Third Card.

[aheartstrength]

1

[ Someone ought to really tell Hoshi to stop being in the kitchen so often, but after a victory like that, well she can't help but celebrate in her own way and that's through making a three-tiered cake! There's different flavors on each level - vanilla, chocolate and strawberry covered with frosting and little decorations here and there

Comments

1)

[brokenaesop]

[Mad was having some serious trouble here. On one hand WOMEN EVERYWHERE! AS SOLDIERS! And then there was the highly decorated and VERY GAY looking cake.]

[BUT ON THE OTHER HAND! Said GAY CAKE looked so deliciously mouthwatering that Mad was having serious internal conflict over it. He kept moving to the cake than kept turning around at the last second, unable to make up his mind!]

Goddamn fucking tease cake! Why the fuck are you doing this to me!?

[brokenaesop]

Its a fucked up world out there. Being nice won't cut it. You gotta be tough to survive!

[It seemed like a practiced and often repeated response.]

Besides... my dad didn't become a war hero from being nice.

[aheartstrength]

[ So that was it. It was conditioning that made him this way or just people being cruel and unkind. In a way, her heart goes out to him for having experienced that. ]

Want to tell me about him?

[brokenaesop]

[Now at this Mad's personality did a one-eighty. He was actually looking HAPPY to do so without knowing how girly it made him look.]

Hell yeah! Dad used to pilot the Ares Gear! Told me all sorts of stories about how he used to fight off bandits and aliens and take on Jerks who stamped down on towns with an iron fucking fist.

Darren Caine. He used to be a pilot for the Feds with his buddies Rigger and Finch! They kicked all sorts of ass back in their day! Even before they got the Ares Gear and those other mechs!

[aheartstrength]

[ Hoshi now knows what to talk about with him so that he's actually happy. This is something she notes down in her mind. ]

He sounds really awesome, Mad. What other accomplishments did he have and did he have any notable missions?

[brokenaesop]

He said he did a lot of rescue missions for the Federation, saved a lot of VIPs, took on some Britannian jerkasses that got too big for their britches...

But he says the thing that changed him the most was the Ares Gear. He was on the detail that found it... some Zeeks found out and wanted to take it for the glory of John and shit.

[Yes. He called Zeon - John.]

His GM got wrecked so he figured getting into the Ares Gear was his best shot and he saw the whole assload of those fuckers off

[he smacks his fist into an open palm.]

WHAM! Just like that!

[aheartstrength]

I'm really happy to know that your father was admirable like that and willing to take initiative when it counted the most. Perhaps one day, I'll be able to shake his hand for all the good work he's done.

[ She respects people who serve in armies since they regularly put their lives on the line. Idly, she grips at the dog tags that are on her neck and looks back up at Mad. ]

So, I guess that's why the Ares Gear is so important to you - it's a part of your father and you wish to try to emulate him, right?

[brokenaesop]

Heck yeah! I figured if I fight as hard and be as good as he was in those stories of his then maybe I can be as good as him... maybe... maybe even better!

[At this Mad seemed to beam, then look a little down, quickly brushing at his eyes.]

Just don't go running off to meet my old man to quick... old bastard died a while back...

[He seemed to struggle to hide how he felt about it. Clearly to him men aren't meant to show weakness.]

[aheartstrength]

Ah, no wonder! You're trying to emulate how he was back then. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is that why you try to be the strongest one here?

[ She frowns and reaches over to pat him on the shoulder. ]

I won't. If it helps, I'll also remember him.

[brokenaesop]

Yeah..

[He seemed to relax, then flinch and pull away from the hand.]

Y-YEAH! That's it! He was the strongest there ever was! I got a lot to live up to!!

[He looked simultaneously determined and nervous.]

And...yeah.. thanks... as much as dad did for the world I still can't believe no one even knows his name... having people remember him...

[aheartstrength]

Sorry, I didn't know you don't like to be touched.

[ Immediately, her hand drops down to her side and she takes her space. ]

Don't mention it. I'd rather someone be remembered for the good they did instead of fade into obscurity.

[brokenaesop]

Yeah I'm.. not a touchy-feely guy.. that stuff's not my thing....

[He has a weak grin on his face.]

[aheartstrength]

That's okay. At least I know now so that you don't feel uncomfortable, Mad.