Flying High - Tagged

[Steven Hudson]

Steven nodded as he grinned, “Yes but if we’re going to find the right car for you.” All but having talked about it earlier he knew they would laugh about it later but there was no use in going easy on the guy. Steven smiled and nodded thoughtfully toward Isla.

“The Kia, yes it was four years warranty, with a servicing package and MOT included. It was a pretty good deal for the Kia.” Steven said as if thinking back to a conversation he had never had. “Oh they do?” Steven said to the salesman as he mentioned the crash ratings.

“I had no idea but then if you say you’ve got great deals on warranties, if you can match something similar or better. I think we could... because of the crash rate of Kia’s maybe go for this one.” Steven said as he glanced toward Isla grinning. “Now what can you do for us?” Steven asked, “Because I only want the best for my sister.”

Steven decided not to go into the proud brother role even though he was, and spout off all her achievements in life, what a great nurse she was and stenographer too. He could hardly sing her praises enough and sure he talked about both his sisters all the time to anyone who would listen. Though he hardly wanted to give the sales guy any ideas because Isla was off limits to him.

Isla Hudson,

[Isla Hudson]

"Of course, of course," The salesman back-pedaled a little, loathe to lose a sale, especially to a Kia! "Please, come on in to the office and we can discuss it."

Hesitating, Isla glanced at Steven, then shrugged. "Sure, I guess it can't hurt."

It might not be an exactly fair game they were playing, but she wasn't worried that the man was going to lose out, he just wasn't going to soak them for as much of a profit as he'd been hoping for, but that was all part of the game.

Once in the office, the salesman shuffled some papers, then looked from Steven to Isla. "I can match the warranty, and...fourteen K at 1.9%."

"And free towing," Isla commented.

"And free towing..."

[Steven Hudson]

Steven nodded and smiled as he glanced to Isla. This seemed to be going well so far as he let Isla go first. The game might not be fair but Steven knew they all had margins to work to, too much and there was no sale to little and there was no point in the sale. He knew the game but having it played on his sister was far from good.

Steven found it tough not to chuckle when Isla mentioned the free towing too, the deal was good he thought as he looked back to Isla for a moment. “You sure you want this one and not the Kia?” Steven asked mostly making sure that Isla wanted this car as the Kia was just a figment of the imagination.

“Because it is a good offer.” Steven added deciding to at least give the sales man an inch by way of hope. After all the car seemed great, safe enough and of course if it could get his sister to and from work better the one she had. It was all worth it as he smiled waiting to hear.

Isla Hudson,

[Isla Hudson]

Well, all right, her brother had a point, this really was the first car that they'd looked at, but really, she did like it -- a lot -- and they had managed to cut a good deal, at least she thought, so why push their luck and end up losing out?

"Well, I do like the white better than that neon green," she sighed, "and we are here." She shrugged. "Sure, let's do it."

At that, she salesman lit up, happy to have made a sale, and after all the arrangements had been made, papers signed, care washed and fueled, Isla hooked her arm into Steven's as they walked across the parking lot.

"Here," she held the keys out to him with a huge grin, "trade ya...you'd look better in the Camero anyway." That had been her plan since she'd seen it, anyway.

Steven Hudson,

[Steven Hudson]

Steven had no issue in getting her the car at all he only wanted to make sure it was the right one for her. He screwed his nose up when she mentioned the neon green, if there was ever a car colour that needed to be stopped it was neon green. “Then as the lady said, let’s do it.” Steven confirmed as he grinned happy to get Isla the car she wanted.

It was almost a shame to let the sales man off the hook though after the arrangements were made, papers signed, car washed and fuelled it was nice to finally feel that she had safer car to drive than the Kia. When Isla hooked her arm into his he smiled as he squeezed her hand glad that he could do something for her.

Steven glanced at Isla as if she had said something odd, his hand went to take the keys though he thought for a moments she said trade. No he was hearing things he thought as he laughed and grinned back at her. “You mean... are you serious?” Steven questioned as he grinned at her still. The Camaro was a nice looking car and did beat his Ford Taurus in his mind. “You wanted it, you said you did?” Steven replied not sure if she was meaning he had to go back and say no to the deal they just got or if he was over thinking things.

He had a bad habit of doing that when it came to family. Isla wanted to trade cars now? Steven chose to stare at his sister as he waited for a confirmation or denial or just the I’m messing with you laugh.

Isla Hudson,

[Isla Hudson]

"Sure, if you want?" She looked up at him with a grin, then shrugged. "It's a great car, a hot one and I love it, but I love you, too, and you don't do enough for yourself."

She hoped he didn't take this wrong, she really did appreciate what he was doing for her, and didn't want him to think she didn't love the gesture of the gift, the caring and love behind it.

But...

"Your beast is a decent, safe car, right? And that was the point for me, so..." She shrugged. "Besides, how are you ever going to get a steady girlfriend with that anti-chick-magnet you drive."

Then her face twisted up in thought. "If that Camaro is a hot chick-magnet, wouldn't it be a dude-magnet, too? Maybe I change my mind?"

Steven Hudson,

[Steven Hudson]

Steven stared at Isla; she had just bought him the car via himself? Never underestimate your sisters he thought as he grinned at her. “I do but this was for you, a reasonably safe car for you that wasn’t likely to break down.” He said though he did like the Camaro. Steven would have done anything for his family, a car, a place to stay, anything so long as it was in his remit and he could do it.

Sure the moon might have been a next step but that was a little out of his wheel house of tricks. “It is, decent, safe, practical and even has heated seats too.” He aged grinning, a perk of knowing it could be cold after shift and as long as his butt was warm the rest would follow eventually. “Woah, what does that mean? It’s not an anti chick magnet, it’s a practical, safe, reliable car so that what it says about its owner... mostly.” Steven added grinning as he saw her twist her face up.

“Oh nope, no chance. It’s my car now. No dude magnets for you, you’ll do just fine on your own.” He said not wanting to encourage men around his sister at all. “If I can’t get you a decent guy that passes all my tests, might as well let you have my super reliable car that doesn’t attract the guys. I might even paint it pink? Just to make sure.” He offered figuring that if it was pink, one it might put any guys off if he had any luck. Two it would also be seen so sort of like reflectors, people would know Isla was there and it would be easy to spot.

“As long as you’re sure Isla? I don’t want to break your heart if you are set on that car?” He said still wanting to make sure she was okay with the swap.

Isla Hudson,

[Isla Hudson]

"Yeah, I mean, I kinda tricked you, right?" She smiled at him and shrugged. "It's about time you had something good -- I mean, not that the 'Beast' us bad, a little detailing, fresh coat of pain, it'll be perfect for what I need."

Stopping, she looked up at her brother. "Really, I'm good with it if you want to, but I don't want you to think that I'm not grateful or anything. I really am...does that make sense?"

After all, it was sort of akin to returning a Christmas gift the next day, as if she was shunning not only the car but the sentiment behind it. Still, Steven really did deserve it, he would never do something like that for himself, and if his Tarus was good enough for Starsky and Hutch, it was good enough for her!

"I'll still have a not-a-crappy-Kia, right? Your choice."

Steven Hudson,

[Steven Hudson]

“Yeah you did, not kinda either totally tricked me.” He said having not seen that coming his way at all. Steven was impressed and also terrified that she was that good at tricking him now, great this was revenge for diary reading. “I will get all that done for you, any colour you want, new floor mats, anything at all.” Steven offered grinning at her.

“It does make sense Isla and thank you, you really are a fantastic sister.” Steven said seriously, “You sure you’re happy with my car? Like I said the offer is still there if you want a new new one?” He asked wanting to be sure she was happy with it, sure it was safe car. A to B kind of car but it did practical over style more than style or looking likes a sports car.

Steven knew that doing anything like that for himself would never happen, the only reason he had the car he did was because it was safe and practical and economical. Not a sports car or fancy, just a car that could get him around the city and be there when he needed one. “Sure if it get’s that death trap of a Kia away from you then it’s fine with me. Just promise never to drive that Kia again?” Steven asked her grinning lightly though yes the Kia was his least favourite car especially Isla’s Kia.

Isla Hudson,

[Isla Hudson]

"Yes," she asserted, "and I can sell the Purple Passion on Craig's List and use that money for any improvements to El Toro."

It was all cosmetic anyway, she knew her brother kept his car in mechanically good shape, so that wasn't an issue. "Maybe paint it pink...oh, I might hit you up for a Princess antenna ball!"

She laughed, then hesitated. "I might have to borrow the Camero when I have a hot date, though. I mean, it's a lot better make-out car than the Tarus, right?"

Laughing, she dodged away from him, in case he decided to swat at her. Not that 'making-out' was even an issue for her, but any opportunity to goad her brother shouldn't be passed up!

Steven Hudson,

[Steven Hudson]

“Purple Passion more like Purple Haze.” He said as he shook his head, “El Toro needs no improves, he’s perfect just the way he is.” Steven was meticulous when it came to making sure the mechanics worked on the car. He knew what he was doing with that side and sure a few dents and scratches were just cosmetic but he tried to avoid those just as much too.

Steven found himself wincing at the thought of the fate of his own car now. Pink, he might need at least a day to say goodbye to it and explain why the poor thing was going to be in for the makeover of its life. “A princess antenna ball too? Why not go for the lashes on the lights too?” He offered grinning at her.

“Yeah and that is exactly why that Camero is going nowhere near you or any hot date. Anyway if you even think of that they’ve got to meet me first, it’s a rule and the Tarus would do fine for making out. It’s worked for me so far.” He stated though really he had done anything but that in the car. Hard to make out when it was to and from work most days and really a Tarus was hardly the make out kind of car.

Steven kept his hands to himself for a moment before reaching out toward Isla to swat her arm playfully, yeah his sister making out. Nope no way on earth that was going to be happening at all. “You know I know things that I can scare off any ‘make out’ person with right? Can have the cops pull you over or call in every favour I have.” He joked with a grin, sure he might not do that but then the option was there if he really hated the guy she chose to be with.

Isla Hudson,

[Isla Hudson]

"You wouldn't dare!" She looked over at him, incredulous, but then, she actually wouldn't put it past him to do just what he said! Not that she needed it -- past experience had taught her to be cautious and prudent, and besides, she had plenty else to do other than chasing down men!

"And I know you haven't done anything in there..." At least she hoped not...just...EWWW! "We both know no respectable girl would..." She grinned then shrugged.

"I won't do eyelashes or pink -- heck, it really doesn't need paint at all, does it?" She knew the Taurus was his baby and she'd respect that. "But the antenna ball...that's not negotiable!"

Steven Hudson,

[Steven Hudson]

“I would.” Steven replied defiantly though he knew there was nothing like that happening in his Taurus. He was a eat, sleep, work and repeat kind of guy and find time for anything like that, no chance. Having little sisters that now were far from little anymore Steven found out the hard way that not all guys had their best interests at heart. Which meant that he did, like it or not he would fend off suitors for them no matter who they were.

“Who said anything about respectable girls being in the car?” Steven asked her smirking for a moment before he shook his head, no he was giving her no ideas and his car was free of any of that activity. Well he did have the most respectable women in his car, namely his sisters but there was no harm in teasing her about it or letting her think otherwise for a moment or two.

“Hey Isla, it needs paint and whatever else you want to do to it because it’s yours. On me since we’ve swapped cars but we will get you whatever antenna ball you want. One that leaves a trail of glitter if you want it.” He offered not sure that kind of thing existed but if it did Steven would make sure she had it.

Isla Hudson,

[Isla Hudson]

"They make those?" She looked at him with a wide grin, then suddenly kissed him on the cheek. "This has been a perfect day, you know, and I really appreciate everything."

Sighing, she started toward the cars, walking alongside him. "I just wish I could find a man half as great as you are...without the ego...and the juvenile tendencies...and the teasing streak..." Her nose wrinkled up. "Hmmm...maybe not."

Laughing, she nudged him with her hip, then shook her head. "I know it's sort of ironic, but I really would like to...you know, find Mr. Wonderful some day...but I might be too picky now, after, you know, Jerk Face..." She shrugged, giving her confession. "I really want a guy who will look out for me, take care of me, play with me...I mean, not that you don't do a great job, but...not the same, you know?"

Steven Hudson,

[Steven Hudson]

Steven was about to make a comeback with some sarcastic reply when he felt her kiss him on the cheek. “You don’t have to tell me that, if you have enjoyed it it’s all the appreciation I need. Besides I could hardly let you suffer in those text books, I’d hate to lose my sister in a stack of homework as who else could I get to go zip lining with me?” He joked though it had been a perfect day in his eyes.

Walking toward the car Steven could hardly hide the protective look when she mentioned finding a man. “Isla, when you find a man he will be ten times greater than I am.” He said grinning as he laughed. “What juvenile tendencies? Just because I have the mind of a five year old doesn’t mean I cannot be an adult at times... I just chose not to be most of the time.” He explained laughing, yes he was hardly serious though ego sure he had one all guys did he just maybe used his a little more to annoy his sisters.

What brother would pass up that chance if it came up? Steven pretended to stumble when she nudged him with her hip. Listening to her was heartbreaking considering what Jerk Face had done, he still openly regretted being stopped by the police and it was a murder case he would have gladly sat through and then some. “You can never be too picky and if you’re not then I will be and Emily, well you know she will be too. I have every faith you will find Mr. Wonderful or he might find you.” Steven said wishing it to be true.

Isla deserved to be happy after everything she had been through already. He just hoped there was a Mr. Wonderful out there for her. Steven nudged Isla back with his hip when she mentioned a guy looking out for her, taking care of her and then wait no one was playing with his little sister. “I get what you mean but I am sorry if I wasn’t around enough for you or if I scarred you for life too. I did try not to but you know... these things happen.” He said though he was serious there was a hint of joke in there too.

“You have no idea how much I want you to find that guy Isla, a guy that can know you and appreciate you for the wonderful person you are. Just advanced warning... no guy is ever going to be good enough. Even George Clooney so just fair warning.” Steven added grinning, “Though if you want I could take a look at Chicago’s most eligible that I know of? Come up with a list and play blind date? After background checks and the obvious Fire department grapevine of truth test.” He offered grinning, not that he wanted to throw his sister into that sort of thing but Mr. Wonderful had to be out there somewhere for her. It was just a matter of finding them first.

Isla Hudson,