Justyce
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Post by Justyce on May 1, 2019 13:50:58 GMT -6
Jeff had enjoyed the movie with Hope. It had been a great old horror movie and with the theater nearly empty it was like having a private showing. They went for coffee and then it was really early. He had done the polite thing. Offered to pay for her cab home but it was a long trip. He did the other thing which was going to avoid an accident in the cab on the way home. He offered her his guest room. He didn’t expect her to accept the offer and was fully prepared to pay for her cab home. When they arrived he opened up the door and let her in and took her coat and put it in the closet. After that he showed her around so she would know the general layout of the house. After that he grabbed blankets for the bed and made it. He didn’t ever think he’d have a normal guest. Well his version of guests was usually a crew of people out to set a wrong right and do as much damage to anyone who tried to stop them. That wasn’t tonight though and it was a regular evening. He actually found the normal evening to suit him. He smiled at her as he left her to the room. He wasn’t one to linger and be creepy. He was a grown man and didn’t believe anyone owed him anything. He earned everything he had and he was comfortable.
“Hope if you need anything I’ll be down the hall. There is an attached bathroom to your room and fresh towels and wash cloths as well. Fridge is full and well just help yourself. Sleep well.”
He left it at that while he went to his room. He took off his coat and removed his body holster and put it in his top drawer. His shirt was next followed by shoes and socks. He left his pants on as he laid in his bed. A full sized bed was the thing he had chose while the king sized was in the guest room. He sighed as he turned off the light and let the darkness of the room settle and his eyes to adjust. He wasn’t tired but would sleep. It would be just another night he had a hard time sleeping. He was comforted though by the fact that he had a friend staying over.
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pixie
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Post by pixie on May 1, 2019 18:11:38 GMT -6
Hope had the most fun she’d ever had in about 5 years. She laughed, got slightly scared and then laughed again. As the night went on, she began to feel slightly normal around this man. It was weird; he didn’t beat her, make sly comments to her or make her do anything. She felt like she was worth something again. She didn’t want to die.
Jeff showed her a lot of the city while engaging in conversation and it was the best thing she had in so long. When they arrived at his place, she began to relax a bit more, knowing she was actually invited inside and welcomed without any obligations. He even showed her to the guest room. She didn’t have to sleep with him in return?! This was amazing...
It was with a deep breath when she closed the door and removed her jacket to get ready for sleep. She was no longer tipsey, to which she was thankful. Laying down in the bed, she looked to the ceiling as her mind began to race. Looking to the clock, she realized just how late it was. She couldn’t turn her mind off. So much had happened to her in the last 48 hours. Biting her lip and giving herself a moment of thought, she decided that she wasn’t ready for sleep. No, too many thoughts raving about made it impossible for the girl.
Since she couldn’t sleep, she grabbed the top blanket and wrapper around her bare shoulders. Opening the door, she slowly stepped out and tip-toed toward the room where Jeff claimed to be in. It was with soft tapping and a gentle whisper when she called his name...
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Justyce
Admin Dude of Awesomeness
Posts: 317
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Post by Justyce on May 1, 2019 18:41:37 GMT -6
Jeff was dozing lightly when he heard the light knocking at his door. The knocking was actually translating into a dream he had on several occasions. It was him being sealed into an style coffin while he was still alive. The knocks where like the falls of the hammer on the nails. He starter awake as realized that the knocks weren’t a hammer. He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. The voice he almost mistook for Ava’s but it was a moment before his mind cleared and he realized it was Hope. He shook off the sleep and spoke.
“Come in.”
He rubbed his eyes as he looked at the simple alarm clock that glowed with read letters.
“Do I need to go get something that isn’t in the house? Is it secret lady business?”
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pixie
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Post by pixie on May 1, 2019 18:58:51 GMT -6
His response to her knocking sent her into gentle laughter “No! No, not at all...” she chuckled “It’s just... I can’t sleep, so I guess I decided that you shouldn’t either.” She winked. Looking over him, she blushed slightly when she realized that he wasn’t wearing a shirt. He was very handsome even while being half asleep.
“If you’re super tired, though, I’ll head back, it’s no trouble.” She replied softly. She put the blacker around her biceps as the room was a tad warmer in here. Her tanned shoulders sparkled a bit under the pale lamp light. She gave him a smile, trying to reassure him that it was okay to shoo her off.
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Justyce
Admin Dude of Awesomeness
Posts: 317
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Post by Justyce on May 1, 2019 19:25:25 GMT -6
Jeff looked at her as she spoke up about not being able to sleep. He could understand that all to much. When he slept he dreamt of either horrible things or nice things. They were usually horrible and filled him with a dread of sleep that he didn’t want to have ever take hold of him.
“You’ve made a good choice. I was not really sleeping anyways.”
When she hit the light switch he closed his eyes and allowed them to adjust. Once they had he looked over at Hope as he sat up to rest against the head board. She would notice his room was sparse. There were no pictures or other personal affects. He did miss the blush.
“Not tired at all. I slept earlier today before going out. I was running an errand. Then a nap. So all good.”
He realized that he was shirtless and got up. He was going to put a shirt on. She may not wish to see his upper half naked.
“Take a seat. There’s the chair there or the bed as I’m getting up.”
He nodded as he grabbed a shirt and pulled it on. He looked at her again and realized what he realized last night in the dim theater. She was absolutely beautiful and in his opinion most likely a bit young for him. He stopped those thoughts as he turned back around.
“You want some coffee or just to sit and chat?”
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pixie
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Post by pixie on May 1, 2019 19:39:37 GMT -6
“Errands...I remember those...” she sighed heavily, remembering those days where she and her nanny, Katja, ran all around town for her parents.
As he got up, she took in his bare chest and noted the scars along his torso. He must have been through a lot in order to receive those. She had scars as well, but they were within her instead of on the surface. She smiled as she went toward the chair and sat cross legged to get comfortable.
Once he was clothed, she was silently thankful, as he was attractive enough for her to lose her train of thought. “Sounds like you had somewhat of a relaxing day.” She chuckled again. “And I just don’t have a regular sleep pattern. I never have. I used to stay out surfing from sun ip, to sun down, sleep for a few hours and then be back in the waves.” She missed surfing so much. She would need a new board, swim gear, a new waxing system and a giant wave to Get herself ready again.
She liked how relaxed she felt here. It was quiet and peaceful, unlike the mansion. Now, don’t get her wrong, she appreciated Xavier, but it was just so busy all the time. To his question of coffee, she gleamed “Hot and dark. No sugar.” She grinned happily.
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Justyce
Admin Dude of Awesomeness
Posts: 317
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Post by Justyce on May 1, 2019 20:44:35 GMT -6
Jeff stretched a bit and rolled his shoulders. He listened as he sat down again while Hope took the chair. He looked thoughtful for a moment as she said he had a relaxing day. You could call it that he supposed.
“You could say that. Just some light errands.”
He stopped as he actually thought about what she said about errands. He wanted to question it but he didn’t question it. She would share when she was ready. He couldn’t disagree or say anything about it. He didn’t have a normal sleep pattern either.
“Surfing sounds great and sleeping less of a thing when compared to what we love to do. I have to say I’m jealous that you spent your days doing that. I spent mine well doing things. You know enlisting and such.”
When she agreed to coffee he smiled and got up to make them some. He motioned her to follow and realized that one of his medics was a female. He wouldn’t say anything though. He would tell her he had a friend who stayed over and left shirts and stuff.
“You wait here or come with. Your choice and I’ll make and bring you some. I think I’ll make us some breakfast if your up for it. Whatdaya think?”
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pixie
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Post by pixie on May 1, 2019 21:28:07 GMT -6
“Enlisting?” She asked as she leapt up from the chair “Sounds like you’re a military member.” She commented as she followed. As she walked and the lights shone though the hallway, she took in the scenery. He was clean and organized it seemed. There wasn’t much and the place was simple, which was okay.
She twirled a strand of hair with her fingers as they walked “Breakfast at 3? Sounds perfect! I am hungry... a night of drinking and horror movies makes a girl ravenous.” She laughed “And yes, surfing is great! I’d imagine there are some decent waves over here... you’d just need a wetsuit to brave the cold. In Miami, where I’m from, you could just trudge into the ocean and let yourself be free.” She missed those days. They were the only ones she knew before her childhood was taken away.
“We could totally go out some time. Catch some sun and ride the riffs.” She spoke with genuine happiness “Hey, if you’re making breakfast, at least let me attempt to work your coffee machine.” She winked “You’re letting me stay over. It’s the least I can attempt to do.” She wasn’t trying to flirt, but she had grown accustomed to it in order to get anywhere.
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Justyce
Admin Dude of Awesomeness
Posts: 317
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Post by Justyce on May 2, 2019 11:09:21 GMT -6
Jeff hadn’t really realized that certain things did give away his past. She was right about that partially. He had been military. He then decided that being military wasn’t enough and got out. He missed serving so he joined up to a different military. He stopped those thoughts as they arrived in the kitchen.
“I used to be at one time. Marine and then Foreign Legion. All good experiences.”
He started to rummage through cabinets to find the frying pans. He found two as she spoke of going surfing. He had done it several times when stationed in San Diego. It was fun and I’d Hope was offering to teach he would try again.
“I hope it sounds good because I’m hungry. Surfing sounds good. I haven’t done that since I’ve been in my twenties and that is a few decades past. I’ll go and see if this guy can still keep his balance. It’ll be good for a laugh.”
As for the cold that didn’t agree with him but hell he would do it. Hope was excited about it and now he wasn’t so much as obligated but intrigued.
“Yeah the cold doesn’t agree with me but I’m sure we can find a wetsuit to fit me into. So let’s do this after I complete this job I have coming up.”
It was a quick one and he wouldn’t mind relaxing and surfing with her. He wanted to do karaoke again for some reason and well would ask Hope if she wanted to go sometime.
“Yeah go ahead. It’s rather advanced just to make coffee. That’s why I have two. One simple one and one that does everything else and frustrates you before coffee is made.”
He grabbed a carton of eggs and some potatoes from a bin. Cheese and several other things.
“How do you like your eggs?”
He was swiftly slicing up potatoes for home fries. He pivoted and grabbed butter from the fridge. Breakfast was t breakfast without butter being used on almost everything. It was a wonder he didn’t have high cholesterol.
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pixie
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Post by pixie on May 4, 2019 9:13:35 GMT -6
Fathom laughed out loud "You're being too hard on yourself! I'll help you." she winked as she attempted to work frustrating coffee pot "I like a challenge." she chuckled as she examined the mechanism. "Hmm..." she said out loud as her eyes reviewed the different pieces. She had learned a thing or two about how things worked where she came from. Within a few moments, they had fresh coffee "Tada!" she laughed "Oh, and sunny-side up, Sir!" she smirked as she poured him a cup of coffee "I take mine black because that's all I've ever had." she spoke before taking a careful first sip. "You have everything, don't you?" she whispered as she surveyed the kitchen. She had never seen so many wonderful things all in the space before. It was a bit daunting, but so amazing at the same time.
"Jeff, thank you for inviting me in..." she smiled sweetly. There was something she felt about him. She didn't feel like she was in danger. She wanted to stay here forever, but she knew that wasn't possible and it would seem a bit weird and maybe even creepy. There were these feelings of joy, though, that she just couldn't shake.
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Justyce
Admin Dude of Awesomeness
Posts: 317
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Post by Justyce on May 24, 2019 16:13:53 GMT -6
Jeff hadn't really considered asking for help. She was willing to brave the coffee pot challenge then she was made of sterner stuff than him. He didn't understand that damned expensive one and really didn't see the point in trying to fuck with it at all. It generally aggravated him and his more simple pleasures. Coffee was the fluid of choice at any time except when you were in a desert.
"I appreciate the offer of help and wish you the best of luck if you start the fight with the more advanced coffee pot. That said you can find all the implements to make coffee in that cabinet to your left. The grinder is on the counter in front of you if you wish to grind some of the whole beans."
He wasn't going to just let her search aimlessly through the cabinets. As there were quite a few to look in and the one directly in front of her contained some other kitchen implements for the blender and the the food processor which was in evidence to the right of the stove. He was organized but didn't really understand why he bought all the kitchen junk anyways. He was perhaps trying his hand at a slice of normal life? Now he remembered the reason he had bought the coffee pot, it made coffee in like three or four minutes. It was handy but he rarely operated it so he usually cursed at the machine.
"I'm impressed, you found that coffee and managed to work that machine. I usually end up cursing at the coffee machine whereas you handled it without so much a negative word."
That was not expected, he hadn't ever remembered a good time at being called sir. There were a few but not many. He looked at Hope and smiled.
"Sunny side up coming, salt or pepper on them while they cook?"
He filled a pot with some water and then reached around her to put the cheese away. He was going to make himself some poached eggs. After the fridge closed he turned and grabbed the white vinegar and poured some into his pot and then added some water and put it on the burner to start to heat.
"It's been nice having someone to talk to and share a meal with. Last night was the first night in a long time I did anything frivolous or even spontaneous. It was a great time and hopefully I don't burn your eggs."
He flipped them both carefully and then check the water and saw it was getting hot enough for his eggs to go in. He cracked them in and used a spoon to keep them apart from one another. Her thanking him for inviting her in was a surprise. He figured she would have taken a cab home but she hadn't and since she stayed outside of the city and that was a long ride to take alone.
"You're welcome, I haven't had any guests in a long time, plus the ride back in the cab is a long one and I really don't have faith in most of humanity to not do something to someone. That right there would have had me worried anyways about anyone I put you in a cab with on your ride back. I guess I just have an overactive imagination."
He didn't really trust most people but that wasn't the feeling he got with Hope. That was a bit different and something he wasn't sure of at this moment in time. Yes she was beautiful but it wasn't that, he had nearly been killed by beautiful women. It was actually nice to not have to be on his guard.
"You know how it is these days. One or two slices of toast?"
He had tossed those in nearly forgetting the toast.
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pixie
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Post by pixie on May 26, 2019 15:43:44 GMT -6
Fathom shrugged her shoulders "That coffee machine is just like my parents, except they never used it. My nanny showed me how to make coffee before I went out surfing. She wasn't scheduled for hours after I woke up. Surfing at 5 am is the best thing in the world..." she reminisced "Nothing but you, the sun and waves crashing at your sides." she chuckled "And of course I'm thankful for this. It's been such a long time since I've enjoyed someone else's company. and if you burn the eggs, it's nit a big deal." she winked "I like them a little crispy." she twirled around to search for cups "Which cupboard had containers that hold liquids?" she opened up one more cabinet "BINGO!" she exclaimed happily. Getting on her tip-toes, she grabbed two identical cups and laid them in the counter "Cream and sugar? I used to drink mine black. Nothing like pure espresso to get your juices going.."
She poured coffee into each cup and looked back to him "So, I take it that you're more of a routine guy?" she asked softly and she pulled her brunette hair to the side "I am the opposite. I live completely on the edge of my seat and do what I need to live. I feel like a nomad." she recalled her journey from Miami to New York. Months on the road and countless hostles that she stayed in... She hadn't any money, so she could often to the dishes or other chores to earn her keep. She made contacts and fell in love with the life on the road.
Handing him his cup, she grinned sweetly "You have no idea..." she added to his statement. Constantly being on guard was a lifestyle for her.
This man, he was different; he was unlike any male she'd ever met. She didn't sense danger with him, otherwise she wouldn't have accepted the invitation to spend the night. Actually, that had been the test. If he had come in after she went to sleep and tried to take advantage, she would have killed him right there. Hope woke at the drop of of a penny on the floor, so she knew of anything going on at night. "You have no idea of how thankful I am, Jeff. You seem like a genuinely good person...at least the women. I've met far too many people of the opposite sex that would take advantage. I can take care of myself and have, but here, I feel safe, so thank you..." she smiled sweetly.
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Justyce
Admin Dude of Awesomeness
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Post by Justyce on Jun 21, 2019 19:31:58 GMT -6
He found that she may be the master of the coffee pot and well he wasn't which he found did infuriate him every attempt he made to get it work. He found it was a mechanical nemesis that thwarted him from obtaining his fix of caffeine every morning which is why he bought the other one. He would have to thank her nanny for her skill with the evil coffee pot.
"Many thanks to your nanny for teaching you."
The way she spoke of surfing had him smiled. It showed her love of it and how she was dedicated to her pursuits. He hadn't met anyone like that unless you count Skye but she was like his daughter and she didn't count in this respect.
"You make that sound like I treat my morning coffee. It also makes we want to go surfing again. That is if I had the time between work and well this place here. I rarely see it when off on a job."
The eggs being crispy was a good one he hadn't thought anyone liked them a little crispy but he cooked them to order. That wasn't hard at all just let them go a little longer. He watched them carefully as the toast popped up and quickly grabbed it and buttered hit. Then cut it diagonally and reach over her head to grab a plate as she retrieved cups.
"Crispy eggs and black for me as well. You make surfing sound like a lifestyle. I wouldn't mind going again because well who doesn't enjoy the water and spending either their early morning ours at the beach or the late day hours. Either way it sounds like a blast."
He couldn't argue that thought as he had not really been a surfer when stationed in California it was just something to do that required skill to do so of course he was going to try it at least once. He was more a routine guy when he was home. He liked to do certain things and get some yard chores done. It was't so bad and it was like the way he relaxed.
"Yes I can be but not when working. Work is usually anything but routine but life is exciting and never has a dull moment."
He had to agree that the company was nice. He hadn't ever thought that he would enjoy the company that wasn't either Skye or one of his work friends but this was nice. He felt almost normal and gave that word a thought. He cracked another two eggs into the pan for his.
"Hopefully not to burnt. I know you won't mind but I still wouldn't want you thinking not only was conversation boring but I can't cook either."
A small laugh as he accepted the cup and agreed with her about always being on guard. He knew sometimes trouble followed you home and you usually had to deal with it. He nearly laughed about his being a good person. He was an ok person but good, not many would have said that about him. Well those people didn't have a say as the dead didn't tend to get up and make complaints. You know unless this was one of the multitude of zombie movies made after the master of zombie movies started an era.
"The only advantage I take is when you let me cook for you. That way if you don't stop eating the food after a bite or two I know that it wasn't that bad. I mean sure I can cook a bit but beyond Mac & Cheese and those already put together meals you can get at the store. It is just you don't find much fun in cooking for yourself."
The world was unsafe for certain people and he relaxed a hair when she said she felt safe with him and could take care of herself. He was glad to hear that.
"After we eat we can get caffeinated and sit around like lazy people and watch it snow outside. That is unless you don't like fires lit in an interior brick enclosure for heat and it is rather nice to look at if you like fire. If not then I can get you home I do have a truck and well you can even drive so you can kill us both if you think I'm crazy."
He laughed because well he wouldn't have made jokes with her if he wasn't comfortable as well.
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pixie
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Post by pixie on Jul 19, 2019 14:24:30 GMT -6
Fathom burst out laughing "You lack the creeper factor, and I have terrific vibes when sensing one of those. You're A-okay." she winked before letting out a giggle as he served the food. "It looks delicious..." she smiled while gently taking a fork and biting into one of the eggs. The flavor burst as it hit her tongue. The eggs were about perfect and totally not something she was used to. "I might just fall in love with you, Jeff. These are amazing, regardless if you think you can't cook." she chuckled.
Looking out the window, she nodded "Surfing was a lifestyle for me. I was really good and still probably am. It's just been a long while. I wouldn't mind getting into the water any time. I'll drag you with me." she sipped her coffee slowly. Everything was delicious and she couldn't let go. "I'd like to watch the snow fall. It's peaceful and quiet." she spoke softly as she picked up her plate and coffee. Turning to him, she was now able to study his features properly under the kitchen light. He had scars, but otherwise smooth skin. His eyes were crystal blue and quite4 beautiful. He was a handsome man, but had seen things...
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Justyce
Admin Dude of Awesomeness
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Post by Justyce on Jul 25, 2019 19:13:34 GMT -6
Jeff smiled and when she said he didn't have the creep factor he nearly spit coffee laughing. He had a lot of things but being a creep was not among them. He was okay which was something he had never been told among the many things he had been told and well he liked the way things had turned out.
"I'm glad to know I'm not a creep. I never found making women uncomfortable to be anything other than wrong and would leave as soon as I could if they ever felt that way around me. You know trying not to be that guy when there are plenty of those guys in the world."
He nearly stopped cold when she said she might just fall in love with him. That was a bit uncomfortable for him but he didn't let it phase him. He knew that she was just feeling safe and secure with him. That was okay and he would't press the issue. He did smile as he took a seat himself to eat.
"One of the few things I suppose I do well."
The mention of surfing being a life style for her was a bit of a surprise. She seemed like she would have been on the beach instead of here in New York where it decided to freeze at least for six to eight months out of the year. She may have had her plans interrupted and ended up here by accident. He could see how one might end up in New York despite their best laid plans. Hell he ended up here more than he ever intended.
"I used to have fun, then adulting became very serious for me. Now I just adult but surfing does sound like it would be a great time. We can go sometime if you want to go. I mean I might fall more than I stay up but hey I'm usually up for anything if I'm not currently solving a problem for someone."
He laughed between bites and when she said she didn't mind staying to watch the snow with him. That is what was his next surprise but he took all in stride. He finished up as she put her plates up and nodded to her. He was going to get his plate put up and then they could sit in the living room where he would light the fire and they could watch the snow fall through the bay window, which also happened to be ballistic glass and able to take a low grade explosion.
"Well let me get these dishes put in the dishwasher and let's go watch the city get covered in a blanket of snow. I know the plows will be out later but right now we can watch it accumulate."
He took her plate and scrapped it off and put in the dish washer with the garbage disposal grinding up the remnants of what was left from her meal. Once he had them stowed in the dishwasher he lead the way into the living room, which if she guessed, was not decorated by him. The couches were comfortable looking and as were the few overstuffed looking chairs. He had the fire going rather quickly in the fire place and looked at her.
"I'll get the curtains open a bit so we can see the street."
He pulled the curtains open which revealed the streets shrouded in twilight and the snow coming down with a purpose of covering the city in a white powder. Again the windows would allow them to see out but it wouldn't allow others to see in. He was a bit safety nut but if she asked he would tell he a little bit.
"So Hope, tell me something, why did you stop surfing, if you enjoyed it so much? If I have overstepped you can tell me to mind my own business as well."
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