[Re:Hexes] Another Life Another Story

[Foxi Doll]

Lowering his head to keep the water from spraying him in the eyes, Nemo followed Fyte out into the storm. The sudden coldness of the rain startled him in a way that froze his breath, making him gasp once he got over the shock of it.

"Jesus that's cold," he exclaimed. Pulling on the strings of his hoodie so that he could minimize the water that hit his skin directly, Nemo then ran to catch up to his coworker. Being so much taller, his longer legged stride easily caught up to the ebony haired girl. He knew that they weren't that far from either of their houses, but the usually short trip appeared excessively long by comparison. He was both glad to be at the end of it and a little apprehensive. It was hard to tell what to expect when he got to his destination. With the coming inevitable conversation between him and his room mate looming, Nemo felt that stab of irony.

He didn't say anything aloud during their jog, partly because the sound of the wind and rain made it difficult to hear. The other part was that he was having a hard time keeping his breathing even. As a kid his asthma had been debilitating, but after year's of therapy and a steady regimen of swimming classes, he managed to get over the worst of it. But he still suffered from occasional shortness of breath. It was a subject that irritated him to no end, mostly because he thought of it as a personal weakness that he had yet to overcome. And like most guys, he hated letting others see himself in such a state. So he concentrated on the puff of heated mist that came at even intervals as he trudged on. He only hoped that Fyte wouldn't take it the wrong way. Then again, she was used to his unpredictable moods. Again, something he still felt slightly ashamed to do, even after the years they'd known each other. But some habits never die.  

[Saia Kakaru]

"Holy crap that's cold!" She gasped as the rain hit her, but sucked it up and ran on. Unfortunately, her jacket did not have a hood that night, causing her hair to stick uncomfortably to her face as the wind whipped it towards her. Glancing back to see if Nemo was close behind her, she was a bit surprised when he caught up to her so quickly. Then again, he was much taller than her, and with his long legs it was understandable why he was able to cover such a distance so quickly. Focusing back ahead of her, she ran on, keeping pace with Nemo.

It didn't surprise her when no conversation passed between them. As the cold rain was pouring on them, she doubted that either would've been able to hold a civil conversation without yelling at each other to hear. And even then, she wouldn't have been able to say anything without her teeth chattering like mad; it was bad enough that she had to run while biting her lip to keep them from clacking against each other. Hoping that Nemo wouldn't hear just how cold she was, she sprinted onwards to her building.

A great sigh of relief escaped her mouth once she had entered the lobby of the building. Beckoning Nemo into the warm and sheltered area, she swept the loose strands of hair away from her face. "Nemo, umm…do you want to come up for a second? I've got something to give you in my room… and I'm not sure if Tsuki is back yet, and… y'know, my fear…" Fyte asked quickly, albeit sheepishly. In truth, she also hated being alone in the suite for extended periods of time. She also wanted to give Nemo a towel to dry off some and an umbrella; hopefully those would make the trip to his dorm a bit better.  

[Foxi Doll]

Nemo followed Fyte all the way to her building, despite the fact that the fork they usually separated had been passed up without a thought. He was too embarrassed to admit that he was too distracted with keeping himself breathing correctly and adjusting to an easy pace for Fyte to follow to realize it. Better if she thought he was chivalrous and had wanted to see her home. At least that was his reasoning, but that didn't stop him from being embarrassed that that wasn't his first thought. He should have really been the nice guy, wanting to walk her to her door to see her home safe. Alas, even after all this time he was still the over analyzer. Thinking so hard that sometimes he missed the really obvious stuff.

When they stepped into the lobby, Nemo pulled back his hood, revealing his still soaked head. The fabric of all his hoodies just weren't up to a rainstorm like this. He shook it of the excess water, much like a dog, making his green and silver hair spike in a rather spunky look.

When Fyte uttered her request Nemo looked at her in an almost dumbfound way. It wasn't her mentioning her fear that confused and filled him with anticipation. No, instead he was more surprised by the idea that she wanted him to go to her room when there was no one else there. And that she had something to give him. Now normal guys would have seen this as a lecherous invitation and Nemo was just shy of that. He wondered if she realized what she had said, or rather how she made the invitation sound. Then Nemo's mind began to systematically think of all the scenarios and reasons that could pan out should he accept.

Thankfully, he was already flushed from the cold and the run, but he mentally stopped himself after a few feverish seconds. He knew better than this. She didn't even like him that way. Her and Tsukiko had been like big sisters to him, always watching out for him over the years. His eyes darted down after his brief contact with hers, not trusting himself to save face under the self disposing disappointment.

"Of course," he accepted with a nod and a smile that he hoped look cheerful, or at least as cheerful as he ever got. "Saves me from going out into the rain again so soon," he added as he shook off the chills as the water settled into the fabrics of his clothes and stole the warmth underneath. Whatever she needed to give him, he was sure it was an innocent thing. He secretively scorned himself for that moment of hope. It is better to accept and be grateful of the things we have, not covet what we don't.  

[Saia Kakaru]

It took her a moment to react to his dumbfounded look and actually think about what she had just said. A deep shade of red spread across her flushed face, and she had to turn away from Nemo in hopes that he wouldn't see her blushing like mad. Oh my god I'm such an idiot! I just had to go and make it sound weird and sound like I really really really really really really really like him… okay, not that I don't, but he probably doesn't see me that way! And it's too soon for any of that hanky panky to happen anyway! The rush of thoughts sprang through her head, charging through like a cyclone and leaving a path of very disjointed thoughts in its wake.

Turning back around to face him when he replied, but something about his expression… hurt. Like she'd just dashed his hopes…For what? she wondered, a pang of guilt striking her heart. However, she didn't bring it up, as she knew that Nemo had shifting moods and didn't want to be reading things the wrong way. Nodding, she led them to the elevator (which came quickly since it was late) and went up to the fifth floor. The short ride was filled with an awkward silence, though on Fyte's part it was because she was trying her hardest to not let her teeth chatter so loudly. Finally reaching her dorm room, she fished out her key and quickly stepped inside. Flicking on the lights as she went, she dashed to the bathroom to pull out a towel for him. Coming back to the entrance way and living room, she held it out to him. "H-here. I thought you could dry off some before you got home… so that you don't catch a cold." Fyte said, blushing a bit since her first mentioning turned out kind of bad.  

[Foxi Doll]

Nemo followed in silence, not trusting himself to say anything stupid to make things more awkward than they already were. Standing in the elevator was a rather unpleasant experience, the choking silence pressed between them. He cursed his lack of being able to smooth situations like this over. Palian was a master at such subtle directing, but Nemo was always the kind of person that made things worse. So he scuffled his soaked shoe on the tile and kept his eyes averted, lest his eyes betray his thoughts.

When they reached the girls room, Nemo froze at the threshold, physically unable to enter. He had never been inside without Tsukiko. Sure the girls had asked him over for movie nights and group dinners, but never was it just the two of them. Not that it matters you coward, he thought with disgust as he took a step inside. You would never dare to do anything.

He watched as she went systematically around the space, turning on lights and darting into the bathroom. Little time was left to brood before he got a towel in the face. Laughing unexpectedly, he pulled the fabric across his face, both surprised and relieved. Of course, it made sense to him now. As always Fyte went the extra mile to look out for him. But the gesture puzzled him. Not that he wasn't grateful to have a dry face for a few moments, but it seemed odd to get dried off when he had to trek back outside.

Did she have something else in mind? Was the towel merely an excuse to get him upstairs? Absurd. Fyte probably just wanted to be nice and hadn't thought about it all the way. Nemo had an easier time swallowing that concept than any insidious plot. Fyte just wasn't that kind of girl. He smiled sheepishly, ashamed that he would even entertain the idea.

"Thanks for the towel," he said sincerely as he set it on the nearest clear surface. "So have you any idea when Tsukiko was suppose to be getting back?"  

[Saia Kakaru]

Biting her lip, she shook her head. Of course he'd think about that; he'd never been over to their room without the two of them there. He probably feels so awkward right now… she thought, feeling a bit guilty for shoving this whole situation upon him. "No, there wasn't a definite time when she'd be back from the show." she said, eyes wandering over to the towel he had just set aside. In her haste, she'd forgotten to grab her own towel. Oh well, I have to shower anyway so that I don't catch a cold later. she thought to herself, knowing that she wouldn't dare make Nemo stay for too long. Still, she shivered a bit, still dripping water and leaving little water trails wherever she went.

Dumping her bag next to the couch, she quietly observed Nemo. "Y'know… if you want to leave, you can. Just let me give you an umbrella so that you'll stay dry when you go back out." she said quietly. Fyte knew Nemo, and she knew he hated being thrust into situations he was unfamiliar with; like the one he was in now. If he wanted to leave, she wouldn't stop him, even if her fear of loneliness still loomed over her. Reviewing the words she had just said, Fyte mentally slapped herself. Though she couldn't help but act motherly or sisterly to her friends, it wasn't exactly the message she wanted to get across to her crush. She briefly wondered if he thought of her more than just a friend, but quickly shooed the thought away. There would be plenty of brooding time for that later, not now when he was in the room standing awkwardly. Looking up at his face, she awaited his answer.  

[Foxi Doll]

"I see," he murmured as he shuffled on the spot. When Fyte offered to let him leave he felt a wave of shame redden his cheeks. She thinks I'm upset about kiko not being here, he thought in frustration.

"No it's alright. I don't mind hanging out with you til kiko get's back," he said hurriedly. He honestly didn't mind, but at this rate he was going to say something he would later regret. This self doubt was so crippling and he knew it, that was the worst part. He just couldn't get himself organized enough to voice himself correctly around Fyte. She always seemed to jumble him like this.

"I'm not. . . It's just. . . Rain sucks," he finally grumbled as he slumped his shoulders and went to the nearest non fabric chair. Although he had dried off his face, water still dampened his body. He didn't want to make wet spots on the couch or cushion chairs.  

[Saia Kakaru]

Fyte couldn't help but give him a small smile at his efforts. She could see something was bothering him, and it had to do with the situation she'd thrust upon him. Before she could open her mouth to reply, however, she was kindly interrupted by Tsukiko. While glad her roomie had gotten home safely, she frowned at the girl's prank and "playful" actions. As the bag's contents spilled themselves onto the coffee table, Fyte turned a bright shade of red.

"T-tsuki--!!" Her stuttered yell was cut off by said brunette's exit. Staring in mortified embarrassment at the door, she lowered her head into her hands. Of all the things to do…in front of Nemo, no less. "Just what was she thinking?!" she muttered angrily, raking a hand through her wet locks. With a quick movement, Fyte swept the bag of condoms off of the table, scattering them on the floor. She was too upset to care about where they were now; she just wanted them out of her direct line of sight. She raised her hands to her face…or rather, dropped her face into her hands. "Sorry about this, Nemo…" Fyte murmured, absolutely mortified. She disliked getting this embarrassed infront of him, just because…she didn't like him seeing her slightly distressed like this. Fyte absolutely hated making anyone worry about her. Heaving a sigh, she tried to cool her blushing face.

"Y'know…if you want, you can go home. Now that we know that she's home, I'll be fine, and I'm sure…you want to shower off and sleep and stuff." Fyte rambled to Nemo, peeking up at him.  

[Foxi Doll]

Nemo froze as the bag flew across the table, the contents scattering all around. He hadn't realized what was in the bag until he saw the reaction it had on Fyte. Then the small squares, that he had assumed were some parting favor from his room mate, suddenly made his face go first pale then purely flushed.

What is she doing with a whole bag of those? he thought as he stumbled to his feet in an attempt to make sure none of them touched him. Scratch that, I don't want to know.

"No it it it it's," he stammered. Balling his hands at his side and shutting his eyes tight, he took a moment to shut his mouth and take a soothing breath. "Don't worry about me," he finally ground out. Looking at Fyte only made his blush, which had started to fade, begin to heat his face one more. In the end, he nodded his head and turned to leave.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said as he walked quickly out the door.  

[Saia Kakaru]

Getting up, she picked her way around the scattered squares to make her way over to Nemo. "Stay dry, yeah?" Fyte said quietly to him, her face still flushed from what happened a minute before. Handing him an umbrella, she watched him leave down the hall. Sighing to herself, she turned her attention to the mess she'd just made. Messes didn't bother her too much, but in light of the fact they were little packs of "fun", she would not leave them there on the floor. Picking them all up, she dumped them back into the paper bag, grumbling all the way.

"What's gotten into her…?" Fyte wondered to herself, half tempted to dump the entire bag on her roomie's head. She'd noticed that lately, Tsukiko had been acting different at nights, right before she went to sleep…when she saw her outside of her room. Now, she knew she had no business sticking her nose into Tsukiko's personal life, but if she continued this behavior, Fyte would put an end to it all. And Tsukiko wouldn't like it if it came to that. Sighing, Fyte headed for the bathroom; she just wanted to put this night behind her…

The next day, Fyte sported a slight cough and a bit of grumpiness. Having held a grudge against her roomie the night before, she had proceeded to greet her this morning by throwing the bag of "fun packs" back at her face. She'd then proceeded to storm out the door; uncharacteristic of her, as she disliked walking to school by herself. As the day progressed, Fyte's cough worsened and she was starting to feel sleepy. Stumbling into work, she mumbled a quick hello to her boss before heading into the back area.  

[Foxi Doll]

Nemo accepted the umbrella, his cheeks flushed and his eyes charmingly bashful. He felt like a tongue tied little kid again, but then Fyte often had that effect on him. With a silent nod in farewell, he darted back out into the storm.

It was only luck that prevented him from ranting the moment he walked into his home a few minutes later. He was drenched, he was grouchy, and his room mate was most likely the cause. However as he stepped inside, he realized that someone else had already beat him home. With a sigh that was easily drowned out by the shouts in the other room, Nemo toed off his shoes by the door, set the umbrella beside it against the wall and walked to his room.

"Why does she have to be here now?" he grumbled darkly as he closed the door that only helped to muffle their words into just angry tones. Nemo didn't understand women, and the one Palian had been dating lately was even more crazy than normal. She always burst in screaming at the DJ, always suspicious of his infidelity, although Nemo never heard him admit to being monogamous in the first place. Often times they would scream and shout and she would try to hit him or some other show of frustration. And more often than not, it would usually end with Nemo turning up his music to a body numbing volume so that he could no longer hear their activities, which were a whole other form of violence.

The next day, Nemo quickly rushed out the door, hoping to slip out before anyone else woke up. He was lucky enough, for once, so that he could get through his classes and off to work without incident. When he walked in, he noticed a gloomy Tsukiko and a sick Fyte. Without a word, he went to his station, and quickly brewed their favorite brews. Then he handed them to each girl, knowing that words often got tangled between them, but actions spoke great volumes.

"Honestly," he grumbled softly, showing his scorn over them both. Getting sick and depressed was his bag and he wasn't about to let them have a bad day if he could help it.  

[Ace_Price]

Ace and BRDY entered the place wearing their usual hoodlum attire and Ace looks around at everything that's going on. "Soooo BRDY? Why did you wanna come here?" He asks looking at his friend of many years.

BRDY looks at Ace and nods at the dance floor and festivities smiling while leaning against Ace.

Ace laughs and punches his friend "Aww alright I guess we can have some fun here you little b*****d."

BRDY Nods and runs off towards the dance floor looking for a good time, even if just by himself. Sometimes he will strike lucky and find a date, but usually Ace ends up joining him sometime later.

Ace had made his way over towards the food first instead of the dance floor, he knew if BRDY didn't find a date in ten minutes to half an hour he would have to dance with the guy, but for now he feeds.