Getting out of the Manor (Markus/Open)

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~It had been over a week now since Markus and Tasha met. So far it seemed like he was adjusting well to Orealis and being in the manor which the Fala didn't mind at all. She rather enjoyed the company though Wynx hadn't yet met him a little skiddish plus sick. So for now they had to stay away from one another.

Though one thing was bothering Tasha, being that Markus's room was next to hers it meant she heard things easier. His nightmares to be more exact had seemed to come recently or maybe had been there always. Just the screaming had been recent and unsettled the fala. Although she wasn't quite sure how to approach the male and didn't want to seem like she was prying.

Anyone having to go through what he was especially during sleep was obvious having alot deeper issue than one might think. Sure everyone has nightmares, but these sent chills even down her spine as she lay at night listening. A few times having to stop herself from rushing over to wake him, not sure how he might react. And sure they had gotten to know each other and she could guess they were on a friend level, but that didn't mean he wanted her involved to this degree.

So as it where they both needed to get out, her to do shopping and just keep an eye on things. Him because he was her bodyguard and said he wished to see more of the city and possible get a few things for himself. That is how they ended up in her classic mustang going into town sure walking was good. But with the amount they possible would be buying. It wasn't happening.~

"So Markus you mentioned needing to pick up a few things for yourself. Anything particular? I mean we have different shops that specialize in certain areas, so if you give me a clue I can point you in the right direction. " ~Smiling a moment back over to him before looking ahead once more.

She kind of wanted to bring up the nightmares but this wasn't just a topic you threw out in general conversation. So she was debating with herself on how and when was the right time, biting on her bottom lip while she thought about it.~

[markus]

Of course she heard the nightmares, of course she heard him screaming in the middle of the night. Markus awoke nearly every night screaming at something invisible, swinging his fists at nothing in particular. It was a good thing that Tasha hadn't come into the room, he might have accidently hit her. It normally took him at least an hour for him to wake up, to stop seeing the things that his dreams hadn't wanted to let go of. It was just lucky that he didn't sleep with his gun under his pillow anymore. There had been a time when he would wake up holding it, pointing at nothing. Every a few times when he would fire it at something only his mind could see.

Hell, he still hadn't realized her room was right next to his, that she could hear all of the screams that slipped from his mouth and traveled through the walls. He had enjoyed the last week he'd spent at the manor with Tasha, following her through town and making sure that she was taken care of, that nothing happened to her. He needed to be sure that she was safe and protected. He had taken on the job of her bodyguard and he did all he could to fulfill that title.

Today was different, he hadn't really gone out through the town much, so he really didn't know what was out there. So when she offered to drive him into town to pick up anything he needed, he jumped at the opportunity. He frowned a moment at the question as she drove. "Just bathroom stuff really. I need shampoo and stuff. Plus I need new boots and jeans.." He said, brows furrowing as he glanced down at his boots. The leather was faded and cracked, peeling away from the sole in some places even. They were incredibly uncomfortable anymore too.. He shrugged lightly. "I need a haircut too.. Unless you know how to cut hair?" A brow perked up as he looked over at her, shifting a bit in his seat.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~No she didn't know that if she had slipped into his room to wake him it might of ended badly. No she just was hesitant on entering for another reason, Markus was a friend but did he trust her enough? Would he even want her to help him trying to overcome them? Tasha just wasn't sure and didn't wish to overstep boundaries with him right now. But it didn't mean she wasn't worried about all those nights he was screaming.

Yes he had been a great guard, enjoying having the protection along with the company. So when he had wanted to come out she was even more happy. Sure he could of just came as her guard, but this gave them both a little more relaxed atmosphere.

As she got into the village and heard him, though hadn't noticed the frown at her question. When he spoke she nodded her head,~ "Okay the main market has most of that, we can go next door for the clothes and boots. As for your haircut I can easily do it, just tell what how you want it."

~Looking over for a moment before slowly moving to stop right infront of the stores and shut off the engine. Flicking off the belt before she shifted to get out and glanced once more back to him than just got out. Taking in a breath shutting her door while she waited for him to get out.~

[markus]

Markus had only frowned at her question because he actually had to think about what he needed. At least it was nothing that would embarress him. Some razors and shampoo and the like. A little smile touched his lips when he heard her voice, turning the green eyes back onto her. "Good, then it shouldn't take too long for me to gather everything up." He said, glad she knew where he could find everything. When the car stopped he was running his fingers through his hair to find that perfect place that he wanted it cut to, though stopped so that he could climb out of the car. He wouldn't admit to it, but her car was a tad uncomfortable. It was only because he was so much taller than what a normal person who rode in this car would be.

Markus wasn't overly tall, but he was a couple of inches higher than the average. As he stood beside the car he found that place in his hair and got her attention. "Right about here. Just an inch or so left.." He said, closing the door and walking around to her side to stand beside her. As she lead the way into the market he followed easily. Dark eyes glanced around once for danger before falling back on her with a smile. He was on guard, even though he didn't look it. Years of practice and training had given him that. He looked casual, relaxed, though he was tensed and on guard, always ready to reach for the gun in his waistband just in case. He'd been here little over a week and hadn't had the need for it at all, which wasn't that surprising, she'd assured him that things here were safe enough and he believed her.

But that didn't mean he dropped his guard completely. He glanced around the store for a moment before seeing the 'Beauty' Department. That was his destination.. he figured anyway. He remembered most stores kept shampoo and wash and razors all in the same area, and it was usually close to the make-up, soo beauty department it was. He made sure to match strides with Tasha, though lead the way with the small basket he'd grabbed from beside the entrance. A frown hit his lips as he stood staring at the wall of shampoo, why people needed all the different smells and kinds was really beyond him.. then again, he didn't deal with frizzy hair or dandruffy hair either. He found a bottle of shampoo with bodywash in some generic smell and tossed two into the basket before turning to find shaving cream. As he walked he looked down at her, a touch of amusement on his features. "You guys do trade cash here right?" He asked, smiling a little more.

He'd been a couple of places where they didn't use cash, they traded trivial things like buttons or animal skin. He'd even been to a place where they traded sexual favors for everything, and jobs (cleaning, working the counters). Markus really hoped it was cash. He still had an amazing amount in the wallet in his jacket pocket. He hadn't touched the wallet in nearly five years, though knew at some point it would come in handy, even if it were only to tell someone his name when he died. Finding the razors and shaving cream on the same wall he barely paid attention to what he was grabbing before tossing it in. His feet then carried him toward tooth care, needing toothpaste and a new toothbrush, he hadn't had a real one in almost a year.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha had only nodded when he answered her back about the stores. Not really thinking much about much at the moment. When they did get out though and heard him she nodded some softly before smiling softly.~ "No problem I can do that for you when we get home if you like." ~Nodding again before they headed inside and he grabbed a basket for them, smiling some and looking at the isle he was going down. Though did grab some shampoo, it was just a spring rain scent.

Smiling some as she tried to think of anything else she needed on this isle before he spoke. Turning to look over at him she nodded softly,~ "yes, we do." ~Not asking but just assuming that other places didn't use cash. Heading out of the isle and around the next one when he was done. Grabbing some laundry soap, bleach, than also dish soap. Setting them in the basket looking to make sure he didn't mind carrying it all.~

"Okay I was going to pick up some meat, and things as well. Have anything particular you might wish to have, name it I don't mind." ~Smiling softly to him remembering she needed to get eggs, bread and milk of course taking it slowly really incase she saw something else they might need or want. Or hell even something that just caught her eye. Seeming to get lost in her thoughts a moment remembering to get a few more cans of soup for Wynx. The little one loved chicken noodle and to be honest so did she.

Glancing over to him seeing that basket nearly full,~ "Hey since we still need to get more why don't you switch out the basket for a cart instead. I highly doubt it will all fit."

[markus]

"That would be excellent. Thanks Tasha." He said, flashing her a bright smile that made him look years younger. Normally he had to try and cut his own hair. Usually it didn't work out too well. His tongue brushed over his lips, watching her grab things to throw into the basket as well. Smiling again at her response. It was a relief to know that they traded cash here, he would definitely have to check how much was in his wallet at some point, god only knew it was probably more than a normal person would carry around with them. But he hadn't been able to use a bank in a long time, nor had he really had any use for the money, so it just sat in his wallet, just waiting for use.

At her question he frowned lightly in thought before shaking his head with a tiny shrug of his shoulders. "As usual, Tasha, whatever you want to cook is fine with me. Though..." He paused in thought, following her around as she collected things that she needed, grabbing a few items he needed along the way. His brows furrowed a little before shrugging again. "I wouldn't object to some stir-fry.. or maybe some fajitas.. Oh god or anything with chicken and rice." He said, making a little face at the mention of chicken as if the word itself sent him to heaven. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had anything with chicken and the thought alone brought on memories of the smell and taste. Even though Tasha cooked for him every night, and sometimes in the morning and afternoon (though he tried not to make her do too much and would stick to something small he could make for himself), he would still eat at least two servings and her cooking never stopped surprising him. She was a better cook than anyone he'd probably ever known.

At the mention of going to get a cart he smiled and tipped his head in a quick nod before stepped backward away from her with a casual glance around for danger. Soon enough he'd collected a cart, had switched everything from the basket into the cart and was making his way back toward her. "How long do you think we'll be in here?" He asked with a perk of his brow. Not that he was anxious to leave the store or to get away from her, more of a mildly curious question. Also knowing how much she already had to do today and not wanting to over-burden her with everything else he still had to buy.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha merely smiled back over to Markus when he thanked her and could tell he was really relieved. Shaking her head some she moved a little ways down the isle still thinking of things and ideas before he mentioned a couple and she turned to look back over at him.~ "Hmm fajita's actually sound really good and I haven't cooked any in awhile. Could give us a chance to use the grill even." ~Smiling some having decided that he had a great idea and would need to go look over at the chicken.

Glancing now over at the poultry department she nodded as he left to go get the cart, looking over the selections for fajita's and debating a few things. When he came back she dropped three packages in before letting her eyes go to him.~ "Um not too long, we still need to let you go by the clothes store and than get this food home pretty fast to not too long." ~Motioning to the condiment isle and getting some salsa, she happened to have a new thing of sour cream and guacomole at home. So just the wraps and cheese than some Spanish rice would go good.

Drifting along grabbing while he pushed they were soon in the dairy isle and she grabbed shredded cheese. A 24 count of burrito wraps since she liked to hot dog roll-ups for Wynx some times. Glancing at the cart she brushed her tongue out over her lips before looking up.~ "I think that is all unless you want beer or something like margurita mix. Good look and meet me upfront if you like."

[markus]

Markus smiled widely as she mentioned using the grill, making sure to grab a bag of charcoal brisquettes and throw them into the cart as well. He wasn't sure if there were any at the manor, but it never hurt to be safe, to have enough. He made a little face though, remembering that he needed to go and get new clothes, at least it wouldn't take him long. He knew his sizes and could easily be in and out of the store in twenty minutes with all of his new clothes. Following along behind her as she headed down another aisle, looking over things on the shelves. He was mildly curious about a few things, but didn't really voice any of it. Markus had a habit of keeping things to himself, especially if the question would provoke too many others. One of the many downsides to not liking to talk much.. made you keep too much to yourself.

His head snapped up, eyes quickly finding hers as she mentioned him going to get beer or some drink mix. He shook his head at her, smiling softly. "I don't drink, Tasha.." He said, raising one shoulder in a casual shrug. It wasn't that he'd never drank. Hell, before everything happened, he'd been known to toss back a couple of cold ones, known to get too wild at a party. He'd even drank a bit after the implosion, once he was on his own. But Markus had realized something.. Alcohol and sleep deprivation, or alcohol and PTSD didn't mix well. The alcohol would make him tired, make him sleep too much. And then he couldn't wake up from the nightmares and people who got too close got hurt. There'd even been a couple of times he'd woken up shooting. It was better to just avoid alcohol in the long run. Everything made more sense that way.

"If there was something you wanted though, I could go and get it." He said politely, flashing her a smile. He leaned overthe cart, resting his elbows along the handle. It wasn't a comfortable position, then again, they really didn't design carts for someone of his height.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha was glad for the help and smirked a little when he grabbed a bag of charcoal for the grill. Yea she had almost forgotten surprisingly even if she was the one to mention using it, just had alot on her mind honestly. Glancing down before thinking they had everything and was heading up front now before his words stopped her. Looking back over and blinking a moment before just nodded her own head softly.~ "OH..well alright than guess were done here than. And don't worry about it, I usual drink here and there. So its no big deal for me honestly. Lets get checked out and than over to the other store fo you shall well?" ~Smiling softly before moving to head upfront.

Finding a line not that long and stepping upto it, her eyes though were watching those about. Smiling softly to a few she knew well saying a quick hello when she was spoken too. Sucking in her bottom lip while she stood thinking before noticing it was there turn and unloaded the cart quickly. Pulling out her cash and waiting to see the total. "Okay that will be "66.00 even." The cashier smiled softly to Tasha who handed her the exact amount. Taking the reciept before glancing to Markus.~ "Ready?" ~Picking up two bags leaving the other two for him and the bag of charcoal.~

[markus]

"Good deal, then." He said softly to her response of not drinking a lot either. There were days when he missed drinking, missed a lot of things from his youth, but was glad he'd grown up at the same time. As they got to the counter he reached for his waller, completely content to hand over his own money, though Tasha beat him to it. A frown hit his lips, eyeing her for a moment, then shrugged it off and grabbed the bags off the counter to follow her out of the store. Once outside he set the bags in the backseat of her car, as she did before turning his gaze toward the shop she'd pointed out before. "You really don't have to come in with me, Tasha. I'm sure there's better things you could be doing." He said, giving her an apologetic smile. It wasn't as if he planned to be inside for hours on end, but still didn't figure she wanted to sit around while he bought clothes.

He had a feeling she would say something along the lines of 'nonsense' and follow him anyway, so wouldn't put up a fuss if she did. He smiled quickly at her before ducking into the store whether she followed him or not. Green eyes darted around the entryway, catching sight of a small female behind the counter reading her book. Markus shrugged again, grabbed a cart and wheeled it around toward the long wall at the back that he could see denim on. He knew that during his time alone he'd lost a bit of weight, at least his pants hung lower on his waist. But knowing that he was constantly eating something Tasha cooked? He didn't buy smaller jeans. Instead he stuck to the same size that he'd worn since he was seventeen.. well same size in the waist anyway. Markus was just thankful that they carried pants long enough for him, most places didn't.

He was quiet as he looked through different brands and sizes. Then again he was always quiet. In the end he found a total of seven pairs of jeans and three pairs of sweats that didn't bunch up at the ankles. All of which were folded in the cart. He wheeled the cart around to go look at boots, stopping along the way to grab a couple packs of new socks, boxers and wifebeaters. Now came the long part. He could spend an hour just looking at different boots to make sure he had a pair that were going to last as well as be comfortable.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Smiling some softly at his words before moving to put her bags in the backseat just before hearing him. Leaning back up she looked over to the store than back to him and smiled some before raising a brow.~ "Actually I was planning on picking up Wynx some clothes and since you had to go was gonna do it at the same time." ~Shaking her head before closing the door and locking it again than went in a short time after him to the store.

Smiling to the clerk as she looked up Tasha headed to the kids section and began glancing around for a few things. One or two summer dresses, shoes and than a few pants, shorts and shirts for her. Making sure they were in the colors Wynx liked of course shaking her head at how picky kids were. Once she had what she wanted glanced back over at the woman's section for a moment than instead headed to the counter to just pay. Laying them on the counter she let the girl ring them up looking out the window a moment. At the total she pulled out a thirty dollars and handed it over. Taking her change and the bag before slipping back out and to her car.~

[markus]

In the end, Markus settled on a pair of black leather boots with thick soles, thick laces and steel toes. He also managed to snag a comfort liner for inside of the boots until he could break them in properly. Nothing worse than killing your feet for a week just to break in a pair of shoes. As he headed back up toward the counter the shirts caught his eye. A sigh slipped through his lips as he turned to take a look at them, just in case and quickly snagged up a couple of hoodies, then saw something that really got his attention. His leather jacket was worn, the leather peeling in so many places from age and wear, sleeping in the snow and rain with it. There was a rack filled with different jackets and he decided to go and have a look, easily finding a few leather jackets, some in brown, others in black. Thankfully he found one that would fit him in black and quickly tossed it into the cart as well before wheeling himself up to the counter.

Better to get out of here before anything else caught his eye. After the little cashier rang everything up his total came to "$493.27" The little woman said, making a face. It was mostly due to the jacket, the boots and so many pairs of jeans. Markus dug into his pocket and grabbed his wallet to quickly rifle through, grabbing three $100 bills, two $50's, and 5 $20's. He slipped the money across the counter, instantly brightening the woman's face. She apparently thought that the money wasn't going to come since it was so much. Even with dropping $500 on the clothes, Markus' wallet still had plenty in it.

She moved to hand him the change back, making him shake his head. "Keep it." He said softly, offering her a little smile as he grabbed the bags from the counter and wheeled the cart back to the entrance, then slipped out to the car. He set his bags back into the backseat before awkwardly climbing back into the front. Tasha's car wasn't meant for someone of his height, even with the seat all the way back he was still too tall. He looked over at her with a gentle smile. "Where to now?" He asked, letting the green gaze dance over her face.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~Tasha was sitting only a short time when Markus came out and she couldn't help the smile at the number of bags. Seemed he found alot more than he expected and she couldn't help finding that funny. Though watching him try and get into her car was making a frown slip over her lips for a brief moment till he spoke and she sighed softly.~ "Well I believe we are done here in the village, should get the food back but after." ~Starting the car once more thinking about what they could do after and knowing he wouldn't really wish to be in her car again.~

"If you like since I don't believe you have seen much of Orealis I could show you around. Or if not than we can just figure out something else which ever works." ~Offer a smile as she pulled out and turned around to head them back to the manor, brushing her lips some with her tongue before letting out a breath. Remembering they were using the grill tonite and smiled.~

[markus]

Markus sat a little uncomfortably in the car, though tried to make it appear as if he were completely comfortable. He didn't want to offend her or make her think she would have to walk places for him to be around as her bodyguard.. Though he did wish he could find something bigger to drive around in. He wouldn't complain though, no need to really. His tongue swept over his lips, green eyes locked on her face as she spoke. He nodded about being done, he didn't need to do any more shopping around town, just wanted to change out of the old boots into his new ones before they left the manor again. "Hmm, I wouldn't mind getting a tour of Orealis, perhaps then you could point out the clinic to me? That way I can go another time and look into the happenings there?" He asked, scratching at his cheek.

He really wasn't sure where the clinic was and didn't want to go door to door until he found it, would be a lot simpler if Tasha could just show him where it was, would certainly make things simpler in the long run to know right where it was so that he could go later atnight and take a look around, a little recon on his own before he would report anything back to her. As the leader whatever happened there should be going through her.

[Tasha_Moondancer]

~No he didn't have to say anything she should of realized with how much taller he was, so she did feel a little bad he was uncomfortable. Sighing softly before he spoke and she nodded some with a smile than at the mention of the clinic. She slowed the car down glancing to her left before speaking,~ "Look out my window just past the grocery store on the right that building about 10 meters from it is the clinic." ~Turning to look back over at him before she would continue on back towards the manor.

Rather glad he was here which meant he could easily slip around and see what was up, hopefully without drawing suspicion.~ "Thanks again for doing this Markus, just do be careful as I said were not sure what is going on. Not sure if they would be suspicious of you or not." ~Nodding some as she glanced back over at him once more before turning onto another street that would lead towards her home.~