[RL with Sherry and Naoto] [Backdated to Claire's last post]

[immortal_vino]

Early in the evening, just past the supper hour, the Flying Pussyfoot chugged into the station in Salt Lake City, hissing steam. The first class cars at the front of the train were almost ridiculously ornate, gilded in gold over glossy black paint, the odd name of the train embossed on the side in gold lettering

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[vinodejerez]

Sherry stared at the train with a fair share of amazement. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been on a train, and it probably hadn't been one as nice as this.

"This is definitely the place, so Claire should be... right over there!" After spotting Claire, she waved at the conductor before making a beeline in that direction. Naoto could catch up.

[truthinfortune]

The blush on Naoto's face deepened. "I suppose so, yes... My family has always been blessed with good fortune."

Naoto wondered if the young conductor might be acting a little more than simply friendly. Flirting, perhaps? She quickly pushed that thought away. She was over-thinking things, as usual. Claire was just curious about her, that's all.

She addressed Sherry once more. "You're right, but I've already said that it's okay, so there's no need for you to feel as though you're imposing. Besides, I'd love to have the both of you stay for tea sometime."

Well, mostly Sherry. Naoto still hadn't quite made up her mind about the young conductor. He made her feel a bit nervous, and not just because he was a professed assassin... She let her gaze wander the cabin, looking at everything but the young man sitting on the table before them.

[immortal_vino]

"Maybe sometime everyone else will leave and then I can go visit and see the view for myself," Claire said in practical tones. "I would love to visit an island in the Caribbean!"

He eyed Naoto's blush, wondering what she was thinking. "I'm sure it's nothing to be embarrassed about. My family lives in a very nice house, too. I'd like to see it, though, and have tea with you both." Even though he wasn't really much of a tea drinker.

[vinodejerez]

"I really don't think that will happen... anyway, I'd probably have to go with them," Sherry replied. "But it really is pretty nice if you don't count the people."

She probably shouldn't talk about her family that way, but...

[truthinfortune]

Naoto was beginning to wonder if perhaps Claire was being a bit overly attentive. True, he took his job as a conductor very seriously and wanted to make certain that his "guests" were comfortable. He also appeared to be a person who subscribed to impeccable manners, which meant that he highly valued decorum.

Or, a small voice in the back of Naoto's mind suggested, he was simply trying very hard to get on Naoto's good side and gain her trust... And it was working, to a degree. He was pleasant enough and rather charming, but it could very well be a clever facade

[immortal_vino]

Claire gave Sherry a sympathetic smile. "You can just stay here," he said with a shrug. "It's pretty nice here. When we get to Manhattan, I can introduce you to my family."

He cocked his head at Naoto's reminder, then blinked and jumped off of the table, agitated. "Oh yes! I forgot I have to help Tony get underway. I'd better go do that, or he'll be unhappy with me."

He trotted for the door and gave them a wave. "I'll look for you in a little while. Have fun!"

[vinodejerez]

"Really?" Sherry's eyes lit up. "That would be great! I'd love to meet them."

She turned to Naoto as Claire headed for the door. "I like him."

[truthinfortune]

The petite detective suspected that Claire might be referring to a mafioso family...

She folded her arms and frowned slightly. She had a feeling Sherry would feel that way.

"While I admit he's a pleasant conversationalist, I still don't trust him completely. There's just so very little we actually know about him, there's no way of predicting how he'll react in a given situation. This could all very well be a clever facade in order to assuage our fears..." Her brows knit in thought. "I just don't feel comfortable enough leaving you here by yourself. I've decided I'll stay until you're ready to return home, okay?"

If anything bad were to happen to Sherry, Naoto would have to answer to Birkin, and she didn't relish that thought at all...

[vinodejerez]

"That's very nice of you." Sherry wasn't sure she was very happy about it, but it was a nice gesture meant to keep her safe. "I hope it doesn't end up mattering."

She sighed a little. "My parents and Mr. Wesker will probably want me to come home soon anyway. Some time away from them is good for me, but I don't want to leave them forever."

[truthinfortune]

Her expression softened. "I hope so, too. But I've dealt with this sort of person in the past, Sherry. A cold-blooded killer with a winning smile... It's better to be safe than sorry in this sort of situation."

She nodded. Naoto really couldn't imagine a young girl like Sherry growing up on an island full of mad scientists and zombies. It would be nice if she could visit with friends and have the opportunity to experience a somewhat normal childhood with children her own age.

"In any case, I'm glad that you want to go out and meet new people." Even if those people might be professed assassins... "How about we stay until the next stop, at least? That will give us a few hours to wander about and really enjoy the experience, don't you think? I'm certain there are all kinds of interesting people on board."

[immortal_vino]

With a hiss of steam, the blow of a whistle and a slight jerk, the Flying Pussyfoot began to move down the tracks, quickly picking up speed.

[vinodejerez]

"That's a good idea. I don't know if worldhoppers can get on a moving train anyway, and I wouldn't want them to get hurt," Sherry replied. "Walking around sounds nice, too- but now I'm kind of hungry."

This was pretty exciting. She looked out the windows, watching the station pass them by. She'd thought it would be just like being in a really long car, but it was nothing like that.

[truthinfortune]

Naoto stood and peered out the window as the Flying Pussyfoot made ready to depart. This was nothing at all like riding the bullet train back in Japan. The sound of pistons pumping rhythmically and hissing steam made its own unique melody, unlike the dull electric hum of more modern trains. She watched various people waved to their loved ones as the train pulled away from the platform.

"Even an old-fashioned steam engine can reach incredible speeds," Naoto said. "I think only a truly gifted worldhopper could hope to hit a moving target like this..."

She continued to stare out the window as the landscape closest to the tracks streamed by in blur.

"Well, as soon as Mr. Stanfield returns, why don't we head toward the dining car? I could use a bite to eat myself."

[immortal_vino]

It wasn't long before Claire did return. The train was picking up speed through the countryside when there was a quiet knock at the door and then it opened. He poked his head inside curiously and smiled when he saw the two girls.

"Ready for the proper tour?" he asked.

S-sorry I'm a flake ;;

[vinodejerez]

Sherry was watching the surroundings, like Naoto, but as soon as Claire came back she turned and beamed at him. "That sounds great! Right, Naoto?"

She was a little hungry, but tours were cool. Food could wait.

s'okay!

[truthinfortune]

Naoto nodded, momentarily distracted by Claire's smile. It appeared quite genuine, and it was because of that that Naoto almost allowed herself to believe that Claire was not really the assassin he claimed to be.

Almost.

"Very well," she said, offering a polite smile in return. "I trust the tour shouldn't take too long." She glanced toward Claire. "Shall we go?"