[Gina was still dazed enough from the whole ordeal that she didn't notice that Tifa did still have the lamp until she realized it. She gives a little laugh as she looks at the lamp.]
Wot, like in o' them stories?
[She pauses for a moment. They are in one of 'then stories', aren't they? A wry grin crosses her face.]
[Tifa gives one side of the lamp a little rub at the same time that Gina does. She half expects it to start shaking or speaking to them as soon as they do, but...
...
....
...........
Nothing happens, and she tries not to let her disappointment show too much.]
Oh, I thought... I was hoping it would actually work.
[Her hand drops to her side, so she completely misses that it's started to vibrate a little in Gina's hands.]
[And so she eagerly rubs, rubs, rubs away! ...And waits. The grin on her face slowly fading. She lets out a sigh.]
Oi! Was this all just a big corker...? Wot's the point of this 'ere lamp if ain't got any... [She stops, as she feels the vibrations in her hands.] Wait. Wot's 'appenin'....
[A blast of smoke comes out from the lamp, accompanied by a blast of hearty laughter as a genie appears...!]
[Tifa isn't sure anymore whether she was actually expecting a genie to pop out of it, but when that puff of smoke cracks over them, it startles her so much that she almost falls back a step and drags Gina along with her.
The genie is big and blue with great golden cuffs on his hands, and a long black ponytail streaming from the back of his head. He looks... well, exactly like a genie would in one of Marlene's storybooks, and she stares up at him with a look of bewilderment.
"Congratulations! You've completed all three objectives! And now, one wish for one objective. What'll it be!?"]
[She wasn't even thinking of the objectives specifically anymore... She just wanted to get this over with!
Still, there's awe and wonder as the genie reveals himself! And as that surprise settles within her, Gina springs forward and tightens her fists at her sides as she makes her wish.]
I wish I wasn't no stinkin' princess no more!!
[There's a pause, and the genie makes some snarky comment about granting her wish despite her double negatives. And with a snap of her fingers, Gina finds herself now dressed in beggar's clothes! A bit more raggedy and disheveled than what she wore during her pickpocketing days, but... compared to that other outfit, it's like a breath of fresh air!]
[The two of them have never really spoken much over the journals. But seeing the way she wrote that causes him to stifle a laugh, thinking that it was terribly endearing.]
meet me at the dog park at noon and bring the inspecktor with you
[He doesn't explain why he asked her to bring Toby with her.]
[And so he immediately makes his way to the dog park.
When Gina gets there, she'll find him leaning back casually on one of the benches. He's dressed a bit differently than usual, in a short-sleeved button-down that's left open and a plain shirt underneath. One can only assume it's because of the warming weather, though it could also come off as someone trying to make an effort for a date. Hard to tell without asking.
But it would seem that his attention doesn't seem to be directed at people who are approaching though. Instead, his gaze is locked on a young corgi with white and brown fur, one of its ears folding forward. In lieu of fur, purple wisteria flowers bloom and dangle from its collar, dragging around the grass and dirt as it runs around the immediate area. It turns and barks at Beat, as if trying to make sure he's watching.]
[Gina shows up in a timely manner, with Toby trotting along beside her. With the warmer weather, she's not wearing her usual jacket in vest. She still has on her green hat and tan slacks, as well as wearing her white blouse with just the top button open. If her hair looks like it's been given a bit more attention than usual, you must be seeing things. This is just a casual date.
She tries to maintain her cool as she approaches. Just one silly little date ahd and this whole confusing, embarrassing thing can be over with!]
Ya better not be. [She warns him teasingly.] Not before I get 'ere!
[Toby rushes towards the corgi to sniff at him! While Gina smiles lightly and offers a wave as she approaches.]
[Upon seeing Toby, Beat suddenly straightens up in his seat, turning to the sound of Gina's voice. In an instant, he's up on his feet, returning her wave with one of his own. There is something about her that's different besides her clothes, but he can't seem to place what it is.]
Yo. [Smooth.] It's good to see ya.
[Absolutely smooth. At least he's able to smile back at her, but why are his palms suddenly all sweaty?]
[Her mention of the dog causes him to shift his attention to the two canines. The corgi barks playfully at Toby, not at all intimidated, despite being a bit smaller than the black hound.]
Oh yeah, I figured I let him out to stretch his legs. [Getting down to a squat he lets out his hand, beckoning to the young corgi.] Yo, Chiko, c'mere.
[After one more sniff of Toby, the corgi bounds toward Beat, placing his snout on the palm of his hand expecting pats and scritches. Beat's face grows soft as he obliges his new pet.]
This here's Hachiko. He's only been with me for a coupla days.
[Toby barks right back! He follows him and continues sniffing around him. He likes his floral dog friend!
Gina grins as she watches Beat pet the dog. And she comes closer, to see if she can get a turn too.]
That's a real cute one. It's cheatin' that they can be flowers when pups are already real cute as they are. [She says softly.] Is 'e yours, or are you watchin' 'im?
Guess he and his sibs are special 'cause they from this dream world. Others got flowers on them too. But Hachiko here's mine.
[The small corgi yips once more, his full tail wagging wildly behind him at the sound of his name.
When Gina moves closer, Hachiko looks over to her. After one last pet from Beat he carefully makes his way over, ears perking up in curiosity as he begins to sniff at her hand, familiarizing himself with her scent. Then he starts licking at he fingertips.]
He did that to me too when I first saw him. [Beat chuckles lightly as he watches the two.] Think that's how he says hi to someone new.
Yeah, been walking Wolfie's dogs for a while now an' Idris stays over sometimes. But it's different havin' your own, you know?
[It may have only been a few days, but he has already grown attached to the little pup. Hachiko leans into Gina's pets, tail wagging wildly, clearly enjoying the attention he's getting.]
I ain't ever had one growin' up. My folks didn't think we'd be able to take care of 'em. [With a low whistle, he tries to get Toby's attention as well so he too could pat him. Wouldn't want him to think he's being neglected.] Have you had this guy 'round long?
[Gina's just absolutely delighted while she keeps on petting at the flowery dog, giggling a little here and there.]
I think yer parents were wrong on that one. The pair o' you go together nicely.
[He just seems so natural as a dog owner that it just makes sense!
Beat's intuition is keen, as Toby was feeling jealous of the attention being given to the other dog. The second he whistles, Toby merrily scampers towards Beat while panting excitedly. He'll settle for attention from the other human!]
It's long when ya count the time I've been 'ere. But back in the wakin' world, it's only been a few months since I found 'im in the streets. A stray like me, an' wiv a real nose for solvin' crimes.
[Is he blushing...? She can't help but grin more at him being on the receiving end! Even if her own cheeks have a little blush to them too. It's not often she feels like she's regarded as an expert at much other than pickpocketing.]
Yeah, you can say I'm a bit of an expert at this pup business now! I don't mind givin' ya some advice!
[It will definitely feed her pride! As he says that, she rises up from her petting position and nods.]
Right, let's 'ave ourselves our walk. The four of us. [She smiles down at Hachiko and Toby.]
[Having walked Eustace's dogs without a leash, Beat does the same woth Hachiko, giving him free reign to roam about. He does try to keep a close eye on him though as he explores his surroundings.
But here comes the hard part. Trying to keep things casual with Gina, trying not to get to distracted.]
Told ya we can get some food too. You jonesin' for anythin'?
[Gina's on-and-off with leashes when it comes to Toby. Right now, the boy's roaming around freely as well.]
I do feel about ready to fill me boots! [She answers affirmatively with a smile.] I think I could go for some...
[She almost says 'noodles', but that just makes her think of the gumdrop incident. Gina pauses for a moment uncertainly before going to another regular food.]
...Some fish an' chips, yeah? [A more neutral food!]
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