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 Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:31 pm
They had returned the day before. Riley had seen quite a few students since then, and heard quite a few tales. She'd just had an interesting talk with Junko, and now she was sitting in her study, silent as a statue, thinking. Her thoughts moved at a breakneck pace, but they started to slow, and stop. Her eyes flickered to her wall, as her thoughts had centered on one, single person, and in a snap she was up, out her door and standing at the one beside hers.
She knocked.
She waited.
She tried not to look smug.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:52 pm
There was, strangely and after a very long pause, an unlocking sound from the other side of the door.
Barth was bandaged. Tired-looking. His expression arranged itself into something cool and carefully civil when he registered who he was standing in front of.
"Hello, Riley," he said, "Come in, won't you? ...Sorry about the door, it's usually automatic, just haven't gotten the new mechanism in yet."
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:02 pm
 Riley looked legitimately surprised to see Barth actually opening his own door. The surprise was wiped away after a moment, and she refused his invite, instead choosing to lean against his doorframe and get a good look at just how injured he looked.
I would say I told you so, but.. no, I think the situation warrants it. I told you so.
She shook her head slightly in dismay. It was only a matter of time before one of these supposed field trips claimed a life. Next time, it could be yours.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:37 pm
There was no mistaking that look. Smugness. Satisfaction. I told you so. That she had stayed, not out of any sort of laziness, or even cowardice. Riley had missed her calling, really. She would have made an excellent Pride demon.
A thorny vine shot out from underneath the door, wrapping over the bandages and around Barth's arm, shoulder, and fist.
He was not physical, normally. The thing about being physical was that people tended to get physical back. And Barth had no intentions or means of going toe-to-toe with Riley. At least, that had been the case before. But now he was more inclined to try his hand at Riley's native, pardon the phrase, tongue.
There was another winding snap as the vine coiled, and moved, like a snake, faster than anything Barth was capable of, forward and fast and through, wrapped around Barth's fist like a wire.
It crashed into Riley's non-existent mouth.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:49 pm
Being punched in the face was a state of existence Riley was quite familiar with. Along with being ripped apart, kicked, beaten, and all forces of physical transaction that may have occurred in her life before Amity.
She was not, however, expecting any such transaction from the sloth demon in front of her.
When her head reeled to the side, there was no quick retaliation. No sneer and snarl, followed by a returning fist, there was nothing but shock that registered on her expression, even as she straightened back up and stared at him, while rubbing her face.
It hadn't even been a very hard hit.
Did that just. She paused, and rephrased her question with even more emphasized shock. Did YOU just..
Barth was really starting to get on Riley's good side.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:56 pm
He didn't bother with the recent question, choosing to address the prior statements.
"Told me that it was dangerous? What it might cost? I knew. If the depths of your ambition is Professor or Principle, stay in school," Barth hissed.
Thorns darkened the floors behind him.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:04 pm
All of the vague amusement at Barth's reaction melted away when he insulted her ambition. Now he was dealing in low blows.
She took a step forward, matching him toe to toe, and growled quite viciously. My ambition has nothing to do with my desire for survival, peon. She hissed. Nor the survival of this entire school. So back off your high horse. Just because you put yourself in the line of fire doesn't mean you're the only one fighting.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:35 pm
"Oh no? Then tell me your desires, Council President," Barth said, inches from Riley. The thorns around his fist did not wither, but moved, coiled and uncoiled, agitated. "They're what we specialize in."
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:42 pm
The anger seemed to fizzle, but it was only replaced by an expression not so very different in its level of passion. She reached up and entangled her fingers in his cravat, adjusting it carefully.
Now, now, Barth. What fun would it be if I told you my desires so straightforward? We might specialize in the fulfillment of desires, but it isn't fun if they're just handed to us on a silver plate.
Her nail tapped his chin. Dig a little deeper. Maybe you'll find something you like. I know I did, today. She tapped her own cheek when she said the last part, and backed away.
I really am sorry for your injuries, you know. If you need anything, I'm right next door. She stopped at the doorway, and stood still, nodding her head. I am at your service.
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Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:09 pm
As Riley's claws wound so close to his throat, occupied harmlessly with straightening his cravat, Barth gave some very serious thought to silver platters, and what he would like served on one.
Her nail was too similar to the Hunter's touch, and for a moment his chin was in human hands again, telling him with less-than-subtle threats to say ahhhh - he felt his jaw clench.
Riley backed away, nodding from her door.
"Thank you. I did so appreciate the courtesy call. A pleasure, as always," he said. More than the floor had darkened. Thorns were on the furniture and the ceiling, filling the room like water on a sinking boat, "but do come inssside, next time."
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Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:31 pm
She was going to leave. She really was. But as she leaned on his doorframe, and watched thorns creep across the floor and walls, her eyes widened in enchantment.
What's this now? She breathed out, returning to stand in front of him and watching the thorns grow. This is new.. At least, new to her.
She placed her hands on his hips, and regarded him with a frightening fondness. First, you punch me. Now, you threaten me. And, ah, hm.. would the correct term be that you will try to p***k me?
Her nails dug in deep. I appreciate the offer, and this rousing new side of you, Barth. But you should take care how far you let yourself go. I will only hold back for so long, out of sheer admiration.
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Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:49 pm
The thorns that had been stirring over Barth's arm slipped down to where Riley's hands met his hips. They looped over her wrists and hands gently.
The thorns didn't bite into her skin.
He took one slow, easy step backwards. The vines connected the short distance between them. They were loose, almost welcoming.
"Of course, the thing that draws you in isn't opaque, is it? What really winds-" and here the thorns may have tightened, just a fraction, "you up."
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Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:56 pm
When Barth pulled away, Riley looked down at the vines along her wrists, lifting one up to look at them curiously. She felt the tightening, and one eyebrow lifted as her eyes flickered back to him.
Barth. She purred in amusement. Are you trying to figure me out?
A dangerous game to play, indeed.
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Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:18 pm
"Ah, see," Barth said, "there it is," and this time when he took a step back, the vines between them did grow taunt. There wasn't much empty space left in the room.
"-and I can even put a name to what you desire. And, funnily enough, it is something I happen to possessssss."
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Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:31 pm
All the smiles and amusement were gone at the sound of that hiss. Riley's arms dropped and she took that step he gave up, putting her face less than an inch from his. Her eyes slit and glared.
Then name it. She whispered. And give it to me.
Games were over-rated.
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