Spending & Smiling [Cadan]

[Layla Disanto]

[December 5th, 2522 Late Morning]

Layla had been on Persephone only two days, she'd packed and left Bernadette immediately after finishing her conversation with Sidney. Her first stop after landing was going to see this Jonathan Marks person who was looking after her brother. After a short visit she found a cheap place to rent near-by, settled in, then went back to the doc's place. She stayed with James until Marks made her leave. Layla hadn't eaten since the transport ride, even that was very little because folks rarely took into account for a vegetarian; which she was.

Today Layla was spending some time at the market, she felt comfortable now that she had seen her brother and all. Time to take care of herself. The market here was lovely, despite it not being the best part of town. Folks had stalls everywhere selling various goods. She'd already bought a few things, but she continued to browse and get things that looked good. Luckily the small place Layla had rented had a well equipped kitchen in it.

She was at one of the fruit stalls, picking up a couple different varieties. "Go ahead girl, give that one a try!" The older woman who was in charge of this particular stall urged her to try the strawberry that she had picked up. Layla smiled sweetly at the woman's insistence, "That's very kind of you, thank you." She took a bite from the beautiful red fruit and it was perfect. Her eyes closed as she savored the taste, "mmmm..I'll definitely want two dozen of those please, they're fabulous." This was one of the most wonderful places to shop for food that she'd been to. It was too bad she wouldn't be here for very long, only until James was better and back on the Trinity. Though until then perhaps Layla would make a trip here everyday just to try other things.

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**note: the cuff bracelet she's wearing is meant to hide the tattoo on her wrist -

Outfit

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan had been planet side for a few weeks now. It always seemed he was stuck back on this planet. No matter what he did something brought him back, though mostly it was the Duke telling him to deal with this or that. Now he was here to secure some materials for transport to New Cannan. He had asked him to gather up some random things. Nothing of importance nor was any of it actuallly illegal. It was sort of odd why would he pay Cadan to come procure these things when it wouldn't take much effort to do it. Maybe he just had better things to do.

Well Cadan was doing a good job at it and The Duke hadn't even giving him an official deadline on it. Just that he wanted it done around the start of the new year, easy enough really. For now Cadan was out and about looking through the wares of the local merchant. Occasionally he would pick something up that was interesting to him and would keep it. The people here didn't seem to mind if he didn't pay for it but then again they didn't know he was taking it either.

While wondering around he noticed a young lady walking through the stall she seemed to be enjoying the tastes and sights of the market as well but she of course was paying for what she took. She definatly caught Cadan's eye, and with that he decided it was time to approch her.

He slowly sauntered over to her and stepped up beside her at the stall. " ello Kiss alla me ter get that for ya." He said with a charming smile to the young lady. He fulled out a few bills and set them on the table to cover the cost of the strawberries. He would recover the cost plus some when he had a chance. It was like taking candy from a baby really. "Me apologise me China. I should properly introduce meself, names Cadan Ashdown. Local tour guide and aw round gent." He continued.

He picked up the strawberries and reached his hand out to take hers almost as if offering a hand shake but also to gently pull her along with him. "Privlage me wif a chance ter sha ya 'round, would ya?" He asked her as he pulled her along. He figured he could show her quite the time around this place he know everything about it and he could use the company to keep him from having to work right now. "What's brought ya ter our bear market?" He continued talking as he walked her up to a stall that had jewlery made from local makers. they were the simple kind of think made with polished stones, nothing fancy but nice enough. "I can find just abaht anythin ya could want 'ere ya kna."

If he kept her walking while he kept talking she wouldn't be able to tell him no thanks. While he was talking to her he was walking backward with one hand behind his back. He bumped the table to distract the person behind it with things falling off everywhere. This gave him the opportunity to snag something that would match with her outfit. He didn't hand it to her yet. No that would come later when they weren't there anymore. When he had reeled her in.


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Kiss = Miss
China = Friend
Bear = Fair

[Layla Disanto]

Just as Layla was going to dig in her purse to pay the woman for the strawberries a gentleman walked up, smiled at her and paid. She was at a loss for a moment, was that a normal thing for Persephone? Despite her minor confusion she smiled at him in return, he was handsome and she didn't have any bad feelings about the situation. There was no worry here, at least not from what her feelings were saying and they had a tendency to be correct. Before she could thank him he continued to speak, introducing himself as Cadan Ashdown. The local tour guide, really? Her cheeks flushed slightly as it clicked that he was sorta hitting on her.

He held out his hand to her and she took it, they were off swiftly and again he kept talking. Layla was a bit amused, Cadan was rather charming; if only he'd let her get a word in. She was grinning when he finally paused, perhaps to take a breath. "Quite the charmer aren't you Cadan?' While she was teasing him with that, it was also sincere, 'Now that I can get a word in, I'm Layla. Sort of just visiting around here for awhile, so a tour guide sounds like the exact thing I need." Layla winked at him, knowing that his profession wasn't actually a tour guide.

She hadn't tried to make him stop while they walked, or as he led her around as it were. Back on Bernadette she had been to worried about trying to be any kind of social with anyone. There was a bounty on her and all, that she was fairly sure of. "I'm just shopping around for something to make for a meal is all really. Whatever jumps out at me that looks good." Layla winked at him a second time.

When items began to fall off of a table they were passing she'd try to help the person pick them up. If Cadan would let her that is, either way she didn't mind. There was no more worry on her mind since she'd seen James and knew he'd be okay. Having a lovely time was alright now.

[Cadan Ashdown]

He listened as she finally had the chance to talk, and oh the sound of it was that of an angel signing he thought and she had a name befitting of an angel. "Its a pleasure layla, a true pleasure. I gotta say I 'ave never met an angel before." He said then leaned in closer. "I 'onestly didn't adam 'n eve they exsisted Jill na."

With her coment of a being ok with a tour he smiled even bigger. Hook line and sinker he had her on the line now. She mentioned she was shopping for food and he saw an opportunity. Just the perfect opportunity. "'Eaven, ya kna 'round 'ere picnics 're the traditional way ter eat wite?" He said. "And I 'ave the perfect Drum."

He could tell she wanted to help pick the stuff that had fallen up so he leaned down and began to pick things up and put them back on the table. A tip of his head to the woman behind this counter to signal his apologies to her for knocking things off. Then he took Layla's hand again and pulled her along to another counter where he picked up some fresh bread and a few things for a salad alng with a few other thing as he tossed more then enough money on the conter to cover it quickly wisking her away.

"This Drum is serenity, it is serendipitous daan't ya fink.." He paused a moment and gave a chuckle "Your wite it's aw Pete Tong, it's far from perfect pen it is compared ter ya." He said as be began have her come further down the way. moving deaper in to the market tward a large building it was a theater and opera house. Closed at the moment but that wouldn;t be enough to stop him. "Lets go somewhere else." He said as he pointed toward the place "that will be perfect."

He walked up to a side door on the place and tinkered with the lock just a second before the door swung open. "me ol' mate owns the place won't be no trouble." He told her as he walked her in the back stage door up a small flight of stairs then out through a curtian on to a balcony built on the stage.


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Adam and Eve = Belive
Jill = Till
Eaven = Well
Drum = place
pete tong = wrong
Pen = when

[Layla Disanto]

Layla smiled, giggled slightly even at his corny lines, an angel huh, if he only knew how far from the truth that was. She didn't let the thought about her past disturb her joy in the moment though. Layla continued to play the good tourist girl, enjoying the spontaneous-ness of it all. "Picnic huh? Sounds lovely, I assume that means you'll be joining me right?" Her cheeks blushed ever so slightly again, really and truthfully she'd never had a man treat her like she was something. Except her brother of course, but that was completely different.

She found it sweet that instead of letting her assist the person Cadan did it himself, though she was fully capable. Despite that she let him, and then they were off again. He began getting various items from the stalls, bread and what looked like salad components. She was thankful for that since her diet did not involve any meats. There was always the bunch of strawberries she had almost purchased herself at least. Though she did chime in during his purchasing of things, "I can pay for things too you know." Her voice wasn't agitated or anything, just reminding him he wasn't required to pay for everything.

Layla rolled her eyes with a smile, silly and charming this man. When Cadan pointed at the large building she paused and admired it. The architecture was beautiful, simply breathtaking. As they entered her gaze went everywhere that the light allowed her to see, "It's wonderful." When he finally settled for a place to stop she smiled at him, "I'll bet you do this with all the pretty girls." Again teasing him, it wasn't lost on her that he was probably a ladies man, and rightly so. At least in her opinion.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan was all smiles. He noded to her question that he would be joining her. He was having a smashing time and they had only met but a few minutes ago. Indeed there were good things that happened when he was back home on Persephone. This was that reminder he needed.

He could tell she ws really enjoying the place they were in. There were tons of lights on still. That needed to be resolved and Cadan knew exactly how. "Nah love this. this is where I go fer sum peace usually. Hirst person i've brought in 'ere ya kna." He said with a smile then jumped off the balcony down the 9 foot drop to the stage itself. He then ran down the center isle and back behind the other end of the seating. A few seconds later all the light went out for a few seconds untill a spotlight sparked to life and lit up the balcony.

Then through the darkness she could hear his footsteps come bkc to the stage as he crawled back up the balcony so he was poised on the other side of the rail. With a smile on his face he spoke as sweetly as he could leaning over the rail to where she sat. "O! she doth teach the torches to burn bright" He looked in to her eyes before he hoped back over the rail and took a seat next to her.

He pulled the curton down and layed it out on the balcony and began to make up some food for the par. "They're puttin' on romeo and juliet ya kna." He said to explain his quote incase it seemed to forwrd. He served her up a plate then made one for himself. The plates he had grabbed from backstage as they passed by. This place was perfect for a picnic.

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Hirst = First

[Layla Disanto]

Layla looked at Cadan in a bit of surprise when he told her she was the first person he'd brought here, somehow it was just hard to believe really. Before she could reply he was gone. Not down stairs mind you, he just jumped down from the balcony! She gasped as he lept and moved to lean over the edge to make sure he was alright."You're crazy you know!" She yelled ever so slightly at him as he ran down the aisle. The question would have been if he was alright or not, but he was obviously fine.

When the lights went out it startled her a little, she looked up where they had been shining on the entire room. Then the spotlight hit, startling her yet again. Layla let out a breath, this guy went all out huh. He was making his way back towards the balcony, couldn't see him, but she heard his footsteps. She simply smiled at his words, unsure if they were his or from somewhere. There was no recognition in her mind.

Once he finally sat down and was still she was still smiling, she pushed on his shoulder playfully, "Way to scare a girl Cadan!" When he mentioned Romeo and Juliet her interest peaked. Layla had heard the title before, but it wasn't something she had learned in the years she had schooling. Of course because of Paquin she had missed out on the last few school years she was supposed to have.

Cadan put together a plate for her, somehow exactly the only things she would eat was what he had given her. It must be just a coincidence. It's not like 'i dont eat meat' was tattooed on her forehead. Despite knowing that, she still rubbed her forehead just a little. "Thank you. You know, I know the name Romeo and juliet..but truthfully I have no idea what it is." At her admission of not knowing her look turned a little shy, unsure if that made her sound completely ignorant.

Layla felt like she needed to change the subject though, before he had a chance to say anything about her lack of knowledge; she asked him a curious question, "So, Cadan, what do you do when you're not 'wooing' the pretty girls?" Just something to get to know him with, small talk and the like. She began to pick at the food, taking small bites as she looked at him.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan was a little surprised when she said she didn't know anything about Romeo and Juliet, but he made no issue of it he could tell by her attempts to switch the subject. He would teach of Romeo an Juliet then she would love the story it was the great story of all times after all.

"Like I said tour guide but ya 're me Hirst and only costumer. outside of that I work in the bloomin' transportaion industry. a 'ol biggles pen I 'ave a 'appeny dip ter fly" It was straight forward and to the point he just didn't really want to mention who he did his work for. Odd where she wouldn't know who the Duke was but he still didn't want to risk it.

In the end he had little choice of if he worked for the Duke. He sort of found himself in a posiion that left him without a choice. "The tale of romeo and juliet. its wonderful. A tale of love and tragidy. we'll 'ave ter clock the sha so ya can clock it for yourself." He told her as he scooted over so he sat right next to her.

She would love the show for sure and it would be a perfect opportunity for him to see her again. "Tomorra night then? ya can met me 'ere for the show." His smile grew as he pulled a pair of tickets he had grabbed when he hit the spotlight. Yes this night was going well. Nothing would get in the way of this wonderful night.

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Hirst = First
Ol' biggles = Pilot
Pen = When
'Appeny dip = Ship
Clock = watch

[Layla Disanto]

Layla listened as Cadan told her what he did for a living, blushing again as he doted on her. His first and only customer huh? Part of her did wonder how many times he had used all these lines on other women, but she didn't feel overly concerned about it. She was having a nice time and they were just eating after all...alone..in an empty building, granted a beautiful one but still empty. Yep! Nothing to fret about.

"Well I think you'd make a lovely tour guide all the time, already you've shown me what might be one of the most fascinating buildings I can remember. Only upstaged by one of the Buddhist temples I stayed at on Sihnon."

After she said it she sort of wished she hadn't, she wasn't supposed to talk about her life with folks. Could trace back to who she is..what she is and the man who wanted her back. 'Its ok Lay, don't worry' she thought to herself, pushing the thoughts back.

Cadan was also a pilot, if the Trinity didn't already have Dani shed have suggested he get into contact with sid, since he was probably running things while her brother wasn't there. She wanted to share what she did too, but really there was nothing to say. Sure she had a job that she gt hired for, but before she could have her first day she was leaving planet to Persephone. Layla had contacted the owner who had offered her the job, but he couldn't guarantee the job would still be there for her upon return.

She listened intensely when Cadan began to explain a little about romeo and juliet, it sounded wonderful. When he moved closer to her she smiled, moving closer in his direction as well as he invited her to a show. A show! She was excited, couldn't wait. Even more-so because obviously he was going to be there too...like a date?! Layla suddenly felt nervous, was it a date? Should she ask? No she might look stupid..it was probably something she should just know. But she lacked the experience in that particular department.

"I would love to see the show with you Cadan!" Then it clicked, "Uhm but do I need to dress any kind of certain way? Aren't these things kinda fancy..?" She would go get a dress if she had to, dressing up wasn't her most favorite thing to do. But to see a show with a handsome guy? Yeah shed deal with it.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan was excited. He was having a wonderful time and now he was told he would have the chance again tomorrow. "wonda'ful love then we shall come to the sha tomorra" He continued eating and enjoying his time with her.

The time passed as they conversed back and forth for a while. Through out the night he explained the story of Romeo and Juliet acting out bits and peices. laughing and enjoying every minute. He listend for every detail of who she was that she was willing to let him know.

He told her of the worderful sites and sounds of Persephone doing his best to give her reason to stay here instead of returning to Shinon. It would be hard for Persephone to out do Shinon but he would give it a try. As the meal drew to an end Cadan wanted to make sure she remembered him tomorrow. "I've got a lil' surprise or ya layla.'ere put it on." He said as he pulled out the braclet from earlier and pulled it around her wrist and clipped it on. "That way tomorra you'll clock it and remember ter sha tomorra. He told her with the same grin that had been on his face since the begining of their meeting.

He again stood up, helping her to her feet. Then he walked backward again pulling her along as well till he got to the edge of the balcony. He let her hand go jumping up on to the rail then jumping down the other side grabbing the rail and standing on the far side of the rail. It was time he bid her fairwell for today. "Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow." He said to her and he leaned in so thier faces were not far apart "Till the marrow my fair Juliet." He gave her a wink, wanting to lean in to give her a kiss but he would wait to see if she moved her face back or closed the gap.

[Layla Disanto]

Cadan's company was wonderful, he seemed genuinely interested in her. He told her about the show they would see tomorrow, the story of romeo and juliet intrigued Layla to no end. She couldn't wait until tomorrow night. Cadan even acted out bits of it for her, it was a night of smiles and laughter. Truly one of the best for her in a long while. She shared a little about herself, being polite and all, also listening to what he shared about himself. Layla wouldn't allow him to only have her talk about herself.

Her eyes widened in surprise when he pulled out a bracelet...for her? When did that happen? It was beautiful, she stared at it a moment, smiling. "It's gorgeous Cadan..Thank you.." She wasn't quite sure how to react to the present, not to say she wasn't in like with it of course.

Layla's smile was wide and happy as he helped her to her feet, pulling her with him. She knew his words were from the play, but she didn't know any lines herself to retort. She held her breath when he leaned in, Layla would close the gap between them, but possibly not for the reason he expected. She kissed him softly on the cheek and whispered in his ear, "Romeo and Juliet end with tragedy right? I'd prefer to skip that part for myself if you don't mind Romeo."

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan lit up with the kiss. Sure it was only on the cheek but that was more then enough. They had only met and he didn't expect even that. She was an amazing woman, gentle, intelligent and truly beautiful. Cadan had never met someone so perfect before. Tomorrow night would give him a chance to get to know her even better to learn bout who she is and who she was.

Her comment about not wanting to end up like Romeo and Juliet with tragedy Cadan agreed with. He wouldn't want her to end with tragedy. "I can agree wif that." He said in agreeance with her. Then he just let go of the balcony dropping to his feet below once again. "Alla me ter get the Wight fer ya." he said before he took back off behind the seating the to light room.

After just a moment all the lights in the place fround and back came flashing back on. Cadan again rushed down the isle and climbed back up on to the balcony. He held his arm out to offer it to her. "Shall we?" Thn he walked her back down the stairs and through the backstage to the door they entered in through. He would let her leave from there and he would go back in and restore the place to the way it was when they first showed up.

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Wight = light

[Layla Disanto]

Layla leaned over the balcony as Cadan ran off to get the lights so they could leave. She sighed slightly knowing that the wonderful evening was coming to an end. With any luck tomorrow night would be even better though. She'd take his arm and they would leave, saying their good-nights with silent promises of a joyful tomorrow.


[December 6th, 2522]

Layla got up early the next morning, there was much to do. Cadan had told her that the show was in fact a rather fancy ordeal so she'd need proper attire. Though she didn't enjoy dressing up, she did it anyway. Surprisingly she spent quite a few hours in various shops, looking for something perfect for the occasion. Even made an appointment to have her hair done by someone who knew what they were doing, her way of doing her hair was either up or down. Nothing fancy. Layla hoped that she wasn't over-doing it..

Next on her to-do list was to pay a visit to her brother James, bringing him plenty of fruits and vegetables. Healthy foods were important in the healing process, at least in her opinion. Not to mention knowing that he probably rarely at either food group because of his time on a ship.

After having her hair done it was time to get dressed, her least favorite part. She felt awkward and nervous, there were many reasons tonight. Her clothing, the fancy-ness of it all, and of course the man she was meeting. She sighed, looking at herself in a mirror. "Not bad for someone who spent four years as a doxy huh Lay."

Layla stood outside the building her and Cadan had a picnic in the previous night, she hoped that tonight would be just as enjoyable. Even more-so since she was all dressed up and feeling very odd about it. She was fidgeting quite a bit, unable to stand still. Again the mixture of the awkward feeling and nerves. She smiled and nodded at a man who passed her by, giving her a smile of his own. Not Cadan, just a random guy. Of course Cadan was a random guy as well, at least yesterday he was. Now she wasn't sure what to make of him. She sighed at the uncertainty of it all.

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*note: she is wearing the bracelet Cadan gave her~
Outfit

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan was so excited that night after they had departed ways. He almost couldn't sleep. H went through his closet in his apartment looking for something to wear. There really wasn't anything fancy enough for the show and he knew it but he had to look. Hours of looking and he ended up finding hi only chance was to buy something.


The next morning he jumped from bed in a haste rushing out the door still disheveled and a mess. He went from shop to shop trying on every suit he could find. Eventually deciding on one that was far to expensive for what he really could afford but he went with it anyway. Then he was off back to the stall they were at the day before. He had to pay for the bracelet from the day before. The last thing he wanted was for her to find out he hadn't payed for it. Though he couldn't just approach the person and say he hadn't paid. So instead he just dropped the money on the table without being noticed so the woman would have the money for the missing item.

After that he was off to home to get himself ready. He tossed the suit on and then worked on his hair. He spent the next few hours getting himself ready, trying to get the perfect look. "Better get garn Cadan if ya intend ter be on time." Cadan told himself before he left.

Cadan stepped out and rushed down the street toward the theater. As he approached the crowd grew thicker. As he saw more of the people who were their for the show he started to wonder if he had dressed well enough. He stood up as tall as he could trying to see over the crowd.

He waded through the throngs of people looking for Layla. After a few minutes he spotted her. He froze in his steps when he saw her. She looked amazing. Then he pushed through the crowd even faster to get to the calm spot she was standing. "Layla, 'ey Layla it's me Cadan. I'm glad ter see ya didn't change your mind." Cadan said to her as he approached. He avoided using the rhyme slang, something he didn't do with many. No he felt comfortable with her enough to avoid it though the crowd around him did make it a little challanging to accept that.

"You look amazin' love." He said as the smile he had last night returned to his face. He again held out his arm for her to escort her in to the theater. The night of a lifetime awaited them on the inside and he wasn't going to miss it. He had never actually seen the show's here from one of the seats just from the light rafters where he had snuck in to watch before. As they passed the box he handed the tickets to the person at the box and for a few tense seconds he hoped they woudn't notice that they were not bought. WIth luck the person waved them in and they were finally there.


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Outfit

[Layla Disanto]

Layla was only kept waiting a few more minutes when Cadan showed up, she smiled and let out a slight sigh of relief. She had begun to wonder if he was going to stand her up. He looked amazing himself, all dressed up with somewhere to go. She giggled at his words, "I know it's you silly, how could I forget you already?" He was greeted with her taking his hands, pulling him forward and another kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad you didn't change your mind either." The crowed had grown in the short time that she'd been waiting. It didn't affect her much though, she was all smiles and anxious to see the show with Cadan.

Her cheeks turned a light red in blush at his compliment, she had been worried about how she looked. His reassurance made her feel more comfortable, Layla happily took his arm. "You look quite amazing yourself there handsome." She gave him a wink. It was time to go inside, her excitement rose. They were only delayed a moment for Cadan to hand off the tickets, then they were walking into the beautiful building a second time. Layla squeezed his arm slightly, still all smiles.