(Closed)

The future sounded promising, so long as she stuck around and climbed the bars like Kate did over the course of a few years. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes, however, at the comment that followed. “Everyone has to start somewhere, right? I don’t see anything wrong with talking about one’s past - it’s inspiring that you managed to get where you are today from where you were.” Sam’s cheeks brightened a bit, finding herself in desperate need of a pen to fidget with to ease her looming social anxiety.

One step at a time, she tried to assure herself with a deep exhale. This was nothing more than casual conversation - the easiest form of social interaction. So long as she didn’t get too wound up, then everything would continue to run smoothly. “What do you like to do outside of work?” Her emerald gaze betrayed her attempts at remaining calm, casting a quick look down at Kate’s hands. Was there a ring on that finger? To try and justify, her mind agreed that if Kate was already taken then it would make things less difficult. Maybe. Probably? She really had no clue or experience in that matter.
 
"I... I don't know." Kate seemed taken aback by the question. She looked at Samantha for a moment as if thought, then shrugged, with a slightly embarrassed smile. "I know, it must sound sad, but I dedicate most of my time to work. Even my private time. It's been so long since I went out."

There was no ring on Kate's finger and judging by her words, she probably was too busy to have a relationship anyway.

- Ask Kate to join you and Oliver on his birthday celebrations.
- Ask her about the colleagues.
- Wrap it up.
 
In a normal situation, Sam would have fallen into mindless stammering and flails to try and mend the awkward wrench that she threw in. This time, she managed a small smile of her own and shook her head. “There’s nothing wrong with that, Kate. I’m an introvert too. Most of the time I go out in search of a good photoshoot and end up being dragged out to socialize with my roommate.”

Her eyes widened in surprised as an invisible lightbulb appeared overhead. “Actually, his birthday is coming up and we are going out to celebrate. Would you like to come? He doesn’t bite, I promise.” She chuckled, hoping her attempt at a joke didn’t scare the woman off further.
 
"Oh, that sounds nice," Kate says with a tall smile that quickly fades. "Your friend would be fine with me being there?" Before you respond she says, "Well… I… I'll let you know. I'd like to go, but I may have plans."

After a moment she gives you her phone number and another smile, "I'll really try to be there."

Her phone beeps in the next second and Kate stops to read a text and sighs loudly before putting her phone away.

- Stop time and take a look at the text.
- Leave it be.
 
Hm...

The reaction was quite strange, creating a look of concern in Sam’s features. Kate’s smile was beautiful and able to break past the gloomiest mood. The two had only just met, but watching it fall felt similar to a knife digging into her heart. A hesitant hand reached out, on the verge of comforting, but Sam dropped it and allowed a smile to take its place. “He’s a social butterfly who loves everyone. The more, the merrier in his mind so he’ll enjoy having someone new there.”

Suddenly there was the possibility of plans? Sam wasn’t certain if she had done something wrong, but she didn’t feel comfortable asking. Instead she kept up the smile as best she could and nodded. “Yeah, no problem. If not, maybe we can hang some other time.”

The long sigh caught Sam’s attention, drawing her gaze to the phone. What could it have been to upset Kate like that? She could use her powers and find out...

No. No, if she was stuck with this bullshit then the last thing she would do is use it in such a childish manner. With a small wave to Kate’s backside, she decided it was time to get to work.
 
When Kate walked away and Samantha sat at her desk, she wasn't yet left alone. Kyle approached her now, scanning her over like a bird of prey.

He then stopped and placed hands on his hips. "I'd like to know something, so I'm aware what kind of a relationship are we going to have." He said out of nowhere. "Is this just a job to you, are you a team player, do you want to ascend the corporate ladder?"

- Answer.
- Evade to answer.
 
Sam could feel the interaction with Kate piling on to all of the other questions and worries that were stacked in her head. She swore she could feel a headache coming on...oh wait. That was just Kyle trying to burn a hole into her soul with his attempts at intimidation.

She sat up straight in her chair, gaze looking over her new desk to see what had become available to her. After a good minute, she gave a curt reply. “I’m here to work. Being a team player and getting promoted are all parts of being in a job.”

Jerk.
 
Kyle clapped his hands together. "My, what a wonderful, if practised, response. If you're being honest, you'll fit in well. If you're trying to tell me what I want to hear, well, I have no space in my team just yet."

His phone buzzed then, playing an upbeat pop jingle, and he turned away from Samantha for a moment. "Hello. I really can't talk now. Send it to me by text, and I'll check."

As soon as the call ended, Kyle breathed out a long sigh. His phone vibrated and his fingers tapped speedily on the screen.

- Stop time to read the text.
- You don't care about his texts.
 
Sam flashed him a wide smile, emphasizing it for dramatic effect before continuing to take stock of her new desk. As she did, however, her gaze flicked up at Kyle’s elongated sigh. Was everyone receiving bad news today or something?

She thought about it for a good moment. Kate’s privacy, she respected but his? Maybe not so much. However, she didn’t feel comfortable or in control quite yet so she let it slide. Who knew, maybe she would be the next to get a text worthy of a sigh.
 
Samantha's first day at work passed by uneventfully. Kate eventually returned to teach her some more responsibilities and then she was left alone until the end of the shift. The next couple of days passed by in the same manner, and eventually Samatha's life returned to normal. For a while.

--

The night crept in at 6:32pm, darkening the blue skies outside her apartment window. Oliver left a note saying he went to visit a friend but will meet Samantha at The Saturn casino at 10pm. He started his birthday festivities early, no doubt.

Samantha's day had been less than ideal. Her hands shook and head throbbed. She had no fever but she suffered that feeling common before a bad cold. For a moment she would notice the clock pause, and after she took a deep breath she would find time moving again. This ability of hers seemed out of her control.

There was a text message on her cell phone, left open.

Samantha,

I hope you're doing well and really miss you. I'm so proud of you for your new job. Please call me this weekend. I'd love to hear about work and your new friends.

Love,
Mum

Some things didn't change at least. Her mum was as caring as ever.

- Get ready to go to Oliver's birthday.
- Stay at home.
 
Things seemed to calm down after that, with Kate coming around a bit to give some pointers. She was grateful because it meant that Sam hadn’t completely scared her new friend off. Could they be called such? Time would tell, unfortunately.

The days felt as if the melded together, following a daily routine of job and home. She didn’t seem to have any encounters, either which was always nice.

Too nice, it seemed.

Sam laid in bed, staring at the clock with a half-lit gaze. She felt as if a cold was coming on and yet the arms of her current fascination kept freezing for a brief second before continuing. No, no...a cold I can push past. Don’t start that shit up again. She cast a glance at the open text on her phone, managing a weak smile. Her mom always knew how best to cheer her up when she was feeling down.

With little choice in the matter due to her stubborn nature, she crawled out of bed so she could start getting ready for Oliver’s party.
 
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The newest and most luxurious casino in the area, The Saturn opened up only eleven months ago as the first legal gambling operation in the country. As a mega-structure overlooking the river, The Saturn draws in people from across the city and surrounding areas for gambling excitement, hot shows, and the finest in dining and shopping.

The bus dropped Samantha off at the southern entrance at 9:15pm. She rested a bit before taking a quick shower, getting dressed, and heading out to join Oliver and a number of his friends. The plan was to meet them at 10:30pm outside Le Fromage Puant, a French bistro that just opened this month, but Samantha arrived early and had time to look around the casino.

Being in a casino offered many opportunities to use her new power, either to test it to learn the depth of her ability or even for mischief.

- Spend time with your roommate and celebrate only.
- Focus on enjoying yourself anyway.
- Test your time control ability carefully, so you don't get caught.
- Have fun with your ability and make some money.
 
If she were honest, the Casino was a bit...intimidating? Overwhelming? God, the electricity bill had to be through the roof! As raven black boots slowly neared closer to the entrance, Sam round her mind conjuring up the randomness things to keep her from panicking. After all, Kate could show up. Or not which would hurt. Plus there would be Oliver’s friends and she was wearing this ridiculous crimson dress that felt too short for comfort-

A deep exhale forced the reeling train of anxiety to calm down a few notches. Everything would be fine so long as she hid behind a Shirley temple and smiled every now and then to show interest in what Oliver’s friends were discussing at the time. As for Kate, well...that would be a situation to deal with if she even comes at all. No sense in worrying about it now.

She readjusted her dress a few times as if worried it was riding up, her gaze wandering in search of Oliver. Hm, she was early and if she thought about it - there was a chance that the trembling replaced the itch from before. If she used her abilities, maybe she would feel better.

In the wrong hands, this could result in disaster. She was at a casino, after all. There was a good chance to snag some money or put the odds in her favor. However, she wasn’t the type to act in such a way so her focus was on freezing those around her for a few seconds. Best to air on the side of caution and not end up like she did on the staircase.
 
Entering the lobby, she took in the bright, flickering lights, the clank and chatter of slot machines, and the smell of money, excitement, and desperation. Mostly, she could smell the overpowering perfume of a silver-haired senior citizen sitting at the nearby bar. In fact, it's a happening bar with a half-dozen bartenders serving up colourful and (by the looks of the patrons) strong drinks. On stage, a loud band jams out a cover of Bon Jovi's Livin' On a Prayer.

Samantha's phone buzzed with a text message from Kate. "Hey there, Samantha. It's Kate. I'll be at the casino in fifteen minutes."

A crowd had formed near the start of the gaming area, though Samantha could only make out a few security guards pushing back the crowd. One young woman holds up a sign, "We love you Hailey!" Could she mean Hailey Silas, the pop artist?

The crowd grew with each passing moment, made up mostly of young adults and older teens whistling and cheering at a figure surrounded by behemoth bodyguards. On the side of the pile of people rests a roped-off runway with a red carpet leading to a small stage. A moment later Hailey Silas strutted down the runway.

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She wore little and had dyed hair that would draw anyone's attention. But, what's most captivating about her was her energy.

Hailey climbed a set of tall wooden steps to the stage, stooped, and turns for a photo. She continued to climb the stairs ahead of her entourage, and as she raised her foot to the top step, her shoe caught the head of a bent nail. Her body rotated, and she pitched sideways, ready to fall off the high point of the stage.

Time stopped. Something in Samantha just reacted to seeing the singer fall and her entourage stand about, unable to prevent the accident. Why now? Why did this event provoke her to freeze time in place? Her hands sweated and heart beat fast. Otherwise, she felt fine. No headache, no fever.

- Stand her up and return to your spot in the crowd.
- Catch her and restart time, looking like a hero.
- Take her jewellery while the time is stopped.
- Don't do anything.
 
Upon entering the casino, Sam was met with flickering lights and blaring music. Not her ideal setting, but then again she much preferred the comfort of her apartment complex or a park full of interesting inspiration. She wandered for a bit, taking in everyone who was dressed to party or get lucky - in more ways than one. She supposed that her first impression was a bit off, this setting would be good to try and hide in a corner and sketch. It was a damn shame that she had to use this little black purse that could hold her cards and phone rather than her backpack.

Hm? Speaking of phone, the little bag vibrates against her hip to signal that she had gotten a text. Was it from Ollie saying he would be fashionably late or-

Her heart fluttered as her eyes fluttered open with excitement. She was coming! Kate was coming! She blinked, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed her child-like excitement. God, what was she getting all giddy for anyway? They were just hanging out, drinking a few beers and then meeting up at work again for the usual routine. This didn’t mean anything other than maaaybe they could be friends.

Maybe.

Awesome! Text me when you’re here, it’s a bit crowded. ​

She thought to send Ollie the same message, but there wasn’t much of a chance she would miss his loud mouth or that of his friends. Instead, the raven haired woman went in search of a seat. What she found, however, was far from expected.

Hailey Silas was renown for both her music and good looks. However, watching her appear amongst the crowd with such a fire and energy to her was what really caught Sam’s attention. She watched with a shy smile, trying perhaps a bit too hard to focus on the artist’s pretty face rather than the lack of clothing.

In an instant it seemed, everything changed. Hailey’s shoe had managed to snag on a nail, sending her backwards. No one could respond in time. She could get hurt or worse-

-and yet nothing happened. Everything froze in place as it had the past few times. It took Sam a moment to realize what had happened, but she quickly took action. Thank goodness she had chosen to wear boots rather than heels! Helluva lot easier to run in. She bolted up to where the pop sensation remained frozen, propping her back into a safe position. It was strange, being so close to someone famous and yet no one would be the wiser. Once again, Sam Dawson remained the unknown hero.

Perhaps it was better that way. She certainly didn’t want the attention or publicity. No, that was for people who were confident and strong like Hailey. With everything as it should be, Sam bolted off in hopes of getting back into the crowd before time started up again.
 
With both feet planted on the flat top, she seemed stable enough to catch her balance once time restarted, so when Samantha returned to her place among the field of onlookers she let time begin again.

The crowd gasped and the immense security guards reached out to catch Hailey, but she twisted her body, straightened her back, and stood upright. It happened so fast, and she corkscrewed to faces the crowd. Like an Olympic gymnast sticking a dismount, she threw her arms up and broke out a huge smile.

Now the crowd roared and cheered, pushing against the roped area and chanting the young singer's name.

"How's that for an entrance?" an announcer yelled through a microphone. "Let's hear it for Hailey Silas!"

Samantha seemed to have better control of her ability now but still couldn't deduce the rules of how it worked. Maybe more practice will uncover the mysteries of stopping time.

Speakers blared out the first chords of her song, and cheers rippled through the sea of people. Beyond the crowd, Samantha could spot a side hallway with the sign "Shops at The Saturn."

- Buy a gift for Oliver.
- You already have a gift.
 
Sam had to admit that she didn’t expect to have enough control over it to prevent her from getting caught. The feeling was a pleasant surprise, but she couldn’t get too comfortable yet. She still had no idea as to why it happened or how to turn it on and off.

A small part of her couldn’t help but still feel a bit proud of all the good she had done as a result of this ability.

She resumed her original search, looking for a place to sit or if Ollie was yet in the crowd. A shop blared its bright lights to grab her attention, but this time she was ready. Hidden away in her purse was a note wrapped with a pretty bow.

Your present was too big to bring to a casino like this. You’ll just have to wait until we get home. ;) ​
​
Awaiting her friend back at the apartment was one of her old cameras and an outfit that her friend had been keeping an eye on for some time now. The first gift was a bit more practical, for he needed something with better quality if he wanted to take pictures of his sister’s special day. The second was simple: she cared about him and wanted to give him something that he really wanted.

She hoped that he would like it and her attempt at being mysterious.
 
I hope it's three naked ladies, came the response from Oliver, I'll be there in fifteen minutes.

Sam still had some time before she had to meet everyone. Outside the buffet and French bistro was the Interplanetary Zone, a 360-degree bar and dance spot. A sizeable group of patrons sat on stools or passed the time at small tables in a semicircle around a low stage, where a band played.

From where Samantha sat she could feel a cool draft of ventilated air and a strong, almost intoxicating, vanilla smell coming from the bar. A sign above the entrance said "Enjoy the Flavored Ozone."

- Go into the bar.
- Wait there for Oliver and Kate.
 
Damn. She didn’t have that, but her gifts would have to suffice. In the meantime, it seemed as if she had a little bit of time to kill until either of her party guests arrived. How best to spend it?

The interplanetary zone called out from a distance, offering a mixture of dancing and...vanilla? That was a first. Her mind allowed a passing thought to whoever it was that thought of their catch phrase before dismantling the idea altogether.

Best to wait here for her friends and think about potential shoots for the future.
 
"Hey, Samantha!" she heard from behind. Outside the restaurant stood Oliver, with three of his guy friends in tow. He strutted over and gave her a hug, and she could smell the strong scent of alcohol. The party's begun. "Are you ready to have the best time of your life?" He grinned.

Then Samantha felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Kate, wearing an off-the-shoulder dress and tall heels.

"Oh, you must be Kate." Oliver said first, extending his hand to shake hers. "Great to meet you. Thanks for celebrating a stranger's birthday."

Kate smiled as she shook Oliver's hand. "It's nice to meet you, Oliver, and happy birthday."

- Shake Kate's hand.
- Hug Kate.
- Greet her.
 
Sam turned and was met with the all-too wonderful scent of a good time coming off of her companion. It seemed as though the party had already started, which meant that she might have a better chance of paying for a few of his drinks as well as her own without him knowing. Time would tell, unfortunately. He was, after all, a prideful man - even drunk. "Hey, Ollie. Happy Birthday." She replied, returning the hug and ensuring that he was steady on his feet before letting go. It was starting to become a force of habit with everyone who had been tripping or falling lately around her.

A tap on the shoulder spun Sam around, but she didn't expect at all what she found. Kate looked absolutely stunning, to the point where she almost felt under dressed. The beginnings of a burn to her cheeks send the raven-haired woman forward and before she knew it, the two were awkwardly hugging. After a brief second, Sam pulled back and tried to keep her cheeks hidden from sight. "H-hey Kate, glad you could make it. You look lovely this evening."

She flashed Oliver a panicked glance, begging for him to instigate that they move inside and get the party started.
 
"Thank you." Kate answered with a smile that would make anyone blush.

"The night's early, girls. Let's gamble," Oliver interrupted, stepping through the casino entrance.

The party moved into the belly of the slot pit, where hundreds of one-armed bandits doled out moments of chance. The clicking of slot trays, the flashing electric signs, the soft music background, the sudden cheers of winners - all of it overloaded the senses. The Saturn had everything a casino gambler could want. Rows and rows of slot machines stood at attention just past the entrance. Several well-dressed loudmouths hung around a craps table, rolling dice and making rowdy remarks after each turn.

"Should we play blackjack?" Oliver asked, pointing to The Black Hole Blackjack Parlour, an area bathed in a purple-coloured theme. "Do you like blackjack, Kate?" He asked.

"Actually my father used to play in tournaments. I'd watch him lose all the time, so it's not something I enjoy." Kate looked off to the blackjack room.

"How about the slot machines?" Olivier offered.

"I love the slots. They're so simple," Kate said. She stepped to the side of the group and scanned the rows of one-armed bandits.

As they stood and considered their options, a casino worker bumped Samantha with his tall handcart, which held stacks and stacks of red, green, and black chips. He apologised and continued pushing the cart toward a metal door marked for employees only.

- Choose something to play.
- Go after the employee.
 
Right! Games! Booze! Sam wasn’t usually one for such, but God did she need it if she was going to survive this night without embarrassing herself. In truth, she had invited Kate because the woman seemed lonely and slightly due to the attraction.

Well, one was certainly starting to win over the other.

As the slipped back into the crowds, a mixture of emotions filled the air. Cheers of excitement! Lots of angry swearing! Ah, the wonders of gambling. Sam had little interest in letting any of her money be taken from such games, but there wasn’t harm in watching right?

It seemed as if her guilty thoughts came to bite her in the ass - in the form of an attendant eager to get out of sight. Sam shot a small glare, rubbing what she hoped not to be that big of an ass before letting it slide. Something as insignificant as that wasn’t going to bring her night down. Instead, she followed Kate as they headed over to the slot machines.
 
Rows and rows of slot machines filled most of The Saturn's gaming area, with an assortment of old-style one-armed bandits called "Lucky 7s" or "Cherry King," video poker machines, and new digital slots with enhanced touch screens and modern themes. Oliver skipped down a long aisle of progressive machines, all linked together for a common jackpot. He dropped a few quarters in one and pulled the handle. The three wheels spun under the display glass and Oliver's eyes sparkled at the possibility of a jackpot - over one hundred thousand dollars. The slot machine clicked and revealed lemon, cherry, joker… a bust. The screen dimmed and "try again" flashed in red letters.

"Oh well," Oliver said with a slight frown.

"Same for me. A dollar lost and nothing to show for it," Kate said as she stared at her video poker screen. Her handbag buzzed, and she looked inside. "Dammit. I'll be right back." She lifted her smartphone and dashed down the row to the exit of the gambling area.

"I hope everything's okay," Oliver said, then nudged Samantha, giving her a mischievous look. "By the way, she's hot. I mean wow."

- Talk to Oliver.
- Stop time and rig a machine so Oliver wins.
- Stop time and rig a machine so you win.
 
Sam preferred to stand on the sidelines and observe as others decided to gamble their coin in hopes of furthering their wallets. She wasn't sure what the appeal was for if you won, you'd like wish to use that to try again and end up broke by night's end. Still, it made those that she came with happy so that was all that mattered in the end.

Well, happy wasn't the best term at the moment for both had lost to lady luck. A brief flash of an idea came to mind, but it fled mere moments after. She could technically rig the machines, but there was a chance that someone might find out which would get Ollie in trouble. There was the other possibility that if Ollie won, he would be encouraged to keep trying and lose it all over again.

She watched with a bit of a furrowed brow as Kate ran off with her phone. That was the second time that it had happened since they had met. Was there something going on? Was she alright? Her concern quickly turned to embarrassment as she snapped her head toward Oliver. "W-what? No! I mean, yes she is but-it's not like that!" It wasn't the best cover-up, but it was all that could escape her lips in a thoughtless manner. Her cheeks burned red as she forced her gaze away. "Soo...are you having a nice time so far?" The follow up question wasn't much better, but at this point she just wanted to curl into a corner and be forgotten by all.
 
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