↳ Post your character with name, series, and preferences as the subject header. ↳ Reply to other characters, using the RNG (1-7) to choose a bath type from the list below. ↳ Characters bathe. Or other things involving a bath. Anything goes! ↳ Sex and/or triggery material may pop up in threads. Please be conscientious toward your fellow roleplaying buddies!
1. Bubble Bath ;
Here, the characters are sharing a humongous bubble bath with all the froth they can handle. The scent is delicious, the water is warm—go on, enjoy yourselves!
2. Shower ;
Perhaps not as fun as a bubble bath, but hey, at least it's built to accommodate two. Don’t slip!
3. Hot Tub ;
A whirlpool of warmth and—mm. Don't mind me. I'll just be sinking in.
4. Hot Springs ;
An outdoors bath is good, too, right? Or maybe this is part of a hotel. Either way, it sure is steamy.
5. Decadent Bath ;
There could be bubbles here, or maybe just those wonderful smelling oils and salts. Aww, yeah. This bath probably cost a small fortune, so you should enjoy it while it lasts.
6. Lake ;
In case the hot springs weren't rugged enough for you, here's an actual lake, complete with waterfall for all your rinsing pleasures.
[ Wouldn't like, Lydia or Allison or - you know. Anyone else not me be
No really guys I think this is a bad idea why would you make me-
Stiles tries at least sixteen different arguments against him being the one to do this, but Derek and Scott are watching Boyd and Cora, and Lydia's huddled away in her room with Allison and Isaac - well, okay, Isaac conveniently had somewhere else to be which means Derek had plunked his ass there with Erica's grime covered body, assured him, no, she wasn't dead, she just needed help, and Stiles hadn't been enough of a dick to say no.
Which left him endlessly grateful that his dad was out late tonight (not grateful for the reason, but he was Not Thinking About That) while he tries to figure out the best way to get Erica into the bath he's drawn without her clawing his face apart. Hell, he'd settle for her waking up at this point, because Derek had told him she was alive but the whole doing a really good impression of a corpse thing was wigging him out. Derek said she'd wake up soon enough, but-- Jesus.
Gingerly, Stiles hefts her up, doesn't slip, and carries her into the bathroom, settling her down on the tile while he stares at the bath, and at her.
God, he's gonna get clawed for this, he really is. Hesitantly, he dunks his hand in the water and flicks it at her face, cringing back instinctively. ]
Hey uh-- Erica? Erica, c'mon--
of course it's k!! :') sorry if this is a little depressing OOPS
[ She is alive, believe it or not, still stirring beneath her empty-looking flesh shell. Her inner wolf paws at her to get up, wake up, start fighting, start killing, feeding, drinking. It's hungry, and Erica is mean to serve those desires - or something. To be honest, she's too lazy, too broken and tired, to do anything other than ignore her burning insides with passive care for what it does to her human body. She's lost the ability to care about herself. She might as well be dead.
They had left her near dead, anyway. Wolfsbane in her system, causing several seizures on her part - that was her torture. There's throw up and saliva encrusted on her shirt and it smells awful and feels even worse. It's met with idle interest, though, because she feels like death and, to be honest, no scent is going to wake her up from that.
The sprinkle of water shocks her into a slight awakening, moving her head to one side, while shifting a knee up for her forehead to rest on. She looks a mess, but that's the least of her worries, to be honest. An ugly girl gone pretty, obsessed with her looks like her life depends on it, and now she wouldn't care if someone burned all her flesh off and cut her hair and ripped her to shreds. She feels like shit, might as well look it.
She groans. ]
Fuck off, Stiles.
[ But it's hardly threatening, given her current state. After a second, she loses herself and - watch out Stiles! - she's falling over. ]
[ He's really, really grateful that he doesn't have any way to smell this as keenly as the wolves do. He can't imagine this smells any kind of pleasant, and if it reeks to him, it's gotta smell worse to them.
Still, he'll take frat-party filth and vomit and everything else over corpse, so hey, we're doing pretty okay here.
Stiles licks his lips, jerking back when she starts to wake up and grabs the first thing he finds - a hairbrush, awesome. Yeah, that's gonna work. It gets tossed aside a moment later, when he jerks forward to grab her, and oh, god, auuuugh, it's on his shirt and he's totally not freaking out at the close proximity to her after seeing what the others were possibly capable of. Even if it was proved it wasn't them, he's still leery.
He hefts her up either way, hand gentle around her waist, and swallows, audible in the room. ]
See, you say that, but I'm actually trying to help here, and while I'm not y'know, expecting thanks, like, 45% cooperation would make this so much better.
There's a bath, it's still hot, I just- I mean, we can get you in with your clothes on, I guess, or like if you wanna turn and get outta what you're wearing and just put a towel on that--
[ SHUT UP STILES. ]
THEY ARE RARE and it's sad because erica is my absolute fav :'''''(
[ She wants to tell him not to care, to let her die and be miserable by herself. But words die on her lips, partly because she doesn't have the voice to speak, partly because... well, lying is going to take some effort. She doesn't want to be alone. She doesn't want to die. But it feels like that's what she deserves - like she's worthless in the moment.
There's a very, very halfhearted smile at his rambling. She's not worried about him seeing her naked - normally it would be because she's damn fine, but right now it's because she's so ugly, he's probably going to look away in disgust. It's fine - it's like before her transformation. She's actually painfully used to it, she doesn't expect any better. ]
Shut up.
[ Rather than waste the energy to take her shirt off, she just rips it off with a strong fist, tossing it on the floor away from Stiles. It was garbage anyway, there was no sense in keeping it. ]
... Is this your house?
[ She's desperate to say something - anything, apart from the obvious. Her shoes got lost somewhere along the way - she can't be bothered - and she struggles to get her pants off. Note to self: skinny jeans are no long a great decision on her part. ]
Edited 2013-06-18 05:57 (UTC)
i've been in this fandom like all of a month and rped stiles all of 2 comments so IDK WHAT'S RARE OR
[ Yep, there we go. Man, she must take lessons from Derek on how to sound so ballcrushingly serious and annoyed all at once. Stiles makes the motion of getting her a towel just in case, if not for now then for after, and then oh
Oh god
well there goes her shirt.
This is his life now. This is seriously his life now, what the hell is this even. ]
Uh. You--
[ No, you know, he's gonna just. Not. Instead, Stiles grits his teeth - he can face down dead bodies, he can face down face-eating wolves, he can face down Erica with her bra and jeans. There's no danger of getting turned on - he's too on edge for that; he's more just kind of dying at the idea of her just stripping out of everything even though that's what people do in baths. ]
Okay, easy, hang on -
[ his life. Stiles grabs for her hands gently, and steadies her, easing her up enough to shimmy out of her pants. His eyes stay firmly planted on the tub. ]
What-? Yeah, uh. Well, dad's but yeah. I'll give you the two cent tour after you're squeaky clean.
idk this fandom is weird. SCOTTS ARE KIND OF HARD TO FIND??
[ She's thankful for the help, even if she doesn't voice it - and never will. She's normally very proud on the fact that she doesn't need help, and now she's just... sort of pathetic. She needs help taking her pants off. There's no other word for that. ]
Like, two months ago, I would have killed to be in here.
[ His house, that is. Not his bathroom, covered in vomit, while he helps her bathe. Her little crush was something more of a Little Crush back then, and she'd sometimes just think about what life would be like if he just noticed her. Hanging out at his house which she had never seen. Going out to see movies she'd never been to. The like.
It's all wistful thinking, though. She didn't have a chance then - definitely not now, not that she wanted that chance anymore. Or something. It's hard to think about feelings with her insides scorching from pain and disgust and dirt. Erica stands, facing away from him on an angle and, shaky, ill fingers unclasp her bra without hesitation and it slips to the floor without a sound. Fingers hook around her panties and - maybe she gets a little sheepish here, but she's hardly in the mentality to act on it. She pulls them down, tossing them across the room, before turning to the tub.
She's shaky in her movement, like a drug addict, and she reaches out to stabilize herself on Stiles' arm. After feeling... somewhat okay, Erica takes the step into the bath, sinking herself beneath the water. ]
Ah.
OH nooo :( yeah i've seen a bazillion stiles journals and a few dereks, not a lot of the rest
[ Stiles can't help the deer in the headlights look that he gives her, something in his stomach clenching tight and unhappy, because he's fucked up something and he didn't even realize, didn't even know. Apologizing now really won't do any good, and he doesn't know how to begin talking about it, so he works on what he can fix.
Stiles keeps his eyes decidedly on the tile, and just holds onto her, keeps her steady with one large hand spread over her side, the other on her arm, and is an utter gentleman about it even if there are two spots of color on his cheeks. ]
I don't--
[ No, better not to touch that with a ten foot pole. Stiles eases her gently into the water and once she's settled, grabs his shower gel, shampoo, a wash cloth and a few towels - the nice ones his dad keeps for company, not the ones they use. Only when she's settled does he turn around, staring at the doorway, instead. ]
I mean this like, in the least creepy way possible, but, uh. Are you-- gonna be okay? On your own? I can hang out til you're good.
[ There's no way to make that not sound weird, but he means it - he's worried about her, and even if he's a little terrified it's not the end of the world, and he'd rather see her back to full badassery rather than-- well, the near-corpse that'd been dragged in. ]
yeah, but that's okay!!! everyone from this series is so great ah :')
[ She doesn't say it to hurt him - more to fill in the empty silence with some commentary. It was pretty inappropriate, distasteful, of her to say that though so. No hard feelings. She feels pretty much over it, anyway. Kind of. ]
Can't say I'd mind the distraction.
[ It's kind of weird to say - she doesn't want to be alone, not right now. She's more than a little bit terrified at what might happen when she's by herself, any kidnappings to tortures, or whatever memories her mind blocked out that would choose to resurface in solidarity. And she knows it's Stiles, and he's only human and can't do that much, but... he calms her, kind of. Makes her laugh, makes her happy. She likes when he's around.
It's weak fit after weak fit, she knows, Derek would probably scold her if he saw her now - but where was Derek? Why wasn't he taking care of her? She smiles sorrowfully to herself when she thinks of them "rock-paper-scissor"ing to see who got stuck with the trash job: watching the smelly girl bathe. ]
I'm having a fit of the blues if you can't tell. [ A hand lifts up out of the water, and she watches it drip out, taking the looser dirt and grime with it. ] It's fine if you're grossed out, though. I don't want to be anywhere near me, to be honest.
[ At least she's found her voice again..! ]
yes, i legitimately love everyone, aaaah. also i oughta sleep in a tag or two
[ Oh no, Erica uses guilt and it's super effective. Stiles plunks his ass down on the toilet, and only hazards a glance at her face, before looking away. ]
I can stay. Everyone else is up to their eyeballs in stuff, so you're stuck with me, I guess.
[ It sounds like an apology, even if he doesn't angle it as such. Stiles toes at the cold tile with his socks, his toe poking through a hole in them and he drags it over back and forth. ]
Hey, who wouldn't? It was-- I mean. No one thought the last few months were a walk in the park for you, y'know? [ Stiles prods at a loose piece of tile, and glances sideways at her, frowning. ] What? Nah, I've seen grosser. Have you been in the dude's locker rooms? Some of the crap guys keep in their lockers- trust me, Erica, you're all spring flowery goodness after a shower, I'm sure. Or, well - [ He snags the body wash, and snorts. ] Fresh mountain rain, goodness, I guess.
askjdhas yes me too about the love and the sleeping yes
I'll take fresh mountain rain goodness any day. Especially today.
[ For a little while, she just lifts different body parts up in the air, watching the black and the brown drip off them - like she'd forgotten the fair color of her skin. To be honest, she already feels infinitely better - her looks are surprisingly important to her, because she's been tot he ugly side and she doesn't want to go back. Seeing the real color of her skin just makes her all different shades of happy.
She holds her breath and dips under the water for a second, wiping the muck off her face first, because that was the most irritating. Wash cloth in hand, she scrubs her face down until she's removed three layers of skin - not really, but that's what it felt like with how much dirt was caked it.
Out of the corner of her eye, she see him toying with the tile and, huh, she starts feeling more like her old self. ]
You know, I told you looks are free. [ She smiles, she laughs. ] The least I can do it show you my tits as a 'thank you' you're not going to get.
[ Stiles nods sagely in agreement and stares a little harder at the tile on the ground, moreso when he can see her lifting her legs up out of the water. He doesn't think about them, doesn't think about any of that, because the dirt and grime and too-still body Derek had left him with had reminded him too much of -
No.
No, fuck that he was not going there, do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars.
It doesn't stop the wide-eyed look he gives her at the comment, eyes promptly jerking right back to the tile. ]
I don't want to-- I mean, don't get me wrong, mercilessly teasing me is a pretty clear indicator of you being back to normal, but I don't-- 'm okay. Really. The shower gel isn't good enough to use flashing as currency.
[ She smiles a bit to herself, letting the conversation lull into silence while she lifts her legs and arms, scrubbing them individually. That leaves her chest and... well, believe it or not she doesn't want to make it awkward for him. Even if she likes teasing him, that's a little far. So she faces the wall opposite of him, wiping the dirt off her front side.
... after a tasteful silence to let the funny drain out of the air, she does manage to say: ]
I was lying. Not about flashes - that's still on the table. But thanks for taking care of me - thank you. It means a lot.
[ She's been taken care of her whole life - by hospitals and parents, mainly. But Stiles didn't have to watch after her, nothing was keeping him here other than she asked, so it meant that extra mile more to her. ]
Now. Can you wash my back? Unless that sounds like a bad line.
Edited (i am so sorry all these edits aksjdh i messed it up again omg) 2013-06-18 07:13 (UTC)
[ Stiles snorts, for lack of anything else he can say, and plucks anxiously at the threads that are loose on his shirt, blunt fingernails catching.
She washes off a little more, and he debates offering to let her stand up, drain the water and refill it, but then that'll probably be cold and uncomfortable, and they can probably just stand her up in the shower, he supposes. ]
--what, hey, no, Erica. [ Stiles shakes his head, hair bouncing with the movement while his hands wave back and forth. ] It's okay, really. We're all just-- [ he stumbles over his words a little, like he's weighing them out, swallowing. ] Everyone was really worried. Even Derek, y'know?
[ And then that last bit hits, and he glances over quickly. ]
I can't- are you being serious or just messing with me. This is a totally valid question.
[ It swells her heart just a little bit to know people were worried about her - which is kind of horrible, because worrying is a bad feeling. But it means people care about her, which is all she's ever really wanted from anyone. Someone to like her and send her flowers when she goes to the hospital and visit her from time to time. That's the dream.
She likes to think Stiles was worried, even if he didn't explicitly say. Her mind falls back into it's old habits, old crushes, old dreams she used to have together with him. Sure it was stupid, but she's allowed to be a little stupid, she thinks. If only for a few moments of her life.
She laughs and - call me crazy, but is that some pink on her cheeks? Must just be the heat of the water, yep. Erica brings some of her now-brighter locks to the front so she has something to twirl around in her nervous fingers. Gosh, she's lame. ]
I'm serious, I can't reach it. [ She looks over to him and smiles, brightly. Never say a bath isn't a good pick-me-up! ] But if it's weird, you don't have to.
it's okay. i am crashing but i will tag at work tomorrow. :)
That's like, 90% of my life right now. This is like a four on the weirdness scale, okay.
[ Stiles grins, sheepish and tired, because it's been a really, really goddamn long day. He hasn't slept all night, ended up with a bundle of half-dead wolf-girl in his house, his dad's out and he's afraid of what he's going to find out there - Erica naked in his bath after the bodies and everything else? No, could be weirder.
So Stiles mans the fuck up and grabs a fresh wash cloth, and squirts some of the gel up onto it with a determined look. ]
Here, turn a little. I don't have any rubber bands for your hair, but uh, just-- [ MAN UP STILES, you have this. He reaches out, gingerly, and pokes with his index finger, pushing thick gold hair up over her shoulder, and gently sweeps the wash cloth with the gel over her shoulder blades, starting at the nape of her neck and working down in gentle pushes.
[ Once he moves her hair out of the way, Erica's hand comes up to wrap around the bundle. Freshman her is screaming on the inside about how perfect and romantic and wonderful everything is right now, and the current Erica has to convince herself she doesn't still feel the same way.
She's biting her bottom lip just the faintest bit, nervous for some reason, not admitting to herself why - not daring to go down that path. He's just washing her back. People do it all the time. What's so weird about that? ... probably the fact that they aren't saying anything. ]
Did you get hurt today? [ She doesn't think he did - there aren't any scrapes that she can see, and Stiles is definitely more brains than brawn. But if he'd gotten hurt, she'd try to cheer him up and give him band-aids and pain meds or whatever he needed.
...
She's so dumb sometimes. ]
I mean, did anyone get hurt today? [ She pauses, sucking in a breath. ] 'Cause that kind of falls on my shoulders.
actually i should say LMFAO i will probably tag at work tomorrow depending on how this gets
...It wasn't exactly a picnic, but I don't even see how that's your fault.
[ Be cool Stiles. BE COOL.
He reaches out to catch a few stray hairs that stick to her neck, swallows, and god, fuck fuck fuck she can probably hear his heart going a million miles an hour. It's not his fault, okay, his experience with girls has been pretty much next to none, and considering how the last thing went? Not exactly inspiring confidence. ]
Everyone seems okay, though. I mean, as okay as Boyd and Derek's sister can be, given the whole...y'know.
[ He sweeps the cloth down, scrubbing at some stubborn dirt over her shoulder, and then dips it down, rinsing the cloth so he can bring it back up. ]
OH YEAH same sob my boss is an old lady sajkdh no so bad
Well, if Derek or Scott or Issac were hurt, that would be mine and Boyd's fault.
[ She hears his heartbeat loud in her ears, her own reflecting the pace. Not as fast, mind you, but still beating hard against her rib cage like a little bird trying to break free. It makes a smile form on her face. It's so painfully human of both of them - Erica had almost forgotten what that feels like.
But she gives a somber expression after her first excitement, eyes looking downwards to watch her legs make little waves in the bath. It is her fault, she knows it, Boyd knows it, Derek knows it. ]
We were leaving the pack. Derek didn't have any reason to follow us, you know? We betrayed him. [ Betrayal was sort of a heavy word, but when she thinks about all Derek must have gone through to get her - and she was going to leave him? - she can't help but feel like the worst person in the world. ]
LMFAO yeah I have my own office-y thing so it's no big but still kind of ahsfdkjf
[ oh, man. Why does he get stuck being the cheerleader? he's not
good at this kind of crap. Isn't Lydia proof enough of that?
Stiles chews on the inside of his cheek a moment, half-wondering if she can
hear that, and oh, ew, gross, that's not what he wants to think of right
now. That launches into a whole new series of thoughts that grosses him out
and really, how is this his life.
He reaches around her (not look not looking) to start the water and
rinse the washcloth off, and then brings it back once it's decently clean
again, lips pursed. ]
I mean, not that it makes any of this crap okay, but you do realize that
getting hurt is like a normal day with all of us anymore, right? Someone
gets clawed to hell and back, must be Tuesday.
[ And once he says it out loud, it sounds so much worse. ]
'sides, Derek? not exactly the most stunning example of packdad, y'know?
I know. [ She knows well and good just what pain feels like. Torture from the Argents and now this Alpha pack - Erica's had her share of pain when it comes to this war they're fighting.
She nods along, an arm moving to wrap around her chest so Stiles doesn't see anything as he moves around. Not because she doesn't want him to see, but she doesn't want him to feel weird in her presence. She wants him to be comfortable, friendly.
She laughs at "packdad" - no, he's really not, but he does take a certain amount of responsibility over the three of them - he trains them to help him, to become stronger, better, faster, tougher. He fights for them, defends them. Probably doesn't like any of them, but that's besides the point. He's just their caretaker, not their father. ]
I'd agree with you there. [ Her back subconsciously moves closer to his hand - it's cold now that it's far from the water, and she's searching for more warmth from him. ] God help the children if that man ever reproduces. Can you imagine babies wearing that stoic look of his? I can - it's terrifying.
OH NO :( well nice timing, i just got done doing everything so i am flopped down to do tags
[ Stiles says it mildly, with a hint of a smile on his face. It's easier - he's Not Thinking about the fact he's totally sitting in his bathroom with a naked girl-- with a naked Erica. He can do this, he can keep things from going to shit here at the very least.
Derek, though, for all his faults, is doing better. Stiles hates to admit it- he's still kind of a dick, but he's a lot less of one. It's a damn shame only Scott and Isaac have been the ones to see it.
Stiles sweeps the washcloth down over her back and dips it under the water, brushing over her spine in smooth strokes. ] Do we really think there's any danger of that? I mean unless sex ed lied to me and women can get knocked up from angry looks. I'm pretty sure that's all he's capable of. [ Stiles finishes up, rinsing it off, and lets the washcloth slip to the side, drawing back, wiping his hands off on a handtowel. ] I think we're safe from Derek-babies, thank god.
YAY i'm also done but i've been done so idk if that counts.
[ He's not unattractive! And he's a good kisser. Erica knows.
She lets out... a noise when he stops. Not frustrated or mad or anything, just a little "hum" to recognize that he was done. She sinks back down in the water, warm and content, tired, exhausted. She doesn't want to move, but she also doesn't want to be a problem for Stiles, so she stands on shaky legs so she can wash her hair.
She uses the wall as support - hopefully Stiles isn't looking, because there's a full frontal naked view of Erica before him right now - and hits on the shower head, while letting the dirty water drain. Her legs are weak and tired and her insides still feel shredded, so it takes every ounce of energy she has to not fall down. ]
Well, I'd probably know because I could smell it, so. We're safe for another day.
[ With that, Erica uses the bathtub as support to get the shampoo, filling her hand with a bit more than usual to clean up her a bit more dirty than usual hair. She scrubs it in lightly, soggy blond hair falling to the front of her face as she doesn't have the will to move it. ]
HAHA sure we'll go with yes. also sorry for my html, if i reply from email it gets jacked up
Stiles manages a horrified look, face scrunching up in disgust as his hands wave back and forth like he's warding off the idea. ]
Can we like never say those words together again? I don't want to think about him getting laid. Or who he would be laying. Or-- uuughhh.
[ Except all his disgust is going right out the window because Erica's standing up and he makes an aborted little noise of shock, torn between trying to help and OH GOD don't help don't touch the naked girl and.
Gingerly, he reaches out an arm to steady her, curls his hand around her shoulder and helps her up while staring at the ceiling and tugging at the shower curtain with his other hand. ]
Still not thinking about that. Also uh, there's conditioner there, I think. Up by the shower head.
[ It's the cheap, dollar store crap that his dad had gotten on accident one time instead of shampoo, so it's totally full, just sitting there, lonely and untouched. Convenient, now, he supposes. ]
no worries!! it doesn't bother me so don't sweat it :')
[ She's thankful for the arm, again, but she's not saying it. Again. Weakness and all that. They've been through this. ]
I'll give you sporadic updates on his love life, no worries.
[ Of course she's just lying, and there's no way to know for sure, unless she asks which. She's not going to do, thank you very much. She's already spent too much time thinking about this subject though, so she focuses back on washing her hair out, massaging out the knots with her free hand while the another grasps his arm. She's like that for a long while, running her fingers through knotty hair until it's like curly noodles on her shoulders.
She grabs at the conditioner then, smiling at the large "$1" sign on the top of it. ]
I see you and your dad put a lot of thought into hair products. That's really attractive to women.
[ She starts on the same process again, though this takes a considerably shorter amount of time. Hair still dangling in front of her face, she leans forward and shuts off the water, shivering once the heat's gone. ]
I'm done. [ And she's all sparkly clean and not gross looking like she was before. Yay for soap. ] So, prepare your eyes, or something, because I'm coming out.
[ Don't worry, they will Not Talk About It like real adults because that's how real adults handle things, right? ]
Please don't ever. Like at all.
[ Godwhy. Stiles gives the most put-upon sigh, letting her use him as a rock while she showers, tapping his toes against the tile while she showers. ]
I don't- hah, I'm pretty sure that's like a non-issue at this point.
[ His luck with chicks is um. Less than stellar, and he is NOT THINKING about that because that's a little too much trauma right now and he doesn't want to fucking deal with it. He bites back the slight sharpness in his throat, blinks furiously twice, and he's good, he's got this. ]
Hang on, lemme -- you need a towel.
[ After making sure that she's solid, Stiles grabs the nicer towel, and offers it to her, staring at the ceiling still, letting her get settled. ]
[ She accepts the towel, wrapping it around her bosom gingerly. A hand goes to pull the curtain back, before both hands meet Stiles' shoulders, to help herself get out without falling and cracking her head open. ]
I can just wear my bra and pants. Don't sweat it.
[ She feels like she's already been such a pain to him, stealing his clothes would not be good to add onto the list of things she owes him for. She steps out of the tub, a hand still on his shoulder while she pushes the hair out of her face.
When she looks up, they are Kind Of close together, and Erica stares at his face for just a second longer than what would be considered normal, before leaning in and...
Tapping a finger lightly, to his cheek. ]
How long have you been up? You look awful - no offense.
[ Easy, he murmurs needlessly, and curls his hands around wherever is the least likely to be inappropriate, helping her out of the shower.
Still, when she says that, he blinks at her, not quite comprehending. ]
Uh, I don't know if that's a good idea.
[ First off, her pants are disgusting and no one should need to wear those, and second, no. nope nope nope. ]
My dad will probably have a heart attack if he comes home and you're only wearing a bra and your pants and 'sides, they need to be washed if you're gonna wear them.
[ HEY and he even has an excuse to avoid that question. Stiles makes sure she's steady and then vanishes, reappearing with a pair of thick flannel pants and a tshirt that'll be laughably large on her, cringing a little. ]
[ Don't think she didn't notice him avoiding that question. She'll get back to it later, don't you worry.
While he's gone, Erica collects her clothes off the floor, not wanting to get back up when she bends over - too tired, too dead to do much else. She does, though, and after fishing through her pockets for a second, she finds a hair tie to up-do her hair with.
He comes back, and she hands off her clothes - pants, bra, and undies. The shirt's getting torched later. Honestly, she wouldn't be mad if all those clothes got torched, but if he's offering, she won't turn him down. She accepts his clothes with a nod of appreciation. ]
You make such a good wife, Stiles. [ She winks at him, hugging the clothes to her chest. It'd be funny if she kissed his cheek right then, she thinks, but decides against it because - whoa, pump the breaks there, romance feelings. ]
[ Stiles does a rather fabulous job of not blushing and not looking and wow, he deserves a medal, okay, it's amazing how good he's being and how he's totally not gonna look at all.
The clothes get taken, tossed into the wash not far away, and he tosses in his own clothing as an afterthought. Whatever, not like it'll matter. Once he's back, his eyebrows narrow at her, and he makes a face. ]
I'd be an awesome husband, okay, let's be real here.
[ In the short spans he's gone in, Erica manages to slip the shirt on over her head, while she catches the towel in her hand. He comes in before she slips the pants on, but the shirt is long enough to cover her... everything, so it's okay. ]
What makes you say that? [ They're talking a lot about babies, aren't they? Ah, well. If he's not going to point it out, she won't either. ] Can't imagine it's natural, fatherly charm.
[ She pants the towel to her head to get rid of the dripping water, using the wall as a something to ground herself on, yet again. Thank the lord for walls, or something. ]
[ Okay, good, no aneurism on his part, this is going well. ]
Nah, I mean, I take care of my dad. Can't be any worse than that.
[ Seriously, he worries about his dad just about as much as his dad worries about him, probably more because Stiles knows what's out there and his dad is blissfully, thankfully unaware. ]
You hungry? We don't have a whole lot but we can go get something to eat if you feel up to it, or I can just run and grab something.
[ There's something very heartwarming about that - women do like a man who can take care of the people he loves! - and Erica only manages out a smile. Sure, he'd be a good father, he can have that one. ]
A bit. [ She shrugs. She's eaten a couple scraps in the past few months, so it's a bit of an understatement. ]
Why don't I find something while you take a nap? [ Not that she's any more suited to go out - walking around, mind you - to go get food. But she'd prefer if it was her, rather than trouble him. A lot of things have changed in her transformation, but that's one thing that stayed - her sympathy for good people. ] Looking at your bags is making me tired.
[ Except he doesn't think that fatherhood is even remotely likely A) ever, and B) ever ever. ]
How much is a bit?
[ Also what. Stiles squints at her, like he's not quite sure what she's suggesting. There's no way she's really suggesting that she goes out when the alphas are running around. That's dumb. That's ten kinds of dumb, so dumb he can't even explain. ]
I don't need a nap. [ And he is totally convincing with the circles under his eyes and his hair all mussed and the wrinkles in his clothes. ] Actually, no, we'll just order pizza. My dad will love us, we haven't had pizza in ages.
[ IT'S TERRIBLE FOR HIM and it's too early for pizza but Stiles is pretty sure there's somewhere that will let them order pizza. ]
Pizza works for me. Put whatever you like on it. [ There's a hand wave towards him. She likes whatever, and carbs aren't a thing she has to worry about anymore. Pile on the stuff, because she is starving. ] Also - while we're on the subject of your father. Do we have to come up with a story for why I'm here?
[ She says it while she plops down on the toilet without grace, fitting the pants on her legs with a certain amount of laziness. Eating something warm and then napping sounds like a dream right now, and the fact that it's at Stiles' house is just... let's call it a cherry on top. Even if she feels sucky, like she's about to die, this is a good way to go out. ]
And - am I spending the night? Or did Derek say he'd come and get me? [ There are a lot of questions she hadn't thought about until now - mainly how she was going to get back home or if she was. They'd probably have to find a new place since the Alpha's have their scents now, so how's she supposed to find that? She's not exactly on her A-Game right now. ]
this is where i curse only watching the show 1 time, i forget so much.
Okay. And uhh, well. I'll think of something. Let him know that you're hanging out after what happened.
[ Which is really sobering and depressing and not what he wants to think about, but he soldiers on, fumbling his cell phone out of his pocket, flicking it open. ]
Derek's probably busy with Boyd and Cora- [ Though he pauses, glancing at her hesitantly. ] I can bring you over there if you want. If Boyd's awake he'd probably wanna see you.
i am in that boat with you, never fear. i rewatch cute episodes and that's it. :'(
You'd bring me over there while the Alphas are still at large?
[ There's a face that says 'really. really.', but at the mention of Boyd, she softens up a bit. She wants to see him. Very, very badly actually, check and make sure he's okay - say she's so sorry for leaving him. That she wishes she could've protected him. But - there's a risk and reward involved. Risk is getting brutally murdered by werewolves, reward is seeing Boyd.
They're not exactly even - not a smart chance to take. ]
If he's up we - we can talk on the phone for now. You're committing suicide if you step out of this house tonight.
I finished TW all in one weekend and then the next week was new eps lMFAO so i need to rewatch
Uh, I gotta say that as much as Derek isn't winning pack dad awards, if we're gonna be anywhere, over there with everyone else will probably be safest. S'up to you, though.
[ But she's got a good point. He's not even sure if ordering pizza is a good idea, truthfully, but he purses his lips, and instead offers her an arm with a goofy smile. ]
Here, let's get downstairs. Maybe I'll find something down there and we don't have to risk the pizza guy. If uh, if you wanna call him-?
[ And his stomach growls loudly in protest but whatever, he'll live for another ten minutes. He offers her his phone, smiling quick and fleeting. ]
kjajsld IMPRESSIVE. i should actually do that too probably ;a;
[ It comes into her mind that since the Alphas have her scent, they'll be tracking her here, putting Stiles and his father in danger. She can't really live with that guilt so - whenever she has a moment she might try slipping out a window or something. Not that she'd make it far, or anywhere really, but she couldn't bring those monsters here, not to him.
She accepts his arm and his phone, fingers gliding over the buttons easily enough to dial Derek's number. She hovers over the send button. Erica's not even sure what she's supposed to say to Boyd or to anyone. Talking with Stiles is easy enough, but everyone else is... complicated. Majorly.
1, 2, 3, she presses the button holding it up to her ear with an expression like someone shot her in her chest. In one ring, Derek answers the phone. ]
Hey, it's Erica. Is - is Boyd --
[ Turns out he is awake, so sorry Stiles, you might have a sobbing blondie on your hands in a minute. ]
LMFAO well it's not helpful for remembering little things. i apologize in advance for lack of pract
[ He eases her down the stairs, gentle, and ushes her to the couch with a slight frown, careful not to move too fast. It's weird, doing this, but it's not bad. Mostly, he's just so grateful that she's okay, when it comes down to it.
He tries to settle her onto the couch just as Derek answers, and then stares mutely because oh god please don't cry he's really not the best at this, isn't Lydia proof of that? ]
...Erica--? Uh-
noooo no apologies. i think your stiles is really really great!!!
[ Just hearing his voice is enough to make her tear up, biting back her lip to stop her from sobbing. Boyd is calm on the other end of the phone - not in as bad as shape as Erica was, but still hurt.
The short conversation largely consists of Erica attempting to say she's sorry and getting cut off half way through, asking if he was okay, if he needed anything, if he was feeling any better than he was the last time she asked. Eventually, she tells Boyd to get some sleep, to eat something, to take care of himself. Tears are falling, but she's fighting not to make a sound - not to worry him.
Somewhere in the conversation, Erica's hand went out and subconsciously grabbed Stiles', while she fought back tears.
They say goodbye, good night, and Erica hangs up the phone. She doesn't look at Stiles, just wipes the screen of his phone on her knee, and hands it back over to him. ]
Thanks. [ Her hand is still on his, by the way. ]
practice* and LMFAO AWW thank you i'm glad flskfjsf
[ Ohhhh god his life. Stiles gingerly reaches out once she's grabbing his hand, and he curls his fingers around hers, stroking back and forth anxiously while she clearly tries not to cry. Some girls, he might hug them, might try and comfort them but he doesn't think that it's going to help with Erica, not with how proud she is. He can't blame her.
Instead, he sits there, quiet, and takes the phone, patting her hand a little awkwardly. ]
D'you...need anything? Water, painkillers, um. Mi casa es su casa and all that.
of course askdj!! :') he's actually spot on i love him falls
[ She looks over at him then and grins, trying her hardest to look genuine. She squeezes his hand before taking hers back, using it to wipe off the tears running down her cheeks and rub the tiredness from her eyes. She doesn't feel bad about crying here as she normally would - she deserves to be sad and upset and look ugly and gross. She betrayed Derek and abandoned Boyd. Erica's pretty sure she's not winning friend of the year this year. ]
I'd like to be able to walk normally too, but. Good things to those who wait. [ She shrugs, lifting her knees up to her chest so she can hug them closely. ]
i keep incoherently keymashing about your erica on plurk SO WE'RE EVEN Y/Y/MFY
[ She looks tired and worn and like she's had a helluva few months, but she doesn't look bad. Stiles' eyes linger on her an extra moment too long, and then he shakes himself out of it with a bright, cheery smile, because he's got this. He can do this, he can play host and make sure everything is taken care of. Arguably this is the way easier job than what the others have to deal with. ]
Food'll help. Not that I'm like, an expert on what happened, but it...doesn't seem like a real stretch.
[ He waves a hand idly, and goes poking around in the kitchen. His dad snuck french fries in there - did he think he wouldn't notice, yeesh. Stiles tosses those out (YOU'LL THANK ME LATER, DAD) and cringes a little. They have....cereal and cheetos, and burger fixings, he supposes. That's actually pretty easy. ]
Uhh, hey, what are your feelings on burgers? I don't think we have anything 'sides cheddar cheese, but we've got buns and burger meat and salad and I think there's a tomato...somewhere...?
MFY I'M DOING THE SAME to my friend who knows nothing about teen wolf (aha)...........
[ She stays in her spot on the couch, looking forward to the wall, at nothing. She's not lost in her thoughts, so much as she keeps repeating the same thing over in her brain - what sort of a friend am I? - and not having any answer to that.
After staying sitting up for, probably a minute, Erica groans and falls on the couch, curling up in a ball to silence the burn inside. When he speaks, she raises up a hand to let him know she's still, y'know. Alive, and stuff. ]
I have strong feelings on burgers. [ There's a snort. ] I have a deep emotional connection with burgers. I love burgers - especially right now.
LMFAO both my roomies have been watching it so they have to deal w/ my screaming irl
[ Burgers sound fucking awesome. Stiles snags the package of meat and starts fixing it, grabbing what he needs, between salt and pepper and Worcestershire sauce, glancing back at her to make sure she hasn't left. ]
[ His dad had moaned about how it wasn't fair that Stiles was making hamburgers with the leanest meat he could find, but it was burgers, okay, it tasted awesome no matter what, that was the good part of burgers. Once he's got them sizzling in a pan, Stiles ambles back out and sees her curled up on the couch. Her hair is probably chilly while it's that wet, and Stiles, well, he can do this. He can totally do this.
He goes into one of the closets nearby and drags out a thick, hideously plaid monstrosity that his dad used to make him keep in the car when he'd drive too late at night, and gently drops it on top of her hips and legs. ]
If you fall asleep, I promise I'll only be like 10% offended and I'll even save you a burger or two.
HELLO STILES-MUN'S ROOMIES shout out everyone gets involved in this lovely thread ;////;
Uh, I'm not falling asleep unless you're falling asleep.
[ And she means that, and she's being 100% serious even when she moves to cuddle up in the blanket, making sure her toes are covered from the chilly air. Even when she closes her eyes - yes, even then! - she's still determined not to fall asleep. If one of them is napping it's definitely going to be Stiles, because he deserves it, instead of being Erica's little nanny. Not that she's complaining, hello, you can make food for her anytime, Stiles.. ]
... You know that comment about you being a good wife? [ She doesn't move, just speaks from where she's at in her little ball. ] You're kind of living up to it - it smells great by the way.
[ She'd probably even eat it raw but. Let's be honest, that's the wolf talking. ]
they say hellooooo. ALSO SWEET JESUS i am sleeping before midnight or so help me
[ DON'T THINK HE DIDN'T CONSIDER IT and then get kind of weirded out because he's pretty sure Scott'd do it too and sometimes those wolfy aspects are a little...strange.
He takes it like a champ, though. ]
Not tired!
[ He calls it from the kitchen, flipping the burgers over with a fresh sizzle, only to hiss shit when the grease splatters onto his hand and he licks his finger with a glare at the skillet.
The buns get toasted in the oven until they're crispy, and he makes two burgers with everything, bringing them back out, rolling his eyes. ] Stilinski house rule, anyone who calls Stiles a wife lives a burger free life. Thankfully we don't know anyone like that.
o7 it's already too late for me, i can't make that promise LMAO
[ Burgers are literally, probably, the only thing that could get Erica to sit up right now. She struggles minimally to get in her vertical position, pulling the blanket over her shoulders to warm her up. Thank you, Stiles. ]
No sir, no one like that around here. [ She gives him an all-knowing smirk, very... well, happy to be in his presence. He's just one of those people. You can't be upset around him.
Or you can, and want to punch him in the face, ah -- ]
Because - as you know - you're the Batman to my Catwoman. Duh. [ She spreads her arm out to make room on the couch, beneath the blanket, nodding with her head in case he didn't quite get the gesture. Batman and Catwoman. Yeah, she likes the sound of that.
Though, she's pretty sure Batman doesn't make Catwoman burgers. Like at least 30% positive. ]
[ He'd adjust it but that. Might be weird. He doesn't know, okay, this is not something that actively happens, his life is not like Scott's, the big dumb jerk. (Actually, that's for the best, Stiles doesn't envy him for it, he's just glad that he's there to try and keep him out of trouble.)
Stiles settles in next to her, a solid foot of space between them, and then hops back up, bouncing onto the balls of his feet with the movement. ]
Yeah, well. [ He tries to totally not look pleased at that comparison, flashing a quicksilver smile. ] Does Catwoman want soda or water or milk? [ And he pauses, cringing. ] That last one sounded way creepier than intended, just so you know.
[ Well, since he got up again she's not going to keep being cold to save his spot. She rewraps herself in the blanket not. Not even trying to cover her laughing at him, though. ]
Soda please, Batman. [ There's a teasing flair in her voice as she says it, and it's not long before she reaching for one of those burgers, crying inwardly because there's only two and she's going to eat his if he doesn't hurry.
... she thinks about waiting to eat for when he gets back but. Nah. She bites into the burger and now she could die a perfect death. Even if Gordon Ramsay didn't make it, even if it's healthy meat, it's delicious because she's starving, and didn't really realize how hungry she was until she got some food.
She's still a lady though. Eating it nicely and not like a savage, like how her wolf wants her to go at it. ]
[ He rolls his eyes, snagging two sodas from the kitchen, and hops over the back of the couch to punk down next to her, bouncing in his seat. The motion to share the blanket hadn't gone unnoticed, but it didn't stop him from putting some room between them, just...just in case. ]
Good?
[ Stiles flashes a grin at her over his own burger, and digs in properly, all awkward long limbs and teenage boy enthusiasm, chewing happily. ]
[ She smiles at him after her swallow, making sure to clear her teeth of any food that might be stuck in between. He's kind of weirdly far, though... not that she wanted to be on him, but. You know, close. Warm. Cozy.
She sets her burger down for second (know what this means, Stiles), and scoots in closer to him, moving her arm over to hang the big blanket off his shoulder. She should get a "nice person" award, because she's being so sweet right now.
Now back to the burger. Another bite. ]
Best burger of my life. Who knew Batman could cook?
[ DON'T GET HIM WRONG, THAT SOUNDS AWESOME. And not even in the sexy sort of awesome, but that sounds great, too. Just the idea of curling on the couch and napping for a while sounds like legitimately the best idea for a few hours, because this day has sucked some hardcore balls, and Stiles is man enough to admit that some cuddling sounds fuckawesome right now.
It's not the idea, it's the implementation that is hard, though.
Except she makes it easy, and he eyes the blanket a moment, then her, then the blanket again, and scoots his butt over, until their shoulders are touching just a little and the blanket (warm, musty, smells like his dad's police cruiser, familiar and right) drapes over his shoulders while he eats. ]
Pretty sure he does sometimes, but I mean, Alfred does like 99% of it. Best part of having a butler and being filthy rich, I guess.
Well it depends on which Batman we're talking about.
[ And she continues munching happily on her burger, heart not beating rapidly, breath not getting stuck in her throat. Definitely not. If he feels any of those things change, he's imagining it. She turns herself on a small angle so she can look at him while they talk, because this an important conversation. ]
Bale is kind of a dick - I wouldn't expect him to make his own meals, ever. [ A hand wave. She puts her burger down, picks up her soda, and cracks it open. ] But Keaton. He could probably make a burger.
[ This is a legitimate conversation they're having right now. Erica takes a swing from her soda before - you guessed it - it's back at that delicious burger which is basically devoured by now. Girl's got an appetite, what can she say? ]
[ oh my god be still his heart. Stiles looks fucking giddy at the idea of discussing this, polishing off his burger in three more absurdly large bites.
He downs two mouthfuls of soda before curling his legs under himself, letting their knees touch and pretending like he's not hyperaware of that. ]
Yeah, exactly. I mean don't get me wrong okay, Batman movies are great, but-- the yeah, Keaton.
[ Bonding over Batman. He's pretty a-okay with this. ]
Everyone knows Keaton was the best Batman. [ She waves her hand dramatically, after finishing her burger nice and quick. ] Anyone who thinks otherwise is out of their mind.
[ She shrugs a bit at his question. She is hungry, but moving from this position right now seems a little... not going to happen. Besides. It's not unbearable anymore, she'd definitely be fine with sleeping right now.
Without much warning, Erica lets her head fall on his shoulder, mindful not to let her wet hair touch him too much. If she looks a little bit focused, she is, paying attention to the beat of her heart and Stiles scent, which fills her nose easily and quickly enough. She likes it. ]
[ Oh god, speaking of his heart. It speeds up, thudding hard and
fast in his chest and he breathes deep, not knowing what to do about how
she smells like him now. Forget his dad having a heart attack,
he's gonna have one.
He can do this, though. He can speak coherently, he can keep himself from
flailing all over the place. Stiles takes a deep breath, holds it, and then
shifts, letting her settle in against him. ]
Y'know you're not really defending the whole not tired thing very
well. Also my dad will live, I saved him a burger in the fridge.
[ She smiles when she hears his heart beat flutter like a little bird, and she lets herself relax against him, head nudging in a bit closer to his neck. Sorry if she's a little bit cold, Stiles! All with the territory. ]
I'm not tired. You're just comfortable. [ But she's still shutting her eyes, wrapping the blanket in closer to the two of them. Definitely not tired. Not tired at all. ]
If you're still hungry, I won't say no to another one. But I'm good like this. [ And you'll have to pry her loose first - she wasn't lying when she said he's comfortable. ]
[ Look at how much he doubts that. Stiles tips a dubious look down
at her hair, and gives up on not doing anything. He's got this. This is
totally normal, he and Scott have totally sat on this couch and watched TV
before and it's not different (except for holy shit it totally is.)
He reaches for the remote, flicking the TV on, and kicks his feet up,
frowning a moment. ]
D'you have a preference on TV shows?
[ And because he's cool, he's being SO COOL, and so smooth, he
reaches out and curls an arm around the back of the couch. ]
Nah, I'm good with anything. MTV's not bad. [ Am I funny yet?
Well, if he's giving her an inch, she'll take a mile. When he moves his arm, Erica moves her head to lay in closer to his chest, while her arms circle around his torso. His heart's beating fast, and that actually helps to calm her nerves - relax her. Make her forget about the imminent danger they're probably in. It feels like it's just him and her right now, alone in the world, and that's a kind of serenity she can't take for granted. ]
I'm probably going to nod off, anyway. [ She snuggles in, squeezing him a bit. Like he's an actual pillow. ] You too.
[OHGODOHGODOHGODOHGODOHGOD no stay cool Stiles stay cool
you've got this you're a boss you TOTALLY HAVE THIS SHIT UNDER CONTROL.
]
Uh.
[ No, we are experiencing a serious lack of "shit being under
control" but he's got this. He can do this. Stiles sucks a breath in,
cheeks puffing out as he holds it and lets it out between pursed lips. The
TV gets swapped over to the right channel, and his arm drapes hesitantly
over her shoulder, fingers curling in her overly large shirt. This is not
how he thought this would go at all, but it could have gone worse. ]
Dad's not gonna be home for a few hours if you wanna conk out for a while.
I can take you over to Derek's once everyone's had a chance to not freak.
[ The beating of his heart is sort of like a lullaby, rocking her to sleep nicely. She's too tired to argue with him about taking her to Derek's - she wants to go, she doesn't want Stiles to take her - so she gives him a little bit of a hum, before drifting off just a bit.
Given that she was just tortured for a few months straight, even falling to sleep just a bit hurts her, scares her, forces her into waking up. Her hands cling on to his shirt a bit when she starts stirring, sitting up with a frown. A hand rubs against her eyes. ]
Sleeping is a no-go. Your turn. [ She pats her shoulder. You know you wanna use it. ]
[ Stiles rubs his fingers over her shoulder lightly, stroking over
the thin tshirt material idly while the TV goes on in the background. He'd
be lying if he said he knew what was going on on the show, but it's not
bad, like this. She's warm and soft and smells nice, and Stiles is grateful
for a night with any one of them that doesn't end in screaming or trauma,
honestly.
By the time she's dozed off, he's halfway there, too, but the moment that
she jumps, jerks like that his arm goes tight around her and he's at
attention too. ]
[ Aw man, she feels bad for waking him up. Her head goes back on his shoulder, thinking that maybe if she was quick enough, he'd fall back asleep. That's all she wants right now, to be honest. She hates being a problem for him. ]
No - no. Just a bad dream. [ She sighs. She doesn't want to dump her issues on him - she's done enough of that already - she just wants to be able to sleep and laze about and do werewolf things like always. She wants to be "normal" - whatever that is now. ]
[ Stiles tips his head down, frowning at her. He might not be the
best at this, but even he knows that nightmares aren't fun. he's had to
deal with a million after some of the shit he's seen these last few months.
Shifting, Stiles leans back against the arm of the couch, and stretches
out, legs half on the coffee table, back braced by the arm, sleepy enough
not to care about this being horrifically awkward. Future Stiles can hate
past Stiles later, right now, he'll take advantage of the fact that they
can nap on the couch and his life isn't full of running and screaming and
dead people. This is okay. ]
C'mere.
[ Except he's like 90% more awake as soon as he says that, because
what the hell, past Stiles, what the hell were you thinking. He does
his best not to flap his hands like an awkward moron, and furrows his
eyebrows a moment. ]
You know um. It might not be a terrible idea to talk to someone. When this
is all over. And I mean a professional, paid someone, not like...Boyd,
'cause I mean I bet he's great, but-- yeah.
[ Well he's offering, so she's not going to turn him down. Erica goes back to her previous position, cheek pressed against his chest, arms wrapped around his middle. ]
Are you worried about me? How cute. [ She looks up - smiling at him from where she's placed on his chest. Still, she's genuine, happy he's worried - which sounds horrible, and that's why she keeps it to herself. She's happy he likes her enough to be worried. And she's content enough in being his friend, even though... she might, maybe, want more. But not really. That's dumb, isn't it? ]
I'll be fine. What would I tell them, anyway? [ She snorts. ] 'I'm a werewolf who gets tortured by other werewolves and werewolf hunters on a weekly basis'. I think they'd lock me up.
Hey, I am not cute, okay. Puppies are cute. And kittens, and like-- I
dunno, fat, drooling babies, I guess, if you're into that. I am the epitome
of manliness and composure and cool.
[ Yes, really. Stiles settles the blanket and everything else in
around them, and tips his head back, staring at the ceiling. How did they
get unlucky enough to have to deal with this kind of thing? They're
teenagers- they shouldn't have to worry about torture and werewolves and--
ugh. ]
You've been through some heavy shit, Erica. Just leave out the...y'know,
supernatural stuff.
I think you're cute. [ Wiiiiink. She's happy the transformation has let her feel okay in saying things like that. ]
Y'know, my life wasn't exactly a walk in the park before the werewolf-ism and all. [ She's not looking for a pity-party though - she's a different person from who she was then. Weak, dependent. Now she takes pride is being a self-supporting individual, even if... the last half and hour can't really attest to that. Ah well. There's a difference between being weak and being broken. ]
I made it through that, I'll make it through this. [ An elegant hand wave, before she moves to hold him again. ] Maybe you'd want to see some professional.
[ Stiles squints down at her, and if his cheeks are a little red, a
little hot, it's totally because his dad's blanket is thick fleece and not
because he's blushing, because no, that's not a valid reaction to this, not
at all. ]
You will. We'll all get through this.
[ he forces that surety into his voice, nodding like it'll make it
more likely if he says it firmly enough. ]
[ She doesn't believe him - things have to get worse before they get better and all - but she doesn't mention it because pessimism isn't exactly her forte. Not tasteful pessimism at least. Most of them probably aren't going to get through this, and that's a fact they both know. There's no reason to comment on it.
She snuggles a bit into him, close enough so her eyelashes brush his neck when she blinks. Which isn't frequent, because her eyes are closed. ]
What? No, why would you ask that? It's totally not like we've got a bunch
of crazy alphas who may or may not want to shank Derek - which, okay, I
mean, admittedly the guy kind of deserves it sometimes, but still.
Why would I ever be worried?
[ Spoilers: he's scared shitless sometimes and seeing how Erica and
Boyd had turned out wasn't exactly giving him those needed warm, fuzzy
feelings like, yeah, it's gonna be okay. ]
The defensive sarcasm speaks volumes. [ She smiles to herself, pulling back a bit from his neck. His scent's a little too overpowering if she gets too close. ]
I'm just saying. This whole battle is getting deeper and deeper - it's going to be hard for us all to make it out unhurt. [ By which she means that she thinks Scott is going to get himself in trouble - not only does he have a weird hero/'help everyone' complex, but he's got Allison to think about. Physically he might be strong, but mentally he's not all there. No one else in the pack has those sort of distractions - no one's nearly as human as his is. ]
I'm not trying to make you upset. Just - [ She sucks in some breath. ] - take care of people close to you. That's it.
Hey, I could write a novel on how defensive sarcasm is like 45% more
effective than wolfing out, okay. A novel.
[ He doesn't have much in the way of defense, so he'll take what he
can get and be grateful for it, honestly. Sure, he's got Scott who'd have
a fit if anything happened to him, but fits don't do much good when you're
dead, now do they. Still, what she says makes him pause, shifting into the
couch a little, his foot bouncing anxiously. ]
I know. I mean- you know it's like being a babysitter, right? Like instead
of herding cats, it's herding wolves, and instead of cutsey fat little
kitty faces, you guys have the whole claws and teeth and sulky
faces. It's not fair.
[ She pulls away from his chest then, since it seems like they're going to have a Serious Talk, but she still hovers closer than... well, than what's comfortable. ]
It's not much fun out there, either. Even less fun for Scott. [ Because he has people who will miss him when he's gone. Erica, Issac, Boyd, and Derek? They don't have much of anyone, aside from each other. No one would be upset if one of them died. ] There's always a risk involved, right? You save the girl, but you loose an arm and your balls in the process.
[ She shrugs, balling fists around Stiles' shirt. ]
Anyway - don't complain about being human. It's way better than wolfism - in some ways. Lots of ways, actually.
[ But she doesn't regret it - even after the beat downs and the poisonings and all. ]
[ No, no no no, he was doing so goddamn well at not thinking about
this. Stiles sucks a breath in and holds it, willing his stomach to stop
flipping because that burger was awesome and he's not a little wuss who
gets sick at bodies, okay, he's got this. Even if they're bodies he knows.
It takes a moment, but he settles back into the couch and forces some kind
of smile onto his face, even if it falls a moment later. ]
No, I'm-- you know, I'm good with being human. I like being human.
[ Eyebrows knot together when he says that, and Erica pulls back so she can view his facial expression. He's hurt. Why is he hurt? They saved Erica and Boyd, right? What went wrong?
She's not exactly brilliant at being the cheerleader either, but she can give it a go. She searches for words for a minute, coming up blank with ideas she has about what happened. Someone got hurt, or someone died. Someone important to him, but she doesn't know who. ]
What's with the cryptic lingo? [ A hand goes to hold his - it's pretty awkward, and Erica doesn't know what she's doing, but she thinks she's helping? ] What happened?
[ NOPE, nope, he's good why are you looking at him? Look, he's totally good, he's golden, everything is awesome. Stiles shakes his head, and squeezes her shoulder, friendly. ]
No, I mean, it's not like I was all Prince Charming, riding to the rescue, right?
...Maybe we should get Derek a horse, maybe that'll make him less of a jerk when he pulls the whole rescue people thing.
[ And look, he's learned that if he just doesn't lie, he omits, he gets away with a lot more with Scott, LET'S SEE IF IT WORKS HERE TOO. ]
Uh huh, right. And why would you want to be mine, Cora, and Boyd's Prince Charming?
[ She rolls her eyes. Fine, don't tell her, see if she cares. Thing is, she does care and she wishes he could trust her, but doesn't blame him in not doing so. She did hit him with part of his car before, so. Maybe not the best basis of a friendship. ]
I won't push you, but don't say I didn't worry over you. [ She sits back on the sofa, hand still on top his... nah, not taking it off. She's content there, fight her. ]
[ Stiles lifts his hand from her shoulder to tug the blankets in and down, flipping them a little so they cover his knees. ]
...You what? [ No, okay, he kind of understood that, but it's a little different hearing it, and realizing that as far as he can tell, she....means it. Stiles squints at her, and her hand, and then back at her. ] I mean I get we're not like, bosom buddies or anything, but uh-- I'm pretty sure that no matter how good my burgers are they aren't enough to change your mind.
[ NEVERMIND that it's not really ever been that clear how Erica's felt past the crush she'd mentioned, past HITTING HIM WITH PART OF HIS CAR, this is a fucking party foul okay. ]
[ Right then. Taking her hand back and picking at the shirt she's wearing, because now she just feels stupid. ]
I don't get you. Who's changing anyone's mind?
[ She's never disliked him - far from it and, if anything, she's always liked him. Even now. Even right now in this weird, awkward moment. BUT PLATONICALLY maybe, who knows? Erica doesn't even know her emotions towards him. He just makes her... happy. And kind of weird and fuzzy inside and ugh, she doesn't have time for all these feelings. He's not interested, get over it, etc. etc. etc.. She's been telling herself the same thing for the past year so much, it doesn't even hurt anymore. ]
God this is getting awkward and he's way more awake now that he's not just sitting on the couch enjoying space, but actually forced to think. This is Not As Planned. ]
I uh. I guess indifference'd be the best word. I mean don't get me wrong, I remember what you...said, but then you and Boyd left and --
[ He flaps his hands in the air like that'll somehow explain. ]
[ She makes a sound like she's choking on air when he says "indifference". Right, he's dumb. Really dumb. Because Erica snuggles up and holds hands with a showers with and talks about Batman with people she's indifferent to. Lord, the eyeroll she gives could probably kill a person.
Of course, she does portray herself as a tease so... well, maybe he just fell for it. Fantastic. ]
You really don't think positively of me, do you? [ She sucks in a breath of air, knees coming up to her chest where she hugs them tightly. She'd really like this conversation to end before she says something she regrets. ] I don't feel indifferent towards you.
[ That's as much as she's saying, thank you. ]
CRIES INTO HANDS no guys go back to awkward cuddling
[ HE RESENTS THAT okay you hit him with a car and tossed him in a garbage can he has a lot of confused feelings ok. ]
Um. I don't think of you negatively? I don't--
[ Oh man no, no, see, he knows better, now. He's not the best with girls but he knows better than to open his mouth any wider and jam both feet in. Stiles snaps his mouth shut with a click of his teeth and laughs awkwardly. ]
"Not negatively". You sure know how to make a girl feel good about herself, Stiles. [ Seriously. Why does she have a crush on you? Or did - or, whatever.
She really feels like she doesn't deserve this right now - not after going to hell and back, now she has to talk about awkward emotions. With Stiles. Who's getting more infuriating than adorable right now. Everything was going to nicely like three minutes ago, and her heart was so happy and she was singing little love songs in her head, why do things happen. ]
Right. Feeling a little indifferent towards you now.
[ It's not honest - she's saying it to scold him. She still likes him. Lots and lots and that's the worst feeling in the world right now. ]
[ Except there's no humor in his voice, just discomfort as he squirms in his seat and tries to recover. This is the worst super power ever, the power to make girls awkward around him. ]
... I don't dislike you. [ She huffs out, after an extended silence, chin on her knees like a little kid. She really really really really doesn't want to have this conversation but. ]
I actually really like you. I told you about that sort of thing before but - it's different now. Kind of - I mean I - [ Man, when was the last time she was at such a loss of words? She's kind of regretting not drowning in his tub to be honest. ] I don't know why you're trying to make me feel so bad about things but.
I'm not-- what? No, I'm not trying to make you feel bad!
[ What, no no no. Stiles shakes his head furiously, because that's not his intent at all, he doesn't want to make her feel bad, he just-- well, he doesn't know what he wants, not really.
He shifts into the couch, uneasy. ]
I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to -- that isn't what I meant.
Erica lets out a huff of air - now she feels like the bad guy, and this whole conversation is just dumb and meaningless. Without thinking, her head goes back to rest on his shoulder lightly - it's not as comfortable of an atmosphere as it was before, but what can she say? He's comfy when their words are really, really umcomfy.
And she'd kind of like if it went to how it was before. It was nice. ]
Let's just not right now. Okay? Let's eat more or something.
[ HHH, god this is really difficult, okay. Stiles opens his mouth and then slides it shut again because he doesn't know if that is going to make things worse or not. Probably, so better not to say anything right now. ]
Here, compromise. Find a movie on TV, I'll raid the cookie stash my dad keeps that he doesn't think I know about.
[ She grabs the remote and starts shuffling through the channels - pretending like what just happened didn't just happen - keeping a couple in mind and she scrolls down. Eventually she settles on Titanic - ]
'Jack! I'm flying, Jack!'
[ ... Never mind, romance makes her want to gag. Erica lets out a groan and decides on Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. Yeah. Not too romance-y, that should be fine. ]
[ She grins up at him, accepting the soda with and appreciative nod. ]
It was this or sappy romance. I think I made the right choice.
[ And she'll just go ahead and reach for an oreo, munching on it happily. Not a care in the world. She's pretty okay with forgetting about the last few minutes, so she's going to pretend like they never happened. ]
Well, he's the boss. [ She shrugs. It annoys her that she can't make her own choices - really really annoys her - but then she owes everything to Derek. A little loyalty would do her good. ]
I'll try to convince him. He'd probably get mad if I went without him. Clingy Alpha issues or something.
[ Stiles looks...well, a little uncomfortable, to say the least. He
hesitates a moment, pursing his lips, and then decides against saying
anything in order to grab a cookie instead. ]
Yeah, well, f'you and Boyd wanna go sometime, I'll take you. No biggie.
Seriously? [ She looks over to him with a big grin, covering her mouth slightly so she can chew on a cookie without looking gross. He is redeeming himself pretty quickly to Erica! Good, she doesn't want to have to be mad at him for too too long. ]
That's pretty cool of you. I bet Boyd would be all for it - I would too, naturally.
GOOD MORNING we have clients on site so i will be slow sobs
[ Stiles grins, wide and pleased and relaxes back into the couch with a little wiggle, getting all tangled up in the blankets, knocking his knees against her playfully. They can do this - this is easier, not talking about things they probably shouldn't be, just enjoying each other's company. It's the kind of relaxing he and Scott normally do, but haven't had too much time to, lately. ]
I'm a pretty cool guy, y'know. But yeah, ask 'im when we're...you know, outta the fire, and we'll do it.
[ There's a giggle when their knees touch together, and Erica nudges him back, playfully. This is definitely much better, no complaints on her end. It's just her and Stiles being themselves... which is kind of great, because they actually get along when Erica isn't following Derek's orders. ]
Sounds good. [ There's a smile and a nod, before it fades a little and Erica looks like she's focusing on something else. ] I feel a little lightheaded.
[ If that's from the poison or Stiles - who knows? A hand holds her head for a second, before she scoots down the sofa, falling back so she's laying down on it, her head propped up on his thigh. Eyes closed, her hand falls back to her side and she lets out a nice sigh. ]
[ Yeah, somehow Stiles isn't surprised by that one in the slightest. Derek's not the worst ever, sure, but his orders often range from supremely douchey to what the fuck, dude. ]
Whoa, lightheaded? D'you want some water or-
[ Or just you know to bury your face in his lap THAT'S COOL TOO he guesses. Stiles stares at her from above like he's trying to puzzle her out, and then gingerly rests a hand on top of her shoulder. ]
Creed dunks under the water again and grabs the fish swimming along. He tosses it up on the bank, and then cuts through the water with long strokes that push him along the surface easily.
A smell hits him, from somewhere on the lakeshore. He grunts and swims back, stepping out so the water sluices off him, leaving rivulets in his body hair. His claws comb his hair back from his face. He hadn't bothered with swimtrunks. There isn't a need.
[It was common enough knowledge among the X-Men that Ororo often took to bathing in the lake some distance away from the mansion. They knew better than to bother her then, since she didn't have the same "silly nudity taboo" as the rest of them did.
So she expects the lake to be empty when she gets there. Not because she wanted privacy, but because she values her solitude. And maybe she gets a little careless, because she's caught up in arcing up from the water and into the air in the nude, enjoying the moment and everything natural around her.]
[He's been hunting in the woods, near the X-Mansion. Something wrong with his head again, and Ol' Baldy close at hand makes him more comfortable. He'd sworn never to come back here for fucking help, but even he knows that getting help from the X-Freaks is better than having his intestines wrapped around his neck by SHIELD.
... Again.
He's had it with fucking civilization. Hence, being out here and sinking into the animal for a time. The smell reaches him first as he reaches the edge of the woods. He frowns. This place is supposed to be off limits to the X-brats. He steps into the sunlight, his eyebrows rising.
She's beautiful. He's always appreciated her. She can also turn him into a lightning rod from about three thousand feet. Fuck him, but that makes her sexier.
She rises up like a nymph from the depths of his lake, the water cascading into the air and creating tiny rainbows to surround the goddess. He slips out of his jeans having been wearing only them to hunt and then walks into the water. He dunks down, scraping his hair back when he surfaces. He waits for her to settle into the water again.]
Whatcha doin' here, goddess?
[He pitches his voice so the growl isn't quite menacing. Not quite.]
[Ororo visibly startles, shoulders tightening and spine going straight when she hears the unmistakable rasp of his voice. And of course she knew that voice. Heaven knows they'd run into Victor Creed often enough with Logan on their team.
In the back of her mind, she curses these feral types. Them and their silent movements and tendency to stalk around without being caught until they wanted to be.
She keeps her back turned away from him, her hair dripping, cascading down. And the pitch of her own voice lowers, as does the temperature of the air around them.]
Sabretooth.
[Did he ask a question? He did. It didn't mean she had to answer straight away.]
Try not to turn him into a lightning rod... even though he'll probably deserve it
[The cold air prickles his skin and goose pimples rise. He treads water, still watching her.
She probably came out here to get away from the rest of the freaks. Can't blame her for that. They don't know a good thing when they've got it. Like the possibility of her walking around naked.
He doesn't say anything. He's asked his question, and he can be silent when he needs to.
Instead, he just flashes his fangs in a smile, even though she's not looking at him. He's not fully feral right now. No reason for her to know that.]
[She rolls her eyes when he doesn't answer, expelling a gust of air in a bit of a sigh. Why were these types always so stubborn. And no manners!
After a few moments of silence and no movement, she turns her head just the slightest bit, managing to get a look at him out of the corner of her faintly glowing eyes. Better to make sure she knew where he was, after all.]
[The smile is still on his face, but it turns more into a smirk. He leans his head back, the sky filling his vision. He can feel the urges around the edges - to grab her, to drag her off to the cabin, to... he doesn't want turned into a lightning rod right now.
When he looks at her again, his blue eyes are lucid, and he's in control of the baser urges that tug at him. For now, anyway.
His claws cut through the water.]
Baldy didn't tell ya? Stayin' at the cabin.
[He jerks his head in the direction of the small cabin that's buried back under the trees, hidden from most prying eyes. He's smelled Logan in there, and figures the Runt knows he's here now. Interesting that Chuck didn't tell anyone else though.]
[Ororo's eyes slant away for a moment, watching the ripples that his claws cause drift away from where they're floating. And then she raises her eyes in the direction he's pointed. To the cabin that saw little activity outside of Logan when he needed time away from the others. A habit of his that she understood better than most.]
This is the first I've heard of it, yes. Had I known you would be here, I might not have come down at all. [She glances back to him, mildly accusing. Of all the days he picked to come for a visit, he came on a day she wanted to go for a bath. Of course. Of course.]
[He's not trying to be threatening for a change. He's just admiring the view. He'd like it a lot more of it, if he could get it, but he'll take what he can right now. No need to piss her off.
Yet. That'll be fun for later.
His large shoulders move just above the surface of the water in a shrug. Not his fault that Chuck's keeping things from his pets.]
Yer choice, goddess.
[Sometimes being mild and accommodating fucks with them more than ripping through the entrails and leaving them dangling in the yard. He can do both, but the first one is so much more fun. It's been a while since he's had fun.]
[The year on Earth is still quite a ways off from Cyuss’s native time, but that doesn’t stop him from accidentally heading that way, crash-landing, and finding a nice wilderness to thrive in. Well, semi-wilderness. He knows there’s a town not far from the forest, but he also knows better than to show himself there. People with tails tend to surprise people, and he’s also a walking violation to the treaties regarding developing planets...even if this one is more developed than his home world. Details.
All that matters is that, miraculously, Cyuss is remembering to take time out of living in caves and only wandering into town when he can stuff his tail into pants to bathe. It seems like a lot of humans use it, but the deeper you get into his new home forest, the less humans there are...until there aren’t any at all. That’s how he prefers it, mostly because if he gets caught before Ronyx finds him...well, he’s been told jokes that he’d be taken apart and experimented on. He doesn’t really want that.
It’s because of that solitude in the deepest parts of the forest that Cyuss is extremely surprised to see someone else bathing in the river. A giant man, from the looks of it. The Highlander’s been taking no effort at all to hide the footsteps, so he’s probably sounded more like a clumsy human approaching than anything else...but he doesn’t know that the other man has heard him, or even noticed him. To make matters worse, Cyuss already has his legs in the water when he notices the other presence, and that’s enough to startle him into exclaiming.]
W-what the hell?! What are you doing all the way out here?
[He should probably hide his tail, but since he’s buck-naked that’s pretty impossible.]
[ooc; I thought I’d try and give Victor a tag, knowing full-well how horrible(y awesome) he is. Cyuss here is a Highlander, meaning he evolved from tigers instead of an ape. He has a tail, pointed ears, and stripes, but no fur or anything else animalistic. He might smell like one, too, that’s never really touched upon. o7]
[His head isn't buzzing any more. That can only be a good thing. He's come this far out to get the fuck away from people. Sunbathing on the bank, completely nude, he stretches against the rock and scratches a few itches. His claws scrape over his stomach, leaving behind pink marks that immediately disappear.
The last three months have been hard. Two jobs, fucking Fury, the Runt. He just wants some time off. No one comes around here but the natives, and they're further north yet. They'll come south in about a month and make their winter camp about two miles to the east.
Creed doesn't mind. Even though he technically owns most of this land, the natives at least fucking respect his privacy.
... Speaking of. That god damned scent is back. A cat, but human. He doesn't like it. It's been all over his territory lately and he wants to rip the throat out of whoever it is. Doesn't smell mutant, meaning something different. If it was a fucking alien, he was stuffing them in a sack and throwing them at Fury.
He rolls to his feet, rising out of the shadows. The other... the fuck is that? Tail, ears, but no mutant smell. No science smell either, so magic? Doesn't have the taint.
He lets out a growl, frustrated that he can't place this bullshit. And he'd been having such a nice vacation too.]
[So, it’s a giant blond man with...some sort of super healing powers. Great. He has every expectation that this isn’t going to end well for him. Just looking at this man once makes it very clear to him that this isn’t one of those times where he can mouth off or be aggressive, especially now that he knows he’s trespassing. He stays where he is, relaxing his stance a little, and suddenly wishes that he’d checked this place out with pants on first.
And all this time, he’s been thinking that this forest belonged to no one. He has no ideas about how human property laws work, but they sure seem to act like no one owns the land. Everyone just seems to do what they want.]
Damn. I, uh, had no idea. I was kinda dropped off here, and I’m waiting to be picked up again. [He lifts an arm, only to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. It’s hard to keep from staring, especially since Creed looks so impressively strong. He does his best to keep his eyes where he’s supposed to. That’s all he can do for now.] The name’s Cyuss. I’m...not from around here.
Once Azazel was an angel of God, charged with the responsibility of watching over mankind. But he had no desire to bow to them, nor to restrain himself from indulging in the sensuous appetites they aroused within him. And so it was that the angel fell, and became an arch demon, and father to numerous of the Nephilim. Most of which floods and disasters had wiped off the face of the Earth.
But he cared little, as he had no real agenda in existence anymore. And that was exactly how he wanted it. A perfect existence - doing whatever he wanted, where and whenever he wanted to do it. To be a demon was the most divine thing that had ever happened to him. He in no way felt smited when cast out of Heaven, and had gotten over Daddy issues long ago. If his father was going to favor a bunch of mud-monkies over superior, gorgeous beings like the angels - then that father did not deserve his love, much less his respect. And he would waste no time mourning that loss.
So it was that he relaxed with peaceful enthusiasm within a bubbling hot spring. A self ascribed vacation. He felt deserving of every luxury, after decades spent tortuously wandering a desert - among other punishments.
The First Woman. That is what the humans called her. She had many names, and preferred only one: Lilith. Her bare feet made no sound on the stone. Dark eyes cast about, hoping that none saw.
A clandestine meeting, in an out of the way place. She would be amazed if he recognized her - it's been centuries since they'd met. Her face changed, until she finally settled on one that pleased her enough to be satisfactory. It looked something like what Father had given her, but with her own touches.
If she wasn't careful, someone would be looking for her. She stole these moments, to look after those that had fallen, those that were forgotten, or labeled evil by human ignorance. She slid around a rock and glided gracefully up behind him. One warm hand descended onto his shoulder. She leaned closer to him, and stroked her other hand through the warm water.
Ah yes, her. The ultimate temptress. The downfall of most of the Watchers - though not her doing entirely. Her and women like her, who followed her example. Who would not bow before men and who delighted in acknowledging their appeal. It delighted him - when he had encouraged man to derive pleasure in fornication, it was with the perfection of Lilith in mind. She just made his fun so much easier. He held nothing against her. He was proud of his fall.
He smiled and leaned back closer to her, though unable to see her, he knew exactly who greeted him. He would spare the vision of her splendor for a moment. She deserved a proper greeting, without distraction. She was, after all, an exemplary being. He regarded her as highly as he did Lucifer, but it was easier, as the head-bashing and competitive nature of masculine forces was inevitable.
Not that Lucifer felt there was any competition. And there wasn't. It was simply that on occasion, Azazel wanted to ascertain the degree of his own small level of importance and fight to maintain control over what forces of nature he had claimed, by default or otherwise.
He would always prefer the company of women to men, and humans to angels - fallen or otherwise. Women had a gentle sensuousness men lacked, and humans an awe and appreciation for beauty that angels typically missed while busy admiring themselves and their own superiority.
And Lilith? Was a unique experience entirely. "Lilith. It has been far too long since I have had the pleasure of your company."
She settled onto the stone behind him, her white sheet flowing around her. One elegant foot dipped into the water, slim toes barely stirring the surface. Her hands rested on his shoulders, offering an anchor, a friend, in this place.
Lilith pulled him back against her, pressing his head into her lap. Long elegant fingers traced away the lines on his forehead, then outlined his features slowly.
She said nothing for a moment, allowing them both the sensual joy of simple touch. Leaning forward she dipped her fingers in the water. Her damp digits attempted to smooth away the tensions he carried.
Many forgot or simply refused to acknowledge, that being comforting, and offering comfort made a woman no less equal to a man.
"It has." She whispered. "Hence, here I am. Have you pined for me?"
When Arthur entered the bath house, he hadn't realized the bath house, he hadn't realized it was meant to be unisex. Or that there was in fact just one bath. So when Arthur approached the bath to find it already occupied, he found himself feeling more than a little embarrassed. Mercifully he had his towel wrapped around him, but that was it.
"... well. I didn't realize this was ah. Occupied."
She had purposely left a sign on the door. Even if the unisex bathrooms were meant to be shared, she didn't want anyone else around. Wasn't nearly as comfortable with nudity, let alone her own skin. Though it wasn't nearly as patchwork as it once was, not nearly as obvious with its scars, she still hated every inch of it.
So when the door opened, she stupidly sat straight up in surprise. Her eyes widened in shock upon noticing Arthur and instantly moved her hands to cover what she could of her body.
A second or two later, and she remembered to scowl. "You shouldn't be in here!"
Arthur stared for far longer than he should have at her very briefly exposed body. It wasn't lustful, but instead a result of simply being in a state of surprise. His mouth opened and closed as he tried to come up with a response, but he eventually forced himself to look away.
"My apologies. Really. I had... no idea. You were in here."
He looked back at her and his eyes lingered at places they shouldn't, so he turned around entirely.
It was enough staring for her to shift uncomfortably where she stood. Reach for the towel abandoned on the floor near the pool of water and consider, just for a moment, trying to cover herself up in it regardless. But when she looked up again to see his eyes on her body, she scowled.
And through the towel as hard as she could at him instead.
His head was already turned when suddenly a towel was smacked right into his head. That shocked him so hard that not only did he stumble forward, but he turned right around looking properly furious.
"Trying," she began with a snarl, crossing her arms over her chest in an attempt to do her best to look intimidating and preserve her modesty all at the same time. She wanted to stand and scowl at him. But that would be exposing far, far too much. "To get rid of you."
Petulantly, he threw the towel back at her. A moment before, he would have just left. But now that she had hit him, he had too much pride to just walk away. Or perhaps he had too little sense to do anything else.
"Well you're doing a fine job of that. But you don't own this bath. You're the one who shouldn't be here."
She reached out to try and catch the towel before it fell in to the water. Her eyes widened in dismay as the cloth slipped through her fingers to rest on the surface of the water. Anger finally surpassed any sense of modesty and she stood, reaching for the towel to cover herself up. The wet cloth clung to her body as she scowled.
Arthur winced as it got soaked. He hadn't meant for that to happen and it served to make him only more flustered. Having long since past the point of sensibility, he held his ground.
"No. I need to bathe. You've already finished." She was out of the bath. That, clearly, was enough.
Because she was still standing in the water. She hadn't yet stepped out of the tub itself. And that meant the room was still hers, didn't it? She crossed her arms under her chest - partially in annoyance, partially to help support the towel against her body.
Though Suki had been to the Hot Springs before, this was the first time she went alone. She wanted the time to herself and just forget about the world.
It didn't take her long to change our of her clothes and slip into the warm bath. The heat and steam was so relaxing that Suki found herself closing her eyes and just focusing on the sounds of nature: a bird or the wind.
She didn't go to the Hot Springs all that often. But sometimes, every now and then, she felt as if she ought to treat herself. And the Springs were a luxury that Katniss didn't engage in all too often. But after a long day in the woods, it had seemed like a good idea to take a break.
Still shy about nudity, especially about the burn scars that littered her body from neck to toe, she wandered the Springs wrapped in a long robe until finding an area that seemed empty enough. Then, quickly, she disrobed to her one-piece bathing suit and slipped in the water before anyone might see her.
And missing entirely that she wasn't alone in the bath.
Suki was still in her bindings. Being nude in such a public place wasn't her idea of fun either. Sure, she was alright in her own skin, but that didn't mean she was going to prance around naked in front of people she didn't know.
Even though she was in her own little world, she heard another person and looked up to see who was joining her. It surprised her to see the other girl, but Suki still smiled as a greeting.
It took her a moment or two before she smiled in return. It wasn't so much the presence of Suki as it was anyone in the water with her. In a place where she was barely covered up and her scars were easily on display for anyone to see. She squirmed a little deeper into the water, trying to hide as much of her body as possible.
"Sorry," she mumbled a second or two later, smile turning a little crooked. "I did. I didn't see anyone here though."
Katniss's shyness only made Suki smile. Or at least, that's what Suki thought it was. She was so used to being around other girls that this was nothing.
Well, she was a bit embarrassed, but nothing too bad.
"It's alright. It wasn't like I was making a scene for you to notice." She let out a happy sigh. "And I'm too focused on relaxing here."
It was really comfortable, wasn't it? The warmth of the water, the ripples brushing against her skin. She could easily see just how easy it would be to close her eyes and rest her head against the edge, forgetting all her worries. No wonder she didn't notice Suki. Why speak, move, when it ws just comfortable to close your eyes and be?
Her grin grew just a little more confident. "I don't blame you."
It was nice to see that Katniss looked more relaxed. Though it was understandable to be nervous, Suki didn't want the other girl to feel nervous around her.
Besides, this could be good for them. A chance to get to know each other.
She shook her head and shrugged just a little. Not that she liked to think about her first time here. And those damn chocolates that were given out. The ones that made her talk more than she ever had before. Told things to people that she never would have spoken aloud in any normal circumstance.
"Valentine's Day." A crooked little grin. "I thought it'd be quiet."
"OH! I heard about that. Kinda happy I wasn't part of it."
Suki was grinning, trying to tease the other girl. Usually she went all out with her teasing, but she barely knew Katniss, so she didn't want to tease her when she barely knew her.
"But I guess this means you get to experience this place on better terms."
[ there are days when their sleeping rhythms are diametrically opposed, where charlie gets back from a night of partying and cultivating her ci only when he gets up and today is one of those days. at least this time around, she's not quite as hungover as after the last 'walk of shame', washing off the stench of cigarettes and sweat and the glitter someone had thrown at her hair somewhere around 4am for no reason at all, eyes closed and letting the water run through her hair — and then colder air hits as the shower door opens and mike steps in. ]
Whoa. [ the surprise is real, for all that her tone is dry more than anything else. ] Easy there.
[The moment Mike hears her voice he jumps and is suddenly wide, WIDE awake. He's doing his best to modestly cover his groin as he backs up to back out.]
[ well — that's certainly a strong reaction and she can't help the amusement even if she's not precisely displeased with the fact that he's backing away. she has nothing to be ashamed of and she isn't, but that doesn't mean that she particularly wants him to walk in on her unless there's a point to it.
but they're not doing that. ] Not a morning person? [ he's usually more observant than this. ]
[Rikuo had never actually had a bath before. Why would he? He had self cleaning skin and lived in water. But Nuregami had convinced him to try it just by virtue of liking them and him liking her.
Hottest water he's ever been in, no question. At first, he had been a bit uncomfortable until he made a few changes. His skin had gone a delightful silvery colour, for one thing./i>]
I...think I'm starting to see the appeal now.
[Or in other words, he loves it now, thank you very much.]
[Of course she loved baths. After all, she'd spent the hundred years of separation from Mother hiding out in a hot spring resort run by sparrows (it's a long story).
The woman sunk down in the delightfully warm water so that only her head poked above the surface, completely content to stay like that for a while. Though she was bare, nudity never seemed to bother the goddess--a trait leftover from both being a serpent in her true form as well as spending a large portion of her time hanging out at public baths.]
Mother was never very fond of them. [She chuckled softly. Her family as a whole had varying degrees of fondness for baths. Surprisingly, her brother and god of fire actually liked them quite a bit--as long as they were practically boiling.]
But I am glad you are enjoying it, Lord Rikuo. Baths are an excellent way to relax and regenerate.
[Rikuo was quite glad to have another who didn't mind nudity. Since starting to spend time with surface dwellers he'd occasionally made the effort to wear something if his lack of clothing made people nervous but it was never comfortable. Not to mention he happened to think she looked very good naked.]
Haaaah...That's not hard to believe. At first I thought I'd melt from heat, but now I think I'll melt from relaxing too much...
[Of course, he could be set on fire and be okay quickly after, so it was just a matter getting used to it all.
Imitating her, Rikuo slipped lower and lower until he was just a silvery head above water. The fact he could happily talk under the water didn't seem to matter. He had a habit of rolling his 'r's when above water and liked the sound of it.]
I was kind of wanting to thread with him again some time anyway.
[She'd be flattered to hear that, though she generally didn't concern herself with the appearance of her figure, and would probably blush bright red at a compliment of any kind.]
How did you do that, Lord Rikuo? [She asked, referring to the change in his skin. The silvery color was quite lovely, and caught the light like polished metal.]
Our desires match then! They are adorable together.
[Being the type of fishman Rikuo is, it's very likely he'd tell her soon enough.]
Mmm? Oh, you mean my skin? [Showing off a little, as he often did, his skin changed repeatedly as he spoke, always light and soft colours.] I have thoroughly trained in the art of mimicry. I dare say there's no creature in the waters I cannot imitate.
[To prove it further, he raised an arm and held it up as it first gained a shell and crab like claws before shifting to an octopus tentacle, then a whale like fin before returning to his natural form.]
With the exception of the loveliness of a body such as yours, of course.
[She watched this with the wide-eyed wonder of a child at a magic show, even going so far as to clap in appreciation once he finished. Truly, she'd never seen shape-shifting of that skill before. Even her own ability was limited to two unalterable forms.]
Fantastic! [But alas, her amazement was short-lived as his compliment sunk in, and the serpent woman similarly sunk back into the water until only the very top of her head was exposed to the air. Had she been wearing her robes, she would have simply hid her face behind long sleeves. Beneath the water, her face pinkened all the way down to her shoulders.]
I... um... thank you. [She muttered quietly, voice still clear even beneath the water.] Your form is beautiful, too... especially when you swim.
[Rikuo copied his companion, sinking down into the water. His fin hung above like a shark but his smile was much softer than the ones those would show. With his own skill for underwater speak (although now devoid of a hint of Brazillian accent) he played with her some more.]
I see you have already mastered how to change skin colour yourself. [Without a hint of shame, he leant forward to nuzzle his face briefly upon her cheek. It was a less bold gesture from a merman, being very into physical contact, but it still had a lot of affection.] But thank you, my lady. I shall never forget your kind words.
[She's just bashful, is all. If it were possible to turn even more red, she would have when he drew close enough to brush her face. She enjoyed the contact, but his kind words and affectionate gestures were more than she was used to.
Hesitantly, she reached out for him and just barely placed her hands upon his shoulders with the lightest of touches, resting her forehead against his. She truly enjoyed his company, even if he did have a habit of causing her to blush furiously with his words alone.]
'Tis nothing more that you deserve, Lord Rikuo. You are very kind to me, and I... I greatly enjoy our moments together, brief though they may be.
[Frankly, her reactions were reward enough. He felt, as much as she became embarrassed, he made her happy. As an emperor he had many things that were his responsibility with a great weight upon his shoulders. But as a man, he could not think of much he would rather do than be with Nuregami and more importantly, be with a happy Nuregami. He knew, from their first meeting, that being with her forever was impossible. The greatest ruler of the waters on Earth was still not meant to be with the embodiment of water from the Heavens.
He had obvious bubbly delight as her touching him, which only grew at her words. His own hands took her waist, just happy to touch.]
I cannot imagine deserving even being in your presence, let alone your praise. But so long as it makes you happy, I'll not argue.
[He did make her happy, and she did love him. She loved all the creatures that called her domain home, but he was special. He could see her as a woman, and not just as a divine being to be worshiped from afar. He knew what she was, and he wasn't afraid to touch her. The loneliness that was so often her only companion melted away when Rikuo touched her with his strong, yet gentle hands.]
No... [She smiled softly, brushing his cheek with a thumb.] You are not unworthy, Lord Rikuo. You are a kind, compassionate soul, and one that, were it an option, I would gladly stay beside for the rest of our days.
[But she had duties to attend, and they both knew that the time they had together was fleeting.]
[It wasn't really true to say that he had made his peace with the fact they could not truly be together. But Rikuo firmly believed that one should not fight the flow but be a part of it. Maybe if he was lucky, when he finally reached the end of his life (hopefully in a long time from now, of old age when he was a few hundred years old) he could become one with the water in a more literal sense and perhaps his spirit could remain with her. With no certainty there though, he had vowed to do what he could with the life he had.
So he drew her into an embrace, absolutely loving.] I am truly a blessed man to have the love of a woman like you.
[He rubbed his face over her skin some more, a soft and low humming filling the water.]
[Nuregami held him just as tightly, pressing her body flush to his. Truthfully, there was an option. No, she couldn't stay with him all the time, but she could give him something to ease the loneliness whenever they were apart. It wasn't unheard of for gods and mortals to fraternize, or for children to result from said trysts. The goddess had already bore one child, and wouldn't be opposed to having another.]
Lord Rikuo... [She began, burying her face in his neck to avoid meeting his eye lest she have second thoughts about her proposal.] I cannot remain with you forever, but... I could... give you a child.
[Rikuo had certainly considered that possibility himself. It was his duty as the emperor to sire an heir. But with Nuregami he never wanted to be an emperor. He always wanted to be a man. The enormous pride and sense of duty he held in his position allowed meant he could never truly separate himself from it.
Which hurt him, because as a man, he was not sure it was morally right to deprive a child of its mother, especially a mother so wonderful as he was sure she would be. Especially if it was a daughter. In his society, the parent that shared the gender generally raised that child.
He spoke over her shoulder, slow and quietly. It was quite uncharacteristic of the man, who was usually either carefree or grimly serious. Never so subdued.]
I... Cannot imagine that I will ever love another with the strength and in the way I love you. In ways that I do not think any man before me ever has. [He had, after all, loved the water, the rivers, the rains, the sea and the flow of it all more than was usual for his kind. He owed her almost all the happiness he'd felt from birth, in one way other another.] I feel as if I am part of an ancient fairytale every moment I am with you, but not one that will end with a happily ever after.
[Bringing his head back he looked into her eyes with a solid, decisive look.]
I wish to be the father of your child more than I can express.
[Her eyes lit up at his acceptance. A child would be tangible proof of their bond, as well as a means to tie her more firmly to the mortal plain. Yes, she would still have her duties to attend, and would have to come and go with the rains, but with a child to link both of their worlds, it would actually be easier for her to visit more frequently. As for Rikuo, their child would help alleviate some of his loneliness, as well as act as a physical promise that the goddess would return.
Nuregami couldn't think of any reason NOT to bear him a child at this point.]
Thank you, Lord Rikuo! I will be sure to bear you a strong son, so that he may be the link between our worlds. [As well as grow into a fine king to succeed his father when the time came.
Still smiling blissfully, she drew his face to her chest, cradling his head and humming happily.]
[And there were those breasts that so fascinated him. He could spend hours playing with them, enjoying every moment. Pulling him in like that caused his fins to widen and softly dance with colour, which surely she knew by now was a mating signal.
But they quickly drooped a little, not a sign of sadness but simply because the moment was so sweet. He nuzzled into her chest happily and clung to her in joy, listening to her hums.] Only you would be so sweet as to thank me right now.
[The goddess smiled at the display, tilting his face upward to press a soft kiss to his forehead.]
Because you have made me very happy, Lord Rikuo. [Nuregami spread her knees, drawing him between them to hold him intimately close.] I cannot say how long I can stay beside you this time, so...
[She pinkened, hoping her unspoken request would be clear.]
[The request was heard and met with nothing but willingness. His fins opened more, separating into the two wing like shapes that showed it. Between her knees, he could feel the wonderful softness of her thighs. He also took a good handful of the breasts he adored so much, massaging them devotedly as he nuzzled his face to hers.]
I hope it is at least a few hours...[Mouth close to her ear, he whispered to her.] We have to be very... Very... Thorough.
[The serpent woman shivered, though the water was warm. His words were a promise, and her skin prickled where he touched her. Her nipples hardened along with the myriad goosebumps that crept over her skin, and though the water masked the visible results of her arousal, she had no doubt that he could smell it.
Unsure of where to place her hands, she set them again upon his shoulders, and her legs coiled around his back, pulling his hips to hers.]
I think... I could manage that... [Maybe even a few days if she could get a rainstorm going. There was, after all, no guarantee of conception after only one session.]
[He made a small clicking noise of pleasure of detecting the various signals of her arousal. As distinctly passionate as he was about many things, it was no surprise that he derived great satisfaction from obvious signs of a good job.
Still insistently worshipping her breasts with attention, sure to drew his fingers back to stroke over her nipples especially, he was clearly enjoying himself. Kissing was still a relatively new experience for him but he did his best, pressing his lips gingerly to hers quickly, but leaving them close for her to return the gesture. His body was shifting, as it so often did, to allow them to go about their plan. Slow at first, but with their hips flush against each other she'd surely feel him growing.]
[Though it wasn't her first time, his touch made her feel like a virgin again. Everything felt fresh and new under his skilled fingers, and Nuregami arched her back to push her chest more firmly into his hands. Each stroke over those hardened nubs sent jolts of pleasure shooting down to her nether regions.
Considering his boldness elsewhere, it was almost surprising how shy he seemed to be about kissing. She returned it, lingering for a few moments longer, though it remained relatively chaste. She wasn't particularly experienced in the art of kissing either, and even the simple brush of lips was enough to make her stomach flutter.
If it were possible for her to turn even more red, she would have. Of course she had expected his manhood to make an appearance at some point, but with it growing, pressing insistently against her, the goddess couldn't help but blush. She also couldn't help but imagine how good it would feel in a few moments, buried within her with the purpose of creating new life.
Still blushing furiously, she withdrew a hand from Rikuo's shoulder and reached between their legs where his organ rubbed against her while it grew. With a timid touch, she brushed her fingers over its length, coaxing it to full hardness.]
[He hand would be met with hardness, but also slickness and flexibility. His length was more smooth and sleek than even the rest of him, which was very sleek indeed. He had an advantage over mammal men too in that he had total control over it too. He did not need to stop himself from taking full advantage of her offering her breasts to him. Absolutely every inch of her chest was explored with great affection. Constantly there was a feeling that he was holding back a strength that might harm her, struggling with a passion for her and her body.
Their kiss was soft, but repeated several times as he tried to come to grips with the process. He did not though, have the ability to hold himself back. With her hips so close, he manipulated his member to press to her entrance. He pulled back just enough to look her in the eye properly, smiling but with a look at begged her permission. Why he felt he needed it so late in the proceedings... Likely his head was in a spin.]
[It was an unusual texture, but hardly a deterrent. If anything, it sent the goddess's mind whirling to imagine what it would feel like inside her.
His questing look was met with one of determination. Nibbling at her lower lip, her legs pulled his hips to hers, causing the tip to slip inside (though she had little control thanks to their position).]
Lord Rikuo... do not feel the need to hold back. My body may appear human, but I can handle far more than that. [She was a god, after all.] Please continue.
[ it is far from appropriate, but then what is appropriate and what a thénardier does are oftentimes to entirely different things and for all that éponine doesn't always approve of the choices her parents make and the paths they are going down, she can't deny the blood that runs in her veins.
so it is perhaps not appropriate, but she's disrobing and wading into the lake regarless. it is far too hot to cross large distances and this is the first time for her to be out of the city; the first time that she sees what anyone might call untouched nature (for all that untouched is not really true because there is a path leading to the lake and a dock on the other shoreside). she may be travelling disguised as a boy, but her horse is grazing silently by the lakeside and she hasn't encountered anyone in days. what are the chances that someone should stumble upon her? ]
Elena | Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete
[202 can't think of a time when she's ever been in a room this decadent, much less having been granted the chance to luxuriate in a bath so utterly heavenly. She glances around the room briefly as she pads in, wrapped in a towel nicer and fluffier than most things she's ever been permitted to touch in her life. The place looks empty enough, but between the soft music being piped in and all the scented oils in the water, most of her senses are fairly useless.
Oh well... This is all on ShinRa's dime, so it's safe to say she's being observed one way or the other. Might as well try to enjoy herself regardless.
Stepping up to the tub, if you can call something the size of a small swimming pool a "tub," the blonde shrugs the towel away in one smooth motion. Enjoy the view, Big Brother, if you're watching; Entirely unashamed of her nudity, freckles, scars and all, she takes the time to fold her towel carefully before stepping in.
Oh... Oh, goodness yes. She sinks into the water up to her chin, letting out a throaty moan of approval as she does so. Oh, yes... This is the life, all right. Sign her up for the Turks right now. Consider her bribed.]
[If there was one thing she had to say about ShinRa, it was that they never once spared the expense for luxury. If you looked up opulence in the dictionary, there would be a picture of Rufus ShinRa. Senior and Junior. While Elena was often exposed to such excess of wealth, she still was always amazed by just what uttering the name would do.
She had sent 202 up first, having a few documents to sign and several bottles of wine to bring up. Even though room service was provided, and this was one of the top hotels in all of Gaia, she never fully trusted the wait staff. It didn't help any that, in Wutai, there'd been an attempt on both her and Tseng's life by men dressed as a hotel attendant. The trust never was fully restored.
With arms laden with wine, she nudged the door open with her hip, placing the bottles on the nearest table before securing all the locks. Working her tie loose, she couldn't stop the grin that spread at the rumbling noise that came from the bathroom. Apparently the bath had been drawn in advance and 02 - the smart woman that she was - had found it first. Padding over, she poked her head into the bathroom, eyes taking in the size of it before landing on the woman in the bath.]
[Having heard the outer door open and then close again, 202 had perked-- And then relaxed at the sound of the locks clicking home once more. That could only be Elena, finally making her way in as well. When the other woman poked her head in, she'd see 202 leaned back with both arms sprawled, resting along the tub's edge. Glancing over her shoulder, she offered a drowsy grin.]
It's a little bit like paradise. Is everything in order with the paperwork?
[Chuckling, she gave a little wiggle to sink herself lower into the tub. She might not have been very concerned with modesty, but she knew that not everybody felt the same way-- It was something that been hammered home over the years, especially once she had first begun to accrue so many large, unsightly scars across her body. "Nobody wants to look at that," after all.
The foam floating at the water's surface would at least offer something of a barrier, just in case Elena was shy or, less likely, squeamish.]
I hope there wasn't too much trouble-- Mostly because, quite frankly, I have no intention of leaving this tub anytime in the near future unless somebody comes in here with a tank to haul me out.
[Oh, 02, she didn't even need you to answer. Not with that look on your face. But its good to verbally hear that she approved of the lodgings. Smiling, she pulled at her tie, the fabric slipping around her shoulders before falling free, being held up only by her fingers and thumb.]
I have to admit, Rufus went all out. But yes, everything went smoothly. And I got us several bottles of wine for the night. Hold on...
[Disappearing back into the main room, Elena was quick to pull off the confining fabric of her jacket and blouse, tossing the pair onto a nearby chair before quickly tossing the remains of her clothes save basic black panties onto the quickly growing pile. Being in a suit all day long was comfortable - she was able to afford decent suits given her salary - but getting out of it was far better.
Final freed of of the confines of her clothes, she did a quick review of the bottles she'd bought - mostly red wines given the pair's tastes. Picking the first bottle, she worked the bottle open, carrying it along with a pair of glasses back into the bathroom.
If 202 was worried about revealing an usual number of scars, Elena was quick to let the woman know that was was nothing to be concerned about. She too was marred with numerous scars, though without the freckles that adorned the other woman's body, and stood there unashamed of them.]
It was no trouble at all. Whatever good mood Rufus was in to pay for this suite, I'll want to replicate again. This is a rare treat. [Wiggling her hand, the glasses made faint clinking noises in protest as they bumped against each other.] Care for a glass?
[Still offering that sleepy smile, 202 all but literally perked her ears at the sound of those glasses clinking together, one brow raising in playful inquisition.]
Absolutely. After the day we've had thus far, I think a little wine might go a long way.
[She turned to face her friend more directly, her smile brightening more for the company than for the promise of whatever other treats Elena might have happened to bring with her. Out of habit, her eyes scanned the other woman's form before meeting her gaze, and she couldn't help but feel a minor reassurance at the sight of so many scars dotting otherwise immaculate skin... it was good, in its own way, to see that she wasn't the only one bearing the permanent reminders of things she had survived in the past. To see that it didn't matter, especially not here. If Elena wasn't ashamed, it meant a lot-- But 202 was careful to keep the majority of her own mangled flesh hidden beneath water and suds, all the same.]
I do have to clarify, of course... You know that just because we're being pampered, it doesn't mean I assume such treatment will become the standard, yes? [One last attempt at keeping her mind on business matters... While she still had some semblance of self-control to pull from.] I do know better. I'm assuming your employer is simply trying to sway me with pretty treatment. [And it may just have been working, ever so slightly. She quirked a grin, dry and just a little smug.] I'm still going to demand to speak with him in person before I actually agree to anything.
[Ah, a hot spring... Now that's something a certain General has been looking forward to finding for some time now. And what luck... He seems to have discovered one that's fairly secluded. Secluded enough, at least, that he seems to be the only soul around.
Excellent. Not that some company would necessarily be a bad thing, depending on who it was, but this way the few meager bottles of precious wine he's got in his pack will last that much longer.
And so, after a few minutes of stripping down and settling into the water, he's more than happy to withdraw one and uncork it. The bottle is brought to his lips for a slow, deep pull-- And only just begun to lower again when the rustling of someone approaching catches his ear.
His free hand sneaks out of the water and beneath his folded greatcoat, fingers curling automatically around the heavy security of his Innocence, the great revolver Judgment. No need to draw it yet, but it feels good to have it available just in case...]
[This day could not have come any quicker even if she had begged both Odin and Alexander to make it so. Hours drug on until finally - finally - that blessed hour where she could escape and leave the business of the day behind.
She had accidentally stumbled on the hot spring several weeks back while doing some investigative work and had, without blinking an eye, left it out of her report. She didn't want anybody else intruding on her private sanctuary. That and, well, she liked to soak in the nude and she had no desire to have any of her co-workers see her without her clothes on. Or anybody else, for that matter, if she could help it.
Having smartly taken a spare bag with a towel, change of clothes, and bottle of scotch, she had stopped during her trek to properly disrobe, wrapping the towel around her middle, her firearm resting comfortably atop the clothes within the bag, within arms reach should she need it.
Which apparently she just might. A little frown pulled at her lips at the sight of somebody sitting at the edge of her hot spring, the mass of red hair instantly making her think of Reno. If that asshole followed me...]
....Ah.
[Well, it wasn't Reno. He didn't have a voice that sounded like that, nor would he have reached for - what she could assume - was a weapon beneath the pile of clothes. He was not hard of hearing, that was for sure, picking up her approach before she could even be seen. There was no escaping now, since he had called out to her. Both hands held the strap of her back, pushing aside a small bush into the clearing.]
Just another soul seeking refuge in the hot spring. I didn't think anybody knew about this place...
[Shadowed by the shielding burgundy curtain of his hair, the General's face lit up into a toothy grin at the sight of his unexpected company.]
I didn't know about this place until about 30 minutes ago... But now I'm so very glad that I found it.
[Cross let his gaze travel up the blonde's petite form from feet to face, admittedly lingering a little along the way-- But surely he couldn't be blamed for that. He might be a scientist, but he was also a man, after all, and Elena was a treat to behold even wrapped in that suit she always wore. The towel only made things that much nicer. But still, manners were manners, and a gentleman doesn't ogle. Meeting her eyes promptly, he inclined his head in a deep, slow nod of greeting.]
It's been a long time, Elena... By all means, don't let me deter you if you had your hopes set on a soak. There's room aplenty.
[Raising the hand that still held his wine with the easy grip of long familiarity, he casually withdrew the other-- Leaving his Innocence still tucked safely away. There was definitely no need to draw Judgment on Elena, of all people.]
And wine aplenty as well, of course, unless you object to sharing a bottle with a handsome man while you relax.
["Well, now" indeed. This was a pleasant surprise, coming across the General. It had been some time since they last saw each other and, having been reminded of their previous conversations, became quite aware of just how much she had missed his company.]
It is pretty well hidden, I'll admit. Hence why it is one of my favorite secrets - the lack of knowledge of it. Though I'm more than happy to share it.
[Strides, shortened by the small amount of protection her towel provided, brought her closer to the water's edge, stopping just beyond arm's reach. Fingers lifted from their placement on her bag's strap, pushing several blonde strands behind her ear, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.]
Far too long, General Cross. Though you wound me - thinking that I would pass up an opportunity to have you all to myself.
[Lowering her bag to the ground, eyes caught the movement of his hand away from the pile of clothes, mouth quirking momentarily in a larger, amused grin before settling back into a more comfortable smile. Kneeling, hands dug around the bag before producing her own bottle of scotch.]
And in case we run out, I do have something a touch stronger. [Placing the bottle down, she turned, stopping at the water's edge. Fingers held the hem of the towel in contemplative hesitation before the article was sent fluttering to partially drape over the open bag, slipping into the warm water beside him.] I don't think I could have thought of a better way to end a week than this. A good location, good wine, and excellent company.
Scotch, indeed? Ah, Elena... I'd almost forgotten just what a remarkable woman you were.
[The redhead smirked ever so slightly, rather deliberately keeping his gaze trained on the bottle the curvaceous young Turk had produced rather than on the figure she had bared upon letting that scrap of towel fall. When she dropped into the water, he gave a soft sigh, almost of relief, training his eye back on hers once more.]
You're right about all three, of course... Trust a hot spring to make a man's deepest wishes come true, hm?
[He poured a glass for her without any fuss, offering it up-- Though naturally, he didn't move any closer to do so. If Elena wanted that fine red wine, she'd need to scoot a little closer to accept it.]
I couldn't have imagine more perfect company if I'd been paid... So you can rest assured, my pet, you'll have me all to yourself for as long as you'd like.
[Celty had a few things to discuss with Elena, so she had invited her over to her apartment. The STAR team needed some additional hashing out; uniforms, patrol times, partners, other simple things. Celty was fine to do with whatever but her recent disappearance set her behind on the planning.
However, knowing she was going to have company, the dullahan had decided to freshen up a bit. She had left her phone, watch and helmet out on the coffee table in the living room before heading to the bathroom.
Showers were a wonderful invention of humans. She vaguely recalled using waterfalls back in her monstrous days for this purpose, if the thought ever occurred to her. Did it ever occur to her? The memory slipped away as she decided to chase it down. Even so, that would have been cold water. Nothing like the luxurious feeling of that hot water raining down on your skin. Her thoughts wandered further, wondering what it was like to feel it on your face or in your hair.
Meanwhile, with all the other things on her mind, Celty had forgotten to lock the apartment door, and since she lived alone the bathroom door was unlocked as well.]
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