Chapter 15:

The Proper First "Date"

Mechanical Chess : The Pawn


“So she just gave it to you, just like that. She just gave you her old mech?” Marjorie said as she walked down the connecting bridge with Harrison. “Yeah. Apparently my original award was supposed to be attachments that would enable the Pilgrim to drive, but after I lost Florence couldn’t bear to think that my talent wouldn’t be utilized without a functioning mech. So, she gave me an upgrade.” The couple stopped under a streetlamp casting a puddle of light around them, resting on their shoulders and their heads as they leaned on the railing looking out over the training ground. Since the ceremony, both have changed into more casual attire more suitable for a first date. Harrison wore a red blazer provided to him by the Sentinel’s upon his entry during the draft, and some brown denim jeans with some sneakers to feel a bit more comfortable. Marjorie was wearing a green top with her denim jacket tied around her waist and a pair of white cutoffs with some flat tops. She wore her in the same ponytail as before given that the stadium, sitting on the lake and all, kept a mean wind passing through now and again.

Harrison and Marjorie were both nervous to say the least, they had hung out and goofed around their whole lives but tonight was different. Tonight was the first night with known intent. Harrison had prepared in his square then picked her up from her box an hour or so ago, both complimenting the others appearance and setting out towards his golf cart. The cart wasn’t his first option, but the service vehicle was only for Harrison to use for appearances. Plus, Cleo had threatened him not to use it to cause technically the title was in her name, so one of the carts was the next best thing, until it shorted out on one of the lifts and the two were stuck walking to their destination.

They walked in silence neither knowing what to say despite the many events of the day as they made their way down the Sentinel Avenue. Several hangars had their doors wide opened with the various crews working or enjoying their time off. Some mechs stood out in their columns while others had already been stored away. It was amazing how lively this place could get when there wasn’t a match going on. Harrison knowing the silence could kill the connection threw out a small bit of line to get the conversation going and said, “So I got this new mech…” and then the ball really started to roll. Now the two were looking out over the practice field as

Three or four mechs of various sizes practiced on the expansive lot of gravel and asphalt. Several retractable pilons flashed at the end of their designated areas to warn the other pilots when they approached the end of their barrier. A Golem Pawn practiced her maneuvering running a holographic obstacle course. Two Pawns for the Sentinel’s boxed each other throwing and catching punches and kicks in steady rhythms. The last unit was a bishop for the golems practicing throwing and recalling his staff only to dodge it on it’s return. “A Bishop using their staff as physical weapon?” Marjorie said. “It isn’t the craziest thing but if they lose their staff or the other guy breaks it their screwed when it comes to using their magic.” Harrison turned to Marjorie showing her a disgusted face while emanating a childlike whine to her use of the word magic. “Excuse me miss, but you are sorely mistaken. Nothing in this game of ours is magic, it’s just magical looking science.” Harrison crossed his arms and made an audible humph while waiting for Marjorie to take the obvious bait.

“So you’re telling me a staff large enough to move objects without touching them doesn’t sound like magic?” Marjorie said, biting down. Harrison slung a retort so layered in scientific explanation that the only thing Marjorie could make sense of was that the staff displaced energy around an object with a special motor. “Sounds like the long-winded way of saying magic.” She responded as the two continued on their walk with the sound of the mechs fighting and the occasional service vehicle flying by on the bridge. The two turned to a set of stone stairs leading down to the park opposite of the training grounds. Marjorie and Harrison continued their banter as Marjorie trying to be slick started to ‘accidentally’ brush her hand against Harrison’s as they walked. However, unlike her intentions Harrison was thinking that he was bumping into her hand too much and that Marjorie would think he’s trying to pull something, so he’d pull it back a bit every time it happened. How frustrating.

Harrison checked his phone as they came to a stop just outside the restaurant and sat on a bench, Harrison sticking his feet out and putting his arms up on the back while Marjorie took off her shoes, both taking a deep breath in and sighing. “You did have fun tonight, right?” Harrison asked tilting his head in Marjorie’s direction. “Of course.” Marjorie replied. “Sure, we missed our reservations, but I still got some decent time with you, and the night is still young.” Marjorie leaned into Harrison’s arm as Harrison began to sweat. Today had been a world wind of successes for both his love life and his career so why did he choke now. In fact, he already kissed her, why was this so much harder. Harrison turned to Marjorie and Marjorie turned to him. The two looked at each other for a moment before closing their eyes and going in for a kiss, a proper kiss. Now most would say that having a kiss before the dinner and the movie is the wrong way to do things but when you both don’t know what you’re doing or what to expect just wing it and hope you don’t strike out.

“Hey, hey wait a minute. Aren’t you HARRISON ANDROSS?” Harrison and Marjorie stopped going for the kiss stopping near millimeters away from each other. As Marjorie turned her head to look at the voice, he could smell her cherry lip gloss and cursed this random passerby for interrupting his flow. Turning to acknowledge him as well Harrison stopped shocked to recognize a face, he knew from a long time ago. “Kevin? Kevin Monmouth is that you?” Harrison looked at the man in the Golem’s uniform. A scruffy face with unkempt hair, the top of a bear tattoo poking out from his collar. If it wasn’t Kevin Monmouth, he was a very convincing copy.

“WHOA KEVIN HOW YA DOIN MAN!” Harrison’s anger from his frustration with his smooch being interrupted evaporated as he flew to his feet giving Kevin a large bro hug. The handshake and the two pats on the back. “Oh, nothing much, nothing much, except that I’ve been riding high these past few years with the Golem’s.” Kevin said ending his talk with a laugh, looking over to a surprised Marjorie. Harrison noticed this and quickly ran over to make the proper introductions.

“Marjorie, this is one of my old buds from training camp Kevin Monmouth. Kevin, this is Marjorie Rheiner, my best friend.” Kevin and Marjorie both shook hands saying ‘nice to meet you’ in unison before pulling back. Marjorie was impressed to see Harrison acting so chummy with anyone who wasn’t from the neighborhood, but not so surprised as to notice Harrison referring to her as her best friend instead of his girlfriend. “So yeah man I saw you in the draft last month that was pretty fricking sweet. How you likin the Sentinel’s so far? They treating you right? I mean you did just get you that mech after ya got your butt handed to you in that match.” Kevin went off laughing as Marjorie turned to Harrison, worried that this teasing may set him off, but she was doubly surprised to see him kidding back in return. “Who is this guy?” She thought before standing and walking her way up to the two.

Before she could speak Kevin spoke up again crying out “HOLD THE PHONE, is this that girl you wouldn’t shut up about during camp?” Kevin half pointed at the now even more curious Marjorie as Harrison grabbed Kevin in a headlock and turned him around. “Yeah, she is, what of it man.” Harrison whispered. “Ah nothing but if I didn’t walk up onto what I think I just walked up onto then I’m gonna be mighty disappointed that it took my boy this long”. Kevin slipped out of his hold returning the favor to Harrison then turning him back to a slightly panicked Marjorie. “Now Marjorie, please tell me my mans here didn’t take years to finally come around to tell you what was up?” Marjorie flustered and aggravated shot back, “My boyfriend confessed very often but we only recently started dating.” Marjorie said, making sure to emphasize the boyfriend as she spoke it. Kevin let go of Harrison who rubbed his neck and tried to strike back at Kevin before being caught in an under-arm hold. “So how long since you two started going out?” Kevin said just before Harrison reached up grabbing the sides of Kevin’s head and flipping him forward. Both men landing on their backs as Marjorie fidgeted saying “Earlier today in fact”.

Kevin and Harrison got to their feet as Kevin processed what Marjorie said. “AHHH so this is a first date, I could tell by y’alls hesitation. Tell me tell me where y’all goin what y’all doin.” Kevin wound up his hand bringing it to his ear and leaning towards the two dating newbies. Harrison and Marjorie glanced at each other uneasily before Harrison answered Kevin. “We actually missed our reservation at this place called Foggy Bot’s in the park. We were just thinking of what to do before you showed up.” Kevin smirked and shot back, “No, y’all was getting ready to suck face. Breaking all the first date rules.” Kevin turned looking off in the direction of the of the restaurant. “But I can help y’all out. Every time I played here I’d always go to Foggys. I’d normally bring my girl with me, but we just had a kid so she’s holding back with him in Boston. I can get you guys a table the nights not over yet. I’ll even pay for it.”

Marjorie and Harrison’s attitudes turned on a dime now that they had their date line up again. “You don’t have to do that man we can find something else.” Harrison said, giving a humble lie hoping he wouldn’t listen and insist. “Oh, I insist.” Kevin said. “It’s the least I could do before holding you guys up on your first date.” The trio started to make their way towards the restaurant as they continued to banter, Kevin telling Marjorie about all the training camps where they ran into each other and how much of a brat Harrison was. Marjorie who was cautious of Kevin at first being a Golem and all quickly warmed up to him as she saw Harrison having a great time with an old friend. Turned out Kevin had even taught Harrison a thing or two back in the day. Maybe he could teach her somethings two to help spice up her portfolio for next season.

As the group approached Foggys Kevin took the lead greeting the concierge with a fist bump and requesting the red booth. Taking some menus and gesturing down the back hall Harrison, Marjorie, and Kevin deeper into the restaurant until they reached a private back-room area that overlooked the park. “And Don, make sure Damian charges this to me. I want these two love birds to focus on having a good time.” Kevin said as he turned back towards the table. “Don is cool, he’ll take care of you.” He continued slowly making his way towards the door. “I’ll leave you two alone I know I’ve been a bother but do enjoy yourselves. Marjorie, good to meet ya. Harrison, I’ll see you around soon one of these games. May even fight ya.” The two chuckled as Harrison and Marjorie thanked him as he left, turning their attention back to themselves.

“Well gee, I guess everything worked out huh.” Harrison said opening his menu. “He seems like a really great guy Harrison, why did you never tell me about him?” Marjorie asked opening her own menu. “Because I didn’t think y’all would hit it off. The only person who prepped harder than me in that camp was Kevin and I hated him for it for the first couple years. I even called him Dog Mouth to all the other kids.” A lightbulb went off in Marjorie’s head as the nickname struck a familiar chord. “I do remember you complaining about some guy named DogMouth when you got back. You wouldn’t shut up about him.” Marjorie decided on a pan seared sea bass as she closed her menu placing it at the end of the table. “What changed then?” Marjorie asked. Harrison closed his menu settling on some lambchops placing it on top of Marjorie’s before responding.

“Over the years we had always competed. We were rivals, bitter and true, there wasn’t an opportunity we wouldn’t take to be rotten to each other. It ticked me off he was the best in the camp, and it ticked him off that I had a problem with him, so we’d compete. And he’d beat me. Rinse and repeat after a couple years our hatred turned into more of a respect. Soon after he taught me things I didn’t even consider when fighting, we became close, like brothers. Once he got too old for the camp I had the place for 3 years and not one camper challenged me as much as Kevin did. But I grew because of it.”

Marjorie was so bewildered that such words of respect could come out of Harrison’s mouth that she didn’t even notice the waiter trying to take their orders. Scrambling to remember what she had picked she opened the menu to remember but as she began to speak, she was cut off by a loud racket coming down the hallway. She looked towards Harrison who shrugged and ordered for the two of them as a group came in and sat at the bar, joking too each other about the exploits of the day. Harrison ordered for the two of them remembering what Marjorie wanted and the waiter returned to the kitchen. “So you just let him beat you like that? You just handed him the win?” A tall blonde man said to a shorter woman sitting next to him. The woman remained silent as another woman, a brunette on her left spoke up. “I mean once you were at that waterfall you didn’t even think to get out, the only reason you slipped was because he pinned you down there.” She said laughing with the other three men, the woman in the middle remaining silent.

Marjorie and Harrison looked at each other annoyed about the rambunctious customers. They tried to continue their conversation until the group howled as the tv above the bar played highlights from the game, most of them cheering when the Queen ripped the Pilgrim apart. “Serves you right Andross!” The man in the leather jacket on the far left said high fiving the brunette. “Man, if I was ever able to get my hands on him I’d show him how to fight.” The blonde said. The group chuckled as Harrison and Marjorie both stared at them, irritated by their tact and even more about their conversation. “If the Queen thought it was necessary to take him out then there’s no way you could’ve.” The short girl said taking a drink of her water afterward. Casting the rowdy four into silence. The blonde stared at the girl for a few seconds while the other three remained quiet. Harrison and Marjorie could feel the tension in the air and almost reached for their things when the one in the leather jacket spoke up. “I mean, she’s kind of right Sam. If the Queen wants you gone, I don’t think there’s much we could’ve done to him. You saw what he did to Nick, that kid knows a thing or two.”

The blonde man slammed his fists into the counter and grabbed the girl by the collar, silencing the other three once again. Harrison rolled his eyes and blew air from his nose finally recognizing her. It was Adeline. Harrison cursed his luck that his new rival all pointy and dodgy as she was was now threatening to disrupt the date with her teammate’s inconsideration. “Marjorie let’s ask if they can move our table back to the front I don’t want to sit here anymore.” The two declared loudly as they stood up walking for the hall. “Hey wait,” The blonde said turning towards Harrison, letting go of the indifferent Adeline. Harrison hesitated for a moment before turning towards the group. The other three members avoided his gaze as the blonde stared at him directly, chuckling to himself. “Andross, funny seeing you here.” He said getting to his feet. “Nah I’d say it’s funny seeing your thick brow in here chucklenuts I thought you had to play to be allowed in here.” The blonde stood to his full height and walked up to Harrison who leaned on a table with an equally indifferent look as Adeline’s. “What did you say.” The blonde said, walking right up to Harrison. Standing nearly a head taller than him. The two stood looking at each other until Marjorie tapped Harrison’s shoulder and whispered in his here. “If you’re gonna do this, then you owe me a real first date.” She said playfully, putting her jacket down on a chair and stepping up to his side. “I’ll make it up to you I promise.” Harrison whispered back. The other Golem’s got off their chairs and formed a half circle around Harrison and Marjorie, all except Adeline who continued to look forward, occasionally sipping her water.

“You talk big for someone who got his mech ripped apart.” The blonde said, his posse laughing at his retort. “At least he lost in a fight, from what I saw that game you didn’t get put in a fight once that round. Must be embarrassing when your king doesn’t think you can handle it.” Marjorie shot back. The blonde grumbles reaching for Marjorie getting a punch from Harrison in return. He winced backwards holding his nose as he staggered on his feet. “You’ll regret that.” He said running at the two again but fell short when a barstool came crashing over his head, knocking him to the ground, holding it and yowling in pain. “Adeline stood behind him holding the back of the chair, tossing it onto the ground before shooting a ticked look at Harrison. “You don’t fight my fights for me, ya hear. I can handle myself.” Adeline said brushing off her hands. “You little punk” the brunette woman said pulling Adeline’s pigtails as an all-out fight broke out in the bar. The blonde got back to his feet and joined the fray as Marjorie stood idle for a minute contemplating on how her night with Harrison turned out like this. “He better take me somewhere nice.” She thought sucker punching leather jacket as they continued to lay into each other. What an amazing first date it was.