Serious: Following a Daring Escape (GoreFish and Gael only)

((Sorry about the delay in making this... dunno what distracted me >.>))

A ship made landfall at the docks of an island not far from Salomon Kingdom: though to be honest, most of the people milling around on the docks had no bleeding idea how it moved. It was coated in moss, and its sails weren't even made out of cloth: they really just looked like a large mass of seaweed or vines. Though, the ship wasn't so weird just because of its outward appearance: it was weird because there were people actually on it. One of the people created a ramp of sorts leading from the deck to the docks, made entirely out of living vegetation. This strange man spoke, saying, "So, there ya go, Ranyx. Hopefully the stuff I've given to you in that bag is enough for what your friend needs. I'll be entertaining myself somewhere else on the island, so... have fun with whatever you plan on doing~" The man then leaped off the deck, hopping down the ramp like a cheerful schoolchild, before skipping off to do something else.

The aforementioned man was holding onto messenger bag, which he quickly slung over his shoulder. "So, Alvaro, let's go, huh? Gotta get you some better clothes than what you've got on right now... not that you look bad, of course." He gestured at the ramp down to the docks. "After you, of course."

Alvaro slung the coat he had gotten in the accursed place he had spent the last three months of his life in around his now slightly slimmed down figure to hide the obvious fact that he was wearing a black and white striped outfit.
"It would be preferable to have something else to wear in my possession, especially since I understand this outfit will, at some point, draw unwanted suspicion."
He had at least gotten some shoes somewhere, being barefoot would just have been the cherry on top of his battered, old, dirty attire. Save for the coat, which was, while not exactly at the peak of style, at least agreeable.
Salomon Kingdom looked just how he had left it. The white, big houses at the center of the city they had landed in, Benigno, had been visible an hour ago and had lost nothing in impressiveness. But Alvaro knew better than to be blinded by that. Most people here never got to see them up close. Not that the rest of the city was a slum, but it wasn't la dolce vita down here. At least they had brushed up the harbor a bit. The last time he had come here, it hadn't looked like the place he would have liked to take anyone. Then again, he had gotten arrested here, and it had been night time. The city tended to change at night time.
Still, despite that, it was still one of his favourite places to go, and he had people he could trust here.
When he set foot on the light gray cobble stone street, it almost felt a bit like coming home.
"Well, well.... A shichibukai and the notorious 'demon guard'?"
This wasn't only an attempt at making conversation, Alvaro was genuiniely curious.
"You seem to be a man of many contacts, Ranyx..."
He supposed he could be flattered by this mans interest in him as at least an ally of sorts. And he was. But not because here was a guy who had a good number of contacts with the outer world, but because he was also charming, well mannered, strong, educated, very handsome and... oh yes, had risked his life for him. For him! Normally people begrudgingly accepted him as an ally, or they thought he was the most wonderful thing ever for a few weeks and then started hating him over the cause of months when business kept him away from them. People felt betrayed so easily... And to be fair, it really broke his heart every time he ahd to leave them for their own safety, and his.
"Listen, I.... you saved my life, and probably my sanity as well. No one's ever done this for me, so... I suppose I owe you a lot. Thank you. IF I can ever repay you..."

Ranyx shrugged. "All I've got are my old things, and quite honestly, you wouldn't look that good in a tanktop and one of my vests. And Gael's stuff? Don't get me started. It'd be far better to stay with the coat, and if someone gives us problems, I'm pretty sure Ti'ar or Gael's names will be enough to clear things up." Strolling along in this town was nice: trying to find a suitable tailor for Alvaro wasn't exactly that simple, though.
"Ah, those two? Yeah, met them on the same day, actually. Ah, that was a nice day..." For multiple reasons, of course... first and foremost was making friends with the pair, and second was... not important at the moment. He shrugged. "I get around, Alvaro, and I'm pretty sure I told you how old I am... it's really really old. I know people. Almost everywhere. I remember back when Impel Down had been in the 'blueprints' stage."
He chuckled. "Again, Alvaro, it really was nothing. I like to keep promises, especially to handsome men such as yourself. Ah! Here we are!" Somehow he had stumbled upon a nice looking clothing store. "Here, how about we duck in here to get you some better clothing, and then find someone who can get you your rather nice outfit again? Of course, after you." He opened the door, gesturing with an arm to invite Alvaro in first.

Of course, Alvaro already had a way to get into possession of his old outfit again. But how could he ever forgive himself if he'd let this chance slip, even if he had more than enough work on his hands just coping with the thought of having more than a stone wall and large quantities of sand to look at.
The smells and noises of the real world were... overwhelming to him. His cell had always been quiet, except for distant screams of men being tortured or going mad, or both. The sounds of Benigno were charming when compared to that...
Of course, not nearly as charming as his current company, who he was paying dreadfully little attention to.
"And I like when alluringly charming gentlemen such as you keep their promises, especially if they lead to such sorely anticipated meetings..."
He interrupted his speech for a moment when he entered the store and a warm breeze blew into his face. There weren't many people in the store, and one look at the salesman told Alvaro this wasn't unusual, if it had been, then the man would surely not have looked at them so acrimoniously.
"Yeees?"
Ah, yes. This was one of those store specializing in fitting strangers, and mostly the not so peaceful sort with a new outfit. Though at least it looked like it had a little more niveau than others of its kind, the items for sale here were almost elegant. He supposed that meant there was a finely crafted gun of sorts under the counter.
But he wasn't about to complain, a chance to get out of those clothes was always welcome. Even more so than normally.
"Nevermind us, we're only looking for some basic things..."
The salesman raised an eyebrow. Alvaros smile didn't falter. Almost felt like home, it did. He raised his arms defensively, and slowely, in case this gentleman had a quick trigger finger.
"Now, now, we promise we won't steal anything."
With that, he turned to the clothes. Looking for pants would be a good start....

Ranyx blushed at that, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, Alvaro, that's flattery, that's what that is..." Though, was he really complaining?
At the storekeeper's rather... well, accusatory greeting, Ranyx shrank back a bit. He held up the bag from Gael, saying, "We kind of plan to, ya know, pay for what we get?" The salesman still looked rather wary, so Ranyx shrugged. "Fine, if you want to be that way."
He began wandering around, wondering if anything would fit him. Chuckling at a few women's garments, knowing they would be juuuuust the right thing to smash Ti'ar's all-important pride to bits, he moved on, before realizing that... quite honestly none of this stuff fit him. More of didn't 'suit him' than anything else, but he wasn't one for fancy clothing.
Of course, Alvaro was so... maybe he'd have some suggestions? Eh, no matter, probably best to just stay the way he was.
Glancing over at Alvaro, Ranyx wondered how the whole thing was going. "Find anything yet?" He asked, before wheeling around and navigating his way back to Alvaro.
They could have lively chat once they were out of here: he didn't like the look the salesman was giving him.

Alvaro had been giving his reflection a long, scrutinizing look in one of the slim mirrors this shop had.
(Mirrors in shops such as this one were always in a certain danger, and they weren't exactly cheap. during his travels, Alvaro had seen most creative ways of protecting them from accidental or deliberate harm. These specific mirrors were broad enough to see yourself in them, but not slim enough to evoce aggression in the customer, and not broad enough to be hit accidentally. That was about all the shop owner could have done, disregarding quick reflexes and a quicker trigger finger.
Even now, he was watching Alvaro, who had tried on a simple, yet elegant black suit plus white shirt. Not his usual style, but he had to admit it fit him, and it was definitely preferable to his former outfit.
So, he met the shopkeepers look, as if just now noticing him watching , and gave him a smile some would have called a leer and a look to match. The man huffed and turned away, and, having achieved his goal, Alvaro turned his attention to Ranyx, who had just now adressed him with a question.
With a last lok into the mirror, he nodded.
"Yes, yes I think I have."
It was goodlooking, it fit him, and it wasn't the most expensive piece of clothing he had ever bought... yes, he might even consider wearing it sometimes.
But enough about him... He turned to Ranyx fully, brushing a strand of hair out of his face carelessly.
"Now, Ranyx, I am sure some of these things would look absolutely stunning on you... Not that you don't look stunning already, of course... But if you ever feel the need to, say... get a little more elegant, I would gladly offer my help, if needed."
He let his eyes wander over the alternatives this shop offered to the flak jacket his ally seemed to like so much... Certainly, it brought out his athleticness well, but it would be such a waste to not at least own a good suit. Especially since he could imagine that, with the charming behaviour , the friendliness and the relaxed aura surrounding him could win over many hearts if combined with the right kind of elegance.... Though he could see Ranyx wasn't one for stiff elegance... But a little glamour never hurt anyone.
Inside his head, he found himself mixing and matching outfits, though he hadn't found anything that quite fit the aloofness but also the charm of the man before him.

Ranyx had to stifle a grin as he looked at Alvaro's choice: a suit and dress shirt. Not that he really should've been surprised, given the stuff Alvaro had been wearing when they first met, but it was shocking to Ranyx: in normal 'proper' clothing, Alvaro was ridiculously handsome. It was seriously tough for Ranyx to concentrate, let alone form proper words once he had fully taken in what Alvaro looked like in a suit. "Uh..." escaped his lips before he had slapped some sense back into himself. Gaping like a moron at Alvaro like this would only make him seem pathetic.
"Well... I'm not exactly sure. I don't do well in suits... you on the other hand, manage to wear them like a second skin or something..." His cheeks reddened somewhat, before chuckling a little nervously. "Well, I'm glad you found something you like..." He'd have liked to have added, 'I like it too,' but in this particular place... it would be a regular show of impropriety. "Although..." he muttered, looking at some of the other outfits hanging around. "I do agree I need something a little more... crisp, in case I need to go to a formal gathering... I wonder if I could find something that isn't a suit..." He glanced back at Alvaro, before smirking a bit hesitantly. "I'd really like some help, Alvaro... thanks for offering..."
Of course, by the end of this, they'd be walking away and leaving a very happy shopkeeper in their wake, so... really, by the end of the day, everyone involved would be very, very happy.

What was this? Ranyx being bashful?
Alvaro looked at him, somewhat surprised. Then he smiled, almost whimsically.
"My, if I had known for one second how this outfit would affect you, I would have donned it much sooner..."
Alvaros voice sounded genuinely surprised, and somewhere in the back of his head, he realised there hadn't really been any chance to change clothes into anything until now. Nevertheless, he would not have expected Ranyx to be so favorably impressed by something as simple as a change of outfit. It was... cute. In a way. Being cute was not a word he had thought of before when he looked at Ranyx. A lot of other things, yes, but cute was a new one.
Before Ranyx had any chance to respond to his comment, he turned back to the clothes on display and took a particular piece of aforementioned apparel, which had caught his eye before. It was a black vest, made out of, Alvaro could feel in his fingers, thin, soft material, almost silk like, though he doubted it was. He shortly held it up to see if it would fit Ranyx as he thought it would.
"Never you worry. Even if you wouldn't have been willing to take my help, I could simply not live with myself if I let the chance pass to see you in some of this. If you could try this on..."
He was becoming slightly more demanding, wasn't he? But this was about style, it was basically his second element (of course, la dolce vita was his first, and his job came in third).
He reached his hand out once more, to take a white shirt and give it to Ranyx as well. Sharp, but not too formal, stylish, but still vaguely rebellious. Plus, Alvaro had yet to meet a man who would not look stunning in a vest, and he was dying to see this particular man in one.
And together with this... he reached out a third time. Black pants. Looking more casual than suit pants, almsot as if the main goal of the one wearing them was to relax instead of doing business, but not so much that it would be seen as impudent.
"Of course, those are barely the basics, not a full outfit, but... well, it should suffice. Besides, I do not think this store offers anything like cuffs or the like..."
That, and Alvaro truly didn't think this handsome man right here needed any of that junk to look absolutely breathtaking. It may be that Alvaro liked jewelry, in fact, he missed his a bit, but Ranyx? No, Ranyx didn't need silver on him to shine.

Ranyx's face reddened more, as he turned away and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I-It's not that, Alvaro... you just look... nice is all." Haha, bullcrap. Alvaro knew exactly what he was dealing with here. He drew his right hand from his pocket to rub at the back of his neck. "Well... thanks, Alvaro..." He turned back around, his face less red than before... not that it had gone completely.
He took the vest, looking at it. It looked like a nice choice. And then the shirt, which seemed fitting as well. Long sleeved of course, but he could live with that. It wasn't like he should be running around in potentially freezing environments with his sleeves off. And then the pants, to complete the ensemble. "Ah, thanks again..." He began looking around for a changing room, luckily finding one quickly.
After slipping in and trying on what Alvaro suggested, he left he room and went back to Alvaro, looking at himself in the mirror. And... he realized how incredibly vain he was. He felt really quite proud of how he looked in the vest, shirt, and pants... and then remembered that it was Alvaro who had suggested this outfit to him. He turned to Alvaro before chuckling nervously and asking, "So... how do I look?"

Alvaro had seen a lot of things. A lot of people, as well. In a lot of clothes. But he was quite certain he had not yet seen anyone who, and this wasn't just one of his empty compliments, looked this absolutely great in a normal vest.
"You..."
Now, how to put it so that it showed what he was thinking in a more elgant way than just saying 'you're hot' (Alvaro would not be caught dead saying that, it was just too simple to describe anything close to what anyone deserving to be called hot by common street thugs, simplified their true beauty to the point of alost being an insult... he could go on for hours about this).
He looked at Ranyx. He looked... gorgeous, elegant, yet noncompliant to what other might think of as posh, not snotty, but level headed, and... and...
Alvaro turned his head, afraid that his staring would make his current romantic interest and saviour even more nervous than he was, and at the same time, feeling somewhat proud that he seemed to be important enough to evoke such a reaction, that his judgement was critical in this.
"Ranyx, even if I had all the words in the world on my side, every single compliment at the tip of my tongue, it still wouldn't be enough to describe how wonderful you look properly..."
This sounded like a lame excuse, didn't it? Didn't it? It had sounded different in his head, but he had needed to change some of the words to make it sound like he wasn't just hitting him on. It still sounded like that, didn't it? well, the real thing would have sounded worse, even though it would have been the true. Alvaro could be cheesy sometimes, but that had been a bit much, even ´for him. Maybe he'd get to say it someday. Maybe.
For now, he cleared his throat, still not looking at Ranyx, afraid he'd be able to read in his face, and gestured towards the pay desk instead.
"Well, shall we, then? There is someone you simply have to meet, and who happens to live closeby."

Ranyx was a little self conscious at the moment, mostly because, for once, Alvaro was mostly speechless. For the normally loquacious speaker to be rendered silent, Ranyx had to look good. Like, amazing. Which was strange, as Ranyx never saw himself as much of a looker.
Must've been the clothes.
He gave a light, nervous chuckle: the only thing he could get out at the moment. "Um... thanks, Alvaro. It means a lot." And it really did. Alvaro, Ranyx knew, had an eye for good looks. So if he couldn't describe how good Ranyx looked, it meant something.

Wow, he sounded really self-absorbed.

"Oh, right. Right. I'll handle it." He quickly picked up the bag of money, striding to the pay desk. "So, we're getting... basically what I'm wearing, and what he's wearing." He flipped the bag on its head, pour out half of it's contents. A pile of high-value Beri bills, along with several pieces of expensive looking jewelry, tumbled out of the sack before Ranyx caught it and turned it right side up. "I think that should be enough, right Alvaro?"
Not really to Ranyx's surprise, the man's mouth dropped open. Ranyx hadn't really looked wealthy when he walked into the store, and for a good reason. Wealthy people tended to get mugged, and if someone attack Ranyx... or Alvaro, god forbid, the mugger would not get out unharmed.

Alvaro, upon hearing his name called, snapped out of his thoughts and stopped staring, his smile returning to his face as he stepped closer. What was this? This was new.... He had been right, Ranyx was full of surprises, and some of them concerned the assassin more than his date... if he was his date.... which Alvaro dared hope he was.
"Well, I dare say it is... Wouldn't you agree?"
He said this last thing to the cashier, who only silently nodded and started collecting his pay.
Alvaros smile just froze for a moment, then he grabbed the cashiers hand as he was about to cash in a necklace ade out of silver.
"I humbly apologise, but that would have been the full price already."
He might like to live expensively, but not more expensively than he had to. It was the style that coutned, after all, not the money spend for it.
The cashier glared at him, but only for a moment, then Alvaro let go of his hand and the man tried his best to act surprised.
"Ah yes. I see, you are totally correct, of course. Please excuse this small intermission."
"Forgive and forget."
Alvaro said, and meant 'if you dare touch any of this wonderful persons belongings, I swear you will lose both your hands for it'. The cashier, who had lived in this city long enough to understand the way its inhabitants talked, understood perfectly and brought a bit more space between his hands and the left over goods, though with a scowl on his face. Every merchant in this town was used to threats...
Alvaro, no matter how quickly he wanted to get out of this store and to fresh air again, didn't lay a hand on Ranyx belongings either. They looked valuable, and it wasn't his place to decide what to do with them, even if it was only the decision to put them back in the bag.
Instead, he looked at Ranyx, almost lost his train of thought when it was taken over by the simple aura of this man, and hoped he would take the hint. Marceline would not like Ranyx, perhaps, she would not like seeing Alvaro again, but she was one of those persons who had helped him out so often, he knew how to interpret her defensive attitude right, and was one of the only real friends he had.

Ranyx had sort of missed the whole visual exchange between Alvaro and the cashier: sometimes he just didn't notice subtle things like that. "Oh, thanks about that, Alvaro. I wasn't exactly paying attention to the price tags on any of this stuff."
He put the bag under the edge of the counter to sweep the remaining money and jewellry into the bag. "Oh, Alvaro, if you want any of this, just say the word." He smoothed his vest a little bit, as he tied the bag back up. "Thank you, sir. Have a good day."
He quickly moved over to the door, opening it and stepping outside, holding it open for Alvaro. "You said you had someone you wanted me to meet?" Uh... duh. Alvaro had said it like, four minutes ago. "Just lead away."

Ooh, a gentleman, wasn't he?
Normally, it was Alvaro who was holding doors open for his dates, but he gladly took the chance and stepped out onto the street again.
The light really was nice today, wasn't it?
He made sure Ranyx was out of the store as well before he slowly started walking into the direction he remembered Marthas bar being the last time. The offer to take anything he'd like, he chalantly chose to ignore. Not that he didn't want any, but he would thought it to be avaricious... Instead, he decided to speak a little warning.
"Yes.... Her name is Martha, and I... met her a few years ago, when I was still new in business... She is a grand lady, but has her quircks."
He realised that was probably too vague.
"Though this might sound a bit worrying and not really give a good impression of what a marvelous person she is.... she might try to kill you."

Meanwhile, the Rowdy Speakeasy was, as always, full and loud. Aside from the impressive background noise heard even outside, the only thing putting the bar apart from all the others next to it (it was situated in the highly popular redlight district, or rather, the one street of it that featured not only working girls, but also excessive masses of alcohol) was the lack of any kind of advertisment, or even anything to guess it's name from, if one didn't count the fact that it was, undeniably, a rowdy speakeasy. In fact, that was the name the customers had given it, and the whole town knew it to be true.
"No pay? Sorry, no can do. Get out."
"Aw, come on..."
It was only midday, but most of the guests were already drunk, such as this young fellow, who was trying to hold one of the MM, the Martha maidens back right now. A big mistake, one everyone knew should not be made. A swift kick in the head send him to the floor, he was unconcious before he hit it.
"Get him out."
The young woman said with a sigh. You had nothing to do in this place if you didn't bring any money, not this one. Everyone knew, yet there were always people dumb, desperate, drunk or new enough to try.
"And be happy it was just me..."
She added before going back to work.

Ranyx stroked his chin puzzledly as Alvaro explained exactly who this Martha woman was. "Ah, but quirks make the man (or woman)! I'm sure it couldn't be too bad, right?" He laughed as Alvaro elaborated. "And that, my friend, is sound information on nearly any woman. Or, I should say, that's how my dear friend Ti'ar would think. Fellow just cannot get along with the female gender." He chuckled and let his bag holding arm drop down to his side as his gestured with his other. "Well, it's not so bad that she'll try to kill me upon seeing me, right?" Maybe he was asking too much with that question?

Alvaro chuckled at the explanations of the dashing gentelman he was lucky enough to have at his side.
"This Ti'ar seems like quite the interesting character.... Only seeing the first impression, I would only have assumped him to be a bit on the stern side, though undeoubtedly handsome..."
You could say what you wanted about Alvaro, he was being honest here. Honest and... well, sugarcoating. Ti'ar was freaking scary, but had a nice butt, would have fit it more, but he wouldn't ever take such undecorated words into his mouth.
Though right now, he was worrying a bit more on what impression their current surroundings would make on his companion. The red light district of this town was small, and surprisingly tame, but it was in the business affiliated with such districts all around the world, and Alvaro, had he had any other choice, would have favored not to take his gorgeous date there. It lacked the romance he was looking for....
"Well, I think not, though I can't assure you she'll be exactly peaceful either...."
If Martha was anything like he remembered her, she would be unpredictable, strong, and he felt very uncomfortable in not having any weapons with him all of a sudden, even though it was supposedly part of why he had come here.
"And there we are..."
He stopped in front of a small bar without a name or any decoration to spot on its facade, and took a step back just in time to escape a body that was flung out of the door. A young, blond woman was standing in the doorway, a big man was just dusting his hands off behind her, obviously the one who had been responsible for throwing the poor fellow now lying in the mud.
"And don't you dare come here again!"
She yelled, before turning and, just before going back in, noticing Alvaro and Ranyx and leaning on the doorframe instead. The look on her face wasn't hostile, but it wasn't exactly friendly either. One thing that was for sure was the mockery in her voice.
"Well, look who's back."
Alvaro hinted a bow, but didn't take his eyes off her.
"It's nice to see you again, Christine. And you, George."
He turned to the large man shortly, who returned the look and then hurried back into the bar.
A few seconds, Christine said nothing, just examined both Alvaro and Ranyx.
"Changed your style, did you? And who's your.... friend?"
Alvaro was truly feeling a bit emberassed by this whole thing, and hurriedly waved Ranyx to step forward.
"This, my dear Christine, is Ranyx, my saviour and treasured companion, as of now."
"Companion, huh?"
She had a sneer on her face.
"Well, careful, handsome, don't underestimate this one, he's broken things he can't fix before. And by 'things', I am of course referring to people. In one way or the other."
Alvaro looked to Ranyx for a moment, then back to Christine, almost pleadingly.
"Christine, please. I am here to speak with Martha."
She huffed and rolled her eyes.
"Just saying. Come on in then."
And she held open the door for them to go through.
Alvaro shot Ranyx an apologetic glance.
"You don't have to come with me if you don't want to, I will just be talking to an old business partner for a bit.... Business as in 'has nothing to do with any romantic or indecent action one way or the other'...."
That had been a close one....

Oh, Alvaro only knew... half of it. More like a quarter of it, but still... he didn't really know enough about Ti'ar to have a real judgement of him. Oh well.
"Oh well. I'll live with it, I guess." He wasn't that scared, really... unless she like, tried to set him on fire. He couldn't guard against fire, really.

He stood beside Alvaro, looking up at the building in front of them. He was sort of preoccupied with Alvaro, so he wasn't really paying attention to the places around them. "Pretty cozy looking place, if I would say so myself."
He found himself sidetracked by a bodily thrown man landing in the dirt. "Uh... not exactly sure WHAT just happened here..." Cue Ranyx noticing the big man in the doorway. "But I'm pretty sure, for some reason, I like it."
Oh, would Ranyx have fun screwing with that there bouncer.

"Oh, sorry, got distracted." He bowed to the woman in the doorway. "Hello there, as Alvaro said, my name's Ranyx."
...and to the bouncer? "I'm sure he has, hasn't he? I'm pretty sure I know what the 'other' way is, am I right?" Ranyx hadn't quite caught that the statement about 'braking things' was aimed at Alvaro: he thought she meant the bouncer.
"Alvaro, you've got your business to attend to, I know..." he grinned and pulled Alvaro to the side. "Forgive me, I simply MUST joke with that bouncer. Take your time... I want to see how riled up I can get him!" And back to his sport!
"Oh, sir? If you wouldn't mind, could you please take off your pants? Or your shirt, really, either works." A cocky smirk told Alvaro that Ranyx was only joking around.

"Go ahead, excellent pick...."
Alvaro meant every word of that. The best part of coming to this town, aside from the fashion were the wonderful people just waiting to pose a challenge, and George was the most amusing one for various reasons.
While the young assassin and escapee offered his arm to Christine as he went by, and didn't do so less wholeheartedly just because he knew by now she wouldn't even take it if he paid her. She had always been a feisty one, that girl....
As expected, she did not take his arm, or showed any intent to do so, instead, she rolled her eyes at his gentlemanliness and walked ahead of him. Now, that was her part of their little game: she knew he knew the way, and she knew he knew she knew that. Still, she did that every time, like a ritual. He'd offer her his arm, she'd decline, lead him to Martha, stand in the corner and watch them like a chaperone, and in the end, she'd lead him to the door, making sure he didn't even get any idead about the girls or the guests.
When they reached the door at the back of the small room (there were three doors in total, one leading to the kitchen, one leading to the rooms and one leading to Marthas office), she knocked, as always. Alvaro was very sure they actually had agreed on a knocking signal, it was just a bit too convenient how every time he came here, she always had a rifle aimed at where she expected his head to be before the door had even been opened.


The bouncer, George Croft, was a man of little words and many talents.
Some people said you could bounc a nickle off those 'talents', but he had never heard those rumors, as rumors didn't exactly interest him.
He did, however, have a clear grasp on when people were trying to hit him on, something that happened way too much in his opinion, and which he, being as much humble as he was in denial, tried to blame entirely on his work.
But even without that grasp.... This one was just... obvious. From the moment he had indentified him as Del Bosques companion, he had known that man would be trouble...
"I ain't one of the girls. Now buy something or bail."
It always made him uncomfortable when men started talking to him like... that. Even though he was about fifty percent sure this one was joking. But there were still thirty percent that said he wasn't.... Weird, normally guys who actually said stuff like that were drunk.... This one, however, didn't look the part, and so, he was a customer until he caused trouble...
Would have to keep an eye on that one in a completely nonesexual way. In a completely, perfectly nonsexual and unromantic and not flirty way.

Ranyx's smirk widened. Ooh, he had gotten a pretty interesting catch this time around. Really, at this point in Ranyx's ridiculously long life span, the most interesting things he could find to do included dating, and screwing around with uncomfortable straight men. The latter activity was strangely enthralling and dynamic: every man he taunted and joked with responded to his awkward propositions in new and strange ways. This particular man seemed like he could be one of two different categories: the ones that played hard to get... or he was one of the ones who waited to see if he persisted before retaliating.

His smile growing even broader in his mind, Ranyx found himself getting excited over this. "I'm well aware of that. If you were, I'd be scared for this wonderful establishment's business. Besides, if I were interested in them, don't you think I'd head in to chat with them instead of hanging out here with you?" He considered leaning against the wall, but thought better of it when he remembered he was wearing proper clothing. Instead, he merely crossed his arms and grinned. "To be honest, I'm impressed you can stand being in here doing what you do all day. Must really wear on your nerves, eh?"

Now, back to the fun part. "Since I need to wait for Alvaro to come back, I need to ask: how often are your looks praised? Must be... what, at least four times a day? Two at the least? I can see why they would be. I mean, look at you." He chuckled. "You must be able to get whoever you like, huh?" Kind of vague, but eh. It was a start, and it got his foot in the door to get specific. "Really, I mean, anyone would leap at the chance to get you in their good graces. Seriously, I honestly can't think of anyone who looks more dependable than you do." Ranyx's words were one hundred percent genuine, but his implied ulterior motive was one hundred percent false. He was treating Alvaro to dinner later: he wasn't gonna go off and ask some other guy out. No, no, this was just for amusement's sake.

Alvaro ducked before the door opened, something that saved his life, as the bullet hit the wall behind him.
"Good evening, Martha."
He said with a bright smile.
The large woman behind the desk grimaced when she realised he was still alive.
"There is nothing good about it, assassin.... And now that you're here, it's going to be catastrophic. and yes, my girls are still off limits, in case you were wondering."
Alvaro gave a small laugh and simply invited himself in.
"I had no intention to do anything more than talk to your girls, my dear. I am engaged otherwise."
He knew Martha didn't mean him harm, she just... had her way of showing the deep friendship that was between them without a doubt.
"A date? You stink. And you're dirty. And what's with those clothes?"
A very special way... Only Martha would have been able to tell he was going on a date and not a job. With a slight clancking noise, Martha laid the gun back on her desk, a peace offering for now, as well as the end of their greeting ritual.
"My current appearance may have something to do with the fact I was just rescued from Impel Down."
"They handin out suits there?"
"My saviour had the generosity to buy it for me..."
Marthas rudeness didn't phaze Alvaro anymore, he had gotten used to it. Meanwhile, he had slowly moved to the right corner of the room, where a pompous couch was situated and crouched down in front of it.
"Self service ain't appreciated here, boy."
Martha remarked sharply, but didn't do anything to stop him, and neither did Christine as he searched to floor beneath the couch and finally found the hidden handle to pull open the small space, and pulled the tightly wrapped bundle inside it out. It was dusty, and he blew the grey layer that had formed on it off before he unwrapped the small wooden box.


George growled to show how little all of this fazed him and how manly he remained even in suh a situation. He was panicking a bit inside... He had a girlfriend waiting at home, he was tall, he had muscles, he had even gotten a tatoo to show the whole world how absolutely straight and manly he was. How was it that men were still trying to hit.... hit... hit him on? Curiously, especially the men who were with del Bosque...
"Look, go inside, buy a drink, flirt with one of the girls if you must."
Pleeease. Just... this was torture.
"I ain't interested in talking to you, and I ain't bored enough to listen to you."

"Ah, but I don't drink. Usually. Special occasions only, if you know what I mean." He grinned. "And I don't flirt with girls. Clearly." He shrugged. "But who said you had to listen, let alone speak? I get bored when I'm alone, so I just like to blather on to whoever happens to be closest." He paused suddenly, before laughing. "Oi, are you just mad because I'm too... old or something? I mean, I know I'm about... thirty five at the moment, but dang. I could go to around... twenty two if you'd like." He stretched out, lacing his fingers together and cracking them as he stretched out. "Well, not too difficult. Back thirteen years it is!"

He suddenly shrunk, losing about a foot and a half of his total height. His face grew more youthful, and his hair grew out to a far longer length. His pants, unsupported by a belt, fell down to reveal his boxers, and the shorter Ranyx quickly grabbed his pants to stop them from hitting the dirt. "Ah shaizen. Too far. I went back... what, twenty one this time." His shirt and vest were far too big for him now, and his muscles and such were less developed. "Okay, this time I'll get it." He scrunched his face up and concentrated, and this time he grew larger.

He gained about a foot and three inches this time, and his hair shortened to about half his initial length. He filled out the clothing much better this time, his pants managing to sit squarely on his hips without falling off. "Great. So, trying again. Is there any sort of special someone in your life? Must be hard to keep yourself on the straight and narrow in this environment, unless you've got a real hell-raiser at home, huh?" He grinned again his face more youthful than before. "Just curiosity speaking here. No need to answer if you don't want to, I guess."

George flinched when the man in front of him started to change, and almost expected a zoan fruit user. His hand twitched towards the truncheon on his side he carried for the... more strongheaded cases, but when he realised the man was only trying to impress him again (which made him nervous enough as it was), he relaxed a little.
Then he asked about his girlfriend. Yes, there was a chance to show him how straight he was! Then again....
"None of your business!"
This man could just as well be a dangerous psychopath! What if he was about to do something to his precious?! That would be even worse then being hit on by him, obviously! Maybe he was the jealous type. Oh god, maybe he had a jealous gay stalker on his heels!
No panic! Quick thinking was of the essence now!
"Now scram, or I'll make you!"
Once again, he grabbed the truncheon.
Just then, Alvaro stepped back out of the building.

After looking around with a surprised look on his face, and inspecting Ranyx throughly, he turned to George.
"Do excuse me, but I believe I left my stunning companion out here, yet all I can see upon leaving those lovely ladies to themselves is this fine young man and you."
So Ranyx could change his... what, his age? It would explain his claims to being much older than him.... A devilfruit, possibly... He would have to investigate that question further. Of course, if this was Ranyx, and not his suddenly appearing younger brother who was wearing his clothes. which was doubtful.
"So I simply must ask you to let him go, he may be my only lead to the whereabouts of my breathtaking friend...."

George knew Alvaro knew what was going on, and he knew Alvaro knew he knew. Why did this always have to be the case with him? And why did he have to stand so close?! God damnit!
Still, George was fine with it if only that meant they would leave!
he didn't take his hand off his weapon when he growled his answer.
"Just take him and go, Del Bosque!"
The young assassin hinted a small bow.
"Thank you, most sincerely."
Then, finally, he stepped away from him and towards Ranyx, who he offered his arm to. He was wearing a black coat over his suit now, similiar to his old clothing, but not quite. Alvaro would never wear leather to a suit.
"I am so sorry to interrupt just when it seems to get entertaining, but we should not stay here longer than necessary."
He really meant that. Nevertheless, he couldn't leave without turning back to George, who he knew ust be exploding with nervousness and anger inside by now.
"Ah, and my greetings to dear Elisa as well!"
Georges face went red as he glared back at him, obviously not about to reply.

Ranyx's only reply to George's extreme defensiveness was chuckling laughter. "Easy there, no reason to go nuts. I was just curious, you know? I'm kind of taken at the moment, if you hadn't guessed." This was great. George was one of the most hilarious people he had joked with over... about the past decade, probably more. "It took you longer to get defensive than average, so I need to applaud you on that." He was really rather happy to see Alvaro return, smiling and waving in his direction. "Hey, done meeting with your acquaintance?"

He chuckled inwardly at the additional compliments from Alvaro, amused that Alvaro was referring to him like he was some new personage. "Oh come on, Alvaro, I don't look that different, do I?" He accepted Alvaro's arm, before whispering, "Nice coat, handsome. And unfortunately, I must agree." Another grin as Alvaro had answered his earlier question aimed at George for him. So he did have a significant other... a woman no doubt, which just made all of his previous antics even more hilarious.

"Shall we find a nice place to eat?" Ranyx asked, not desiring to bother Alvaro about the trip they had just taken, even though he was dying to find out what the whole purpose of it was.

"Yes, of course. That's what we came here for in the first place, isn't it?"
Alvaro, as much as he enjoyed making compliments, enjoyed getting them even more. He could barely keep himself from geeking out over how much he loved the design and how surprisingly well it went with the suit... That would just have been childish, selfish, and... well, just not really gentlemanly at all. Though, it wasn't enough inner freaking out to make him forget that the man who was by his side right now, though not less handsome, was definitely younger than he should be. Normally, people didn't get younger from waiting.
He got a bit closer to Ranyx' ear, almost close enough for his breath to touch the now younger skin so he could whisper, just in case Ranyx didn't want his ability to be known to everyone.
"Now, Ranyx, don't think your looks will get you around an answer. I am just burning with curiosity as to your sudden.... change... Amongst other things, naturally..."
He waited for a moment before retreating and returning to their conversation as if he hadn't been talking about his companions hidden talents at all.
"I know a place further uptown, about half an hour from here, that makes the best fillet of fish you will ever taste. And from the window, you have the loveliest view on the vineyards of the Amando family..."

Ranyx grinned and shrugged. "Ah, no problem. I can tell you. I kind of... ate a Devil Fruit when I was forty... eight I think?" He scratched his head with his free hand, trying to see if he was right. "But yeah, I think that's it. Forty eight or so. I ate that Devil Fruit, and what its ability is, is it allows you to revert your age to any age you've had previously. For instance, I can revert myself to any age between one month old to... actually, I'm not sure how old I am. Five, six, seven... no, eight centuries. I can go up to around eight centuries old, but I somehow feel like that would turn me into dust." He laughed. Yes, he did find that funny.

"Right now I'm about twenty one or twenty two, I think. The more you know!" He nodded sagely. "Sounds fantastic, would you lead the way?"