etrayalogs | FEBRUARY MINGLE

Entry tags:

FEBRUARY MINGLE

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: February 14th - March
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, a mini mission, and some new city features!
NOTES\WARNINGS:

⏵ arrival ⏴
Welcome to Etraya!

Arrival goes as expected - characters awaken on hospital beds and are offered an explanation of their situation: that they have arrived in the city of Etraya, and they are their world's only hope. They are welcome to wander the hospital if they would like to - the upper floors are mostly empty, full of pristine hallways and numerous rooms filled with supplies, cots, and things one would expect from a relatively average 21st-century hospital.

In the hospital's lobby are several party tables set out with miscellaneous baked goods: croissants, cookies, breads, cake slices, as well as tea and coffee to accompany them - or hot chocolate, for those who are opposed to the other offerings.

Outside the hospital, the last remnants of snow are melting in the sunlight as the weather begins to warm up. It's still chilly enough one might want to put on a coat, but not so cold a jacket is necessary for wandering around without freezing off one's fingers.

We hope you enjoy your stay.

⏵ heroes return ⏴

As the Quantum Rail train glides to a halt, returning passengers step out onto familiar ground - the train station, right where they had initially begun their mission. When exiting the station, their earpieces vibrate, indicating the automatic download of a detailed map which highlights key locations, transit paths, and notable landmarks. As Aurora promised, she had been working on a few renovations around Etraya! A sleek trolley system now winds through Etraya, following clearly marked pathways through the city bubble to make travel across the city smoother. However, the trolley only moves one way, eternally following the loop Aurora has set it on. And because of this, it takes six hours to complete it's loop all the way around. Don't miss your stop!

Pets and animals have been returned to their usual preferred areas, some awaiting the arrival of their owners, and others keeping to themselves in the forested areas throughout Etraya.

Beyond the small upgrades, things seem relatively unchanged - until one familiar sign catches the eye. One marked by four vertical lines, methodically crossed out one by one: the final slash has now been drawn through. The tally is complete. What it indicates has yet to be made clear, but it has to mean something, right? No one would go through the effort of making an ominous-sounding sign without following through.

⏵ love in the air ⏴

This Valentines Day, Aurora and the companion bots have opted to try something a little different: they have scattered mystery valentines across the city. Hidden within mailboxes, tucked into cafe menus, slipped under doors, on the outside of high windows for those wall-crawlers to spot. There are countless of these little slips of papers, strewn throughout the city. And within each valentine, is a challenge or gesture to complete. Please feel free to make these up yourselves as long as they fit in with the theme!

Some examples include:

Deliver a flower to a stranger.
Write a heartfelt poem for someone.
Share a box of chocolates!
Confess your feelings for another.
Play matchmaker for two people - this can be platonic, or romantic!
Gift a friend with a stuffed animal.
Give five different people a genuine compliment.

While not mandatory, completing five tasks will earn an individual an additional ten points to use towards anything they would like!

Each little Valentine is signed "Your Secret Admirer. ♡", and some of them may even be addressed to specific individuals. Don't be surprised, Eddie, if you see one or two that are specifically addressed to you lurking around your collection of chicken friends!

And while most of these are harmless, some of the valentines cards come with effects for those who come into contact with the paper. Perhaps they thought it was a piece of garbage, or were just kicking it out of the way rather than intending on taking part. It doesn't matter! They get to join in on the fun, too.

Heart Eyes - your pupils literally turn into hearts for a few hours, making it hard to focus on anything other than things (or people) you find attractive.
Love-Struck Stammer - You can only speak in poetic compliments or romantic declarations, regardless of whom you're speaking to.
Chocolate Bliss - Everything feels good. Simple. Easy. As if there's nothing in the world to concern yourself with. You feel happy, without any concerns or worry.
Rose-Tinted Vision - everything looks soft and romantic, as if you're in a romance novel. You know the ones.
Magnetic Attraction - regardless of what you had been doing, you suddenly find yourself unable to leave the side of the person closest to you. Had you been eating chocolates while walking down the street? Well, have fun getting stuck to the guy who'd been out for a jog!
Serenade Syndrome - you find it impossible to resist the urge to sing your words, turning all conversations into love ballads.
Heartstrings - A thread appears, connecting you to someone close by who you share many similarities too. Perhaps you had never met this person before, but the threads tied around your pinky fingers that refuse to let go until you allow yourself to open up to them clearly means you should be a little more familiar with them.

Love is in the air—or maybe just a bit of well-intended chaos! 💕

⏵ NOTES ⏴

Welcome back from the mission, and welcome to Etraya for our newcomers! We've tried to keep this log simple for an easy introduction, as well as some downtime for our mission-goers who worked hard to solve the Quantum Rail mystery.

There is something else going on, but. . . well, no one seems to know what! The computer that had been on the lower floor of the hospital is now missing, and Aurora may seem a little flustered as she flits around Etraya, in search of something.

For all questions relating to this log, please refer to the mod queries comment. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No, never. I'll end up hanging around more if I ever think that.

[His fingers stroked through her hair and down the back of her neck, repeating the gesture as he watched her as she came in for another kiss. He moaned softly, replying in kind and cupping the back of her head. It was nice to have a veteran in the sheets, made everything flow smoothly.

He shifted slightly under her to continue to be comfortable. He finally moved his arm out from behind his head to grope for the blankets to toss them haphazardly over their bodies.]

It was a team effort. As long as I don't hurt you, okay?

[Maria thinks how sometimes a little pain, a little hurt, cannot be avoided. and maybe it can make things better. but those words seem like they shouldn't be uttered at this time. or maybe ever.

the night passes, encores given. soft and sweet once, hard and fast another. Maria had hungered, Vander had, and they had fed well. well enough that when she wakes up the next day, curled into his side with his arm wrapped around her, she feels how sore she is. pleasantly sore, a soreness that makes her smile as she recalls the night. what a good night. one she wouldn't forget any time soon.

but morning always comes.

she searches for the time and sees it's well into the afternoon. unsurprising. they'd kept each other busy. she stretches out and wonders when he will wake up. it seems mean to wake him up and she doesn't want to. happy to stay like this until he moves and they have to leave this space behind them. Maria simply turns to face him, smiling.]

[Unfortunately - or fortunately depend on one's point of view - Vander was used to these kinds of engagements resulting in his partner walking a little funny afterwards. On the third go around when it was fast and hard, it had certainly been his intention to make her sore but not hurt. She had seemed teasing and gamely the whole time, so it was easy to enjoy her company.

Sleep came dreamless and blissful, too tired for his subconscious to torment him. He hadn't been sleeping consistently well, though it seemed having a little warm body to cuddle with definitely helped. So he did sleep well on his belly, arm curling around Maria loosely and cheek buried in the pillow. His feet still hung off the end of the bed.

He was drawn from his dreamless reverie when he felt the bed shifting; normally it would be the arguing of tweens and nearly three months later it was still strange to crack his eyes open to be somewhere else.

He found himself looking at her, blinking slowly before a warm smile pulled at his lips and his arm tightened around her as he stretched in the bed.]

Mmmm, what time is it? Kinda bright...

[Maria is smiling when Vander pulls her closer. maybe there had been some fear he might wake up with his feelings changed, that he regretted spending the night with her. but his own desperation matched hers and so he clearly did not. ]

Late. Afternoon-ish. Guess we wore each other out. You sleep well?

[she certainly had. part of her knows it was because she'd had Vander by her side. wonders how she will handle the nights she can't expect Vander to sleep with her. that is for later. don't worry so much about that. ]

[He slowly lifted his head and turned to look towards the window in the bedroom as if to confirm that yes it was daylight and yes they had both slept well passed what was probably normal. He flopped his head back down into the pillow again and momentarily closed his eyes.]

Yeah... I'm definitely not twenty anymore. [The corner of his lip tugged in a teasing smile.] Mmm, I did. It helps having someone to cuddle while sleeping. How long have you been awake?

[He was actually in no hurry to rise, gathering his clothing and slip out the door. Aside from exercising and maybe grabbing a bite to eat, he had exactly nothing on his docket today to do.]

Not long.

[she's happy to lay here with him, watching him. he seems like he's in no big rush, happy to stay here with her for the time being.

there had been days where she had wanted this, dreamed of this. that someone might want this for her, be with her just like this. some part of her, memories that don't belong to her at all, says how she had missed this very thing.

to distract herself, she kisses his cheek.]

I was demanding. I take blame.

[she had not stopped wanting him, pulling him to her always. even if his body could not, only his fingers or mouth could, she had wanted it.]

[He nodded his head, accepting the timeline. He was waking up, reluctant as he stretched and rolled onto his side and lifted a hand to rub his eyes with the back of his hand. He stifled a yawn but only just, yet his eyes opened and focused entirely on her at the kiss to his cheek.]

You were, yet only in the best way possible. One of the best dates I've ever had.

[Finally, he flopped onto his back and stretched his arms above his head, feeling the wall against his knuckles. He turned his head to watch her.]

So... you'd be alright with something like this again? We did plan another date already. No pressure from me to fall into bed again, but I also would have no qualms if we did.

[when he moves onto his back, moves closer to rest her head on his chest with a smile. it doesn't let them keep eye contact but her sincerity can be heard.]

Why wouldn't I? You had fun, I had fun. If we end up in bed again, I'd enjoy it. What we have? I'd like it to remain something we can always look forward to. Not that I think you only want sex. But it's a perk, right?

[she didn't want Vander to ever regret this thing going on between them.]

[When her head come to his chest, he dropped an arm down behind her, fingers stroking her lower back affectionately. He happened to enjoy the feel of her smaller slim body against his side.]

Agreed. This has been something it feels like we both needed from the date to this morning. [He snorted a sound of amusement.] Yeah, sex is a perk.

[He didn't regret any interactions with Maria. This was the kind of smooth and easy relationships of his youth where the expectation was good conversation, some flirting and sussing out little details of one another.]

We calling this friends with benefits then?

[Maria hums when he begins stroking her and she likes this, too. the feeling of his larger body against hers. how warm they were together and how lazy she felt right now. their night had been filled with passion and comfort. now they could bask in the afterglow of such a time.

she laughs as considers the label.] Works for me if we want to call it something. Gotta thank you for bringing it up. A girl starts asking "so what are we anyway?" and I feel like you men worry we're trying to sink our hooks in you and never let you go.

[and there had been some worry that Vander might feel anxious if Maria asked what was going on between them, even if it was to confirm it was just as simple as friends enjoying each other.]

[There was something to be said waking up in someone else's bed with his feet hanging off the end and a morning cuddle occurring as they lazed for the morning - no wait, afternoon - hours. He appreciated that they continued to express similar methods and wants from this relationship with each other.

Vander was also all about establishing what it was that this was so there was no confusion. Emotionally, he wasn't in a state to support a full on commitment, not with everything he still had to work through. Yet, this was something they both seemed to need and want.]

Ah well, that's not a concern I've ever experienced. I like to set expectations so no one is confused. It lands me and everyone else in less trouble that way.

[His fingers continued to stroke up and down her spine, and he turned his head to watch her nestled against his chest and side. No, they were good. Better than good.]

After the train mission, I have the impression we both needed this.

[by now, it seemed like they were usually on the same page. there was good understanding between them and she shouldn't worry. maybe it was because her situation had been wildly different than it was here. far more used to a man never meeting her halfway and it had always felt like she couldn't do much for him to understand her at all. Vander was different.

Maria was a mess and she knew that. she wasn't good for anything serious and it was better for her friendship with Vander they stayed on this level. her desire was to preserve this, maybe having great sex and cuddling along the way. she hums in agreement with him.] Less time arguing, more time for better things. [much easier when they agree with each other.

his comment about the train mission does make her pause for a brief moment and then she sighs. turning a bit so she can move an arm over his chest, leaning her chin on it to look at him.]

Not to make things too much of a bummer but I almost died. During that awful riot. [she laughs humorlessly, for once not showing Vander her playful side at all.] I would have died, bled out, but someone took it for me. I know you come back but...well, it's hard knowing you almost died, right? And then having that someone bleed out in your arms, knowing it was because of you...[her eyes look down, away from him. part of her doesn't like to share this with him. Maria knew Vander relied on her to be cheerful and fun so she tries to laugh it off.]

I'm being ridiculous. He came back. Just like I would have. Just hard not to feel some kind of way.

I couldn't imagine what you and I would argue about yet. [They seemed comfortable and easy with each other, though they never particularly strayed to topics that one might consider contentious. No doubt both of them had matters of their past that could lead to friction, and there were always those subjects people avoided talking about until they had a better sense of the other person.

Yet, her confession about nearly dying on the train had him lifting his head from where it rested on his arm to peer at her. His brows drew together, and there a brief twist of his lips to indicate his displeasure at the news. He smoothed it out his expression with effort, slowly letting his head fall back. His hand stroked up and down her back with more affection, almost protectiveness.]

Yeah, that riot spread fast and violently. [He shifted a leg up and moved his foot over to the other side of her own, a wholly protective gesture.] What part of the train were you in when you were caught up in the violence? And that person... were you close to them? [Losing anyone was terrible given how senseless it was.]

...but death comes with a cost here. Do you know what was lost?

[Vander's friendship has come naturally but she knows they have both tried to keep things light. make sure nothing turns too dark even if there have been hints and they have both offered to let this friendship truly matter. and while sometimes keeping up the jokes and playful persona wasn't always easy, it was with Vander. he made her feel like that. they enjoyed each other and that was special.

it's why part of her worries about this conversation. if this might ruin the good thing they had going. but when he starts to stroke her back, comforts her, she sees this worry is in vain. she likes the feeling and how he moves around her. being held like this isn't something she's used to.]

Mm, I was a Sprawl. I was near there when people started trying to push farther. I know the Dregs weren't being treated right so I guess I can't be so mad about it. But I was worried about my friend and was looking for her, hoping she didn't get mixed up in it. She's only 18 and way more capable than me but you know how it goes. You worry anyway when they're young. [she offers a smile, sure he must understand that worry. he was a father after all. that never stopped being your job.]

Anyway, she was fine. I messed up and almost ended up getting stabbed unless Vincent hadn't taken the knife for me. That's who it was. Vincent Smith. He won't tell me what he lost but he seems more quiet. A bit more anxious. [she doesn't say if they're close because boy isn't that complicated and Vander doesn't need to get involved in that tricky business.] He would like it better if you knew he didn't do it because he cares about me. I'm just more useful to him having never died and losing anything. That's all. Not to sound ungrateful, I am. Having a guy die for you, bleeding out in your arms...does a number on a girl. Even if he did call me ugly as he died in my arms.

[she ends that serious talk with a joke because she doesn't want to make Vander think she's just going to unload on him. Maria doesn't want that to be their relationship or to make him think that just because they had sex, she expected anything more than what they had offered. so she leans in to kiss his cheek.] So thank you for getting my mind off of it. I know things haven't been easy for you either.

[He knew that it was all fun and games because they needed it to be, but if they actually wanted to grow a friendship to something deeper, they would need to touch on serious topics. That mission had brought them together after all, as without it they may have been less likely to lean in hard to the proposition of a date with each other.

Her candor about her near death experience and the details surrounding it actually relaxed him again. As upset as she might have been with the horrors of it, she seemed to be providing a telling that was facts over emotion.]

I was a Neon, shift supervisors for one of the engine working groups. I spent my fair share of time with the Sprawls and even the Dregs when I could, but... Neons are restricted with schedules. [He stared at the ceiling above, shifting one leg to hang off the side of the bed and give a light back and forth sway.] They assigned me a family. It wasn't mine, but... [He trailed off. She knew he had dead kids, so this mission forced him to confront certain losses.

He turned his head to regard her, taking solace in their mutual honesty. It had been a terrible mission, yet an excellent introduction on what he could expect.] I can't say that I've met this Vincent. [Of course, her description of the man was a few red flags short of a full parade.] You're useful alive and without having suffered losses of this place, huh? He sounds like a real charmer. Do you consider him a friend or...?

[Calling her ugly? Janna, Vander was now curious enough to see if he could track this guy down to meet. It was bound to result in terrible interaction, but it had been a few days since he had met someone he regretted dealings.

He sighed at the kiss, corner of his lip tugging in an affectionate little smile.] United in misery from the train and using that to have a good time. Maybe this has to be a post-mission routine.

[it was easier to discuss the almost death when you have actually been killed multiple times before. the most emotional part of it had been the fact someone had stopped it from happening this time.

there's a sympathetic twinge when he explains they assigned him a family. she thinks Vander might have needed this date, this night, even more than her.]

That mission really did fuck with us, huh? [she won't bring attention to the sympathy she feels for him. not entirely sure he wants to have that on him right now. but there is a hint of it in her voice, to let him know she understood how hard that must have been.]

Vincent is... [how does one explain her relationship with Vincent?] It's complicated. [she laughs because that's putting it lightly.] He's complicated. We're from the same universe. I didn't know him before here, though. If you ever meet him, remember: he's far more helpful and easier to deal with if you're helpful to him. Just some advice on dealing with him. [she was sure that Vincent had gotten away from the human sacrifice angle so it was probably safe for Vander to meet him without Vincent scaring the guy off.]

Next mission we take each other out and keep going the whole night? I vote yes. But only if that isn't the only time we're spending time together.

[Vander let out a soft chuckle at her pointed and rather honest assessment of that situation. It started as a little sound of amusement then a snort of laughter then full on laugh for few seconds before he calmed himself down with little hiccups of amusement. Why did it feel like only Maria could understand his reaction too?]

Yeah, yeah it did, didn't it? [He leaned his head down to kiss the top of her crown, still making no effort whatsoever to scooch from bed and leave. He probably should, but no, the day seemed to have left them behind anyway so why not a little lazy hour or so.]

It sounds complicated with an award winning description like that. [Same universe, huh? Vander was considering that, all the mess and baggage that came from the people of his world being here. Yeah, it seemed like all the individuals were potentially not made for actually saving but entertaining.] So you're expecting that I'll run across him, huh? He sounds like a real gem anyway, and I wonder if my charms will work on him as I help him.

[He rumbled in agreement from his chest. That sounded like as good a deal as their commitment to finding a hobby.]

Careful now, I might start to think you like me at this rate. Which, well... isn't wrong. [She had been someone he had found so much solace in the simple pleasure of her company, their mutual flirting and... geez, this little fling.] Alright then, it's a deal and yes, we'll hang out between missions too.

[there are no thoughts of wanting Vander out of her place, definitely not out of her bed. it seems like he's making no moves to leave either. and if anything, after her telling him what happened and him telling her what he had gone through himself; it just made her feel more affectionate. in her mind, Maria had the idea of Vander just needing someone to help him. Maria could not physically do much for him, other than give him company and so she would do that. comfort him and try to be someone he could seek solace in. he'd certainly become that for her.]

Hardly seems fair. Mostly just pointless? All...this. [her voice dips into a sadder tone and her cheek nuzzles the skin where she lay on him. she meant the mission, all the people who had been hurt, and the scars that had left behind.] What am I saying? It's always pointless. [there's a huff of laughter, devoid of any humor, and then a sigh.] Nobody deserves to suffer. [and that she felt with her whole heart.]

Including someone like Vincent. Even if he did call me ugly. [she jokes to try to bring back the levity.] You'll run into him because he's hard to avoid honestly. Hard to charm, too. If you manage it then I'll be impressed. [Vander is very charming but Vincent is not one to be charmed. by anybody really.]

I know us spending the night together and sleeping the day away has been giving off some mixed signals. [they had slept together but she still felt the need to keep up the game of cat and mouse. will they, won't they...even if they had. and repeatedly.]

[He grunted softly in agreement. He had been on a single mission so far, and it had seemed extremely pointless. He wasn't certain what it proved when it came to whether or not their worlds deserved to continue to exist, and if anything, they were put in a situation where it almost seemed designed to fail for most of them. Too few details, too little time to operate, too many people segregated.

She had clearly been on more missions than he had, and he appreciated her being united on the feelings he had not been able to verbalize properly.] Did we even save anything as a group? If was very disjointed. Are other missions like that, or was that just a particularly bad one?

[He considered her attempt at levity, realizing it was the backbone of how they coped with such situations when together.] Does he even like anyone, or is he just one of those types who has an agenda and won't stray from it no matter what? [He had worked with (read: wrangled) those types in the past, and they could be difficult to interact with, less willing to be part of an overall group effort without seeing it as a step closer to their end goal.] And I assume because if a man is willing to die for you, he's also keeping track of who you associate with.

[He could see the red flags already.]

You can just say it was sex and not to be emotional about it, right? You haven't revealed many of your secrets, so there's still plenty for me to learn. Such a mystery. [He did mean that sincerely. He did like the banter, and he was enjoying the brief expansion into seriousness too. Multifaceted flirting or something.]

[Maria had only arrived a month earlier and there had not been any missions before the one they both went on. she only knew what people had told her about.] Apparently one was building a car and racing. So who knows what that qualified anybody for? But I'd take that over whatever the hell that train thing was. [that had been pointless. they both agreed. in the end, Maria hadn't been much help because she had become so focused on keeping Heather out of trouble after the riots.

as they talk about Vincent, she laughs. the wording makes him sound like a possessive boyfriend. she wishes Vincent could hear it because he'd hate it.] Vincent doesn't like people. They're more like investments than they are relationships. If that makes sense. I'm a pretty valuable one to him is all. [which probably seems weird considering she's just a woman who has said she doesn't have much going for her. not even a hobby. mysterious indeed.] You're not wrong, though. He's told me he's worried about my own "investments". We'll see how you measure up. [she was positive Vincent wouldn't consider Vander for anything too nefarious. hopefully just helpful enough not to be too much of a pain to the man.]

So once the mysteries are all solved, we're done with this little arrangement? I'll have to remember that.

Yeah, I did hear about that one when I asked around as well. That one sounded more our style, I think. [However, despite the pointlessness of the situation on the train, they had ultimately succeeded at something. Well, not him and probably not Maria, but the train had gone... well, in space or something.] Maybe the next mission will be something we can dig into, yeah? They happen frequently enough.

[There were more than a few in the undercity like that. They usually kept to the outskirts and did managed their own objectives in general isolation, but they did need supplies and a helping hand now and again.] Is there a particular reason that he considers you so valuable? Or is that a mystery? [He made his tone light and teasing as he asked the question, unwilling to press her for details and potentially spoil the interaction.] Well, I haven't shrunk so I expect I still measure to six-foot-seven-inches. [Ha, dad joke.] I'm not here to do anything more than be your friend and ally, so hopefully he doesn't find that threatening.

[He lifted his head off of his folded arm again to regard her. He huffed softly to disarm the question.] Sorry, Maria, my friends only manage to get rid of me when they die. [Morbid? Yes. Truth? Also yes. Complicated? Definitely.]

Hopefully next mission doesn't involve us going through psychological warfare. [famous last words, one might say. though she still wasn't entirely sure what else she would be good at. what help she could give during any mission. though everybody had been telling her she was good with people, talking with them; but she wasn't sure how that mattered any. if she even was. none of these missions needed skills like that.] But we're here for each other afterward, right? [Maria was happy to be there for him.]

Funny. [she does say it with a chuckle so hey, she did appreciate it. Maria could laugh at a dad joke.] There's a few reasons. You know one, we're from the same universe. The second is because I'm close to the other person from our universe. If something needs to be done then he knows she's more likely to hear me out than him. [though she won't tell him why Heather is so important. best not to spill it all even if she hardly thinks someone like Vander would have any use for Heather. and he was a father. unlikely he'd want to hurt a teenage girl like Heather.] Third reason? That's a secret. [and she had no plans to tell Vander that Vincent considered Maria a religious miracle that showed the glory of his religion's god.]

Permanently dead or just dead once? Would be awkward if I die here and I come back with our friendship axed out. [easier to joke than to tell him how much that did mean to her.] I'd have to start all over. First date and all.

Well now that you've uttered it, we know we probably will. How good are you at psychological warfare? Just so I can prepare myself for your inevitable devastating insults about my receding hair line. [He was honestly hoping to avoid psychological warfare; he didn't consider himself in the best mental state to cope with it. Still, he felt the need to shoot for levity again, to keep things simple and that the next mission was a future them problem.] Yeah, you have my word. We'll have a check in after it's over, especially if we don't see each other as much.

[He considered her reasons, and he was aware that he was likely missing considerable nuance and background information. He actually was more pleased that she decided to divulge that in the first place, thinking she might hold onto to her secrets and those of people from her world.] So you have multiple people from your world. Are they all fabulous souls that you're friends with? Or... do they all decide to call you ugly? Which, such a poor choice. [He smirked at her third reason. Well played.]

I think if you die and come back, it doesn't count. Unless you lose all your memories of me, then I have to sweet talk you all over again. [His fingers walked down her spine affectionately.] Our first date was pretty memorable, especially when you consider we're technically still on it.

I can throw some good insults if needed. [she moves to sit up a bit more, running her fingers along that hairline of his with a smile.] If that's the next mission then I'll try to stay away from the low-hanging fruit. I'll go easy on you. [though she guessed they weren't going to be so lucky as to have something that simple.

Maria considers what Vincent had said to her. how he didn't tell people about who he "cared" about, in case they could be used against him. but Maria did trust Vander.] Heather Mason is the other person from my universe. She's...I guess she's like a little sister to me now. We never knew each other before this place but I'm glad she's here. I'm glad I met her. Heather was the person I was trying to keep an eye out for on the train. She's been through a lot lately, before ever coming here. It's why Vincent and I feel so protective towards her. [Maria purposely tells Vander this, hoping that if he met Heather then this might strike up some protective sense in him. a man wanting to protect the younger ones. ]

Ah, no more sweet talking? You let a guy in your bed and there go the compliments. [she sits up, moving to straddle him. it isn't really meant to be sexual, more just making sure he takes notice of her.] I guess I should let you go about your life. Not that this is me kicking you out. More like me offering you an out if you want it.

You're such a gem. Maybe my ego can stay intact after some of your insults; you seem the type to be rather creative with them. [It was all fun and games until someone actually struck a blow, but for now, he preferred the levity after both the train and the topic of her losing someone from her world. It only confirmed it was possible if they too weren't careful from Runeterra.

He considered for a moment before nodding his head. He had met Heather once on the network once, and she had seemed nice and well-meaning.] I've spoken with Heather on the network. She seems like a nice person, and she spoke highly of her little companion who can do tricks. I didn't realize you two were from the same universe. [That was three he now knew about when it came to her universe. He wondered if he could meet them and determine similarities.] Anyone else from your universe hanging around these parts?

[He dropped his head on his arm and offered a long-suffering sigh.] You're just on fire this afternoon, aren't you? You're not letting me get away with anything. [He would still provide her compliments. Yet, he was distracted when she moved from beside him to straddle him again, and he remained relaxed under her weight even as he lifted a hand to stroke her side affectionately.] You understand your words and your actions are completely opposite right about now, hmm? How about I stay and we enjoy an early dinner together and then I'll scooch back to my neck of the tunnels?

[Then he smirked.] Or I could stay the night again, and you can seize on the opportunity to kick me out fresh in the morning like a proper lady of mystery?

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heavensnight - 2025-03-23 21:06 (UTC) - Expand

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