[She mumbles something to someone else, and there's no mistaking the note of excitement in her voice. Most likely she was telling Weiss that both Mercury and Winter are here. Then there's the sound of her quickened steps, a little uneven as she picks her way up the path of rocks and pebbles. She barely even glances at Winter, who's too busy straining her eyes for a peek of her sister anyway, heading into the daylight--]
[--WHOA THAT IS BRIGHT! She turns her head away and holds up her arm, her eyes watering as the sun seems determined to stab her blind. But she tries to look, because she needs to see him. It's been a year. A whole year since she heard his voice and saw his face. She needs this.]
[ She emerges from the cave at the same time as he comes skidding to a stop outside a nearby tunnel system, his eyes a bit better adjusted to the light than hers - but his hadn't been closed for three days straight, so that's understandable. He stands there to study her for a moment, making sure she's okay - she seems okay, anyway - before... ]
Maybe you should just stop taking bounties without me.
[Her arm slowly drifts down to her side, as her other hand rises to touch at gray flowers in her hair behind her ear...flowers that aren't there in this world. They don't need to be. He's there.]
[And with a choked little cry of relief, Yang rushes him, collides against him, throws her arms around his shoulders and crushes the breath out of him. Her fingers hook into the cloth of his shirt and grip it tight, her head tipping to press against his as she shuts her eyes.]
...
[Yang opens her mouth to speak, but she just...she just can't anymore. She just wants to hold him, and remember his scent, and his warmth.]
[ He's relieved to see her, no doubt, but her feelings seem to be way stronger with the way she throws herself at him, embracing him with the sort of intensity that would crush the bones of a lesser man into powder. It takes him a moment to react appropriately, for his arms to figure out what they should do as they wrap themselves around her waist to return the embrace with a squeeze that, while not nearly as aggressive as hers, is still more of a hug than he's given, like... anybody else. ]
You want to tell me what happened, or... not right now?
[Where does she even begin? Her thundering heart does seem to calm a little when she feels his own arms encircle her. Concentrate on that, she tells herself. Let it ground her, so she can speak without running the risk of blubbering.]
That mage trapped us in his realm, siphoning off our energy. None of us could use our powers or abilities, we were just in this...this bubble of his own reality. And for months we couldn't even touch the guy, we just...
[She wants to tell him more, but she still can't quite get over it. Yang draws her head back so she can look at his face, her eyes searching his back and forth.]
I just...
[The corners of her mouth tug upward.]
I had no idea you'd really wait for me that long. I mean, a whole year. You weren't even tempted? Not once?
[Those swelling violins of romance are about to get one hell of a record scratch.]
[ He listens to her explanation at first, nodding slowly - stopping the moment she uses the word "months". Because that doesn't make sense. And then she says "a whole year". And that really doesn't make sense.
He rears his head back a bit, eyeing her with something akin to wariness as he replies slowly, carefully: ]
I'm sorry I didn't get to share your trauma. Better luck next time.
[ But she has a point - three days for him, but a year for her, so he had some lost time to make up for on her end of things. She gets a second kiss, but this one is far more enthused, his grip around her tightening as one hand darts up to thread his fingers through her hair as only he has permission to.
Unless she gave that right to someone else during that year, too, but from the way she was acting with him that didn't seem likely. ]
[Yang's eyes close, her lips parting to mold with his in a firm, deep kiss. Just like the hug, there's a lot of longing there, enough that she kisses him a little harder than she means to. But when she feels his hand in her hair, her back arches, and her mouth softens, a quiet sound thrumming in the back of her throat.]
[Now that...that is more like it. She presses herself against him, cupping his face in her hands, then threading her left hand into his hair as her right coasts over his upper back. It's probably a little too intense for standing around in broad daylight with their friends close enough that they could walk right out and see this gross display of public affection.]
[ Mercury couldn't care less about the idea that someone might be watching. "Shame" isn't a word he knows the meaning of, frankly, and if someone felt the need to stop and stare then that's on them. Whatever.
But after a moment he does pull his lips back, speaking quietly. ]
Yang...
[ what is it? what's he going to say so gently that only she can hear?? ]
[Her voice is just as soft, and slightly breathless because boy did she need that. Her expression flattens when he reminds her what else she needs. It earns him a punch to the arm as she thoughtfully steps back so her "musk" doesn't bother him as much.]
You're annoying. Missed you.
[She brushes herself off, especially her hair, before gesturing over her shoulder.]
If it's only been three days, my bike should still be close by. Think you can put up with the smell long enough for a ride back?
We spent the past year together. I think they're probably sick of me by now.
[She winks and turns, looking around her for a moment as she tries to remember where...she...parked... It was a year ago! Well, she knows it was down the path, so that's where she heads. Thankfully her bike is painted with bright streaks of yellow so it's not hard to spot in all of this greenery. She takes hold of the handlebars and slings her leg over the seat, heaving a small happy sigh to be reunited once more.]
Hop on!
[She'll even let him hold onto her waist instead of the back plate. But either way, he's getting a face full of blonde hair as soon as they tear out of the woods.]
[ His tone is light, teasing - he has a few days worth of messing with her to make up for. Years, from her perspective! Really, it would be awful of him not to keep being kind of a dick.
He settles into place behind her, straddling the seat as wraps his arms around her waist. ]
[She smiles at the feel of his arms around her. Honestly? Maybe she should look into getting him a helmet, because she could absolutely get used to this.]
Maybe I'll give you one for a birthday present.
[She slips her sunglasses out of her jacket pocket and slides them on.]
But as long as you're holding on tight?
[She smiles back at him, then jams her heel down onto the starter, revving up the engine.]
You'll be safe with me.
[Yang kicks back the stand and pushes off, the motor taking over as she peels out over packed dirt and pinecones, scaring off the woodland creatures that were starting to gather in hopes of hearing Weiss sing to them. Goldilocks sucks.]
[ The roar of the engine cuts him off, and he instinctively tightens his grip to make sure he doesn't get whipped off on the first turn. It takes him no time at all to realize the problem with this seat, his face completely obscured by the wave of gold that flaps into it mercilessly. He tries to turn his head this way and that to avoid it, but it's just. Not possible.
This is something to consider for the future.
He can't exactly talk much between the sound of the motorcycle and the risk of hair in his mouth, so she has the rare experience of Mercury shutting the hell up until they arrive at their destination. ]
[It doesn't take too long. Yang wouldn't consider herself a reckless driver so much as a fun driver, but she's not taking any stupid chances, especially when she's got a passenger with her. It gives her time to think about his birthday situation, since she thought he'd at least know the day he was born. What did he put on his transcripts? How does he know how old he is?]
[And all the while her hair billows carelessly into his face.]
[At long last they pull up to The Regency where Yang wheels her bike into the garage and parks it in the corner. She waits for Mercury to dismount before she follows suit, stretching out her arms behind her. It feels so good to be riding again, there were zero vehicles in Dream Jail. With her glasses back in her pocket and the garage secured, she'll walk him to the elevator...hand in hand if he's not averse to it.]
Guess you'll have to pick your birthday, then. Choose your favorite month, a day that's convenient, and bam! Instant birthday.
[She winks, pressing '4'. Up they go! A short while later there's a ding and the doors slide open so they can step into the hall.]
I'll even be extra nice, and--
[Yang stops short. There seems to be a lack of door to her apartment. She stares at it. And slowly points a metal finger.]
...Did you do that.
[It was either Mercury or her dad. And given their previous track record? She knows who her money is on.]
Eh. I never needed a birthday before, don't really care about it now.
[ When every day was a struggle to survive, you stop caring about counting years. He might be out of that lifestyle now, but it just feels so pointless to celebrate. Not really his thing.
Not that he can really get into discussing it, with the sight of the ruined door now blatantly in front of them, and he plays it off with a shrug and a roll of his eyes. ]
[It'll probably come back up again in the future, once she's got a better reason to push for it. For now, she's gaping at the door. Kind of like how the door is gaping in the wall! That thing is toast!]
[Yang wordlessly turns her head to look at his face. He must have been really worried about her if he did that. And it's kind of sweet.]
[She sighs too with a little smile.]
That's fair. I'm sure one of them called maintenance.
[But she holds his hand a little tighter, brushing her thumb over his knuckles before resuming her walk down the hallway.]
[If there are roommates there, Mercury will have to be patient while Yang hugs the crap out of them and gets a little misty-eyed when she gets hugged back. And if they're not, she just looks around for a bit before writing a quick note and pinning it on the fridge. 'Home. With Mercury. Missed you guys! ♥ Yang]
Well, make yourself comfortable! I'll go grab a quick shower, then I can drive you back to your place.
Edited (Used 'home' too much.) 2017-11-13 01:35 (UTC)
If they didn't, just do what I did and move to an entirely different place! You've been here what, a week? It must be getting old already, time for a change of scenery.
[ His tone is snarky, but energetic - in spite of a relative lack of sleep over the past couple days, actually finding her and finding that she's okay has given him a second wind for the time being. As for how long that'll last, well.
Time will tell!
Once she's done getting things squared away and mentions the shower he hums thoughtfully, tapping his chin. ]
Maybe I should come with you. Last time I let you out of my sight you went MIA for three days - or a year, depending on perspective. Really, it's for your safety.
Ha! I could move across the hall from you. Then we can punch each other's doors down whenever we want.
[And in they go.]
[She's halfway to her bedroom to pick out some clothes to change into when he suggests going with her.]
Ech...
[Yang shakes her head with a smile. ...And pauses. She looks over her shoulder to study him thoughtfully. One finger comes up -- hold that thought -- and she backpedals to check out the bathroom. It's been a while, so she can't remember and wants to make sure...yup, the panel is frosted. At best all he'll see is a vaguely Yang-shaped blur of blonde and peach.]
...Why not. If it's for my own safety. Let me get some clothes first.
[She jerks her head toward the bathroom and heads into her room, picking out a pair of loose cargo pants, black sports bra, and a white boatneck shirt with long sleeves. It's cozy, and she's all about comfort right now.]
I'm pretty sure those doors will be way more expensive to replace, but hey, my wallet can take the hit.
[ HE'S RIIIIIIIIICH okay not exactly but he makes good wages aight
He laughs a bit at her initial reaction, letting his eyes wander around the apartment for a few seconds even as she makes her way to the bathroom. Just kind of taking the place in, getting a feel for the layout now that he's not in Where-The-Hell-Is-Yang mode, looking at--
what did she say ]
You're not screwing with me, are you? [ ... ] You are, aren't you.
[Yang doesn't say a word. But she does smile, lowering her lashes fractionally as she takes her bundle of clothes under one arm, and a towel from the linen closet.]
[This. This is what happens if he keeps playing 'take-your-clothes-off chicken' with her. And the look on his face is satisfying enough that she can start to see the appeal of him teasing her so often.]
[But she's got her own reasons too. For one, leaving him out there to the mercy of her roommates if they're there/when they come back would be pretty awkward for him. Especially since Yang's version of a 'quick' shower is about twenty minutes.]
[And also she likes hearing the sound of his voice, especially when he's laughing...even if it's at Yang's expense.]
You're not going to see much.
[Just so she doesn't get his hopes up too high, but also to assure him that the invitation was genuine. Either way, she's heading into the bathroom now, unzipping her jacket, chucking her boots out into the hallway. Door's starting to close...]
[Voice - November 9th, Morning]
[She mumbles something to someone else, and there's no mistaking the note of excitement in her voice. Most likely she was telling Weiss that both Mercury and Winter are here. Then there's the sound of her quickened steps, a little uneven as she picks her way up the path of rocks and pebbles. She barely even glances at Winter, who's too busy straining her eyes for a peek of her sister anyway, heading into the daylight--]
[--WHOA THAT IS BRIGHT! She turns her head away and holds up her arm, her eyes watering as the sun seems determined to stab her blind. But she tries to look, because she needs to see him. It's been a year. A whole year since she heard his voice and saw his face. She needs this.]
[Action]
Maybe you should just stop taking bounties without me.
[ What a romantic ]
[Action]
[And with a choked little cry of relief, Yang rushes him, collides against him, throws her arms around his shoulders and crushes the breath out of him. Her fingers hook into the cloth of his shirt and grip it tight, her head tipping to press against his as she shuts her eyes.]
...
[Yang opens her mouth to speak, but she just...she just can't anymore. She just wants to hold him, and remember his scent, and his warmth.]
[Action]
You want to tell me what happened, or... not right now?
[Action]
That mage trapped us in his realm, siphoning off our energy. None of us could use our powers or abilities, we were just in this...this bubble of his own reality. And for months we couldn't even touch the guy, we just...
[She wants to tell him more, but she still can't quite get over it. Yang draws her head back so she can look at his face, her eyes searching his back and forth.]
I just...
[The corners of her mouth tug upward.]
I had no idea you'd really wait for me that long. I mean, a whole year. You weren't even tempted? Not once?
[Those swelling violins of romance are about to get one hell of a record scratch.]
[Action]
He rears his head back a bit, eyeing her with something akin to wariness as he replies slowly, carefully: ]
... Yang, it's only been three days.
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[Her brow furrows. Only three days? But she definitely lived through each excruciating mundane week. What is he...?]
[Yang's right arm releases his shoulder, moving to her hip to pluck her communicator and turn it on. No, see it's been a year, the date...]
[...]
[Shit. The year is the same.]
[Her head snaps back to look at Mercury as she closes the jaw she realized was hanging open.]
...I'm an idiot, aren't I.
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[ Is his chipper response, shrugging one shoulder as he leans in to press a quick kiss against her lips. ]
But that's fine. I like 'em stupid.
[ Is this the high quality flirting you missed, Yang. Are you happy to be in his arms now. ]
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[She flops backward bonelessly in his arms.]
And I was so moved and melodramatic over it! No wonder you were in the area just now!
[Yang SIGHS.]
[And goes oddly quiet for a moment.]
[She pulls herself back up to be face to face with him once more, holding to his arms.]
...Do that again. Three days for you, sure, but it was still a year for me.
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[ But she has a point - three days for him, but a year for her, so he had some lost time to make up for on her end of things. She gets a second kiss, but this one is far more enthused, his grip around her tightening as one hand darts up to thread his fingers through her hair as only he has permission to.
Unless she gave that right to someone else during that year, too, but from the way she was acting with him that didn't seem likely. ]
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[Now that...that is more like it. She presses herself against him, cupping his face in her hands, then threading her left hand into his hair as her right coasts over his upper back. It's probably a little too intense for standing around in broad daylight with their friends close enough that they could walk right out and see this gross display of public affection.]
[She doesn't care. She missed him so, so much.]
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But after a moment he does pull his lips back, speaking quietly. ]
Yang...
[ what is it? what's he going to say so gently that only she can hear?? ]
... You really need a shower.
[ WHAT A FUCKIN ROMANTIC ]
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[Her voice is just as soft, and slightly breathless because boy did she need that. Her expression flattens when he reminds her what else she needs. It earns him a punch to the arm as she thoughtfully steps back so her "musk" doesn't bother him as much.]
You're annoying. Missed you.
[She brushes herself off, especially her hair, before gesturing over her shoulder.]
If it's only been three days, my bike should still be close by. Think you can put up with the smell long enough for a ride back?
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[ A pause, as he glances past Yang to where Winter
and probably the others??are. ]You need to say any goodbyes, or can we just book it?
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[She winks and turns, looking around her for a moment as she tries to remember where...she...parked... It was a year ago! Well, she knows it was down the path, so that's where she heads. Thankfully her bike is painted with bright streaks of yellow so it's not hard to spot in all of this greenery. She takes hold of the handlebars and slings her leg over the seat, heaving a small happy sigh to be reunited once more.]
Hop on!
[She'll even let him hold onto her waist instead of the back plate. But either way, he's getting a face full of blonde hair as soon as they tear out of the woods.]
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[ His tone is light, teasing - he has a few days worth of messing with her to make up for. Years, from her perspective! Really, it would be awful of him not to keep being kind of a dick.
He settles into place behind her, straddling the seat as wraps his arms around her waist. ]
Are you a reckless driver? Should I get a helmet?
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Maybe I'll give you one for a birthday present.
[She slips her sunglasses out of her jacket pocket and slides them on.]
But as long as you're holding on tight?
[She smiles back at him, then jams her heel down onto the starter, revving up the engine.]
You'll be safe with me.
[Yang kicks back the stand and pushes off, the motor taking over as she peels out over packed dirt and pinecones, scaring off the woodland creatures that were starting to gather in hopes of hearing Weiss sing to them. Goldilocks sucks.]
[Also, eat hair.]
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[ The roar of the engine cuts him off, and he instinctively tightens his grip to make sure he doesn't get whipped off on the first turn. It takes him no time at all to realize the problem with this seat, his face completely obscured by the wave of gold that flaps into it mercilessly. He tries to turn his head this way and that to avoid it, but it's just. Not possible.
This is something to consider for the future.
He can't exactly talk much between the sound of the motorcycle and the risk of hair in his mouth, so she has the rare experience of Mercury shutting the hell up until they arrive at their destination. ]
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[And all the while her hair billows carelessly into his face.]
[At long last they pull up to The Regency where Yang wheels her bike into the garage and parks it in the corner. She waits for Mercury to dismount before she follows suit, stretching out her arms behind her. It feels so good to be riding again, there were zero vehicles in Dream Jail. With her glasses back in her pocket and the garage secured, she'll walk him to the elevator...hand in hand if he's not averse to it.]
Guess you'll have to pick your birthday, then. Choose your favorite month, a day that's convenient, and bam! Instant birthday.
[She winks, pressing '4'. Up they go! A short while later there's a ding and the doors slide open so they can step into the hall.]
I'll even be extra nice, and--
[Yang stops short. There seems to be a lack of door to her apartment. She stares at it. And slowly points a metal finger.]
...Did you do that.
[It was either Mercury or her dad. And given their previous track record? She knows who her money is on.]
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[ When every day was a struggle to survive, you stop caring about counting years. He might be out of that lifestyle now, but it just feels so pointless to celebrate. Not really his thing.
Not that he can really get into discussing it, with the sight of the ruined door now blatantly in front of them, and he plays it off with a shrug and a roll of his eyes. ]
Door for a door?
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[Yang wordlessly turns her head to look at his face. He must have been really worried about her if he did that. And it's kind of sweet.]
[She sighs too with a little smile.]
That's fair. I'm sure one of them called maintenance.
[But she holds his hand a little tighter, brushing her thumb over his knuckles before resuming her walk down the hallway.]
[If there are roommates there, Mercury will have to be patient while Yang hugs the crap out of them and gets a little misty-eyed when she gets hugged back. And if they're not, she just looks around for a bit before writing a quick note and pinning it on the fridge. 'Home. With Mercury. Missed you guys! ♥ Yang]
Well, make yourself comfortable! I'll go grab a quick shower, then I can drive you back to your place.
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[ His tone is snarky, but energetic - in spite of a relative lack of sleep over the past couple days, actually finding her and finding that she's okay has given him a second wind for the time being. As for how long that'll last, well.
Time will tell!
Once she's done getting things squared away and mentions the shower he hums thoughtfully, tapping his chin. ]
Maybe I should come with you. Last time I let you out of my sight you went MIA for three days - or a year, depending on perspective. Really, it's for your safety.
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[And in they go.]
[She's halfway to her bedroom to pick out some clothes to change into when he suggests going with her.]
Ech...
[Yang shakes her head with a smile. ...And pauses. She looks over her shoulder to study him thoughtfully. One finger comes up -- hold that thought -- and she backpedals to check out the bathroom. It's been a while, so she can't remember and wants to make sure...yup, the panel is frosted. At best all he'll see is a vaguely Yang-shaped blur of blonde and peach.]
...Why not. If it's for my own safety. Let me get some clothes first.
[She jerks her head toward the bathroom and heads into her room, picking out a pair of loose cargo pants, black sports bra, and a white boatneck shirt with long sleeves. It's cozy, and she's all about comfort right now.]
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[ HE'S RIIIIIIIIICH okay not exactly but he makes good wages aight
He laughs a bit at her initial reaction, letting his eyes wander around the apartment for a few seconds even as she makes her way to the bathroom. Just kind of taking the place in, getting a feel for the layout now that he's not in Where-The-Hell-Is-Yang mode, looking at--
what did she say ]
You're not screwing with me, are you? [ ... ] You are, aren't you.
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[This. This is what happens if he keeps playing 'take-your-clothes-off chicken' with her. And the look on his face is satisfying enough that she can start to see the appeal of him teasing her so often.]
[But she's got her own reasons too. For one, leaving him out there to the mercy of her roommates if they're there/when they come back would be pretty awkward for him. Especially since Yang's version of a 'quick' shower is about twenty minutes.]
[And also she likes hearing the sound of his voice, especially when he's laughing...even if it's at Yang's expense.]
You're not going to see much.
[Just so she doesn't get his hopes up too high, but also to assure him that the invitation was genuine. Either way, she's heading into the bathroom now, unzipping her jacket, chucking her boots out into the hallway. Door's starting to close...]
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