8533/Logan and Lorna on the town

Logan and Lorna on the town
Date of Scene:	03 November 2021
Location:	Chelsea Market
Synopsis:	No description
Cast of Characters:	Logan Howlett, Lorna Dane

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Logan Howlett has posed:
A the mansion, Lorna was presented with the option of Logan's truck, an older vehicle that runs perfectly now, or his motorcycle, his 'baby'. Once she choose the motorcycle, a wise choice, she was offered a leather jacket to protect her body from the weather and the wind, and a helmet to protect her head.

For once, he was not wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Today he was dressed in a nice pair of woolen slacks, a blue button front shirt, and he even shined his black boots. For riding, he also put on a leather jacket but his was bomber style and older. He's shaved, and combed his hair back. It wasn't anything fancy, but for Logan... this was classy.

Steadying the motorcycle, he turned to help her on behind him. "You ever ridden before?" he asks, using his legs along to steady the bike.

Lorna Dane has posed:
It was interesting seeing Logan dressed up. Even if it wasn't a suit she wasn't quite perpared to see this, either. The look was a bit on the older side of things yet... It worked for him. A glance or two is definitely stolen while he offers over a jacket for her as well as the helmet. The latter is held aloft a moment only to hang mid-air to free up her hands in putting the jacket on.

Her own attire was casual yet classy. Long dark slacks over a pair of heels, and a tie-front blouse with long sleeves. It showed just enough to be fashionable while still offering decent warmth. The only jewelry she opts to wear is a simple chain necklace with a single ring pendant on it in gold.

With her hair pulled back finally she reaches out to put on the helmet as she gets settled in. "A time or two, though never as a passenger," she has to admit with a hint of amusement. "I don't tend to worry about crashing, though. You just lean with the movements right?" The question is asked as she slips on behind him with one final tug to the strap of her purse she'd slung across her shoulders to ensure it didn't go flying.

Logan Howlett has posed:
Once Lorna is in place, Logan walks the bike forward and out of the garage, using that time to test her positioning. "You got it," he replies. "Just lean with me and we'll be good."

Starting the bike once they are out of the garage, the sound not quite as deafening out there. Despite it being an older bike, a classic really, it is in perfect condition and purrs like a kitten, well more like a large mountain lion.

Pulling out onto the driveway, and from there onto the road, he takes it easy for the first little bit to give her time to adjust, get comfortable, or cling for her very life, which ever it is that will occur. Since she hadn't been on the back before, he kept it to the speed limit.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane takes a single long, slow, deep breath as they start off and she settles in keeping her arms around him firm but loose. There were certain things she was going to be good at, an some she wasn't, but one thing she was always going to try to do is NOT FREAK OUT and squeeze Logan to bits. Queen's didn't do that sort of thing. This was easy. Just RELAX. Breathe. That part is important. Ignore the fact that a turn is coming up and DO NOT SQUEEZE--

It's probably a good thing Logan is keeping to the speed limit. After a few miles she actually does start to relax at least. There's a few times that she clings on rather tightly, mostly during turns, but she manages to keep the rest of her body loose so there's no issue with imbalancing the bike as they go.

Somewhere between mile three and four she leans her head down against his shoulder mumbling, "Okay I've got it now," apologetically for ... well. Not really having it very well before.

Logan Howlett has posed:
With her comment of never having been on the back, Logan was prepared for mishaps and blunders, including too much tilt, not enough tilt and being squeezed. His weight alone kept the bike at the right angles in the leans and turns, but it always helped for the person the back not to fight it... luckily, she started to get the swing of it.

Turning his head slightly, he chuckles and offers a, "No problem Lorna, you got it." just loud enough for her to hear.

Now the highway. Most people don't take motorcycles on the highway because if the risk, but Logan had the situation well in hand. He knew the bike too well not to use the highway, but that also required a speed of at least sixty-five miles per hour, which is twenty faster than he was going.

Thankfully for Lorna, it was only for about twenty minutes and they were in New York and back down to street speeds, and in some cases sidewalk speeds to get around traffic.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Between the adrenaline of being on a racing bike, and holding onto her current date in front of her, Lorna was all sorts of tense. It rather did help to lean against a warm and solid back while they race along the highway to their destination. Somewhere during the ride her fingers have found the edge of his jacket to hang onto so she's not just digging her fingers in or clenching her fists entirely. It's a more comfortable position at least by the time they arrive in the city proper.

Straightening just a bit, enough to peer at their surroundings as they go, she has to admit her curiosity was growing as to where they were headed. "This doesn't seem like the part of town you'd usually go to," she offers during one slow moment. "What have you got in mind?"

Logan Howlett has posed:
Back onto to the road, ignoring the glares of the drivers in the car, Logan keeps to the legal limit of thirty when possible, the truth was with traffic it was more like twenty. At the lights, and there are a lot of them, both feet go down to the ground to keep the bike steady.

"I been hearing about this place," he comments, watching pedestrian's crossing. "Nice place, with shopping and food. Thought it might be worth checking out."

When the light goes green, he doesn't immediately go because in New York there is always that one asshole that tries to make the light and he was right pause, cause that one asshole speeds through on the red. Then he goes, straight through and along the road.

"What makes you think I don't go do this part of town?" He then asks, well aware that one, she was right, he didn't come here all that often, and two, it was a dumb question.

Lorna Dane has posed:
"Well," Lorna considers how to answer that question with a great deal of amusement. Her head tips to the side indicating the area they just passed. "For one, that intersection had a Starbucks on each corner which means we're probably in the most consumerist part of town or nearly there. And two," she adds with a quieter chuckle. "I do pay attention to when you say you don't like crowds a lot." Which meant that he'd chosen to come to this place he'd heard of just for her sake. Without thinking about it she gives him another little squeeze from behind. It's far gentler and without the nerve-ridden grip of before as she just hugs him. It was thoughtful of him to go through all this for her.

"Thank you. I've got a surprise for you too, later. After lunch," she assures figuring that would be good to get out of the way first.

Logan Howlett has posed:
The parking lot for the Chelsea Market is crammed full, cars even line places they shouldn't be, but Logan just pulls in to one of the spots for motorcycles... maybe it's a little tight, but that's New York.

"Okay, so... you're right," he admits with a grin, pulling his helmet off. He'd worn it only because she was in one, other wise he'd of broken the law and just gone bared headed. "This isn't my usual schtick, but I figured what the hell, might as well check it out."

Keeping the bike balanced with his legs once again, he turns to offer her help in dismounting the bike, and only when she is on her own two feet does he stand, kick the stand out and dismount the bike himself.

"Hope you like it though," he than adds.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane accepts the hand off. It only takes a moment to steady herself on her heels as she regains her composure. A quick brush of her hands over her slacks smooths out any wrinkles that may have begun to form during the ride. The length of her hair spills out from beneath the helmet when she pulls it off earning a sign of relief at being out of it. There really was nothing like wind in your hair, even if you were just standing around. It's offered back to rest on the bike leaving her free to unsling her purse to it's proper state resting at her side.

Turning her gaze to the market she takes it all in with interest having likely passed by but not ever entered. There were usually other reasons for her to be in the city itself. One hand idly runs over the strap of her purse, and she glances toward Logan again thoughtfully. "It looks like fun," she has to admit though she wasn't certain what to expect at all. So far an exciting bike ride and an interesting place to walk around, and window shop, and eat. That was quite a nice thought.

Shifting her weight from one foot to the other she starts for the building only to pause turning back toward Logan. "I... Well I had intended to give this to you later, but I keep thinking about it and might not have the nerve later so." Tugging her purse in front of her she unzips the side to dip her hand into the interior. What's drawn out is a small leather worked pouch. Oblong, but not too thick. There's a little ribbon tied around it perhaps unnecessarily. The pouch that smells of freshly worked leather and a bit of tobacco is offered out toward him while she feels her cheeks begin to burn with a blush.

Logan Howlett has posed:
Logan had just finished strapping the two helmets in place, making it more difficult for them to walk off, then turned to walk beside her when she paused and produced the cigar case. One brow lifts slightly as he accepts it, looking from it back to her.

"This is really lovely," he comments in surprise. Opening the case, he doesn't need to run it under his nose to scent the Oliva Serie O Maduro cigars inside. "I wasn't expecting anything like this Lorna, thank you."

He looks back up to her, some where between a smile and uncomfortable, clearly he's not used to getting gifts, but the case is reclosed and slid into his pants pocket all the same. "These are really something though," he then adds, then offers his arm to walk/escort her to the Market.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane watches the somewhat awkward reaction with a bite to her lower lip. Embarassed or just uncertain, she wasn't sure, but he seemed to take it wwell overall. Maybe it was a bit too early to be giving gifts? When he steps up to offer his arm to her it's a relief. At least she hadn't somehow offended him, and inside would lie many distractions to the moment regardless. Sliding her arm through his she falls into step beside him turning her attention to the stores ahead. "You're quite welcome. So where would you like to go first?" A distraction. A poor one, but her attention is pulled from one side to the other thanks to numerous signs, flashy lights, and on occasion the smell of something good cooking.

Logan Howlett has posed:
The Market is crowded with people shopping, some rushing to specific locations, other's meandering between shops. Logan keeps his arm locked with her as they walk, and doesn't completely loath being there. A smile touches his lips as he shrugs slightly.

"There's something like fifty stores here," he offers, gesturing to the first few on the floor they enter on. "Some are food, some are specialty items. You pick, we look. Last time I was in a mall was in the eighties, and that was insanity."

As they are walking, anyone who might look like they were going to walk in front of them changes their mind, it might be the look on Logan's face, it might be Lorna's hair color, who knows?

Lorna Dane has posed:
The sudden dispersal of people in front of her? That was actually a perk. Usually she got a few odd looks herself due to the hair. It was rather noticable after all, for as vibrant, bright, and unfaded as it was. Usually green faded very quickly when it was a dye job. Not on her. Having company while walking though was very nice. It only takes a few moments being inside for the smells coming out of the currywurst shop to garner her attention. With a finger lifting she points in that direction. "That is lunch. Unless you'd prefer something else... Don't let anything else distract me from that. I am so over pizza right now even for being in New York." Grinning she then nudges her chin in the direction of the art displays. "I think that would be a nice walk first though."

Logan Howlett has posed:
Logan nods toward the currywurst place with a grin. "That's a good choice, smells like they got it right anyway," he admits, then steers toward the art displays. "Pizza and New York, sounds too stereotypical to me honestly, though if you ever get to Chicago, try their original deep dish at least once."

The art isn't bad, not his sort of thing really, but he can appreciate the amount of talent and time that went into it. He preferred wood, it last longer and usually was something useful rather than something to hand on a wall or stand on a shelf, unless it was a shelf, but that was another matter entirely.

"So Lorna," he finally speaks again, after looking at a couple of the things in display. "You mind if I get a little blunt and a lot honest?"

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane had grown lost in thought after looking over a few of the exhibits. Enough so that when Logan speaks she has to give a quick shake of her head to turn her focus back to him. "Mm?' Blunt and honest? That was worrisome in some ways. A little dip of her head is given along with a grin. "Better than beating around the bush. By all means," she agrees while wondering what had brought this about.

Logan Howlett has posed:
Logan pauses there, not intentionally, he spotted something carved out of wood that grabbed his attention, but it quickly pulls himself back and looks at Lorna.

"What're we doing?" He asks bluntly, just like he said he would. "I been thinking about this since that night by the fire, and I just... what's this supposed to be, truthfully?"

There is another slight pause before he offers a smile. "You're a beautiful woman, classy, schooled, and a Queen on top of all that... so makes me wonder, what you see in a..." oops, you don't put yourself down in front of someone. "... in me."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane tilts her head toward Logan with a small look of surprise at the question. It does catch her off guard, but moreso by the fact that it seemed as if he was questioning himself in this as much as her. "I didn't ask to be a Queen. I just fell into the role created by my father when he vanished. Someone had to take charge and I at least had the authority of my name to go behind it. As for schooling?" She pauses here to gesture at a statute carved out of stone. "Do you know that's not marble? It's Colorado Alabaster. An opaque variety that is different from marble because there's no striations of granite running through it that would make up the typical 'marbling' pattern that is so famous. Which," she adds with a chuckle as her hand drops back to her side. "I know because my schooling is in Geophysics which has a heavy dose of geology mixed in. There's more to it than that of course, but essentially? I dug in the dirt a lot to get that degree. In a highly male-dominated area."

Lightly ducking her head with a hint of a grin she can only offer a tired sort of smile. "That doesn't quite explain it I realize. I suppose I'm just saying that I don't feel as high-class, cultured, or Queenly as everyone else sees me as. And there are times I'm tired of being those things, too. You..." Here she pauses to offer a light squeeze to his arm. "You're down to Earth. I don't feel like I have to dance around my words with you. You're kind, and caring, even if you seem a bit rough around the edges at times."

"And if you hadn't noticed you're pretty handsome in your own way." Should she say he has a great body? Would that be weird? "I guess what this," her free hand gestures around absently, "is, is seeing if there's something more or... something. That could be between us."

Logan Howlett has posed:
While she is speaking, Logan is doing his very best not to let his ability to scene changes or lies work. He listens to the words, almost holding his breath really, so that she can say what she wants to say without any of the possible little lies being picked up on.

"Seem rough?" He comments first with a slight smirk, but the other half is a smile, like he finds that comment amusing. "Did you take a specialty? Like seismology, geomagnetism or geodesy?"

That might have been a little avoidance on his part, so he reigns it back in before speaking again. "You don't have to be anything you don't want to be. You don't want to be a Queen? Change the way the country is ruled, go for a democracy and elect a President. Maybe do what England did, got a Queen and Parliament actually runs things. You get that choice you know, then you can do what you want without that whole thing hovering over you."

He looks back to the carved thing that had his attention before, "As for me, I'm rough around the edges cause this isn't my time. I prefer being out in nature, away from the cities and people. I care about the kids, that's why I stay at the school." Slowly his baby blue eyes shift back to her. "They need a better life then I got. So if this is about something more, you gotta realize... you don't always see the real me. Got a face I wear at the school because Charles asked me to."

Lorna Dane has posed:
"Seismology mostly, and it's relation to geomagnetic fields. A bit of a speciality of mine you could say," Lorna adds with a wiggle of her fingers as she flashes a grin, and wink at the same time toward him. There's no demonstration to go with it though: He knew darn well what her powers were. "Actually I'm working to put the Parliament idea into play. There's surprisingly a lot of backlash from Genoshans about it though. More than I would have thought," she admits quietly as her eyes slip just momentarily out of focus recalling something in the past. It's gone in a blink, and she smiles again at Logan. There's no scent of lies about her if so much as holding back a bit. Or trying to figure things out for herself.

"I know. But there's no perfect way to really get to know anyone without getting in their head. Sadly, that's not my ability or yours."

Logan Howlett has posed:
The wooden object, though skillfully carved, remains sitting on the shelf before Logan looks back to her.

"You don't want in my head Lorna," he states plainly. "It's been fucked with so many times at this point, even /I/ don't know my own history. I know I've been married, can't tell you when, just who and that they were killed, but can't tell you by who... right now, sometimes I remember and I get angry, and then it's gone again."

He starts to move through the displays again, allowing her to look at the other pieces of art on display. "Genoshan's are loyal to your father and you, getting them to see that there's another way will take effort on your part, but if you get things rebuilt and keep announcing the changes and why /you/ want them. Eventually they'll come around."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane considers this quietly for several long moments. The displays of art are ignored now in favor of just watching the man she walks with. She was listening, but her own thoughts were moving around at this point until she finally settles on a response. A long breath is drawn and let out slowly. "Logan?"

Tilting her head toward him she reaches up with her free hand to gently take hold of his chin trying to turn him to face her a bit more than he had been. "This is the second time you've tried to talk me out of liking you. Who are you really trying to convince? Me, or yourself?" A slightly sad smile comes at that, though she adds in an attempt at humor, "As my father--The one that raised me--used to say, we can turn this car around right now if you're not up for the trip."

Logan Howlett has posed:
He makes no move to stop her from turning his head, nor does he react in a negative or violent way. He lets his head be turned and Logan looks her right in the eyes.

"I'm not trying to talk you out of liking me Lorna," he states plainly. "I'm trying to be being blunt, honest, and up front with you. You said it was a 'get to know you' sort of thing, which is all well and good, except I don't even know me." He pauses there, reaching up to take her hand and just holds it.

"That's what I'm trying ta say," he says more softly, less intensity to his tone. "I can't offer you answers to some questions you might ask, cause I don't know and likely won't know until the next time some telepath fucks with my head, then I'll forget something else to remember something new."

He actually snorts a laugh at that, because that's been the pattern, over and over again. It's how he remembered he was married to Silver Fox and that Sabertooth killed her, but it took another thirty years to remember that they were both being manipulated at the time... it's been one hell of a ride.

Lorna Dane has posed:
"Ah." The word slips from her lips quietly in response to the explanation and almost instantly she feels the nervous undercurrent of anxiety that had been gripping her slip away. Wordlessly she leans in against his side when he takes hold of her hand. As she does so she slips her free arm around his back to hold him lightly. There was plenty of room for anyone else in the exhibition hall to walk around them so she pays no mind to potentially being a roadblock for others. "I see what you mean, then. Maybe my phrasing was off a bit then."

"The 'getting to know' I mean is 'do I want to spend more time with you? Do I want to be around you more?'" For just a moment a little surge of daring rushes through her. Lips quirking into a smile she tugs his hand down to press a kiss to his knuckles. "Do I want to drag you off somewhere quiet for a few hours and help you forget everything else?"

"And maybe see if you want to spend more time with me, too. I don't need to know everything about you. I like what I do know so far. Anything else is just what will come up along the way."