City of the Snake RP discussion

Adonis frowned. “I’ve made it this long, haven’t I?”
He smiled crookedly. “It really is quite lovely. I’m just being a dumbass. Typically my manners aren’t quite this atrocious.”
“You’re welcome to hold my hand any time you feel like it, sugar.” He replied, stepping into the room and closing the door with a quiet goodbye. He didn’t quite know if she would leave before he got out or not, and either way, he couldn’t figure out which was the better option.

((Sorry about the short response- x.x))

Ostara grins. "Well either you are blessed so you could meet me, or I am cursed so I could meet you." She was just giving him a hardtime, she thought she was very lucky to have stumbled into such a nice man. A man she just met. Yesterday. And she'd spent the night with him.. Ostara starts to panic on the inside. She worked too hard to get off track. He was a lovely distraction though.
Once he was in the shower and she finished cleaning, Ostara decided a walk would benefit her. She picked up her bag, which lay discarded by the door, as well as her sunglasses. She rummages around for pen and paper and starts a note:
Adonis, I've left to get some food for you. I'll be back shortly. She kept it short and sweet, she figured being playful over note is too risky. Ostara leaves it on the counter, and prays it will be noticeable enough for him.

((I forgot they have phones lmao. Also I think I'll write her grocery run in my stream))

((Okay so I wrote the thing and then accidentally reloaded the page, sooooo basically she bought food and then thought about her life decisions but ultimately decided she wants to pursue Adonis as long as it does't throw off her college plan. She also had a funny image of going to see her family in a month and basically being all wifed up- but like in the sense that they have that married banter type thing. Also bonus points her relationship would bother her parents, but that's not at all the reason she wants to be serious with Adonis.

Also, we should add in Avani relationship stuff so their rapid bonding seems a little more normal- And a scene idea for them finding out about would be Ostara reading a magazine for the first time and seeing a soulmate test and then testing him lmao))

Adonis winked. "Or both. But I think you're quite happy to have known me, even just this long." While she seemed distressed at their quickly forming bond, he was feeling quite the opposite. He didn't get along well with most people- it was strange to find someone who just... clicked. Although it didn't sit well with him, that she didn't seem very enamored with the idea.
When he got out of the shower, he had a much clearer head. He felt much lighter without the sleepy fog that had been royally fucking up his train of thought. Cringing, he quickly donned his clothing, slipping into black jeans and a grey tee. He was a tad ashamed of the way he had acted earlier that morning. He just wasn't used to having someone around when he was still in the dumbass stage of his day.
Now that the running water wasn't a sound barrier, he realized how quiet the house was, and he tried not to be disappointed. They had had their fun, played and flirted, he had patched her up (the injury was his fault anyways, after all), and obviously she would be moving on with her life.
There was a part of him- the irrational, emotional part of him- that silently grieved. He had thought that part of him was lost, crushed first by the strictly regimented lifestyle of his people, then locked away by the loss and fear he had felt when his life had taken the turns it had when he was still quite young.
Generally, he was a very rational person, with considerable discipline. He gave the impression that he was carefree, but was quite the opposite. Even now, he knew that it was probably best that they part ways. He worked in the lower, unstable tunnels. Any day, there could be a cave-in. He could easily get hurt or killed, with only one wrong step. Besides, she was going to school. She likely didn't need nor want any more complications.
Running his fingers through his hair, he headed out of the bathroom, unable to help quickly scanning the hallway and living room for signs of movement.
In his search, his gaze caught on a small slip of paper on the counter. After a moment's consideration, he decided to leave it where it was. He wanted desperately to go read what was likely a goodbye, to hold something she had touched. And he was extremely curious to see what her handwriting looked like. His was a messy sort of scrawl, that few could deem legible.
These feelings, however, were the very reason he didn't touch the note, didn't even look at it. He needed self-control, and his was in shreds at the moment. This was the first opportunity to hone it again.
Jaw set, he sat on the floor in front of the fireplace to sulk in peace.

((I put the bonding stuff in the informational topic. ^^ Can't wait for them to find out.

Sounds good. *thumbs up*))

((Fuck, I didn't think I wrote that much, lol.))

((DAMNNN))

Ostara really contemplated on her walk home. Home. Funny she already considered him where she belonged. If that doesn't speak to how she feels, absolutely nothing does. She just really wanted to be sure. Though she was sure. She felt it deep inside- like a warm blooming feeling which spread to her fingertips at just the thought of him. Yep, she knew. She really knew. She wanted him. Wanted to be with him. It was only a question of if he felt the same about her.
The rhythmic bouncing of the wicker basket she just had to have brought her back to reality. The pattern was intricate and well done- an older lady was selling them- she reminded Ostara of Miss Kawan. The basket contained many foods, including fruit to replace what she had used that morning, peppers, takara root, and some sort of birdlike brotein. She had a special dinner plan. Make something nice so she could spill her secret.
Ostara's heart pounded as she approached the door- what if he didn't want her to come back. No. If she started thinking like that she wouldn't be able to stop. She just needed to take a deep breath. And another one. And another one. Screw it. I'm just gonna go for it.
She swung the door open with more force than she intended, but it didn't hit the wall so it was fine. The house was quiet. Too quiet- Ostara could feel the anxiety bubble up again. She strolled into the kitchen to start putting the food away. Might as well not waste it. She hears a shuffle and turns around with a start when she sees those gorgeous gray eyes looking down at her. They looked glassy- like he'd been high or something. "Hey." Ostara says, her heart nearly pounding out of her chest. She wanted him to take her in his arms, wanted him to kiss her like he'd never kissed before, but she stood, and tried to look dignant.

Adonis blinked a couple of times, then rubbed at his eyes. "What are you doing?" He tried for nonchalant, but it came out as more of a croak. Instinctively, he moved next to her to begin to put food away. Peppers in a drawer in the fridge, fruit in a bowl on the counter, takara root in a jar he put in one of the cupboards, and whatever the fuck the other thing is in the fridge.
That task accomplished, he turned to face her, leaning against the counter. There he waited, a little afraid of the answer. What if she was only here because she felt like she had to be? "You didn't need to get me food- the injury was my fault, of course I was going to take care of you. You made me food, I got to eat the food. You didn't have to replace it."
He was completely lost, it seemed.

Ostara's stomach sinks even further, like that was possible. "Uh." She watches, half paralyzed in fear, as he starts to put the food away. Idiot. Move. Help! With a slight jolt she jumps in and starts stocking the fridge.
Ostara took yet another deep breath. "I thought at the very least I could make you dinner. So.." She was shaking, and she prayed he didn't notice. "I figured we should talk." Her voice was getting quieter. Why did she feel so nervous around him? There was no reason. With a deep breath it all just tumbled out. "Look Adonis, I really like you and I don't want to screw anything up but also I don't want to intrude so if you need space I can totally do that and there's this big thing I keep meaning to tell you but I hesitate to find time just because I really like you. I really really like you." Thank the gods her dark skin didn't show any blush. Thank gods.

((Yo I'm working on a drawing of them))

Adonis stared at her, unblinking. Shocked. He struggled to find the right words, the words that would convey his feelings towards her without scaring her. It had happened quite suddenly, his affection towards her becoming almost a living thing in his chest, warming him from the inside. They had only known each other for a day. He had heard of this sort of thing happening- it had happened with his parents- but he didn't know how he could have become so attached to one person after so little time.
"Ostara," he began, gently reaching out to catch her face in his hands, guiding her eyes to meet his. "You aren't intruding on my space. I happen to really like you as well. Whatever's on your mind, you can tell me, and we can deal with it." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then pulled back to give her space.
He studied her for a moment. "Before we move forward any more, though, there's something we should probably talk about. I don't want to interfere with your schooling. You need to tell me when you need time for work, and I'd like to provide an environment where you can study unhindered." Gods, this was a crazy conversation. They were moving so fast.
"And there's something on my end, too." He paused for a moment, once more searching for the right words. "My work is dangerous, but I truly believe I'm doing something good, something important. I work in the lower tunnels, doing repair work, and improving structural integrity. There are a lot of cave-ins. There's a good chance that one day, I won't come home.
"What I do, no one else has to do. I can protect the people in those tunnels, and I'm good at my job. I can't give that up."
This had been an issue in the past, with all kinds of relationships, not just the romantic sort- it was hard to cope with someone you love going into the dark, not knowing if they're going to come back out.

((Cool! :3 I'd like to see it when you're done, if that's alright.))

Ostara felt so anxious she thought she may throw up. It felt like an eternity of silence, but then Adonis started speaking, and her nerves calmed down just enough to pay attention to him. She hung on to his every word.
Ostara nodded. "I don't think it'll be much of an issue. I'm pretty focused, and I'm usually way ahead of my classes. Plus it's architecture. Made up degree anyway." She gives him her best impression of his cocky smile.
She listened to him intently, determined to keep her mind focused and then worry later. His work. Dangerous. Fuck. Ostara just nodded, not really sure what to say. "You are a brave man, and I will never take that away from you." She knew she would do anything for him, even if it meant leaving him.
Ostara took a breath. "I have taken a vow of silence. I took it when I changed my named and pledge myself to my goddess. I don't speak Monday through Thursday. And it can cause communication issues. But it has a deep meaning. It's a reminder. Not all of us can be heard, and we shouldn't forget it. I plan to keep it until I can change our structural system in the empire. Make it safer for all, and help the regulations loosen. The vow could last for just two years, or for the rest of my life." She kinda just through that at him. She meant to ease him into it. Oh well.

Adonis nodded. "Good." He grinned back, showing a hint of fang. "I hope you know I'm going to be asking you all sorts of questions."
He tilted his head, studying her. "I'm really not that brave. Kind of a coward, actually." He bit back the memories that threatened to fill his mind, come out through his mouth, possibly drown them both. "But I appreciate you saying so." Shaking his head to clear it, he listened intently to what she had to say. He could tell this was very important to her, and wanted to know all about it, so that he could best learn to work with it.
Adonis paused for a moment, to let all of the information sink in. "Alright. That's very noble of you, and I can't wait to see what you end up doing." He offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "Pardon me for being a dumbass, tiny woman, but what day is it today?" He was doing his best to summon the fun, cocky person he had been the day before, the one that had made her laugh.

Ostara mimicked his grin. "Well hopefully I'll be well rehearsed for you." The thought made her smile. She was going to bore him to tears.
She reached out and touched his arm, obviously there were some memories threatening to surface. "If you want to talk about it, I will be here for you." And she would be. She wanted to know everything about him.
Ostara smiled. "Noble! Big vocabulary for you." She said returning to her previous humor. "Saturday. It's Saturday, love. You still have one more day of having to listen to me." She was feeling really impulsive. She reached up and kissed him. Softly. Quickly.

Adonis jumped a bit, pushing himself backwards to sit on the counter. "Looking forward to it." He winked.
He nodded, placing a hand on top of hers. "Another time." It was a promise. He didn't want to keep anything from her.
He laughed a bit. "Yes, one might expect someone like myself to be limited to monosyllabic units of language, huh." He was only showing off a little bit. Just a little. He cracked a grin. "Lovely. I rather like the sound of your voice, but I'm also intrigued by the prospect of figuring out communication without it."
He froze momentarily, but then he smiled softly. "Where are you going? Come back here." He reached out a hand to her, offering touch but not forcing it upon her.

Ostara nodded. There would be a time and place for those tragic stories. From both of them.
Ostara playfully rolled her eyes. "Wow, maybe I need a lesson from you." She smiled at him. Internally greatful he understood. "That dear one, sounds rather devious. Can you sign?" Signing would make everything easier for them. Or they could always text.
Her face broke out in a huge grin. She wasn't sure if he wanted her to kiss him, so she just hugged him rather tightly. She tilted her face up towards him so he knew he could kiss her if he wanted it.

Adonis grinned. "Some. Not fluently, but I can get my point across." By now it was likely pretty obvious that anything he bragged about, he was terrible at, and anything that he was modest about he was really quite good at. "I'm really much better with body language, though." He winked.
His answering smile was one of extreme affection. He first wrapped his arms around her, gently so as not to hurt her. Then, slowly, he slid one hand up to thread between strands of her hair, and he bent his head to brush a kiss against her lips. Then he pulled back, gauging her reaction.

Ostara playfully rolled her eyes. "Ah, of course. My bad." She knew he was just being a tool. It made her smile though, so obviously he was doing something right.
Ostara was desperate for his touch. It just felt so good, but she didn't want to push his boundaries. Changing the subject, she says, "Well, Handsome, what is there to do in this little city?" Little city. Comical, though compared to the Empire Chrysos was small. "Or do you just stay home and eat your sad bachelor food?"

Adonis shrugged. "I wish I could tell you, little love, but I don't go out a lot. Work. Home. Sometimes I make a library run, but I always forget I have the books and by the time I spot them again they're way overdue, so I don't really do that so often anymore." He shook his head. "My food isn't sad. It's fine. I've been making my own food since I was seven."

((Sorry for the short response. x.x))

Ostara grins. "That's okay- I'm sure we can find something to do." She gave him a flirty look- "Besides, going out is overrated." It was safe inside, no one to judge or be bothersome.
Ostara nodded. "Me too, I shouldn't say sad- just not spicy. I'm a spicy food person." She didn't mean to agitate him. She just was not use to processed food.

((It's okay, mine is too ))

Adonis smiled crookedly. "I'm sure you probably have a wild imagination, growing up in the Avani Empire. I certainly do." He nodded in response to her comment about leaving. "And it certainly is."
He shrugged. "I was joking, love. I know a lot of people would look at my diet and be horrified. I have to say, though- I've been overlooking spicy food. It's quite delightful."

Ostara gave him his signature wink. "You know it, little one." It was just so fun to mimic him. She just hoped he knew she was joking and that she loved those features and specifics about him.
Ostara smiled at him. "You'll have to cook for me sometime. Maybe my pallet can use some.. exploration." She loved cooking, but she was in no way opposed to his diet. Besides, cooking lessons could be a cute little bonding experience for him.

He executed it in return, grinning wickedly. "Aww. I heard somewhere that people tend to copy the people they admire most. Whether you admit to it or not, I'm taking this one as a compliment."
He laughed. "Not gonna lie, most of the time I just eat cereal out of a box, or if I'm feeling fancy, some fruit." He bowed. "I'm a walking talking miracle, I know. It's not everyone that can keep this magnificent figure with that diet."

Ostara laughed. "Oh boy, of course you would think that. I swear, if you gained just a little humility you would be completely different." He was so perfect. Of course, if she told him that, his head may explode.
Ostara jokingly grimaced, "Oh gods, you're gorgeous, I may start eating cereal out of the box I can look like you."

Adonis winked. "We both know you like me just fine." He slowly wrapped his arms around her, shaking off his memories like the echos of a dream, whilst simultaneously giving her the opportunity to back away from him. "I don't know if you'd take me any other way." He smiled.
He laughed softly. "Quite lovely, aren't I?" He stood, and spun in a slow circle as if to show off his body. "Glad you agree. Though I'm sure my stunning personality is perfectly enough to be an irresistible lure." He winked. "Besides, I make a great accessory. I go with any outfit. Perfect accent to your beautiful self."

Ostara exagerates an eyeroll yet again. Adonis must really bring out the sass in her. She leaned into him, quite visibly happy he wanted her affection. "You're probably right, any humility and you'd be way too boring for me. I guess I'll just have to make do with your big head."
She laughed. "Oh yes, with physique like that I'm sure even the queen would swoon." Ostara thought for a minute, "You really would look good on my arm, maybe i should make us matching outfits."

Adonis grinned crookedly. "I suppose so. And you're feeding my ego. Are you sure that's the thing you want to do?" He shook his head, feigning sadness. "If my oh so large head happens to explode, just think of the consequences. People, crying out in the street. An increase in crime rates. A certain extremely short, fiery female being mildly put out."
He bowed low, then stood with his hands clasped behind his back. "I'd happily wear anything you provide, miss." He leaned down to whisper, "Unless it's utterly atrocious, in which case you're going to have to have to do some convincing. I'm sure you could pull it off."

Ostara growls at him. "I'm not extremely short, jackass. I'm literally average human man sized." She shoves him, which offbalances her way more than it does him. "I take it back. You are subpar." She uses some fancy vocab, just to drive the point further.
Ostara raises an eyebrow. "Define atrocious, because I think you'd look reall good in whatever I put you in. Besides, feathers and glitter are in this year."

Adonis winked. "Sure, love. Keep telling yourself that." He ruffled her hair and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Besides, you aren't a very good liar- at least, when you aren't trying." He grinned. "You think I'm fabulous."
He laughed. "Sounds wonderful. How about sequins? Or are those a thing of last month?" He teased gently.

Ostara tilted her head up and bit his finger. It was especially funny since he was so tall and muscular. She made sure not to bite him hard. Well, too hard.
Ostara pretends to focus deeply. "Sequins were last week, actually." She said, giving her snottiest stuck up impression. "Though maybe I could do something with gathered sleeves. And then you coould be classy ans slutty at the same time! Oh yes dear, you are going to look hella fine and hella fine, if you catch my drft." She gently tugged his sleeves like she was mentally taking his measurements.

Adonis laughed, and pulled his hand away, shaking it. "Ow. Evil little thing, aren't you." He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "I bite too, love. Keep that in mind."
He grinned. "I already look hella fine, but I'll take your word for it." He frowned when she started messing with his sleeves. "You aren't really going to do it, though, are you?" He pretended to be horrified, but he really would wear whatever she gave him, as promised. Just not outside of the house. He grinned inwardly.

Ostara gasped. "Evil little thing?! How dare you?" She reached up and ruffled his hair aggressively. She whispered back, "Try me, little one." She just kept returning his energy. See how much trouble she could get in.
Ostara rolled her eyes. "Maybe you should let me do your makeup, then we can see how your face holds up." Ostara stops tugging his sleeves. "Boy, when would I have time to do that, I'm going to college, just moved away fromwhere I lived my entire life, and you are quite the distraction. If you really wanted, I'm sure we could fit you in one of my old dresses, though it may be a little tight." More like a lot tight.

Adonis reached up and snatched her hand. With a wink, he gently bit at her fingertips, then began kissing his way up her arm. "Try you?" He murmured. "In what sense of the word? Try you as in fight?" He grinned lazily. "Or try you as in taste?"
He made a show of letting out a relieved sigh. "Love, there's no way I would fit into one of your dresses. It'd rip."

Ostara heart started thundering. Damn it. How does he do this to me? Hopefully he can't tell . She gives him a cold grin. "Oh sweetie, is there even a difference?" She lets out a gentle laugh. Her other arm finds itself to his neck. She teases choking him with her fingers. ((That really went from zero to 100))
Ostara giggled, "More than that, it wouldn't cover anything. Your arm is basically as long as my body."

((No pressure, but in case you've forgotten, its your turn with Ryia))

Adonis grinned crookedly. "Unfortunately for you, you don't get to find out those differences yet. Just know that there are several." ((Lol-))
He laughed. "That's an overstatement, but yes, it would leave me quite exposed."

((I know, I'm sorry. x.x I'm not finding it easy to slip into Ryia's role, since I waited so long after making her to use her.))

Ostara mimicked his grin. "Did you just dsay its unfortunate you aren't going to spunch me in the face? Pretty sure that's illegal, love." She winked at him with mocking intent.

((You're good, funnily enough i feel the same about Ostara right now))

Adonis made a face. "Nah. That one's never going to happen." He cringed. "Not only is it illegal, but it's completely and utterly wrong." He studied her for a moment, then grinned, though it didn't reach his eyes. He suddenly looked very tired. "Though, you're welcome to try to get me any time. You won't succeed."

((Damn. x.x We can always take a break, if you'd like.))

((Im good, just know my responses may not always be quite as good))

Ostara's face fell. "Oh gods. Adonis i didn't even think about what i was saying. Fuck, i'm so sorry." She was about to hug him but then decided against it. She put her arm on his, which was weird and awkward. She made an even more awkward smile. Ostara bit her lip to avoid saying the word out loud. Bad habit of hers."

Adonis shook his head. "No, you're fine. Don't even worry about it. You were teasing." He picked up on the fact that she had been about to hug him through her body language, and caught hold of her hand to pull her gently closer. "I'm sorry I made you feel bad. I just felt this overwhelming wave of nausea at the thought of hurting you like that."

Ostara shook her head. "No, no that's on me. I shouldn't have said that at all." She was internally very relieved he pulled her in for a hug. She felt all her muscles relax at his touch. She felt safe. Happy even. She closed her eyes and tucked her head into him. How perfectly they fit together. Like they were made for each other. "You don't make me feel bad, luv, don't apologize. I made an awful comment, that's on me."

Adonis sighed. "How about we chalk it up to a fuck-up on both sides and move on?" He smiled crookedly and tipped her head up with two fingers. He brushed a kiss over her lips, a mere ghost of a touch. "I want to tell you something, but I'm not sure if you're ready for it yet."

Ostara nodded. "Agreed, if we keep this up we'll be here all night." She beams up at him when he pulls away. She reaches up and kisses him a little harder. It's like she could never get enough of his lips. She meets his gaze. "Well you can't just say that. That's like if I said 'I have something important to tell you.. oh nevermind- probably doesn't matter. On a serious note, though, take all the time you need. Honestly though I doubt you could say anything to scare me away at this point."

Adonis smiled, then leaned forward to whisper in her ear, "Ithinkiloveyou," then pulled back to study her expression.

((Sorry for the short response- x.x))

Ostara stood still. Surely she didn't hear him correctly. Normal people take months to get there. And yet.. and yet she loved him too. She looks into his beautiful gray eyes, "I think I love you too."

((It's all good))

Adonis blinked a couple of times, then grinned. "Sweet. This is kind of crazy, though." He stretched, then slowly wrapped his arms around her, giving her time to back away. Having pulled her closer to him, he kissed her forehead, then her cheek.

Ostara relaxed into his arms. Therecwas no better place in all of the world. "Sweet? Lovely, that's sort of an understatement." It was strange, but it felt so right inside. Maybe Ostara ought to research it a little more. She sank into his arms even further, but then blinked a couple of times. "Um, do you have somewhere I could set up to pray? I just need some room for some rocks." In all the excitement she had nearly forgotten her daily prayers.

Adonis paused for a second, processing. He slid off the countertop, and nodded. But then he had to stop and think for a bit more. "As long as you don't use fire like some people back in the empire, you can use the living room and I can go hide in my room. If you're going to use fire, I can take you somewhere there won't be a risk of spreading it."

Ostara gave him a weak smile. "Only a singular candle, which is held the entire time." She wasn't really a fan of fire, it was too bright for her eyes. Plus it made her feel like she had a fever. "You don't have to leave, it's silent prayer." This offer was an ultimate act of trust. Ritual prayers were sacred among the Avani, and being invited to watch one was more intimate than anything else.

Adonis smiled softly. “Thank you. You don’t seem crazy about the candle- do you want me to hold it for you?” He asked this cautiously. He didn’t know a whole lot about the rituals of his people. His parents had never been very religious, and after they died… safe to say he had never bothered to learn.
Now, however, he found himself wishing he had made more of an effort. He had never considered that he would actually need the information. His life was pretty much a cycle of work underground, pick up a couple of things only found in the empire (such as supplies to mend his clothing, which was designed to keep him at an even temperature when it could get quite cold or very hot in some places, and to stay mostly intact as he moved about in the dark), go to the surface, pick up other necessities, go home. He tended to spend days in the tunnels, then a couple on the surface, then back to the tunnels.
There wasn’t a lot of interaction in there, aside from his teammates at work. None of which required even a basic knowledge of Avani rituals.

Ostara shook her head. "No, it's burned with my intentions. So it.. well.. it's religion- which means there's no logical or factual evidence either way. But I believe I need to hold it for what it represents- fear, hope, sorrow, and death. It may sound crazy, but I do really believe she exists." She smiled at him. Her parents weren't really religious either, which meant she always had to find a private place to practice. And since she was of the old religion, she was not welcome in the few churches there were in the underground.

Ostara turns off the lights in the room, then crosses over to her bag and rummages through it for the hidden pouch. She pulls out a velvet bag, and from that fist-sized rocks of different types. She arranges them in a circle. And then she lights the candle, covering it with her palm like she was trying to hide the light. This type of prayer was meant to be silent, so she sank onto her knees and closed her eyes. After a minute, Ostara opens her eyes and moves her hand from the candle. Gentle flickering light poured into the room. It reflected off the rocks and creating beautiful colored lights across the room. The flickered and swerved, almost like they were living.