In which Chester takes a vacation.

He hasn't been to Florida in almost a year, and last time, he'd been in Miami. He's not dumb enough to visit the same city twice, not with his unusual and eyebrow-raising MO, so this time, he heads to Tampa.

It's nice to take a break.

Although most of the pain's receded, it's only been two days since that run-in with the hero from Chicago, so his left shoulder still hurts-- as does his entire right side. So he's not about to start the rounds just yet. Right now, all he wants is some rest until his body stops hurting.

Rest, for Chester, though, doesn't mean lying in bed all day. Sure, he loves to sleep in as much as the next guy, but he gets restless too easy. So after spending most of the day in bed, it's two in the afternoon when he finally heads out, wearing flip-flops, shorts, a t-shirt, and the lightest jacket he owns-- he still has some noticeable bruises on his left shoulder and right arm. It's better not to draw attention to himself.

He heads to the St. Pete Pier first, to grab a bite to eat, and then it's down to the nearest beach to walk around and pretend like he's resisting the temptation offered by hundreds of tourists, most of whom don't know the first thing about protecting their wallets and electronics from itchy fingers. It's a good thing he brought his backpack with him.

Astrid had taken the time for her own little vacation, her job was a taxing one at times. She was always looking after someone or another, and hardly had time to herself. Florida seemed to be the only place she hadn't spent any time at, so she chose it as a place for relaxation. Doctor Necrodium pretty much let her do what she wanted, so it was easy enough for her to get away for a while.

Today, Astrid had decided to check out the beach. She had secluded herself in a luxiourious hotel for the last couple of days, but she was ready to go out and play. She put on her little purple bikin, a black mesh skirt draped loosly around her waist. She would take that off when she got to the sand, kepping some part of herself modest for the walk.

When she reached the golden sand, the sound and smell of the water hit her. She laid out her towel and broke out the sunscreen, applying as much on as she could. Her pale skin would fry easily. She sat upon her purple towel and watched the scene in front of her, the water fascinating. Somone managed to catch her eye though, and she tore her eyes away from the waves to observe him. He seemed to be making short work of the tourists belongings and she watched with amusement and a small laugh escaped her lips. People could be so foolish. He was heading in her direction, and she hoped he came close to her, she would share a few words with him if he did.

Chester was just putting away another camera in his backpack, when he glanced up and saw her. There was no shortage of beautiful women here on the Florida coast, but what caught his eye was the fact that she was watching him. And smiling while doing it.

The tiny, satisfied smirk he'd been wearing grew into a disarming, friendly grin that barely hid his nervousness as he approached her, making to walk past her. He nodded at her and slowed as he came within earshot; "Enjoying the sun?" he asked conversationally.

Astrid shaded her eyes as she looked up at the man that now approached her. A grin split her lips, and she shook her head. "The sun is part of it, but watching you rip off tourists, that's pretty amusing in itself." She looked him up and down, and then met his eyes again. "You seem to be having a little more of a problem pickpocketing than you normally would, you arm seems a little stiff." She gave him a sly smirk and waited to hear his response. It was obvious to her that he was injured, she had seen enough to know when someone was in pain. Maybe his curiousity would make him spend a little time with her.

Her first statement made him stop in his tracks, expression turning a bit brittle; he didn't like being made, even if the one making him didn't seem to be at all interested in stopping him. It meant he'd been careless enough to be spotted, which was never a good thing.

He closed his eyes just for a moment, taking a deep breath and forcing himself to relax; he opened them again to scrutinize the woman, but then she went on, and-- good god, this woman was perceptive. He had no idea how to react to this.

"I took a bad fall a couple of days ago," he said, shrugging his uninjured smile and managing to look almost sheepish; it was a partial truth, at least. "Doesn't hurt as bad as it did, though," he added with a quiet laugh, tilting his head slightly as he continued to watch her.