A Change of Scenery

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Jacob loved the area where his apartment was located, and he loved that his career at the Academy paid him enough to afford it. Situated almost immediately next to the prime entertainment and metropolitan area of Downtown, his apartment building was only a short walking distance of everything that was of note in the Manta Carlos. More than a bit of it was on the expensive side, but again... A higher pay meant a higher standard of living. Besides, Jacob was not one to indulge as often as his surrounding demographic would usually, so he was never pained for money for the most part.

The only downside that he really saw about the area was that a lot of the other people that lived in the area were exactly the kind of stereotype one might expect in a high-rent area: snooty, self-important yuppies and the occasional annoying artist. Thankfully, Jacob's immediate neighbors were a nice diverse group that didn't grate on him much.

Now the one quality that Jacob was concerned with at the moment, as he helped carry Lenn's... belongings to his apartment via the elevator, was that that such a popular and well-to-do area also had a hefty police presence. Hopefully it was enough to deter any further attacks or spying that vendetta-seeking gun men might consider.

As he set the box down on the floor of the elevator while it ascended, he rubbed his shoulder. The wound from the gun shots had closed up and healed for the most part, but there was still some soreness in his chest and shoulder.

"So you think you got everything, honey? You sure you don't want to try and get anything from your old place?"
 
JioJio

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Surprisingly she carried light for the occasion. There was a suitcase filled with normal things like clothes and shoes and all kinds of other girly things. Then there was a guitar case she had casually slung over her shoulder holding a variety of small arms. In Jacob’s box, there were rags, ammunition tins filled with…well, live ammunition of course, and a maintenance kit to keep her guns happy. She couldn’t bring too much things and didn’t want to clutter up Jacob’s home anyway. Lenn had been thinking about it since they had left the storage unit; she was going to be living with someone else—Someone that she really cared about and not just some bloke who she had to share a space with. Sometimes she had to share rooms, but there were a few odd and uncomfortable situations where she ended up stuck in a forest or almost being blown off a roof covered in slick snow and ice. Then again, all of those situations were temporary even if sometimes it stretched on for more than just a few hours. This was different. Jacob wasn’t a partner or some money grubbing wanker ready to take her out the moment they received their payment; Jacob was …was…

Jacob was her boyfriend.

He probably saw her touch her red cheeks in the car much like a little girl would when they saw the pony of their dreams. She honestly couldn’t believe this was happening. Sure, she had come over on many occasions, but the thought that she didn’t have to leave his side…It felt good. Really good. Really really good.

So good in fact that she almost missed his question entirely and when he rubbed at his shoulder, she felt a little bad for having him carry the box. Then again, that was perhaps the lightest item and he probably wouldn’t feel comfortable carrying the guitar case. That was the heaviest yet she made as if she were carrying around nothing at all. ”Naw, it’s too dangerous t’go back and it’s prolly all cleaned out. Don’ worry, none of tha’ can be traced back t’me. Oy’ made sure of that,” Basic Hitman 101; ALWAYS use an alias. ”This is all oy’ need! You didn’ hafta’ carry th’ box you know. Thas’ heavy and you just got out of the hospital...” she frowned, obviously concerned for his well being.
 
Critical

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Suffice it to say, Jacob was initially very wary of carrying a box full of live ammunition. From the storage unit to the car, he made sure every step was soft and stable. When driving, he tried to take any bumps and turns carefully and slowly. He was thankful for the elevator ride when it came, as it provided a place where he could set down the box for a little while that was stable. Lenn seemed perfectly fine kicking the things around when they were strewn around her apartment floor, but Jacob was not as familiar with bullets.

He appreciated the guitar case disguise for Lenn's guns though. Old school but effective. Still, the idea of having multiple guns in his apartment made him antsy. He had to trust that Lenn would handle that whole situation much better than he could.

"Well, you can't exactly carry everything either. You only got two arms, and I don't feel comfortable not helping. You're moving-in after all, and I should help."

Moving-in. He spoke as if it were no big deal that Lenn would be sharing an apartment, a bed with him. But it was a big deal! Co-habitation on that level was a big step forward. Sure, the impetus might have been to give Lenn some safe haven from her violent past, but there was no small amount of affection and intimacy at play either. Nothing said "we're in a serious relationship now" like living and sleeping together on a constant basis.

"You think you're really ready for this, Lenn? Living in a safe house and living with your boyfriend are two really different things."

He kidded around with her just as the elevator dinged and the door slid open. As Jacob picked up the box of ammo again(carefully!), a blonde figure down the hall seemed to look over at them before opening and entering an apartment. Jacob didn't seem to notice.

"For one, if you walk around in your underwear, I'll be there to see it."

Jacob shot her a wink then lead her to his apartment. He was quick to set the box down on his table, thankful to have it on another stable surface. Unlike the couple of other times Lenn had been over, his table was messier and covered with paperwork he needed to catch up on. But that hardly mattered to him at the moment. The second she set her own stuff down, he pulled her close with his hands around her waist.

"So guess what, honey? Welcome, home~"
 
JioJio

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She had no idea if she was ready or not. It was an exciting idea, yes—the thought of not having to live alone anymore. What made it more meaningful was the fact that wasn’t living with just anyone; she was living with Jacob. Suddenly when he walked in, it felt…different. Not in a bad way, but because this was now her home too; not just a place to visit. She’d be having her own set of keys, neighbors to wave to, a reason to come home…

It almost felt like a normal life…Besides his place also serving as her safe haven.

Still, it was good to get away from the violence and she was positive it’ll do her some good. She stood in the doorway for a while, letting the situation sink in. This was…a wonderful thing and she warned herself not to ruin it in any way. Eventually she stepped into her new home as if Jacob had brought home a new kitten instead. He even cleared up his table just to set the heavy box down. She herself shrugged off the bags and went right into his arms. So warm…So safe. She couldn’t keep that silly smile away for long! Welcome home…That felt so good hearing him say that. She looked up to him, eyes glistening. Nope, she wasn’t going to be a sap and cry. ”Thank you so much, Jacob…You ‘ave no oydea wha’ this means t’me…” And she swore to herself that she’d be the best!
 
Critical

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He could see the tears welling up in her eyes, and he was well aware that they were tears of joy. Just the idea that she now had a place that could confidently be called Home, finally, was probably a momentous occasion for her. It was not longer just a place a hide or rest between jobs. It was a Home, with someone that would welcome her back and help whisk her away from her troubles beyond the walls and door. It was safe in a way that a hide out could never be. And he was more than happy to give it to her.

Jacob hugged her close, letting her know just how he felt.

"Love you, baby~"

Suddenly he lifted her up and sat her on the table, her legs dangling over the edge and him standing between them. Even the tears were of joy, he still wanted to chase them away, but not with hugs. As he started nibbling on her neck, she would know just how he felt.

"Why don't we get you nice and settled in~"

He pressed closer to her, and his hands wandered. The time for heart felt welcomes had passed, for now. Now it was time to christen their new home together.

Jacob had just pressed Lenn to lie on the table when a knock was heard at his door. He froze, looked back at it, then looked back at Lenn. Putting his finger to his lips, he tried to keep her quiet while he went back to trying to--

Knock knock knock

"I know you're in there, Jacob. Open up."

The voice from the other side of the door was stern, monotone, but undeniably feminine. Jacob sank... in expression and sighed. Looking apologetically down at Lenn, he gave her a kiss and helped her back up while he straightened himself up.

"Sorry. Neighbors."

After making sure, their antics were not readily apparent on first inspection, Jacob went and opened his door. On the other side was <a href='http://howimetyourotaku.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/62.png' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>a stern-looking yet petite blonde woman</a> with piercing green eyes and an immaculate black suit that almost made her look like a hitman herself. She held a bad in her hand. Lenn would recognize her as the figure from earlier. The woman looked up at Jacob, as she stood just below his shoulder height, then at Lenn, then back at Jacob.

"Thought so. Is she moving in with you?"

Without even waiting for an answer, she marched up to Lenn and extended a glove hand. Her face remained straight and professional, as were her movements.

"Uzume Kanzaki. And who might you be, miss?"
 
JioJio

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"Oy' luv' you too," She smiled and...Oh my! She was placed onto the table with no protest coming from her end. She knew what he was aiming for and welcomed it. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist when he drew closer. Nice and settled in? "Tha' sounds loike a good idea..." She chuckled as her fingers combed through his hair, messing it's usual combed back style. Her legs tensed and she pulled back just enough to kiss him.

His hands wandered.

She gasped with pleasure. Lenn was pinned 'helplessly' against the table and her heart began to race. She kissed him again, the passion burning inside and the urge to pull off his belt--

Knock, Knock, Knock~

And suddenly, everything came to a screeching halt as if they were mere teens caught making love in Jacob's mother's house. Suddenly, his lips were gone and he was telling her to hush in such a cute way while he touched her in way. "mmahh..~" It proved to be one hell of a challenge to be discreet with him around, though she was doing her best to be quiet...

But this particular neighbor wasn't buying it. She wasn't anyway judging from the voice. Lenn sort of sank into the table, mighty disappointed...But on the brightside, they had all the time in the world to pick up where they left off so she accepted the kiss and help off the table."It's fine. I'm sure you'll make it up to me later~," She had to add that in there just to make up for missing out on his little quips earlier while she straightened herself out. Well...Time to make nice with the neighbors. This was a new experience for her; She wasn't allowed to beat people into liking her.

...And apparently this particular neighbor had taste. That's roight. She was wotching us earlier... The woman didn't go by unnoticed. Lenn had a habit of observing her enviornment and the people in it. That was basics and common sense for someone like her. Always keep an eye on everything...and always plan an escape route. That was her reasons anyway...But why the sudden questions? That's what caught Lenn off guard in the first place. Thought so? What did that mean? Why did she care if Lenn moved in with Jacob or not? Was there something she was missing? Oh, Jacob was going to get some questions about it later if it wasn't cleared up here. Lenn too had that stern, but professional expression...Which often looked as if she were lining up a shot through her scope.

Uzume...

Well, since Jacob wasn't fast enough to answer her question, Uzume's handshake and greeting did not get left out to dry. "Lenn Greaves. Pleasure to meet you," she introduced and accepted the handshake with...a rather solid grip. Another practice she couldn't get rid of and often left business men rubbing their hands afterward. It was a bit...awkward to be caught in her casual wear...Which was more like a tight black shirt, olive drab pants, and boots...Christ, she had completely forgotten about wearing her gear out in the open, but dammit it made her feel comfortable! She even had the dog tags god dammit. "You mus' be Jacob's neighbor! Sorreh oy' didn't say hi earlier. Stuff's pretty 'eavy and it's been a busy day." There we go. Casual talk. It sounded decent anyway.
 
Critical

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"Just come on in, Uzume..."

There was a certain sarcastic resignation in Jacob's voice as he invited Uzume into the apartment, after she had already come in inside. From the tone of his voice to the irked looked on his face, it seemed that this was not the first time Uzume had just waltzed-in without much invitation. If anything, it matched her forward, professional demeanor.

Lenn would feel her firm handshake returned in equal measure. The pressure of their combined grips made her leather gloves tense and squeak before they released. Uzume's face was stone, and not a trace of any expression could be seen beyond the way her eyes inspected Lenn. Yet she did not seem to mean any harm or ill will toward Lenn. Jacob was perfectly comfortable, or at least familiar, with Uzume's business-like attitude. He returned to Lenn's side in front of Uzume, putting an arm around Lenn's waist.

"Immediately next door neighbor to be precise, and no need to apologize. You were busy and wrapped up in Jacob, as usual. Here, Jacob, take these."

She hardly looked at him when she handed the tote bag to Jacob, glass tinkling sounds coming from it. Hell, she did not even look when she let go of the bag and let it drop into Jacob's surprised hands. Her voice was commanding, like she was talking to her secretary and asking about her next appointment.

"I've actually seen you a few times before, Lenn. You've been a pretty frequent visitor to his door. So, planning on just settling down here from now on?"

"What's all this for, Uzume!?"

At the table, Jacob had set down the tote bag and peeled it open to reveal the contents: a variety of liquor bottles and mixers. The good stuff too. Uzume merely crossed her arms and, for the first time since she entered, a smirk etched on her face.

"Stuff for welcoming the new neighbor, of course.

What do you say, Lenn? I can mix up a mean drink while we get to know each other."

There was a hint of pride and playfulness in her voice
 
JioJio

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Lenn wasn’t too worried. Judging from Jacob and Uzume’s interaction, it seemed like the whole barraging in thing seemed like a habit. They must have known each other for quite some time. Either that or people in Manta Carlos are just that friendly…Or maybe it was just her when it came to ‘social’ things. Any uninvited guest in her home would either crawl away with enough holes to rival swiss cheese or others were given the opportunity to see how many colors their body could change with a serious beat down.

Besides, Lenn was already beginning to like Uzume. A strong handshake meant Uzume was a strong, independent woman. She could tell the woman was a straight-aced professional like herself.

…although Uzume had no idea how on-spot she was with the term wrapped up In Jacob. Hahaha.

Anyway, she smiled and broke off the handshake, letting Uzume further inside the apartment while she choose to lean against the table beside Jacob as he rummaged through the bag. ”Yeh! We’ve decioded to take it up a notch, y’know?” She didn’t let on anymore details than that, deciding it was better off not saying why this was decided on the fly. They had been dating for quite some time so…The timeframe was normal…At least in her eyes. With Jacob’s sudden outburst, she leaned over and took a peek inside the bag. ”Ohh?” Good gravy there was enough liquor to put a couple of grown men onto their asses…But it was the really good stuff—The really expensive stuff! Wow. This was better than cookies and fruit punch like she expected.

So she wanted to get to know her? Well, she could sense the pride Uzume had…Hell, it was safe to assume Uzume could hold her liquor very well unlike her lover (haha) and if Lenn wasn’t mistaken, she could sense a bit of challenge—a fun challenge of course. It didn’t hurt to have a fun night with her new neighbor, right? ”Oh ‘oy don’t see why not! Wot about you, luv? We can unpack lata’,” she looked to Jacob with the same kind of playfulness as Uzume.
 
Critical

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While Lenn seemed downright eager to get her drink on, Jacob looked slightly less so. Looking from the liquor to Lenn to Uzume, Jacob looked a little concerned, then a little skeptical. He sensed that Uzume was up to something. But with Lenn obviously on the same wavelength as Uzume, he could not put up much protest. The combined effect of their playful gazes made him wonder just what exactly Uzume had planned. She always had something planned.

"S-Sure. Sounds like a party to me."

Uzume nodded confidently, as if she was merely accepting an answer she knew was coming anyway, then walked up to the liquor and began unscrewing some tops.

"Excellent. Go get the glasses for us, please."

"You're gonna put me on my ass again, aren't ya?"

Her only response was to pause her unscrewing for a small chuckle. Jacob silently looked over Uzume, literally, to Lenn and gave her a confounded look before going off to get the drink glasses as commanded. Though he showed a lot concerned, it was the friendly kind. The kind of concern a buddy might have when they suggested doing something stupid.

"So tell me, Lenn, how did the two of you meet? I know Jacob is usually busy with his job at the Academy, so it keeps him from going out. And you seem to be about my age... This isn't a case of forbidden teacher-student romance is it?"[/color]

There was a sparkle of mischief in Uzume's eyes. That seemed to her usual mode operation as she went on readying the drinks. She was professional and stern on the outside, but there was a bit of a fire underneath the pressed suit. She also seemed to be quite knowledgeable. From the way she spoke, she sounded like she was very much aware of Jacob's life, and she already mentioned seeing Lenn before.
 
JioJio

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It must have been creepy that Uzume and Lenn were both suddenly on the same page. Lenn was just as curious as Uzume was. Who was she anyway? That vibe...It felt like back in the day where she had partnered up with actual professionals such as herself. It felt as if the blonde was going to pop open the drinks and discuss a few folders full of intel while sipping some wine. In a way, maybe Uzume was gathering intel; intel on Lenn. Right off the bat she could tell that the two had some kind of deep connection. Maybe not as physical and as affectionate, but it was enough to know that Jacob knew the blonde was up to something. That was fine. This was a simple Q&A session, nothing more. It was completely harmless.

Right?

She chuckled at the forbidden love comment and shook her head. "Naw mate 'es a lil' more cliche than that. On m'second noight 'oy decided t'go to the local noightclub 'round hea fer a few drinks...'Oy dunno wot came ova' him. It's eitha' he wanted t'ask where oy' got my hair did or oy' really looked that lonely," she said it with a smile. To think that if she had never showed up for the job, then she might not have met him at all. [color=]gray]" 'fore oy' knew it he was askin' if he could sit nex'ta me and there ya go!"[/color] She recalled the little bits and pieces of that particular night. Heh. The way that steamy night ended was perhaps the best thing about it--how absolutely nothing happened. She still gave him a bunch of credit to the fact that he actually left her untouched on his bed...

...And well, talking to her when he didn't have to at all since she ran off on him the very next morning...

" 'E's a sweet guy. Wot about you two then? How'd you guys become such close neighbors?" Nobody stalked their neighbors. That's what little old cat-ladies were there for and obviously she wasn't anything of the sort.
 
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