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 Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 8:50 am
Had Leo known of her apprehensions he would have put them to rest, the total of the check not being a problem in the slightest. However, so long as she was content with what she was to order then everything was fine. He knew what he wanted and what he was going to order for Ethiriel; even if they didn’t have any tarnished silver he had packed away some just in case. With a smile and a nod, the photographer’s glance eventually made its way to Cruz.
On the contrary, Ethiriel enjoyed that Cruz’s skin matched her own though she also would have appreciated a decidedly warm touch when it came to air conditioned buildings. A smile pulled at her lips in his confession, eyes still down and unfocused against the table. ”There are many types of tea and they are all vastly different. Perhaps one day you will be able to partake.” she said calmly, her fingers finding their way to his palm. Her movements were slow and precise against his skin, enjoying the sensation against her fingertips while she traced each line. Part of her wished that she could take in his features once more but there was a time and place for everything so she was content enough with his hand.
”The scent you carry is that of the earth and water, a favorable combination.” she said warmly, flattening her palm against his, part of the sensation muted by her fingerless sleeves. ”I could not recognize the creature within you; I only knew it was something living.”
Just as Anita was quick to make her complete order, Leo rolled off his like it was a practiced speech, including hot water and whatever silver they needed cleaned. It was silent and only toward him but the waiter momentarily teased over his companionship, as well as the two Raevens holding hands despite their awkward seating. He waved the woman off with a grin, and once she was gone he returned his attention to Anita as she spoke. ”No, it’s not a problem. Price isn’t a big deal,” he said, Anita’s intentions flying right over his head whether they were innocent or suggesting a second get-together. He wasn’t opposed to hanging out again, especially thinking along the same lines as her with their two wards, but he never had that frame of mind – he didn’t know how to invite people to hang out and he rarely was ever asked. Besides, his first thought with ‘returning the favor’ was always along the lines of repayment and that wasn’t something he was interested in. He made enough money with his job, even if he was always busy.
With not being much of a personable person comes the difficulty of not knowing how to carry conversation, though he was far less awkward with the silence than Anita was. He was content enough with watching the two Raevens interact, especially with how content Ethiriel seemed with the contact. Leo had seen her touch on others but it was rather rare for her to give extended contact – perhaps it was that they were both plants.
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Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 7:29 pm
He hung onto every word.
Cruz's eyes glanced between her pale irises, unfocused and still, as well as her lips as her calm and lilting voice slipped out. Just hearing her speak was soothing somehow, though her gentle touch certainly helped. At the compliment he rumbled, earning him a quick look from Anita which he paid no mind.
"You're favorable," he practically repeated, smile easily heard on his voice. It was almost like returning a childish insult with how he'd emphasized but his tone spoke only of pleasantness and his fingers curled with hers after stretching flatly.
Anita shrugged, pulling her drink over to give it a quick sip. It definitely wasn't just money she was willing to part with, silently having offered up her time if he felt inclined again -- though honestly the offer was one of courtesy and would have held much less intention of follow through had Ethiriel not been in the picture. She watched the two raevans get lost in each other for a moment, touching, smiling, and while the sentiment was nice it was still something of an awkward point for her and she soon found her gaze wandering out toward the other tables.
"So," she intoned idly before finally turning back to look at Leo, chin and brows lifted, "does she eat anything special?" Some raevans ate decidedly strange things, Cruz being the perfect example, but then others such as Zul's ingestion of ice seemed comparatively normal even if the process was strange. Ethiriel, herself, didn't appear as though she would have particularly strange habits about her but just from looking Anita could only picture her eating leaves.
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Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 7:59 pm
While she had managed to capture Cruz’s full attention, she could only offer her words and physical comforts, unable to return his enthralled and adoring gazes. Ethiriel could only vaguely guess as to where he was, resting vaguely against his neck – or at least near – while continuing her idle hand gestures. His skin felt wonderful against her fingertips.
”You are most flattering…” she laughed, her voice soft and delicate. ”Your hands…” Ethiriel started, retracting her fingers to run along his palm again, ”You are still young, like myself… and your heart is a wonderful thing.” As she spoke, her hands splayed once more, sandwiching his between them. It would have been more welcoming for Cruz had she a more regular body temperature rather than matching the room around them, but there was still the idle comfort that came with it. The tea frei’s eyes closed, the smile on her rosy lips remaining as she exhaled and settled; she might not have been leaning forward or reclining like any of her companions, but there was an obvious difference in disposition – her shoulders weren’t so rigid and her expression had become completely serene. The air seemed a bit more comforting, carrying the slightest hint of sweetness. ”I believe it to be fate that we have met. I pray that you find your happiness.”
Meanwhile, the photographer had become slightly distracted by the two linking hands between himself and Anita, but her question snapped him back into reality. ”Oxidation,” he said quickly, tapping a finger against the table. ”She can eat rust but it’s not as good. Hot water soaks, being in the sun… Tarnish does the best job, though. Pricy, but I don’t mind.” The more Leo explained, the softer his expression became and his quick glances to Ethiriel became more adoring – he almost didn’t even seem like the same person for that moment. ”They might bring her out some silverware if they’ve got any that needs cleaning. They like that they don’t have to spend money on new sets with us around,” he chuckled, leaning forward just a bit so that he could lean his cheek against his knuckles. With that, there was a short pause, but for once he was quick to pick up on it.
”Hobbies. What do you like to do when you’re not working, Anita?” Somewhat abrupt and tactless, unaccustomed to small talk or even chatting about anything non work related. Leo really had no idea what he was doing, even if they had Raevens linked together.
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Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 4:32 pm
Oxidation. Anita blinked. She still didn't know Ethiriel's precise composition but that was pretty dang interesting. As a case of study, the Raevan Project was still technically a science experiment and it perked Anita's curiosity every time. Each one was so different, not just in appearance and personality, but composition, quirks, even biological function. Sometimes it was difficult to remember they were part of the same species.
She hung on closely to Leo's explanation, suddenly very attentive. His abrupt change in topic with no segue nearly went over her head. Anita smiled and stared as if he was still explaining, then a second later her expression faltered. "Huh?" Hobbies. Right. "Oh. Sorry. Uh, well, games obviously," she chuckled and adjusted her elbows onto the table, propping her chin up with the palm of one hand. "Kinda heavily invested in them. Aah, haha, a lot of my free time usually just involves pissing around, honestly. I mean I'm taking care of Cruz here and I've also got a dog, so that takes up some time. I like reading, movies."
Anita huffed, smiling awkwardly. She hung her head and rubbed her neck. "I'm not, uh, very good at talking about myself." she smirked apologetically. "What about you? You do photography for shits and giggles?" Only after she asked the question did she realize it might sound a bit condescending. She'd scarcely looked at the pictures he gave her, knowing they were mostly of her. That wasn't the most enjoyable sight to look at, not considering herself particularly photogenic, but she didn't mean for it to be a reflection on his skills.
Beside her, Cruz also listened attentively -- but only to the other frei. He was completely invested in her voice, her words, her touch. Cruz's eyes gleamed curiously as her fingers brushed his palm. "My heart?" he repeated gently, not quite understanding but finding the notion pleasant. Fate was also something that went over the croc's head, an idea he would speak to Anita about later. He hummed quietly, observing the soft gloss over her eyes that clouded her vision.
"I have happiness," Cruz inclined his head innocently, eyes wide with child-like wonder, "I don't need to find it." Did she? What did that mean, precisely? His fingers gently curled around hers again, taking her hand carefully. Instinct was to look in her eyes, his gaze rarely having left, but it was a bit dampening that she couldn't quite look back and leaning so close at their current distance and angle was a bad idea since it would get in the way of their humans and their food. "Do you?" For someone to need to search for something that made them happy... that was a sad thought. Cruz hoped that wasn't the case.
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Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2013 6:25 pm
Anita’s inability to first grasp his change in topic was quite charming, resulting in a low chuckle on Leo’s part but he didn’t let the awkwardness stand there, listening attentively as she continued. He could have figured video games being a common denominator, but at the same time not everybody with jobs always cared for the things they did. At least she did, which meant she hopefully enjoyed what she was doing, at least for the time being.
Her nonchalant use of profanity, however… While he had a bit of a potty mouth on occasion, he had done his best not to curse in front of Ethiriel and he raised his chin slightly. The Frei didn’t seem particularly bothered, especially given how into the moment she and Cruz were – something that amused him to no end – but he would let that slide. She was oddly mature for one so young, but then again it was no surprise; they weren’t born as children. At least, she wasn’t. Leo had little to no idea about how most other Raevens had come to be or their personality quirks, and really hadn’t really considered how old Cruz might have been. Even some of the older Raevens that he had come across didn’t speak as well or as eloquently as Eth did so often times it was hard to tell.
”I actually make quite a bit off my work,” he said, his tone somewhat flat though by no means put off. Her potential condescension was lost on him for the time being, not exactly having that same frame of mind. ”At least, when high end contractors come around. Weddings, magazines… You’ve probably seen some of my work here or there.” Really, he wasn’t so great at talking about himself either but she gave him a springboard rather than him making a single suggestion toward her. ”I take it you want to get into the industry, hm?”
Taken aback, Ethiriel stared blankly in Cruz’s direction for a brief moment, having not exactly expected that kind of question. His own response was enough to bring her smile back, genial and gentle as she graciously took his fingers between hers, cupping his knuckles with her free hand. ”No… No, I need not ‘find’ it, at least not in the present moment,” she cooed, her voice low and soft against the various background noises the diner around them held. ”Though I do wish to know the world you see. I believe… that is a happiness that you must bear in my place.”
With the speed and grace of most dine-in restaurants, their server had returned with their respective dishes; the burger and fries for Anita, veggie wraps for Leo and for the two Raevens, hot and cold water. Unfortunately for Anita’s curiosity, since the last time Leo and Ethiriel had come by were mere days they didn’t have any silverware for her to clean, but the female Frei assured that she would be fine with just the water and sunlight that the window beside them offered. There was no need for decorum, no prayers offered or thanks given, and they were able to immediately dig in.
Ethiriel kept a hand curled carefully around Cruz’s fingers while her other hovered over her own steaming mug, then carefully set her thumb into the water. The other, moving idly, stroked the tops of his knuckles.
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Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2013 1:20 pm
Leo's reaction to her mouth wasn't quite noticed. She saw the subtle reaction but, rather than equate it to the curse word, Anita reeled back a bit. Her brows furrowed with apology as he explained photography was actually his job. Way to go, Bishop. "That's really cool," she added wistfully under her breath; a poor attempt at saving herself from her own ignorance.
"Yeah, in some capacity," she hummed, speaking and relaxing a little easier once conversation steered back towards games. As much as she wanted to, Anita never really had a knack for the arts; she enjoyed reading, wasn't a good writer, visual arts completely enamored her, she couldn't make any of her own. Video games were such a perfect blend of art and writing that she'd been completely invested in them from a very young age. "Beta, bug, or play testing, I think, would be the most realistic and desirable options. I can't really contribute to the creative process but I'd like to at least make sure they're not selling a piece of crap wrapped in tinsel."
Cruz rumbled gently, fingers holding hers with slight concern as Ethiriel lost her smile. As soon as it was back in place, his grew and he pulled their hands just the slightest bit closer to him. "Good. You should be happy." Everyone should. That ought to have been the default state of the world.
The croc regarded her tentatively as she expressed concern over her sight. He glanced around their immediate area, soaking in the colors, the details, each little accent, as if they were brand new. She couldn't see any of this? Nothing at all? His other hand found hers and he nodded reflexively. "I'll see for you. I wish you could but I'll do it." As the food arrived, Cruz hovered a bit and leaned forward, pulling the back of Ethiriel's hand to gently stroke against his dry cheek. For how dehydrated his skin felt, his lips were surprisingly soft and they brushed gently against her hand as well before he delicately returned her hand to rest on the table.
They all made room for the food. Cruz eagerly wrapped both hands around his cold water for just a moment, then just leaned close enough to keep the straw in his mouth. He took very small, very sporadic sips and otherwise contented himself with glancing around at Ethiriel, Anita, and Leo. The photographer was of particular interest, as he found Leo's sights were mostly set upon Anita. Whenever he checked on his guardian, though, he found her attention almost entirely set upon her burger -- apparently it was good, she was slouched in her seat and her eyes were closed while chewing. Ethiriel's finger movements in the hot water interested him and he smiled while watching. His hand returned as soon as the food was in place and the frei eagerly soaked in her touch.
Did Leo keep looking at Anita for a particular reason? Cruz kept a faint smile on while the straw was still between his lips, gaze drifting idly between the two while they ate. Usually he looked at someone or something for a long time because he thought it was pretty. Did Leo think Anita was pretty?
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Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2013 11:43 am
”I wish you the best of luck with that. It’s a pretty difficult industry to get into from what I understand.” Leo said, his attention on his own food for the moment – just long enough to cut up his wraps into pieces small enough to pierce with a fork. ”I had to do some photography for someone to use as reference before. I think you’d much prefer actually dealing with the games rather than making, anyway. Tedious and difficult.”
That was by no means a pass at Anita’s skills, even if his dull tone might have suggested otherwise.
”I could see you really enjoying a job in testing, though.” he assured, his attention fully on her aside from the brief seconds of looking down to stab more food. ”I don’t know many in that part of the industry but if you work hard I’m sure you’ll do great.”
Ethiriel accommodated Cruz’s pull by slipping closer to the table, but otherwise she kept herself upright and unconsciously proper in posture. The hand that topped both of theirs continued to idly rub Cruz’s knuckles – she very much enjoyed the rough texture of his skin, even if it had been moisturized. However, once he pulled away to clutch at his glass she brought her other to the hot mug, placing both thumbs in rather than just the one and immediately she seemed a bit more content. Closing her eyes, Ethiriel calmly listened to the bustle around them, enjoying the combination of the sun peeking through the clouds, meeting her beside the window as well as the warm water in her hands. Even without a proper meal for herself she was completely at ease.
Cruz’s assumption would be more than correct. Leo had no shame in staring, regardless of being caught or not. Part of that might have come from years of photography as it was hard to get away with snapping shots without being noticed. Unless Anita became awkward or asked him to stop he wouldn’t, not while he was studying. The fact that Anita hadn’t looked through any of the photos he handed over earlier didn’t bother him – some of them were candid, others she had known about. He didn’t think himself a creeper, merely fond of action shots rather than portraits or idle ‘smile for the camera’ pictures. When she was with Tango… it was a moment he intended to capture. If she wanted to toss that one he couldn’t blame her, but to him it was quite the shot.
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Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:58 pm
For the duration of their lunch, Anita scarcely noticed any of Leo's looks. When she wasn't making direct eye contact with him she was engrossed in her own lunch, smiling at Cruz, or studying Ethiriel. Beside her, the croc was much the same. He was enamored with his water and Ethiriel's hands; their contact rarely parted as their humans filled their bellies and continued idle chatter. Conversation slowed the more full Anita became and she realized that Cruz was at an unfair position, as he was the only one not eating.
Once they all had their fill, Anita tried to offer funds toward the excursion. Leo's dismissal was prompt and he took up the tab. While she was grateful, the gesture served to make Anita feel a little sheepish. The drive back to the parking lot so Anita could take Cruz home in her own car was quiet, the two raevans practically tangled in the backseat while Anita gazed out the passenger window.
Convincing Cruz to let go of Ethiriel was something of a challenge. She was soft, she was comfortable, she was ever so accommodating with touch and kiss, and she was room temperature. It was a relief that he wouldn't have to let go either from becoming too chilled or too heated against this one, unlike all the others. He assured the tea frei that they would see each other again and he clasped one of her hands gently in both of his, gave it a parting squeeze, and rested his cheek against the top before he was pulled away entirely. Anita fumbled a little after getting Cruz in and buckled. She couldn't recall if she and Leo had exchanged numbers or not. Once they were both certain of the details, it was time to head out. She would look at the photos later, when they were home, and though Anita wasn't entirely sure how she felt about them Cruz was ecstatic. These shots were of Anita and Tango before he knew them! He kept them instead, and Anita agreed to one or two being put on the fridge with an assortment of others that accumulated over the years.E N D
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