The Sun is so HOT! [Xavier]

[SASHA L.]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:360px; padding:5px; background-color:#eee;] all my dead friends look a lot like you

[atrb=style, background-color:#333; max-width:360px; ] She had learned her lesson. Yes, the young woman had definitely learned her lesson now. She would not attempt to traverse all the way to the beach with only one bottle of water. She would definitely not attempt to get there completely on foot. Absolutely not. Sasha would simply wait until she purchased or rented a horse from someone. She’d had some experience with riding horses from her childhood so it wouldn’t be that hard to adjust. Still, until she actually got a hold of her equestrian friend she’d be on foot which meant no beach, just errands. Not that she minded having to run the occasional errand. It gave her something to do other than sun herself and water plants. Besides there was only so much plant care required! After she watered the multitude of seedlings she had she was done. In her shop the plants were scheduled to be water by a small sprinkling system so she didn’t worry about her inventory. Although her shop was practically ready to open she had put it off for another week. Everything just had to be perfect after all. Whatever the case she had an ample amount of time and was going to invest it in something all ranchers in Sepalum did. Mining. She was very much interested in this aspect of being a rancher. It seemed like a relaxing hobby. As well as the fact that if she got lucky enough she could make a good profit off whatever she found. Sasha fanned herself with her hand wishing the breeze would pick up. The top of her head was starting to burn from the bright sunshine beating down on it. “Finally! I can’t keep forgetting how large the peninsula is.” She bemoaned spotting the entrance and jogging up to it. Maybe it was the heat making her a bit more scatterbrained than usual but she had taken a bit too long to find the mine again. Entering the shop she smiled noting the same rustic quality she found at the blacksmith’s. It so different to the modern feel back at home. Life in a ranching town was so simple to her. Time seemed to slow down around Primula. Even with all the work that came with caring over a large plot of land she still found herself with free time. Sasha took a moment to look around at the merchandise she imagined she would need and quietly lamented she wouldn’t have a horse to help her lug it all back. Lanterns, hardhats, hardhats with lamps on them, even the shop’s own assortment of pickaxes. What picked the woman’s interest the most was the glass cabinet filled with samples of what could be found in the mine. They were small but she noted there was a variety from scrap all the way to emeralds. Sasha hovered over before deciding it was time to find someone to help her. Zeke had already promised to give her tips if she came back with tools to fix but he was a busy kid. Smithing looked busy enough, she couldn’t always bother him. “Good Afternoon. I’m lookin’ fo-” she paused, clearing her throat at the mispronunciation. Her neighbors’ mannerism were beginning to stick and she would not allow that. Taking a calming breath she began again, focusing on the correct enunciation. “I’m looking for information on mining. I heard this shop teaches.” The blonde stated waiting by the cash register for someone to attend her. tag

made by duet of gs

[xana100]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#EEE; padding:5px;] the things that you might like don't grow inside of me Today was just like any other day. Get up in the morning, whip up something quick to eat, wash up, and get to work. Only this time, he wasn't just a worker; he was the owner. This sort of decision shouldn't have been something to pop up so quickly, but the previous owner seemed to want to get his retirement going already. Soon would be his 10th year working here and since the day he came to the quaint peninsula he's come to love and call his home. He's taken up the residence inside the building just a few weeks ago, sticking with the inn before then. Nothing much was really different. Except for the paperwork. Now he could understand why the previous owner wanted to pass it on so badly. He really should get a secretary for this kinda stuff... But, other than that change, nothing else is different. He'd still be able to do whatever he used to as long as the necessary paperwork was done and over with. And, seeing as how he's now the owner, would have say in when he could rest and what not. He could really get used to this life. Then, he heard someone request for help. He called out with a quick, "One sec!," before walking down the stairs. The second floor of the shop held everything one would need to live. There was a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a small living room. Everything except the bedroom and bathroom were rather bare, but he'd get more stuff inside sooner or later. Anyway, he went down in a grey wife beater and black sweat pants. His muscles clearly showed, and no one would even suspect him as a 28 year-old. More 24 or even younger, especially with that face. He had been training a bit too, so he was a little sweaty, which may or may not add to his already good looks. So, he finally reached the counter and gave her a small smile. Being here for a decade, give or take a few months, he's gotten to know many of the townspeople. She was a rather new person, but he hasn't gotten to meet her much. Oh well, best start now than never. "Well now, a pretty lady like you taking up mining? Can't say I'm not surprised, but it can be grueling work. But you probably knew this already. Alright, I'll show you the ropes." He hopped to her side of the counter and dusted himself off before motioning to the glass cabinet. "Here's a few samples of what you should look for and shouldn't bother with. The top part is what you should get. The bottom isn't." He made a clear line separating the two, before motioning her to follow him. He moved to the pickaxe rack and hummed. "Hmm... Which one should you use... Aha!" He picked up a rather small pickaxe easily and held it out. "This is what I suggest you use. It's lighter than most, and are meant for the weaker beginners. Try it out, take a few test swings on the rock in the corner." He pointed to a rock that had a few holes in it from test swings. tag

made by duet of gs

[SASHA L.]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:360px; padding:5px; background-color:#eee;] all my dead friends look a lot like you

[atrb=style, background-color:#333; max-width:360px; ] Sasha returned the stranger’s smile with a polite one of her own. Quietly she noted that he looked only a little bit older than Zeke. A man so young already running a successful business was pretty impressive. She offered a small laugh at the compliment but couldn’t help but feel a twinge of irritation, mostly at herself. She was too spoiled so it was easy to assume she wouldn’t last very long doing hard work, but she sure as hell would die trying. Or at the very least, try very hard. She couldn’t push herself past unhealthy limits it could put her behind schedule, potentially. “Ain’t just a pretty lady.” She replied lightly, grinning at Xavier. The blonde mentally kicked herself. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud! “Thank you very much. I appreciate it, Sir?” she added pausing so she could get a name. Already forgetting her manners was she? An introduction should have been the first thing out her mouth. Maybe she was getting a little distracted. No one could say that ranchers didn’t have their own eye candy every once in a while. Sasha perked up observing a stunt she’d only seen performed on television. /I suppose athleticism is a perk to hard work./ she thought trying to be casual as if she saw young men hop over counters every day. “I see.” The woman responded quickly. “So I’ll have more than enough light in the mines then.” She stated, reassuring herself of any tiny doubts she had left on the matter. It was decided. She would mine! Sasha nodded to herself determined not to back out of this. Just as she had a few weeks ago when forcing herself to spread manure on her flower fields. She probably shouldn’t have been too excited over being handed a light weight pickaxe, but she felt so eager to use it. She didn’t even register she’d been categorized with the ‘weaker beginners. “Ok, alright.” She said quickly taking the mining tool for herself. It didn’t seem too bad, honestly. As she took a few good swings at the practice rock she attempted to make conversation. The socialite had been trying to be friendly with the local residents considering everyone seemed to know each other. It was a small town; she didn’t want to earn a bad reputation immediately after moving in. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Sasha Lawrence, I just moved into the ranching district.” She began, her greeting the definition of prim and proper despite the work she was busying herself with. “Tell me, are you an apprentice here as well?” Sasha continued, stopping and turning back to the young man. tag

made by duet of gs

[xana100]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#EEE; padding:5px;] the things that you might like don't grow inside of me Unfortunately for Sasha, he did hear the slight mumble about her being a lady. He held in a chuckle and smiled back at Sasha's grin. "Just call me Xavier, miss. If you want my full name, it's Xavier E. Norman." He didn't even register hopping over the counter, as he's gotten so used to doing it. Anyway, while Sasha was taking practice swings on the rock, he was observing her. Hmmm... Seems like the pick is just fine for her. He heard her dismissing the need for extra light, and smacked his forehead with his palm. "Ahhh, crud. Er, it'd be best if you ask me more questions like that. You can never be too careful in those mines. It's best to bring a hard hat, possibly with a light on it, as well as a flashlight and extra batteries. Lanterns work great too, but I prefer flashlights." He sorted through many of the things he said, and took out a mining cap with a flashlight, a flashlight, and extra batteries for both. As he was doing so, he heard Sasha introduce herself. He didn't turn around and continued taking things he figured would help her, and answered back. "Sasha, huh? Well, it's a pleasure to meet such a fine lady like yourself. I take it you're enjoying life here?" As soon as he finished talking, he was at the counter, laying down everything he got. The helmet with light, a flashlight, extra batteries, rope, a decently-sized bag, and a book on mining. When Sasha called Xavier an apprentice, he blinked and turned to her. He gave her a blank stare, then laughed his lungs out. "Ahhhh... Beautiful AND funny! Oh... And to answer your question, no. You're looking at the newly established owner." He breathed deeply before looking at a metal sheet. He saw a decent reflection of himself and made a sly smile, turning to Sasha. "Ohhh, now I see. I always forget I look younger than I really am. I'm actually 28." He scratched the back of his head and chuckled lightly. tag

made by duet of gs

[SASHA L.]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:360px; padding:5px; background-color:#eee;] all my dead friends look a lot like you

[atrb=style, background-color:#333; max-width:360px; ] Sasha nodded at the red head, happy to know his full name. Usually she only really addressed people back at home by their last names but it seemed around Primula the custom was rather different. She supposed that helped the small community become very close knit and all. The blonde was still getting over her little culture shock. She adjusted her grip on the pick axe uncomfortably not meaning to say something out of place. “Yes, of course. You are the expert.” She said, hoping she hadn’t sounded overconfident before. She made a mental note that safe was better than sorry in the mines. “So, in the mines you haven’t encountered natural gas?” Sasha asked offhandedly. “Or err-” the woman swallowed nervously at the thought. “Bats?” The blonde brightened at the question. “Is it too obvious?” she replied happily. Despite the increase in aches and the self inflicted chores, the heiress had come to enjoy simple living. “Everything is rather peaceful here. I don’t have to worry too much about taking a walk down the road.” The woman added with a small sigh. “How long have you lived here, Xavier?” she asked looking down at the equipment. If she wanted to test it out she would probably have to change into something more comfortable. She probably needed to take a few painkillers, just in case. Sasha looked back up returning Xavier’s stare. She automatically lifted a hand to check her face and adjust her hair nervously. “Is there som-” the woman began quickly before quieting down at the man’s sudden laughter. “I beg your pardon?!” she managed Sasha flushed feeling a little embarrassed before looking away, willing her face to return to normal. She fanned herself quickly having a small hope that it would help. She would have cursed if it weren’t for common courtesy. Sasha looked back hoping to offer a sincere remark. “Well, congratulations Xavier. Good luck to you on your new business venture. I, myself, plan to start my own shop.” She stated trying to regain control. So she had a little bit left before she was completely used to these townspeople. Could someone really judge her? He was very open with his thoughts. It was almost a little unnerving. Sasha wondered for a moment if the other was enjoying this. It sure seemed that way. “Hmm?” The woman frowned for a moment before realizing she had possibly insulted the poor man. “O-Oh! Well I-” she cleared her throat again, forcing control over her voice. “You age rather gracefully then.” Sasha replied. “I know many a man and woman who would kill for those kinds of looks.” She added. The woman reached into her pocket for her wallet to pay. “Anyway Xavier how much do I owe you?” tag

made by duet of gs

[xana100]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#EEE; padding:5px;] the things that you might like don't grow inside of me To be honest, the next question regarding the mines threw him off. Natural gas and bats? Bats, probably not. He hasn't heard any instances of miners coming across them. But gas? He'll have to find out about that. He crossed his arms and closed his eyes as he hummed in thought. "Bats and gas... You shouldn't have to worry about bats. Gas, on the other hand... I have to find out. If you're worried, you ought to buy an oxygen tank with a mask. I managed to order some sensors for gas, but they'll be coming in a couple of days." He opened his eyes and brought a hand up to scratch his chin. "To be honest, I moved here a decade ago, when I just turned 18. Before then, I lived with my family. Didn't have that good of a relationship with my old man, but my mom and siblings were great. We still keep in touch too. Little bro's gonna take over the family business, little sis is probably gonna follow my footsteps and move someplace." Her politeness was actually kind of unnerving. I mean, sure, people here are polite, but they aren't overly so. Still, he could tell Sasha was flustered. Which actually makes her look kind of cute. Anyway, he cleared his thoughts and decided to answer her. "Oh, you're opening up shop too? Well, I wish you the best of luck. And no worries, sometimes even I forget how young I look. If I may ask, how old are you? You don't look that much off from 24 yourself." He took the prices of everything, and punched them into the cash register. "Let's see... With the pick, equipment, and first miner's discount..." He added up everything and the register showed a rather surprisingly low cost for everything on the counter and in her hands. He looked at the total and nodded. "Seems about right. I can come with you for your first excavation for free. Though, I suggest you wear something a little more freeing and looser. It's pretty damn hot in those mines. If your willing, we can go now once you change your clothes. If not, just give me a ring whenever you're free. I'll give you a more hands-on lesson in the mines." He took a pencil from the counter and took a post-it, scribbling down his number before handing it to Sasha. tag

made by duet of gs

[SASHA L.]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:360px; padding:5px; background-color:#eee;] all my dead friends look a lot like you

[atrb=style, background-color:#333; max-width:360px; ] Evidently, Sasha worried more than what was needed. “Oh, alright I’ll just come back later for those. I was just curious to see if you had encountered anything out of the ordinary.” She said. After all, was she supposed to expect what she witnessed on television? Oil drilling was pretty different from mining so she couldn’t count on anything from that. “I would rather be over prepared. Suffocation isn’t my preferred end.” The blonde added flatly. She smiled sympathetically at the owner. “Must be fun having younger siblings. Do you visit them or does your relationship with your father impede you from doing so?” Sasha asked before pausing. “Pardon, If I said too much.” The heiress continued, noting she had probably picked on a touchy subject. She backtracked for a moment. “Would the family business be mining?” The blonde smiled in appreciation. “Thank you kindly.” Sasha said, before laughing softly. “May we both fare well in our businesses.” She continued with a brief flash of determination. The woman ignored that she’d been putting off the opening of her store for some time now. The innocent question caught her off guard though. “M-My word!” she exclaimed covering her mouth, feeling a little hot again. Now that was definitely not a question someone would ask a lady. She didn’t hold it against him because he hadn’t called her old but- STILL! “I-I’m 27. Your guess w-was very accurate. I must say, however, that was a little too brazen of a question. Not that I’m upset, no.” The rancher stated coughing lightly. Sasha straightened up regaining control. “I must say, you are the gentleman Xavier. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had many admirers come around the shop.” Sasha teased. She paid the man, happy she was that much closer to beginning her first excavation. “It will take me a while to take it all back to my ranch and back today. I wouldn’t want to bother you so late.” Sasha replied, taking his number and folding it neatly into her wallet. “So is it just you in this shop? No apprentices or co-workers?” the blonde continued noting she hadn’t heard or seen another soul. Maybe the place wasn’t busy during the summer or something. tag

made by duet of gs

[xana100]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#EEE; padding:5px;] the things that you might like don't grow inside of me Sasha's worries on mining was understandable. There were many things that could go wrong. But the payoff could make it all worth it and then some. Her questions regarding his family was rather surprising though. Well, the family business one really, but still. Xavier sighed a little before answering her questions. "Me and my siblings are all pretty tight. And you're partly right. I can technically come and go visit them whenever I want, but it's kinda awkward with my old man there. So, we decided on phone calls and letters. Kinda old-fashioned, but it works well." He took a small breath before continuing. "And, to be honest, my family name is pretty well known around the world. At least, those in the wealthier ring. As much as I hate to say this, anyone from an affluent background should know of the Norman family..." His family was quite possibly the best in the law firm industry, having the backs of many big-time businesses. Xavier wasn't really cut out for that kind of job, so he was thankful for his mother bailing him out of it. Moving on from that, it really was cute seeing Sasha all flustered up like that. If his thoughts on her speech were anything, he figured she was used to being all composed and eloquent. She's probably like me, wanting to be away from the wealth and all that jazz. I remember trying to be fancy too for the first few months when I moved here. He could see a little bit of him in her, though it may take a little nudge to get her to lose it. Meh, may as well give her a giant push. So, he laughed heartily when she mentioned admirers and stuff like that. "Well! A gorgeous lady like you just a year younger than me? If I do have admirers, that's nice and all, but you! You're the real prize." He took the money and popped it in the register, giving her the change as he put everything in the mining bag meant for collecting gems and metals. "You sure you can take this all in one trip? The bag itself with all the things inside should't be too much trouble, but the pick may be a bit much. Tell ya what, take the bag and leave the pick here. I'll put a note on it, saying its yours, and you can take it home after our first lesson in the mines, yeah?" He took another sticky note and scribbled Sasha's name on it before taking the pick from her hands and slapping it on the handle. "As for my other workers and apprentices, they're taking a day off given by yours truly. They'll be back working tomorrow." tag

made by duet of gs

[SASHA L.]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:360px; padding:5px; background-color:#eee;] all my dead friends look a lot like you

[atrb=style, background-color:#333; max-width:360px; ] The blonde frowned a little regretting having asked too personal a question so quickly. She nodded a little in response. “Correspondence has always had that antique charm. I think it only really works nowadays if the bonds between the people writing are strong.” Sasha explained before adding, “At least they keep in contact with you.” It meant they at least cared, regardless of his father’s influence. She tilted her head trying to concentrate after he mentioned affluence. His face wasn’t familiar to her so she wondered what he meant. The she remembered a little piece of gossip her mother had told her one day in the car. Some huge development about this big law firm family, the oldest son had pretty much renounced his inheritance or something crazy like that. “Oh! You mean you’re the Norman’s oldest son!” she stated in surprise. She took a good look at him before giggling to herself. “I say, you certainly don’t look like some loud mouthed vandal running his own underground drug ring.” Sasha said with a small grin. “Thank you for aiding my parents in keeping me off the streets.” “I’ve met your family they are quite pleasant.” The woman added having heard of the successful family multiple times. Though, truthfully, she had indulged more in the gossip that revolved around the old family more than their success. She had always wondered who came up with those crazy tales that circulated through the neighborhood parties. Oh, she would get a kick out of relating this call home. Sasha couldn’t help but nervously tug at a loose strange of hair behind her ear. She was used to pleasantries back at home but this sort of flattery felt more genuine than just a greeting. “I-I’m practically speechless. Honestly-” She stammered. Sasha nodded absently trying to busy herself with something, anything so she could avoid direct eye contact for a moment. She reached for the bag trying to nod in reassurance so he would know she was still listening. “I was planning on attaching the bag to the pick actually, b-but if you think that’s the best course of action.” The rancher replied demurely. “Already you’re showing the mark of a truly generous businessman. I’m sure your predecessor would be proud.” She said. The woman took a calming breath before looking back at Xavier and holding out her hand. “I’ll be seeing you again then? I believe I’ve troubled you enough for the time being.” Sasha continued getting ready to go home for the day. tag

made by duet of gs

[xana100]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#EEE; padding:5px;] the things that you might like don't grow inside of me Xavier took in everything Sasha said and nodded. Family was a very important thing to him, even if he and his father didn't really see eye to eye. But the drug cartel comment was a bit much. At that, he almost face-faulted, but managed to keep himself upright. His head whipped up, looking at Sasha with an unbelieving smile. "Ah, madame... Your words wound me. Why would a gentleman such as myself be involved with such shady business?" His words were full of jest, but he still knew how to talk fancy when push came to shove. ...Or for cases like this. Anyway, Xavier took note of Sasha's mentioning of his family. Looks like his assumptions were right; she really was from a wealthy family. This is gonna be fun. He smiled a little when she started flustering again. He could get used to this. And she made yet another opportunity! His inner prankster chuckled devilishly, but his outer face remained calm, as he took Sasha's hand like it were made of the finest china and brought it up to his face. He put on a seductive smile and spoke with the suavest voice he could muster. "T'was no trouble at all, m'lady. Call me whenever you're ready for our first lesson. Farewell." He kissed her hand and lead her out the door. Yup, it was going to be fun. tag

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