Chapter 7:A Beauty That's Thin, White, and Rich

[Maeve Cullen]

Maeve hissed in a breath of air, her hand shooting to the back pocket of her pants as she stared at Lonnrot in shock. A mind reader? She knew it was possible, she'd been to Genetech enough times to know. But she had never met one, and she had been damn glad of it. "Like hell someone knows more about me than I do."

She fingers the jackknife in her back pocket before finally moving her hand away. "For your sake, I hope you do keep everything confidental..." Her voice dripped with a threat before she realized Hilja was still right there. She didn't want her to be afraid of her... Putting on a forced smile, she tried to speak as if her anger was down. "But mind reading, certainly amazing!"

[Alexei Nacharade]

Alexei seems quite on edge by what Lonnrot said. He seems unsure what to make of it. He feels his balisong slide out slightly, but otherwise makes no noticable hostile movement.

He looks over at Maeve and Hilja. He isn't quite sure he wants to show them his tattoos. They revealed something about himself he was never eager to share. He nods anyway.

"I'll show you at her shop."

[Dr. Lonnrot Kukkanen]

I don't even bother to reach for my gun, this girl wasn't going to do anything. "You don't have it in the pretty, petite body of yours. Trust me, I know," I sigh out. I'm feeling like myself, so I decide to express myself. "Everything is confidential, I took an oath upon becoming a doctor, nothing to worry. Now, put the knife away, I don't like it."

[Hilja Kukkanen/Sasha Pisarev]

My brother's statements seem to have created a lot of tension, but everyone is doing a pretty good job trying to keep cool. I remain calm myself, but wonder how much my brother really knows.

"I don't really believe in Manala powers much anyway. It could all be trickery. People put too much stock in the supernatural these days."

[Maeve Cullen]

"My... knife... isn't out yet, four eyes..." Maeve says through gritted teeth, trying to control herself. This was the first cute, nice, possibly single woman she had met in a long time and she wasn't going to ruin her chances by attempting to teach her brother a lesson.

She forces her gaze from Lonnrot, focusing on Hilja. "Eh... A lot of people certainly buff about them most times." Obviously, he couldn't see everything in her mind if he thought she didn't have it in her. Then again, he could knew she wouldn't because of Hilja, and was taking advantage of the fact...

[Dr. Lonnrot Kukkanen]

"I agree, Hilja," I say looking over too my sister. "Chop chop, let's get this hostility in small jars and throw them overboard!" I add on while I clap my hands a few times.

[Hilja Kukkanen/Sasha Pisarev]

I giggle at the chop chop. That is so silly. I throw an imaginary jar of hostility over board.

"Lon, how are things with Tulpanni, that secretary of yours. We're you going to get her a ring?" I ask him. My brother is very cheap and last time I talked to him about this, he was against buying a ring. He cited human rights issues, but I know it is just because he is cheap.

"you guys attached to anyone?" I ask to include them into the conversation.

[Alexei Nacharade]

Alexei seems to eye Lonnrot once more, then eyes Maeve, and then finally Hilja. He keeps quiet for a bit, watching as the boat speeds through the water. After some time passes he starts to see the vague shape of the former island nation.

He glances over at Hilja.

"Not really. My job keeps me busy." He explains.

((ooc: I sped up time a bit, hope you guys dun mind.))

[Dr. Lonnrot Kukkanen]

(it's kool)

"I have no idea," I tell my sister as I help off the boat. "Do you have any girl suggestions?

[Maeve Cullen]

Maeve begins to feel better hearing Hilja giggle and watching her cute antics. There weren't many women who she considered adorable that hung around her shop. It was a nice change. She almost snorts at the question. "Nah, I'm not attached to anyone."

She begins to feel hopeful. "Are you?" She sees the outline of Cuba coming up. She'd be glad to be out of this boat and put some space between Lonnrot and herself. Once they reach the shore, she jumps off, relieved.

[Hilja Kukkanen/Sasha Pisarev]

"Maybe you could get her a pet. She seems lonely and you work a lot. Maybe a cat to keep her company while you are away." I suggest. I see the island drawing nearer, which is good. The boat ride was a little tense.

"That's too bad you two. I guess I am too busy too. Or, if I am not too busy, I always seem to end up with bad people who aren't really very good to me. So no, I am not really seeing anyone either. But my brother has a secretary that likes him quite a lot."

"Love is nice though. This world is so hard, really. It's one of the few good things left."

[Alexei Nacharade]

Alexei hops over the side as the boat hits shore. He walks a few steps onto the shore, then waits for the others.

[Maeve Cullen]

Now all Maeve needed to find out was if Hilja had any interest in women. She nodded in agreement. "It is when you have it." She decides against making a comment about the secretuary being deaf. If he was really a mind reader, he'd know anyway.

She recongizes the beach and begins to lead the way to her shop.

[Hilja Kukkanen/Sasha Pisarev]

Maeve starts leading us to the shop and I watch Alexei carefully. He seems upset or on edge about something. Maybe talking about relationships made him sad because he is alone. Now I feel bad. He does seem more focused though.

"Oh well, a person can always have it...for friends, for living, for a pet...there is always something to care about. But now I am sounding sappy and I don't think Alexei over there appreciates that. So, I guess it is tattoo time!" I say as we arrive at the door.

"Were we going to see Alexei's tattoos first, or would you like to work on mine? I hope you don't charge too much since I don't have a whole lot of money on me. But...I can always do work for you or a favor or something in exchange."

[Maeve Cullen]

"How about we see his tattoo first, and then I'll work on yours?" Maeve enters the door, putting two fingers in her mouth and whistling. After a moment, she leads them down the hall. "Sorry about that." They come into a louge sort of area that smells of cigerettes and beer, with a variety of people hanging around. Most ignore them, continuing their conversations.

She continues on into an empty back room. "So, how about it Alexei?" The whistle had been to warn everyone strangers were heading in, so that they'd wrap up any rebel discussion. She trusted Hilja, and Lonnrot's pledge, but not Alexei. This was the only private tattooing room, most of it was done in the louge.