Gotta spend some time, love *Vincent*

[Roselyn Veeder]

Vincent had taken Rose back to the hospital and from there he was going to follow her back to her house. She had just spent a short time with Vincent but it was nice to just have someone there to talk to that she was confident wouldn't judge her. Not that she was really spilling any secrets but she could let her guard down and not have to keep every little detail of her life to herself. Rose may have been a friendly person, an honest person, but she kept her business to herself.

Her car was quiet and she fidgeted with the radio, trying to find something to listen to and drown out the traffic with. Mediocre songs and then talking, it was rattling her nerves a bit and before she knew it she had turned the thing off entirely. She rode in silence the short distance, her eyes often darting up in her rear view mirror to make sure that Vincent was still behind her. His companionship was nice, after all she really didn't have any close friends since she moved back to Pilot Ridge, and family, well she couldn't confide in him. Most of her life for the past month had been spent in the hospital and though it was uplifting and purposeful it was also painful to have so much change due to patient turn over.

Just a few minutes on the road before Rose pulled off on a side road. The lamp in the living room was a warm welcome, almost as if it were waiting on her to return too. She pulled her car into the drive and turned off the engine. She gathered up her pocketbook and keys and stepped out of the car waiting for Vincent.

Her house wasn't anything really flashy, a two story pastel yellow colored home (which you couldn't make out very well at night) with white shutters. She had a front porch that wasn't very big and here next to the drive was a side door, one that she most often used. Her yard really didn't have any flowers or anything fancy though it seemed well kept as far as the grass went. She didn't have time to devote to something like that and the yard was simple when she got there. She didn't have much to move or unpack so inside all was in order.

She gave Vincent a smile, leaning against her car door as he pulled up. She waited on him, taking the lead to show him into the house. She had a few neighbors on the block but they were elderly and already turned in for the night so it was quiet out. She made her way to the side door and after turning the key and knob opened it up into just a small wash room which led directly into the kitchen. She didn't bother turning the light on in the first room cause it was only a few steps into the next room. She clicked this light on and as it warmed the room you could see this part of the house strongly matched the outside. The walls were a light warm yellow while her island bar, cabinets, appliances, and small round table and chairs were all white. It held necessary appliances minus a toaster and a coffee maker.

She laid her keys and pocketbook down on the bar, turning around to look at Vincent. She offered him a smile, "It's not much but if I'm not at the hospital, well this is were I waste the rest of my time." The jingling of a tiny bell could be heard as Coal Chute ran into the kitchen. He was at full speed, for him, but came to a quick stop, sliding slightly as his eyes landed on Vincent. He stood and analyzed the situation, pushing his ears back and flicking his tail back and forth. Rose noticed his anger quickly and laughed at her cat, "He's not used to company, it might take a while for him to warm up to you." But despite Rose's efforts to lighten the situation Coal's eyes stayed narrowed on Vincent as if he was invading his territory.

"Would you like something to drink?" she asked as she made her way to a corner cabinet and pulled out two glasses. "I don't drink beer..." she started as she opened up her fridge to reveal (as she searched it over) that she only had orange juice, milk, and ginger ale. "Oh, and make yourself at home. I don't want you to feel like your can't be comfortable here." She pushed one glass up against the arm of the ice machine on her fridge and then filled it with water.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent and Rose pretty much left the steakhouse in the same manner they came in. The ride back to the hospital was filled with small talk and the occasional round of silence, but nothing awkward or out of the way. At the hospital, Vincent pulled up behind Rose's car and escorted her the short distance, making sure to check the back seat of her car as he walked up. Call it crazy or paranoid, but it was just the soldier in him. Vincent was a cautious man when it came to the safety of others. There were all sorts of crazy people out there and Vincent had seen his fair share of them. He wasn't about to have Rose taken from him so early in their would be relationship. So, finally satisfied she was safe and ready to go, Vincent got back into his jeep, pulling back enough to allow Rose to take the lead.

Vincent never made a move to turn on his radio as he was too busy memorizing street signs and landmarks on the way to Rose's house. He had been in Pilot Ridge long enough now to know his way around the back streets and side roads which littered the small town and surrounding areas. He had learned the layout of this area upon his return here about ten years ago to further make himself the best protector Hammel ever had. He had planned for just about any emergency possible, even the idea of what tactics would need to be taken if the government ever turned on Hammel and invaded the school. It sounded all paranoid, like something out of a science fiction movie, but stranger things happened in the world.

The drive from the hospital didn't seem long, however with the total miles on the jeep tonight, Vincent would have to fill her up again in the morning. His jeep was reliable and the four wheel drive certainly came in handy during the winter months, but the jeep was horrible on gas mileage. The community where Rose lived was small and looked rather quaint with most of the houses blacked out indicating their residences where long in bed. This sort of made Vincent uneasy as it meant Rose was sort of alone out here and very vulnerable. The protector in him was always picking up on these things. Vincent wasn't academically gifted, but when it came to things of this nature, seeing the dangers the streets and the people who walked them had to offer, then he excelled.

Finally Rose pulled into a small driveway with a modest looking split level home. The yard was small and neatly kept and the color of the house was sort of hard to judge, looking something like a pale yellow maybe. Vincent pulled in right behind Rose, who was waiting outside her car now. He turned off his headlights before taking one last quick look around, an action he hardly even noticed he was taking. Vincent didn't like the dark per say. Shadows made him uneasy, mostly due to the last mission he served in over seas. It was a night raid which led to the slaughter of his unit and the village the was assigned to protect and so ever since, nighttime made him a bit nervous. However, Vincent was a man's man and so he sucked up her nervous feelings and exited his jeep, making sure to lock it.

Slipping his hands inside his pockets, he looked the house over as best he could in the dark. "Seems nice," he said, complimenting Rose on her home. He knew women took pride in a neat and cozy home. Following her to the small side door which led into a utility room, similar to the garage entrance he had in his own house, Vincent took time to scan for every small detail he could. He allowed Rose to set the pace and patiently followed behind until emerging into the kitchen. It matched the outside color of the house and was simple yet efficient. Rose shared a busy schedule like Vincent and he expected a simple home. He had to admit, everything seemed to have a place and being quite the organizer himself, he felt rather relaxed here.

Rose casually tossed her pocket book on the counter. Vincent smiled and was about to speak until he heard the sound of a small bell ringing rather quickly. He surmised it was Rose's cat and sure enough, the beast emerged. Instantly, the cat stopped short of Vincent, its fur raising and ears pinned back. Clearly Coal Chute was not keen on the idea of sharing Rose. It was kind of cute and Vincent smiled, bending down to at least try and pet the cat to show he wasn't here to invade his territory. Rose was busy getting glasses for drinks at this time, thus not exactly able to warn Vincent of Coal Chute's aggressive nature. The cat immediately lunged at Vincent, wrapping its front declawed paws around his wrist and then biting him on the webbed fleshy skin between his thumb and forefinger. Vincent raised an eyebrow as the beast then proceeded to bring its back clawed feet around and start kicking at his skin very violently, growling all the while it continued to bite his hand. All of this violence was a moot point considering Vincent's ability.

Standing back up as Rose addressed him, Vincent raised his right hand, Coal Chute still latched on in deadly attack mode. "I'm not sure, but I don't think your cat likes me," he said giving a chuckle as Coal Chute's back feet kicked violently at Vincent's arm and wrist.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Rose was unaware that Coal Chute was trying to devour Vincent's hand as the ice machine was churning out that awesomely sweet chipped ice. She had filled up her glass and added the water before she turned around to look at Vincent. It was comical after it happened, the way he just casually stood up with Coal going to town on his arm. Rose's face went to alarm at first, she quickly sat the glass down on the counter, barely enough to balance the glass and keep it from falling. But as she took those few quick paces, her arms outstretching it hit her that there was no blood. Then that brought her mind back to the ice incident. She pulled her hands back, close to her body taking a moment to enjoy this situation now. "Maybe it's tough love." she commented lightly and at that statement it seemed he knew cause he gave out this ungodly growl and kicked with all his might.

"Coal!" she scolded him a bit but seeing as how she had Mr.Invincible here she wasn't about to jump in on this scene. "Sorry he never acts this way... but then again we never have visitors." She didn't mind Vincent knowing she wasn't all that socially popular. She hadn't really met anyone interesting enough to make time for until she ran into him at the hospital. She smiled at that thought, looking at this scene, "Also in his offense, well he never got along with men too good." a smile settled on her face as she recalled how much she felt like she had in common with him when Lacey asked her to take him. "I think he was neglected when he was younger. He was actually found in a coal chute by a young girl walking home past this dilapidated house. He was terrified and half starved to death."

She tried to shush the cat and calm him down and it seemed to work, that or it was tired from holding itself up like this. She took hold of him by the back of the neck and pulled him off of Vincent. Coal's eyes stayed locked on Vincent in distrust and dislike and Rose, in her normal loving fashion petted and loved on her pet. She pulled him up close around her neck and snuggled into his fur. Perhaps she shouldn't complain about being lonely because he was much like a teddy bear, with her at least. This lasted only for a minute or so, until Rose felt like she had smoothed over his bruised ego for not tearing down this man fortress that was invading his home and intruding on his relationship with Rose. She sat him down in the floor and after looking at Vincent with ears pinned back he ran off into the living room to find a good spot to hide and ambush from.

She laughed a bit at Coal's crazy antics. "This here is the living room", she stated simply, pointing and walking into the next room. She flipped the switch and the light and ceiling fan came on. The room was simple, medium wood floors, off white furniture with a black and glass topped coffee table. There was only two pictures on the wall, both seeming to actually have been taken with a camera. Both were in shades of black and white, one was round rocks in a stream and the other was a small arched bridge over a small stream. She liked landscapes, she liked water... perhaps it was growing up in the country. But in Rose's house there was no strong tie to her family. Faces weren't seen unless you went upstairs and there, well they were only of her. Not that Rose is conceited, but her friend needed someone to volunteer to get a portfolio together of her work and Rose was a willing subject. The way Rebbecca repaid her was big prints and she made her promise to put them up in her new home.

Straight in front of them on the other side of the room was a large flat screen sitting on a small table. A wii game console sat up beside of it with the controllers on a base to charge them. She motioned to the room, "We can watch TV, or play games... Or I could show you the rest of the house if you want." She hadn't really planned on Vincent to come home with her, and although she really didn't plan on him seeing her bedroom tonight this was merely customary to offer and she wanted him to feel at home here with her. If that meant him seeing the picture above her bed laying on her side with just a white satin sheet covering her ... womanly areas than so be it. Well, truth be known she hadn't thought about that yet.

She sat down on the large cushioned ottoman and untied the straps on her shoes. She liked wearing wedges and heels but best of all she liked going bare foot. It didn't take her long to slip her feet out of them, her toes painted a bright red, and stand back up with them in her hand. She walked over the large entrance to the room/kitchen and put her shoes up next to the wall. Rose was on the short side and beside Vincent without the extra height he really towered over her. "I would keep one eye open, no matter what. Coal doesn't take losing very well and it's not likely he'll play nice so soon."

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent really hadn't minded Coal Chute trying to tear his arm and hand apart, after all, Vincent was pretty much physically invincible. He found it rather amusing to see such jealousy in an animal over their master and while this might upset most other guys, Vincent was a tad bit different. His mother and sister always had a pet of some sorts. Whenever one pet would die, it was on to the next and Vincent had almost seen them all. Dogs, cats, rabbits, prairie dogs, parrots and so forth and so on. Women seemed to have this thing for animals and while they could wear down Vincent's tolerance from time to time, he had learned to just live with them over the years. Vincent knew he had his own annoying habits and knew his mother and sister put up with more than their share of his tantrums over the years, so he took that into deep consideration and kept his mouth shut on the animal issue.

After the initial shock subsided in Rose and the realization of whom Coal Chute was dealing with set in, she calmed down considerably. Hopefully over time, Coal would have less and less of a violent reaction to Vincent's presence, but with animals who really knew. Finally, Rose was able to pry Coal Chute from Vincent's arm, nuzzling the beast under her chin in a vain attempt to calm the cat down. It seemed Coal was reassured of his place in the food chain and trotted off to hide after Rose sat him back down. Vincent laughed again and shook his head knowing that this would probably not be the last time Coal tried to eat him.

Following Rose on into the living room, Vincent took a deep breath, enjoying the lovely smell of her home. It was always nice to have a woman's touch in a house, after all, guys were clueless when it came to the small details like that. The firs thing Vincent noticed however, was the lack of pictures in the room. Odd for a woman to not have any pictures of family and friends, which brought a few questions to Vincent's mind. Rose had not really went into any detail about her family tonight, almost trying to avoid the topic altogether. Now with the lack of family pictures, Vincent was beginning to sense a very strained relationship in the Veeder family. His natural curiosity wanted to know just what Rose's dirty family secrets were, after all, he was human. He kept his mouth shut though on the matter because he knew what it was like having someone constantly poking into private matters you did not want to discuss.

Rose sat down on the couch, taking off her shoes, looking like she was enjoying it. She then placed her shoes over and against the wall neatly, much in the same manner Vincent would place his at home. She offered him several options, all of which seemed fun. He was always up for a bit of relaxing television, and while he would give video games a go, he really sucked at them. Curiosity once again reared its head as Rose offered him a tour of her home, but something else came to mind first. Making a motion with his hand, Vincent pointed toward Rose's couch. "I've got a better idea," he said with a smile as he rubbed his hands together. "Sit down and give me your feet and we can talk a bit more about one another. I'd love to hear all I can about you Rose," he offered, waiting for Rose to take her seat.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Vincent was quiet so far, and she could understand. This was her familiar territory, she knew what rules she followed and how she behaved in her home. It's always weird to come in with someone new and not know their unique rituals and such. She didn't want Vincent to feel uneasy or that he had to tip toe around here. Sure it wasn't exactly a man cave but at the same time it wasn't smothering anyone with femininity. It had a softer touch but it was simple, lacking many gaudy and unnecessary decorations that some seem to go all out with. Rose wasn't really a flashy person, sure she had wanted things when she was younger but learned that a strong and loving family was worth more than anything money can buy.

Rose stood next to Vincent, waiting for him to make his next move. Most would have taken the tour, and of course she was glad he wasn't too eager for that. When he pointed to the couch and said he had a better idea a bit of anxiety crept over her, her eyes often showed her emotions and although she felt like Vincent didn't mean anything indecent she was a bit nervous about the implications until he told her to give him her feet. "My feet?" she asked almost as if she didn't believe it. She didn't argue however because now she had a total sense of calm just wash over her... his intentions seemed innocent now.

She nodded with a smile, to Rose feet were a bit of a private thing. She didn't mind touching feet, and actually she sort of liked them but it was a bit more intimate (not dirty deed intimate but you know) many people didn't like feet and they often went ignored when it came to touching. She sat down with her back to the large windows, pulling her legs up close to her and letting Vincent sit down next to her. It was strange having a man be nice to her again. Sure James was picture perfect when they had met it was just they were young and they couldn't deal with all the pressures life put on them. But it had been so long since someone seemed sincere about wanting to take care of her, even with something small like this. No, usually men only wanted one thing and if you were good enough doing that 'one thing' well then you got the bonus chores of maid, cook, baby maker, etc added graciously to that list.

Vincent talked so well, or at least Rose believed so. It made her feel drawn to him, even if to just sit and hear him talk. Right now she didn't much mind what they talked about, cept James. She never really liked talking about him cause it brought about all the wrong feelings. She didn't want that to ruin the whole moment. "Okay... ummm... Seeing as how you are my special guest", she tried to make a theatrical gesture to him, "I'll let you have the first round. Just go gentle on me and promise me you won't run off because I am not perfect." She offered a smile that seemed to at least admit she had fault and was willing to admit it.

Poor Vincent, Rose so far adored him and Coal, well he didn't. It seemed because Rose acted so calm, so focused on her new company that Coal was that much more jealous of him. He really didn't have a violent side, but then again he was sort of thrown into this situation. As Vincent set down close to her Coal let out a loud hiss, his head poking through the rails of the stairs. He clearly didn't like Rose giving or receiving attention from another. He watched Vincent like a hawk then all the sudden as if the creature had a plan he ran off down the hallway.

[Vincent Romanov]

Rose was shocked it seemed as Vincent was offering to rub her feet. For him it was a simple act of pleasure for her, but for Rose it seemed a bit more intimate. Rose was on her feet all day and then she had worn some not so comfortable shoes for their date. She deserved to be pampered some and Vincent didn't mind. He was still trying to earn some favorable points here and what better way than this. He didn't expect much in return mind you, just a bit more personal conversation. He wanted to know Rose before pursuing more intimate moments. For him, women weren't meant to be whores or some pleasure devices anytime some guy wanted a bit of action. Vincent liked knowing people, knowing what made them tick and what sort of past events made them the people they were now.

As he sat down, following Rose's lead. he allowed her to stretch her legs out, putting her feet in his lap. Coal Chute hissed loudly at him from the banister of the stairs before taking off down a hallway, probably in order to set up some sort of ambush for Vincent later. Vincent took one of Rose's small feet, and began to gently rub it. He began at her heel, his thumbs working in small circles and then moving up her foot, adding a slight bit of pressure at her arch and ball. He then rubbed each toe in return, slipping one finger between each toe as well, sort of stretch them out. He repeated this process several times, smiling at Rose and her offer to ask questions about herself. She asked him to be gentle in that area and he would oblige her in that matter.

Rose offered to answer some questions seeing how Vincent was her 'special' guest. The little bit of humor she tried to put forth at the mention of him running off when he realized she wasn't perfect sort of showed some darker truth in it. Rose was a bit worried about something in her past, but Vincent was a pretty understanding guy with enough monsters in his closet to keep him from judging others too harshly. "Trust me Rose, your probably a saint considering my past," he said, avoiding eye contact with her, continuing to rub her foot.

What came first to his mind was why the lack of any pictures of her family, but he figured that might not be the best question to start out with. So, he tried to find something easy. "Why medicine but more importantly, why pediatrics and cancer?," he asked her, still working that one foot over slowly. "Did you want to pursue this career before your powers manifested or after?," he asked as well. Unlike normal humans, Vincent knew meta-humans only manifested their powers around puberty, which would give Rose plenty of time to think about her choices in life until then.

[Roselyn Veeder]

When Vincent put his big hands around her foot it felt good, and although it was just a small area of her body it felt nice to sort of be encompassed. She smiled, really starting to relax as his thumbs fell into rhythm working out the tension she had in her muscles and joints. She watched him, her eyes drifting over his profile. All these times she had talked to him, well for the most par,t he was looking at her or at least turning his attention to her at one point or another. She appreciated this so much and she hoped that she could come up with something to reciprocate for him, something that would involve them both clothed. Lord knows that she wanted more from Vincent than a physical relationship.

His voice broke the silence and made her mind stir back to the here and now. He made a comment about her probably being a saint considering his past. It may have been made just in fun but the way Vincent didn't look at her showed that it did hold some truth. And although he was sitting here admitting that he had done some... well less than acceptable things in the past it put her more at ease. It just seemed like he was just so, well perfect. And Rose, well she was damaged. Still she didn't know what Vincent held against himself and even in Rose's eyes the offense/offenses may have been minor but the fact he was willing to say he was flawed made her respect him that much more.

She didn't ask what he meant, yet, instead she listened to his soothing voice as he asked her why she had chose medicine. She gave a sort of sigh, not wanting to sound corny in any way. "I decided to go into the medical field shortly after I graduated from Hammel." She gave just a short pause, pressing her lips together before letting them relax into a smile. "I am the type of person that has a genuine desire to help others. I feel better to improve someone else's life... I'm not a materialistic person and I like to see others happy. Given my ability it just seemed like it was natural for me to pursue a job healing people." She took a minute to breath slowly and watch Vincent, she had all sorts of thoughts floating about in her head but tonight they were all seeming to flow naturally. "I love children, they are so innocent, they love easily, they don't ask questions or doubt you... well for the most part. They need more attention, more care than others. I have spent time taking care of your cold or virus patients but those that have suffered some sort of trauma or that have a terminal disease, I want to do all I can to try to get them healed or at least give them a bit more time." She paused, pursing her lips together before her tone grew a bit sad, "They don't ask for much. It doesn't take much to make most children happy, it's just that adults they are too busy to make time for things they consider as childish and unnecessary."

Rose drew in a breath, half wondering if Vincent thought she was crazy. "I guess I am just drawn to do what I can, with the ability that I have, to those that I think deserve it most. Not that certain adults don't but for children to be taken out of this life so early, well it is just unfair. We want, we expect so many things out of life and to hear what they want, it's amazing how little we appreciate those things."

She leaned towards the back of the couch, watching Vincent, "What about you? What made you make the career choices you have during life?" She bit at the inside at the bottom of her lip before asking what seemed to be a random question, "When is your birthday?" It may have seemed she was fishing for a date, for an age but she wasn't. She liked to recognize people, to let them know they were appreciated and once Rose liked you, well it would be horrible to her for her to not know a day that is special for you. She didn't really celebrate them as the day you get older but a day just designed for you that others should look at you and show you you are appreciated.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent rubbed Rose's foot slowly and somewhat forcefully, yet not rough enough to make the moment uncomfortable. He couldn't promise this treatment at every date they might go on, but from time to time he would and could find some way to pamper her. Rose was different and sort of special to Vincent and he wanted to show her this just wasn't another ordinary date. Being comfortable was the goal here now and what Vincent was working so hard to achieve. He wanted Rose to have a special memory of this first date, but not in some sexual way. Vincent also wanted to show her he could treat her special without having to resort to something rather physically intimate. There were all sorts of ways to entice and draw a woman in other than sex.

The explanation Rose gave for why she chose her profession made sense and Vincent admired her for sticking it out through such a tough educational training. For him, all his training had been physical, with very little mental training. It was nice seeing someone else who had such a caring heart and who desired to use their powers to help the weak and less fortunate. This ideal was one of the most prominent beliefs Vincent held out side of his religious ones and one he strove to uphold to the fullest and best of his ability. He imagined it still must be very hard though to see all those children, a large majority dying and nothing you could do to save them. Sure, Rose could prolong their lives for a while but death inevitable would win out in the end.

Leaning back into her couch, Vincent moved on to Rose's other foot, massaging it in the same manner as the first. Rose asked Vincent why he had chose the career path he had and while it seemed innocent enough, he knew she was digging, just like he was. It was a topic he liked to talk about, his time in the service, but with Rose, he felt he could let a bit of his past military career out. "Well, I wasn't ever really gifted academically, that much was clear from day one of school. I mean, I did well enough, and graduated Hammel with almost a 3.0, although I had to work my butt off to get just that. A man has to know what he's cut out to be and seeing what ability I possessed, I chose a path which would be able to capitalize on that ability," he said, noticing how Rose's muscles jerked whenever he rubbed across a particular spot on her foot. "Boot camp was easy enough for considering the increased stamina and so, after seeing I was having it too easy, I was enlisted into special forces for more intense training with other meta-humans. We were all volunteers and promised a much more enticing retirement package if we all survived our contracted years that is," Vincent went on, opening up about some of his military past. "I have to admit, choosing to enlist was one of the smartest things I ever did because I quickly found out....I'm good at war," he said with mixed feelings. Vincent had the natural guardian instinct, but with his black and white view of the world, it was easy for him to carry out his more bloody missions against terrorists and insurgence.

Clearing his throat, Vincent released Rose's foot and rested one arm across the back of her couch, "As for coming back to Hammel as security chief...well....it wasn't really much of a choice. It was something I'm good at and a position Hammel needed desperately filled," he added with sigh. What question came next sort of seemed very random. "My birthday?," he asked kind of puzzled, "October '72," he replied, leaving out the exact day out of habit, "Why you ask," he wondered, putting Rose on the spot.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Rose gave Vincent her full attention as he talked about himself. He admitted that academics were a struggle for him and she felt a hint of guilt. There wasn't anything that Rose could do but it all seemed to just come to her. She wasn't a super genius but her final grade point average was almost 3.9 when she graduated. She could learn things, pick them up like a sponge. The only down side was if she didn't use that information she would eventually forget it entirely. Still he didn't do bad in school, her friend had about the same average, and they got along great. Rose didn't like people acting like they were better than others.. even though she was flawed to think this of herself to a point. Money, intelligence, those weren't the things she got caught up judging, it was behavior or lack of responsibility. It just seemed that some people acted more like animals these days. They could make the same mistakes over and over hurting others.... So many people waste life and they drag others down around them.

Vincent spoke a bit more about his past, why he chose to join the military. She was smiling, without realizing it. She wasn't much of a fighter herself but she had great respect for those that were willing to stand up and make sacrifices for others. Rose, she played more of a supportive role, which worked out better anyway given the circumstances. Vincent seemed to have mixed feelings when he said he found out he was good at war but she felt pride at that comment. War always came with losses and although she struggled with her morals when it came to killing someone (necessary or not) she felt like Vincent's judgment would be clear in such situations. He didn't seem like he was easy to anger or that he held a grudge so she was sure he was probably level headed and logical when it came to the act.

She didn't want to change the pace of this moment but she wanted to let Vincent know she did appreciate what he had done for their country. "I have no clue what kind of sacrifices you had to make, I've heard tales here and there from others but you don't get the same effect from just hearing.... But I really want you to know that I appreciate your service and I admire that." She knew it wasn't sunshine and rainbows but she couldn't lie and tell him she knew what he had had to go through.

He seemed a bit suspicious when she asked his birthday and she did have to give a small laugh. "I never want to miss an opportunity to make someone feel awkward on their 'special day'." She shifted her weight, putting herself up on her knees before motioning to the floor. She knew that Vincent had just really sat back and gotten comfortable but she wasn't going to let him rub her feet and not get anything out of it. Rose was a very giving person, and given the correct atmosphere she was very loving. "Would you mind sitting in the floor for me, please?" She was waiting for Vincent to move down before moving to sit behind him with her legs to both sides of him. "October, really? What day? My birthday is in October."

She was glad she had put shorts on now, so she really wasn't showing anything off inappropriately. Something occurred to her before she actually put her hands on Vincent, "Wait... how does your ability effect this?" Could she even help the matter if his muscles were tense? Surely he could still feel the touch but the pressure might not do what she would be setting out to do. "And another question.... do you mind if I touch your hair?" Gah that sounded like a total random question. She realized that she probably sounded like some deluded fan girl. "Well, I mean you won't freak out if I mess it up a bit, will you? I love having my scalp massaged, most guys don't know what they are missing"

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent wasn't one to share much information about his service days, aside from talking about boot camp and the training he had to endure as part of the Rangers. Talking about military life wasn't upsetting, nor was talking about all the times he and his buddies used to torment their drill sergeant. Vincent had many fond memories of military living and had made many good friends as well. There were some crap times for sure, but no matter what profession one went into, that was always a given. However, what Vincent didn't like to talk about was what he had to do as a special operative out in the field. The squad he served with were almost always meta-humans, but on some missions he would be the only one. He always volunteered for the front lines when they needed someone as his ability gave those boys the edge they needed to take their objectives. Grunts were always the ones sent to the front lines, kids who just came out of boot camp and were shaking in the boots. Vincent always tried to put on the brave face, which for the most part was easy as he loved fighting and while he was taking lives, it was lives of those who would dare to harm him and his loved ones. Self preservation of the good was the excuse he always stated. Evil must be wiped from the earth wherever it was.

Vincent was glad Rose was a supporter of military veterans and while the populace was more respectful of military veterans now, there were still some who didn't see things that way. 'Baby killer' and 'war monger' were the two most common degrading things Vincent had been called by some of those ignorant and young war protesters when he had come back home from his tour in the Middle East. Most of those kids were spoiled rich brats who had never seen a hard day in their life and who had never seen the world outside of their comfy little living rooms. Still, some were angry parents who had lost children in the way or husbands and daughters and Vincent really didn't blame them for their misguided anger. Still, it was hard to give your all to keep these people safe only to have them spit on you when you came home.

Vincent remained silent for just a moment after Rose had commended him on his military service. Vincent felt hid body give and relax a little. The unmovable and unstoppable force which was Vincent Romanov, now silent and still from only a few words and a kind look. It wasn't much really, a simple 'thanks' from Rose, but it meant a world of things to Vincent. He sacrificed so much to keep the weaker people of this world safe and never expected much in return save for just a bit of respect and Rose had given him that just now. A bond was beginning to grow here, whether Vincent or Rose knew it or not. It seemed fate had finally brought two lost individuals together to find themselves. "Thanks Rose, that really means a lot. You don't act like you understand what guys like me have seen or have been through, but you still have respect......It takes a big person to do that," he said, returning the compliment in his own way.

It was a touching moment for Vincent, albeit not in the romantic sense of the word. Vincent had found a good soul Rose, one who he believed to share his feelings on the world. She had chosen to be a doctor and that meant offering help to any and all she could. Doctors took an oath at their graduation and while oaths these days didn't hold many like they used to a thousand years ago, Rose seemed the sort to take something like that seriously. Vincent definitely wanted to see Rose again and so had already made up his mind to ask her out again in a few days or so.

Rose's next question stunned him a little. She had asked Vincent to sit on the floor in front of her. With an awkward and unsure smile, Vincent did as she asked. He trusted her, she just seemed too good to have any ill intentions toward him. So, getting down onto the floor, Vincent put one leg out straight and pulled the other up and underneath. He chuckled once he figured out what Rose was attempting to do for him. A massage sounded nice, but it was pointless with his ability. "I appreciate the returned favor, but massages don't have the same effect on me like they do others. Any pressure you put will just go right into me," he said sounding kind of disappointed. He wished he could enjoy this moment of bliss, but alas, that was just the way it was. His eyes kind of lit up though at the mention of a scalp massage. He loved having his hair washed at the barber shop and so this sounded just as good. "Feel free to massage my scalp all you want. Your not gonna mess up this monster for nothing," he said rubbing his hand through his hair roughly.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Vincent seemed to appreciate Rose's comment, thanking her in return which merited a smile. She was growing more comfortable with Vincent and he seemed to be relaxing too. Rose next to him felt like she was almost half his size, probably feeling more that way because she kept company with children most of the time. When you are around these awesome little people that usually measure three to four feet, well standing just over five makes you the giant. And though she wasn't crazy about guys with a lot of testosterone or 'fighters' it made Vincent all that more appealing. He didn't have that aggressive or cocky attitude they seemed to always have. Everyone knows the type, the guy who thinks he's amazing and walks around with his chest puffed out. Women like able men, not rough irresponsible boys.

Vincent moved down to the floor and as she moved behind him she was still thrown a little off by his size. He was a broad man, and I guess that should be expected since he is basically a tank. She listened to him as he spoke in a disappointed tone, explaining to her that massages wouldn't work on him. Well if he had some sort of damage she could help but... right now she was at a loss. Luckily he seemed eager for her to rub his head, which was something Rose loved to do. He roughed up his hair with his hand, which really didn't hurt the style anyway, and she smiled. She was careful to remove her bracelet she she didn't get caught in his dark locks. "My birthday is October eighteenth." She just figured she would throw that out randomly, hoping he didn't think she was fishing for his age.

She let her fingers slip deep into his hair at first, on both sides of his crown. Out of habit she applied soft pressure, wondering what anything like this would even 'feel' like to him. "So..." she started saying and she wound her fingers around in tiny little circles now moving up closer to the top of his head. "Where did you say you grew up?" She had told him at the steak house that she was from Virginia, and she took it that he wasn't really a country boy. Every now and again when she got tired her accent really came through... And from what she can remember alcohol brought it out of her too. But she stayed away from that sort of stuff now cause it only seemed to add fuel to whatever flame was burning inside of her. It amplified anger, sadness, and then a few good things that could lead to bad decisions.

She really hoped that her and Vincent would be able to go out again. Perhaps she would even offer to go see a musical or what not. She could probably get into it.... She just wasn't around anything like that when she was young. Now she couldn't imagine being and avid fan but enjoying, yes. Especially if she was with him.

His hair was thick and Rose caught herself a couple of times swirling her fingers around in it before she started rubbing his scalp again. Rose may seem a bit too open and trusting to many but this was her true personality. She was cautious, at first but if she felt she had reason to trust someone she was pretty quick to let her guard down. She is a very loving person and very motherly. She had felt that maternal calling a long time ago and her job now actually lets her use that sort of action. She never really had seen herself to have an 'empty nest' but putting work first helped fill some of that void. Men were complicated, and usual quiet deceitful, thus why she had been alone so much. Too she doesn't really have a social life and you don't meet many good prospects in her line of work.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent sat rather relaxed at Rose's feet, like some good little watchdog being petted by his master. This was Vincent however, the ever good dog, biting who he was told and keeping mistress safe when she was home. He had to admit he liked having Rose play with his hair, even if he could not feel her tugging at the locks. His hair was able to be cut and he was very thankful for that but pulling it, that was sort of out of the question. Rose rubbed his scalp and tangled her fingers through his hair for quite a few minutes, making small talk and once again returning to birthdays. She gave hers and Vincent smiled as it wasn't too far off from his own....well....date wise anyway. "The tenth," he offered simply in reply after Rose gave her birthday. It seemed she was fishing for his age at first, but she had the year so why was the day so important? Maybe she did like embarrassing people on their so called special day. It had been a while since Vincent had really celebrated his birthday. His mother and sister sent him cards and small gifts, mostly gift cards as it was just easier to mail. Vincent didn't mind, to him it was just another day.

Moving on to hometowns now, Vincent smiled and then sighed. He remembered Rose saying she was from Virginia, a state where Vincent had been to once or twice but only because he was meeting up with other soldiers before leaving for a mission over seas. He had never toured the state and had no idea of what it was really like. He imagined a bunch of rednecks with really thick back hick sounding accents, a stereotype for sure, but from the way the movies and television shows portrayed the south, he just couldn't help himself. Rose had shown him he was wrong in his stereotypical assumption and he wondered how she would picture his hometown. "Manhattan. Most Russian immigrants settled there after their departure from Ellis Island," he said, closing his eyes, letting Rose continue massaging his scalp. "I'm not sure if you've ever been there, but its not much different from what you see on television. Of course, the little area I grew up in was unique. I'd say about ninety percent were Russian immigrants so it was like living in a democratic Russia. Everyone there had fled the confines of communism, looking for just a bit of freedom. My father loved his new country....and even went as far as to become a legal citizen," Vincent said, showing some pride in the mention of his father.

In Vincent's family, his father was the ruler and Vincent looked up to that man greatly. His father was harsh sometimes, but never once was he a tyrant. He always took into consideration what his wife had to say on certain matters. His father wanted to leave every bit of communism behind him in Russia. He hated those who thought they had the right to rule with an iron fist without having to listen to others. This was also part of what made Vincent the man he was today. Sure, he enforced the rules of Hammel strictly, but he wasn't beyond listening to what the students might have to say in their defense.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Even if Vincent couldn't enjoy the moment fully it was really relaxing Rose. As mentioned before she was a hands on person and things of this nature, playing with hair or massaging someone let her fall into a relaxing rhythm, setting her own pace while touching someone. She loved the feel of Vincent's hair, it was thick and although it wasn't wavy it wasn't straight and flat. Vincent told her the tenth and she smiled. If they were still around each other then (and she hoped so) she would have to try and surprise him. He didn't seem the type that would really get excited over something like that but seeing as how his family weren't here with him she wanted to do something special all the more.

Vincent talked just a bit about Manhattan and Rose really couldn't recall a whole lot about watching anything on TV specifically in that area. She felt herself blush, feeling a bit naive and sheltered. "We weren't really allowed to watch TV growing up. I mean we had an old set but it was used almost solely for the news." Her father felt that television was the lowest form of entertainment and if he wasn't there to monitor what was being said or done on it, well he didn't want his children watching it. No Rose spent a good bit of her time playing with her sister outside. Now when she got a bit older and had a bit of a wild spell she did go cow tipping and mattress surfing... totally different from mattress dancing. Sure some people might see good ol' country folk as retarded but really, they were genuinely good people who just didn't care about the fancier stuff o the world. They didn't need that kind of garbage. And although Rose had long moved from her cozy humble little home, well sometimes her heart still felt a pull for those simpler ways.

Rose lived here now and this was were she was led to stay. She loved children and although she missed parts of her past she felt there was just too many memories tinged with sadness. She thought she wanted the bigger life and soon found out it left you feeling empty inside. She knew her old stomping grounds but Manhattan, well she knew very little about what the residential areas were supposed to be like. "Did your father ever take you all to Russia?" She held a slight curiosity about the rest of the world but considering she couldn't speak any foreign language, well she'd stay on this side of the pond.

Coal must have been checking back in because there was a loud growl from overhead, and then the violent ringing of his bell. He took the steps two at a time and was soon fluffed up to his full height at Vincent's feet. Evidently the poor thing wasn't willing to let Rose pet any other animal she drug in here, he had had her all to himself for the past two years and he wanted to make it clear to Vincent he wasn't welcome here and he'd always be underneath Captain Fluff. Of course Coal thought it over a bit before he actually attacked Vincent because it didn't do any damage before.

Rose let out a sigh, pulling herself up and off the couch, Coal unmoved by her actions. "I'm sorry. I am going to put him up real quick so he doesn't keep bothering you." His hair was puffed out fully but as Rose's hands fell around his sides he loosened up a bit. She pulled him close to her and he scrambled to look at Vincent over her shoulder, his little mouth almost curled up in a smile of triumph because he had won her attention now. Rose made her way upstairs, thinking to put him in the bathroom at first but what if Vincent needed to use it? She figured it was best to store him in the bedroom, besides that would make the room all that less inviting anyway. As she was walking down the short hallway Coal started purring. She tried to calm him down with some soft words before putting him on the bed and returning to close the door behind her as she made her way back to her guest. Coal meowed pitifully from behind the door and she knew now that he would sulk for at least a few days, perhaps more.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent never knew much about his father's side of the family save for what stories he told them as kids. By the time Vincent's father had left Russia for America, both his parents were dead and his only brother was a mystery. Vincent's uncle had left home at around sixteen his father had said and that was the last time any of the family had heard of him. Life at that time in Russia was harsh and very complicated. The Russia which stood now was just a weak shell of its former self so one could imagine the horrors which plagued her people in those long years of yesterday. Perhaps Vincent's uncle had joined the military, either by choice or force and been stationed in some remote outpost somewhere? He could have died in the streets as a pauper or mugged and murdered for what few coins he possessed in his pocket. Whatever the answer, Vincent's father never spoke of his older brother unless necessary and the two Romanov children had learned not to ask. Talk of the old homeland was a touchy subject in Vincent's family as his father had mixed feelings about his native homeland. Too many bad memories was always the words which fell out of the old man's mouth whenever he did speak of the land where he grew up. Old Russia wasn't known for its pleasant treatment of her people and the government had become far to corrupt to properly care for anyone or anything. So, in short, there were never any family trips to Russia....As if they could afford them even if they wanted to.

"We never went as children. Too many expenses to care for here," Vincent said casually, "My sister has been there and back a dozen times or so, but always on business. She takes mom with her when she goes. I think she goes just to have some feeling of dad again," he said as his eyes sort of glazed over in thought of something. "I've been there a few times, but its not really a place I'm welcome," he said with a smirk now, thinking about his last time Moscow. "There were a few of us stationed in Moscow, teaming up with some Spetsnaz soldiers who we were supposed to back up on a strike in Afghanistan. Don't get me wrong, we did try to get along with them, but some of those Reds just didn't like having some American tagging along with them. Spetsnaz are sort of stubborn like that," he said, going along with his story as Rose massaged his scalp and played with his hair. It was funny, Vincent usually never told war stories, but the way Rose just made him feel so at home lowered his defenses a little, "So, anyway, here we were, four Army Rangers in a little Russian bar where a bunch of the Russian military hangs out and Jim, this new guy to the group starts running his mouth, making fun of Russians and what not. Next thing I know the bar is in chaos and I've got my CO breathing down my neck wanting to know why I saw fit to start a bar fight," Vincent said, laughing some now, finishing up his story.

The small jingling of the bell caught Vincent's ears again. Rose's monster of a cat was no doubt coming back for round two. Vincent smiled, trying to pick out just where the cat was coming from. It was a deranged game of hide and seek in a way. Finally, with a growl, Coal Chute pounced and hand Vincent by the leg, biting and kicking with his back feet viciously. Vincent laughed out loud as Rose wrestled to free herself from the couch to tend to her beast. Vincent just continued to sit there, rolling his leg left and then right, antagonizing Coal Chute further. It was sort of fun to be free from feeling pain or injury in this manner, but sometimes it was a curse. One never really grew accustomed to the loss of feeling, one just learned to live with it. The hardest thing about controlling his power, was learning to hold back the tide of energy which wanted to roll free. This was what held Vincent back from leaving Hammel earlier than he did in his youth.

Vincent smiled and nodded as Rose finally removed Coal Chute from Vincent's leg, petting him. The cat looked content now, showing Vincent he was the more loved one. Animals had a way of being jealous over their masters and Coal Chute showed this trait abundantly. "It might be the best idea," Vincent said in response to Rose's rather sound decision to lock Coal Chute up for the rest of the time Vincent was here.

[Roselyn Veeder]

Rose did really feel bad that Coal Chute felt he had to attempt to shred Vincent every time he came into the room with him. She could see where Coal was coming from but knew she couldn't explain to her furry friend that she really liked Vincent. Well, perhaps that was better cause that might only fuel his determination to mangle him that much more. She did feel bad that he was mewing sadly from her locked room, not understanding her betrayal. And although Coal couldn't hurt Vincent, well he could still ruin his clothes.

She made the trip down the stair case, her feet landing on the wooden floor of the living room. She looked at Vincent and smiled apologetically, making her way back over to the couch. "I know the floor isn't too comfortable.. Sorry about the whole massage thing." she said with a slight shrug of her shoulders and running her fingers through her hair at the nape of her neck nervously. She wished she could do something really nice for him, but given his ability changed the way his body perceived things, well she was still in that awkward learning phase. She stopped just next to him, letting her hands slide down in the back pockets of her shorts. "Do you want something to drink?" She took a few steps towards the kitchen entrance, "I am really sorry about the whole killer cat thing. I swear he's really just a big teddy bear with me." She hoped that despite the bump in the road tonight that he would want to come back and spend time with her.

She stepped back into the kitchen, getting her drink off the counter and waiting for Vincent to tell her what he wanted to drink. "Do you cook a lot at home?" Rose could cook but she wasn't the biggest home body. No, she was better at baking and crafty stuff rather than making all these fancy dishes with stuff in it she didn't even know was legal to eat. She surmised either way that Vincent probably had quiet different taste than herself. Not something that bothered her, mind you... perhaps he could get her to come out of her shell a bit and try a few things. She really didn't have a taste for coffee after her split with James and shortly after she cut out other forms of caffeine, pop but every now and again she would drink tea. She loved water and orange juice and did occasionally indulge in a cappuccino.

She filled the glass she got out for Vincent with ice and sat it down on the counter, looking in her corner cabinet once again. "I have pop corn, if you want I could make us some." She looked his way trying to see his dark head of hair around the corner of the couch but he was just out of view. Rose didn't normally feel nervous but she had to admit she was a little right now. Perhaps it was the way Coal seemed to keep trying to ruin their evening that made her feel like she was doing a bad job. And truth be known she wasn't one to put a lot of stock into relationships, that's why she had avoided one for so long. Perhaps it was maturity, age, her internal clock, fear of dying alone.. who knew. But now strangely enough she felt that this was important. She was out of touch being with someone in any manner other than business or friendship and although she would like the latter to come first here having that desire for it to develop into something more serious was a bit alarming. That would mean risking her feelings, her pride...

She thought to Vincent's bar story and she gave a low laugh, trying to imagine a fight a meta like him would have. He must have really torn the place up if they didn't want him back. Of course it made sense seeing as how he was loyal to his homeland. "Is it beautiful over there?" She tried to picture Russia but all she could imagine was old style buildings and snow, "Russia I mean?" She wasn't sure if Vincent really was one to appreciate architecture or not or if he would even had time to notice there.