|Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP|

Subject: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 7:47 pm

Whatever the big fuss was about Vaughn couldn't say. If nothing else, it got them a free extended break though, a lot of the higher ups even allowed to dip into the alcohol early today. Vaughn eyed them a little enviously. A stressful day like he'd had this morning already would do well with at least just one drink.

Still, at least he had his buddy Rhys nearby and even Trixie had stopped to chat a little with them both. If he had to deal with these wild partiers on his own Vaughn might have headed to his room to escape it all, unsure of it even now. Yvette had headed out to get something to eat for the moment, maybe to drift by again later. Vaughn wondered if she'd found someone to leech lunch off of again today since they weren't there with her at the moment.

"Well, wonder what Handsome Jack's accomplished to throw this party," he mused, gesturing at everyone inside the Hub of Heroism. Or, at least, those in their immediate view. Who knew where else in this place the party had been taken. "Must've been pretty big, huh?"

He offered a shrug at his own words. It very well could have been something small but important to Jack. The CEO was pretty eccentric, that much they'd both learned over the years working here. Not so eccentric that he drove everyone off though, despite some violent tendencies...

"Just glad I'm not, y'know, stuck in the center with all those people right now. Can't imagine the cramped space. No elbow room!" Indeed, people were packed down there, maybe because it was the best 'spot' at the moment to catch sight of Jack.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 8:06 pm

The hustle and bustle of this entire place was making Trixie anxious. There was too much noise and too many people willing to pass by her bad side, almost startling her a few times. Even if it was a time out of working, she would have rather been picking away at machinery even if that had been against her will...

In that time, she'd more or less befriended Vaughn and Rhys. They had seemed the most normal here and while they both were honestly genuine most of the time, Rhys' admiration for Handsome Jack rubbed her the wrong way at times. This was no different.

"It had to be huge! He wouldn't just let everyone off and bust out a party on a random day!" Rhys expressed.

The air of confidence and even cheer in his tone was something she didn't comment on. She simply shook her head at the very thought of it. How did she end up here?

"Put him on pedestal, he'd be the happiest man alive," she commented, tugging at the bandage that covered her injured eye. She always said the same thing, it was scared in an accident with some machinery when she was young. No one really know what the real truth was.

It was Rhys who turned to her, raising an eyebrow at her words briefly before he spoke, "You don't seem all too happy."

"I'm not a fan of crowds or...parties." was her simple reply, a simple shrug of her shoulders following, "I traveled Pandora on foot most of my life, people were never my number one priority."

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 8:13 pm

Rhys certainly seemed to be enjoying himself, looking around and sounding like he did. Vaughn couldn't fault him for that, his best buddy in the whole of Helios was rather obsessed with Handsome Jack after all. A little strange, but, everyone had their eccentricities, right? Vaughn usually just shrugged it off, finding some humor in it most days.

"Yeah, maybe he, like, managed to wipe out an entire legion of bandits or something," Vaughn pitched in. That certainly seemed to be on the agenda most days from what he heard anyways.

Trixie finally spoke up, sounding miffed about it all. When Vaughn glanced at her it was easy enough to tell she'd rather be anywhere but in this place with the party going on like it was. A rarity though it was, Trixie definitely looked to be very sour right now. Vaughn rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of what to say to her.

She was cute, even if she had that weird bandage over her eye. Something about an accident though she never gave details to it. Maybe one day she'd tell him, or so Vaughn hoped. His curiosity was dying to know. Still, it looked annoying, to be around so many people who kept surprising her from that side just by walking by.

For a minute he let Rhys and Trixie just talk, well aware that if Rhys kept on about Handsome Jack's exploit (or about Handsome Jack at all) that it might result in Trixie snapping at them both and storming off. For a long moment, Vaughn fussed with himself, toying with his fingers uncertainly. Could he maybe help Trixie somehow?

Finally, he gestured between he and Rhys. "Maybe you'd be more comfortable between us...? I-I mean, not many people would walk by your, uh... bad... side so much that way," he rambled, gesturing to the same eye of his that hers was covered.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 8:48 pm

It didn't quite surprise her about the misinformation either might have gained. Bandit camps might have been wiped out at times, but a lot of those town were just people trying to live as peacefully as they could. The thought made her stomach twist in knots for a moment before she let the thought be.

Regardless, she tried to focus on her companions instead. Whatever happened down below, well, maybe it was better she wasn't there now. She'd seen too much death at Jack's hands to last her a life time.

"Could have been," Rhys answered shortly after, motioning toward his friend, "Whatever it was, maybe it was a good step in the right direction."

Trixie shook her head briefly, favoring what Vaughn had asked. He was a mousy thing, less than confident. That had been a little jarring when she was first meeting people, so used to most being loud and confident. Vaughn was the exact opposite but not at all unpleasant because of it.

"That actually might be a good idea," she told him, fussing with the bandage again. A bad habit refused to die, she was well aware. Regardless, she spared a smile and spoke up once more, "Thank you, Vaughn."

It was easy to fall into step with the both of them then. She felt a little more comfortable that way, no one brushing passed her bad side without her notice.

"Trix, how did you survive down there anyways? I mean, with all the bandits. It had to be dangerous."

She lifted her head a little, watching as Handsome Jack strode around, well, more like strutting, picking on workers and they took it like some joke or high honor. She shook her head slightly at that before answering, "It's not that hard if you actually avoid the places bandits have taken over."

That was a thought there and gone as her heart dropped a bit. Jack had spotted them, large, cocky looking grin on his face as he started striding right over.

"Well look at this, even the little ones are showing up!" he boasted, drink in hand and no doubt more than tipsy. Rhys was grinning widely but it was obvious there was tension in his body as well, "Now uh...indulge me a little here cupcake, just who are you guys again?"

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:04 pm

Vaughn fussed with his hands, more out of habit and feeling a little self-conscious. He wasn't exactly the intimidating type. If anything, out of the three of them now it was Rhys that could fit that bill, assuming he could play the role at the time. Acting confident had always been easy for Rhys and had gotten them both into more than one party back in their college days. Now was no different, Vaughn found.

He smiled, glad to be of help to Trixie at least in those moments. She didn't seem to mind his anxious behavior or ramblings and didn't typically try to shoo him away. Granted, Yvette didn't either, but Vaughn wasn't exactly into dating his other best friend. A moment later he cleared his throat, realizing what he just thought.

"Can't imagine being down there with all those, those psychos though! Man," Vaughn sighed, shaking his head.

Their steps halted, Vaughn's eyes widening in surprise as none other than Handsome Jack strode towards them. What was even going on anymore? Jack didn't deal with people on their level, not unless it was to order them around. Now he stood there, grinning cockily and asking their names.

Vaughn shuffled his feet, glancing to Trixie and Rhys. The latter definitely looked starstruck, and potentially wordless because of it. But was it just Vaughn or was Trixie looking even more sour than before? He tried not to focus on that, turning back to Jack.

"Oh, uh, I'm Vaughn and this is Rhys and Trixie..."

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 10:06 pm

She would have spoken up, joking to invite the two to Pandora once but they were interrupted by Jack. All at once she felt sick, her stomach twisting in knots. Every bit of her wanted to be away from this man.

Even so, Rhys was beaming and seemed well into wanting to take up any attention he could get from the man. After all, Handsome Jack was a rather large role model. If only they knew better...

"Rhys, Vaughn and Trixie! Oh, Trixie, Trixie! I remember you. Pulled from Pandora and got a position here! I did you a favor, that's right."

The mans words were so slurred it was a wonder he was even on his feet. Maybe he was an avid drinker. She shook her head, barely paying his words mind. 'Pulled' from Pandora and forced into this place just to keep her life. It wasn't exactly idle conditions...

"Haha...uh, yea...It's, it's good to meet you in person, sir." Rhys' voice rang out a little nervously. Every bit of him was swelled with excitement but he was still rather shy.

"No, no, no no, what's with the nervous act? That won't do. Buck up, act like a man! Both of you!"

Trixie resisted a roll of her eyes in that moment as Rhys seemed to try and stand straighter and with more confidence. She didn't figure it was the confidence that was the issue, just that he was completely too excited.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 10:14 pm

Vaughn grew curious at the drunken rambling of Handsome Jack. He'd heard stories, they all had, but never about any drinking. Heck, maybe this was new, or maybe it just wasn't that noteworthy that others talked about it. Vaughn didn't know though he was nervous. Who wouldn't be when face-to-face with a tipsy CEO? Handsome Jack could very well fire them all at a whim if he wanted, or worse!

From the corner of his eye, Vaughn saw the way Trixie seemed to draw away from Jack, her scowl deepening. This only seemed to grow more prevalent as he spoke about her though what else that story might contain wasn't mentioned. Vaughn was a little disappointed at that. Trixie never did talk much about herself if she could help it...

"A-Ah?" Vaughn blinked, head swiveling around to stare at Jack. When the words registered he hurried to straighten, pushing his glasses back up his nose. Even then he was quite sure he still slouched, as always. "R-Right, sir! Sorry, uh, about that... Force of habit?"

He shook his head then. What good was that answer? Nonetheless Jack seemed to wave it off, or was he just blowing Vaughn off right now? It was maybe even possible that he was gonna start in on Vaughn next, something of displeasure on Handsome Jack's face. That was, until a woman's voice rang out.

"Jack! You promised to spend time with me during your little celebrations! You're not off bullying everyone else instead, are you?"

Vaughn's attention turned to the newcomer as she arrived, slipping an arm around Jack's as if to make sure he didn't disappear without her again. Her face was familiar, everyone knew the girlfriend of Handsome Jack, though Vaughn had never really talked to her before. She was always doing something else, with other people if not Jack himself. It left Vaughn little room, or incentive to greet her most days. Still, he recalled seeing her around Trixie every now and again.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 10:33 pm

All of this was making her sick and at the same time, she knew what to expect. Even so, just the sight of Jack in front of her, boasting about everything made her sick. Rhys and Vaughn ending up just going on whatever word he said she also hated. What could she do?

"Right sir," Rhys answered a little more confidently, "We'll do just that!"

"Now that's what I like to hear!"

Before Jack could go on further, a woman appeared. Trixie recognized her immediately. They'd spoken on and off, somewhat friends yet Trixie wasn't exactly sure.

"Good to see you again," she greeted, speaking up for the first time since the entire situation.

Jack had quickly turned to Kalista a moment later, quickly doting on the woman, "Alright, alright. You'd keep me on a leash if you could, kinky as that sounds."

Glancing at Rhys, Trixie noticed a bit of a star struck look on his face, even as Jack turned to dote on Kalista for the time being. Her eyebrow raised at that but she said nothing in return. Not at the moment. Maybe she would mention something later...

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 10:43 pm

Vaughn grew silent, a little relieved when Handsome Jack's attention turned to the new woman, even if what he said was a little uncomfortable to actually hear. If nothing else it meant he could more comfortably slouch again, and he did just that, merely listening for the moment. It wasn't like he could exactly add anything enlightening to what was happening right now anyways.

"Hey, Trixie, I figured you'd be squirreled away!" this woman greeted, before her attention was pulled to Jack again. "Oh, you'd love every minute of it, lover boy."

Discretely, Vaughn coughed awkwardly into his fist, glancing away from the pair. That was certainly a mental image he hadn't needed in his life. Time to just forget about that as fast as he could, hopefully in the next minute tops. He doubted it would work like that though.

From the corner of his eye he spotted Trixie shifting, glancing towards Rhys. Vaughn followed her gaze, curious. What was Rhys doing now that was any different? Well, besides Jack being right in front of them and talking to them both. That would naturally make Rhys' day. Still, the expression on Rhys' face wasn't exactly one of someone meeting his idol, not entirely. Vaughn couldn't quite explain it though, not in the short time before Jack and his girlfriend were talking.

"Besides, you're the one who keeps wandering away," she pointed out, something of a pout on her lips.

"Well, this got awkward... Just me?" Vaughn whispered to Trixie.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 11:03 pm

Trixie offered a shrug in response to Kalista's words. While she wasn't so much bothered by her, the fact that she was so close to Handsome Jack came off as weird to Trixie. How could anyone get close to...that?

"I plan on it at some point," she answered instead, "Down a few pain pills and pass out."

She was no stranger to headaches and migraines, something she attributed to her eye injury a long time ago. Noise made it worse at times and this place was already too noisy.

When Jack had turned, Trixie motioned to Rhys, making a mock gesture to wipe his mouth. She grinned as he did just that, finding nothing but the idea was there. He was star struck in that moment and was drooling all over for Kalista.

"Ha ha," he shot back, waving her off. Even so, pink seemed to tint his cheeks.

Jack had turned to them once again, making a rather large and dramatic wave of his hand as he did so before he spoke up again, "Well, I need to go indulge my cupcake, if you know what I mean. I'll catch you three on the flip-side!"

As the two walked away, Trixie shook her head again before she spoke quietly, "Just once, I would love to punch that guy in the dick..."

"Uhhh...That's a little violent to do to your boss..." Rhys had said but Trixie barely listened.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 11:18 pm

Vaughn was a little concerned about Trixie running off on her own with all this partying, if only because of the mentioning of pain pills. Drug use wasn't exactly new on Helios and while he didn't think Trixie was like that it still nagged at him now. He shook his head. A few pain killers was nothing compared to what some of the others did around here.

He didn't get an answer from Trixie as she'd turned to Rhys, gesturing to her face at him. Curious, Vaughn's brow furrowed, watching as Rhys moved to wipe his mouth only to glare briefly at Trixie. Oh... Oh! So that was it huh? Vaughn glanced from Rhys to Jack's girlfriend, a newfound curiosity there now though he said nothing just yet. Not in the midst of Jack and her, when he could easily be overheard.

It was with some relief when Jack announced his departure, turning and striding off quite confidently. His girlfriend didn't hurry after just yet, turning to mouth "Sorry!" towards Trixie before she did. What was that about? He could swear he heard her muttering "I swear, I'm dating a college frat boy, aren't I?" as she went even.

There wasn't time to question it before the pair were out of earshot and Trixie spoke again. Vaughn nearly choked on his own spit, having to beat on his chest momentarily to stop the coughing fit it sent him into. What was it with these girls and strange images in his head today!? Vaughn couldn't take much more of this.

"Uh, yeah, I'm with Rhys on this one! I'd rather not see you get thrown out of an airlock for something like that!" Vaughn argued.

----[x]----

It wasn't hard to catch up to Jack, not with everyone wanting a bit of his attention. Well, almost everyone. Kalista had hoped to keep him away from Trixie, full well knowing the feelings the other woman harbored for him, though she'd been unsuccessful at that. A sigh escaped her at that. Just her luck... Probably made Trixie made at her now.

The thought was gone, watching as Jack took a swig of his drink when he slowed for her. Once again, Kalista looped her arm through his. He was far broader than she ever was, a twig in comparison to him, and it was this that she loved. Well, it was one of the things she loved about him.

"Jackie," she started teasingly. "You keep getting ahead of me and I might just let you pass out near a flight of stairs!"

The threat was an idle one and she was aware Jack would know that. Even so a bit of teasing and jesting was normal between the pair.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 11:43 pm

Trixie blinked glancing at Vaughn as he nearly choked on his spit. Was what she said really that shocking? Well...maybe it was. Most people respected Jack if only out of fearing him. Anyone crossing him was likely to be killed.

"I'd just like the satisfaction, just once," she noted after a moment, patting Vaughn's back easily, "Don't die on me, that'd be a real shame to know I made you choke on your spit for threatening the...'boss', and I use that term lightly."

Rhys cleared his throat, possibly trying to regain his composure. She shook his head, blinking at him for a moment.

"And you, you're drooling all over your bosses girl," she teased easily, "I'm no more in the wrong here than he is."

"I was not!" Rhys replied, his protest hushed but still his voice seemed to crack in embarrassment. He cleared his throat awkwardly,
"I didn't know you two knew each other."

"We're friends, kind of...She's real nice when you get to know her," was her simple response. She glanced between the two of them then before continuing, "What's on the agenda, boys? Or are we just standing here for a while?"

----[x]----

He strode down the hall again, taking another swig of his drink. That small group was strange, meek ones like a lot of the other people here. He was already forgetting what the short conversation was.

Jack blinked down at Kalista as she looped an arm around his arm again. He laughed a little, barely worrying about that. There was too much fun to be had. He wouldn't be passing out anytime soon.

"Oh, come on baby," he continued after a moment, "You wouldn't really do that to me, would you?"

He knew the answer was yes but there was no need to not tease her about it. Kalista was a sweet thing. She could also have a mean streak here and there as well. If she wanted to, she would leave him on the stairs in the blink of an eye.

"Besides, it's time to enjoy ourselves," he continued, lifting his arm to motion all around them, "When are we going to have another moment like this? I am going to live it up as best I can while it lasts!"

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Tue Jan 19, 2016 11:57 pm

Her hand at his back, attempting to ease away the coughing fit was a welcome one. It was a light, gentle touch, one that felt kind of warm. Or did he imagine that? Either way Vaughn spared her a grateful smile, dropping his hand back to his side.

"Well, just... don't go doing anything stupid, okay?" he answered, rubbing the back of his neck. He did worry about Trixie, even if she could handle herself. If anything ended up with her death on Helios it would be actively antagonizing the CEO of Hyperion.

Already she'd turned to tease Rhys, confirming Vaughn's suspicions. That, too, worried Vaughn too. Nothing good could come out of chasing down that woman, right? Jack seemed like a possessive type. Or maybe that was just the image he portrayed. Either way, Vaughn worried for what might happen to Rhys if he stepped on his idol's toes.

"C'mon, man, Handsome Jack's girlfriend? You couldn't pick anyone else?" Vaughn started. "Even if she is nice I don't imagine Handsome Jack will like it if you drool after her, Rhys."

At Trixie's question, well... Vaughn wasn't sure what to do now. Low-level as they were they weren't exactly sore thumbs here nor was anyone listening in on them.

----[x]----

Kalista more than expected the laugh she got in return for her little threat. Still, it was nice to see Jack in high spirits though the means to that were sometimes worrisome. That wasn't the topic now, however, best saved for a rainy day. There was no need to turn Jack's jests and bullying into something more violent because she'd brought up an unsavory topic during his celebration.

She tossed him a telling look in answer, a playful smile upon her lips. Oh, he knew well that she would leave him where he passed out. It'd happened once or twice already in their relationship.

"Well, I'd be having more fun if my boyfriend didn't stop running off without warning!" she pointed out, reaching out to pinch his arm. "So rude!"

Despite this she kept his arm in hers, his warmth a very pleasant thing. Picky though she might be as to who she received physical affection from--friendly or more--she loved it dearly. Jack's willingness to indulge in that more than made her day most times.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Wed Jan 20, 2016 12:22 am

She spared a smile at Vaughn, always worrying, always sweet. Those were rare traits but coming from Pandora, she was used to more people willing to stab most in the back if they had the chance.

"Someone has to," she finally said though, didn't say much other than that.

There attention turned to Rhys again. It was true that crossing Handsome Jack was a bad idea. Trixie had never quite liked Kalista being with Jack though. She didn't understand how anyone could be with that man.

"Alright, alright," Rhys started, raising his hands as if to ward off a lecture, "I won't do it again, I swear."

Trixie snorted in amusement before she started again, "Oh no, please do. It's actually kind of funny seeing you fall head over heels. It was like you just got slapped." She ignored the look that he shot her way, shrugging her shoulders lightly, "How about we just start with some food? Preferably some place with less of a party..."

----[x]----

She was quick to continue the jests. That's what he liked about her. Always willing to joke around, even at the worst of moments. That had helped in this hell of a trek. These days, finding reasons to be happy wasn't easy.

"Ohhh, so that's the problem," he started as if it weren't already obvious, "Now I'm just going to have to give you extra attention later."

Kalista enjoyed that time together. Of course, he wasn't shy about making it known either. Jack made sure that most knew she was his and no one was meant to get much further than friends. That was just how it was supposed to be.

"Lots of fun later," he continued lightly, "If you think you can handle it."

If anyone around them heard, it went ignored. People knew better than to cross him, his temper flaring up at a moments notice. He wasn't about to let anyone rain on his parade today.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Wed Jan 20, 2016 5:18 pm

Vaughn's frown deepened at her comment and he took to rubbing the back of his neck helplessly. "Yeah, well... I think Rhys has the stupid part down tonight, if we're being honest here," he pointed out eventually.

If it was any other woman on Helios it wouldn't be so worrisome, well, not as worrisome. Some of these women were just as fierce and deadly as most of the men, after all. But it wasn't just some other woman on Helios, it Handsome Jack's girlfriend and that alone was a huge red flag. The guy seemed quite intent on letting everyone know she was spoken for and to keep hands off from what Vaughn heard.

He wasn't sure about Trixie prompting Rhys to keep at it though. Was she joking or not? Sometimes it was hard to tell... Either way she promptly ignored the looks both he and Rhys shot her for her comments, though the looks were for varying reasons, Vaughn was sure.

"Food, right. Okay, that sounds like a plan. We'll probably run into Yvette that way too," Vaughn agreed. He offered a shrug, to show he didn't mind this plan. It at least meant they got a snack or even a full meal.

----[x]----

Jack was quick to promise rectifying that promise in a little while, his words slurred and rather broadcast. That wasn't surprising, he had a tendency to be pretty open anyways. Though a little embarrassing at first, Kalista had long since gotten used to it. Most of Helios seemed to as well, some sparing only passing glances while others ignored it entirely nowadays.

She chuckled, reaching across for his drink. If he relinquished it she planned on taking a sip or two, having abandoned her own awhile back to keep track of him in the crowds. So many people just wanted his attention, even if it was to bully them. It could be a little overwhelming keeping up sometimes.

"Oh, Jack, you wound me!" she feigned, pouting up at him for affect. "I can handle anything you throw at me!"

He wasn't exactly insatiable though his sex drive was rather high. Sometimes it amazed Kalista to the fact that they were still together after so long when he'd had to wait for that first night... Then again, he seemed quite proud of the fact that he'd done so. Or maybe that was her imagination.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Wed Jan 20, 2016 5:58 pm

Trixie shook her head. That seemed true enough and Jack was a possessive man but she wasn't going to tell Rhys not to pursue those feelings if he wanted to. Besides, Jack wasn't exactly expressing the healthiest relationship of the year.

Even so, Rhys chuckled nervously, as if in disbelief of those words and defended himself, "Come on guys, it's not like I actually flirted with her or anything!"

"Undressing with your eyes," Trixie said, starting off and missing whatever look was shot their way, "That's...not something your ECHO-eye can do, is it?"

"Oh my god, you're going to literally kill me, okay?"

She offered a chuckle before waving the words off. It was easy to tease these two, sometimes too easy. In terms of where she had gone on Pandora, she was rather tame in what she said. Even so, it still seemed to surprise both of them now and again.

"I'm just joking. Don't get your panties in a twist," she replied, "Now come on. Let's meet up with Yvette and eat something."

----[x]----

Her mood seemed to be in a high place right now, which was good. They both had their low points. Jack's mind was too hazy to focus on anything like that as of the moment. His simple enjoyment of bullying his employees was something he'd always enjoy.

He barely notice when she took the drink from his hand, taking a few sips herself. She didn't drink near as heavy, maybe taking it as her own personal goal to keep an eye on his own consumption.

Jack spared her a confident grin at those words. It wasn't like he didn't believe her. Both knew they had tried some things. That didn't mean he had to admit it, however.

"Oh, I'm sure you can," he expressed, a little lower now, perhaps slightly aware of where this talk was headed, "We'll have a lot of fun, don't worry about it, cupcake."

With that, his attention turned on someone else for a brief moment, heckling another meek looking man. All these people wanted to see him, even if they were originally people who had never spoken to him before.

He didn't question how that worked out. He was the hero, after all.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:26 pm

Vaughn shook his head at the banter--could it even be called that?--between Rhys and Trixie. She always seemed to like picking on them though it never seemed outright malicious. Still, this was a somewhat embarrassing topic and if it got back around to Handsome Jack... Well, Vaughn worried about that possibility. Peeking around them it seemed no one was paying them any mind, too into the festivity to do so. That was a relief.

A groan left him at the thought of Rhys doing anything untoward like Trixie implied with that ECHO-eye, running a hand over his face. He really, really hoped Rhys didn't do that sort of thing. For his buddy's part, Vaughn thought the best of Rhys on that matter.

"Yeah, yeah, let's go get something to eat before this topic gets worse, please," Vaughn answered, starting off for where food would be. That would be the most likely spot to find Yvette anyways.

It would be a relaxing time for them all for awhile, at least. Most people didn't fuss with them except for Vasquez though he was mercifully absent around them. Vaughn was grateful for that, eager to take the day in stride here on out. Besides, Trixie was sticking around longer than usual, despite the crowds, so maybe that was a good thing? Vaughn did admit to being interested in her as a person and she was kinda cute...

Even so, Vaughn didn't act on that now. He wasn't even sure he could ever be brave enough to do it either. Just spending time with his friends was enough, with no one trying to stab them in the back to get their positions on the Hyperion ladder.

----[x]----

It was a little astonishing that Jack didn't reach for his drink back though Kalista counted her blessings. At the rate he was going he'd be passed out before he'd make due on those promises of his and that wasn't any good! As such she kept hold of his current drink, taking it as her own now. It wasn't like he was in need of another anytime soon anyways.

The way his voice lowered, words meant for her ears alone, caused a pleasurable shiver to run down her spine. She met his grin with one of her own, her face already flushed pink at the thoughts that crossed her mind. Jack could be rather inventive sometimes after all...

"Mmm good. You best be keeping me up for a long while tonight, Jack," she murmured, leaning in to kiss his jawline briefly.

The moment was a small one, there and gone again in the midst of the partying. Kalista didn't mind so much now that she was well informed on what Jack intended for the evening. He could go bullying his employees all he wanted, bragging about his trials and tribulations along the way, so long as he made do on those promises. For the time she merely followed, keeping an eye on him to keep him out of a bit of trouble. He might be CEO but that didn't mean he couldn't step on the wrong toes or pass out in the wrong place, after all.

It wouldn't be until some time later that she stuffed her hands into her pockets, the crumpling of paper reminding her of a gift or two for Trixie.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:20 pm

The evening was there and gone. Trixie stuck around for a while, far longer than she was normally comfortable with, before she had headed back to her quarters for sleep. She decided against the pain killers, well aware she needed to be up the next morning.

Still, that didn't mean sleep came easy without them. It was a pain and she was often left less of a 'morning person' when it happened.

Now back to work, the aftermath of the party being cleared up, Trixie idle kicked the machine she was working on. Most days, it all gave her too much to ponder. What was worse, she was hearing whispers of Jack's success and what was actually behind it. There was no good news in that, none for Pandora.

Trixie heaved a sigh, tinkering with the mechanical work again. Her heart wasn't into this, it never was. What was the point of doing this when she found no real enjoyment in it all? She had to find a way off this space station.

"God, I hate my life right about now," she muttered to herself, shaking her head in the process. There really were no real happy endings, not for many involved with this place or down on Pandora.

----[x]----

The night spent partying was a good pull from the normal stresses of work. From here on out, things would get easier for Jack. He knew it would. Being hailed as a hero, knowing that no one could touch him, this was his ultimate dream come true.

As it should have been long ago.

The evening went on but it was eventually Kalista that dragged him away for a more private affair. Their nights spent together were often good ones, actually leaving Jack happy at the end of it.

They left all too soon, however, as he would be up and ready for a new day. From what he had heard, no one on Pandora had made strides yet. He wasn't worried. It would take more than a small army to defeat Jack now. Even so, he gazed down at the plant, arms crossed over his chest.

"It's only a matter of time now," he mused out loud, "Pretty soon, all those bandits will be gone and I can actually make some use out of that place. Order will bring in some good."

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:44 pm

With his glasses Vaughn was free to roam the halls and deal with his work as necessary. This left him freed up to follow Rhys around, Yvette at her own office for the time being. There was always work but it could always be done on the way to and fro, that was something people learned quickly here. At least, for jobs like Rhys' and Vaughn's anyways.

They were off to see Trixie at least and they were nearing her work station already. Despite any noise in this area of Helios they listened for her. Sometimes they could hear her talking to herself or her robots she worked on, pinpointing her current project. Now they weren't so lucky, having to glance around more thoroughly for her.

"Oh, there she is!" Vaughn stated, gesturing to her. He was already heading to her side before Rhys saw her too, just in time to hear her muttering something or other. "Hey, what've you got there today, Trixie?"

He stood a somewhat safe distance from her workbench, in case of any wayward sparks or haywire wiring. He'd rather not get injured today if he could help it. They'd learned their lesson on that quickly enough.

Vaughn waited to see what Trixie might say now, fussing with his glasses as he did so. She very well looked irritated and he hoped she wasn't going to go taking it out on them. Sometimes her teasing was pretty relentless when she got like this, probably a way to vent. At least, he guessed that might be the reason.

----[x]----

The night had been rather enjoyable, all the more so when she'd managed to coax Jack away from the rest of Helios. If anyone had looked for either of them Kalista was sure any of the noises they might have heard from his office would have wisely deterred them. Or perhaps everyone had just enjoyed themselves around Helios while they had the chance to relax without penalty.

Now, however, Jack had taken up position at the expansive window, gazing down at Pandora. The crack which all but leaked unrefined Eridian glowed a deep purple, reaching out to the sea of stars in elongated tendrils. Kalista moved to his side, staring down at that place. It looked so much more beautiful and peaceful from a distance like this than it really was...

"Just remember there are still people down there just trying to get by," she reminded. Even so, Kalista wasn't sure he cared anymore, not after Elpis' events anyways. She turned to him then, reaching out to rub his back.

It was quiet for a time then, Jack's thoughts a mystery to her though she might guess what they could be. He was a pretty single-track minded type of guy when it came down to it. Crafty and ambitious yes, but his goals and wants were always fairly obvious if you knew him well enough. Letting her hand fall to her side she gestured to the doorway of his office then.

"Oh! Jack, do you need me around for the moment? I have something to drop off to Trixie today," she said.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:56 pm

She barely lifted her gaze even as she heard voices call out to her. Turning her head for a moment could result in injury or worse. At least the two had learned to stand a little away so they didn't get hurt.

For a moment, she debated on answering sarcastically or even flat out telling them she was trying to blow up the space station. It was a thought that had crossed her mind frequently but it wasn't as if she wanted to go down with it...

"Whatever they want me to push through today," she finally answered, "Not that I really like it."

"Sounds like you're having a blast," Rhys joked in answer, motioning toward her.

"If I was building a robot of my own accord, I would be," she told him, barely sparing a glance, "But that right has more or less been confiscated. So I get to work on these."

If she had had the access at the time, she would have remade her tech and used it as a weapon to get out. Handsome Jack had figured that out right away. She barely had access to what she needed much less what she wanted to build.

"What are you two up to?" she decided to ask instead, steering the conversation elsewhere.

----[x]----

Her voice rang out but otherwise went unnoticed for the time being. Jack had his goals and wants. If no one survived on Pandora, he found he could care less. They were all bandit trash in his book, whether others thought that way or not.

Even so, he knew that she worried about these things. Mind as well reassure her that he'd do right. That wasn't his plan but she didn't need to know that.

"Don't worry, cupcake," he waved her off easily, "Those people won't have to suffer. I'll make sure they're alright."

He was lying through his teeth but she didn't need to know that much. Really, if the Warrior wiped everyone out, it would be for the better.

The thought was there and gone in an instant as she asked for something else. Trixie? That bandit mechanic that he'd pushed in her for the giggles?

"What are you wasting your time on her for?" he asked a moment after, "I guess there's nothing I need you for but just don't hang around her too much. No need to start thinking like bandits, now."

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Thu Jan 21, 2016 2:12 pm

Vaughn pushed his glasses up his nose, something to fuss with more than the fact that they might've slipped out of place. He wasn't sure what to do when Trixie went on about these things. It wasn't like either of them had enough sway around here, or really much at all, to get her the ability to work on her own stuff to make her happier. If he could, Vaughn would've but accountants had no sway on those matters anyways, no matter how good they were how how high on the hierarchy they were.

"I'm sorry to hear that," he muttered, fussing with his hands as he did. Part of him half-expected her to snap at him or something for his comment even if she wasn't like what he'd heard about the typical Pandoran.

Soon enough she was asking about their agenda today. That, Vaughn found with relief, was something he could answer with confidence! Funny, it had been a long time since Vaughn really wanted to appear confident around a woman... He didn't dwell on that for now.

"We pretty much just came to visit you right now," he told her. "Yvette had a lot of work piled up on her so she's busy right now."

----[x]----

It didn't escape her notice that he didn't answer right away. That was worrying, even if she tried to write it off as Jack being lost in thought for that moment. The way he'd spoken worried her too... She stepped around in front of him, in order to draw Jack's attention more fully to her rather than Pandora.

"Just don't forget, heroes show mercy," she reminded, a bit of a gambit to appeal to hero complex. Even so, Kalista wasn't sure if that would even work anymore...

Nonetheless, she tried to put it out of her mind for the moment. Jack had a habit of just doing what he wanted anyways, despite what anyone else might think or want him to avoid doing. It could be frustrating at times. Instead she changed the topic, drawing Jack's attention more fully to her in those moments.

She rolled her eyes, and waved a dismissive hand at his concern. She wasn't about to go blowing things up and shooting down anyone in her way like bandits and psychos liked to do. Really, Jack was worrying for nothing.

"Nah, Trixie's cool. Besides, you really should try to make your employees happier, Jackie! Happy employees, or ones with incentives to gain, tend to be harder workers, you know," she teasingly lectured. She sometimes wondered if he'd forgotten that basic prompting. "I'll be back in a bit, Jack!"

With that she started off, knowing just where to find Trixie.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Thu Jan 21, 2016 3:08 pm

If she had let them in a little more, given either any incentive to understand what had happened back on Pandora and why she was here now, well, maybe they wouldn't sound so down when they spoke. It wasn't as if she wanted to try. It was simply, by principle, she had difficulty trusting anyone in this place, even friends.

Given all that had happened, she felt she couldn't be blamed. Trixie couldn't mention such things, however.

"I'll get off this space station one day," she commented offhandedly, "It'll be better after that."

"What? come on now, we're all climbing to the top, remember?" Rhys argued easily. Trixie knew this would be a conversation for another day.

"I'll think about it," was her simple response.

She jerked her hand back as something sparked, lighting up the area just briefly before disappearing. A shake of her head followed. How did this place even get by?

"That sounds about right, though," Trixie finally answered Vaughn's words, "I think we've all been under that pile of work at some point or another. I don't know how she manages. It'd drive me nuts."

If they had nothing more to do, she saw no reason to shoo them away. They kept a healthy distance which was probably for the best after this thing sparked. Out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn she saw them flinch.

"Take a seat somewhere, though. Unless you're particularly brave and want to learn about this stuff. It only sparked once, I'll try not to let it happen again." she brought up off handedly.

"Yea that's...great, I'm sure, but I'd rather not get too close if a spark decides to, I don't know, fly in the wrong direction. It'll probably fry my equipment faster than anything else."

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Thu Jan 21, 2016 3:39 pm

Vaughn was hopeful that Trixie would agree to join he, Rhys and Yvette on the climb to the top. He'd even taken to smiling broadly and flashing her a pair of thumbs up in agreement only to be disappointed overall. She'd brushed it aside quickly, not even bothering to look up at them. Vaughn sighed at that.

As such, he sat back silently, a little put off. Was anything else they going to say going to be shot down too? Vaughn hoped not but he expected it now.

Finding a spot to sit was a little difficult to do, though he managed somehow, while Trixie and Rhys talked. There were a few seats around but for the most part they were filled with varying parts or equipment. He wasn't sure Trixie would like it if she took to moving her things around. Still, he found a seat to take up, still able to hear her easily and yet still remain out of reach of those sparks if they happened again.

"Yeah, let's not have to run repairs on you next," Vaughn agreed, rubbing his neck briefly. That cyber arm was a great tool but it took a lot of maintenance sometimes. If that went bust they'd be set back pretty dang heavily in their climb to the top.

It grew quiet then as Vaughn glanced around. All this mechanic stuff was never his forté and it made him a little wary to think anything could happen to blow them all up if something went wrong. That kept him shuffling in his seat, warily, half wondering if he should have even sat down to begin with. Still, he trusted Trixie to know what she was doing.

Still, it seemed she grew engrossed in her work pretty quickly, despite Rhys and Vaughn being there. At one point, Vaughn remembered glancing up and shrugging at Rhys, unsure if Trixie was even going to pitch into a conversation further. Still, they sat there for minutes on end, talking amongst themselves. Most of it was just plans for what would come when they finally reached the top, and Trixie noticeably remained silent.

That was, until another voice rang out.

"Trixie, you free for a minute?"

Vaughn blinked, turning to see Handsome Jack's girlfriend heading towards them. She had some crumpled papers in her hand and though she was heading right for Trixie she spared a moment to smile at he and Rhys.

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Thu Jan 21, 2016 5:31 pm

"I can make it better," Trixie had pitched in after Vaughn had spoken about Rhys' arm, "Hyperion tech might be advance but it doesn't scratch the surface of how much potential something could have."

She grew quiet after, engrossed in her work. This was a normal routine and she couldn't afford to be distracted by anything. This thing had already sparked once, she didn't need to electrocute herself.

While she normally didn't much care for others thoughts, there was some amount of hope that they weren't taking this the wrong way. With an audience, she didn't need them hurt either.

Trixie was drawn out of her thoughts as a new voice rang out. Kalista was joining them now, not at all too much of a rarity. This time, it seemed she needed something.

"I don't know," Trixie started in a joking tone, "I won't be killed for sparing some time, will I?"

Even if there was truth in those words, it was still a mere joke. Kalista would get that, she always did.

"I think I have the time, unless you boys need me?"

Like a deer caught in headlights, Rhys suddenly shook his head vigorously. It seemed like he was head over heels for this woman but trying to go after her would no doubt be spelling his death. Regardless, she left that be and started out with Kalista, wondering what she needed.

The situation with Trixie was difficult. He remembered the first time scanning her for information and a lot of what he found was pretty grim. Looking into it further, he knew that her disposition was just. Even so, she had a hard time. Rhys just tried to tolerate it as best as he could.

He shook the thought out of his mind as he focused on the conversation or what little conversation there was. Trixie was engrossed in her work, probably for good reason.

It was when a voice rang out did she lift her head, cracking a quick joke. Rhys' heart seemed to jump into his throat however. It could have been anyone else but it wasn't. Jack's girlfriend...again.

He could have sworn that he was starting to sweat right then and there. A nervous smile graced his lips as his heart hammered hard against his chest. Rhys provided a wave in greeting but nothing more.

It wasn't until the two walked away did he noticed Vaughn looking at him. Rhys cleared his throat, trying to cool off. This was really getting awkward.

"What?" he asked, making some attempt to act like it was nothing, "What? I didn't...Okay, so I did. This isn't easy, you know? I don't know why I'm having...weird feeling going on here!"

Subject: Re: |Borderlands| Alone Together |1-on-1 RP| Thu Jan 21, 2016 5:46 pm

The joke wasn't anything new and though it held some truth to it, Kalista waved it away. Jack definitely kept Trixie on a tight lease, having her for his own amusement. Still, he saw her as a bandit and nothing more, despite what few bandit qualities Trixie actually possessed.

"Not at all! I already told Jack I was going to be pulling you away for a bit so if he throws a fit he can throw it at me," she answered easily, lightly even.

Kalista waited the moment it took for Trixie to ask if the two men needed anything. It was kind of bewildering as to why the taller one looked like he was caught in headlights like that, though she didn't dwell on it. Already Trixie was stepping away from her work and Kalista followed, even if it was just to a few feet away.

She held out the crumpled schematics in her hand, a proud look in her eye. It hadn't been easy wresting these away from those Hodunks after all. Still, Trixie didn't need to know that.

"I have come to you bearing gifts!" she announced. Even so, as Trixie reached for them Kalista pulled them back out of her reach momentarily, her smile fading in place of a budding pout. "Just don't go trying to blow up my boyfriend with them. Again. Please?"

It didn't take long at all before Rhys was drooling over her again. Vaughn shot him a look, maintaining it long after Trixie and led her away, leaving the two alone for the moment. It was only then that Rhys caught sight of it, quickly attempting to defend himself. It didn't exactly go well.

"Rhys, 'cmon, man! I don't want to see you shot out an airlock for this," Vaughn hissed in a whisper. "Just... play it cool or something, I don't know! Just don't make it so obvious..."

It was clear that Rhys couldn't help it but that didn't mean Vaughn worried less. If anything, he worried more about it. If Rhys couldn't help it, what would he do later? Act on those feelings? Something like that could spell his death at Handsome Jack's hands. Christ, the thought made Vaughn's head spin and his heart hammer in his chest. He couldn't lose his best friend like that!

What more could he say about that? Vaughn didn't know, nor did he think anything would help or deter Rhys here.

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