door, hands clasped at her waist, while the driver seems content to hang around and keep the engine on. "Everything safe and sound, dear?" the fox asks, tails swishing behind her, seeing that there is an intact door and that her companion doesn't seem to immediately panic upon glancing inside.

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori nods, giving another quick look around. "Seems no one thought to try and unlocked door. Good to know. Hopefully I won't just wander out." She rubs the back of her neck. "I try /not/ to move around if I see anything weird but sometimes it's hard not to. And sometimes I forget that moving will move me /here/. I'll work on that, try and make things a bit safer."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    The fox also nods, "Just give me a call if anything happens, okay? If you can. Keep my business card in your pocket, so it stays on you in case you leave your phone here..." Cecily gives a gentle smile. "Or just... give me a call anytime, okay? If I'm working, just leave a message. If I'm not.... well... you'll hear my voice. For what that's worth." A soft sigh is exhaled, "I suppose I cannot be your anchor all the time, but lean on me when you need me, okay?"

Mori Merritt has posed:
"I'll be sure to keep in touch, Cecily. I'll be alright, don't worry. You can't be an anchor all the time, but you will certainly be a pillar when I need someone to lean on. I promise." Mori smiles genuinely. "I do appreciate everything. Thanks for watching over me while I was out. Not everyone would have done that."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    "It's what I do. Guardian angels don't carry marksman rifles but... I certainly do," Cecily winks. "...if... there's nothing else I can help with, I should be off. I have a blouse to burn and a long bath to take, most likely..." she says with a sigh and a shake of her head.

Mori Merritt has posed:
"I should clean up. I look a mess. But thank you again." Mori gives a final smile. "Take care of yourself, okay? I promise to call you soon." She pauses. "I mean, not like an emergency call, alright? Like a /call/ call." The specification seems important to her. It is a friendship, after all, not just some kind of emergency contact if something goes wrong.

Cecily Winters has posed:
    There's a nod, "Yes, please do. Not just for an emergency," Cecily says quietly. Then she stares for a moment, like a deer in the headlights. The woman who can stare down three hundred pounds of armored cyborg slamming a blade into her shoulder and still manage to fight it off even when she's pinned to the concrete is... momentarily frozen. She gathers herself, straightens her shoulders, and reaches out both hands to rest on Mori's own shoulders. If the shorter woman doesn't shy away, the fox will simply lean in, and peck her companion on the forehead.

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori doesn't move away, likely because there's enough trust there. With the offered affection, she smiles faintly before she moves forward to turn the gesture into a hug a moment after. She is, however, very careful of the shoulder, so it's probably not as tight a hug as she might normally offer. "Don't forget you can call me, too, if you want to talk. You sound like you could use the company just as much as me. I'll look after you in exchange."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    The tension of the moment drains away the moment she's hugged. Cecily seems to melt a little into it, deflating with a sigh and returning it for as long as she can. Finally, though, she pulls away. "Of course, dear. I'll give you a ring sometime soon," she starts to turn and head away from the woman's apartment. She pauses, considers just how far she can stretch her own boldness, and looks over her good shoulder. "Maybe we'll make it a date?" she casts a playful wink, tails floofing some as they swish. A better date. Because armed assault and attempted kidnapping isn't a thing one can just smooth over with pancakes and bacon.

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori seems to take a moment to think about it. "Maybe," she says after a moment. "Haven't really thought about that sort of thing in a while. I guess it's mostly been me kind of trying to figure out how to be a functional person again. But you don't seem to mind me being a little odd. So... maybe." She grins. "We'll see how things go."

Cecily Winters has posed:
    Cecily's eyes drift down to indicate her tails. "...if someone isn't somehow a 'little odd' then I don't think I'd want anything to do with them these days, dear..." she states as she returns her gaze to Mori in her doorway. "I'm happy to help, either way," she nods, then takes a breath, finding it hard to tear away and say goodbye. "Take care, dear. I'll see you soon," she says matter-of-factly, before making her way down the hall.

Mori Merritt has posed:
Mori lingers in the doorway, offering a wave goodbye, even if Cecily's back is turned and won't see it. The sentiment is there.