[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *The buzzer sounds throughout the apartment just after dinner on Monday night.*
[Maija] She’s in the kitchen washing the dishes. Not many of them since Wahya hasn’t been around for a few days- but he hasn’t been hanging around much since that whole freak out over a kiss on the cheek. Heaven forbid she should have laid a liplock on him…
Monkey skin. gross. Whatever.
She turns toward the door when it buzzes, grabs a towel and dries her hands off as she crosses the apartment to the door where the intercom is hung on the wall. “Yeah?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *The voice crackles over the intercom.* “Hey Maija it’s Marcus. Just came by to see how you’re doin’. You care if I come up?”
[Maija] There’s a pause, just the slight hesitation that he’s got to be used too by now. “Yeah, alright.”
The door buzzes, long enough for him to grab and open it, and then she goes about unlocking the locks on the door to her apartment. All four of them. Then she nudges the door open and watches him come up the stairs.
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *Marcus comes upstairs and he’s dressed in his work clothes, sweat stained shirt, faded blue jeans, and tan work boots. He’s clean shaved, and his hair is short. He smiles a bit.* “Hey Maija. How is everything going for you?”
[Maija] “same shit different day.” There’s a slight curl of her lips, the briefest of smirks, before she nods into the apartment. “Come on in.”
She leads the way, letting him close and lock the door behind her. It isn’t comfortable having him at her back -having anyone at her back – so she traverses the hallway as quickly as she can and still make it look normal. Her feet make no noise, encased in thick socks, as they are. Otherwise, she’s dressed as he saw her before – an old pair of boxers that barely cling to her hips, and a tank top that shows just has thin she really is. The towel she dried her hands on is slung over her shoulder.
“Wanna beer? Tea?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He shuts and locks the door.* “Some tea would be great thanks.” *He heads into the living room and says.* “So has Wahya been by recently?”
[Maija] The kitchen is on the other side of the small apartment, and she heads striaght there. She grabs a beer for herself, and pours a glass of iced tea for him. As she hands it to him, she lifts a shoulder into a shrug.
“Ain’t seen him. Last I heard he was goin to some powwow of yers, an’ I ain’t seen him since. Why, ya spyin on me agian?”
That almost sounded like a tease. Almost.
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He smiled.* “Ah the moot. Yes I saw him there. He spoke of you.” *He takes the tea from her.* “Thank you. In fact that is one of the reasons I’ve come here to speak with you today. Do you mind if we have a seat?” *He says in a calm voice, but still serious. He doesn’t seem like the unsure, slightly awkward teenager he was when she first met him.*
[Maija] She narrows her gaze, slightly and looks at him, dark eyes studying him for a long moment. “He did, did’e? The fuck ya’ll tellin all them fuckers anythin’ bout me for?”
She nods to the living room, and moves to ‘her’ corner on the couch, stepping up onto the seat before folding down to sit crisscross applesauce (Indian style for those still rockin it old school) and pulling the blanket on the arm over her legs. She uncaps her beer, and takes a long swallow. “Make yaself at home. “
They always do anyway, right?
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He takes a seat on the couch, and says.* “Well the Garou know you’re here, and what tribe you are. It’s not a question of relating new information. The reason your name came up is Wahya tried to claim you as Uktena, and there is another Bone Gnawer in town. The only one. Winston, Barks Secrets I think his name is. At any rate he has put in a claim for you as your guardian, and being he is the only Bone Gnawer that does give him standing to do so. I was curious if he’s been by to visit you yet?”
[Maija] Blink. “Wahya tried t’claim me? He said he ain’t….” she trails off. That was kind of a suckish night, wasn’t it. “He always said he ain’t able t’keep me cuz I ain’t Ukki like him.”
She is uncomfortable being talked about in meetings with a bunch of Garou. That much is clear – Marcus knows her well enough to know just how much that sets her on edge. She picks at the label on her beer as she listens…
“Ain’t met no Winston – he ain’t come here. Who t’fuck tole him where I done lived?! Ain’t want t’be claimed by anyone, neither, as ya know… I know what happens when that shit goes down…”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He holds up a hand.* “I understand how you feel on the matter. There was a lot of claiming kin at the last moot, people establishing responsibilities, and what have you. It’s not the same as ownership, and yes if Wahya had been able to claim you as Uktena in the eyes of the Garou Nation you’d be Uktena.” *He takes a sip of tea.* “However if Winston does not convince you that you should be a Bone Gnawer. If he does not look after you then I will challenge for you at the next moot and you will be Get of Fenris. If that’s what you want.”
[Maija] “Why ain’t I able t’be just Maija? Without a fuckin lable an’ some Garou comin around t’beat submission outa me for some shit or another?!”
There’s frustration in her voice that runs deep. He doesn’t know exactly what happened to her, but has guessed. Wahya finally understands that it’s not that she’s weak or afraid all the time, but that she’s been broken in more ways than just physical. He finally started to see it – and she had trusted him with that. But she ain’t his..
“…ya could do that? An’ why ain’t Wahya able t’do it then? What’s the difference?” Curiosity, mostly, with hurt underlying it. She doesn’t understand why Wahya would give up on her so easily. “an’ then if ya challenged for my skinny ass, what’s t’catch? An’ aint’ I a fuckin’ bone gnawer cuz of birth? What th’fuck choice do I got in any of it?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He listens to her.* “You can just be Maija. That’s what I want for you to be. I don’t want to beat you into submission. I don’t wanna beat you at all.”
*He runs a hand through his hair.* “I can’t answer for Wahya. Perhaps he will challenge for you, perhaps not. But I stated in front the sept if Winston does not come to see you, if he does not step up and fulfill the obligation he was so quick to seize on then I will. If you are under my care I will treat you as family. You can live your life, and build something for yourself.”
[Maija] She watches her fingers pick at the label on the bottle in her lap. She doesn’t answer for a long time. “Wahya ain’t want me. I ain’t see why you would. From what I know a t’Get, ya ain’t want no broked up fucked up Kin like me anyways.”
A pause. “Ya already done left once. What happens if ya decided ya ain’t want t’have t’ worry bout me no more… then ya take off an’ I’m left in shit again…”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *Marcus raises an eyebrow.* “I never left you. I’ve always been right here in Chicago. You seemed to be frightened around me so I gave you your space. I didn’t want to cause you anymore discomfort then you were already feeling.” *He says in a calm voice.*
[Maija] “Then how’d I end up in ya room at t’hood, hm?”
Because he left. Then came back. She knows it. but she waves it off. “ain’t matter none. An it ain’t…” her brow furrows, and she shove her hand back through her hair, and looks over toward the book case, not looking at him for a long moment…
“It ain’t you. Ya know? It ain’t jus’ you. An’ it ain’t nothin personal, ya know? It’s jus.. I know what I done left, an’ here, it’s jus’ like waitin for th’other shoe t’fall…”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods and remembers.* “Ahhh. Alright . I moved out of the Brotherhood. I was living with a kinfolk of my tribe. She left, and I was on my way out of town, but I decided to come back. I don’t have another home to call other then Chicago now.”
*He pauses.* “I’m sorry if I caused you any pain. I’ve made a lot of mistakes since I’ve been here. And I will try to make it up to you. But you are doing well. You are building a life for yourself but you are also kinfolk. For better or worse it is the way of things.”
[Maija] She waves it away, and then glances at him, again. “ya ain’t done nothin wrong. Not t’me anyway. Figured ya was fuckin’ more scared a’me than I was o’what yeh kin do, anyway.”
A skinny shoulder lifts in a shrug, and she lifts her bottle for a long swallow. “Yeah. For better o’worse, if any of ya wanna beat m’face in, y’kin an I can’t stop ya. Never could. S’why I left… an since I done come here? Everyone fuckin’ leaves before they kin get close. Ryan goes an’ gits killt, ya left an’ ya come back, Will up an disappears, Wayha ain’t gonna stick…” she pauses, and then with a sigh. “ya begin t’wonder why ya even try, ya know? If my bein kin is the way o’things an’ so fuckin wonderful, why is it I ain’t got no one at th’end of th’day?”
….as much as she’s had to isolate herself… for her own protection, one thing is clear. She’s fuckin’ lonely.
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] ((paused))
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He listens to her speak, not getting upset or contradicting her, just listening.* “I’m not sure what to say on any of that. I’m sure your live growing up was very different from mine. Living isn’t easy, and being in the world of the Garou just makes things more difficult not less. But it is who we are. This is the path Gaia has placed us on.”
*He takes a sip of tea.* “There is nothing I can say that will change your past, or take away the pain you’ve suffered, but holding onto I do know will only hurt your future. Right now you are building something for yourself. This is good, and you should continue to do so.”
*He takes another sip of his tea.* “How much do you know about your tribe? I mean really know about the Bone Gnawers?”
[Maija] She rolls her eyes, and she doesn’t even try to hide it. At least he says he doesn’t understand, and then he mimics Wahya too.
She doesn’t say anything for a long moment, and then… “Ya wanna know what it was like? My Father was kin, who done thought he would spawn the next warrior and then be important to the tribe instead of just kin. He ain’t believed when anyone said it ain’t gonna happen, and somehow got it into his brain that he could beat me into a change. And so it became his new passion. I kin name what bones ain’t been broked easier than I kin list all the bones what have. He put me in th’hospital three times – the last time he nearly killed me, an that’s when I ran away. I done been on my own since I was 15, Marcus. Livin is hell – not just ‘not easy’. Add to that that for the last three years afore I ran? He started fuckin this Shadowlord who’d heal me up everytime he almost killed me, and show him how t’hurt me more, with less. there ain’t been any part of m’body what ain’t been marked an’ bruised an’ busted t’hell and back. My future now is day by day in hopes that fucker ain’t comin t’find my scrawny ass still. I hope he’s dead an’ that whore with’im.”
It’s said oddly flat, all but the last sentence – because her father broke more than her body – he broke her spirit, right up until she ran and has had to scratch for every little bit she has had ever since. “I ain’t buildin nuthin here – just survivin. S’all I know how t’do.”
She shakes her head, and drags her fingers through her hair. NOW he knows, though it only touches the surface, only skims across it like a rock over water. There’s so much worse that she’d never actually say. Ever. Not even to Marcus. Not even to Wahya.
“As for th’tribe, all I know is that th’ Mama i knew was the one who done saved my life. Everything else that deals with th’nation is pain.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *Marcus listens to her speak, his face doesn’t change, he’s not shocked, not surprised. He simply listens, and then says in a plain voice.*
“What do you want for yourself Maija?”
[Maija] The answer is deceptively simple. “The one thing I ain’t never gonna get. t’be left in peace, instead o’th’ nation bangin at my door, and markin my body, mind an’ spirit as their own.” A skinny shoulder lifts in a shrug. “Ain’t ever gonna happen, an’ everytime I think I done found someone who ain’t like that – they leave, one way or th’other. There ain’t no middle ground. So all I kin even think t’hope for is that I kin make it past today in one piece. An’ then tomorrow, I’ll struggle t’do the same. There ain’t no future for someone like me, Marcus. Ain’t ever been th’ hope for that.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *Marcus nods.* “I feel that anything I say to you will be like the conversation we had about mindfulness over the bison burger. You will just look at me like I’m deranged.”
*He takes a sip of tea.* “One thing I have learned since coming to Chicago is you cannot teach wisdom, you cannot change someone’s view of existence. You can speak to them and then if they come a realization on their own after that it at least has a chance there. Among the Nation I am a judge, a teacher, a mediator. It is my role to do such things, to find the middle path in all things. It is very hard and more times then not I feel as if I fail in my task.
You have suffered this is true, more so then I have in my youth. But we all know pain, we all know suffering, all creatures of Gaia. It is the one thing that binds us together. For me it is not so much living day to day, but understanding that tomorrow will provide other opportunities. A chance to make new friends, to experience new things, and to let go of old hurts. Just because others have left does not mean all will leave in the future. In fact some people will return. If you give up hope, give you on yourself then you will eventually give up on life. That is not a good thing.”
*He takes a sip of tea.* “So if you want peace you should peruse peace. Think on what your heart truly wants and then go after that with everything you have.”
[Maija] She shakes her head, and sighs. “Ya ain’t ever gonna understand what it’s like t’be kin. Just as I ain’t gonna understand what its like t’ be you – but I do know that we’s property. That’s it. An what I want ain’t ever gonna happen. Ya OWN us. Hell, ya come in here today tellin me that I gots folk claimin me at some powwow that I ain’t even involved in, ya know? Ya’ll get t’do the claimin, so ya ain’t never think of what it’s like t’be claimed. May as well brand us as slaves – oh wait, I done had that done already…”
She chuckles, but there is little mirth there, as she absently rubs her hip. Then shakes it off, and manages a tease. ” And yer still weird – that mindfullness shit n’all.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He takes another sip and the tea in his glass is at the half way mark. He sets it on the table.* “You’re familiar with the old parable about the glass being half empty or half full yes?”
*Whether she nods or shakes her head he continues.* “Claiming is not simply a form of master over slave. It is not that relationship at all. Don’t get me wrong some Garou view it as such, but many do not. I do not. Claiming is simply stating to everyone that yes this person’s well being is my responsibility. If something were to happen to her I am the one that should be held accountable. Now the kinfolk I’ve met here see this as insulting, and maybe it is to a degree, but someone must be made to account in an event something happens to you. See because you are more then a mere human. You are a valued member of our society.”
*He picks his tea.* “One day my power will grow. I will not be able to be among mortals and I will need kin to help support me, just as I support them by protecting them from the Wyrm. We each need each other. We are co-dependent upon each other. If a warrior heads out to kill buffalo, and returns to the lodge is the woman less important because she prepares and cooks the meat? No of course not, both contribute to the lodge, and the lodge contributes to the tribe. That is the ways things are, even if others choose to see something else.”
[Maija] “And who’s to protect me from you. Or the others of the ‘Nation’ while I’m supportin ya when I ain’t barely able t’support myself? That fucker and his whore protected me from the Wyrm, too. No one – not a one o’the damn Nataion – protected me from them. I had t’wait until I had the strength t’run, an’ I been runnin ever since – an’ I’m still called weak because I ain’t automatically trust th’Nation is A True And Beautiful Place To Be. So how does that fit into ya Garou Hunter Kin Nurturer theme?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He looks at her, still calm, and says.* “There is no guarantee. Just as if you walk outside tonight there is no guarantee you won’t get mugged, robbed, killed, or hit by a drunk driver. The Nation is not a utopia, it is not some idyllic paradise. It simply is what it is and nothing more. Just as all Garou will not kill you for speaking your mind, some will.”
*He takes a sip of his tea.* “But answer this to me honestly. Do you think I am the same as the Shadowlord who beat you in your youth? In your heart of hearts are she and I anything alike?”
[Maija] “Ya ain’t like her – except that ya have th’capcity t’be so, t shift on a whim, t’decide I ain’t nuthin and be that way. I get that ya all different – but ya also have th’same abilities she did. An’ my father weren’t Garou, an’ he was just as bad. “
She sighs. “If ya askin if I trust ya – it’s as simple as this. I invited ya up – ya sittin here, an’ ya ain’t never done nuthin’ that gives me reason not to trust ya. In th’back of my mind, though, is always the touch a yer rage, an’ the possibility – however minute – that I kin say th’wrong thing, that I can be too stubborn, that ya can think I ain’t mindful enough, an I’m right back t’tryin t’mend broken bones an trashed spirit again… I can’t ever forget that.”
She smirks, slightly. “Though I’m pretty damn sure ya too scared t’touch me even nicely at this point, so with you it ain’t more than a passin thought at times. With Wahya, it’s harder, but he touches me sometimes – even if he’s scared t’get too close. Though his idea a what’s close is different than most, or some shit. Pulling me into the tub with him is fine – a kiss on th’cheek? crosses some line I can’t understand…”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He rubs his chin, and frowns a bit as she talks trying to get an understanding of her own view of intimacy.* “It’s not about whether or not I’m afraid to touch you. It’s just it’s not my place to touch if you don’t want to be touched. Although I’m not exactly sure what sort of touching you’re talking about.”
*He inhales and says.* “Well Wahya is a Lupus born Garou. He’s not going to see the world the same as you or I. He’s wise for a Lupus Garou but you have to take into consideration he’s only about three or four years old. He’s still got a few things to learn about what it means to be a man in a Homid’s world.”
[Maija] “Anythin’. I don’t know. Don’t mind me- I’m jus’ sexually frustrated. S’been since Will. Wahya thinks monkey skin is gross, so even if he hugs me, there ain’t no chance for anythin’ more, an suddenly ain’t no one inta skinny chicks no more.”
It’s clear there’s a tease under the words. Then she shrugs, slightly. “It’s jus’ weird, ya know? Folks think that since I done been broked, that I’m like some form a fine china.. I’m just a streetrat, a ghettobrat. Folks like you… ya too… nice. It’s jus’ weird… specially as I know what ya kin do, ya know? I dunno. I ain’t makin no sense.”
She stretches out a leg though and nudges his knee with her foot. “But I ain’t gonna break if ya touch me. Just so’s ya know.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckles and nods.* “Yeah I know you’re not broken.” *He smiles.* “So it’s just sexual frustration then? Well I’m sure you’ll find someone soon. A person to be intimate with. It’s like that sometimes but everything turns at some point.”
[Maija] She rolls her eyes and mimics.. “‘Someone to be intimate with.’ Can’t even say ‘fuck’ can ya…”
She shakes her head, and takes a long pull off her beer, before rearranging on the couch, tucking her feet under her again. “Look. i ain’t mean t’be a pain in the ass bout this claimin bullshit, neither. Its just.. well, last time shit ain’t turned out so good, ya know? I got th’scars t’prove it. So it’s hard t’know that I ain’t got no choice in the matter, ever.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods.* “You do have a choice in the matter to a degree. I can not challenge for you, or you could meet Winston decide you like him and he’ll be your guardian.”
*He smiles.* “Yeah I can say fuck. We can have sex if that’s what you want to do, but it wouldn’t be anything beyond sex. It would lack intimacy. That’s what I meant.”
[Maija] She mock gasps as he does say fuck. “And here I thought ya was such a good boy. An trust me, if ya did it with me, it’d ruin ya for whatever chick ya done tryin t’ romance n mate. Sex is always intimate – sometimes it’s just plain for fun though.”
About Winston.. “I highly doubt I’m gonna like any fucker what decides I’m his t’do with as he pleases without even knowin I existed longer than 2 minutes.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He smiles and nods.* “That is completely understandable.” *He says about Winston. He sips some tea and says.* “Alright if you’d like to have sex we can have sex. That’s fine. I can’t promise you anything beyond that though.”
[Maija] She does something he’s seen maybe… once. twice. If that.
She laughs.
“Yer such a fuckin romantic. Ya ain’t got no interest in this scrawny ass, an’ I know it. Ya ain’t never did. Bet ya ain’t even a virgin anymore is ya… an here I had plans t’make it all special for ya if ya wanted me too… Oh well. Missed oppotunity there. For you that is…”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckles and leans back taking a sip.* “I’m sure sex would be quite enjoyable with you. And it’s not that I never had any interest. Things just didn’t seem to happen. Mixed signals I suppose.” *He exhales.* “It’s up to you though. If you want to we can. I care about you, and I’ll respect you but I don’t want to hurt you. That’s all I’m trying to say.”
[Maija] She shakes her head, slightly. “Yer some piece of work. Ya really are. I ain’t gonna make no move on ya. It’d feel like takin advantage.” Which is weird, probably, but well. She ain’t been a virgin a long ass time, while his is a new development.
A pause, then… “so what do YOU think a this Winston dude? Ya have at least seen him. Wahya too, but, well. he ain’t here.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckles a bit, and nods.* “Alright. If you say so I can’t argue.” *He says to her taking advantage of him.* “Winston… He’s very flippant. But it’s not surprising given what he is. I don’t think he’s very violent. I think you could probably lay him out if you wanted to. He doesn’t look to be that stout… Wahya.” *He shrugs.* “He seems to be an honorable enough Garou but I don’t think he understands what it means to have an obligation. I think once he’s done with something he just drops it. Like his old pack. So don’t be hurt. You’re not the first he’s done this to.”
[Maija] “He’s jus’ weird. He gets all close, but then acts like I’m disgusting because of my monkey skin’ Though it is fine t’grab me in the tub and cuddle. I don’t know. I don’t get it. Maybe it’s the whole wolf thing.. I dunno.”
She sighs, and unfolds her legs, to stretch them out on the couch between them, readjusting her blankets as she does so. “If he’s that weak.. ” Winston again.. “then what kinda protection he gonna be anyway? It’d been so much fuckin easier if Ryan just hadn’t up and got kilt, ya know? I knew he had my back, I knew i could trust his ass…”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He smiles.* “Well he’s weak for a Garou but he’s still a Garou. That’s my point.” *He nods.* “You should at least meet him. Speak with him. See what you think and then decide on what you wanna do.”
[Maija] She picks at the blanket across her thighs for a long moment. “I jus’ ain’t think that I’ll have any damn choice in the matter… ya know? I don’t see how what I want is even gonna come inta play… cuz if it did – it’d be Wahya, or you, or no one. There ain’t no one else I damn well trust. Cept maybe that Decker guy – an’ that’s only cuz everyone else knows ya ain’t fuck with him.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods.* “Well that is a choice in a way.” *He exhales a bit.* “The problem though is Winston is one of your people. He’s a Bone Gnawer and taking you from your people is a delicate matter. So I have to give him an opportunity to step up and do what’s right. But you do have a choice in who you want to be. This is a liberal sept and if you meet him, don’t like him, and Wahya won’t step up then I will. Then you’ll be Get of Fenris if I beat him in a challenge.”
[Maija] “If ya beat him.” She kicks him lightly in the thigh. “If? It’s my skinny ass on th’line and ya say IF?” She pauses though, and shakes her head slightly. “I thought it was ya blood – relatives n shit – that told ya what tribe ya was? It ain’t like that?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He shrugs.* “Sometimes. Pure Breeding is what it’s called, but every Garou chooses their tribe after their Rite of Passage, usually it’s just a formality, but say a Black Fury decided to challenge Winston for you based on a claim he was mistreating you…” *He rubs his chain.* “Or say I went to your old sept, and demanded justice for you against this Shadowlord who abused you, and the Bone Gnawer representative of the tribe for allowing your father to brutalize and do nothing about it if I were to beat them you would be mine, hence you would be Get of Fenris. You would become my kin, apart of my family. I have to have a reason to make a challenge. Winston not knowing you and just saying your his when I’ve been looking after you well I have standing to make a challenge, but since he is the Bone Gnawer Elder by default he has the right to contest it. So there you are.”
[Maija] She listens, and watches him “An in all of that? No where is there MY choice. I gotta choice with you cuz yer my friend, ya know? But with all them others, there’s nothing really where the Kin can make a decision, an have it stuck.”
A pause, and then a light smirk, a ripple of amusement. “An’ part of ya family… who else is a part of this family.. who ya shackin up with?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods.* “No there’s not much of choice there for you I’m afraid. Such is the way of things. But if it makes you feel any better I didn’t have a choice in being a Garou.”
*He smiles a bit.* “Her name is Natashia. She’s kin to me, and her family and my mother’s side of the family are distantly related. I’m living with her now.”
[Maija] “I figured as much.” She doesn’t clarify which part that she figures, she just pulls her knees up to her chest, and takes a long swig out of her beer. “She know ya offering t’tap my ass on th’side?” Definitely a tease there.
“Ya ain’t got no choice in being borned true? But ya get all the rights and choices that none of us get. So, uh, I think ya ain’t got not leg to stand on making me feel better there.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He smiles.* “We’re not mated yet. And no she doesn’t know I’m offering to have sex with you. I’m not sure how she’d feel about it. I haven’t asked her yet.”
*He nods.* “Well this is true, but it’s also true I’ve been in… Oh. seven life or death battles since I’ve gotten to Chicago. Scared other kin would die around me, other Garou, and that I would die. Battling horrible things. So that’s not something you have to deal with, or at least you’re not expected to. I am however.”
[Maija] “Too bad I don’t think ya really mean it. Ya’d probably die if I actually took ya up on it.”
She nods slightly. “But we do anyways. Been quiet since I moved in here? But I ain’t figure it’s gonna last much longer. It never does. Hell, when I got busted up last time it wasn’t no mortal enemy, jus’ some fuckin mugger who was bored. The shit storm is brewin – just waiting for it to land. In the form of this Winston dude, or somethin else, who knows. I jus’ know it’s comin.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckles and says.* “I meant it, but I think you’re selling my short about my stamina.” *He exhales a bit and shrugs.*
“Perhaps, but after the storm the rain does stop and the sun will come out. In all things there exists a harmony of opposites. War is nothing without Peace, Happiness without Sadness, the Sun without the Moon and so forth.”
[Maija] “I may have t’fuck ya just t’get ya t’shut up about ya philosophy bullshit… Sun after the rain, happiness and sadness, meditate and FEEL the burger…”
She smirks, just the barest curve of her lips as she shakes her head.
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He smiles.* “I think even then I’d still talk about philosophy after. It’s just something that’s apart of me.” *He exhales.* “But if we did have sex I think it would complicate things don’t you?”
[Maija] She snorts. “See, i knew ya didn’t mean it – just a while ago you were all ‘if ya want too, let’s do it!’ and now you’re worried about complications. Missed opportunities, indeed.”
She finishes off her beer and sets the bottle on the floor, and schooches down on the couch so that she can lay her head on the armrest, tucking her feet up under her thighs on th the cushion between them so she can still see him as she gets comfortable. “So did one of you fuckers tell that dude where I live? Am I gonna someday get some asshole popping inta my living room unannounced like Wahya does?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He shakes his head.* “No, no one told him where you live. Though I would like you to meet and speak with him. He’s at the Brotherhood now I think. You should go there and see if he’ll speak with you.
[Maija] At the mention of the brotherhood, she shakes her head. “I’d rather not. I got outa there – I ain’t got no reason t’go back really… way too many of ya all… makes me… tense. I ain’t think I slept a single fuckin night comfortable while I was there.”
[Maija] “Ain’t there no other place ‘neutral’?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods.* “There are neutral places. He doesn’t have a lot of… Rage. Less then me in fact. You could meet him at a park, or wherever you want. I’ll set things up but you should give him a chance. He’s got no one to look after him. You might be doing a lot more for him then say he takes from you. He probably could use some company, especially one of his people.”
[Maija] “Ain’t we already figured I kin barely look after myself?! Now ya want me t’look after someone who… wait. Ain’t he supposed t’protect ME? The fuck kinda shit you settin me up for?!”
She actually laughs – briefly. The difference in her here – her own place, rather than the brotherhood where she was tense all the time is obvious. Even if she’s still uneasy, she’s at least letting him see more of her than she has before. Here, she’s not so tightly wrapped, so carefully cultivating that mask that’s been her only protection.
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckled and shook his head.* “I’m not trying to set up for anything, but it’s like I said kin need Garou just as much as Garou need kin. It’s the way of things. Perhaps you two can help each other. Besides what is one meeting gonna hurt? Maybe you’ll have more in common then you think, and I can almost guarantee you he won’t talk your ear off with a lot of philosophy.” *He said with a smile giving her a little wink.*
[Maija] “He’ll probably do a lot worse… cuz I ain’t gonna get lucky. He’s probably got lice or some shit.”
A pause, and then.. “So there as this other dude that came over t’find Wahya – Charlie… he said he knowed ya. Wahya said he was ok, but then again, Wahya thinks wearin pink booty shorts is ok, too.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods.* “Yes I know Charlie. He’s pretty harmless as Garou go.” *He says matter of factly.*
[Maija] She nods, slightly. “Yeah, I guess. He ain’t seem too bad – I dunno. He only comes by for Wahya though, so ain’t like he’ll be hangin round. He jus’ said he knew ya.”
And didn’t seem impressed with him either – though she doesn’t say that. They might just not be best friends, or something. She doesn’t know, or care.
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He shakes his head a bit.* “I don’t know. Truth is…” *He licks his lips.* “Honestly I don’t think I have more to same about him then that. There is something about him that… I don’t know. I don’t care too much for him. I can do with or without him but that’s just me. It’s a personal failing on my part.”
[Maija] She arches a brow. “Not likin someone is a personal failing? Well shit, I’m way more fucked up than I thought cuz I fuckin hate lots of people…..”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckles and shakes his head.* “Truth be told I’m not too found of Wahya or Charlie. Wahya… Well he’s alright I just don’t like how he sets down responsibility so quickly, and Charlie… Well it’s more complicated but suffice to say there are some things you don’t forget. That’s all.”
[Maija] She tips her head, slightly. “Like what… he turn his back on ya in a fight or somethin?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He shakes his head.* “It’s over and done with. It’s not something I like to talk about, and he doesn’t even remember anyway. If he did things would be settled. But as it stands…” *He exhales and runs a hand through his hair and looks at her.* “I trust you won’t repeat any of this to Wahya or Charlie? I’m not speaking about their honor. Just… Some things I don’t agree with in how they act.”
[Maija] “Like I say shit t’anyone, Marcus. Ya know better’n’that shit. Sayin stuff gets ya beat.” She kicks him lightly again. “Kinda hard t’ fix somethin if they ain’t even remember it, I get that.”
She pauses, and then lifts a shoulder in a shrug. “It ain’t matter anyway. Not like they’s tappin this or nuthin, was just curious.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods.* “I know it’s just Garou take their honor very seriously.” *He frowns.* “Well some do. Some in this sept chose instead to act like dishonorable pieces of shit. But such is the way of things when they are not corrected.” *He shakes his head.* “It was very different in Pine Ridge. Very different. Things that happen here, or are allowed to happen did not happen there.”
[Maija] She snorts. “Great. I move most the way across the country an’ end up with another buncha dishonorable asshats. This shit only happens to me, ya know?”
She lifts a hand and scratches lightly at the edge of her jaw, and then drops it to her lap again with a slight smirk. “Ya ain’t gotta tell me. I’ll just figure there was some orgy ya wasn’t invited to.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He shakes his head.* “It’s not the whole sept. Most of them are good Garou it’s just there’s a few assholes in the bunch that need to be fucking disciplined, and they aren’t. So they think their behavior is acceptable and it’s not. But again I come from a Wendigo sept and they don’t put up with too much bullshit.” *He smiles at her.* “But honestly I think you’re fine. No one is going to hurt you here, and if they did they would have to answer to me.”
[Maija] She nods, slightly. “Yeah. I guess. And well, IF ya can beat their ass, they’d learn better, hm?” Yeah, she’s not gonna let him live that down – he can expect needling about IF he can beat someon for a long ass time.
“I dunno. It’s just that every time I start t’relax somethin’ happens. It’s like waitin for the other shoe to drop all th’time.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He nods.* “I can understand that. I’m hoping that you’ll be in position soon that will be something more stable.”
[Maija] She smirks. “Like properly mated like a good lil kin girl?”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He shakes his head.* “Nah just with a warder, someone to teach you about your people, and stable job so you can see Garou culture isn’t all brutality and pain. It is in fact, even your tribe, quite rich in it’s own way.”
[Maija] “What ya ain’t figure anyone would want me, now?” It’s clear shes giving him hell, something she doesn’t do very often, and has rarely – if ever – done it with him. Like as not, no one in Chicago has ever seen this side of her yet. Like as not, few ever will.
“My people. My tribe.” she shakes her head. “I ain’t know. I ain’t figure I got much t’offer ya’ll anyways. Mama J, back in Seattle, always said all I needed was t’know how t’cook an the rest would fall inta place cuz ain’t no self respectin’ gnawer ever turn down food. So that’s all she’d say. Course, I kin make a mean stew n biscuits, but all that tells me bout gnawers is they’s always fuckin’ hungry.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckles.* “She’s not far from the truth but that’s true about any tribe really. No Gnawers have a culture of their own and you should be with your people. But again if you don’t want to I understand and will do what I can. You should meet with him first though.”
[Maija] “Alright, alright. I’ll meet th’fucker. But I ain’t promisin anythin more.” She shakes her head and sighs. “Ain’t even promisin’ t’be happy about it.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He stands and smiles.* “That’s all I ask.” *He comes over and gives her a hug.* “Thanks for the tea and the talk. I’ll see you around alright. I’ll leave you my new cell number so you can call me if you need anything.” *He says stepping back pulling out a pen and a piece of paper.*
[Maija] She allows the hug – she even returns it, though she behaves and makes it brief since she’s still pretty sure for all his bravado he has no intention or desire to tap anything that involves her ass.
“Yeah, alright. I ain’t got a phone – but kin use the one at the restaurant.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He smiles and nods to her. He leaves his number with her.* “Okay. I’ll drop by with a meet, maybe get some food from the restaurant. Take it easy Maija.” *He heads for the door.*
[Maija] She stands, wrapping herself in her blankt as she follows him to the door so that she can unlock it and let him out. “Yeah. Don’t go an get killt on me, ya hear? Took ya this long t’hug me, it’ll be a year before ya get into my pants… if ya dead, it’ll take even longer.”
[Marcus Schwarzkopf] *He chuckles and turns back to her giving her another hug rubbing her back.* “I won’t. Take care Maija. I’ll be in touch.” *And with that he’s out the door and off.*
[Maija] (aaan thassawrap.)