Can't Fight This Feeling

Summer 2021, Week 4, Wednesday evening

Genetech, Port Victoria

Fiora O'Connor

It was nighttime, they group had planned to meet up, but she didn't see anyone. "Hello? Peter? Andrew? Anyone?" Fiora set her bag umbrella against the wall. She was covered in rain and it was stormy outside. Maybe they ditched? She wondered, but no, the door was unlocked... there was a faint light coming from the back of the lab. Someone's on the computer... She thought and walked toward it. "Hello?"

Peter Clifford

He jumped up startled. The hairs all standing on edge as the females voice rattled around the open warehouse. Peter cursed. His mouse had moved and ruined a design he had been perfecting for hours. Clearly frustrated he lightly banged his fist on the table. Only, in his frustration he caught his wrist awkwardly on the table end. He did his best to muffle his pain. Only a light grunt came out though it clearly hurt him from his eyes were protected by the darkness. It was then he spun his chair around to face the intruder. Trying to pierce through the darkness though his senses made it easy to see the woman. He made his voice as deep as he could to mask it from his own. "Ah, Fiora. I see you have entered my trap as anticipated"

Fiora O'Connor

“What trap? Oh and sorry I startled you.” She blushed, a little embarrassed. She reached for peter’s hand and held it up to her face. “That’s going to bruise, I’m really sorry. Good thing you heal fast? Guess you cant sense your own danger when you’re focused.”

Peter Clifford

His face went slightly red when she touched him. His heart racing slightly he gulps and tries to hide his emotions. "I thought you couldn't see me. Was trying to play you is all..." He tried to take his hand away despite his heart telling him not to."Or maybe I just knew I wasn't in danger around you?"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora looked down at Peter in the chair. She smiled. “I know its raining outside and its late... but have you eaten? We should go get some food.” She didn’t let go of his hand, not really noticing that she was still attached to it.

Peter Clifford

"I... umm no I suppose not. It is too late I'll grab a takeaway on the way home."

Fiora O'Connor

"There's a diner not too far from here, its twenty four hours. We can go together if you want? I haven't really had a chance to go there in a while."

Peter Clifford

Snapping back into himself after his awkwardness Peter smiled a twinkle in his eye. "Oh, is a diner good enough for you, princess?"

Fiora O'Connor

"I'm more than just a pretty face. I'm a pretty face who loves chocolate chip banana pancakes."

Peter Clifford

"Would've thought you're more suited to Five Star restaurants from you 'benefactor,"

Fiora O'Connor

"We can do one of those some other time, I'm sure Andrew would wanna come too."

Peter Clifford

It was barely noticeable but he slightly winced at the name of his friend being mentioned. He knew it was silly. He was being stupid. Yet, he couldn't help it around this damn woman. "Would rather do a proper team building exercise. Like paintball or rock climbing"

Fiora O'Connor

"Why can't we do both?" Fiora raised her eyebrow, and began collecting her things. "We'll make plans at the diner, I just want to get there before it pours even worse."

Peter Clifford

He chuckled slightly. Finally pulling his hand back and stepping out to find his coat. "Okay, just this once. As you asked me." He was all ready now. After heading out of her view and coming back. He smiled once he saw her. "You ready?"

Fiora O'Connor

"Only this once?" She laughed and stepped outside. "Your car?" She approached his car on the passenger side and hopped in once he unlocked it. "And I expect good music from you, Peter."

Peter Clifford

"Only the best for the Princess, right?"

Fiora O'Connor

"Of course." She laughed, and swayed along to the music that played in the car. "Make a left up here, it's William Side Diner"

William Side Diner, Museum District

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora stepped out of the car, taking in the site of the diner. The neon red sign that said 'William Side Diner' had a few letters out, the parking lot was nearly empty except for a few strays. College students, those who had the late night munchies, and now Fiora and Peter.
Fiora opened the diner door. A little jingle went off as the bell alerted the staff that people had arrived. Fiora walked in, holding the door open for Peter who was behind her. Her eyes widened, she scanned the chalkboard above the counter for the day's specials.
"What do you think you'll get?" Fiora asked, making her way to a little booth in the back that was away from the others.

Peter Clifford

Peter locked his car with the bleeper before carefully checking his hair in the mirror. He did a slight few adjustments before following the girl inside. His pace was brisk. With a slight nervous hop in his step. Eyes darting all over unsure of where to go.
On the outer Peter would never claim he was a slob, yet truthful he looked out the outer of the diner and was unsure he could even stomach walking in.
Yet, he did so. Striding in with his head high in what some would perceive as arrogance and a belief he was superior. In truth, he just did not want to act like the place was beneath him.
Never really having been in a place such as this he wasn't sure exactly what to do. So, he took the easy route of just copying exactly what Fiora did. Taking a seat in front of her "god damn it did she have to have such good eyes. Like, how does one even have a colour like that? His was just one tone boring hers just- never mind-" Peter was lost in thought as the question came in. "Oh umm, I'm not sure. I miss the cooking back home it was so much more.. refined. Picking up a menu to see if there was anything edible

Fiora O'Connor

“And you said I was the picky one?” Fiora rolled her eyes. And picked up a menu, pictures of many things covered the wall, and in the opposite direction was a ‘wall of stars’ next to a jukebox. Fiora’s smiling face was one of the few up there.
Fiora took in the atmosphere, the place wasn’t pristine but it had this vintage charm that she loved. It wasn’t trying to hard.
“I’ll take... a hot tea and chocolate chip banana pancakes. I’m gonna splurge.” She smiled at the young waitress who was probably too exhausted to take in Fiora’s bubbly self. Fiora looked at Peter. “He’ll have a frog in a hole with baked apples, two slices of bacon, and your famous hot chocolate. No whipped cream, please.”
She looked at Peter after the waitress scurried away, Fiora was waiting for him to comment.

Peter Clifford

The nerve of the woman. Though in truth she had saved him from staring at the menu and waitress for about an hour awkwardly.
He truly was trying his best. His utmost to not judge the place too hardly. In truth, perhaps if he was back home he wouldn't. Ever since his move however, things kept grinding on him in the US and he longed for home often. But, now that he was an Evo, surely New Victoria was the only place he was safe.
Once again he realised he was ignoring everyone around him deep in his thoughts. How long had it been since the waitress left? A couple of seconds. A minute? More? "Talk ya div, talk" kept ringing though his mind as he stared dumbfounded at the woman in front. For all he knew his mouth was probably wide open again. "I... urgh, thanks for ordering. I usually take about two weeks"

Fiora O'Connor

“It’s alright, I could kinda tell.” She tapped her nails on the table, and hummed, she peered out the window. She admired the night sky, and yawned. “What made you leave england, if I may ask?”

Peter Clifford

Peter smirked slightly. Rubbing his left arm with his right hand. "Well, I'm not sure if you can tell but, most guys don't have a mustang and a company at 27..." he pursed his lips. Trying to think of the right words. "Dads got influence back home. Especially in the science fields... I urgh. Wanted to do it myself. You know?"

Fiora O'Connor

“Not everyone could be an award winning actress by 20 but here i am.” She smirked, it was slightly to challenge him. She wanted to see what he would do. “But yes, you’re a Clifford, I’ve heard of you.”

Peter Clifford

"Heard of me? Now that's a surprise for an actress... wouldn't have though science would be you're thing?"

Fiora O'Connor

“I keep my eyes on interesting people. I mean youre british and cute, couldnt be helped.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

Peter Clifford

Peters smile was slow to come but it was large. "She's flirting with me isn't she? She must be? Surely? But, then again she didn't seem to react to it? What if she's just being nice?"
Peter struggled before once again realising it was way too long a pause and so had to say something. "Oh, stalking me now? Well it makes sense how you knew how to find me then"

Fiora O'Connor

“Says the one smiling like an idiot.” She laughed. “But, I wouldn’t say stalking. Just keeping an eye on my options.” This time she had a big grin on her face. “You’re an interesting man, Peter Clifford.”

Peter Clifford

"Options? What do you mean options? People who can make your suit?" Peter smirked knowing exactly what she meant.

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora rolled her eyes. “Yes, exactly that, Peter.”

Peter Clifford

"What can I say? Not often that an ultra genius is as good looking as me. Is it?"

Fiora O'Connor

“I refuse to comment on that.” She shook her head and smiled, a light blush crossed her face.

Peter Clifford

He didn't say anything. Instead smirking and leaning back in his chair.

Fiora O'Connor

“No smart remark now? Im disappointed in you.”

Peter Clifford

"Don't need one this time. Your face says it all"

Fiora O'Connor

“Ugh, you’re annoying. You know that?”

Peter Clifford

He threw his hands in the air upwards and then shrugged. "That what everyone says but yet they keep wanting to talk to me. Weird"

Fiora O'Connor

“You’re making my suit remember? And we’re going out for drinks tomorrow, besides.”

Peter Clifford

He shrugged. "And that's the only reason, right?" He started to smirk again. "Then why are you sat here?"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora rolled her eyes. “Still waiting on you to ask about the drinks.”

Peter Clifford

Inside Peter had relax an immense amount. He has gotten her talking and was now starting to wind her up. Perfect. "Oh, how could I. I'm so sorry to ruin your plans Fiora. What about the drinks?"

Fiora O'Connor

“Just waiting for you to ask to go out for them.” She looked him in the eye. She had confidence, she knew he liked her. Only now, he thought could get to her. She wasn’t one to beg. Maybe he would be, however.

Peter Clifford

"Oh you're waiting? Should I be a gentleman and ask? Or should I be more modern and allow the woman to?"

Fiora O'Connor

“We don’t have to do it at all if you’d prefer, Peter.” She raised an eyebrow, she looked down, breaking eye contact, then looked up at him with eyes wide. She was doing that thing.

Peter Clifford

He did his best to hide his emotions. His best was actually just scrunching his lips up and trying not to look at her. It didn't really work. "If you insist, we could.."

Fiora O'Connor

“If I insist? Well, you didn’t seem so excited there.”

Peter Clifford

The man smiled his eyes twinkling with playfulness. "Or, im a better actor that yourself?"

Fiora O'Connor

“Nah, you’re cute to think so though.”

Peter Clifford

Peter smirks, his eyes widen and his head tilts. "Oh, I'm cute now am I?"

Fiora O'Connor

“Sometimes. Or at least you’d like to think so.”

Peter Clifford

He smiled shaking his head. "As you do too"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora laughed. “So what would that mean if I did?”

Peter Clifford

"It would make our decision to go for drinks drastically different"

Fiora O'Connor

“How so? Are you trying to tell me something, Peter?”

Peter Clifford

"Oh nothing... you just asked me to go for drinks and think I'm cute... almost like..."

Fiora O'Connor

“Almost like what, Peter?”

Peter Clifford

"Like you asking me out on a date"

Fiora O'Connor

“What if I did?”

Peter Clifford

"Then i would... probably be the happiest man in the city"

Fiora O'Connor

"Would you like to go out then?"

Peter Clifford

"Just to be one hundred percent clear. Go out for a date right?"

Fiora O'Connor

"No, a barfight. Yes, a date!"

Peter Clifford

He smiled stupidly happy. It's was embarrassing and yet he didn't care one bit. "Okay, if you insist"

Fiora O'Connor

“Alright then. Drinks it is.”

Peter Clifford

"Now where is our food? I'm famished"

Fiora O'Connor

“The waitress said something about a kitchen fire. Weren’t you paying attention? I wondered why we were still here.” She laughed.

Peter Clifford

He moved his shoulders and scratched the opposite shoulder. "Oh, umm no. You're the only thing that's been on my mind"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora stood up from her seat. “Let’s go, you need to get some sleep so you can dream about me some more.” She laughed and reached for Peter’s hand when he stood up and led him back to the car.
Not, of course, before slapping a hundred on the table.

Sylvain Moresby

As the two were about to leave, another young man caught their attention with a wave of his hand, strodd over to them and took off his sunglasses so both could have a proper look on the other. While his clothing wasn't luxurious, it was quite clearly of expensive make. "I didn't take you for one to enjoy outings like these, Peter. Then again, it has been a while." He gave both an accommodating smile. "Would now be a good moment to join you, or am I interrupting something?"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora immediately dropped Peter’s hand. For a moment, she was silent. She was waiting for Peter to speak up. She didn’t want to offer Peter up to this handsome stranger, but Peter didn’t say a thing.
“There was a kitchen fire, we were just about to head to the warehouse.”
She looked at the man, he was British and of high class, could he have been a school friend of Peter’s... A boyfriend? She still wasn’t totally sure Peter’s deal, other than the fact that he adored her.
“And he didn’t I had to order for him.” She rolled her eyes. Peter was a bit dramatic at the sight of the diner. Apparently American food really got to him.

Sylvain Moresby

As Peter failed to seize the initiative, Sylvain responded to the woman instead. "Quite the coincidence, maybe you'll have better luck elsewhere." For the sake of politeness, he offered a gloved hand for her to shake. "Sylvain Moresby. An old family acquaintance, you could say. My pleasure." He said, cocking his head toward Peter.

Peter Clifford

Peter took a hard breath in. His arms remaining by his side his only action was to stare at his "old acquaintance" with a slight hint of annoyance. There was a slight breeze and Peter than had to brush the hair out of his face and he finally got the confidence to speak. "Sylvain Moresby, heir of the empire. Its been a long time" There was a bit of a pause after he spoke. The awkwardness hanging in the air of the night.

Sylvain Moresby

"So you do remember me! You had me worried for a moment." He joked with a confident grin, grasping Peter's hand without any further questions, apparently ignoring any apprehension from the other man. "I heard about the accident, obviously, but the fallout has made things rather hectic for me lately. Apologies for not seeking you out earlier, though I see you've recovered well." Though he did sound apologetic, the topic didn't seem to hurt the tone of conversation on his end.

Peter Clifford

He took his hand back swiftly. His expression staying the same as one of annoyance. "Yes well, I suppose I'm a lucky man. Doctors had no clue how I'm even alive. Sweet of you to find me though"

Sylvain Moresby

While he was perhaps a bit surprised by the resistance, little of it was visible on the outside. "I have my ways, perks of the job. The community as a whole is relieved by your miraculous recovery, I'm sure." His eyes momentarily darted between the two again. "I admit this isn't entirely a pleasure visit, but I'm more than happy to talk business another time if you'd like. I'm not distracting your date too much, am I?"

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora looked at how stiff Peter was. "Actually, I believe I'm interrupting something now." Fiora leaned against a booth by the door, giving them each space but still being part of the conversation. She turned to Peter and then to Sylvain "Business is more important. That's how I know Pete, too."

Sylvain Moresby

"Oh, I couldn't possibly ruin the moment if you had further plans. We'll let the man decide, then." Since the woman had joined the discussion again, he turned back toward her. "I don't believe I caught your name, miss...?"

Fiora O'Connor

"Fiora O'Connor." He might have heard the name as she was a well to do actress, but then again, he might not be the kind for modern movies. She smiled, she could be quite charming. It is how she won over Peter. "Sylvain Moresby? That name sounds a bit familiar..."

Sylvain Moresby

"Ah. I didn't wish to assume anything as I wasn't certain. Good to meet you." He said with a nod, his smile not faltering for a moment. "You may be familiar with Moresby Biomedical Engineering Industries, considering that Peter worked there until recently. So do I, and my old man is in charge back across the pond."

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe Peter ever said anything about working there. Peter doesn't talk about home like that." She tilted her head, drumming her well manicured nails on the booth she leaned on. Peter still seemed very tense so she took initiative and stood up for him.

Sylvain Moresby

"I suppose things like that don't always come up, but MBEI is one of the bigger players in the field. Our local branch is quite preoccupied with rebuilding after the aforementioned accident, but we've invested in his newest endeavor, too." After a brief pause he decided to inquire some more. "You said you know him through business. Would it be rude to ask what kind of an arrangement would involve two people from such different fields?"

Peter Clifford

Peter had kept quiet through their little back and forth until he felt that Slyvain was going too far. Trying to get too deep too soon. He didn't trust him. Never has. Even less so lately after everything that had gone on.
"It would be yes. As far as I know I no longer answer to you, you father or yot family. I suggest you remember that."
His tone suggested that he was annoyed and not to be pushed yet there was no outright anger there. Just unwilling.

Sylvain Moresby

He made a conciliatory gesture with his hands. "Of course, as you will it. Your departure is a shame, even if it's understandable under these difficult circumstances... Though I sincerely hope we'll be cooperating again soon, considering our existing financial ties."
His tone remained just as lighthearted, though a keen mind might notice the way he was bringing up leverage over the other man. "Speaking of, that's essentially what my father would like me to see to. That a mutually beneficial arrangement be made between our companies." He offered, deciding that a witness might actually help the endeavor more than hinder it.

Peter Clifford

The man rolled his eyes. Typical Sylvain acting superior as always. Peter was still tense. Barely moving and rigid. "Why on earth would I want an agreement with the company I just left? Better be a good price." Peter crossed his arms. Showing his emotions and the issues he had with this conversation

Fiora O'Connor

"And I've entrusted Mr. Moore and Mr. Clifford with a personal project. Three might make a crowd, too many cooks in the kitchen." Her eyes narrowed. This man was trying to gain leverage over Peter, that wasn't for him to do. Besides, he seemed like he'd want more than Peter could give.

Sylvain Moresby

"As I said, it might be best to discuss the specifics at a more opportune place and time. I trust could at least spare the time for that, for old times' sake." He responded, continuing with the effort to keep the discussion smooth for everyone.

Peter Clifford

Peter remained unmoved. Almost scoffing at the offer. "And what if I say no?"

Sylvain Moresby

"I would surely be harshly reprimanded for my failure." He said half-jokingly in an effort to ease the tension of the situation, then gave a soft sigh. "The meeting is arranged at your convenience, of course. But I assure you, both of us have plenty to gain from such cooperation. I'll make it worth your while, Peter."

Fiora O'Connor

"He'll go, only to see your offer." She looked over at Peter and squeezed his hand. "But I'm coming with, It's my project that will be affected. I deserve to know who will be overseeing things.

Peter Clifford

Peter was clearly not happy as could be seen from his face and his grimace. He didn't speak only nodding slightly. His dark eyes locked on Sylvains. He did not even notice Flora squeezing his hand. Nor the small amount for traffic. Nor the others living the diner. Just Sylvain.

Sylvain Moresby

He also allowed the silence to linger for a few moments as he likewise kept his eyes locked with Peter's. His expression had grown more serious as well, and he returned the nod when it came. "...Thank you. Would you like to suggest a setting or choose one when I can provide options?" He asked once the tension had eased a little, seeming a bit more businesslike but perhaps also more respectful than before.

Fiora O'Connor

Fiora did not let go of Peter's hand, in fact she dug her nails in slightly into his skin so that he would snap out of it. Fiora stared down Sylvain. Don't let him get to you, Peter. She thought. Or he will hold the power. Fiora nodded, the relaxed smile on her face did not match her insides in which she felt like something bad were to happen.
"You may pick."

Sylvain Moresby

He gave Peter a curious look when the answer came from Fiora rather than him, but didn't protest. "Very well, then. You'll be hearing from me soon, Peter." He glanced at them both again. "I suppose that concludes my immediate concerns... Don't let me keep you if you'd rather be somewhere else."

Type

Record, Historical

Medium

Digital Recording, Text