Welcome to Gaia! ::

Carys had set her alarm with the planned trip in mind, unfortunately it had a snooze button. She was half awake when Ilia’s message began to play. She groaned a little, but reached up to turn her alarm completely off before opening her eyes. It was with some relief that she noted that today was not going to be one of the days she had to deal with the odd vision that had been bothering her off and on since the last fight. She got up, turned off the screen, and headed to the bathroom to take her shower and complete her morning ritual, which included making sure her shields were still up and strong.

Once she was finished, it only took a few moments to get dressed, as she had picked out her clothing for the trip the night before, settling on black dress pants and a flowing purple shirt with embroidery around the neck that was both comfortable and pretty. She pulled her still wet hair into a long braid down the middle of her back, and decided against putting on makeup, although she did tuck a little bag with her favorite colors in the large over the shoulder bag she had prepared for the trip. She had put several books, a notebook, and her camera in, as well as her purse, but there was still plenty of room for souvenirs.

After checking to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, Carys headed to the dining room, hoping she wasn’t too late for breakfast. As she entered, she smiled at those already present. “Good Morning, everyone. It looks like you are all finished eating. Am I too late or is there still time for me to eat?”

Guyy turned and smiled warmly at Kaori when she giggled, beaming with delight. With both her and Aya so happy it was impossible to feel bad. No doubt everyone in the room felt the same. The scene was just so comfortable and relaxed.

When Kaori took the plates and got up to go wash them he had to fight the urge to follow her and assist. But if he started helping her out in the kitchen he would never get out to the bus. In fact he'd probably end up back in their room, if he got his way. He smirked to himself.

Guyy looked up and grinned at Carys, giving her a cheerful wave as she entered. He nodded in agreement with Kaori. "No, come on it. There's plenty to spare." he invited, pushing aside a seat for her happily. She was a suitable distraction. "Hopefully we won't have to wait much longer at all though..." he looked at the time and laughed. "Maybe we ought to send Ilia back down to chase everyone upstairs. I bet Jack rolled over and went back to sleep."

"Nuh-uh! I'm not going back in his room!" Ilia protested, pouting in such a way that Guyy couldn't help but laugh. Gaia knew what she'd seen that morning. He supposed he should have been a little more specific with his instructions and warned her not to just wander into peoples room. Or at least warned people she might just let herself in. Lesson learned, on both their behalves.

Jack could hear the TV being flicked on in the bathroom as he hurried to wash up as quickly as he could. He took only a quick blast of water in the shower, just enough to make sure he was nice and clean before he hopped out to take care of his teeth and hair.

By the time he scrambled back through Raven was reclined on the bed and listening to the news. Jack cocked his head as he pulled on his pants and regarded him. The news seemed to be standard morning stuff, pretty boring. Far too much politics for his liking. Raven didn't seem to be really paying any attention to it anyway, it was just background noise.

He climbed up on the bed with a grin and settled himself quite comfortably on all fours over the blond, smiling broadly down at him now that he was more awake, the simple, cool shirt he'd chosen for today was still balled in his fist. He looked as cheerful as ever. He was actually a little excited about the trip out, there was so much to see and do he would not get even slightly bored.

"Mhm!" Jack replied wordlessly, nodding enthusiastically when Raven questioned whether he was making it plain he wanted to go soon. Though when Raven's eyes slowly opened and met his own, he did half consider skipping the trip entirely. There was something flashing in those watery hues that only the observant would have caught, someone like Jack. It was fleeting though, gone so quickly that he considered the possibility he had simply imagined it. Wishful thinking.

He grinned widely. No, Jack was learning gradually to read Raven like an open book. He had tells, like any poker player. They were difficult to spot though and still, in his stubborn and seemingly haughty moments even Jack could miss those signs. He did his best not to let it wound him deeply though, knowing sooner to later he could coax the hidden Raven out to play. He wished he could do so more often. Keep trying, that is what Kaori had advised. He resolutely continued down his determined path, even if it meant thoroughly annoying Raven in the process.

He raised his hand a little, motioning as if he were smoothing some stubborn wrinkles out of Raven's shirt over his chest and smiling slyly. With a sigh and a chuckle he spoke softly. "I like Skittles. They're sweet."
It was completely irrelevant, as much of what he said seemed to be. But every word brought his lips just a breath closer to the man below him. As hungry as he was (in several way at the moment) it was awfully fun to make Raven squirm when he had the opportunity.

Jack smirked as Raven's eyes flickered from his face to where his hand brushed against him and then back to meet his eyes. He wouldn't show it, but Jack knew fine well that Raven would be feeling considerably awkward right now. It was small revenge for the times he had been teased by the blond. He blinked his emeralds for a moment in bemusement when Raven's hand came up to cup his jaw. He grinned slowly when Raven promised to get him some Skittles, pressing his cheek against that warm hand and thrilling a little at the touch.

For someone who touched people so often, he still found it a delight when they reached out and did the same in reply. Few people did, especially the reserved man beneath him. He half closed his bright eyes contentedly. He never had paid much attention to the distinction between business and private lives. It had felt as if the two were mixed for his entire life. Normally, Raven would have been right for being concerned about being tossed aside once Jack was bored, but those were usually his groupies or random club visitors. He had never pursued someone who took as much effort as Raven before and he loved it. The thrill of the chase was something he had rarely experienced before, and the closer Raven let him get, the closer he wanted to be. There was so much to know! This was not like his usual fun flings where neither side truly expected anything.

He blinked at Raven's words, cocking his head. He couldn't give it to him? Well, that sounded like a challenge to him! He was about to open his lips and tease him lightly about it to reassure him when his mouth was captured. His eyes shot open widely, green flashing with surprise. Trust Raven to turn it on him like that! But that was the most fleeting of thoughts as he got caught up in the kiss. He couldn't help but be entirely drawn into it. No, his collection of admirers never kissed like that. Nor had Jack ever felt entirely powerless because of such a simple gesture before.

He almost whined softly when Raven finally pulled away, leaving him breathless and a little shaken. There was no more playful fight in him after that. He was stunned, and his expression betrayed that. There was nothing stopping Raven moving him just slightly to sit up.
"Ah... mm.... head?" he muttered, only half catching Raven's words, his cheeks flushing bright red and the room filling with a gentle, soothing warmth. He wouldn't hesitate or resist if he was chased out the door and upstairs now, in fact it might be a while before he really recovered. And he couldn't have wished for more.

Guyy listened to Kaori trying to busy herself in the kitchen, a little amused that she had bee thwarted by Aya's magic slightly. She would clean anything, that woman. They really were opposites in many ways, she and he. he actually felt a little ashamed of his tendency to make a mess when she was trying to clean up after him. Though she was doing a good job of keeping it subtle. He'd noticed a laundry basket had appeared in the corner he usually threw clothes into.

He smelled the enticing scent of vanilla wafting through the open door. He had no idea what she was making but it smelled really good. He grinned. This would be a very good day. Carys speaking drew his attention and he smiled pleasantly at her while she ate her breakfast, answering her question by having Ilia pull up a rather crudely drawn on map of the area on the dining room viewscreen. Yellow arrows all over it indicated their proposed path.

"Ahem. As you can see, our first stop will be in Barton. We'll just make a quick stop there, I know several of you would like to check out the shops there." he waved at the screen as he spoke, Ilia silently flashing indications and wiggling the arrows as he spoke. "From there it's a quick trip to Aekea, which I know certain people..." his crimson eye fell on Ilia with a smirk. The little android blushed. "...Would rather like to see the robots at work. And there's a little shopping there if anyone wants to decorate. Then northwest through the countryside. That should prove to be scenic and pleasant. I've asked Ilia to pack a suitable picnic if you want to stop and eat out there, though we could save it and eat at our next stop."

The arrows continued wriggling their way up until they met the water and turned into little yellow dots. "A ferry will take us over to this small island. I have it on good information that we simply cannot pass up a chance to visit the shrine on this island. There's a good tourist section to buy souvenirs at here, but otherwise it's pretty much untouched and I hear the priests and monks are very friendly and love having visitors. Of particular note are the star blossom trees which should be in full bloom when we get there. There's some sort of legend or tradition surrounding them... ah... Ilia?" he paused and turned to the little bot. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

The screen changed, the map shrinking down and a picture of the fabled star blossom trees replacing the main image. They looked rather like huge weeping willows with vast curtains of green branches that swept the grass around them. Dotted among the green leaves was a multitude of shining blue flowers, five petals each and every one resembling a small star.
"Legend has it that there was once a young man who was deeply in love with a young woman. But when a beautiful sorceress saw him she fell in love with him too. She pursued him but he kept turning her away, because of his love for the other woman. The sorceress was so angry that she locked him inside an old, dying tree and cursed him. She vowed that he would never be free to be with her until he was able to give her the stars. But of course he couldn't because he was trapped inside the tree. The young woman saw all this and felt so sorry for the poor old tree and the man trapped inside that she watered it and tended to it every day. And she cared for it so well that the leaves grew back and the branches grew long and finally, little blue flowers sprouted. he loved her so much that he made the tree grow stars!"

Ilia paused and giggled, amused by the legend. "And so the tree split open and let him out. And now that tree has a shrine inside it to the lovers, though it's not the main shrine of the island, that's in the main temple. And supposedly if you give one of the blossoms to someone and it sparkles in the moonlight then you're soul mates or something. Though some people say that if you pick one and keep it and then look at it under a full moon it's grant you a wish." she finished and folded her arms in smug satisfaction, flipping the screen back to the map and sitting down.

"Thank you Ilia, very helpful." Guyy smiled. "Anyway, after a stop at the shrine we'll take another ferry over to Isle de Gambino to catch the market and enjoy the nightlife. We can stay in a hotel if we end up staying too late to travel back. The final stretch will be pure sightseeing, southwest back to Durem. There are some interesting ruins and the coast to see. We can make a few stops if anyone wants to take pictures or stretch their legs. Any questions or suggestions?" he glanced around the room curiously.

Jack's gaze softened a little as he listened to Raven speak. He squashed the notion to scoff or laugh good naturedly in an attempt to assure him that none of his concerns were going to be an issue. But he knew fine well in this mood the blond would not listen. He was stuck in his ways and that meant he was also stuck in his notion that Jack would tire of him or something would go wrong. He sighed softly, shifting a little on the bed. His forehead rested gently between Raven's shoulderblades.

Nothing, not even Raven's attempt at warning him away, would burst the happy little bubble welling in his chest. He didn't need to be told that the kiss was genuine. He'd had enough fake ones in his life to have learned the difference. And perhaps he had only known two real ones in all that time. It was kind of sad in a way, but as he considered it, it was worth waiting for.

He closed his eyes for a moment. He wanted to tell him that he would never tire of the chase. He'd always find something new and exciting about him to explore. He continually surprised him. He did chuckle a little when he asked for forgiveness for being an a**. He could easily ask for the same. He raised his head and shrugged into his shirt. He shuffled to the side of the bed and smiled up at Raven warmly. The soothing warmth cocooned them both, quite unintentionally on Jack's behalf but he never had really got the hang of it.

"So. You know what I want, do you?" he smirked softly. "And you can't give it to me?" he shook his head a little, lifting his eyes to meet the blond's. "I want three things from you. The first..." he held up his hand, raising a finger and counting them off as he spoke. "Would be your friendship. Which I would like to think that I have. And that includes your company, when possible."

Jack had never liked being alone. That was one of the reasons he never discouraged the groupies. At least that way he only rarely had to wake up on his own. And that was one of the reasons he obviously pestered Raven for company, or Guyy, or whoever would give him a little time. Truthfully he was terrified of being alone. And Raven, so far, had tolerated his determination. Even when it meant Jack invaded his sleeping space.
"The second... hmm..." he counted that off on his fingers too before shuffling closer to him and gently reaching up to Raven's face with his fingers, trying not to make him flinch away. His slender fingers found Raven's lips and with soft patience they tried to coax his cheeks and lips into a somewhat bemused smile. Once satisfied he pulled away and nodded, admiring his handiwork, even if it was only temporary.

"The last thing I want from you is a drink. Gin and tonic, slice of lemon, plenty of ice." he grinned. "You can buy me one when we get to Gambino." he smirked. His feet found his shoes quickly before he turned and leaned up, planting a peck of a kiss on Raven's cheek and hopping over to the door, laces trailing and shirt unbuttoned. "Come on then, we we'll be late!" he grinned, peering around the doorway back at Raven, hoping to catch his expression. No, Jack was not going to be discouraged in the slightest by that little speech.

Guyy glanced at his watch and smiled as he heard the sound of Kaori humming cheerfully from the kitchen. Something had her in a delightfully good mood. He guessed she was looking forward to the trip. Jack was late, not unusual. He sighed and shook his head, turning to smile broadly at his beloved as she came back through the doorway to place a little bag and thermos on the table. Intriguing, and deliciously scented.
"They certainly can be." he agreed. He glanced around and patted his hands on the table. "Well then, once we're all finished here we'll head up to the bus. Some of the clan may be waiting for us up there."

Carys nodded at appropriate points as Guyy explained the plan for the road trip. She hoped to do a little bit of shopping, but mainly she was interested in the chance to explore her world. Although she was mainly focused on the explanation, she continued eating, as she did not want to delay the trip anymore then necessary. She grinned at Guyy’s thinly veiled comment that Ilia wanted to see Akea’s robots, and at Ilia’s response. She had started to think of Ilia more as a little girl then a machine.

She stopped eating to listen to Ilia’s telling of the legend of the legend of the star blossom trees. She felt as though she vaguely remembered a story of someone trapped in a tree, or something similar, but when she tried to recall exactly what the story was, it made her head hurt, and the harder she tried, the less she could recall, so she gave up. She went back to eating and quickly finished.

It was just in time, as she had just put her fork down when Kaori suggested that they get going, as some people might be waiting at the bus. She stood up and picked her bag up, throwing it over her shoulder. She nodded in Kaori’s direction and went to the door, heading for the elevator.

Jack was quite pleased to see that smile stay in place even after he pulled back his fingers. Smiling suited Raven far more than his frowning and serious expression. He liked catching those quiet moments when Raven smiled for one reason or another. Even before, when they had been little more than familiar employee and employer he had been watching for that smile that meant Raven was enjoying his job every night.

And that laugh! It was so good to hear it after such a pessimistic speech. He would have done anything to hear that laugh in the tense moment and there it was. Jack grinned broadly, his enthusiasm unmissable. And the kiss succeeded in momentarily startling the blond, giving Jack a little headstart. No, nothing would destroy the good mood caused by that kiss. He'd be walking on air all day.

Jack half walked and half strutted up to the elevator, humming with cheerful excitement during the entire short journey up. For some reason he wasn't as hungry as he had been earlier. He giggled when he overheard Raven's stomach complaining though. He caught Raven's elbow and practically dragged him through the door and towards the large oak portal the bus waited behind.

Ilia grinned, just catching onto the bags she had prepacked for herself and her parents before Parvarti took hold of her and dragged her out of the door at great speed. She laughed cheerfully as they ran towards the elevators. Ilia took the liberty of opening the doors before they got there so that Parvarti wouldn't have to bounce around waiting. Although she'd still need to wait for the others to catch up before they ascended.

"I wouldn't worry about it. I think Ilia likes having someone who can keep her on her toes." he smirked. Parvarti was one of the few that could surprise Ilia easily and almost match her boundless enthusiasm and stamina. He shook his head as both girls raced out of the door. He laughed out loud as Caine teased Aya, receiving a light and playful slap in return. "Mhm. I know that all too well." he grinned in kind, glancing at both Aya and Kaori.

He stood, just as Kaori did, and moved to take her arm in a chivalrous manner. He gave her a charming smile, glancing over to Carys and ensuring she and everyone else really were finished before he began heading in the direction the children had run. "Jack's late." he muttered, chuckling a little. "Why am I not surprised? I expect he'll catch us at the bus in the nick of time."

He gazed down at Kaori softly for a minute. It should prove to be a good day. Good company, good weather (according to the weather report) and lots of fun things to do. The elevator was already open as they approached it. Clearly Ilia was as eager as Parvarti to get going. He laughed quietly to himself. "I get the feeling we all have our hands full today." he smiled down at his beloved, glancing back to Aya and Caine as well. The two girls were exceptional after all, and it would take more than regular parents to tend to their whims. He reached out to take the obviously adult bags from Ilia, swinging them over his shoulder and carrying the one she'd prepared for Kaori as well. He guessed it was mostly food and a few essential items. No doubt they had everything they could possibly have needed.