((Discord RP Log))
Pao - Yesterday at 4:53 PM
Rhys was managing pretty well now. Most of his wounds were closed up and it was just his arm that was an issue, but even it wasn't seeping out pus-like fluids anymore. A good sign, no doubt. But the uptick in his health status meant more time to be bored, so he shot off a text to Seren.
[ Donuts soon? ]
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 4:57 PM
Seren was heading down the path to the infirmary, a box in her hands when she got the text. She juggled things for a minute, then laughed because of his timing.
Sooner then you might think.
Pao - Yesterday at 4:58 PM
He raised his brow at the text and looked up, gaze fixated on the door closest to his bed. He was almost sure that was where she came form last time.
"C'moooon..."(edited)
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 5:02 PM
It wasn't that long before he did, indeed, see her quietly slipping through the door. She grinned at him as she crossed the room and held the box out, with a bright "Tada!"
Pao - Yesterday at 5:05 PM
If he didn't have any sense of boundaries he probably would have at least put in some effort to hug her or whatever it is that people did when they were grateful for things. As it was, all the brunette managed was a huge grin as his eyes slowly fell from her face to the contents of the box.
"You're a ********' angel, I swear..." He didn't bother to wait and just reached over and plucked one out of the container, then promptly shoveled it into his mouth.
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 5:09 PM
She couldn't help laughing at how eager he was, and harder when he called her an angel. She was many things, but an angel was an odd choice in her mind.
"So? How are the red bean filled donuts? Are they satisfying your donut needs?"
Pao - Yesterday at 5:11 PM
Angel was accurate in his mind because he was bored, for one, and because it'd just been a while since he'd seen her and for some reason that was a little weird.
"They're ********' awesome," he said, scowling as a dollop of the filling fell onto one of his bandages. He was tempted to scoop it up and eat it--five second rule or whatever--but seemed to think better of it and just scarfed the rest of the donut up.
"So what's up?" asked the brunette before he started on donut number two.
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 7:06 PM
"I'm glad to hear that. I wanted to get them right." For you, was the added note in her head that she was sitting on. Her closest friend deserved the best, but she didn't want him to be uncomfortable.
She looked him over, seeing what bandages were gone, then asked "How goes the healing? You look better." She sat herself in the edge of his bed.
"Made a few friends, irritated Lysander, done some sparring... The usual."
Pao - Yesterday at 7:25 PM
He was in the middle of stuffing the rest of the second donut when questions about his progress came, and he nodded. Obviously distracted by the food. "Iffs gooung," Rhys replied with his mouth still full. Without water it was a little hard to get the food down quick...
"And..." he swallowed but nearly chocked out the rest, "you pissed someone off?" The question he wanted to ask was how.
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 8:05 PM
She couldn't help smiling at his clear enjoyment. It made her happy to see him enjoying it. His lack of clarity also made her laugh a bit. "I'm glad it's 'gooung,' them."
She arched a brow, and was prepared to slap his back, but he seemed ok. His question earned a SIGH, but she explained all the drama that went down on Twitter, and how self involved that man was.
Pao - Yesterday at 8:32 PM
The twitter drama was unexpected--he hadn't pegged her as a social media sort--and he listened intently while hammering down another two donuts.
"The guy can go ******** himself, then," he huffed at the end of her explanation. "Forget 'im." And then he started on another donut.
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 9:00 PM
She chuckled at how he was practically inhaling the donuts. "Best slow down or everyone will think you're secretly part vacuum." She teased him.
"Oh I agree. I think he's an idiot and a fool." She just shrugged insouciantly.
Pao - Yesterday at 9:03 PM
He probably was part vacuum. Donuts were just one of his favorite things, and now he had to add this flavor on to his neverending list of favorite flavors.
Rhys shrugged the comment off with a grin as he finished off just one more donut before licking his fingers and laying back, totally content with the snack. "If you're bored just hang with me. I've been bored here the whole time, s**t."(edited)
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 10:40 PM
She smiled warmly at his comment and nodded, then leaned her head back, stretching her neck. "Mmm I'm more then happy to do so. Got my duties for the day done, so I have all the time you want. Feel free to use as much or as little as you like."
((ACCK forgot to hit shift, hold ong))
She sighed, and added "I admit I look forwards to when you're out of here. It's been odd, being at the gym without you making sure I'm not messing up. Also, I either am or the routine you set me to doing has gotten a bit TOO routine, I'm barely feeling a burn anymore."
Pao - Yesterday at 10:47 PM
He set his gaze on her a second, curious as to when exactly his being comfortable around her started. Normally hanging out with someone involved work of some kind, but hanging out just to be around someone was...weird to him. Foreign, really.
"You and me both," he said, eyes falling to the dwindling number of bandages wrapped around various parts of his body, the discoloration only very slight not. "And for the workouts, it's probably you. I was supposed to put new stuff together for you this week, but obviously that didn't happen."
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 10:51 PM
She found herself wondering what was on his mind when he was looking at her in that quiet moment, curious as to what was on his mind, but not wanting to push. After all, it was his thoughts and he had a right to privacy, just as much as she did.
"Well I mean, I'd expect you want out of here. Same four walls for days? Not getting to do jack all but heal? Boring as ********." She shook her head, and made a face. "No one sane would want that. Sure, being allowed to relax to one's heart's content is nice, but this isn't that." Her eyes followed his gaze for a moment, before snapping back to his face, not wanting to seem to be staring. His next words, though, made her smile in a relieved way. "That is true... and I don't blame you."
Pao - Yesterday at 10:58 PM
"Some sane people might if they know they gotta heal," he said with a shrug, "I'm not one of 'em, really. Bored as ******** is right." It was his turn to make a face as he thought about the few more days he was still stuck in there. Clearly he shouldn't go and get holes punched into his body on a regular basis as it would land in him the infirmary for way too long.
"Anyway," he said, hoping to push the topic aside. She was here now and offering her time, which was gonna take because she told him he could. "So take some notes if you want a new workout. It's my thanks for the donuts."
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:03 PM
"I don't think they'd want to be bored. Accept it, maybe, but want it? Don't think so. It's just a recipe to go from sane to ******** crazy." She paused, then added in a thoughtful way, "Not that sane people exist. There's just people in denial, really."
She smiled and nodded, pulling out her phone, since she didn't have anything to write with. "Sounds like a plan. I'm really glad I met you, I'd be lost otherwise." She paused, then added in an odd tone "Also a newbie named Gabby might ask you for tips... She was going to ask me and I explained I got all I know from you, and don't actually know that much." She had a weird expression on her face, one that seemed to be caused by multiple emotions.
Pao - Yesterday at 11:10 PM
Rhys sort of squinted when she randomly threw in the name of another newbie that he probably wasn't going to remember the name of once this conversation was over, and he did notice that her expression was...off...somehow. After a beat he attributed it to her meeting with this newbie being not that great and just went right ahead with what he was gonna say.
"Alright, so first you can start modifying your planks and going for two minutes instead of one. It's called a three-point plank, and what you're gonna do is while planking you lift one of your feet off of the floor. Twenty seconds work, ten rest, twenty work, switch feet and same pattern."
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:14 PM
When he didn't ask questions, she let it slide, grateful. She really wasn't at all sure what to make of Gabby, and it had felt slightly odd to send her to Rhys. He WAS good, and she was glad to have others learn from him, but it still felt... odd. Uncomfortable inside, and she refused to work out why.
"Mmk..." She murmured, typing it into her phone with the occasional swear word at the swype type's spelling, and blinked. "Mmm gonna probably face plant once or twice again, as I work out the balance on that, I bet." She said, calmly, clearly unbothered by the idea. It wasn't as if anyone was there when she went, these days.
Pao - Yesterday at 11:21 PM
He paused to give her time to catch up with the typing, snorting whenever she swore. It was one of the reasons why he hated texting--he had big thumbs.
"You'll be fine. You did the shoulder taps didn't you?" Rhys then closed his eyes and thought about the next movement. "Since I can't be there to show you the movement we'll just double the time for your squats. I said one minute before, right? So two minutes now, and everytime you come up from the squat I want you to add a little hop. Think you can manage that?"
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:25 PM
She gave him a raspberry after the third or fourth snort, but continued entering the information into her phone, her eyebrow arched at her friend.
She nodded, and shrugged. "I know. But I also face planted when I did that. I don't expect to get hurt, I just expect I'll go 'whump' once or twice while I work out the details." She considered the next set of instructions as she entered them, brows drawn together in concentration. "A hop as I come up... Yeah I think so."
Pao - Yesterday at 11:30 PM
"Good," Rhys went on, faux-PT mode on. "And then for the shoulder taps, I want you to add a push-up between every time you tap a shoulder. So tap, push-up, tap, push-up--that's one rep. I forgot how many I gave you last time, but try adding five first. If that's too easy, add another five and keep adding until it gets challenging but doable."
He paused, wondering what movement to add to the tail end of that workout.
"Ah! D'you know what leg raises are?"
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:32 PM
She nodded along with his information for all of the additions to what she already knew, swyping away, a crease between her brows as she focused on the screen and making sure she got it all. She might even have the tip of her tongue visible between her lips, causing her to look a little silly.
She paused, however in turn, at his question. "Ah... I don't know? If I do, I don't know them by name."
Pao - Yesterday at 11:33 PM
Silly, but maybe kinda cute.
Rhys paused at the thought, brows knitted together as he wondered what the hell kind of thought he just had before shoving it aside and going back to faux-PT mode.
"Alright, never mind. So just do that for now. How are your runs going?"
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:37 PM
She looked mildly disappointed, but accepted that it wasn't something he felt he could adequately describe. She didn't want to get hurt, after all, and trying to do something she didn't really understand was probably a fast track to a pulled muscle or worse
"All right... I can do all of that. And just fine. I managed the portion from the dorm to the gym with the sword out about... 40% of the way there instead of 50% I'd say? So I've managed to increase that, at least. And that, definitely, I am still feeling."
Pao - Yesterday at 11:39 PM
He nodded along, pretty impressed that she was going strong with the workouts on her own. The motivation to keep going was always one of the more challenging aspects of working out at all, so it was good to see that she didn't have any problems with it.
"Cool, well. Good to know. Keep workin' it, then. Is your sword getting any lighter?"
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:42 PM
She wasn't going to give up, even if she had to do them alone. She wanted to get stronger, and she wasn't going to let his injuries get in her way. Even if she missed having his presence there, spotting and... just being there, because it sucked going in alone.
"Yeah. I will do that. I need to, after all..." She paused, at his second question, and looked quietly thoughtful. "I... think so? I splintered a dummy the other day in an overhand assault, though... That might have been a combination of gravity and being really not happy with something I'd found out."
Pao - Yesterday at 11:45 PM
Rhys looked at her curiously, as though waiting for her to keep going with the story...
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:50 PM
She blinked at him, and realized he was wondering about it. She sighhhhhhhhed a little, and said "So. I... On Twitter. I commented on how MANY twins and sibs were around, and that I got that bloodlines were a thing but..." She scuffed a foot on the floor, staring at the wall unhappily. "But basically asked did they actively recruit sibs... Because that dude, Roswell? Lysander's assistant? His twin brother Fred is now here." She bit her lip, maybe a little too hard, because there was a tiny little scratch of blood when she continued, though she didn't seem to notice.
"Both Roswell and that dude Rep confirmed that the odds are, yes, if you have sibs, they might get recruited. And... I don't like that thought."
Pao - Yesterday at 11:56 PM
He sat and listened quietly, worry creeping in steadily the more her expression changed. When she was done he was very obviously frowning and even moved to give her a pat on the shoulder. He got about halfway there, then seemed to think that he probably shouldn't and leaned back again.
"I don't have any brothers or sisters so I guess that's not a problem for me," he said, then started to ask a question and again thought better of it and shut his mouth. "Anyway, I mean if you could mess up one of those dummies that's a pretty good sign?"
AriaStarstone - Yesterday at 11:59 PM
She took a few breaths, trying not to get as anxious as she had been the day she found out, and closed her eyes for a moment. She still seemed unaware of the driblet of blood, not that it mattered as it was healed, beyond the fact that it was on her skin. She finally opened her eyes, and nodded quietly, looking back at him.
"Yeah... I... That's good, at least. I'm glad you don't have to worry about it." She brushed a loose lock of hair from her eyes, trying not to consider the implications that meant for Dai at all. "And I hope so! It was pretty damaged. I also sparred with Roswell's brother Fred, after. Good spar, and he's pretty good." ((don't ask how it ended it hasn't))
September 7, 2017
Pao - Today at 12:10 AM
He noted the hesitations she made, the small cut on her lip and her general reaction to even just talking about it. If this were their first meeting he probably wouldn't really care, but now...
"Yeah," he cleared his throat. "So keep carrying it around. We could probably even figure in a workout with you holding it...hm." He paused and gave that a thought, then snapped his fingers. "Yeah, why don't you hold the sword while doing your squats?"
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:14 AM
She blinked, surprised when he cleared his throat, and wondered if she should offer to get him some water. When he continued just fine, she found herself curious and confused, but respected his privacy too much to ask about it.
"Yeah I will, I have no desire to lose what I've been building." She blinked at his question, then, in a teasing voice said "Oh you just want me to cut myself bad enough I have to keep you company, don't you? Sword out while hopping..." Her tone went back to normal after that. "But yeah I can do that. I'll figure out a good way to balance it."
Pao - Today at 12:17 AM
He grinned and shrugged. "I really wouldn't mind the company, but no." He did know she was kidding though.
"So if I'm still here in a week just swing by and we'll make your workout tougher again. Bring donuts."
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:19 AM
She snort-laughed at his comment, and just shook her head, eyes amused. "I know you wouldn't mean that. I couldn't resist."
"Do you ever think about anything but food and working out?" Again, teasing him, and she added "Seriously, though, if I ever say anything that annoys you when I'm joking around, tell me? I'm not looking to offend... It's just been years since I had some one I felt I could joke like this with, safely."
Pao - Today at 12:29 AM
Rhys made a more dramatic thoughtful expression before nodding. "Yeah." He took on a more defiant tone but finished it off rather flatly. "Sparring."
With a grin he waved off her concern. "It's weird for me too, honestly, but I could get used to it." Having someone around, that is. In the back of his mind he was always saying something sarcastic about someone. It just never makes it to his mouth.
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:32 AM
She laughed at his comment, and teased a little again. "Oh come now, sparring is just another way to work out, if you really think aboooooout it." She jokingly stuck her tongue out at him.
She smiles a little, not commenting that it wasn't weird for her, just good and comfortable. "I hope so, I like being able to do that with you, cause you're fun to be with." Nodding, she smiled more, and sighs, happy just to be with him. If there had been more room, she'd probably have leaned back and rested, but there was definitely no room for that without invading his space way more then she thought he'd tolerate.
Pao - Today at 12:39 AM
The joking and teasing was all good, but the compliments were still something hewas getting used to. He gave an awkward smile at best and quieted some, not sure where to take the conversation from there.
He did notice she looked a little cramped where she was sitting though so he scooted a little bit to maybe give her some room to put her feet up. "I stink so try not to get too close, but relax, dude."
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:42 AM
She noticed the smile he gave seemed awkward, but didn't know what to do about it. She wanted to make him smile more, honestly. It's the main reason she was here, really.
"Ah? Ah! Thank you." That earned him one of her bright smiles, and she slipped her feet out of her boots, not wanting shoes on the bed, then shifted carefully so she could fit herself on there without, say, flashing him. "This is more comfortable. I just didn't want to cramp your style, my good sir."
Pao - Today at 12:47 AM
He really didn't expect her to get on the bed entirely, but found that he didn't really mind either. It might have partly been because of that smile before she made herself comfortable.
Because of that, "What the hell?" crossed his mind a couple of times while he got comfortable in his new spot. When he was perfectly adjusted he heaved a sigh.
"I think the nurses would say something if they saw you takin' up my space.
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:51 AM
She arched a brow at his words, and tilted her head while she was at it. "You suggested I relax. This is way more comfortable then perching on the edge of your bed. But if they have concerns, they could always provide chairs for visitors, I mean come on." She shook her head, in disbelief. "People visit friends when they're injured or ill, they should be prepared for that."
She eyed him, though, making sure he was actually comfortable. If she even thought she was pushing him out or taking too much room, she'd shift until she was sure. Once she was convinced he was ok, she relaxed again. "Besides, what nurses? I mean I suppose they've to to be here, your bandages are obviously being changed regularly... But I've yet to actually see one."
Pao - Today at 12:57 AM
Rhys closed his eyes for a moment as he eased back into his pillow a little more. He was pretty comfy even with the amount of space he'd given her, but it was taking him a second to register the fact that she was actually in his space. More so than usual, anyway.
"They're around. Hunters who focus on the medic side of the job." He shrugged, not too interested in anything beyond first-aid so this didn't really appeal to him. "Someone's got to or we'd all be in pieces or dead a whole lot faster."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:01 AM
She nodded, listening and shrugging. "Does not sound like my kind of job. I would be horrible at the whole 'having to clean up weeping wounds' s**t, or whatever." She made a disgusted face. "Or stitching wounds, or whatever else it is they might have to do. I can cope with bleeding and wounds, that is no problem, but the aftermath would have me freaking out."
She paused, and looked him over for a moment, before asking "Is there anything I can get you, though? Water or something? I mean, since I'm here... And you did have a bunch of those donuts... I know greasy food makes me thirsty."
Pao - Today at 1:05 AM
The brunette nodded along, recalling his own wounds in their various states of disgusting. Most were healed now, but the healing process was just gross. When she offered to get him something, he hummed out loud for a second before shaking his head.
"Nah, maybe when you're on the way out. Just sit and talk for now is good."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:09 AM
She nodded and smiled, amused by the humming. "All right, I'm ok with that, then." She said, and just sighed, in a comfortable sort of way. "Whatcha plan to do, first thing, after getting out of here?" She paused, then added "I mean beyond a shower, which I assume is a priority."
That also got a pause, and then a curious question. "Kim told me that the showers in the basement are like a horror show. Is it the same on the lad's side?"
Pao - Today at 1:12 AM
He gave the question a bit of thought, then said, "Shower again."
A laugh followed, his first real laugh in a while and he still did his best to wave off the joke. "Oh, yeah. Basement showers are something you could live without ever trying. s**t is ********' nasty."
"As for what I'm planning, I dunno. I feel like I should say 'party' or '******** someone' but probably just gonna go on duty or something."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:17 AM
She snorted, and laughed too, and found herself quite pleased to hear his laughter... Even if he tried to wave it off. She found herself thinking that she hoped to hear it more often, it was nice.
"Oh ew. Good to know. Kim mentioned like... blood showers, and I just... Nope, that's a 'I DON'T CARE how busy and crowded the upstairs showers are, I'll wait til everyone's gone, gross as I might be' then. Ewwww." She looked both amazed and appalled at the idea.
His comment about feeling he should say ******** some one actually had her looking startled. It might be honest, but she hadn't expected him to say it, with how much he'd seemed to feel awkward with her teasing him previously, in relation to sex. She blinked a few times, then laughed, and shook her head at him. "You sure know how to live it up, Rhys. Real wild guy here." She teased.(edited)
Pao - Today at 1:23 AM
Again, he gave sagely nods to the comments about the showers spewing stuff straight out of nightmares. "I tried once and managed to get through a sort-of clean wash, but it's a desperation thing. I showered again right after duty a couple hours later."
The sagely nod continued until she laughed and teased him some more. The brunette made a "thanks for that" kind of face and bumped her with his shoulder. Gently, because he was still injured. "Hey, if you got any better ideas then lemme have 'em."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:26 AM
She somehow found his sage nodding to be both adorable and hilarious, thought she just smiled, keeping her response to that under wraps, like she did with any of the stuff that she wasn't sure how to handle regarding him. "Good to know... I'll just avoid the ******** out of it, yeah? Yeah."
She laughed again at the shoulder bump, and gently, even more so then his because she wasn't sure how much was too much, returned the bump, and stuck her tongue out at him again. "I mean you covered the classics, so unless you like... wanted to go on leave for a few days..." And that made her stomach twist, unexpectedly, though she did her best to not let him see that. "It would be an idea. Go like... use some of your pay, explore the world, and relax."
Pao - Today at 1:30 AM
Now there was an idea, and he glanced over at her wearing a look of surprise. "I hadn't thought of that," he said, his mind suddenly going over the list of things he might wanna do, places he could visit, and most importantly: things he could bring back that would make his room feel more like a room.
He nudged her again, smiling wide. "I should ask you for ideas more often, yeah? Hell, that really never crossed my mind. The ******** is wrong with me."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:36 AM
She shook her head at him, laughing gently at his not even thinking of it, then blinked. "Wait are you saying you've never used your leave? Good Lords, you must have quite a lot of back pay just sitting, waiting to be used. You could really have a good time out there. I'm jealous, I still got some time before I can even think about it."
She grinned at him, wickedly, and said "Perhaps you should, but not every idea I have is workplace friendly." She teased, then shook her head. "Though I suppose, since you don't have ********' some one on your list, ideas in relation to anything like that are pointless." It was pretty clear that talk of sex things didn't bother her, and that if it came up, she'd probably be very upfront and open about things.
Pao - Today at 1:42 AM
He shook his head. "Nah. I always figured I could rack it up, but they told me it's a monthly thing with no rollover so I didn't really think it was using while I was at the outpost." He shrugged and added, "Also we didn't have spare hunters just walking around doin' nothing."
He grinned at the joke and gave a thoughtful look. "I mean I would if there was anyone, but." Rhys gave a chuckle before eventually sighing for reasons he wasn't about to explain. "Ideas can be for future reference, too. Just sayin'."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:49 AM
"Ahhh gotcha. Well you're back here, now, and you should use your leave. I'd say you damn well earned it." She nodded at the arm with the healing hole, while making sure none of her jealousy that he'd get to go/wistfulness that he would be around more, not less, off her face entirely.
She smiled, lightly, while gazing at the ceiling, not responding to the first half, keeping her thoughts to herself. The second half, though, had her quirking a naughty little grin. "Weeeeell. It all depends on what you're into, how vanilla you like things."
Pao - Today at 1:53 AM
The topic jump threw him off and he gave her a look. Again there was surprise there, with just a touch of amusement and curiosity. "You're on a roll surprising me here, woman. Let's hear it, then."
AriaStarstone - Today at 2:00 AM
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, thoughtfully, wondering what he was going to think. "Mmm I mean, personally, I find proper use of ropes and knots a delightful way to mix things up. Adds a frisson of... Good fear? Yes I think that's the way to describe it... Knowing you're letting someone else take charge. For whoever is in the receiving end. Mind, that does take specialized ropes, it someone's going to get hurt."
Pao - Today at 2:03 AM
His eyebrows went up pretty high when she mentioned ropes, and not even just mentioned. She sounded like she knew a little something about it, which had him chuckling.
"Never thought of it before. Kinda like to think I can manage pretty damn well without the props, but." He shrugged. "I mean, if you're into it, y'know?"
AriaStarstone - Today at 2:06 AM
He didn't get unnerved or weirded out, so that was good. A small knot in her chest loosened itself, because the last thing she wanted was to freak him out.
"Not suggesting you're not." She patted his shoulder, calmly. "Indeed, I'm sure you've had enough experience to know what you're doing from Before. It just adds something new, is all. Mixes things up nicely."
Pao - Today at 2:11 AM
He smiled that flat kind of smile, unsure of whether or not that would ever actually happen (again, for reasons he wasn't about to explain) in his future, but it definitely wasn't a priority.
"You really can't tell though," he said as he eased into his pillow again. "I mean I would never have pegged you as someone with that kinda kink." Rhys gave her a sideglance, a playful expression of disapproval on it. "Anything else I should know?"
AriaStarstone - Today at 2:16 AM
She was going to ask if he was ok, at the flat smile, but his next expression distracted her. It confused her, the playfulness but the disapproval? Which was real? Did he... She refused to dwell, though her stomach twisted a little. "Um. I used to be in a poly relationship, which some people count as a kink? Not me but." If she was going to out her past of this nature, better she just get it over with.
Pao - Today at 7:49 AM
The look on his face slowly went back to its usual evenness, though he couldn't help but be a little curious about that kind of a relationship. None of his business, so he kept the curiosity to himself.
"Oh, okay. A little less surprising," he said with a nod. "I thought you were gonna go on about some serious BDSM thing." That would have thrown him off more than her choice of relations, if he were being honest. He'd never been one to really care about the whole preference thing provided it didn't involve him. And right now? It didn't really involve him, so he let it be.(edited)
AriaStarstone - Today at 8:39 AM
"Ummm. I mean I was 15 and 16. I don't think we got much chance to explore too much honestly. I still don't know how Mical got the ropes." She made a slight face at the name. "What I know about BDSM past that is from the internet, and to be honest, I'd say it involves way more trust in one's partner then I think I'm capable of, whether as dom or sub." She shrugged, hands in the air.
"I'm definitely not the sort to mix pain with my pleasure, past simple nips and bites, though, so I'd say heavy BDSM is unlikely."
Pao - Today at 8:55 AM
Rhys listened while staring at the wall, idly scratching at the still-present, cloudy "bruise." This sounded like a serious personal topic and he wasn't sure he was up for sharing. Which meant lying, more or less.
More.
"How heavy would be 'heavy' for you then? I've seen some videos and that s**t looks like it could get pretty extreme..."
AriaStarstone - Today at 8:58 AM
"I'll be blunt and say I don't think I'd be ok with light spanking, so other then ropes, I just don't think I'm cut out for the BDSM life " That was said with a slight grim flatness to her tone. "To each their own but I know where my line is."
She was staring at the wall as she spoke, lost in a thought that didn't make her smile.
Pao - Today at 9:06 AM
He wasn't sure what else to say about it so let the topic die there, opting for a bit of silence. After a while that started to get weird so he forced a yawn and glanced over at Seren.
"You awake or what?"
AriaStarstone - Today at 9:10 AM
She relaxed, allowing the silence to calm her slightly raw emotions from things getting close to the edge of things she didn't really want anyone to know about. She didn't fall asleep, but she did relax enough to sort of trance out, and let her emotions wash away. As such, his words surprised her.
"Ah!" She half jumped, but had enough presence of mind to make sure she didn't bang into him, then made a pfoo sound of surprise. "Yeah, yeah I was just zoning."(edited)
Pao - Today at 9:28 AM
"Zoning," he repeated with a little nod. "I get that.."
Another lull followed except he didn't zone, so out of his boredom and uncertainty about the conversation (or lack of it at that point) he started humming the first song that came to mind. He started swaying to it too, very slightly but he still nudged her whenever he swayed in her direction. And that was on purpose.
AriaStarstone - Today at 10:01 AM
She nodded, quietly. "It's peaceful, in a weird way, here..." She shifted her knees up so that she could rest her chin on them, just comfortable with him.
She blinked a little when he started humming, listening quietly, and blinked more when he nudged her. At first it seemed like an accident but after the 3rd time, it was pretty obvious it wasn't. Finally, the song suddenly clicked. It was a newer one to her but once she recognized it, she smiled, and swayed along, softly singing with his humming.
Pao - Today at 10:19 AM
He was obviously pleased that she knew the song; it was probably stupid to assume she didn't listen to music, but it was a damn good song that not a lot of people really knew about, so. That was cool.
Rhys swayed just a few more times before coming to a stop and sinking back into his pillow again. "Alright, I think I'm done," he said, smirking. "So where you goin' after here?"
AriaStarstone - Today at 10:24 AM
She smiled a little, as she stopped singing, hoping she wasn't too off key. She had no idea what she sounded like when she sang, to be honest, and no idea if she was bad or good.
His words had her sighing, and shrugging. "Nowhere in particular. My room, maybe. Or... I think Melvin said there's a library? Maybe I should go check it out. See if they have any books I'm interested in." She sighed again, this time a little disappointedly. "I've been hoping to hear from Dr. Morris, I sent her a message on twitter... Melvin suggested I contact her, because... I want to... at least emulate finishing my education, and she's apparently an expert on what I wanted to do, but... it's been seven days. I guess I'm just not some one she wants to deal with. But maybe I can find books on astronomy."
Pao - Today at 10:29 AM
The brunette got comfy again and found himself pretty content with the current setting. The extra body beside him was added warmth that definitely wasn't unwelcome, either, and so when he closed his eyes he suddenly felt like taking a nap. The plan was to nap after she left, but now that he was this comfy there was a chance things wouldn't work out that way.
"Mm..." he started to say, "You've got a space-type theme goin' on, huh? Your hair, tattoo, and even what you wanna study." There was a little chuckle after that and he opened his eyes and looked over at her. "Can't believe I just ********' realized that, wow."(edited)
AriaStarstone - Today at 10:33 AM
She smiled a little, watching him relax. It was nice to know he felt comfortable enough around her to do that. She pondered tucking him in, an amused look on her face for a moment, then decided that she'd do so if he drifted off, before slipping away.
His question, however, earned a soft bark of laughter, and she said "Even down to my name. Seren means star in Welsh." She gave him a crooked grin, and a shrug. "As a child, I loved to watch the stars, the beautiful things I was named for. I always wanted to be one, in some ways." She didn't go further with that, because that path was the path of revealing things she didn't think he really needed to know. "And yes, in the end, it became a theme. Even Diwata fits it, too."
Pao - Today at 10:39 AM
"Wow. That actually makes me think the whole 'your weapon' BS isn't really BS," he said with a nod. He still wasn't sure what his partnership with Zephira was about, but then again they didn't really...talk. It was usually a lot of yelling. Lots and lots of yelling.
"I don't think I had anything like that as a kid." Now that he thought about it, however briefly, even then he was more focused on getting work done and moving forward rather than really sitting back and enjoying life. How could he, given the cards he'd been dealt, anyway?
AriaStarstone - Today at 10:46 AM
Seren blinked a little, and nodded quietly. "Huh. Never thought that deeply into it, but you have a point. She's even, from what she told me, a species of monster that supposedly wants to eat the moon." She made a hmmm sort of noise, as she pondered that. "Well. Interesting."
Her eyes were a little sad at his words. "I think... for me, it was what kept me... from going totally nuts? I had one thing I could count on to be there. Bonus, I suppose, for growing up in ******** Nowhere USA. I didn't have the lightdome effect big cities create, so I really could see stars." She looked back at the wall, her face blank. "And they were alwys there, even if I couldn't see them."
Pao - Today at 10:57 AM
Now there was a comforting thought he figured every kid could use. Still didn't apply to him, but he could at least appreciate it. "I had work," he said with a little shrug, sleep now pretty far off from his mind. "Well, school and work as a kid. No real time to appreciate anything, plus NYC isn't really stargaze friendly unless you pay for it."
It always occurred to him that his childhood wasn't a typical one, but this was one of the few times he actually felt bad for his younger self. He missed out on the whole idea of being a kid, in a sense.(edited)
AriaStarstone - Today at 11:00 AM
Her eyes were sad at the idea of a kid working. Technically, she had chores and if she didn't do them... She didn't look at that thought too deeply. But gods, to know he had been working from that young, it made her want to hug him. She pondered, then reached over, and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze, trying not to make him feel she was pushing on his space, while being sympathetic.
"I'm sorry to hear it." She said, quietly. "Have you... tried it here?" She was curious. She knew he'd mentioned a spot for it, before, but she had no idea if he actually was interested in it.
Pao - Today at 11:07 AM
The gentle squeeze pushed him a little out of his memories and he gave a weak smile and a shrug. He wasn't a huge fan of getting any kind of pity from people so he did his best to ignore the apology. No sense letting things get awkward again just for that. If it were anyone else he probably would have at least gotten annoyed.
"Not a huge thing and it's over now." He shook his head, then. "And no. I mostly just train or go on duty. On breaks I workout or nap." And that was life.
AriaStarstone - Today at 11:10 AM
She put her arm back down, wishing she could convey things better. She didn't pity him, she sympathized and understood to a degree, and wished she could just... show that. But to admit that, to really say it? No, that was not happening. She wasn't at all willing to open up her past that much.
She watched him, as he spoke, her face a mask, not letting emotions show. Finally, though, she gave a quick smile. "Well if it ever ******** clears up again... If you want to join me some night, I'll be doing star gazing, and you'd be welcome. It's beautiful, when you can see the stars clearly."
Pao - Today at 11:20 AM
The weather quip got a real smile out of him. "Can't believe the weather is still s**t. How long have I been in here?" It felt like forever but it couldn't have been longer than a week so far. "But yeah, I guess goin' out to look at stars wouldn't be a bad thing. Bet it's be a great view from the lighthouse."
AriaStarstone - Today at 11:22 AM
She nodded, and gave a deep sigh. "The rain was nice at first. It was nice, not thinking about a drought. Now? Now it's ******** annoying. Like, seriously, give us a goddamn break already." She made a ridiculous face of annoyance, over exaggerated with the intent to look silly.
His second comment earned him a soft, happy smile. "I bet... I look forwards to a day when that is something that we can test."
Pao - Today at 12:26 PM
He couldn't help but laugh at the frustration, not to mention her expression after sharing her thoughts. He'd been sick of the rain, too, but he missed just being outside so it bothered him a lot less right now. "I'll probably get sick of it again once I get outta here," he said, smile lingering. Despite himself he couldn't not agree with looking forward to hanging out while he was properly clothed and completely functional again.
"I think they were saying a couple more days, so not much longer of a wait."
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:30 PM
"I'm glad you'll be out soon. I look forwards to seeing you out and about again, too. Morning jogs are much less pleasent alone, especially in the rain." She said, in calm honesty. "And I bet you look forwards to not having to stay in bed basically all day."
She liked hearing him laugh, and seeing him smile, and resolved to try to make that happen more often, inside. It made her feel warm, and happy. "I sincerely hope we can make Atlantis ******** off, soon, if it's them that's causing this."
Pao - Today at 12:36 PM
"Yeah, can't wait to actually get back to working and stuff." He probably didn't need to tell her again how bored he was in here, though he wasn't too annoyed at the "in bed all day" part; that was kinda nice in its own way. Like he'd caught up on a lot of lost sleep over the past two years he'd been there.
"Atlantis, yeah. ********..." he muttered, "though honestly this probably isn't as bad as it could get. Wouldn't be surprised to find a s**t-tone worse in the jungle on the island once this rain clears up." It was grim but honest, and he honestly just learned to expect the bad stuff to keep piling one after the other on the island.
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:39 PM
She smiled a little and nodded. "You'll make it, dude, without getting to much more crazy then you had to be to begin with to be on this island." The last half was, once again, said in that lightly teasing tone she used. Her eyes were focused on him, though, making sure he wasn't offended by it.
Her eyes narrowed, some, though at Atlantis and she nodded. Then she frowned, a little. "What's in the jungle? I've never gone into it, so I really don't know. I've been told it's dangerous though."
Pao - Today at 12:44 PM
He snorted at the last bit about making it to the island in the first place. She wasn't wrong either, which made it a little more amusing. "I'll make it, for sure." He didn't doubt that, at least, plus it'd suck to die like this. He always imagined himself going out in a blaze of glory, or at least out in the field.
"There's an outpost there you'll get assigned to at some point. I figure the outpost is safe enough, but the jungle, obviously not. Fog and creatures and s**t, the usual."
AriaStarstone - Today at 12:48 PM
"I have to wonder if that's something they test for, beyond simply 'do they see the damn shadows,' for those of us with the bloodlines." She paused, thinking about that word, then a weird look crossed her face for a moment, then passed.
"The usual? I mean I'll take your word, I just don't know much about the usual. I haven't done any off island duties yet, or Outpost."
Pao - Today at 12:58 PM
"I feel like they keep an eye out for 'kids who say the darndest things' or some s**t like that, and if one says something about shadows they start taling." He doubted there was an exact science, but that made sense to him. "Me? I had a therapist so maybe the recruiters use those guys as a source for potential candidates."
"And yeah, the usual. Should take you to the Haunted House to check out what these creatures are about. Joy told me she nearly got drowned by one back when she was still new. Me?" and he snorted at the memory that came. "My experience hasn't been that bad. I jumped this one cat-thing and after I got him down turns out we met before and we just talked. So."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:03 PM
"Well I certainly never had no therapy. That's expensive." She shrugged, and meh'd. "Eh. Whatever. We're all nuts here, to misquote Alice in Wonderland."
Her expression as she listened went from appalled to fascinated, repeatedly. "Well Joy did tell me most of 'em are just people, but different. Some not so much. And warned me about the Horsemen as very different." She sighed, looking at the ceiling, studying the paint, almost. "Yeah. I'll go with you, some point. I need to start seeing what all this is really about."
Pao - Today at 1:29 PM
"School therapist," he thought to add. If he'd been told to go see a therapist on his own dime that probably wouldn't have ever happened for him, either. "And yeah, I guess the experience is different depending on what you run into." And "what" felt like the more accurate term as opposed to "who" since they weren't actually human.
Rhys took a second to stretch a little, getting into her space a bit in the process. The bed didn't feel cramped at all but for some reason his body had gotten a bit stiff during their conversation. He sat up and slumped over when he was done. "Dude...I really needa get outta here soon."
AriaStarstone - Today at 1:55 PM
"Oh. Yeah they never felt I needed that." Slightly amused, slightly bitter. "I guess that makes sense. They're people too, even if they're not human, I guess?"
She didn't seem to care about how far into her space he got, not in the slightest. She, however, lifted a foot at a time and did ankle flexes for a moment. "Soon. You'll be out of here soon enough, and ready to fight again. Just try not to get this bunged up again, at least not too soon?"
Pao - Today at 2:01 PM
He grinned but shrugged. "No promises, but I could probably try to take things easy."
That was more of a "sort of" kind of thing, too. Work was work, and if he got sent on a mission then he wasn't gonna say he couldn't go, hole in his arm or not.
"If I do at least I'll have you and donuts to look forward to, so that's a bonus." It was a thought said in passing as he stretched a little more before once again falling back against his pillow and sinking into it. It was like he couldn't find a spot that was comfortable enough like earlier.(edited)
AriaStarstone - Today at 2:09 PM
"All right, fair enough. Not like we always, or even often, get that choice in this job, I know." She closed her eyes, controlling herself and her emotions, not allowing herself to think about the option of 'not making it back.'
His words, though, about her being something to look forwards to felt good, very good. A tiny, sweet smile crossed her face as she opened her eyes again.
His shifting made her turn her head, "Do you need me to move, or fluff your pillow, or something?" She was here to make his stay better, after all, not worse.
Pao - Today at 2:30 PM
He noticed the smile when he looked over and the word cute came to mind again, though he wasn't as quick to dismiss the thought this time around. Probably because it wasn't the first time he'd had it, so it was less of a surprise. He just let it be and simply shook his head at her offers.
"Nah, I'll find a spot. What about you, though? Still got time to be wasting here?"
AriaStarstone - Today at 3:05 PM
"All right. Just let me know if I can do something." She blinked at him, them shrugged. "I mean I should probably eat something at some point, I guess? Otherwise, I have no plans."
Pao - Today at 5:03 PM
"Food?" he perked up, eyes falling on the container that still had at least one donut. "Why not grab one of those?"
AriaStarstone - Today at 5:04 PM
She blinked a little, surprised, and then gave him a fond smile. "I mean, I made those for you? I can make more another time if I want some. I'll probably just... find some greens, make a salad at some point, when I get hungry. I'm not, yet, so it's no rush."(edited)
Pao - Today at 5:58 PM
Rhys gave her an "are you sure?" look before dropping it and trying to relax again.
"You can stay 'til whenever," he said, incidentally scooting a bit closer in his efforts to find the perfect spot. "Be better if you eat a little somethin' even if you're not hungry yet. That feeling passes too ********' quickly if you get busy." The brunette was a whole lot closer to her by the time he found that perfect spot, and it wasn't long after that, that he fell asleep.
THIS IS HALLOWEEN: Deus Ex Machina
Welcome to Deus Ex Machina, a humble training facility located on a remote island.
