bakerstreet | lights out

How terribly hard can it be to find the switch? Are you feeling around the door?

...

And are you very certain it's the door?

[Squeaks.]

I thought that was a bit too- soft to be a door.

What're you doing getting in the way of my hands?

Excuse me---sorry, I think I've bumped into the two of you there.

Doesn't anyone have a torch?

[SQUEAK!]

Hands!

Blimey, how many of you are there?

I suppose you're not the door, either.

Sorry.

Because you're silly! Oh, hello.

Oh, hello, now you've gone and bumped into me! Here, just give me your hand!

[ So why is she reaching for the face level? ]

Wait, are you talking to me, or--?

Oh!

[She scrabbles to retrieve the hand from about her neck.]

[ Good thing too, because someone almost caught hold of your hair and has fingers stupid enough to get tangled in it.

As it stands, two hands have now been joined. This one has just a slight hint of nails. ]

Alright, there's one. You, Lonely, come here!

[ Free hand searching, searching....

There's the sound of a splash. ]

What was that?

[Tied to a wall is so not where she expected to wake up. And for a moment, she wasn't sure where she'd woken. Or if she had. She struggles against her bonds but the knots are tied tightly.

Well. Time to start shouting.]

Hey! Can anyone hear me! You can't just keep me in here like this, let me out!

...Whose hand is that?

[ There seem to be pages rustling, like someone's reading a book. Who the hell reads a book in absolute darkness? ]

[That... is truly terrible music. There's some quiet grumbling, and shifting around, and a small, high-pitched, startled squeak as a hand quite accidentally encounters the other occupant of this...

Really...

Claustrophobic room.]

[ Whoever it is shifts away and lets out something of a sigh. The rustling stops. ]

Moving around will not help you.

Well I can't see anything! [The boy- yeah, it sounds like a teenaged boy- sounds irritated.]

[ Can you almost feel this guy's eyes rolling? Because they are, and he's also shaking his head. ]

You cannot see, therefore you choose to fumble in the dark. The intelligence of some human beings really never fails to amaze.

[...Yeah, he kind of can.]

Well if I can't use my eyes I have to use my other senses, alright?

[ The rustling starts up again; seems like he's gone back to reading, huh. ]

As you wish. But if you place one foot on my book, I will break it at the ankle.

[.......Reading?

In the dark!?]

...Book!? [Anyway, he's feeling around with his hands, not his feet.] How can you read in the dark?

I have every word memorised. The physical act of reading is simply procedure.

[ Watch it, that's his butt your fingers just brushed up against. ]

[...Not like he realizes what it is, until he gets a few more context clues.

.....And then he squeaks and launches himself back against the wall with an audible thud.] Sorry!

[it's a pity his face isn't literally glowing. It'd at least give light to see by.]

What did I tell you?

[ For his part, he doesn't mind. Though he does reach over and pinch the nearest bit of his fellow captive's skin he can find. ]

Perhaps you would like to try punching the wall now?

[He yelps sharply at the pinch, trying to wriggle away- but his back's already against the wall.]

...Uh, no?

Pity. I wanted to see you break your hand.

[ Isn't he just the most helpful guy ever? ]

I wonder how long it will be before we run out of air.

[...This guy is crazy!] W-well too bad nobody can see anything in here, huh!?

[....That second comment gets him going silent, though.] ...I hope we won't...

Why not? Would you rather die screaming as you drown in a pool of acid? A relatively quick death, that - if you use concentrated sulfuric. Quick, but agonising.

[ Now there's the sound and sense that he's getting to his feet. The other boy might feel him setting a book near his hand. ]

Come to think of it, there might be hidden panels in the walls, waiting to do just that.

H...hello? Please don't be wind.

[It's a girl's voice. There's a light creaking but the sound echoes. She takes a short breath to clear thoughts of ax murderers. She could still be safe.]

If you're not the wind or about to burst through a portal from Hell, will you stand up, please?

[She bites her lip, struggles to focus outward instead of in. 'I've said so many stupid things...']

[ There's soft laughter from somewhere off to the girl's left and the rustling stops. Now there's footsteps coming closer, and closer - the only thing missing from this somewhat dramatic approach is echoing footsteps. Regardless, they come to stop nearby and nothing more can be heard.

A ghost? ]

[She tenses, and would curl up if her wrists and feet weren't bound.]

You're just standing there, right? I'm sorry, if you don't want to help me get down that's all ace. You can leave and I'll just wait for the next person. Being! Sorry. I assumed.

[Oh god it's happening again she should just stop talking.]

[ The person or being reaches out, and the girl will feel fingers gently probing around, feeling the general dimensions of her body (in an entirely clinical way) then moving up to where her wrists are bound. The fingers test the resilience of the bindings, but otherwise do nothing to try and remove them. ]

Trapped, are you...?

[ The words come in a soft murmur, low but not quite menacing. Not yet. ]

(ooc: This guy might be a bit creepy, just a warning.)

[Well, reach out and whomever can move of their free will may feel her hair. She is bound to a chandelier, though she'd say it's more a wheel with melted candles because it was time to be thrifty. She wriggles at his touch and tells herself this stranger chilling in a cave dark room doesn't mean to upset her.]

Part of the party, I'm afraid. Few hours each day's the usual, though for the last no one but you's stopped by. You know about it, right?

[Her voice's upbeat enough, and she's trying to smile, but the lack of further reaction creeps up her spine, cold, and she forces away dread. He tested. He tried, right? He tried. People don't try if they don't want to help, even if it's for themselves.]

(OOC: OK by me.)

I'm afraid I do not. Enlighten me.

[ Meanwhile, he paces around the unlit chandelier and comes across the bindings on her ankles. Even as he wonders how and why she has come to be in the position she is, an unseen smirk tugs at his lips. ]

Braille, huh? Whatcha reading?

The Bladerunner, by Alan E Nourse, [ a voice quietly murmurs in response, distinctly male. ]

*his own voice is young, with a midwestern US accent* A classic. *can't help smiling a little*

[ Oho, that might be a bit of approval in his voice. ]

So you know of it. But have you read it?

Billy Gimp, and saving the world from itself? Who doesn't enjoy good dystopian fiction?

Besides, I read a lot.

Billy Gimp...

[ His fingers pause over the pages for a moment then resume. ]

It is a pleasure to meet another who enjoys the genre. Even if the circumstances are less than ideal.

Well, if this is supposed to be some sort of death-trap, it's pretty lame. *starts to move around the room, carefully listening and feeling*

[ There's a chuckle. ]

So one would say...before the trap is sprung.

My brother once set me up as the protagonist in "The Lady or the Tiger." This is considerably downscale from that.

[ Unbeknownst to the other, he's smiling to himself. ]

If there does exist even one door out of this place, I doubt there will be a fair maiden waiting behind it.

I don't see you doing much to help. Just waiting for whoever's behind this to come and gloat or something?

Why expend energy in searching for a way out when you can wait for the mastermind to show himself? If there is one failing in such people, it is their need to gloat.

[ He would know - what's the fun in having power if you don't show off every now and again? The danger is only in overconfidence. ]

*a chuckle of agreement, still with sounds of movement as he continues searching the room* Energy isn't something I have a short supply of.

*the movement stops for a moment, and then there's a startled hiss of pain*

Stop touching me. [ whoever this man is, he sounds supremely irritated...-- wow is that a stick in his pocket or is he just happy to see (or not) you? ]

[ Well, if one happens to grow said sticks off the sides of their hips... ]

My apologies. I thought you might have a pen.

[ Creep creep, his hand moves away from the, uh, pocket? And searches for a belt. Damnit, which way is up?? ]

[ It is now a very spiky stick jabbing at where this man estimates your head to be. because wow, rude. ]

I don't like repeating myself. [ despite that, something very much like a pen is dropped on your head. 8| ]

[ He catches that pen before it can fall and roll off into the darkness, laughing quietly; his hand removes itself from the other's belt in the process. ]

Thank you.

[ There is a looooooong silence now, interspersed with a soft tapping that must come from the pen, as well as a series of 'Hmm's and 'Ah's. Then there comes a scritch-scratching at the wall. ]

[ ... he doesn't really want his pen back anymore. Who knows what you've done with it. ]

... [ Ah... He should try getting out of this room, yeah...? Shove over, dude, he's gonna try break this door down - cue the noise and a whole lot of banging (there seems to be some kind of metal smacking against the door - which is also reinforced steel)... And judging by the frustrated noises, it's not working. ]

Tch.

[ He raises an invisible eyebrow at the other and shakes his head. The book and pen are set aside. Groping around for their shoulder (he ends up groping around their chest instead; how tall is this guy?), he gently moves them back from the door. ]

You possess no subtlety at all, do you? Do you have a wire?

If I did, I would not be in this situation.

[ Ugh, stop touching him. Wait a moment-- he roughly smacks away those hands and seems to unclip something from his chest, unceremoniously dropping it into the other's hands. Here, use this, pervert. It's a tie clip. ]

[ Humming approvingly, he takes it, crouches, and feels for the door lock. He doesn't much like showing off his criminal talents, but lock-picking is one thing you can easily pass off as a hobby. It's not like the act itself inherently means you have the mind of a criminal. ]

Let me guess - you bulled your way into this room hoping to rescue a hostage, without waiting for backup.

Rescuing people is not exactly a part of my job description. [ Rather much the opposite, actually. Well, he's just going to bend down and pick up this book that you left lying around - ah. Huh. Braille. ]

Animal Farm...? [ Oh, so this guy (whoever he is) is a fan of dystopian fiction? Well, might as well read while you work, man. There's a sound as if he's settled back against the wall, and the soft rasp of his fingers running across the dots on the pages. ]

Then what is?

[ His fingers, wielding the pin, delicately probe the lock's mechanism. It's not an easy one - if he pushes too hard then he might snap the metal.

--Which he almost does, when he hears the other read out the title. The man can read Braille? Is his companion blind? He isn't himself, but he learned to read it anyway. ]

Nothing that you need to concern yourself with, whoever you are.

[ Well, wouldn't you like to know! He seems quite comfortable in the darkness, leaning against the wall and reading the book, so that may be the case... though you'll just have to wait until they get back into the light to find out if he really is blind or not. 8T ]

[ So rude. He chuckles and gives the pin a small twist-- click! ]

There we go, [ he breathes out, pleased. Not that his success is surprising, since he's been practising on ones just like it for days. ]

Shall we?

[ There's almost an audible roll of his eyes before he moves past the other and pretty much send the door flying off its hinges with one hit of his weapon... Ahh, fresh air. Oh, and whoever you are, you can have your book back. It made an interesting read. He's already taken his pen back (and why did you put scratches all over it?!) ]

... Tch. They're all gone, [ he mutters, glancing back at the other man - and now that there's light from the corridor, it can be seen that he is indeed blind, if the opaqueness of his eyes is anything to go by. ]

Move if you don't want to die, herbivore.

[ He sighs. So much for his door. Following after the man with book in hand, he readies a disgustingly superior smirk when he sees (what he thinks is) their familiar silhouette. ]

You've picked up some interesting words, working as a dog, Ko--

[ Whatever else he has to say trails off when he sees their eyes. He hasn't been keeping stringent records of his enemy, but as far as he knows, Ko was not blind. ]

--... Ko? [ what kind of drugs is this guy on???? Hibari scowls when he registers the rest of the sentence - look, there's suddenly a tonfa against your neck which is being used to hoist you up against the wall. Oh, is he choking you? So not very sorry at all. 8( And despite his blindness, he seems to know exactly where to look to glare into your eyes. ]

I am not a dog for anyone, catamite. [ wow are those uh. flames...? ]

[ Oh wow, he knew that Ko was dangerous, but flaming tonfa? Shougo half-chokes, half-laughs, wheezing out a reply. ]

Oh, that's right - you were an Inspector before I ruined your career, weren't you? Don't tell me you still consider yourself one after all the crimes you've committed under the protection of the law.

[ hold up a moment hibari there's some cross-canon confusion going on in here-- aww, no, don't slam the poor guy's head against the wall so hard that he nearly passes out!! ]

I follow no laws but my own, maggot. [ He all but spits that insult into Shougo's face, pressing down harder with the tonfa, before releasing him abruptly to let him drop to the floor in a crumpled heap of limbs, stepping back and away. ]

You have eyes to see that I am not your Ko. Or are you so stupid as to not know how to use what you have? [ there's no bitterness in that, just pure steel and ice, anger just under the surface. Whoever this Ko was, he silently hoped, they'd put this cockroach in their rightful place before long. ]

[ The poor man sees stars and is almost too dazed to hear the man's next words. When his vision clears, he squints in - for once - genuine confusion at the person who is not Ko. But this man looks so much like the one he knows; only their manner is off. ]

I haven't seen him for a while, [ he says eventually ] You look just like him.

[ The grip on those murderous tonfa tightens slightly, but it's almost imperceptible to someone who wasn't watching for it - it's like he's gearing up to hit Shougo again, but instead the tonfa disappear and he scoffs, turning his back on the other man, shoulders stiff. ]

I don't even know who you are, herbivore. Nor do I care.

( Giving a careless shrug and an off-kilter smile, he picks himself up off the floor and dusts down his book, which he'd dropped after being slammed into the wall. )

I suppose I have to believe what you say. If you see him-- or rather, if you don't - do give him my regards. And tell him I'm waiting.

I'm not a messenger for anyone, [ he retorts stiffly over his shoulder. ] Tell him yourself. [ Having said so, he proceeds to just simply walk away, navigating obstacles in his path with frightening ease, as if he knows exactly where they are without having to look. And that's the last you'll have seen of Hibari Kyouya... or not. Who knows. ]

...are you reading or just sort of flipping pages? 'cause either way it's weird and you should stop but if you're reading how the hell can you see the pages in this darkness? I can't even see my hand in front of my face. -- I think that's my hand anyway. [Nervous rambling ftw.]

Most likely. You may not possess your sight, but your sense of self should remain impeccable.

[ Another page flip. ]

And yes, I am reading.

A small space, not big enough to stretch out in. No obvious scents. No easy way out. Strange, not where he expected to be. Is it a test?

Whoa! Um... like... Hi?

Auugh! This sucks! Why aren't the lights working?!

*It sounds like a young man. He feels around the surrounding space in search of a light, or a candle... something! Ah... there's something soft? Is it you? If it is, oops!*

Woooah there, I like to have dinner first!

[He laughs easily. The man is definitely squishy wherever he was grabbed, but he's not going to say where that is.]

This is quite a storm, isn't it? Knocking out all the lights...

Gah! Sorry!

*He lets go immediately, his clothing rustling as he crosses his arms across his chest.*

..Yeah. I wonder where we can find a candle or something.

Don't suppose you're a fonist?

[He's not, but it's worth a shot asking. Just so there are no more misunderstandings, he reaches out to find the boy's hand and grab hold.]

Here, we won't lose each other like this.

No, I'm not.

*He feels an odd little jolt from having his hand held, but he returns the hold. The hand is slightly bigger than his.*

...Sounds like a plan.

*Slowly, he starts navigating along the wall to try and determine how big the room is around them.*

[The older man has better ideas.]

Hey!

[He calls out promptly at the top of his voice, then pauses to listen for an echo. Haha, this must be one of the longer hallways in the palace.]

We're out of luck. Hear that? Big echo. This hall could go on for quite awhile.

Well, damn. What now? I don't think a candle is in a hallway.

*He's a little grumpy and hates being devoid of a crucial sense. He pouts - not that it's visible in the dark.*

We're in Grand Chokmah, right? Just head for the sound of the water, it'll lead us to an open area eventually. Then we'll have the moon if nothing else.

[He swings their joined hands merrily as he starts to trot along. It's like an adventure!]

True.

... *Dude, that arm-swinging is weird. But... it's better than being alone right now. Alone, he'll fall back into his thoughts and dwelling too much isn't a good thing. He'll tolerate it for now. For now, he just keeps pace with the stranger.*

...And if we can't find the moon?

No worries, we'll find it! There aren't any endless hallways in this palace, it's not that big.

[In fact, it feels quite small. He can't ever really go anywhere else without risking his life unless it's on official business...]

...Alright.

*He absently gives the stranger's hand a squeeze. While he doesn't make a habit of grabbing his teammates' hands, he can safely say that this isn't someone he can quite recognize.*

[How cute! The voice sounds vaguely familiar to him, but he can't quite place it. He keeps a light-hearted tone as he ambles down the hallway, talking just to keep his companion from getting too nervous.]

Have you visited here often?

No, not really.

*Though it isn't from a lack of wanting to see it more.*

It would be nice to visit more often, even so.

*He absently starts matching their footsteps, a little more at a time.*

You're always welcome~ we aren't too picky about propriety here, so don't be shy.

[With the way he's saying it, it's almost like he owns the place!]

I'll remember it, then.

*But... how he's saying things.... They're really familiar.*

...Have we met before?

Possibly. You sound kind of familiar.

[Just like he promised, they reach the end of the hallway. With his eyes adjusted to the dark, he can see Luke clearly now.]

Luke! What are you doing wandering around here?

[Apparently, Peony sees no shame in grown men holding hands like schoolboys.]

*As soon as he can see him, his eyes widen like saucers.* E-Emperor Peony?!

*Forgetting that they're holding hands at the moment...*

N-nothing! I'm not... doing much by being here.

*Other than trying to distract himself from guilt? Absolutely nothing! ...And then he remembers when they met in the dark and where his hand could have possibly...*

...J-just... where did I grab you by accident earlier? *He asks before he can think better of it.*

[Peony draws his other hand up to his chin, looking deeply thoughtful. Really, Luke had just grabbed a handful of his butt. It wasn't any big deal (to him, at least), but making someone squirm is always good time.]

Where do you think?

Oh man....

*He tries to pull his hand away from Peony so that he can cover his face with both of his hands. Because something like that deserves a double facepalm.*

I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do that!

I am going to require compensation, of course. I'll be keeping Gailardia.

[And he says it with such a straight face. Poor Luke...]

What?! No way!

*He at least catches himself before he can say "he's mine!" Aha.... And then he gets an idea.*

...Is there any compensation that I, on my own, can offer?

[He's so earnest, it's hard to not just relent and let Luke keep "his" Guy. Peony looks at him thoughtfully.]

Hmm... well, you're a little short for it. It would be better if it was Gailardia...

A little short for what, exactly?

*Let him keep "his" Guy, pleaaaaase? He'd pout if it was in his nature to do so. For now, have him looking grumpy.*

Modeling!

[Hopefully Luke doesn't have anywhere important to be, because Peony's going to keep heading for his rooms. It's pretty rare that he manages to find someone to victimize with his costumes that will sit still.

Somehow, it's just not the same if the person wearing it volunteers.]

...What.

*And of course, he's being tugged along again, isn't he? Ugh. And here he was worried that Guy would be taken taken. He should have just walked off. Grumble.*

[Too late now, Luke. It seems like the fontech is working down towards Peony's room, but he's not about to let go of his prey just yet! If he hasn't had the pleasure of seeing Peony's rooms just yet, he'll get it now - there are some rappigs walking around freely and random piles of things strewn about.]

I probably have something relatively your size...

[Digging through his closet of half-finished costumes now! This one might not be half bad.]

Edited 2012-11-12 01:18 (UTC)

..Uh...

*Yup, pulled along. He grumbles a bit and.. huh. That costume doesn't look too bad, actually. He's fond of his own clothing, but...*

...You want me to wear that?

*He is a bit surprised that it's not something embarrassing.*

[He does have a genuine interest in fashion, and he can't be seen parading around in all these costumes himself!]

Why, do you not like it? I thought it might suit you.

[The embarrassing costumes are generally saved for attempting to shove Jade into.]

...That's not it. My head's just been in a weird spot lately.

..I'll wear it. It's no big deal. *He might be blushing a little, but he holds his hands out to take the costume. But seeing Jade in embarrassing costumes would certainly be something to see (or then bleach his eyes afterwards.)*

[He might have to pin it up a bit to get it to fit Luke, so he'll wander off to find those now.]

Great, great~ go ahead and change.

[He put the sewing kit over here, right? Or maybe it was over there...]

*He heads into the bathroom to change out of his clothing and into the costume. It feels a little strange, a bit heavier than he's used to, but overall, it's not bad. He finds himself staring at himself in the mirror for a moment or two before he comes out. The fit isn't bad, either....*

...How's this?

[One of the baby rappigs takes an interest in the new visitor, trotting over to nudge at Luke's leg.]

It's not bad! Might have to pin it up in a few spots, though. Sit still.

[Aha! Here it is. Kit in hand, Peony heads over to adjust Luke's costume.]

*Sorry rappig, but he's gotta hold still (and the mun doesn't know/remember if he likes them or not). He just glances down and then back up to Peony.*

If I'm just modeling it for you, why does it need to be adjusted?

It's no fun if it doesn't fit correctly!

[Humming a bit to himself, he sets to work. Costuming is one of the few things Peony will focus on for hours without complaining of boredom. The baby sits down and watches Luke intently, knowing better than to bother Peony when he gets to messing with clothes.]

Oh? I didn't know that.

*So he'll just hold still for him while he works, idly watching Peony's hands. He's really good at what he does, it seems. If he wasn't an Emperor, he'd probably make an excellent tailor.

*Not that the two are mutually exclusive.*

[It's not as if he's having Luke model this professionally, he just gets bored sometimes! All finished pinning him up, Peony stands again, then nods approvingly.]

There. See how much better that is?

It does feel more comfortable than before.

*Don't mind him kind of looking at himself. He kind of feels like Asch, wearing this. He's unsure if that's a good or a bad feeling, honestly.*

[It was Asch's outfit that gave him the inspiration, but with the way Luke is wearing it, it's definitely more Luke than Asch.]

Perfect! Ah? Do you like it too?

[He picks up the baby rappig, nuzzling it.]

You don't have a name yet, hmm? We'll call you Luke then~

Eh?

*He gives the rappiglet a look, then back up at Peony.*

...Why are you giving him my name?

*Not that he's not... a little flattered.*

Because he likes you!

[How Peony can tell when a rappig likes someone is anyone's guess, but he does seem to have a good read on their moods. He nuzzles it affectionately.]

*Buh? Likes him? Well... -- Looking at the baby again... well, it is kinda cute?

*...Should he ask to hold him? But what about the pins in his clothing? he doesn't want to poke the baby with it. He'll wait.*

...I guess that's reason enough.

Go change back, I'll make the adjustments. Careful not to stick yourself taking it off, okay?

[Peony holds up the little rappig and makes it wave at Luke, gesturing him back towards the bathroom.]

I'll be careful.

*He retreats to change back to his usual clothing, wincing as he pricks himself on one of the pins in the process. But it's not bad, and he manages to take it off without any further mishaps. Returning clothed, and the pinned clothes over both arms, he offers them back with a faint smile.*

Here. Want me to keep the little one occupied in the meantime?

[ Whoa- did the power go out? Stop shuffling! ]

[ Hang on, is that shuffling coming from somewhere else? ]

...Hello?

Yes! Hello! [crash!] Oops. Hello? Who is that?

[He isn't sure if he recognises the voice, and he flails his arms out in a desperate and useless attempt to find its source.]

Don't happen to have a torch on you, do you?

Oh, is that your--? Ow.

[FYI: That was her face.]

Who carries a torch around with them?

Actually, ignore that. I know a guy who might carry a torch around with him.

Oops. Sorry.

[A slight apologetic tap to what he hopes is her shoulder.]

I don't mean a flaming torch -- I mean a switch on-and-off torch. You might call it a flashlight. I was under the impression people liked to carry them on their keychains, or even their mobiles.

Don't suppose you've got a phone, do you?

[Because of course he doesn't. Why would he carry around a phone?]

I know what you meant.

[A little edgy, it appears. Being in dark isn't something she remotely enjoys, and she fumbles for her mobile.]

It's dying, I think. Uh- not quite an Olympic flame, either.

[A tiny patch of dim light is formed from the screen of her phone as she hits a few buttons to wake it up, but it's enough.]

.. Oh, well of course it'd be you.

She honestly could not remember how she had gotten here. Wherever here was. It was dark and cold, and she had only just realised she was in only her bra and knickers. "...Hello?" She asked hesitantly. "Is anyone there? Can anyone here me?" Blindly, she reached out literally trying to get a feel for where she was.

And she ended up grabbing his upper arm. He yelped, spinning to get out of her grasp, because he was here, and he was naked -- or near enough, in nothing but his underwear.

"I can hear you," came his response. "And feel you. Bit panicky there, aren't you?"

Screaming in surprise at the sound the other person made, and something moving away from her, she brought a hand up to her chest. "Jesus." She breathed out. "I'm not fully clothed and in god knows where, in the dark with... I have no idea who you are actually."

Hey! Who turned out the lights?

Oh, Daaaaaave.

[Pats pockets looking for a lamp.] Oh, come on, not grues on top of everything else.

[Sound of footsteps turning a bit.] I'll go west!

...who said that?

[Pause.]

...who said that?

[...] Are you a grue?

I don't have time for games. Pardon me, I'm going to find the light switch.

H-Hey, it's not a game! It's not like I like being in the dark, either! How do I know there wasn't something trying to eat me?

Are you near a wall at all?

Don't be foolish. I won't eat you.

[There's a pause, the sound of someone stumbling briefly over an object, then a brush of a hand against a wall.]

Yes. Over here. There should be a switch nearby.

Hold on, I'll help!

[The sound of footsteps running closer, followed by a hollow "smack" as whoever it is finds a wall in the most direct way possible.]

Ow...

[...sigh.]

Did you injure yourself?

I did not injure myself.

[Beat.]

I just hit my head. Did you find the switch?

I...see.

[She flicks the switch several times, pauses, then tries again a little more firmly as though force will accomplish something.]

Perhaps the power is out.

A-A grue? That sounds bad...

Crap, the light switch has to be here somewhere...

Bah!

[Did... Did you just feel two butts at once...?]

We do not like that! Stop at once!

[Feeling your way through the dark is difficult enough, and encountering something soft with both hands is definitely disconcerting.]

Do what? I can't see anything. Who are you?

[Flickering lights weren't any kind of small comfort when the brief shadows cast by them looked like they might be moving.

Taking in a thoroughly shaken breath, she crossed her arms tight and tried to will some calm to her rattled nerves, to even slightly ease the overwhelming feeling of dread that was worse now than it'd ever been before.

It wasn't working out all that well.]

Okay okay, I lost my snake. No one panic! She doesn't bite unless I tell her to. Or you step on her.

Oh, 'cause that's totally comforting!

[D:]

All ya gotta do is not move, man. I'll find her!

Well... well, like, how am I supposed to know it's not gonna change its mind about the whole not biting deal? Find it faster, god!

Yeah yeah, don't be bossy.

[ Suddenly table bump. ] --Ow!

[ Light's out. Fantastic.

There's the click-click of someone trying to, well, turn something on. A flashlight, probably, except no dice. More sounds follow that; the slide of a phone (no luck there either) and then a sigh.

Technological deadzone. Wonderful. ]

[It was pitch black and her hands moved across the smooth wall in search of a light switch. She thought the room was empty until she ran into something. . . or was it somebody?]

Is someone there?

So I'm alone. In the dark. Thiiis is unsettling.

[That was definitely something squishy which just got grabbed.]

Oh, I'm so sorry!

[And the owner of that squishy thing just gasped.]

I-It's okay! It's not like we can see anything...

Uh - yeah. Speaking of that... have you got any idea where we are?

[There is the sound of fingers drumming against the wall.]

[Well, this is awkward.]

...remove your elbow from my ribs.

I would if there was anyplace for it to go!

[All the same, she obligingly tries to shift to the side. There really is hardly space for two people in here, and it's seriously creeping her out.

...oh man. Is that music starting to play?]

[Well, what replaces the elbow is much softer and more pleasant, so he's not going to complain.]

...what's that sound?

I'd offer a light but... it doesn't seem to be working.

[Oh he doesn't like the implication of that.]

[She groans as possibly the cheesiest music known to mankind amps slightly in volume.]

It sounds like Barry Manilow.

[Seriously, what has she ever done to deserve this? ...okay, there was that one thing. And maybe that other thing. But all in all - ...well. Okay. Yes. There was that.

She tried to shift her bum away from where it was making contact with this stranger. That was what she got for turning her back on him, she supposed. Her powers were oddly muted, almost as if they were gone, and she wasn't sure if that was better or worse in this situation.]

What isn't workin'?

...I don't know who that is.

But I think I dislike him already.

[He tries to feel along the wall with one hand.]

Magic. Maybe because there's no light to bend, but I can't seem to generate any either.

Hey!

[That was not the wall!

...oddly the music which had been growing steadily louder decreased slightly when he touched her. But she wasn't exactly of a mind to notice that, busy as she was attempting to get away from him. Stumbling slightly, to the sound of metal scraping against metal, she manages to achieve about two or three inches between their bodies. She's pressed up against something soft, now, and she turns to trace a hand over... what feels like the lapel of a coat. Further up... a hanger, and a metal bar high overhead.]

...I think we're in a closet.

Ah... sorry. [Yes. That was much nicer than a wall.]

...why would we be in a closet?

I don't know! Why do you have magic? An' why won't it work?

[And why won't my powers work?

And why is that music getting louder again?]

...what sort of question is that? I have magic because I... I have it! Because electrons fear me and the fabric of space in time knows that it ought to listen when I tell it to do something.

[What is this even. What kind of question is that!]

I... I don't know. This has never happened to me before, I swear it.

[You know what? She doesn't wanna know. She just - no. She doesn't want to know.]

All right, well - whatever. Your "magic" won't work [and the music swells louder] my powers seem ta be... quiet. But if we're in a closet there's gotta be a door, right? Help me find it.

[Because it's totally the best idea to go grouping about in the dark.

...and there was something familiar about his voice. She couldn't quite place it. It was like her mind was filled with fuzz when she tried. Better to focus on finding the door and getting out.]

And why do you have powers, lady? [...he really ought to know her name. This is frustrating.

He gropes forward in the closet hands delicately feeling along the wall. This is made more difficult by the fact that she is also trying to find the door. He ends up rather closer to her than intended, but... well. Hopefully they'll be out of here soon.

And it does make the music seem to get a bit quieter, but maybe it's the distraction of soft bits in his vicinity.]

You seem a significant amount shorter than me. I shall reach over your head.

I'm just lucky.

[And if you believe that, her tone seems to imply, I've got a bridge to sell you. "Lucky." Fah.

...and then his hand brushed over her back. She arched slightly into the touch, an instinctive response to unfamiliar warmth, before trying to step away from it - and banging her nose softly into a wall. Brilliant.]

Yeah, you do that.

[The problem with this is as she finds a corner, she turns around. And so while his hand is lifted up, there is absolutely no barrier against her running flush into his side.]

Oh - sorry!

[She tries to step back immediately... well. Almost immediately.]

Right. Lucky.

[He's just begun feeling along the wall toward the ceiling when she runs into him. Instinctively he catches her shoulder. Though... right, it's not like she could fall that far if she stumbled.]

This is very awkward.

"You said it," she breathed, rolling her shoulder slightly under his touch before stepping back to hit the wall. As before, the music decreased and increased in relation to their contact, and she didn't notice. She let her head thud back against it in annoyance. "Tell ya what - I'll stay here an' you look, then I'll take a turn."

He lifted it hand up, closing his fingers. Awkward, indeed, or potentially something else? Still, he didn't exactly like being trapped in a small place, in the dark. "Right."

He set to feeling along the wall again until he found a deep, vertical crack. "This may be a door. Only there is no handle." He shoved experimentally, then put his shoulder into it. Nothing budged. "Bloody--!"

"Are there hinges? Let me see." One hand extended in the dark, she brushed along his (she hoped it was his) back before coming alongside him to feel the outline of the door. No hinges that she could feel, but there wasn't much of a chance for her to explore. With one hand on the door and the her side pressed into the stranger, the music volume decreased and words appeared written, glowing briefly on the door before fading into nothingness.

If you want to get out, you have to play the game!

The music volume increased (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDEynk7SwxE). She had a horrible feeling she knew exactly what game this was now. What else did you play when you were stuck in a closet with someone, after all? She let her head thud forward this time and groaned.

"I... haven't been able to find any. It might be the sort of door that hasn't any." He sounded exasperated; this situation had gone beyond awkward and into annoying.

Though having the lady pressed against his side was a momentary distraction from that. Only half conscious of the motion, he leaned a little against her.

...and the words. "Game? What game?" he demanded. He tried to manipulate that momentary light, but it escaped his grasp. "I'll not be the pawn in the game of another."

She dropped her head against the door again. And one more time for good measure, entirely too aware of the way he was leaning against her.

"You've gotta be kiddin' me."

No. No, she didn't want to believe this was her only option. But it was a very small closet and it was getting very warm in here - a small space with undoubtedly limited air - and the music was getting louder.

She straightened up turning to face him, "Did we try all the walls? Is this the only door?"

He rolled his eyes, even though the expression wasn't visible. "I can feel around again," he said dryly. "Though I'd rather like to know what this supposed game is. Any ideas?"

But he did begin moving a hand along the wall again, just to show he was cooperating. Sort of.

Oh, I've got an idea, all right.

And the music just wouldn't stop.

"Seven Minutes in Heaven," she muttered, blushing, and grateful for the dark because it meant this stranger couldn't see. "Unless you have any other ideas."

"I've no idea what that is." He grimaced. "Goodness but that music is getting loud."

Oh, he was going to see someone bleed for this.

"It's-- it's someone's idea of a real bad joke, is what it is."

But her powers were gone, maybe it wasn't such a horrible joke as it was still... cruel. To give her this ability without allowing her any choice in who she would be able to touch. Gawd, it made her want to-- it just wasn't fair.

She took a deep breath. Time to man up. She moved to face him, "It's a game teenagers play." Between that and the music... "Do I really need ta spell it out?"

"I have no idea what teenagers on Midgard do for fun," he said dryly. "Nor have I had any desire to close that gap in my knowledge. Last I saw, those of that age were considered adults anyway."

"...you have no idea how weird that sounds, do you."

"Considering I am the one who spoke it, no."

"Teenagers in 'Midgard,' whatever that means, do the same things for fun I imagine teenagers anywhere do - make out with an' humiliate each other."

She sighed, her shoulders slumping. Great, I'm stuck in a closet with an alien. I bet he has tentacles.

"'Seven Minutes in Heaven' combines those two great traditions." One first thumped against the wall behind her in aggravation at the music that just kept thrumming through the closet. "An' lousy music, apparently."

He huffed out a sigh. "Oh, I'm sorry, too old fashioned? Earth. What a dull name."

"Lovely. Well, I'm not at all interested in being humiliated for anyone's entertainment. They'll grow bored eventually and then revenge might be exacted."

"I happen ta like it! At least then I know what you're talkin' about! We work hard enough ta save the dang thing, we might as well get ta call it what we like."

She did not have claustrophobia issues, thankfully. And equally thankfully, right now the only issues she had were her own. And they were plenty loud enough, standing next to a man who something told her she should be able to remember who was saying that kissing her would be humiliating.

Well. It would be. For both of them. She could recognize that.

But it was still insulting!

"An' fine! You just stay over in your side of the closet, then!" She moved to claim her own corner, unfortunately brushing very thoroughly against him as she did so. She didn't care. "If the idea of kissin' me for seven minutes is too humiliatin' for you, then you can go over an' bang your head against the wall to the beat, for all I care."

"You are the one that said the intention of this was humiliation," he snapped. "You always--"

...always what? Why had those words even slipped from his mouth?

He drummed his fingers against the wall and let the words flow naturally to their conclusion. "...always acted as if I were some sort of shameful secret."

Hm.

That shut her up. Yes, she'd had a horrible feeling that she should remember this person, bu she hadn't expected that feeling to be returned.

Her voice was cautious when she spoke, "What are you talkin' about?"

...belatedly, she realized that she could be locked in a closet with, not only a tentacled alien, but a crazy tentacled alien, and with the lack of room to maneuver and without her powers, any conflict would end towards the person with more strength. She was betting on the alien.

Unless she had a weapon. Maybe one of those hangers?

Better to wait and see. He hadn't threatened her yet, after all.

He sighed. "I don't know."

He scrubbed at his face with one hand. "I feel as if I ought to recognize you. Most disquieting."

"I think I'd remember you," her voice was subdued. "'Magic' ain't exactly a normal thing on Earth."

She'd almost called it 'Midgard' for him, and wondered at herself for the impulse. She wasn't usually given to making things easier on anyone else. But she could sense that 'disquieting' was just the surface issue and this song just went on repeat, good Gawd!

She took a breath, tried to think, "But if it makes ya feel any better... I've been havin' the same feelin'."

She bit her lip and made a decision, holding out her hand to where she approximated the side of his face might be, "Don't freak out, okay?" She sought to touch his cheek.

"I'd like to think I'm rather memorable," he said, tone dry. "And I don't think it makes me feel better. But less potentially mad, perhaps."

He sucked in a quick breath at the touch, glad that she had warned him. But it wasn't unwelcome. Rather, it felt nice, right almost. He half-lifted his hand, hesitated, then allowed it to complete the motion. He covered her hand with his, turning his face slightly into the touch.

"I... feel as if we have done this before."

Her hand is gloved.

"Well, that'd be a sight," heart pounding rapidly, she felt her voice sounded somewhat tight in her attempt to be casual, but there really wasn't anything she could do about it, "seein' as I've never played this game before in my life. An' usually I can't... touch people."

But it felt familiar to her as well. And caught up in it, she forgot to be afraid.

The glove felt very familiar. His thumb found the top of it, tracing that line and lightly brushing skin. "But you can touch me. You always can."

She gasped at the contact, the lack of pull that came from his thumb brushing along the outside of her wrist. And she shivered at the touch, her heart clenching at his words. Something in them felt so true, so heart-achingly desirable and hinted at great pleasure and pain.

She wet suddenly dry lips, "I... don't know how that could be." She exerted a light pressure against his face, suddenly wanting desperately to see his eyes. "What you're sayin' is impossible."

"Oh dearest," he said, breathing that out like a sigh. "With magic, anything is possible."

There should be a retort for that. Maybe even five, and she could pick and choose which one she wanted, if she'd be kind or cruel and why.

But there wasn't.

There was just the heat that suddenly shot through her and coiled low in her stomach at the way he breathed out that word. Dearest.

Why? Why is that so familiar? Why did she feel like she knew this?

Her lips moved to form a name she didn't recognize, and it didn't make any sense, and how terrible to be wrong and hurt him, insult him, no, she wouldn't risk it-- "Oh."

Come on, girl, get yourself together.

"Guess... I won't need the gloves, then."

None of this should have been emotionally engaging at all, and he wasn't certain why it was to begin with. He cleared his throat, licked his lips, laughed as he tried to figure that out. "It would seem not."

He released her hand, tracing a line up her arm to her shoulder, neck, then cupped her cheek.

She made a small sound when he made contact with her cheek, something about the way he ran his hand up her arm filled her with memory and expectation. But this was impossible. It was impossible!

...but she could feel his hand, warm against her cheek, and she leaned against it. She didn't quite dare to believe it was happening, and she craved more at the same time.

"This doesn't make any sense," her gloved thumb caressed along his cheekbone, her hand other hand coming up to trace the other side of his face, attempt to 'see' him.

"Magic." He laughed.

He brought his other hand up to cup her cheek as well, carrying out that same exploration along familiar lines. "I remember this beloved face," he murmured.

Not as much as he wanted, but enough. He held her face carefully still and leaned down to press his lips lightly against hers, almost an experiment.

She didn't move to intensify the kiss. She just stood there for a moment and trembled, her heart racing.

Beloved face. There was something frightening in that... because she believed him. Because this felt too familiar, too real to be a dream.

She tilted her head then, to lightly respond to him on her own terms, a pleasant pulse of attraction rippling through her at their kiss.

Her hands slid from his face to behind his back. Resting her forearms on his shoulders, she shed first one glove, then another, allowing them to drop on the floor. She moved bare hands back to tangle in hair that she somehow knew would be long and too close to his head. One hand curled into a loose fist while the other slid back around to rest on his shoulder.

He breathed out a soft sigh against her lips, then placed another kiss delicately. His thumbs moved over her cheekbones.

Somehow, he'd been afraid she would reject that. Perhaps reasonable enough, for a stranger in a closet. But it felt hard-won, as if he had been rejected many times before.

But not any more. Mine. The hand in his hair felt like a confirmation of that.

Almost reluctantly, he let one hand drop from her cheek, but he slipped his arm around her waist instead, tugging her closer.

It would only be reasonable to pull back now and ask for his name. The lack of tentacles was a relief, however she had enough experience with the uncanny to know that the sense of familiarity she felt shouldn't be trusted. In fact, it was that very sense of familiarity that felt as if it came with some sort of warning attached.

But no, when he slid one arm around her waist, she shivered and moved towards him willingly. She had been reasonable for far too long. And now she was locked in a dark closet with a man who could kiss her and called her beloved, who she felt in her bones was someone she cared for. She could be reasonable later.

She stepped close, flush against him. She responded to his kiss, allowing her head to loll in whatever direction that would help keep his lips on hers longer.

Rather than a sigh - since that would require him to release her lips and he had no intention of doing that - he made a soft, pleased sound deep in his throat.

He took that response as an invitation, kissing her more deeply. He spread his fingers across her back, other hand slipping down to rest against her neck.

She was sensitive where he touched her. She shifted back and forth against him as his hands spread on her back, wanting more, arching into him. She could feel her hair raising at the back of her neck, both from this prolonged contact and the type of of contact it was.

But when he moved to deepen their kiss, she only responded, making an encouraging noise. She leaned into him, her eyes sliding shut in the darkness. The added layer of darkness made her feel as though he completely surrounded her, and rather than feel claustrophobic, it made her smile against his lips.

Her hand moved from his shoulder down his arm and up to his upper back.

He ran his thumb slowly down her spin, wanting to feel her pressed again him. His fingers teased at her skin lightly, wandering across her neck and then up to trace the curving outside of her ear.

He shut his eyes as well; no point in keeping them open, and it was easier to think, almost remember the face he'd read with his fingertips with his eyes shut. He tugged lightly on a lock of her hair, weaving his fingers through it.

Feeling her lips curling, he tasted her smile lightly with the tip of his tongue, and that was familiar too.

She curled into him at the way he ran his finger along her back and the teasing touches across her neck and the side of her face had her making a needy sound low in her throat. Deliberately now, she pressed against him, wanting more. Her hand caught the material of his shirt, catching it in a fist as she rose on her toes to press closer still.

She knew this, somehow. She knew these sensations that she could have sworn she'd never experienced before. She knew him. And it was to him, to this familiar stranger, that she willingly opened her mouth and invited him in.

There wasn't that much room in the closet; it was easy enough to press her back against the wall, holding them firmly together. Something seemed odd about her back, something missing, but his hand seemed to find it rather perfect. He set that confusing thought aside for the moment, focusing instead on what was far more pleasant - kissing her, and the fundamental warmth and rightness of it.

He delved expertly into her mouth, not so much exploring as seeking out what some murky, muffled memory told him would make her go weak in the knees.

He still took his time - he always did, that was his nature - before finally breaking away to breath a moment, to speak the words, "I have missed you." He kissed her again.

This was familiar and that was impossible and with each stroke of his tongue that mattered less and less until he found a place that caused all the strength to leave her legs. She clung on to him desperately then, hand leaving his hair to wrap about his shoulders, press against the back of his neck for more.

She trembled, the constant contact and closeness almost overwhelming - almost but not quite, and she gasped for breath in that instant his mouth left hers.

I have missed you.

Impossible, impossible - she had no idea he existed before this and yet, and yet something about the way he pressed against her, her back against the wall and herself quite close to him fit with dreams that she couldn't remember, dreams that had left her aching.

"I know you," she whispered against his mouth. "Who are you?" Rather than let him respond immediately, she boldly kissed his lower lip, catching it between her teeth before drawing it into her mouth to ease the sting, "Don't let me go."

This felt too right. She didn't want anything to stop their closeness.

"I won't again," he murmured. He pressed another hungry kiss against her lips, then the corner of her mouth, her cheek, and feather light on each of her eyelids. He smiled, lips against her forehead for a moment, and murmured, "I'm yours, when you want me."

As if that hadn't always been the case.

He hitched her a bit higher against the wall, pressing one knee between hers, other hand wandering down to caress her side, her hip. Carefully, he found her lips again, nipping, then kissing deeply.

She made way for his knee, willingly spread her legs apart to accommodate him - though she wasn't thinking very clearly about her actions at all. What part of her mind that was still capable of thought was wrapped up in cataloging how wonderful the slide of his hand down her side made her feel.

His careful attention to her face had worn down the resistance of her heart to something negligible - sometime between his kiss to her first and second eyelid, she'd begun panting softly for him. The warning she felt along with the sense of familiarity, she dismissed utterly. How could this be wrong? She wasn't at all afraid his closeness - somehow she knew that he wouldn't hurt her, that she wouldn't hurt him and that knowledge made her shiver.

He returned to her lips, and she made a small, needy sound that moved to one of satisfaction as he deepened his kiss. She sought to coil herself around him in response, shifting one leg to loop it around his and using the wall to support her as she arched her back, pressing her chest more firmly against him. She wrapped her arm around the breadth of his shoulders to help hold some of her weight and ran her other hand down his back.

When he ended their kiss, she tore her lips out of his reach. Pressing her cheek against his, she tilted her head upwards until she could whisper in his ear, "I want you."

He moaned a low sound into her mouth, pressing closer, hand sliding lightly along her leg. His other hand slipped up from her hip again, fingers brushing across the side of her breast.

Those words. He would have -- had? -- given everything to hear them. They drew another low sound from him. He ducked his head to press a lips against her neck, words failing him for that moment.

"Ha--" she exhaled when his fingers brushed against the side of her chest, suddenly and vividly aware of him. This - this wasn't a dream. Had it happened before? Just like this? She wasn't sure, but it felt like he fit.

One hand slid up to the side of his head and she didn't so much press him against her as she moved to simply hold him, cradle his head against her. I'm right here. I've got you.

"I missed you too," she whispered.

He breathed out a shuddering sigh against her neck, kissing her skin. "Don't leave me again," he whispered. "Please."

He pressed tightly against her, wanting as well. His fingers brushed over her breast again, but continued up, skating over her neck, cupping her cheek again.

The music, which had been growing steadily more and more faint abruptly came to a complete stop even as the lights turned on. Rogue heard a distinct click as the closet door unlocked.

She opened her eyes, blinking several times. The awareness she had of him was suddenly joined by awkwardness as she became fully aware of just what he was pressing against her. Rogue attempted to put that to the side, right now. There was something more important. She wanted to see his face.

She slowly pulled her head away and tugged lightly at his hair. Up.

His eyes were shut so he wasn't blinded by the lights coming on. He didn't move back or away, since at the moment the woman he had pressed between him and the wall was far more important to his mind than simply leaving.

At the tug on his hair, he reluctantly straightened; he had a bad feeling now that this would be a matter of being left, or no longer wanted since he knew that had happened before. But still, it did no good to ignore it. Loki straightened, eyes opening.

Her face, familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, brought with it a name. He smoothed his thumb along her cheekbone, smiling, something terribly vulnerable in his eyes. "Rogue," he murmured, stealing a quick kiss. He could hope it wouldn't be the last one he'd get, but just in case, he would take it.

Ah, yes, that's right, she thought as soon as she saw his face. That's who this should be.

Hearing her name from his lips was the strangest pleasure - she was too bemused at all the pieces of memory - How do I know this man? - falling into place to react much at all to the way he stole a kiss.

"Loki."

Where there should be shame, there was only wonder. She gave him her own kiss on the corner of his lips and lingered there sweetly for a moment before pulling back and sliding her leg back around. She moved her hands to his shoulders. "Let's get out of this closet."

She moved her hand up to his hand on her cheek and tugged it away to clasp it. She remembered turning him away - how many times had she had to turn him away, to deny herself the ability to express any sort of feeling towards him? It seemed a bit late now. She'd recognized him even in the darkness, even when she by all rights shouldn't even know his name. She didn't want to let him go so easily, not now.

The smile flashed into brilliance when she said her name, and all he heard in her voice was the same sort of thing he felt. Loki nearly sagged with relief, not really capable for a moment to keep up his normal facade.

Also, he found her did not want to.

He wove their fingers together and added to it magic, guard against the oblique but very real fear that in leaving the closet they would be separated and forget each other again. "All right," he said.

...and thank goodness he was wearing a long tunic. There was that too.

Rogue did not let go of his hand. And she found she didn't like it when he moved away, wincing at the loss of contact. She wet her lips and tasted him there and had to glance down to keep herself from blushing. What had happened seemed so unreal.

The room they entered as they exited the closet appeared to mimic a fancier hotel room. There was a table set for two, some kind of kettle steaming, a plush sofa facing bay windows that looked out into the night sky... and a queen-sized bed, looming proudly with its covers turned down out of a corner.

Rogue hesitated, uncertain. Her gaze flicked around the room - but the lights were on and the door had hinges and... she was holding hands with someone out of her dreams, her skin pressed to his without fear. Her psyches were silent, her powers still 'out,' and... it wasn't as if they were in any danger.

Still, she glanced up at him, looking for some kind of cue. "What do ya think?"

Loki looked around the room as well, suspicion in every line of his body. He didn't like feeling set up, even if he'd ended up in here with someone he'd desperately missed, without even realizing it.

"Two things," he said after a moment. "I think I don't trust this in the slightest..." he looked toward her, hesitated, and then placed a light kiss on her cheek. "And I think that you're utterly beautiful."

She gasped quietly at his kiss, her eyes going wide at his words. Her own words failed her and so she responded the only way she could, sliding her free hand against his cheek to wrap it around the back of his head and pull him down for a brief, heartfelt kiss.

I missed you.

She let him go and pulled back, "So... the door, then?"

Though something in her checked at that. She had a feeling that they were free to leave, but that the moment they did... they would forget all over again. It would be the end.

He squeezed her hand. "The door would seem the way out. Unless you'd like to try the window. I don't tend to trust the obvious ways."

He had no similar worry, because he was certain this could end at any moment, and he was ready to fight that with every fiber of his will, tense and waiting.

"I just have this feelin'..." she hesitated and then dropped her free hand to his chest. "If we leave now, everythin' will go back to the way that it was. I don't even know why I remember you, but... I don't wanna forget again."

Loki covered her hand with his, then carefully wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

He wanted to say no, that he would be able to prevent that, but he hadn't been able to before, had he? He needed more time to think about the problem, consider the angles, find a way to bind them more closely together.

He pressed a kiss on the top of her head. "I need... I will need time to think about this. There will be a way."

Rogue laughed quietly, but went willingly into his embrace, "I had a feelin' you'd say something like that."

Impossible things.

She turned to rest her head against his chest, to listen to his heartbeat.

"Have I really become so predictable?" Loki smiled, one hand moving up and down her back. He rested his cheek on her hair, closing his eyes for a moment. "If I'm to have time to think, by necessity we'll have to stay in here for a while anyway."

She made a small sound as he stroked her back and arched slightly into him, "Predictable? You? Never."

Rogue tilted her head, pressed a kiss to his chest, "Though ya do seem ta have a certain attitude 'bout impossible things. If I'm rememberin' right."

And she hoped she was. She didn't want this to be some kind of lie.

"I suppose that's true. I don't believe impossible things exist, not really."

His hand came up to tangle in her hair, cup the back of her head. He lightly tugged her head back, leaning down to capture her lips for a moment. "Though if you're not in too much of a hurry..."

Liking the way he'd tangled his hand in her hair, Rogue wholeheartedly responded to his kiss. A thrill ran through her as she decided this request was far better than him asking her to give him some space so he could think. Every bit of contact helped convince her that this was real.

"I reckon I've got some time," she breathed against his lips, sliding a hand up around to the back of his neck and giving his lips a teasing kiss in return.

He made a low murmur against her lips. "Do you, now." He smiled, catching her lips again, hand moving up and down her back once more. "I know you've normally got a very busy schedule..."

He took a moment to kiss her more deeply, the closeness leaving him a little breathless for all his illusion of control. "Do you still want me?" he whispered.

She let out a low moan at his caress, remembering now that her back was sensitive to this sort of thing, and that he was the reason why she knew it - a flash of specific memory, his hand sliding under her shirt and pressing against her skin, causing her to cry out - and Rogue responded to his kiss, willingly pressing into him.

"No, I'm kissin' you 'cause it's good for my health," she gasped it out and then broke away long enough to frame his face with both her bare hands, looking straight into his eyes as she vaguely remembered doing once before, waiting for him to see her. "I only remember a little, but I remember us bein' one big confused complicated mess. But I missed you. Even though I didn't know it. An' I still want you."

Edited 2012-11-12 04:59 (UTC)

Loki laughed softly. "If it is good for your health, you ought to do it more often..."

His eyes widened, something contracting painfully in his chest at the look in her eyes. "Rogue..." He untangled his fingers from her hair, caressed her cheek like he'd never done it before.

He kissed her, wanting and offering and more, trying to make it an expression of how he had missed her.

That was better. She hadn't liked seeing that lost expression on his face, instinctively hating any time she'd been responsible for putting it there.

She tilted her head, leaning into his caress and when he kissed her she slid her hands around to clasp them lightly behind his neck. Rogue closed her eyes, savoring the sweetness of this kiss, the emotions it conveyed. She trembled, not due to being overwhelmed by the contact, but instead because of the depth of feeling he was expressing. Her lips quivered, hesitant for a moment in just how to respond, before she moved to deepen the kiss.

He pulled her closer with one arm, faintly shaking fingers still moving against her cheek. He offered her his mouth, almost hesitant.

Why did he feel as if she might push him away at any moment? Why was he afraid? Or perhaps it was just fear of losing her now that he had her back.

Rogue was not confident in this, but she wanted to reassure him. She took his invitation and cautiously ran her tongue along his before moving to explore his mouth. She gave the task her full attention, wanting to bring him pleasure.

He encouraged her with teasing movements of his tongue, a soft murmur escaping into her mouth.

He fanned his fingers out across her back, a familiar, possessive gesture.

She arched her back and pressed against him in response to his gesture, the movement instinctive. And Rogue's lips twitched up into a smile against his and gave herself simply to chasing after his tongue - he was kind, to meet her where she was, to be content with what she could give. She remembered that too. One hand slid away down and caressed his neck in appreciation.

Edited 2012-11-12 06:42 (UTC)

He relaxed against her, making a tender sort of game out of that kiss. Loki arched his neck slightly under her touch, another appreciative murmur in his throat.

His fingers moved along her back, again noting that something felt like it was missing, but he definitely liked this better, just a smooth plane over which his hand could wander. Though it would be nicer, he noted, with nothing at all between them.

Maybe in time. For now, he was very satisfied with this, with feeling wanted, and loved, and warmed.

She had to break the kiss to breathe and did so with a small gasp, turning her head slightly to the side. Her breath, quick and uneven, ghosted along the skin of his neck.

"This is real, isn't it," she whispered. "I'm not dreaming this."

Loki smiled. "If it is a dream, I'm sharing it. But I think either one of us could come up with something better than being trapped in a closet. And that terrible music." He kissed her lightly on the cheek, then on the temple.

He dropped his hand to her neck, gently touching her skin, marveling at it, really. He traced a little circle with one fingertip, like a target, and placed a light kiss on top of it.

"I've been a bit lost without you," he murmured.

Rogue gasped when he kissed her in that targeted area, the movement of her hand on his neck temporarily going still. Instinctively, she tilted her head in a wordless plea for more.

"Flatterer," she accused softly. It was hard to believe anything she had said or done would have that much of an influence upon this man. And after all - he hadn't remembered either. The hand against his neck dragged slowly down his spine until it came to rest on the small of his back. She pressed against him there, wanting to feel him closer.

Edited 2012-11-12 07:34 (UTC)

He was happy to give her more, kissing a slow, hot line down her neck to her shoulder, where he delicately nibbled at her skin.

"I am," he said, smiling against her shoulder. "But that is no flattery... 'tis simple truth." He laughed. "I've found it difficult to resist my more paranoid urges without someone to... ah... slap some sense into me."

The broad V-neck of her sweater made the exploration of his lips squirm-worthy by the time he'd found fabric a barrier between his teeth and her shoulder. Rogue shivered, loving how that felt, and suddenly finding her shirt a burden indeed.

It was hard to concentrate on the conversation when she could feel the heat his lips had left behind. Her voice, when she managed to speak, was utterly distracted, "That doesn't sound good."

"Mmm," he agreed. Loki seemed more intent on exploring the area around her collar, following the tempting dip of that 'V', than answering the implied question.

He drew his thumb down her spine again, to the hem of her shirt, twiddling with it for a moment by way of warning, asking for permission. Then he slipped his hand under, sighing at the feeling of more skin, warm and smooth against his fingers.

"Ah--" she said eloquently, the curve of her spine following the caress of his thumb and pressing against him more severely. Her head dropped backwards as well, giving him more room to explore as he made use of the cut of her shirt.

Once again, almost as in her memory, the sensation of his bare hand against her back made her arch wildly and Rogue gripped on to him as she gave a low, brief cry of pleasure.

Loki smiled against her skin, fingers going tight against her back as he simply held on to her for a moment.

He pressed a kiss at the very bottom of her collar, then gave that same location a teasing little flick of his tongue.

"Your shirt," he said, straightening slightly to place another kiss on her neck, "is interfering with me rather badly. It may come to a fight, and I've never been defeated by an article of clothing yet."

[There's a wall there, or is that someone else? Or is this the wall, and that's someone else? That's most definatly the wall. That's a person.]

Hello?

[There's the sound of creaking leather and a grumble]
Dammit... I know I had a lighter in here somewhere...

The voice is male, and it clears its throat rather pointedly. "Actually, I think I'm kinda more comfortable with the lights off right now."

Stop touching me. [ whoever this man is, he sounds supremely irritated...-- wow is that a stick in his pocket or is he just happy to see (or not) you? ]

Oi! That is me, not the door or -

[Bang. Well, that would be the wall there, wouldn't it? See where a few drinks got one?]

Where is the door?

"Sorry!" She said, reeling her hand back in. "Well if I knew that, I wouldn't be in here groping you, would I?" She pointed out. "You wouldn't happen to have a torch on you, would you?"

"I don't know! Would you?"

Luckily, that distrustful look from him can't be seen.

"Where am I? Feels like my closet. Why would I be in my closet? I didn't need anything from there. Where-?"

Those rattles and bangs were probably not good news. Or the falling clothing from the shelf above.

"A torch? Not exactly. I think I dropped my- it's around here somewhere."

"No." She said in a very offended tone. She felt something heavy fall onto her head. A coat? It felt like a coat. "Well if it feels like your closet, wouldn't you know where the bloody door is?" She asked impatiently. She didn't like being in here, it felt too constrictive and in all honesty it brought back some bad memories.

Oh my god, what did I just bump into? Is anyone else in here?

"Yes. And that was my toe."

Sorry. I can't see anything in here. Where's the light?

"Uh... I have no idea. If we find the walls..."

Crap, let's see if we can do this without tripping each other or falling.

A nod. And then the realisation that it'c completely dark. "Good plan."

Finding a door might be helpful too. [Starts feeling around for a light switch or door nob.]

"Also good." Getting out was very muchly on his to-do list.

[He reaches around until his hands brush against the light switch.]

Okay, dude, so I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?

That's enough to make his breath hitch with unease. "Bad news?"

The light switch doesn't work.

"You--You're kidding right?" Did it just get stuffy in here? "Okay. Okay. It's... And... the good news?"

Uh, the good news was just that I found the light switch. You were supposed to ask for the good news first.

"Nobody asks for the good news first." He can feel the way panic is setting in at this knowledge and forces himself to remain calm. "We... Then the door. We need to find the door."

Let's hope the door doesn't just lead to more darkness. [He pauses.] Are you okay?

"Let's hope that hoping is enough." A beat. "Hm. Yeah. Fine."

Even if it's dark out there, there has to be light switch somewhere. We just need to be careful.

"I'd settle with light of any kind at the moment."

There must not be any windows in here. The light from the moon would make things so much easier.

"Knowing where 'here' is would also be helpful."

Wait, you don't know where we are? How did we even get here?

"No and I don't know? Do you have any clue where we are?"

I have no idea. I think someone knocked me out and dumped me here, so I guess we better hope we're not trapped here.

"This just gets worse and worse. You okay?"

Yeah, I'm good. My head hurts a little but it's not like it's the first time this has happened. I just want to get out of here. This is so not how I wanted to spend my night.

"Okay. Alright. As long as you're good we can... We can find a way out of here. Right?"

ooc: this was meant to post last night :/ sorry!

Yes, definitely. This isn't even close to the worst situation I've found myself in. We'll be okay.

ooc: Don't worry about it! Happens to me sometimes too ♥

"I've been in worse, too. I just... really don't want to be in this one."

We'll get out of here. We just need to find the door. I am a little... worried about what we'll find when we get out though. I don't suppose you can fight? Because there's a chance we'll need to do that when we get out of here and to tell you the truth, I'm not great at it.

"I'll be able to try. Even with my..." He pauses, realising he could give too much away if he words it badly. "Even with my height advantage... I'm no Jet Li."

Height advantage? Seriously? I don't suppose you also have the advantage of gretting growly and fangy once month too, huh? Because that would be a lot more helpful right now. [He doesn't even care if he gave too much away. If it's not someone who knows about that stuff, then they'll just laugh it off anyway. If it is, then well, he just hopes it's not a hunter.]

"Um..." His first reaction is to panic, because he could be trapped in a dark room with a hunter. And then he realises that there's a distinct lack of eery calm that seems to accompany them and he relaxes. "Yeah. In a worse case scenario situation, I may be able to use that advantage."

Okay, awesome. Then we might actually stand a chance at getting out of here alive. [He starts feeling around the room again.] I just wish we knew who brought us here, so we could make a plan.

"Unless it's the Alpha pack out there. I won't be able to take on one, let alone a pack of them." He shuddered slightly at the thought, knowing that they would plow through him and his companion with ease. "Be careful, stay alert and stay together. It's our best option."

Woah, hold on, Alpha pack?! What alpha pack? [He stops searching the room and stands there, frowning into the darkness.] I thought Derek was the only Alpha around here. Unless you count his uncle. Is he still an Alpha? Did they start a new pack? Is this something I should be worrying about?

"Yeah. Like an entire pack of... Wait, no one told you?" Oops. "Peter isn't an Alpha. And no, they didn't. And... yes. Most likely."

No. No one told me. And no one told Scott either. You know, stuff like this is exactly why Scott doesn't want to be in Derek's pack. [He sighs.] Explain the Alpha pack. Who are they? What do they want? Why didn't anyone tell us about them?

"I just told you all I know. All we." His sigh echoes the other and he leans back against the wall behind him. "They went by the house, left their mark on the door. Peter said it was an entire pack made up of Alphas and that they were the reason Derek was in such a rush to build up his own pack. They're coming for Derek."

Yeah, but how long have you known about this? [He frowns, growing more uneasy the more he hears.] That sounds really, really bad. And I'm sorry, but it's obvious Derek has no idea what he's doing. I don't see how a pack of teenage betas are going to be any help to him against a pack of Alphas.

"Since after the fight with Gerard, after Jackson became a wolf." Sighing, he shakes his head, despite knowing it isn't visible. "We'll figure it out. We did before, with the Kanima. We'll figure it out." There's a hint of defensiveness in his tone, but he doesn't bother trying to stomp it down.

Dude, that was forever ago! Does Jackson know about this? And how will you figure it out? Is Derek going to start biting random teenagers again?

"No, he doesn't. And I don't know. But we will. Somehow, we will." He scowls. "I doubt it."

[He rolls his eyes.] Well, if he does decide to go on another biting spree, maybe you should suggest he try adults with useful jobs instead of high school students.

A growl rolls in his chest slightly and he shoves away from the wall. "Drop it."

[He backs away from the growl.] Fine, fine, but don't come crying to Scott for help if he messes up again.

"You all need to give him a break. There's no manual on how to be an Alpha, no 'Alpha for Dummies' book. And he has no one to teach him. We're all learning. You guys just need to ease up on 'you're failing' shit." He knows its the innate urge to defend and protect his Alpha that causes the outburst, and he doesn't bother to stop.

Yeah, you know what? No. Maybe we'd be more inclined to give him a break if he'd stop messing up. The whole kanima thing? Only happened because he bit Jackson in hope of killing him. His answer to everything is murder and half the time he doesn't even need proof that it's necessary before getting all kill happy. And I don't buy that he had no one to teach him. He was born a werewolf and his sister was an Alpha, so he has no excuse for being this clueless.

[He'll just take another step back just in case.] We'll ease up when he starts using his brain and stops putting our friends in danger.

"Jackson deserved it." Not the Kanima thing. "He's a selfish dick who thinks of no one but himself. His own issues are what made him the Kanima, not the bite. And so what that his sister was Alpha. She was meant for it, she was trained. Not him." He knew the argument was weak and, at this point in time, hugely inappropriate, but his instincts to defend had kicked in and he wasn't backing down.

"Can we not argue over my Alpha and just get on with getting out of here?" The anger mixed with the fear that was still present in his mind was making it harder for him to keep control and he could already feel the way his claws bit at his palms, and was sure his eyes were flashing gold.

Dude, I'm not exactly Jackson's biggest fan myself, but he didn't deserve that. Yeah, Jackson has issues, but he's a teenager. Derek's an adult and he should have known better. He's really no better than Jackson. Do you think all the people the kanima hurt or killed deserved it too? Because that's partially Derek's fault too, whether you want to believe it or not. And he should have learned by watching her, by seeing how she handled things. Hell, I'm not even a werewolf and I could do better than him. Some things are just common sense.

[He sighs and starts feeling around the wall again, putting as much distance between them as he can.] Fine. I just want to get out of here and figure out who took us.

"I never said that I thought they deserved it. We're remembering my dad was one of those people? But Jackson sat by and let those things happen to me. Forgive me if I can't find it in myself to give a shit what happened to him."

There's a mirrored sigh and he just leans back against the wall, hands over his head and focuses on his breathing.

So is that the real issue here? Jackson sitting by and doing nothing while you got hurt? Because it still doesn't mean he deserved what happened, but at least your issues with him make now.

He takes another step back, but this time trips and falls to the floor with a humiliating thud. "Wow, I am so glad you couldn't see that."

"He knew exactly what was happening to me, what happened in that house. And he just pretended there was nothing going on. Jackson is the reason Jackson became the Kanima. And it was Matt that controlled him, made him kill. All Derek did was give Jackson what he wanted." Even if it had been, as Stiles said, with the hopes that it would kill him.

"But I can hear it."

ooc: It isn't like they haven't figured it out! :D Isaac gave away clues, and logically, he'd be able to see well enough in the dark... and he'd know Stiles' scent :D

A lot of people ignore situations like that and they shouldn't, especially teenagers. But the kanima thing? Still wasn't his fault. Derek did what he did because he wanted to kill a teenage boy. A douchey teenage boy, yes, but a teenage boy nonetheless. He holds almost as much responsibility for what happened as Matt.

[He sighs.] Yes, yes, and I'm sure it's hilarious.

ooc: Exactly! Stiles figured out it was Isaac a while ago and along with his scent, Stiles gave away a lot of clues himself. =)

"I'm not talking about this anymore. Just drop it." It was becoming more and more apparent that they weren't going to agree with each other on the topic and Isaac didn't want to sit around and fight over it when they should be working on getting out of there.

"How's your ass?"

ooc: Calling him 'dude' constantly... lol!

You've said that before and kept right on talking about it. But fine, dropping it now.

[He slowly gets up, brushing himself off before finding the wall again.] Thanks for asking, man. My ass is great. Probably because I landed on my side instead of my ass.

ooc: lol I thought that might end up giving it away.

"Not the point."

Isaac chuckles then, shaking his head despite the fact that Stiles can't see it. "Sorry man. But... really? How are you still alive?"

ooc: Haha.

If you say so.

[He makes a face in the direction of Isaac's voice.] Because I'm smart and when it's not completely dark, I'm not this clumsy.

"Right." He takes a moment to think, leaning back against the wall once more. "Hey. Do you have your cell phone? We could just try... calling Derek?" Or he could howl? But if the Alpha's were around anywhere, that would attract them too. No, phone calls were good.

[He can't believe he didn't think of using his cell phone earlier. He reaches into his pocket and pulls it out.] We're not calling Derek. I don't have his number and this is probably his fault anyway. We're calling Scott.

"Really? Scott's probably too busy pining over his psycho girlfriend. Call Derek." At least the Alpha would actually show up when called. "I know his number."

Scott isn't even dating Allison anymore. I'm going to call him, not Derek. I don't trust Derek not to make the situation worse.

"He's not going to make it worse. He'll stand a better chance than Scott if it is the Alphas."

He always makes things worse. And he's constantly getting his ass kicked. Even more now than when he was just a beta. I think I'd rather take my chances with Scott.

[ All right...it could be a worse situation. There could be..ninjas or something. There's a loud crash and a few swear words.]

Who the hell puts a chair there! Hello?

Hello? What was that?

It's called a voice and a sore ankle. Did you turn the lights off?

No. The power must be out or something.

Charming. This is why I hate the public school system.

If you hate it so much, then what exactly are you doing here?

He's cute, short and wears a bowties a lot, ring a bell? I was looking for him. Not my fault your lights a'nt on and people are putting chairs everywhere.

Oh, so cute, short, wears bowties a lot and isn't remotely interested in you. Yes, it does ring a bell. Have you really resorted to stalking? Good to know you're keeping it classy and sane.

...Oh good. So your someone who hates me. That narrows it down to the entire glee club then. If you must know, I'm not here to sleep with him. I'm here to talk to him about...his situation with Kurt.

Everyone here hates you. And he no longer has a situation with Kurt. It's over. If he actually wanted you, I'd say that you could have him.

...And suddenly you're all shining beacons of friendship. Look, if Blaine had come to me to cheat. You'd have more then enough reason to hate the both of us. As it is...

Blaine is your friend and he's upset. I'm here because I've been in his place.

I hate you because of everything you pulled last year. I have plenty of reason to hate the both of you right now, even if the reasons aren't related.

And Blaine isn't my friend. He isn't my anything anymore. But hey, while you're here, you can do him a favor by telling him to stop texting, stop calling, emailing and sending DVDs. It's like he's taking lessons from you on how to be pathetically desperate.

...Wait. Kurt?

And hey, I'm not desperate. The simple fact neither of you fell for my little tricks sort of proved to me that two of you care about each other. If I had it my way we would have had a fun little threesome back at my estate.

He made a mistake. He's more then a little depressed. At least answer a call.

Oh, so you finally got it?

You can have all the threesomes you want with him and Eli. You don't seem picky, so I'm sure you won't mind a random hookup from facebook.

He's not the only one hurting and I don't owe it to him to answer his calls. All I want is for him to leave me alone so I can try to move on. If he cared about me or how I felt at all, he'd give me some space. Besides, he obviously has your shoulder to cry on.

It's dark in here. I recognize you without some outrageous jacket on.

Eli really isn't that pretty compared you. So, no. Say what you want about my hook ups Kurt. They're properly all true.

Blaine's not the guy to simply cheat or he would have with me when I was trying to get him. He had his reasons, not saying they're all right but can you honestly say that if you had..temptation in front of you while you two have been separated. That you'd turn it down without a shadow of a doubt. And if you say yes. You'd be lying. Loneliness doesn't bring out the best in anyone.

You should have recognized my voice much sooner.

I wouldn't know. I haven't seen the guy and I have no desire to.

I know Blaine's reasons and they're a huge part of why I want nothing to do with him. He's the one who told me to go, and yeah, maybe we didn't talk as much once I started working at Vogue, but I had that job for only a week before Blaine decided cheating seemed like a good idea. And yeah, there's temptations. My coworker is hot and I think he might like me. But he isn't Blaine and I take my promises seriously. And if I had cheated, I would have taken responsibility. I wouldn't have blamed him for it like he did me.

So defend him all you want, but you're not helping his case. You don't know as much about what went down as you think.

You're right. I should have, I almost miss the sparing. To be fair, I had the pain of my ankle to distract me.

Blaine made the effort to go to someone you didn't know. He made the effort to tell you when you might have never found out. He didn't come to me to do it because he knew it would hurt you.

You're right. I properly don't know anything about the situation or what went down. And I'm the last person to know how a relationship should work. The one thing I have been is the other man more then once. He's not happy Kurt. He's not proud.

[ Sebastian blinked as the lights suddenly turned on.] Thank god for Obama.

Are you alright?

He didn't make the effort of talking to me instead of going to someone else. Him going to you honestly wouldn't have been any worse than this as far as I'm concerned. He knew what he was doing and I'll be damned if I give him credit just for admitting he did it. You must really think I'm a doormat if you think I'll buy that he made any effort at all in anything he's done in the last couple months. I've always been the one in the relationship to make an effort. Another reason it's probably good we're not together anymore.

Good. He shouldn't be happy and he shouldn't be proud. He screwed up and hurt me and then tried to blame it on me. The only thing he should be is leaving me alone. Because I'm not taking him back, so the most he can hope for is fixing our friendship eventually. Which won't happen if he doesn't give me space.

[Kurt winced as he tried to adjust his eyes to the sudden light.] It's about time.

I'll be fine, it might bruise but...I'll be fine.

I never thought I've standing here trying to convince you to actually stay with Blaine. Fine. I'm done. I tried and clearly I failed. Yogi can yell at me later.

Look. I wanted you as much as I wanted Blaine and you both shot me down. He was weak. It happens. I'm just saying...don't be so hard on him Kurt.

Are you sure? If you need help to your car...

I don't understand why you'd try to talk me into staying with him anyway. This was what you wanted. You've won. You can have him. Just don't expect to have a life of your own or be even the slightest bit successful if you want to keep him.

You didn't want me. All you ever did was insult me and try to blind me. Anyway, I'll be as hard on him as I want until he backs off. I don't owe it to him to make things easy, but he does owe it to me not to harass me at all hours of the day and night. We're over and I don't have to talk to him if I don't want to. My life is stressful enough without him adding to it.

That's sweet of you but lets face it. You'd rather die then touch me.

Because it's not winning if he doesn't actually want me Kurt. The person he wants is you. And strangely enough, what he wants suddenly matters. Everything that Yogi...David...tried to do woke me up a little. It's not a victory if Blaine's depressed.

For the last time the rock salt was for your clothes. Not your eyes. I was aiming it at your chest not your head. I checked out your ass more then once, so that that as you will. You were a hot boy, the only reason I went after Blaine as hard as I did was because I saw him as a prize.

....Fine. Congrats on your job. By the way.

You may not be my favorite person but that doesn't mean I'd risk you hurting yourself even more trying to get out of here on your own.

That's strangely nice of you. Unfortunately, what he wants doesn't really matter to me at the moment. He can't have me. But I'm sure he'll get over it soon enough and you'll have your shot at him.

Wait, so Blaine's a prize but I wasn't? Seriously? He may have the looks and maybe even the talent, but I'm the one with the brain and the personality. Not that someone like you can appreciate that.

Thank you. It turns out this job was the best thing to ever happen to me. Well, that and my huge apartment.

I'll think I'll be fine. Provided the floor doesn't fall away or something. Though, knowing this school, anything is possible.

Wow. You're really unforgiving. It's almost an impressive level of unforgiving. Props. Again. Picking up the shattered pieces of your lovelife would have been a little while ago. Not so much now.

Are you really actually that annoyed I didn't go after you more? And please Hummel. You have no idea what I'd appreciate. Look, you're attractive, even by Dalton standards. But Blaine was talked up to me, he had a connection to the group and I met him first. And I'd heard a few rumors about the size of his cock. That's the reason he was the prize and not you. It certainly didn't mean you weren't on the list.

No doubt you'll be creating the next fashion house in a year.

Edited 2012-11-11 12:44 (UTC)

This school isn't that bad. Most of the time.

I don't have to be forgiving. I don't know where you get the idea that I owe him anything. I might be more inclined to play nice if he wasn't borderline harassing me.

Not really, no. I just don't buy that you went after me at all. I think you just wanted my boyfriend and that's it. Also, those rumors about his size? They aren't true. He's average. He's not the god you all like to treat him as, but by all means, keep kissing his ass and putting him on a pedestal. Just don't get too upset when reality kicks you in the ass.

Oh god, wouldn't that be amazing? But I'm going to try to get into NYADA again next year, so... [He shrugs.]

Are you sure? I'm pretty sure a bunch of rats a few rooms over plotting to take over the west hall. Or were those students?

Hey, all I know is that he cheated and walking around with the saddest looking bowtie ever. I just wanted to help.

Fine, I did'nt put as much effort in as I could have with you. I'll admit that. He's average? That's a shame. Dalton boys really talked him up. Wow you are really angry.

I would'nt mind wearing a Kurt Hummel, if it was something in jet black. You're really going to try for the school again when you have a great chance to do something else? Besides. Cassandra is'nt all that fantastic.

That was probably just the hockey team. I won't deny they're rat-like though.

If you really want to help him, tell him to leave me alone for a while. And if you want to help me, you won't tell him that I'm here.

I'm okay with you not putting as much effort in with me. It never would have gotten you anywhere anyway. And how would the Dalton boys even know? I'm the one who slept with him. Did they stare at him in the locker room and decide he was more impressive than he was? Because that's a little creepy. And yes, I'm angry. I'll take being angry over being depressed any day.

Oh, I could work wonders with jet black. And honestly... I'm not sure. My boss thinks I should start seriously considering going into fashion and the longer I work at Vogue... I don't know, being there makes me feel so alive. [He pauses.] Wait, you know about Cassandra?

That would explain why they kept calling each other "bro.".

Wait. Why are you here anyway? I thought you'd left this hell hole for good.

Well, it might have not gotten me anywhere. But it would have been fun. I have no doubt you're certainly a looker when your naked. Like I said. It was a rumor. They talked Blaine up as the great and hot leader when I got there. I have no idea if he is because I've never seen him. And how they know...I don't have a clue. Angry is better then depressed. I guess.

Just make it nothing a male Gaga would wear and I might even commission it. You're boss is right. The stage is great but it's fleeting and you have a chance to do something fun. You're like Ann Hathaway in that movie. [ He's just going to give him a look at that.] Of course I do. My parents were at her failure of a performance.

Oh, that could have been the football team too, then. Or random male members of glee club.

I'm only here to see my brother. I waited until he called to tell me Blaine went home before coming to the school.

I probably would have hated you less if you had pursued me as much as you pursued Blaine. Maybe I would have seen you as the weird, pervy friend I always shoot down. And those boys hero worshiped Blaine. It probably would have been sweet, but since it pretty much guaranteed no one else would have a solo, it was a little annoying when I was there. And anger is much better. I can work with anger.

Hey, I can do more than one style! Much like my talent, my taste in clothing is pretty eclectic. And I guess I have a lot of thinking to do when it comes to fashion versus Broadway. I believe the movie you're referring to is the Devil Wears Prada. [He winces.] Cassandra has been making Rachel's life miserable. I wouldn't take that class unless I absolutely had to.

Well it wasn't that hot blond from you're group. So might be one of the others.

Sneaky, that's a new side of you.

Please, as if you could turn me down. They still worse him, though, I have to admit he's better then our new esteemed leader. You should see his white cat.

Careful you might just shocked me. More than one style? I'd know which one I'd choose if I had your talent. That's the one.She makes everyone life miserable.

Sam? Yeah, I guess he's hot. But it was probably the hockey team.

It's nothing new. I've always been sneaky. I just toned it down a bit when I got together with Blaine.

Oh, I wouldn't have had a problem turning you down. I bet it would have been the easiest thing I've ever done. Wait, aren't you the Warblers leader? Did they make you step down?

Of course more than one style. You should see how I made Rachel over. She looks amazing these days. All because of me. And well, Isabelle too. And I wish Cassandra would stop being so horrible to Rachel all the time. Rachel's talented. Probably the most talented student she has.

Not your type? Prefer the skinny twink look?

What do you know, looks like your more interesting then I thought.

I can be very charming Kurt. And...no. No I'm not. Lets just say some of the boys had a few problems with my leadership style. So when Hunter challenged me...I didn't exactly have the votes.

How is it you sound more excited about fashion then the possibility of going to NYDNA next year? I think you found your answer. Ah. And no offense to baby Streisand but...she's probably not the most talented on there. Welcome to New York.

Oh, no, he's definitely my type. I used to have a crush on him. For like, a week.

See? If you'd gotten to know me, you'd have known how interesting I was.

I guess I've never seen your charming side. Was their issues with your leadership style about the fact that you guys lost? Because you would have lost no matter who lead you and your performance was actually pretty good. Is this Hunter guy any good?

I don't know. It's kind of weird, isn't it. This wasn't where I expected end up a year ago or even a few months ago, but it feels... amazing. And Rachel might not have as much experience as the rest of them, but she's the most talented person I have ever met and I think out of all them, she has the best shot at becoming something great.

I can see why. He's quite...distracting.

This me trying to get to know you now. And you know, licking my wounds.

That you didn't. No, they didn't have an issue with the fact we lost, though Hunter pointed that fact out as well. I think they still had some...resentment about the rock salt thing. And how I treated Blaine. Always a Warbler and all that.

I actually know what you mean, I applied for Harvard. So, in a few months I'll be in your place. Which, is a little scary. Well, say what you will about her performance. People who come out of her class and that school. They certainly hit it big time.

He's also straight.

Out of the two of us, I'm not sure you're the one who needs to lick his wounds.

Too bad, huh? And I'm not sure the Warblers are in a position to judge you for what happened to Blaine. They walked away while he was on the floor screaming in pain. His so-called friends. The blame for that doesn't rest solely on your feet. And I guess that once a Warbler, always a Warbler crap didn't extend to me, huh?

Harvard is a really good school. I hope you get in, but make sure you have backup schools. I'd probably be in school with now if I had been smart enough to apply to more than one school. And they must not hit it that big, considering last year was the first Rachel and I even heard of that school. We were originally going to apply to Juilliard.

And suddenly I see why your crush ended.

I thought you'd be too proud for that.

To be fair, they had no idea it was rock salt in the slushie. While they went along with some of the plan. They didn't go though with all of it. Don't judge them too harshly. Actually it did. I sort over overruled that by saying you stole Blaine from our team. Sorry.

My father went to Harvard and my grandfather and his father. So I have a legacy thing going. It's doubtful I won't get in. You were going to apply to Julliard that lacks a musical theater department?

That's not why my crush him ended. I was supposed to duet with him, but Finn told me I was being selfish so I backed out and got over him.

Considering I'm the one going through a break up, it's not something I can just deny.

But they knew you were going to slushie me and they knew about my past with bullies, so I'm going to judge them as harshly as I want. They have brains and they don't need your help to make their own decisions. And I didn't steal Blaine from them. He's capable of making his own decisions. But even if I had, they ended up proving how much better off Blaine was at McKinley, with New Directions.

Legacy thing or not, have a back up plan. And yeah, I know. Rachel and I didn't do as much research on Juilliard as we should have.

Sounds like a story, at the very least you didn't waste to much time on a straight guy.

One of the reasons I so rarely date. To messy.

I know, I know. We were a safe harbor from bullying that ended up being bully ourselves. Still, anything I did isn't as bad as Hunter. Or at least I think so. I think at the end of the day I was crappy leader anyway. Being at the back and dancing has it's perks. Get to look at Jeff's ass.

My father wouldn't let me have a back up plan? You wanna hear the great Smythe plan? Pass the bar, become a lawyer. Own a Manhattan apartment, which luckily I already do. Become senior partner by twenty-five, thirty at the latest. Big a big shot corporate lawyer. The end. Anything that moves away from that, he's less then thrilled about.

Crushing on straight guys never ends well for me.

I have a feeling I won't be dating again for a while either.

What's wrong with this Hunter guy? Not talented enough? Ugly? Did the cat shed on your clothes? And isn't Jeff dating Nick or was that just a rumor?

...Do you want to be a lawyer? Do you want all those things? I mean, if you do, great, but ultimately the decision is yours. If you want to move away from that, you should be able to.

It never ends well for anyone. Well, maybe the six-pack rule. But that only works in certain situation.

No love in New York?

Oh, he's talented. The cat's evil, really evil. It's hard to explain. You might see him one day and see. And on, they're dating. I caught them making out in common room the other day. Doesn't mean that blond doesn't have a fantastic ass.

That's not exactly in the cars. My "decision" I mean. You've never met my father. But, being a rich lawyer does let me woo a lot of guys, I still have the freedom to live my life in a way I'm use to. So I can't complain.

What's the six-pack rule?

Blaine and I have only been broken up a month. Where would I have found the time to find new love?

Hm, I hope this Hunter guy doesn't think the Warblers have a chance against New Directions, even if glee club's most talented performers have graduated. Wait, so they're really dating? Were they dating when I was still there?

If that's how things are, then I hope you can learn to love being a lawyer. Don't settle just because you think you have to.

In theory it's about sleeping with a straight guy. After six beers a straight guy will do anything. Let you blow them. Etc. They become a little more..loose with there morals. While still being sober enough to know what they're doing.

It's New York Kurt. The city moves quickly over broke hearts.

I think the plan is to get Blaine back. From the last meeting at least. As far as I know they're been making out in closets as long as anyone can remember.

My worlds a little different from yours Kurt. Plans are something you can just move away from. Even if you want too.

That's... disgusting. Why would you want to sleep with a straight guy? I mean, let's be real, if they sleep with another guy, all the beers in the world won't change the fact that they're at least a one or a two on the kinsey scale.

Yeah well, it can't move fast enough for me.

Wow, are you serious? Getting Blaine back won't help you guys win. Not when you have the kind of talent New Directions has. And I can't believe I never caught them. I should have been paying more attention.

Why not?

I guess there's some appeal in knowing that you made a straight guy come harder then he's ever been before. Give him a time to question his sexuality.

Time heals all wounds Kurt. Or the saying goes.

Oh please. You're gone, that uppy blond is gone. Franklin is gone. That talent you got to replace you lot has to be good.

Because when you're in the one percent. You don't get as much freedom as you'd think.

But if that happened, then they probably aren't completely straight and they'd be right to question their sexuality.

Yeah, well let's hope that saying is right.

They have Unique, Tina, Artie, Marley and Jake. And no matter what the Warblers do, New Directions will still have Blaine too. If you guys want to win, you need to work on improving the singers you already have.

That's... depressing.

But they might have never had the chance unless you did it? I don't know? I don't really go for straight guys myself.

Normally I'd say get drunk and have a one night stand. But you don't seem the type.

We'll see. Won't we? Can't tell you all our secret plans Hummel.

Only a little. Gotta live up to the Smythe name.

The only straight guy I was really into was Finn. That didn't end the way I had hoped.

That's because I'm not the type.

I don't need to know your secret plans to know you'll lose. I'm more worried about Vocal Adrenaline.

Well, you have fun with that. If you can.

Wait. The tall one? Seriously?

Ah. See, read you well.

The lack the star power they had in Jesse Saint James and you stole their...well, latest start. It'll be fine.

I have fun. you might not agree. But I have fun.

[Well, at least he didn't say 'your brother? seriously?'.] Yes, but that was forever ago.

That was a first.

Let's be honest here, the Warblers have never had a chance to beat New Directions and they never will. You're just going to have to hope you guys compete against someone else next year.

Good. As long as you enjoy it, I guess that's what matters.

[ That would have been a easy shot. But besides, not like he bothered to learn Kurt's family and who was in it.] Makes sense.

You think?

You never know. Blaine might come back to us. We might win. Nothing is certain. Though, you always did have confidence in your little team.

Don't pretend like you care if I enjoy it or not. Last time I checked, you did'nt really care for me.

Thank god I got over him.

[He shrugs.] You were less than perfect at reading me in the past.

I highly doubt that. Blaine has a million reasons not to come back to you guys and even if he did, it wouldn't make difference. I have very good reasons to be so confident in my former team.

You're not so bad when you stop sucking up to Blaine. And I don't dislike you enough to want you to end up doing something that doesn't make you happy.

Oh for fuck's-- [There's a clatter as he bumps into something and causes it to fall over.] Whatever that was I hope it wasn't breakable or expensive.

You should probably be feeling your way around carefully. I can't see to bandage your injuries.

Glass cuts are painful if infected.

Hey, I'm trying. It's really freaking dark though. I can't even see my hand in front of my face! -- I think that's my hand anyway.

Obviously. It's dark.
It's best to feel your way along a solid surface such as the floor or wall.

Careful.
[Of course, this would be the stranger masking their own fear of being in a dark, small room.]

As soon as I find a wall I'll do that. [And the second he says that? Bam. There's a wall.] Ow. Found one.

[There's a sigh.]

Idiot.
Next step is to find a door. You know, you turn the handle and it opens.

There is so no need for name-calling. I know what a door is, thanks.

[There's some less than pleasant muttering as he starts to feel his way along the wall.]

Why the hell aren't you looking -- er, feeling -- whatever?

I am.
I'm just being careful. I don't particularly want to cut my fingers on the glass vase you broke.

That was a vase? Huh. I still hope it wasn't expensive.

[Priorities, he has them.]

Hollow sound, long and narrow - hence a vase.
I haven't seen the rest of the house, I wouldn't know if it was expensive or not.

Have you found the door then?

[Feeling along the wall, hits a picture.]

I'd say we were in a study - which means there is most likely a desk in the center of the room, facing the door. Oh wonderful, things to trip over.

No. Does it sound like I found the door? Did I say, 'oh, yay, the door'?

[This is turning into a snark fest and it's totally not his fault.]

You mentioned bandaging my injuries. Are you a doctor?

I can't be a doctor if I don't have a certificate to be one. I am medically trained, but my friend is more qualified than I. I can bandage injuries if that's what you're asking.

Okay... [His hand brushes over a switch.] I think I just found a light switch. [Flip. Flip. Flipflipflip. Nothing happens.] A light switch that doesn't work. Awesome.

No power, obviously. [Continues along wall.]

No door here, either.

If this is a room without a door I'm going to break things on purpose. [Again, priorities. Still, he continues to feel his way along the wall.]

Here.

[He pushes on the handle, seeing if it will open. If it's locked he'll have to figure out if he has anything suitable in his pockets that can pick a lock in the dark. It might be bolted shut.]

[He stops.] Oh, yay, a door? Is it locked? [Please don't let it be locked!]

[Sounds like he's trying to prise the handle off.]

I'd rather not break the handle off but - it may be bolted from the inside.

[He starts working his way along the wall again, more surely this time.] If I had my phaser I could just melt through the damn thing but it's not on my belt. [Which is bothersome. Where'd his shit go?]

You used to have it then. Likely was confiscated from our person then. A phaser, you say?

An audio signal processing technique used to filter a signal by creating a series of peaks and troughs in the frequency spectrum - concentrating on one specific point.

A futuristic 'stun gun' of sorts.

[Nope, he doesn't know anything about that at all. Without all the facts, not proper to reach a conclusion.]

Yeah. It can do more than stun, though. [Uh-huh. It seems he knows a lot about phasers. He's sort of thrown by the 'futuristic' part.]

I meant futuristic from the time I'm from. It's in - ah - my friend's collection of films.

[Continues to feel his way around the lock.]

Appears to me to be some sort of freezer. I suppose we won't die as long as we don't contract Freon poisoning.

And what time are you from?

[He frowns at the mention of it being a freezer.]

Poisoning. Great. That's another thing I need.

Two-thousand twelve - I suppose everything in your world goes by "stardate" now?

[There might be a hint of scorn, followed by a thump. He disregards the statement about poisoning. There's more things to be concerned about than Freon poisoning. Dehydration for example.]

End table. Or something like that. No. It's a chest. Locked to - I don't have my tools to pick the lock in the door. If we had something small enough to fit into the hole - if it really is a freezer there is usually a safety feature a small notch that enables one to pop out the bar. Strange that there's furniture in here.

...yeah, but I know when twenty-twelve was. Sort of a low point in Earth's history. [He's still inching along the wall until he hits something -- and promptly realizes it's the other person.] Wow, you were way closer than I thought. I could have sworn we were in a study? Is it a freezer-study?

[That makes sense, really it does. He should probably just stop talking.]

Furniture stored in a freezer. Idiots. And because your weapon is gone, we've probably been put in in her for some purpose.

[He'll be trying to pick the lock again with something he's found on the floor, sliding into the small hole, hopefully the bar will pop out and they can escape. He doesn't much like the dark, and the air is getting suffocating.]

lights out

Doctor Who | OTA

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Ok. We better come up with a system. I'll be #2, since I tagged in first?

I'm #1, the original poster~

#2

Young Avengers | OTA

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Re: Young Avengers | OTA

SAILOR MOON | OTA

Anon as anon can be

RNG says 1. Oh god.

hehehehe

PUNK >[

DWEEB

BUTT

AHO

B-BAKA. IT'S NOT LIKE I LIKE YOU OR ANYTHING

THAT'S NOT WHAT YOUR SQUEALS TELL ME

THOSE AREN'T HAPPY SQUEALS, JERK

DON'T WORRY, THEY WILL BE SOON >8]

WHA. NO. NO THEY WON'T. BAD TOUCH.

/PINCH PINCH PINCH

/fsdhgkjhdfs SMACK. STOP IT. ;;

/nibbles fingers >)

4

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Re: Anon as anon can be

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you didn't actually see that ;-)

I saw nothing~

Then the beans have not been spilled...

/confused; I'm sorry if I missed a subtle book reference D|;;;

Just me making a reference to forgetting this was anon

l m f a o 3.

omg why. WHY, LOL.

because 8]

/slowly dies.............

grins~ 8]

/popcorn gifs

just cackles

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lmao revealed

FFFFFFFFFFFFF--

hee hee hoo hoo haa haa.

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Re: Anon as anon can be

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DC Comics

I'M ANON AND I KNOW IT

Rolled 3

Tales of the Abyss; men only, please.

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... stays on anon anyway