[IC] Fateful Convergence

[Vocalia]

Hayley was somewhat surprised to see Isaac suddenly change his mind. She had expected him to stay firm with his conviction and make some attempt to preserve his ego after declining her offer. Instead, not only did he openly choose to change his mind, he had also remained mindful of what she had to say on the matter. In a way, she found his honesty admirable, to a certain extent.

Eh, why not? I guess that's what a human brain is for. At least he's using it to think, she thought with a bemused chuckle. "Well, that was quick. Follow me then." Now with her guest for the night in tow, she led him to a different road after making a right turn on the intersection and, after several minutes of brisk walking, she arrived at a small, somewhat cluttered apartment complex. A short hike up three floors and she finally stopped in front of one of the many rooms the complex had. Rummaging her jacket for the key, she pulled the clinking item out with a soft hum, opened the door and turned on the lights.

[Daxam]

Isaac followed Hayley, surprised to find himself relieved that she had decided to let him stay with her, like she suggested. Eventually, they came to an apartment complex and ascended to the third floor, where they entered a two-bedroom apartment. Hearing Hayley say that they could sleep in the spare room, Vincent lets out an anguished cry as Isaac smiles and says, "Alright, thanks."

Stepping into the apartment, he can't help but glance around the room, an instinctive reaction to being in a new setting, as if his senses were honed to spot the slightest danger. Looking into the kitchen, feeling as if he should do something to pay his new friend back, Isaac turns to Hayley and says, "If you're hungry, I could probably make something for us to eat. As far as I know, I'm a decent cook." The truth is, he only has a vague notion that he has at least a basic understanding of how to operate the stove, but it doesn't stop him from wanting to return her kindness.

[Vocalia]

Hayley seemed rather keen on Isaac's idea, as sudden as it sounded to her. "Sure, as long as you don't burn the kitchen down," she replied with a mild shrug and closed the door behind her before taking her shoes off and putting them away. Stretching her rather toned and muscular arms, she gestured towards the fridge and said, "Haven't checked what's inside, but feel free to grab whatever you like." With that, she made her way into her bedroom, grabbed some spare pajamas and towel, then headed into the bathroom to clean herself. With all the things she did that day, a good, cold shower seemed long overdue.

[Daxam]

Isaac couldn't help but watch Hayley stretch, his cheeks coloring the moment he found himself staring. As she went into her bedroom, Isaac stayed in the kitchen, where he opened the refrigerator. After pulling out a few different ingredients, he shuts the door, sets everything on the counter, preps the stove and pot, then proceeds to begin cutting up meat and vegetables. As he works, Vincent says, So, what do you think of this Hayley chick? Missing his meaning, Isaac replies, She seems pretty nice.

'She seems pretty nice,' Vincent replies with a chuckle. I noticed how you were looking at her. That's not all you think, is it? Feeling his cheeks color, he ignores Vincent as he continues cooking. Soon, after a little bit of searching, he pulls out a couple of bowls, forks, and spoons, then fills the bowls with decent servings of his beef stew. Walking over to the bathroom door, he knocks and says, "Hey, dinner's ready."

[Vocalia]

"Comin'! Gimme five," Hayley shouted from behind the bathroom door just as the sound of running water faded away. After the five minutes were up, Hayley emerged from the bathroom, with her short, blonde hair damp, dressed in black pajamas. "Hmm... Smells nice," she mused as she sniffed the scent around the kitchen and sat down on one of the chairs, smiling as she saw the steam coming out of the bowls of beef stew. "I forgot when's the last time I've had someone cook for me. It's kinda nice every now and then since I can't afford to eat out all the time."

[Daxam]

While he waited, Isaac sat down in the kitchen, watching the steam rise from his bowl. Soon enough, Hayley appeared, sitting down next to him. Smiling as he sees her smile upon seeing the stew, he picks up a spoonful of stew and tries it, smiling once the taste hits his tongue. Glad I wasn't lying on accident, he thinks as he takes another bite. After a few minutes of silence, he looks over at the blonde sitting next to him and asks, "So, what do you do? As far as a job, I mean."

[Vocalia]

"I fight for a living, for the most part. That's what I do," Hayley replied in the same nonchalant tone as she took a spoonful of stew and gave it a go, murmuring how tasty it was with a good measure of pleasant surprise. While savoring the flavor of her dinner, she turned back to the topic at hand and said, "I'm actually part of an underground fighting ring. I get paid to beat the snot out of other people. Pay's not too bad, but I gotta watch out for those big fat cops. I do other side jobs when business is lax, but they don't pay as much, money-wise and excitement-wise." As if the dangerous, illegal activity wasn't something to be surprised of, the blonde cast her glance on him and asked, "What about you? How do you get by without your memories? This city is quite merciless, y'know."

[Daxam]

Hearing Hayley say that she was an underground fighter, Isaac finds it difficult to believe otherwise. She definitely had the physique of a fighter. With a temper to match, he thinks, recalling the three men she sent scampering away earlier that evening. Looking back at his stew as she asks about what he did, Isaac shrugs and says, "I don't really have a job, as far as I can remember. Lately, I've just been asking for loose change and doing odd jobs for people for food. There's a diner I go to every once in awhile, where I get cheap meals, since the owners like me. Ever since I lost my memory, they've even given me some cooking tips. All in all, it's really not that bad." Easy for you to say, Vincent complains. You're not the one confined inside this hovel you call a head!

[Vocalia]

"That's nice. At least there are people out there helpin' you out." With a sympathetic smile, Hayley grabbed another spoonful and stuffed her mouth, taking her time to savor the flavor before letting the food go down. "I've been surviving alone for as long as I can remember and fighting's the only thing I can confidently do. It's either that or whoring around. Women hardly stand a chance out here if they're not as tough as nails." The blonde briskly stood up and pulled out two glasses, filling both with cold water, for each of them on the table. "Are you sure you're still keen on spending the night with me, given what I've just told ya?" she asked, giving him a curious gaze as she sat back down on her chair.

[Daxam]

The spoon hanging from his mouth, Isaac chuckles at Hayely's question. Pulling it out, only to scoop up more stew, he says, "I don't mind, actually. Believe it or not, I know someone who would love to be in your position, having to fight for a living." You're talking about me, right? Vincent asks. Sighing, Isaac replies, Yes, I'm talking about you. Who else do I know besides you, Hayley, and that couple who owns the diner? The next few minutes pass by in silence as Isaac finishes his stew. Setting his spoon in his empty bowl, he turns back to Hayley and asks, "Hey, would you mind if I used your shower? Unfortunately, it's been awhile and I just wanna get all of the grit and whatnot washed away."

[Vocalia]

With a quiet nod, she gestured to the door and replied, "Help yourself. I can tell you really need a good shower or two. If you need to give that black mop a wash, just use the shampoo." Letting Isaac did what he had to do, she took a final scoop from her bowl and stared at the empty container.

He's interesting. I'll give him that, she thought to herself, but then recalled what he said and asked herself, Still, who is this guy he's talking about? If this guy's just as manic as I am when it comes to ass kicking, then I might have a competition in my hands. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as they parted into an expectant smirk. Funny. I'm actually looking forward to meeting the guy someday.

[Daxam]

Isaac smiles and thanks Hayley before he disappears into the bathroom, the door shutting behind him with a soft click. Pulling off his overcoat and the one-sleeved shirt underneath, Isaac looks into the mirror at the numerous scars criss-crossing across his body, most of them he doesn't even remember obtaining. What's more, there are the strange markings on his right arm. Looking at them, as well as the scars, he can't help but wonder, Who am I? Why can't I remember anything? For once, not having anything to say, Vincent stays silent. Sighing, Isaac finishes stripping down before he steps into the shower. Fifteen minutes later, he steps out of the bathroom, dressed in his shirt and jeans with his overcoat thrown over his shoulder, feeling more refreshed than ever. "Thanks again for letting me use your shower," he says, loud enough for Hayley to hear, just in case she was in her room.

[Vocalia]

Hayley had taken the time to retreat to her bedroom and sat on her bed to relax, but kept the door open in case Isaac needed anything. As he came out refreshed and clean, she finally took notice of his physical finesse. He's not too shabby... He would fit nicely if he ever decide to get down in the ring, but what's with his arm? The blonde paid a particular attention to his right arm and saw the strange markings adorning the entire limb. That is one, bizarre tattoo design, but they're not that bad...

She snapped back to reality when she heard him call her out. "Oh? No problem!" she replied and hopped back onto the floor. "Unfortunately, I've got no spare clothes I can give ya so you gotta sleep with what you have." Picking a spare blanket and pillow from the cupboard in her bedroom, she walked out and smiled as she looked at him. "Here. They're not much, but I hope they're useful."

[Daxam]

Isaac smiles back at Hayley as she hands him the blanket and pillow. "Don't worry about it," he says as Vincent pesters him to convince her to let him sleep in her room. Ignoring the annoyance, Isaac hangs up his overcoat, then turns back to Hayley, adding, "You've shown me enough kindness. Honestly, I'd be happy with sleeping on the floor after everything you've done for me!"

After a brief chuckle, he stands there, shifting his gaze from one place to another nervously, unsure of what more to say, if there was anymore to be said. Eventually, after what seemed like an agonizing eternity, he says, "Well, uh...I guess I'll go get some sleep, now. I'll talk to you in the morning." After a brief, friendly nod, he turns to the room Hayley had indicated as his room and opens the door before disappearing inside. However, before he shuts the door, he looks back at her and says once more, "Thanks again. For everything."

[Vocalia]

Silently watching Isaac disappear behind the door, Hayley smiled and, before departing for her own room, replied, "No worries. Rest well." Finally shutting the door to her bedroom, she yawned and threw herself onto the bed, propping herself up for a good sleep. She gazed at the wall beside her, knowing that Isaac was now sleeping in the room next to hers. Her mind flew back again to the moment they first met and a small smile creased her relaxed face. While she was uncertain about how things would go from now on, she was prepared for things to come.

Yup, it's worth it, Hayley thought as she closed her eyes, curled up and allowed her consciousness to drift into the quiet night.

[Daxam]

Meanwhile, Isaac was quietly groaning from the headache Vincent was giving him as he complained about everything that Isaac seemingly did wrong. Example: When she asked if you wanted to stay the night, you should've said yes right away and demanded that you share a bed! Women like men who know right away what the want, not that timid shit that you pulled! Sighing, Isaac does his best to ignore Vincent as he begins critiquing his stew. Rolling onto his side, he stares at the wall, unaware of Hayley doing the same exact thing just on the other side. As he stares at the wall, Vincent's voice grows fainter as sleep begins to take it's hold on him. As he falls asleep, he can't help but smile as he thinks, Today was really a good day, as surprising as that is.

[Vocalia]

After a long, quiet night, Hayley woke up to the sound of ravens huddling outside, cawing and scavenging like they normally did. The sun had barely appeared from beneath the horizon, but already she was up and about. Stretching her limbs and body, Hayley glanced out and saw the flock of black birds outside the apartment complex. While most women were not fond of ravens, the blonde had a soft spot for the misunderstood avian. After a brief moment of silence, she hopped off the bed and put her mind into high gear. Heading out of the room, she yawned and immediately headed into the bathroom under a habitual reflex as she tried to wash off any remaining drowsiness off her.

[Daxam]

Moments later, Isaac wakes up to the sound of ravens crowing outside his window, as well as Vincent pestering him for food. Eventually, after a literal internal battle, he sits up, muttering, "Alright, alright, I'm moving..." Yawning, he rises to his feet and stretches. Sometime over the course of the night, he had taken his shirt off, having grown warm enough that it disturbed his sleep. Picking up the shirt, he trudges out of his borrowed room, barely even realizing that he was still in Hayley's apartment, and, under Vincent's influence, walks into the kitchen, hoping to find something to eat.

[Vocalia]

Just as Isaac moved to open the fridge, Hayley came out of the bathroom and took notice of her half-naked guest rummaging for food. She wasn't as surprised to see Isaac's bare torso as she was to see the number of scars criss-crossing across his body. What sort of clusterfuck has this guy been involved in in the past? she asked herself in disbelief, but then quickly cleared her mind and said to him, "Looks like you've slept well. If you're hungry, I can make you something to eat."

[Daxam]

Isaac's head was in the fridge and the last thing he expected was Hayley's voice, evident in the way his head slams against the top of the inside of the fridge out of surprise. Pulling his head out, his face beet-red, he says, "Ah, I-I'm sorry, I forgot that I was a guest! I should've asked if I could look around!" He then looks down at his naked torso and holds his shirt up, as if he were unforgivably indecent while Vincent laughed uproariously in his head. Dude, you're too fucking hilarious, you know that?! he cries, making Isaac's face redden even further.