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[do-gooddarling.insanejournal.com]

Who: Isabelle and Richard
What: Random run-in's are fun.
Where: Local bookstore/coffee shop
When: January 2nd, afternoon
Warnings: None

Isabelle rushed inside, bundling her hood around her face as she swept through the door. The weather had turned even colder overnight. The coat John had bought her was extremely comfortable and warm. She rubbed her hands together, pulling the hood from her face so she could warm up and see where she was going.

The bookstore wasn't terribly crowded as she maneuvered through the isles just lazily browsing. She caught a glance of a childrens book sitting on the shelf with beautiful artwork. The story was simple, a childhood classic. Robin Hood. Her father used to tell his own twists on those stories when she was a little girl when he tucked her into bed. A soft smile brushed her face as she picked it up flipping softly through the pages. The art was beautifully crafted by N.C. Wyeth. It made the childhood stories come to life with bright colors and nostalgia.

[info]heartoflion
2012-01-03 02:22 am UTC (link) Track This
The prospect of coffee had sounded like a good idea, so he had come into the coffee shop. He'd made the resolution to be nice to his brother, but even he knew that it may not last very long. He hadn't always been this irritated by his youngest brother, but myth had changed them both. Occasionally Richard regretted this. They were family, and that was important.

When he ordered he looked around before removing his coat and setting it over an empty chair before taking his drink. He spared an amused glance to the girl with the Robin Hood book before taking his seat.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-03 02:29 am UTC (link) Track This
She read bits and pieces contemplating on buying the gorgeous book when out of the corner of her eye she saw the man from a distance. She had to do a double take, doing her best to not appear to be starring. He looked oddly familiar.

Chewing on her thumbnail she pretended to be engrossed in the book, but in truth he had distracted him. He was like an older version of John.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-03 03:24 am UTC (link) Track This
He'd noticed the initial reaction, mostly because he knew some knew of him, but paid it very little mind otherwise. He pulled a newspaper closer to him to look over it.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-03 05:21 am UTC (link) Track This
She closed the book heading toward the coffee end, sweeping past him so to get a better look without appearing obvious. She purchased her book and her coffee. Unfortunately, a mad rush came in just as she was about to be seated. There was not one table she could swipe.

With a big grin she politely asked the gentleman if she could borrow the seat he was not using, the book on Robin Hood tucked under her arm.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-03 11:31 pm UTC (link) Track This
He's been stuck in his own head for a while, which led to him ignoring most other things. That he could do this without having to worry about any potential threats was rather liberating.

When he heard the voice he looked up and smiled, "of course." Politely he rose and pulled out the chair for her. When she sat, so did he, folding up the newspaper before motioning to the book, "a favorite?"

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 06:29 am UTC (link) Track This
Settling herself into her seat she set the book down long enough to take a sip of coffee, nodding a soft thank you at his gentlemanly action.

"Oh this?" she ran a hand along the brightly colored cover. "My father used to read me these stories when I was little. The art is just gorgeous! I couldn't resist."

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 06:41 am UTC (link) Track This
"Good memories then," he'd only ever read one thing, and his father had certainly never read it to him, so hearing about decent fathers was always nice.

And to be nice he extended his hand, "Richard, a pleasure."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 06:56 am UTC (link) Track This
"Oh yes," her smile was large, opening up her best features. Eyes, dimples, and high-boned cheeks. "Kind of grew up on those legends. He always put his own spin on them. I mean, who doesn't love the story of Robin Hood?"

Reaching across the table she took his hand in a sturdy shake. "Isabelle, nice to meet you." She couldn't help but continue to stare at his face, noticing that same boyish grin that John had. No. There was no way. Though, John had said he was a younger brother.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 07:07 am UTC (link) Track This
He knew a few but he wouldn't go and spoil it for her. "True. They are rather inspiring." Mostly because he'd been written into them, which had changed him a little. He felt he owed Robin for that much at least.

He noticed her reaction though and gave a smile, "should I know you?" She certainly looked at him in that fashion. She wasn't related to anyone under his command, he knew that, so he doubted it was that.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 07:15 am UTC (link) Track This
"Be something to go back in time and see it for yourself wouldn't it?"

She quickly averted her eyes at his question. "I'm sorry I don't mean to stare. You just look a lot like someone I know. A lot," she emphasized with wide eyes. "It's making me do a double take. Except you're a more mature looking version. Very handsome."

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 07:19 am UTC (link) Track This
"To be sure," except that he had, and he wasn't too sure if it had actually happened or it was just something myth had made him assume happened.

"Thank you, but if I may ask who do I look like?" He had a clue, but he didn't want to go and assume anything. He wanted all his facts first.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 07:23 am UTC (link) Track This
If she was wrong she'd wave it off as coincidence. If she was right though, that would just be a crazy twist of fate. "John Haveland? He's a lawyer here in the city. I could be wrong, you just have that same smile, and your eyes." She grinned again, slipping her hair behind her ear.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 07:29 am UTC (link) Track This
He raised his eyebrows for a moment and wondered how old she was. And the name matched too. Part of him really wanted to warn her off his brother, but he had promised to try and be good. And there was the small thought that John would prove Richard right eventually.

"He's my brother, actually. Thus the resemblance." Now he had to think about the stories and he'd need to make sure it all matched. At least it'd keep him on his toes.

He knew John would hate this though so he was already planning to be friends with this girl. "How do you know him, if I can be curious?"

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 07:36 am UTC (link) Track This
"Really?" her mouth hung open a little. That was kind of exciting, though she knew from very little conversation pieces that John wasn't too terribly fond of his siblings. "That's crazy."

"Oh, I met John at a charity gala right before Christmas. I've seen him a time or two since."

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 07:45 am UTC (link) Track This
He nodded, "yes. Really. Very coincidental," she didn't seem a bad sort. If John decided to be his usual self he imagined he'd come to the girl's defense. "I can't imagine he's told very much good about me though."

He'd remembered John mentioning something about that, but he couldn't see John having went there on his own merit.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 07:51 am UTC (link) Track This
"No, he's not really said much about his family. Though, to be honest I've only just met him. There's a lot I still don't know about him." What she did know was that she thought him a gentleman, courteous, thoughtful, all a part of the facade she didn't know he'd presented just for her benefit.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 07:55 am UTC (link) Track This
He nodded and sipped from his coffee. If he said anything to the girl she would think he just wanted to spite his brother. True as that may be, he could only suggest to John he would treat the girl right. "I'm sure you'll get to know him very quick, and as his elder brother whatever he won't tell you I'll be happy to share." He grinned.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 06:15 pm UTC (link) Track This
She smiled back unsure of what he meant. "What can you tell me about him?" She took a few more sips of coffee with a cheerful enthusiasm. "From what I've seen he's very charming."

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 06:29 pm UTC (link) Track This
He supposed John could be, when he wanted to be. Especially when he wanted to get something. "He can be. He's a bit headstrong, determined, those things." He shrugged, "you'll learn more about him in time I'm sure. I'm his brother. I'm not the best judge."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 06:34 pm UTC (link) Track This
"Being headstrong is a good thing though isn't it? Pursuing what you believe in, holding your ground?" She finished up her coffee, stretching her hands over the book, wrinkling her nose.

"Have any little juicy tidbits I need to know about?"

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 06:39 pm UTC (link) Track This
He nodded, "it can be yeah. I'm much the same, which is why we probably don't get along very well. Our ideas clash and then we argue. Drives our mother up the walls." He chuckled, "plenty, but John will kill me if I share them. So tell me about yourself, if you don't mind."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 06:43 pm UTC (link) Track This
"So you share more than good looks then," she beamed tapping her nails on the table. "Aww too bad," she pouted. "About me?" her hand went to her chest wondering where she could even start. "Well, what do you want to know first?"

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 06:46 pm UTC (link) Track This
He grinned, "well thank you. Always nice to be complimented." He shook his head, "sorry. I figure the embarrassing stories should come when you've been dating for a bit longer." He shrugged, "Anything. Do you still go to school, do you have a job. Things like that."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 06:50 pm UTC (link) Track This
"You're very welcome." She crossed her legs, shifting in her seat. "Ah, I'm not even sure I've known him long enough to be considered 'dating', but I'd like that. I like him." She held a finger up to her mouth, "shussh, wouldn't want him to get ahead of himself though would we." She laughed, that sweet beaming laugh. "Well, I'm still mapping out colleges. I don't have a job, but I do a lot of volunteer work."

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 07:04 pm UTC (link) Track This
If he knew John, and Richard figured he did, he knew John was already 'ahead' of himself. But it would do nothing to tell that to this girl. She'd find out in her own time and he'd just sound cruel right now.

She was nice though and John didn't deserve her, "you'll find your path. Don't worry. I work for the military, myself." He figured if she was sharing he could too. At least a little.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 07:45 pm UTC (link) Track This
She was a nice girl. Probably entirely too good for John, but right now that didn't matter. She was determined to show her best side so that he'd see her again.

"I'm thinking of Columbia, but I'm still deciding. But my parents would love for me to get into a good college before I turn twenty." Her eyes widened a little. "The military? Which did you serve?"

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 07:50 pm UTC (link) Track This
"Army, mostly. I work as a tactician," he did enjoy his work. It kept him busy and it what he felt he was born to do. "You still have time. Your parents will be proud regardless I'm sure."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-04 07:56 pm UTC (link) Track This
"They are. They're wonderful parents, but I want to make my own decisions. Ever since I was little they've been my decision makers. I haven't even seen England again since I was two! I want to travel!" She laughed.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-04 08:05 pm UTC (link) Track This
He could sympathize with that, "I know hat feeling. Both my parents wanted something for me. Surprisingly I took to it. And I've always enjoyed travel." Not that he could do it much now, "I was in France for my birthday. Rather wonderful time."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 03:10 am UTC (link) Track This
"I've always wanted to travel. It's been a dream of mine now since I was ten. My dad came from England and my mother was from New Jersey. So it would be nice to see things now." She had no British accent having been born and raised here.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 03:15 am UTC (link) Track This
He nodded, "Well then you should. Don't let anything stop you, No matter what anyone else says." It's how he had lived, and still did, most of his life. There were only a few things he regretted now.

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 03:42 am UTC (link) Track This
"I won't. Scouts honor." She gave him another endearing laugh. She was still curious about Richard and his relationship with John. There were things she really wanted to know.

Her finger curled over the book making imaginary circles. "So tell me more about you Richard."

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 03:48 am UTC (link) Track This
Smiling he nodded, "good. Life is too short to waste it on what could have been." Her question made him shrug again, unsure what John had told her. "Very little to say. What would you like to know?"

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 03:54 am UTC (link) Track This
"I don't know," she smiled putting her chin in her hands, elbows poised on the table. "I'm curious. What kind of things do you like to do? Anything you can tell me about John without it being super embarrassing?"

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 04:00 am UTC (link) Track This
He tried to think of things John enjoyed without sounding too odd, "very little, actually. Makes me sound like a bad brother, but such is the case. He won't forgive me if I tell you something. He's very touchy about his reputation and how he's perceived, and if he's trying to court you I won't be doing him any favors."

"I enjoy strategy in all forms. It keeps my head busy. I can't go off to war anymore because of an old wound, so I try and do what I can. Mostly I mainly enjoy spending time with Aaron," he smiled then before giving her an odd look. "Can I ask something odd?"

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 04:11 am UTC (link) Track This
"Court me?" She laughed, "that sounds so archaic." She nodded though as he proceeded to explain. John did seem a little the touchy sort, but she hadn't really experienced that yet.

"Aaron? Oh, why is it all you handsome men are taken or gay. It makes it look a little hopeless for a girl," she teased, "John's not gay is he?" He had extremely good taste in fashion, it did make her wonder at first. "Odd? Sure?"

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 04:15 am UTC (link) Track This
He chuckled, "I suppose so. I'm a bit of an old fashioned guy sometimes. Sounds better sometimes." He raised an eyebrow, "I just got really lucky with Aaron. Best thing I've had in a very long time." He'd be on that for a bit though, but he laughed to the question. "I doubt it."

"Do you have any faith?" He held up a hand, "it doesn't matter, but it's a bit touchy with John sometimes I think. And if you are to meet mother, it'll be touchy then too. It's an odd thing to ask, I know."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 04:23 am UTC (link) Track This
"He made me wonder at first, but I didn't want to be rude and ask." He didn't seem to be now, it was pretty obvious that he liked her but there was no harm in asking for clarity sake.

"I do, I mean, I go to church sometimes. Touchy how?" She was confused now.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 04:27 am UTC (link) Track This
He blinked, "sometimes it's better to be rude and ask. Nothing wrong with it." He shrugged, "he doesn't believe, which is fine, but I think talking of it aggravates him. Mother isn't keen on the idea, so there's some strife sometimes. Probably a topic you want to avoid at times."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 04:40 am UTC (link) Track This
"Oh, I see." Her voice became a little quieter. "Anything else he dislikes I should be aware of?" She wanted this to work out and it had only been a few days since the first initial date.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 04:42 am UTC (link) Track This
He sighed, "mostly me. John's always had to live up to the bar everyone said I set, so he isn't always fond of being reminded he's my younger brother. Other then that nothing much."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 04:44 am UTC (link) Track This
It was kind of tragic, though she'd never had any older or younger siblings. It was something she'd longed for as a child. "I'm guessing I should keep this little run-in between you and I for right now then?" Her nose twitched a little but she still gave him a smile.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 04:46 am UTC (link) Track This
He sighed, "probably not. If it comes out later, which it always does, he'll think you hid it from him. Just be honest, say we ran into one another and we had a talk. If he blames anyone tell him to blame me."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-05 04:50 am UTC (link) Track This
"Is he bound to get angry?" She chewed on the end of her fingernail.

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[info]heartoflion
2012-01-05 04:52 am UTC (link) Track This
He shook his head, "probably not. At least not at you. He'll think I planned this to give him a bad reputation or a bad name. Nothing to be done about it."

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[info]do_gooddarling
2012-01-06 04:35 pm UTC (link) Track This
"Good to know. I'll keep that in my record book." She smiled either way. "So far it's not deterred me from seeing him, so he shouldn't be too worried."