Alicia heads inside after closing the back door behind her, a tired look in her eyes.

Bernie is, apparently, making dinner. Despite the fact that she's the only one there, the amount of food looks like it would feed a family of eight or so. There's a salad, some bacon frying on the stove, a whole army of chocolate chip cookies cooling on the counter, and a very large pan of macaroni and cheese that she's just pulling out of the oven. She almost drops it on the table as she turns around and sees Alicia, but saves it, just setting it down with a slight clunk, and grins widely. "Hiya, 'licia!" she exclaims brightly, and then tilts her head slightly. "Y'look tired. Sit, 'sup? Y'wanna soda or somethin'?"

Alicia blinks a bit in surprise as she looks around, shocked. "Trying to get me fired Bernie?" She says with a soft grin. She heads to the Gnawer, giving her a strong hug as she sighs softly. "No.. not hungry, not thirsty. Just a bit dizzy. Ah'jus'got back from the Umbra with the others, listened to a few stories and the such."

Bernie laughs and hugs the coggie back, "Nah... I dunno, I just felt like cookin' t'day... 's not lasagna or anythin', though, I think y'r job's safe." She pulls away to shut the oven and turn it off, and eyes the baked macaroni and cheese critically before giving a satisfied nod. "I'm jealous. I got told 'bout th' Umbra, but I didn't get t' go there yet... an' I love stories..." She sighs, and shrugs, looking happy anyway. "Oh well! Next time maybe I c'n come 'long... 'least I got some stuff done t'day... an' if y'r dizzy you should def'nitely sit down."

Alicia continues to hang onto her in a hug, then nuzzles softly at your neck with the tip of her nose. Finally, she pulls back and lets out a soft sigh. "Oh Hey.. You won't believe this shit. I went up in th'attic today to grab my stuff an I woke Matt up right? He had.." She clears her throat. "Morning wood. And my god. He started making jokes about it." Smirking, she brushes away her bangs a bit. "You know, his new name should be Gaia's Endowment. He's thick."

It takes a second or so for Bernie to fully parse that, whereupon she, rather predictably, does her tomato imitation, eyes widening slightly. "'licia!" she scolds, giggling a bit. "Glad I got up and went to do things early..." she pauses, leaning into the fridge to pull out a soda, and turns even redder, if such a thing is conceivable, as she adds, "...I think." Another quick pause, "...sure you don't want a soda?"

"Oh, trust me.. it was so worth it. My god, he is such a flirt." She rolls her eyes a bit. "He was trying to joke 'bout that night in the farm house. So I turned the heat up a bit and I think I may have scared him." Her lips pull into a grin. "You know.. yer a ragabash, an ah'guess ah'm close ta' it 'nuff. I think its time ta' set up our dear friend Matt. You got a disposable camera?"

Bernie closes the fridge, taking the lack of response to mean the other cub still doesn't want one, and tilts her head, considering. "Nope, but I could get one. Only, if y'r thinkin' what I think y'r thinkin', polaroids'd work better, 'cause otherwise you gotta deal with gettin' th' film devloped..." She's still blushing hard, but one could get the definite impression that figuring out how to pull something off short-circuits all the other areas of her brain for the moment. Especially as, that comment made, she pauses, and the slowly dying blush flares up again. Taking a seat at the table, she toys with the soda can a little.

Alicia laughs and nods her head. "Mmm.. Polaroids would definitly work better. Listen.. I know fo'a fact Squall has this gift of being really invisible like. Its like ah'new moon thing. See if you can get him to teach it to you ok? This is what we'll do." She steps forward, softly whispering. "One day in the morning, we'll sneak up in the attic, an you go into sneaky stealth mode. I'll wake 'em up an start joking, all that shit. Then.. when he gets up, ya depants his boxers from behind, an I'll take the picture." She's trying so hard to not burst out laughing, but that wild look in her eyes betray her.

Bernie looks somewhat torn, though a little smirk keeps playing around her lips. "...I dunno I'd hafta be invisible, I mean I kinda don't think he'd 'spect me t' do that anyhow... though, that'd be a cool think t' learn t' do... bein' invisible, I mean, not pantsin' him..." she semi-babbles, and tries to push that one curl back behind her ear again. She bites lightly on her lower lip, looking thoughtful for a moment.

Alicia grins and pokes her lightly in the side, softly whispering. "So, ya wi' me on this one? Ya wanna?" Her eyes flash. "You can take it to the city, photocopy it, then pin it on yer wall or something." She can't help but grin, taking a stab in the dark.

Bernie turns brighter red yet, and sort of stares off into the middle distance for a few seconds, before shaking her head, as if to clear it. She glances sideways at Alicia, then quickly around the room and back to the other girl, unable to completely prevent a tiny smile as she whispers back with a definite edge of wonder, "...he kissed me." Not exactly an answer to the question, though.

Alicia blinks a few moments, then leans close, softly whispering. "Yah? He kissed ya? Like.. what kinda kiss? Deep kiss? A peck on the cheek? Fill me in girl, tell me all the details."

"On the cheek once," Bernie whispers back, "...after I gave him the bottle opener. Didn't know he'd like it -that- much... and later, on the lips. Three times... well, two, technically, I guess, 'cause," yup, even pinker, "really I kissed him th' last time..." She adjusts her glasses, staring embarrassed but happy at her soda, "...it was nice... I liked it. He kinda implied he'd do it again, too..." She trails off, nibbling on her bottom lip again, shyly.

Alicia grins and squeals in laughter. "YAY!" She seems so enthusiastic. "That is so cool. I'm happy for ya'. Hey, thats so sweet. Was that yer first kiss?" She asks, hushing her voice again.

Bernie nods wordlessly, ducking her head again with that little smile, and finally opens the can of soda. Fortunately, it hasn't been jostled quite enough to do more than foam a little, harmlessly, into the top of the can. "...he noticed I messed with my hair, even. Th' ponytail, I mean..."

Alicia continues to grin, feeling enthralled in that, girly way. "That is sooooo cool." She states with a smile. "So we still ganna straighten out your hair right? You know what I was thinking? Keeping the curls in your bangs since they are so cute, an maybe doing the straightning with the rest. The pony tail is a definite keeper."

Bernie twirls one of the remaining uncorralled curls around a finger. "You mean these? ...mmm... I dunno... I'm 'fraid 'bout how it might end up still, y'know? What if I look all weird without my curls?" She glances at the cooling pasta, and stands to get a couple places and some silverware, setting all but one on the table and dishing food for herself into the other.

Alicia shrugs her hair. "Then ah'can put 'em back in. I got a curling iron upstairs also. Its not that hard really." She offers a smile, settling into a chair next to the Gnawer. "I also have some kinda recent magazine's upstairs, if you want, pick out a hair style an I'll try my best ta' copy it. It can't be that hard."

Roger steps into the dining room through the sliding glass door.

That's what's known as 'Famous Last Words,' isn't it? Bernie sets her plate before her chair, retaking her seat and starting on her dinner. Intentionally or not, she seems to have taken fairly small portions of everything. "Mm... cool, came out right.... an'.... yeah, all right. Go 'head, mess with my hair an' all..." She takes a bite, washing it down with soda, and then asks, "Um. By th' way... I dunno if it shows up, 'cause I kinda didn' wanna over do it or anythin', rather look geeky than trailer trash, y'know? ...but..." She trails off as Roger walks in, and flushes bright red, suddenly gaining an intense interst in the plate of macaroni and cheese and salad in front of her. "Uh, hiya, Roger, 'sup?"

Alicia glances over to Roger and waves, a bright smile crossing her features. "Heyas Roger, how ya doing?" At this, she glances back to Bernie and catches only a momentary glance of the Gnawer's features before reaching out with her gift.

Alicia pages: (MindSpeak) == Hey there. Finish up. Whats this 'bout trailer trash now? Tell me yer idea.==

Roger steps up to the sliding glass door and after peering through a moment opens up and steps inside. "Hiya, Alicia, Bernie. Not too much is going on right now. Just walking about perhaps to complete a set."

Long distance to Alicia: Bernie thinks .oO( Oh... well, I was sort of trying to do the makeup thing... did I do all right? Just, you know, a little bit... )

Bernie glances up, cocking her head. "A set of what?" she queries, "...and, hungry? I jus' made dinner, only I only know how t' cook for, like, eight, so there's kinda a lot..."

Alicia pages: (Mind Speak) == Oh? Now? Your wearing make up? I didn't know, Let me get a good look at ya ==

Alicia glances over to Roger and raises a brow up, curious. "Yah... Whatcha gotta set of?"

Alicia glances back to Bernie, seemingly staring at her intently for a moment.

Roger grins and looks upon all the food. "I'd love to, but I've not the gift to survive eating what might kill me." he says with a sarcastic grin. "And for the set... well, both your auspices are lent to finding out on your own. Bernie, Ragabash... if you really want to know, find out in the depths of shaded knowledge. Alicia, Galliard and wielder of Dreamspeaking, you should revel in the messages that pass throughout the Sept, find out from the not so shaded, and quite often shared knowledges."

Alicia says "Is this about your poke'mon spirit game you was doing with Robert and Lucca at the Caern?"

Roger shakes his head towards Alicia. "Well guessed, but directly incorrect."

Bernie smirks, "Hey, I got five siblings an' two parents, an' unfortunately my cookin's not bad 'nough t' cut it down any... so it's prolly safe." She continues to eat her own meal, listening to the rest of the conversation.

Alicia hmm's and thinks for a moment, then peers back at Bernie, looking her face over.

Alicia grins and then mouths to Bernie. 'I like it'. She tries to be subtle about it all.

Roger nods now to Bernie. "Still, what might leave you alive... could possibly make me at least wish I was dead. No offense at all meant, but I'm a better safer then sorrier type of Garou. Alicia on the other hand is younger, and more apt to try new and exciting... experiments in edible chemistry. Perhaps I'll be coaxed to imbibing and delighting in your urban treats at a later time, for now... I'm quite alright. Either of you two seen Leda recently?"

Bernie laughs, "'s only macaroni an' cheese, 's not like I'm tryin' t' serve you, I dunno, choc'late covered escargot.... 'sall right though... an' nope, haven't. 'licia?" She looks to the other cub, and smiles, looking pleased with her verdict.

Alicia isn't eating tho', if that helps the situation. "Um... Nah.. not in a few days. Last ah'saw her, she was really pissed off."

Roger almost chuckles at that from Alicia. "I can definatly understand that. She has been getting what she must think is the proverbial 'shaft' lately. I'm afraid that while I want to help her, I'm probably the last person she'll want to see."

Alicia grins a bit wryly. "Your a guy, of course you an 'bout 20 billion of your sex is the last person she wants to actually see."

Roger nods his head to Alicia. "Catch on quickly. You might say that there is more to it then that, but not much. I've already talked with Piotr and Koschei tonight... two of the three members of Leda's pack."

Bernie listens with interest, quiet now; partly because her mouth is full, and she's got decent table manners, but largely because she's busily absorbing new information, not knowing any of those people.

Alicia nods her head and listens Roger, propping her head up in the palm of her hand. Wondering curiously. "Yah..?"

Roger looks a bit suprised at Alicia. "Yeah what?"

Alicia says "Ok so.... you talked ta' em.. an what happened? What was said? Whats going on?"

Roger smiles to Alicia now. "Good girl." he says ever crypticly before continuing. "It's the set, if you haven't figured it out by now. I've talked to Piotr and Koschei, and Leda would complete the set. You want the inside scoop, well, I'm trying to join up with them and Raccoon, as near impossible as that may seem, the idea is beautiful to me. Now don't go spouting that directly to Leda, I've already got my messengers on my way to her if I don't see her first."

Bernie nods slightly, with a satisfied grin to herself, and finishes off the salad on her plate. Perhaps she'd figured it out by then.

Alicia smiles a bit, triumphant. "Don't worry yo'. I gotcher back." She squeezes her hand into a fist, bobbing it over one of his. "Yo' my dog man. Its all 'bout da' props." She winks once, drawling in her street slang.

Roger does the street moves suprisingly well for such a well dressed busnessy-type of guy... maybe he isn't exactly what he appears, but maybe you knew that already. "Word." is all he says on that matter. "One of these days, when you both are out of this fire trap, I'm gonna have to take you both to this really nice italian resturant in the city. You need to try what I like to call, real food."

Bernie grins, pointing at Alicia with her fork, "Not that I'm declinin', but you ever tried her l'sagna?" She finishes her meal, and pushes the plate away slightly, polishing off the soda as well. "...an' technic'ly, y' just gotta wait for her. I'm just here periodic'ly, by choice."

Roger nods to Bernie. "Excelent... but only both of you, I don't choose favorites." He adds with a wry grin.

Alicia grins and folds her hands on the table. "Thats right. 9 outta 10 garou agree. My Lasagna is the bomb."

Roger looks to Alicia now. "Then it /will/ blow me up from the inside?"

Alicia grins. "No, but some people would simply /die/ to get a piece of it." She drawls softly. "Ah'm ganna make it again this Saturday night if your intrested."

Bernie laughs, and shakes her head. "Wasn't suggestin' you should... and only if you eat too mucha it."

Roger nods yet again, he's good at that. "I'll be there if I can, lots of business going on recently... For such a small family, theres a lot of deals going on."

Alicia says "Hey, ya gotta hit it where ya can get it Roger." She gives him the thumbs up, then glances over to Bernie. "An I do love what ya did with the make up."

Roger does indeed look aprovingly over at Bernie. "Definatly." he almost echoes. "I must be going, there are places for me to be... appointments to keep. Good night you two."

Bernie blushes slightly at the compliments, and waves. "Thanks.... g'night, g'luck with the set completion..."

Alicia dips her head down and smiles. "See ya later Roger. Take care."

With that, Roger heads out.

Bernie pushes her chair back, taking her dish to the sink, and starts putting the food into refigerator-ready configurations so others can eat it later. She steals a quick glance at the time, and out the window at the night, as she works.

"So... ya really like 'em eh?" Alicia says, helping her out with the dishes.

"Wha..?" Bernie asks, slightly startled, and then pinkens a bit again, nodding. "Oh... well, um... yeah." The stray curls get pushed back as uselessly as ever, and she bumps the fridge closed now that the food's safely installed within. Joining Alicia at the sink, she joins in with the dishes. She gets a little paler, suddenly, and leans over to whisper in the other cub's ear.
You whisper "But don't, um... don't tell anyone? I dunno about everyone else but Steven told me not t' be a bad influence on th' Fianna cubs, an' I kinda think he might throw me through a window or somethin'..."" to Alicia.

Alicia nods her head to Bernie and slowly runs a finger down the bridge of her nose. "Don't worry 'bout it. Ah'gotcher back. After a moment, she softly says. "He is cute tho', in that euro punk kinda way. Ah'don't blame ya."

Bernie watches the soap bubbles mound in the 'dirty' side of the sink, and very slowly smiles, poking idly at a dish or two. "....yeah," she agrees, quietly, with just the slightest hint of a sigh to it.

Alicia giggles and softly whispers in her ear.
Alicia whispers "Just be careful, the litany an all. If some of the Elders see ya, they'll flip out an really bust ass. Just keep it to ya'selves an don't get caught, an especially, don't 'ave sex."

Bernie blushes again, and nods as she whispers back, starting to scrub the dishes off in the suds, and pass them to the other side of the sink for rinsing and drying.
You whisper "I wasn' plannin' on takin' out an ad in th' papers or anythin'... an' as for th' other, we only jus' kissed! I mean, I'm not 'zactly in a whole hell of a hurry anyhow, I don't think... I tol' you my older sister was preggers at my age, right? I'm s'posta be th' smart one... an' technic'ly I think th' whole interpretation's a sorta tribal an' by-person thing, 's th' impression I get... an' anyhow f'r all I know he might not wanna even -kiss- me again! So... yeah." to Alicia.
Bernie looks back down at the dishes after the rather longwinded whisper, and scrubs hardened cheese and pasta from a pot, cheeks burning.

Alicia grins and squeezes your shoulder a bit, leaning against you. She softly continues to whisper, giggling the entire time.
Alicia whispers "Of course he most likely will. You'll all did three times already. Thats great progress. I think its so romantic, like Gambit an Rogue, or Romeo an Juliet.""

Bernie giggles, passing the pot over, and starts on a pan. "God, I hope not!" she murmurs in reply, "Romeo an' Juliet -died-, y'know! 'course, 's their own fault for bein' dumb..." She smiles, though, putting a reasonable amount of elbow grease into the scrubbing. "...I dunno... I don' wanna, y'know... get my hopes up 'bout anythin', y'know?"

Alicia nods and nudges you once more, then heads for the door. "Yah.. Just take it slow. Good night Bernie. Ah'gotta catch some shut eye."

Bernie nods, "...yeah, me too. After I finish these. Gonna be upstairs?"

Alicia nods her head and grins. "Yah. Ah'll catch ya up there ah'guess."

Bernie nods. "Yup. 'njoy th' Bohemian Decadence..." She grins broadly at the pan as she says that, and passes it over to the rinse pile, starting on another dish. "...g'night, 'licia."