Rainy Dog Days [Open]

In some nondescript parking lot there was a black truck, entitle unremarkable save for how old it was and that it even managed to sustain it's self to this century. The scenery of Vastime was distorted under the dusk light, gloomy from the rain clouds over the capital pouring rain steadily. The pitter patter of rain striking the car seemed to feel the void, the figure within the car resting his hands in his lap as he stared out onto the city. His expression was blank a million miles away as he zoned out the world around him, his mind currently consumed by other thoughts.

His thoughts where currently consumed by the last words he had spoken recently to his older brother, a soldier of the Vastimian army, soon deploying to some land far away. Not as far as one might think, to France. He didn't know much about it other than it would be dangerous, but such was the life of his family. Torn between civic obligation and the poor reality they face, tearing another sibling from his mothers arms. In truth, he wasn't bitter. Just.. exhausted. So very exhausted. The rising of his chest seemed to push against worn car leather, before relaxing.

His hands seemed to come to rest against the steering wheel, his actions hidden behind the murky rain which slide down the car windows. He was well and truly alone, as he seemed to lean forward resting his forehead against the steering wheel. This car had become his home, looking behind him to see the blanket his mother had bought him so many years ago, now used as his one few luxuries hiding his situation from her. Homeless. Jobless. The only thing sustaining him was his fights and shows, as evident by the bandage under his eye and the scar under the other. He'd wince ever so slightly remembering his last fight, which was only moments ago in some back water gym. His body was bruised, his knuckles most likely cracked the pain running through his hands with a throb as a reminder.

The world become silent, his mind drowning out the rain which surronded him. His head turning forward as he closed his eyes, fingers curling tightly around the steering wheel. Before they relaxed, one hand turning into a fist as he smashed it against the edge of the wheel. His teeth would grit for a moment before, the melancholy seemingly striking him hard in this moment. More so than usual. He worried about his brother, about if he'd have enough to support his family, if he could maintain this lie. Before long those thoughts gave way to vocal discharge; a shout ringing out from his lips. The shrill cry simply akin to a child, helpless in his actions as he felt his voice grow hoarse after the yell.

He'd lean back slowly, his body slumping in the chair. Eyes listlessly gazzing upwards at the cloudy sky through his car window. Something needed to give, something needed to change. Anything. Because at this rate, life began to see grayer by the day.

The rain was beginning to subside as he seemed to close his eyes briefly, as if he had decided to simply sleep right there and then. But the sound of tapping on his window served to make his bloodshot eyes to openly, head rolling ever so lightly to look at the woman. To see a moderately attractive woman in an uncomplimenting pants seemed to be the highlight of his day, not because he was happy to see her but by the sheer happenstance of it all. Followed by the complete lack of fucks she exhibited, it seemed to mesh well with the lack of fucks Sol could give either.

So when he slowly began to roll the window down, callous and bandage wrapped fingers grabbing the cigar idly. Before long it would be in his mouth as he rummaged for a zip lighter he had somewhere, before lighting to the exquisite tobacco. The feeling of the cancer fueled leaves seemed to be just what he needed as he began to relax for a moment, seeking into his worn truck seat. Finally, he'd turn to look at her with the cigar hanging out his mouth slightly. In the most generic way one could muster he would say a simple:

"Wot?"

But before long he seemed to blink as a cloud of smoke seemed to roll off his lips, before he winced at some involuntary wound on his body. Before he waved his hand dismissively.

"Yeah. Call me Sol. Get in the car, weirdo. Standing in the rain and shit."

At this point the possibility of being robbed was real, but he didn't have much save for his car and spare change. Honestly, he wasn't worth the effort. But he wasn't about to allow drizzle to keep spilling into his car with her standing in the rain. So he told her to hop in, so he could at least smoke in peace. Maybe they'd hot box the car with cigar spoke. He grimaced at the thought.

"Who are ya' and what do ya' want? Ain't like I got much money- so if you're here to scam me or something the guy in the gym might be better." He'd grunt before another spiff of smoke came out.

"..."

Solhammond could only stare at her as she rambled for a bit. Admittedly, he didn't mind, but it was a bit comical as he took a very long drag of the cigar as she spoke. Before slowly blowing it out just as she finished creating a cloud which masked both their faces for a moment. Once it cleared he'd allow the cigar to rest on his lips as he prepared to speak.

"You're my secret body guard. I have a body guard, but no house. Sweet."

The man seemed to mumble to himself, staring forward as the rain seemed to strike the window. He'd let out an annoyed sigh as he rubbed his forehead with a free hand, as if thinking, before running it through his hair completely. Which was in a bun currently mind you. But he'd reventually remove his hand, throw a look to her.

"Listen, I guess I appreciate that. But I ain't got a place to go back to, and the only person who is waitin' for me is my ma'. And she's too old to be worryin' bout me."

There was a tiredness to his voice, as if juggling the concerns of his family and his own living situation was becoming a frustrating talking point for him. Despite being a relatively decent, and entertaining, fighter he was still low on the ladder. His manager, he rarely met and when he did it was to pick up fight contracts. Truth be told, he didn't know how many fighters he managed. But finally he'd remove the cigar from his lips flicking it out the window before quickly rolling it back up.

"So, yeah. This is where I'm sleeping tonight."

This woman was.. interesting to say the least. The fact that she was his body guard hired by a man he barely ever met or heard of was something of a warning sign. But truth be told he didn't have much to his name, and if this dame was going to be willing to front his motel costs. Shit he didn't really have much reason to argue with her. However, the sharp hazel eyes of Sol noticed two things as she spoke which was the dangerously short cigar butt in her mouth followed by the tint of blush which color'd her cheeks. When those two things where put together she looked like an absolute dweeb trying to be cool, but it only caused a ghost of a smile on his lips.

It was cute, in a weird way. But there was other things to deal with as he brought a hair to run through his mess of hair. A deep sigh escaping his lips before he finally reached forward pinching the cigar causing a slight hiss of air. The heat admittedly hurt a bit, but callous fingers had their benefits. Finally he'd pull it away from her lips flicking it out his window, before finally relenting.

"Argh, we're not teenage kids. If we're going to do this and we have to share a bed whatever. You're making it sound like one of those horrible comedies they play on TV."

He wouldn't want to sleep on the floor, and he doubt she did. Between both of them it wasn't like anything was going to happen. So with that addressed he'd reach to his ignition turning it, as the car stalled for a bit. A look of worry on his face before finally the old bitch roar'd to life causing a pleased smile on his face.

"Give me the' directions, uh did you say your name?"