Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Oct 16, 2020 21:59:22 GMT -8
"Well come on then, Cowboy, I don't bite. Bring it on over."
Dex chuckled at Wendy and her dripping, soapy hands. Her infectious charm coaxed him over so easily. He was certain that if she were a space sorceress, that he was surely under her charm. He floated over to where she stood at the sink as she commanded the running water to come to a halt with the twist of her palm and fingers. The empty glass made a 'plop' noise as it slid past the suds and disappeared into the dish water.
"So did the weeping angel flower tea do it's job?" Dex asked, still grinning but a pinch of sincerity was noticeable in his tone as his gaze moved from the dish water to Wendy. She was in good spirits, but the looming factor still hit Dex fairly hard. His loose bangs cascaded over his forehead as he looked upon her softly, "I mean, you mentioned it had pain relieving powers or something. Wendy...," He started, his tone trailing off in almost a bracing whisper. Whether she would be coming on the mission or not had crossed his mind a few times during their meeting. In her slowly withering condition, Dex wouldn't want to see her out on the field. Yet, knowing what he knew about her, what she didn't know that he knew, he wouldn't be surprised if she was willing to go. Wendy Carter was a secretly renowned badass, after all.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 18, 2020 0:51:47 GMT -8
"So did the weeping angel flower tea do it's job?"
Wendy gave a sideways glance up at him. The question had her going a little on guard as her eyes returned to the cup she was scrubbing. "What do you mean?" she asked nonchalantly.
"I mean, you mentioned it had pain relieving powers or something.
A man who listened and paid attention. A sought after, rare quality in a man. The care and concern in his tone drew her eyes to him again and the mix of that tone with the way he was looking at her twisted her insides. Wendy was having trouble appreciating that rare quality when, once again, she felt the urge to rage against the unfairness of timing and the overall hand she'd been dealt in life.
It would not be fair to take any of that anger and frustration out on him when all he was doing was being thoughtful. He had no way of knowing what it did to her. So Wendy choked down that rage and took the edge off the frustration by scrubbing the cups a little harder than they needed to be scrubbed. "It helped," she said with a casual shrug.
Wendy...,"
"Dex..." she responded, downplaying the seriousness of the topic by drawing out his name in a playful tone. Wendy quickly swiped her left hand on the towel beside the sink before placing it on her left hip as she turned to face him, letting her right hip casually lean against the counter. "I appreciate your concern, but this is normal." Her hand momentarily flew to her chest in a gesture of self as she quickly added, "My normal." She knew it wasn't the normal and wanted to quash any notion of arguing that fact.
Thinking that was the end of that topic, Wendy turned back to finish the last couple of cups, vigorously scrubbing to gain more therapeutic value out of the task.
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wesleybucks
Slightly Addicted
Cashy-money: $2,000
Posts: 181
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Post by wesleybucks on Oct 18, 2020 13:39:43 GMT -8
Simon's heart was racing after his moment of bravado speaking in front of everyone. He glimpsed Kaylee in the corner of his eye and turned in time to see her smiling at him. He gave her a small smile in return and busied himself sorting some papers and books of his that were scattered around where he had been sitting. He began to go through a mental checklist of everything he thought he would need to bring with him.
- Field kit of medical supplies was a given. He rarely left the ship without it - A gun. Should he bring a gun? A gun wasn't his style and he doubted the Captain would actually want him with a firearm. If it came to the point where he was the person that had to be shooting, things really had gone to ruttin' hell. - His journal. Who knew if they really would be able to get the Doctor to come with them or how much information he'd give them. His trusty pocket sized journal to make notes had saved his bacon a shockingly high number of times.
His short list of equipment decided and his papers organised, Simon grabbed the empty cup he had been drinking from earlier and made his way to the kitchen. He almost barreled into the ongoing banter but managed to notice in time and come to an abrupt stop several feet from the pair of relative strangers.
"It helped."
"Wendy..."
"Dex...I appreciate your concern, but this is normal. My normal."
Anxious that they would suddenly turn around and see him apparently listening in to their rather intimate conversation, Simon coughed loudly and entered the kitchen. It was not a big space and Simon had to squeeze past the man he'd been introduced to as Dex. Simon almost dropped his cup into the sink when he saw that Wendy was already washing up. Reluctant to rudely add to the amount she was already cleaning Simon hesitated, still holding his cup. He then decided instead to simply pour some water in so it didn't look as though he had come into the kitchen to get rid of the cup. Not an option. He couldn't get to the tap without reaching over Wendy who was washing up. Fine, he could just nonchalantly drop it onto the counter top. Also not an option. It would look as though he never washed anything. The last thing Simon wanted was for anyone to think his cleanliness was on par with Jayne.
Finding himself in an awkward social situation, it was as if Simon had forgotten how to stand, hold a cup and breathe at the same time. He held the cup in both hands, tapping the sides with his index fingers whilst swaying slightly on the spot, humming under his breath and started to scrutinize the scuff marks on the ceiling as if they were the most interesting things in the world. Simon wanted nothing more than for some Reavers to fire on the ship, rip open the hull and let him be sucked into the vacuum of space just to get out of the awkward situation he had entirely created by himself.
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ellasp73
The Mummy Fanfic Chain
Yessir, Captain Tight Pants
Posts: 1,097
Firefly RPG:
- Kaylee Frye
_________________________
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Post by ellasp73 on Oct 29, 2020 15:59:31 GMT -8
The moment Simon glanced over at her, Kaylee felt her heart jumping in her chest. Simon was so nice to look at. He was so sweet to volunteer to go with the group, but would he know what to do if anything bad were to happen? As she thought about possible scenarios where they might run into trouble, she was aware of his current situation.
Dex and Wendy were having what looked like a private conversation, and Simon had nearly barged in on them. As he stood there, nearly frozen in place, Kaylee decided to take pity on him. Leaving the spot she had been in during their meeting, she quietly made her way to the group. When she got closer she heard Wendy's reply to Dex.
"Dex...I appreciate your concern, but this is normal. My normal."
For a few seconds, Kaylee stood behind Simon debating on how to get him away without embarrassing him or the couple in front of them. Finally she reached out, grasping his hand, gently pulling him back where she had been standing. Simon didn't resist her help, and when they were far enough away, he let out a sigh, maybe of relief.
"You looked like you needed a little help, Simon. Are you sure about going with everyone? I mean, I know your a great doctor and all, but things could get a little rough." Kaylee glanced into his eyes ,not wanting to offend him, more over just wanting to be sure he knew what he was doing.
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Nov 14, 2020 11:56:53 GMT -8
"Dex...I appreciate your concern, but this is normal. My normal."
Dex's heart dropped slightly at Wendy's defensive approach. The way she put emphasis her normal shook him wide awake from his daydream of playing house with the pretty girl he was smitten with. They were not involved. Quite frankly, Wendy's personal situation was none of his business at all. What was even worse was that she was the one with the wanted status by the Alliance, the suspected traitor that Dex was ordered to collect. He needed to come to terms with what was, and what would never be. He wasn't sure if he could do that.
Dex turned his head from Wendy as an audible cough made it's way into the kitchen space to bring Simon into view as he stood rather awkwardly. If he didn't have an empty glass between his palms, Dex would bet that his thumbs would be twiddling one mile per minute. Then before Dex could turn back to Wendy with a rebuttal, Kaylee entered and began to chat with the Doctor. Great, they now had an audience. Dex felt flustered and unsure of what to do.
"I should go, you know, prepare for the mission...," Dex made eye contact with Wendy one more time as he froze in front of her in hesitation. There was so much he wanted to say, yet none of it would ever matter. If she didn't die from her condition, the Alliance would have her. And it would be all Dex's fault. He finally broke away from Wendy, giving Simon and Kaylee a nod on his way out of the kitchen.
*** Dex exits ***
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wesleybucks
Slightly Addicted
Cashy-money: $2,000
Posts: 181
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Post by wesleybucks on Nov 15, 2020 15:23:27 GMT -8
It was Kaylee that saved him. Of course it was Kaylee. She dragged him out of the small kitchen and he couldn't help but smile. Hand him a scalpel and point him in the direction of a ruptured spleen and he'd be fine. Ask him to interrupt a conversation to wash a cup and it was the end of days.
"You looked like you needed a little help, Simon. Are you sure about going with everyone? I mean, I know your a great doctor and all, but things could get a little rough."
Kaylee was smiling at him and whilst Simon instinctively returned the grin, her comment had wounded his pride. He cared for Kaylee. More than just as a friend. He considered her to be...well it wasn't important. His hands recoiled out of hers, ever so slightly. After everything they had been through together, she still saw him as fragile. The delicate Alliance boy that couldn't take care of himself
"Thanks Kaylee, but you don't need to worry about me. I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself."
Simon could feel his face getting warmer and a sense of awkwardness overwhelming him. He turned quickly, slamming his foot into the side of the table. The loud clanging noise rang out through the room. Simon bit his lip, refusing to yelp in the shock of the sudden jab of pain.
"I'm fine. I'm...I'm totally fine."
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Dec 8, 2020 11:24:46 GMT -8
(KAYLEE - TEMP PLAYED BY ARIEL)
"Thanks Kaylee, but you don't need to worry about me. I'm a big boy. I can take care of myself."
Kaylee's heart sank slightly as she felt Simon's fingertips slide away, finding their place back to his sides. The chestnut fringe that framed her cheekbones fell forward slightly as her light smile pursed into a flat line. Kaylee stared at Simon straight on with a serious tone to her complexion, watching his charming jawline tighten and his eyes grow large as he was noticeably drowning in an overwhelming pool of uncomfortableness. Poor Simon had shifted from one awkward situation into the next. If anyone knew Kaylee, they would know that her heart held nothing but good intentions for the people around her. Especially for the ones she loved. It wasn't his fault that he didn't exactly know her the way the others already knew her. Yet, she was beginning to get to know the Doctor, and she felt rather frustrated about how they could go from having a great conversation one moment just to have him shoot his guard back up whenever someone tried to show him any sort of feelings or care.
"I'm fine. I'm...I'm totally fine."
Kaylee's shoulders jolted in surprise at the loud banging sound of Simon's foot suddenly coming into contact with the side of the table in his efforts to escape the painful situation. Letting out an exhale, Kaylee's head tilted to the side in pity as she witnessed Simon trying to conceal his feelings once more.
"'Course you are. You're more than fine, Simon...you're amazing," Kaylee began to talk Simon through the intense pain he was most likely experiencing radiating through his foot in that moment, and being the crew member that wore her heart on her sleeve she figured this would be as good of a time as any to say her peace, "You've risked so much to keep River safe. But haven't you made room for your needs too?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 19, 2020 22:58:47 GMT -8
Wendy could feel Simon's presence in the small kitchen before he made it known with an awkward cough. The growing intensity of his mixture of awkwardness and embarrassment with each passing moment started an itch on the side of her neck as if a phantom anxiety-borne rash was forming under the surface. Hands buried in the soapy water, she angled her head to the side and lifted her shoulder, moving her neck alongside it a couple times to ease that phantom itch.
A distraction was welcoming in this moment, but this might be a bit more than she wanted.
"I should go, you know, prepare for the mission...,"
Dex's voice automatically drew her eyes back to him. Her kneejerk reaction was to open her mouth and ask him to stay, which was precisely why she kept her mouth shut. With her best effort, she gave an emotionally detached nod, then forced her eyes away from him and to the one glass she continued to scrub.
She hated the feeling of regret growing inside her by going against her wants in favor of what was best for him. Hated even more seeing and feeling how her actions were emotionally bruising him. It was hard to see him walk away from the corner of her eye, worse feeling him fading away from her senses with each step he took until he was out the door and out of range.
Getting lost in thought, even unpleasant ones, had the benefit of distraction that had momentarily blocked out the others around her. She hadn't realized until a loud banging sound followed by a jolt of unexpected pain going through her foot caused her to fumble the glass. It bounced on the ledge of the sink but thanks to her quick reflexes, she caught it before it could fall to the floor.
The pain quickly faded, as the injury wasn't her own. She was relieved she'd managed to salvage the glass. Turning on the facet, she let clean water wash away the suds but then confusion set in when she felt water running along her hand as the water level in the glass fell. She turned the glass in her hands, examining it until she caught sight of a vertical crack running a good length of it, rendering the glass unusable. "Go se," she mumbled under her breath. A drop of red hit the glass and her free hand went to under nose, pulling away with blood on her fingertips. "Double go se."
Keeping her back to everyone, she quickly washed the red off the glass and her hands, then placed the glass beside the sink while pulling her handkerchief free from her pocket. Wendy frantically alternated between dabbing her nose and rinsing the handkerchief, hoping it was only a minor nose bleed and that she could clean it up before anyone took notice.
Hearing footsteps and feeling Inara's approach, Wendy quickly returned the handkerchief to the running water, hoping signs of red washed away from it before Inara got to her side, hoping the flow had stopped, and also hoping she'd cleaned away any traces of it.
"That was a lot of people around you," came the warm, sympathetic voice. Wendy looked toward Inara, giving a reassuring grin, but saw Inara's eyes go to Wendy's nose. Wendy turned slightly away, dabbing and hoping she got what she'd missed. "A lot of people, each one carrying a lot of their own emotional baggage. To the left. There, you got it." Inara knew that Wendy didn't want to unnecessarily worry anyone about this and Wendy appreciated her help in hiding the inevitable. "Why don't you take advantage of a little solitary time before you head out on your mission? Don't worry about the glass. I'll take care of it."
She'd just opened her mouth to tell her about the cracked glass, but Inara had already known. Apparently, she'd been quietly observing her and Wendy hadn't even realized it. Very impressive, even for a Companion. A look of appreciation and relief on her face, Wendy gave a heartfelt, "Thanks, Inara." She rung the water from her handkerchief, adding, "Solitude always helps when it gets like this."
Unsure if the nosebleed had run its course, Wendy kept her face averted and quickly headed out.
***Wendy exits to Spare Passenger Dorm***
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 20, 2020 1:17:54 GMT -8
Inara spent a little time catching up with Madison, then started to tidy up, all while stealthily observing the goings-on in the kitchen. She could read the changes in their body language, first in Wendy's as it appeared she was pulling away, then Dex's in reaction to whatever she'd said. Simon entered the little scene at the exact right moment, from the look of things, though at the expense of his own embarrassment. As usual, Kaylee and her big heart were quick to his rescue.
She stealthily took in the expression on Dex's face as he made his way out. He looked as if a dose of reality had struck him, though she wasn't quite sure why it appeared to hit him so hard and so easily. Wendy couldn't have said anything that bad. Inara had already hinted at Wendy's dark fate on the horizon. Yet something bothered him that seemed to be on a level outside of the facts Inara already knew.
Inara's attention was pulled more toward Simon and Kaylee now as yet another misunderstanding was forming based off a well-intended action or comment. Those two seemed to have a hard time speaking and understanding the same language. Mentally sighing and momentarily wondering how long it would take those two to get on the same wavelength, Inara's attention returned to Wendy.
Wendy still appeared to be bothered, judging by the fact that she was still scrubbing the same glass since well before Dex had left. Inara was on the last leg of the tidying, straightening out the mismatched chairs around the table, when said table suddenly shook with impact, pulling her attention once again to Simon and Kaylee. She picked up the barely discernable sound of glass hitting counter and glanced over to see Wendy recover a fumble. Very out of character for her to have fumbled at all, but the way she momentarily leaned her weight off the same foot Simon had injured, Inara guessed Wendy had empathically experienced his pain, just as she had picked up on Sally's pain.
"I'm fine. I'm...I'm totally fine."
"'Course you are. You're more than fine, Simon...you're amazing,"
Rushing over, Inara pulled out the chair nearest him. "Kaylee is absolutely right," she said, gently nudging Simon to sit down and take the weight off until the pain eased. "I'll take care of this," she said, prying the cup out of the pain grip he had on it. Leaving him in Kaylee's capable hands, Inara stepped away to allow them to work their own way through this. She was always around for advice if either sought her out, but she tried not to intrude.
Her attention went back to Wendy and Inara picked up on something new that started her worrying. Though her back was to her, there was franticness to Wendy's suddenly quicker movements. Inara gave up on her pretense of minding her own business and made her way over with the cup in hand giving her reason enough join Wendy at the sink.
The glass Wendy had been meticulously scrubbing was now forgotten next to the sink, the glint of light shining on a thin vertical line of a crack along its side showing the damage it had obtained in Wendy's fumble. Wendy's movements were from stream of water and up to her face, increasing Inara's worry. She was close enough now to catch that Wendy was tending to a nosebleed and gathered it to be another side effect of whatever was happening to her, no doubt her affliction stressed from being exposed to the emotions of so many people all at once. Inara couldn't imagine what that felt like. There were moments when she had trouble dealing with her own emotions, particularly where a certain Captain was concerned.
"That was a lot of people around you," she said in a warm, sympathetic voice. Wendy looked toward her with a reassuring grin. Inara's eyes were caught by the blood still beneath Wendy's nose. Wendy turned slightly away, dabbing in the hopes of getting what she'd missed. "A lot of people, each one carrying a lot of their own emotional baggage." Seeing Wendy wasn't quite hitting the mark, Inara tried to give her calm, casual verbal guidance. "To the left. There, you got it." She knew that Wendy didn't want to unnecessarily worry anyone about her condition. Inara wanted to place a comforting hand on Wendy's arm, but remembered how physical contact affected her. If the nearness of people increased the intensity of what Wendy was feeling, she guessed perhaps physical contact must be the most direct and intense connection of the empathic signal. "Why don't you take advantage of a little solitary time before you head out on your mission?" The slightest flicker of Wendy's gaze toward the counter had Inara adding with a dismissive wave, "Don't worry about the glass. I'll take care of it."
"Thanks, Inara." "Solitude always helps when it gets like this."
Inara gave a nod of understanding and Wendy quickly rushed off. With a sad sigh, Inara picked up the glass and looked it over, making sure there weren't any small shards missing. Luckily, it was still intact, so she was saved from having to sweep. She opened the trash compartment and dropped the glass in, then began to clean the last cup she'd taken from Simon's grip.
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wesleybucks
Slightly Addicted
Cashy-money: $2,000
Posts: 181
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Post by wesleybucks on Dec 20, 2020 13:52:22 GMT -8
"Course you are. You're more than fine, Simon...you're amazing. You've risked so much to keep River safe. But haven't you made room for your needs too?"
Kaylee's comment caught Simon off-guard. He simply never knew how to act around her. It was as if his stomach always felt heavy but his head felt light when she spoke. As he opened his mouth to answer when he felt a chair pressed towards him. Inara was by his side beckoning him to sit and giving him a look that was far too knowing for his liking.
"Kaylee is absolutely right. I'll take care of this."
Swiftly, Inara helped Simon sit, took the cup and made her way back to the kitchen. Simon turned back to Kaylee with an awkward grin and rubbed his toes. He was able to bend them without too much pain so nothing broken. Probably could expect a nice bruise but nothing more.
"Thank you Kaylee. You're far too nice to me."
There was so much Simon wanted to say to her but it always felt like the wrong time.
"You're amazing too Kaylee. I just..."
Yet again, the words just wouldn't come out.
"...I have to get ready. I need to make sure I have everything I'll need for the mission. Could be important."
Simon used the back of the chair to help him stand. The pain in his foot was subsiding to a dull ache. He smiled once again at Kaylee, this time as a form of farewell.
"I promise that once I'm back, we'll talk to each other properly. There are...some things I should've said a while ago. I'm not sure why I haven't said them before now...but yes...once we're back safe and sound."
Simon moved past Kaylee as they spoke, their hands briefly brushing against each other. Only for a moment.
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Dec 20, 2020 23:54:47 GMT -8
"You're amazing too Kaylee. I just..."
Kaylee's anticipation ate away at her as she waited in Simon's spout of hesitation. Staring intensely at the doctor consoling his own foot and searching his own heart, she forgot how to breathe and felt as if she would pass out at any given moment. She wasn't sure what it was or even why it happened, but often times when Simon was around, Kaylee felt as if her entire system was malfunctioning. Simon had accomplished what no other man in Kaylee's life could do - he made her feel things she had never felt before with any other. At this moment, the last thing she wanted was for him to jump head first into a mission where there was a slight chance his return would remain uncertain.
"...I have to get ready. I need to make sure I have everything I'll need for the mission. Could be important."
Kaylee's suspense was finally cured with an answer, but not the one she was looking for. She watched him as he managed to climb to his feet with the support from the chair. He shed a slight smile in her direction that made her feel a full range of emotions. Hardening her frowning complexion, Kaylee looked away in order to conceal her emotional range before addressing him one more time. She wanted to tell him to stay, and that she felt things for him and wanted him to feel those things too...but she was at a loss at how to convey her message without scaring him away and losing him for good.
"I promise that once I'm back, we'll talk to each other properly. There are...some things I should've said a while ago. I'm not sure why I haven't said them before now...but yes...once we're back safe and sound."
"Well...fine," Kaylee stammered as she spoke in her desperation to Simon, "But don't you get snatched by the Feds...a-and stay outta Jayne's line of fire, his trigger finger is terrifying and that man needs an intervention and...a-and whatever you do...don't die. River needs her brother all fixed together in the same piece he left." Kaylee spoke defensively and continued to refrain from looking at Simon until she felt his hand brush lightly against hers as he moved past her. His touch began to simmer the frustration within as she began to soften. Deep down, she knew that it wasn't him going on this mission that bothered her. And when she snapped out of her funk and realized she was wrong to say farewell to him in such a way, Kaylee's eyes grew with panic.
"Simon?" Kaylee called out in a slightly quivered voice, but he had already left her alone with her thoughts and the clanking sounds of the dishes from the kitchen.
* Kaylee exits scene and enters further into the Kitchen *
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Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,760
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
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Post by Ariel on Dec 23, 2020 11:17:16 GMT -8
*Kaylee enters further into the kitchen*
Dipping her gaze to the floor in an embarrassed nature, Kaylee exhaled a groan in her despair as she trudged around the table towards the kitchen cupboards. She made her existence in the space known with her minor sounds of frustration, yet she remained relatively silent as her fingers reached up and curled around the knob on the cupboard that just matched the height of her forehead. Her encounter with Simon had made her feel invisible anyways, she figured that she might as well act the part. In her head, she knew his choice of words weren't intentional, but her battered and bruised heart could disagree. She began to wonder if he would ever notice her at all in the way she noticed him, if she was even good enough for the fancy, pretty Doctor. Was it the engine grease stains on her cheek? Her fragile state of emotion? Kaylee wasn't a conceited girl but she always thought that she was a catch. These toxic thoughts crept in and completely bothered her to the bone.
There were still a couple of members from the Shadowheart crew lingering around that began to trickle their way out of the Dining area in preparation to leave for the mission, leaving Kaylee in the radiant presence of Inara. Kaylee was fairly authentic around everyone, yet she felt like she could be more genuinely herself around her dear friend whom she had confided in on many occasions like an older sister. Still withholding her words from Inara who was keeping her hands busy finishing up the last bit of cleaning, Kaylee opened the cupboard door and allowed her hand to disappear inside for half a moment. Her hand reappeared again to reveal the retrieval of a metal can which she brought in front of her distressed gaze to examine before setting it down on the counter top with minor force. Opening the side drawer next to her hip, Kaylee rummaged through the cutlery until she found the sharpest knife. Holding it point down over the top of the can, she stabbed through the metal top and began to saw away rather angrily until the top was off. Then, throwing the knife to the side on the counter, Kaylee grabbed a large spoon and began to stuff her face full of sloppy, brown beans. She took in a few large spoonfulls before making eye contact suddenly with Inara.
"I'm doin' the sad girl thing and eatin' my emotions to feel better," Kaylee announced through her emotionally riled tone. She swallowed the beans that were half chewed in her mouth as she placed the hovering spoon back in the can, resting the can onto the countertop in her defeated attempt to cope with how she felt about Simon, "But it ain't working! Inara," Wiping the corner of her mouth, Kaylee started as she looked from her sad looking can of beans onto the counter and directly into Inara's eyes, "Am I good enough for someone like Simon? He's pretty, and he's got smarts...I know all the good things ain't simple, but why is this so hard?" Kaylee shrugged her shoulders as she cocked her head to the side as she wallowed in her self pity.
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wesleybucks
Slightly Addicted
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Post by wesleybucks on Dec 28, 2020 3:43:29 GMT -8
Captain Malcolm Reynolds retraced his steps through his ship towards the lounge. He'd left the meeting to discuss the upcoming mission to return to his cabin to ponder further on the details. He'd then realized he'd left his gun on the table. Hoping it hadn't been found, Mal had hot footed it back to the lounge. He'd passed the Doc on route, giving him a chance to briefly speak.
"I appreciate you volunteering. We're not expecting to be walkin' into a nest of vipers so to be speak but best be putting our mightiest boot a'front of the other."
"I understand Captain but I don't believe you have anything to fear. Mr Wilder expressed the fact that he'd ensure I'll be well protected."
"Oh well, if Mr Wilder is assuring you of his best eye to be spotting out for you, nothing to be a'feared of."
Mal patted the Doc a little too hard on the shoulder and moved on down the hallway towards the lounge. The Doc seemed to have been already deep in thought that he appeared to pay the pat little to no mind. Mal however was not so easily past their conversation. He was slowly getting sick of hearing the name Dex Wilder. If everyone loved Wilder so much then they should make him Captain. Captain Wilder. Captain Dex Wilder. Mal couldn't help but grimace as he turned into the lounge area itself. Most people had appeared to vacate already. Mal glanced around and only spotted Kaylee and Inara. Mal grabbed an apple from a bowl on the central table in an effort to look like he'd returned for a reason. He then tried to casually walk around the table as Kaylee and Inara continued speaking to each other. Kaylee had her back to Mal and hadn't appeared to notice him enter.
"I'm doin' the sad girl thing and eatin' my emotions to feel better."
Like a rabbit caught in a grav field, Mal knew this was the last conversation he wanted to interrupt and become a part of. He slowly and silently bit off a chunk of apple and tried to grind it to a paste in his mouth without so much as a crunch. There on the other side of the room was his gun. Laid out nicely on the arm of a chair right beside the kitchen. Mal instinctively hit the ground and began to crawl on his hands and knees, one hand still holding the apple. He'd be damned if he was going to get drawn into a conversation about feelings with Inara of all people.
"But it ain't working! Inara. Am I good enough for someone like Simon? He's pretty, and he's got smarts...I know all the good things ain't simple, but why is this so hard?"
The Doc? Kaylee had a thing for the Doc? Mal tried to recall if he knew that already. He reached the armchair, swapped the gun for the half eaten apple, and slid the pistol into the holster. Now he just needed to get out. He could hear Inara was responding to Kaylee but was too focused on getting out to hear what she was saying. The doorway was close. Almost within reach. Then the unthinkable happened. The apple. It slowly rolled. It fell from the chair. It hit the floor with a clang. Mal shot up to his feet as if his behind had made contact with a charging port. He was face to face with an eyebrow raised Inara and a Kaylee with bean residue on her chin.
"Well...if you'd be asking me Kaylee, I'd say your far too good for him. He wouldn't deserve you. Whilst we're speaking of reprobates, what do you think of Dex? A scoundrel? No good? Rotten to the core? You can be honest."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 10, 2021 18:15:43 GMT -8
Wendy had left the kitchen and Inara discreetly set her focus fully on Kaylee and Simon, still near the table behind her. Oh, those two were hopeless. She was one to talk. Ignoring her personal jibe at herself, she concentrated on Kaylee and Simon. Inara wanted the best for the both of them, but they had to find their own way. It was one thing for them to come to her for a talk--only Kaylee ever did--but she wouldn't be the one to interfere. She was careful about giving advice, trying to instead steer the person toward the line of consideration they should be taking. A relationship couldn't be strong if it was built on the foundation of the manipulation of others, even on good intentions.
And just like clockwork, Kaylee had sought her out after another encounter with Simon and woefully gone sideways due to misunderstandings and allowing their own self doubts to get in the way.
Always in tune to her surroundings, she picked up on the whisper of a creak of the door with someone entering back into the kitchen. She didn't think anything of it. With a ship full of people, there was almost always someone coming and going. She knew it wasn't Simon, as he'd already left in a mild huff and would most likely be avoiding going back in for anything with Kaylee still in the room.
It took only a few seconds for her to know it was Mal. There was just something about him that always made her aware when he was near. Still, she ignored the urge to turn and look at him to keep her full attention on Kaylee.
"I'm doin' the sad girl thing and eatin' my emotions to feel better,"
Inara placed the washed cup in the dish dryer, turning the water off as she angled her head to smile with sad understanding. In the corner of her eye, she saw the blur of Mal's figure suddenly hit the ground. Before she could wonder if he'd swooned, in a manly fashion, of course, she picked up on the almost discernable sound of shifting of clothing, indicating he was crawling on the ground. The oddness of the situation gave her pause enough to not speak up to Kaylee in time before she continued, but the pause was small enough to appear as if Inara was listening and considering, waiting for Kaylee to continue.
"But it ain't working! Inara," "Am I good enough for someone like Simon? He's pretty, and he's got smarts...I know all the good things ain't simple, but why is this so hard?"
"Oh mei-mei," Inara said, her heart in her voice as she wrapped Kaylee in a hug. "You're more than good enough for anyone," she began, leaning back and cupping Kaylee's face. "The question is, is there anyone worthy of you?"
A dull thump of something hitting the floor grabbed their attention before anything else could be said. Mal shot up like a jack-in-the-box but Inara wasn't startled as she knew he'd been there, crawling around, most likely in an attempt to avoid getting caught up in a discussion about feelings. Instead, she looked at him with an eyebrow raised in amusement.
"Well...if you'd be asking me Kaylee, I'd say your far too good for him. He wouldn't deserve you. Whilst we're speaking of reprobates, what do you think of Dex? A scoundrel? No good? Rotten to the core? You can be honest."
Inara exchanged a knowing look with Kaylee. Women usually could spot jealousy. "Dex?" she said, playing up the surprise over Mal's accusations as if taking them seriously. Inara turned to Kaylee again, using this opportunity handed over an a silver platter to distract and cheer up Kaylee by engaging in some teasing of the Captain with her. "He's charming, don't you think?" she asked Kaylee, playing up the girls gossiping about cute boys vibe with an amused quirk of her lips to encourage Kaylee to play along. "Easy on the eyes, too."
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Ariel
Lost RPG
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Post by Ariel on Jan 10, 2021 22:22:33 GMT -8
"Oh mei-mei," "You're more than good enough for anyone,"
Inara's embraces always felt like a warm, security blanket for Kaylee. The corner of her mouth formed a frown as her temple found a comfortable spot on Inara's shoulder to seek momentary comfort. She appreciated this safe space her dearest friend created for her whenever she had troubles and simply needed someone to lean on for support. Kaylee lifted the side of her forehead from Inara's shoulder as they both stood upright, allowing her chin to fall into Inara's gentle hands.
"The question is, is there anyone worthy of you?"
Before Kaylee could give any sort of answer, her head turned at the sudden thumping sound on the ground as if someone or something had come into contact with the floor. Springing upwards right before Kaylee and Inara was their Captain, looking as if he was hesitant to intrude on their conversation and found himself in an inevitable situation. Kaylee furrowed her eyebrows slightly in question, yet before she could ask her Captain what he was doing on the ground, Mal spoke up and shed a light on his thoughts on the matter he was eavesdropping on.
"Well...if you'd be asking me Kaylee, I'd say your far too good for him. He wouldn't deserve you. Whilst we're speaking of reprobates, what do you think of Dex? A scoundrel? No good? Rotten to the core? You can be honest."
Kaylee silently chuckled inward as she amusingly exchanged a glance with Inara in a moment of wordless communication. She waited for Inara to give her initial thoughts on the matter in which Mal spoke of, riddling his words with a tinge jealousy towards their new guest.
"He's charming, don't you think?" "Easy on the eyes, too."
Happy to keep her hands busy for a moment, Kaylee picked up the half empty can of beans and reached for a new cover for it's top to preserve the rations. She held it in her hands for a moment grinning like a giddy school girl from ear to ear, "He's got googly eyes for Wendy, I seen the way he was lookin' at her at the table," Kaylee gaze bounced from Inara to Mal, "And I think she noticed," Kaylee pressed her lips together in a half-hearted grin as she turned her back to put the canned food away. It was as if Dex and Wendy had been the only two people in the room while they had all been nothing but background characters in their love story. "If only someone looked at me that way," Kaylee sighed audibly to herself as she opened the fridge and placed the can gently inside. She turned around and read between the lines of Mal and Inara. Their connection had always been an indescribable force of nature, one that Kaylee could only dream of sharing with someone. Everyone seemed to have someone. Everyone except for Kaylee.
"Speakin' of googly eyes, I'm thinkin' I'm gonna go check on Wendy, make sure she's finding things alright. Any intel on said rotten to the core scoundrels will be reported back to you immediately, Capt'n," Kaylee had given Inara one last side squeeze before giving her Captain Tightpants a salute and making her way out the door.
*** Kaylee exits ***
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wesleybucks
Slightly Addicted
Cashy-money: $2,000
Posts: 181
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Post by wesleybucks on Jan 23, 2021 22:56:40 GMT -8
"Dex? He's charming, don't you think? Easy on the eyes, too."
Mal turned to Inara with a raised eyebrow. She was obviously teasing him. Providing him with an answer she would know he wouldn't want...right?
"He's got googly eyes for Wendy, I seen the way he was lookin' at her at the table. And I think she noticed. If only someone looked at me that way."
Mal barely heard the words Kaylee was saying. His mind was still doing backflips processing what Inara had said. Surely she'd been yanking his leg. Dex and Inara? A doomed pair if ever there was one.
"Speakin' of googly eyes, I'm thinkin' I'm gonna go check on Wendy, make sure she's finding things alright. Any intel on said rotten to the core scoundrels will be reported back to you immediately, Capt'n."
Mal threw Kaylee a wave without looking in her direction and mumbled something about checking the engine pressure. Now alone with Inara, Mal took a beat and threw on his mask of bravado. He grabbed the half chewed apple from the floor with a flourish and sat himself on the edge of the table, smirking at Inara.
"Easy on the eyes huh? My heart sure is full for you Inara. I know it's rare for you to stoop from your usually impeccable taste in clients. I'm impressed that you've clearly decided to open shop for those in the greatest of needs."
Mal took a large bite of apple and continued with a smile on his face and small particles of the fruit spraying into the room as he chewed.
"I wish I'd known he was a prospective customer before now though. I would've thrown on all my best airs and graces. I'd have minded my P's, Q's and G's. I hope I haven't ruined your chance with such a swell fella."
Mal smirked at Inara, his cheeks full of apple and snide.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 6, 2021 17:14:28 GMT -8
Inara raised her brows but her expression remained unreadable. So he was back to their usual banter. She hadn't been sure how to be around him when finding herself alone with him again after the last time they'd been alone together. She thought it would have changed everything and she'd had no idea what that meant or how to act. It was a very unusual circumstance to find herself in. One of the complications she'd been avoiding. Inara actually found relief he'd taken things to familiar territory, even if there were times these playful, snide banters took a turn for the worse with one or both of them saying things they ended up regretting.
"Oh, I wasn't thinking of him in a customer capacity," she airily bantered back as she came around the counter. Inara rested her back against the counter across from where he sat at the edge of the table and lightly folded her arms, discreetly studying him. He was so hard to read sometimes. Did he seriously think she had any inclinations toward Dex? She'd thought his little bout of jealousy was a general masculine threat of another virile male mingling with the herd, but if she'd thought he was seeing it on a more personal level, she wouldn't have made that joke. "But unfortunately for me," she said on a dramatic sigh, "Dex only has googly eyes for Wendy."
Inara hoped her easy joking on the matter and amused grin would dissuade Mal of any notions involving herself and Dex. She watched a drop of juice from the apple work its way down toward his hand. "Still though," she said, turning slightly to grab a napkin from the counter, "it wouldn't hurt for you to start learning to mind your manners." She held the napkin out toward him, remaining in her lean against the counter which meant he'd have to take the step closer to take it from her, if he so chose to. "You never know who will be dropping by next." Another lighthearted joke in observation of how many people, some of them old friends, no less, they happened to come across in this big 'verse.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Mar 30, 2021 9:55:16 GMT -8
(tempplay by DarkSideCookie)
"Oh, I wasn't thinking of him in a customer capacity,"
Mal did his best not to let show his disapproval to her words, so he just took another bite of the apple in his hands, giving her a look as if he was casually asking 'That so?'. Unfortunately, there weren't many bites left, so he hoped she wouldn't elaborate much further on that issue. Granted, he'd been the one to have opened that box. Yet what else was he supposed to do? This was the only way of talking with her that Mal felt familiar with, quite unlike the unknown yet very appreciative way of their last talk; not so much as for the talking part, for that matter. However - or might be because of the sudden upcoming memory -, when Inara met him by the table and started looking at him with an intensity as if weighing the odds, Mal's coolness faded ever so slightly. "Huh," he still tried to play it cool, though.
"But unfortunately for me,""Dex only has googly eyes for Wendy."
"So I've heard," Mal couldn't help but throw in with a pretended sigh of empathy yet obvious that wasn't the true intention behind. They both knew that she would never seriously consider scoring with anybody on board this ship. Anybody but maybe...
"Still though,"
He looked up at her in anticipation again, silently hoping that the still though didn't have any more to do with the Dex issue. That had been fun for a bit, but any joke came to an end at some point. Or maybe it was because he was running out of apple bites to hide that part of his jealousy that wasn't played.
"it wouldn't hurt for you to start learning to mind your manners."
Mal watched her in silence for a moment, eying the napkin in her hand as if it was a bar of chocolate someone would make use of to bait a kid. And as disturbing as that might sound, that was exactly how Mal felt right now.
"You never know who will be dropping by next."
"Of course not," he eventually agreed with a smirk as he decided to take that step to receive the napkin from her. Not because he saw a need in taking on manners in the first place - that train might have left the station long ago -, but because he simply took the bait. Sometimes it was not the chocolate bar a man wanted. Or a kid? Well, he got a little lost on that saying there. "Might be someone easy on the eyes," Mal finished as both their hands rested on the napkin for some seconds. She was very easy on the eyes... If it were only that, he could deal with it, but there was more than just that, making it all complicated.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 3, 2021 13:58:45 GMT -8
Both caught up in the 'easy on the eyes' aspect they saw in each other, and so much more beyond that simmering under the surface for so long, the napkin seemed to hang between both their hands. Inara finally caught herself and let go, releasing the napkin into his custody.
So many times, she and Mal had found themselves facing each other, the air thick with the intensity of their draw to one another. Her mind shouting at her to walk away but the magnetic pull between the two of them too strong to comply, leaving them lingering far longer than they should in the temptation neither intended to initiate.
She suddenly found herself in that situation again, trapped now between this counter at her back and Mal in front of her. But after their last encounter, the dynamic had shifted. Before, she could have easily escaped the situation with a snarky comment as she stepped around him under the guise of having elsewhere to be or simply being done with yet another exchange they pretended had no affect on them. But they'd stepped passed that boundary, had stopped pretending and had, at long last, given in and clearly exposed themselves and each other to the truth. There was no go back from that. To sidestep her way out now would be cowardly, especially since she'd been the one to put herself into this position, and it would give away far more vulnerability than she was willing to show.
Fully versed in body language, she knew how to hide having her own give anything away very well. So Inara stood her ground and kept her casual lean against the counter, instead offering them an escape with the reality of their current situation. "Well, everyone is preparing for the mission. It's probably time you do the same?" she suggested, reaching up a hand to gently push her hair away from her eye with the back of her fingers in a tiny tell she was too caught up in the moment to realize she'd given.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Apr 3, 2021 17:28:09 GMT -8
(tempplay by DarkSideCookie)
Mal had no idea how long they were just standing there, both holding onto that napkin as if it were the little sanity that was to hold onto in a transferred sense, for they both knew they would like to close the distance between them again more than anything, yet shouldn't. Or actually, Mal didn't even know what she thought they should or should not do. Honestly, he didn't even want to think about it, for there would also appear pictures before his inner eye that he wasn't willing to see. Then eventually, it was Inara who left hold of the napkin in their hands, yet it didn't feel like she was leaving hold of their sanity. Well, it certainly was better this way, for the crew, for their contractual relationship, and last but not least, for her business. Suddenly, it was easy for him to leave hold of as well, of the napkin that had never been a metaphor for their sanity but actually their irrationality. There was a reason for him to never having closed the distance between them, not until recently, at least. And although Mal knew that it had been a mistake to allow them to break the rules of this unspoken agreement of never leaving their hold of rationality - or was this yet an agreement he only had created for himself? -, he pondered in this very moment, about the feeling that it had been worth it anyway. "Well, everyone is preparing for the mission. It's probably time you do the same?"For a few more breaths, Mal stood his ground in that same spot, unable to divert his gaze, aware that he must. His eyes watched her in a silent, almost helplessness kind of way, while, for a little moment, his head moved only an inch further into her direction, only to come to a sudden halt halfway towards another mistake. "As much as for you, I guess. Not so much for a mission but probably for a client, isn't it?" It was not exactly that he wholeheartedly enjoyed playing the asshole. It was more like a balanced ratio of fifty percent that and the other fifty percent actually a form of self-protection to prevent himself from crossing a line, again. However, this time he could as well just have slapped himself, which he probably even would have preferred over the look he earned from her now.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 11, 2021 21:02:14 GMT -8
She continued to hold her ground and even after she'd given him the opportunity of a safe out, he seemed to be holding his ground as well. He was looking at her in that way she'd only seen a couple times. Those very rare times he was the one to let his guard down, allowing his heart to show in his eyes. Just raw emotions, a vulnerability and depth one wouldn't think was in him. A look that made her heart flutter and her stomach flip. The very look he'd been giving her when a heartbreaking loss on their last mission had caused them both to face a realization that finally had them deciding to take action. But once again, they'd been out of sync. Just as Mal had been about to be 'truthsome' as he'd called it, Inara had interrupted to announce her decision to leave.
Mal started moving toward her and Inara held her breath, thinking that finally, their unexpected moment earlier had put them into sync. But then he stopped. Something in his expression suddenly changed and that look in his eyes began to fade back behind his barriers.
"As much as for you, I guess. Not so much for a mission but probably for a client, isn't it?"
Inara found herself thrown off balance over the sudden and unexpected change. Considering they'd overcome their barriers earlier, it was jolting to find his army of emotions take the offensive when she'd taken down all her defenses. Allowing herself to be completely open and vulnerable, his familiar jibe hurt like it never had before. Being caught completely off guard, that hurt flashed across her face before she had a chance to mask it.
"I wasn't planning to," she began, a bit softer to lure him into that same false sense of opening up and revealing her true feelings, just as he'd done to her before delivering his jibe. Inara crossed her arms and took a turn at delivering her own jibe. "You know I can't screen prospective clients until I know where we're heading," she reminded.
Inara stepped around him and started for the door. "Do let me know when we're heading for a respectable place so I can make arrangements," she added nonchalantly over her shoulder before exiting the kitchen.
***Inara exits for elsewhere***
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Apr 26, 2021 5:44:16 GMT -8
(tempplay by DarkSideCookie)
Mal had thrown a lot of jibes at her before, but never had he felt so miserable about it like in this very moment. Not only regarding himself, as for once again having allowed his spite to gain the whip hand over him, but instead regarding Inara's feelings. For a little moment, there had been something in her eyes that he'd never seen there before. She surely was used to listening to his low opinion about the way she earned her money, mostly though coming from an emotion that Mal tried to not even admit to himself. However, this time, she had been looking jolted, almost shocked. And even though she'd been quickly back to their usual way of conversing as well, playing the composed one just like himself, Mal would never forget that look in her eyes only a second before. Yet still, as soon as they both were back to their game of pretending they could just go on as before, it got easier to try that, at least. "I wasn't planning to,""You know I can't screen prospective clients until I know where we're heading,""Of course," Mal replied unemotionally, casually watching her from the side as she stepped around him before he added more quietly yet still loud enough that she could hear it: "My bad." "Do let me know when we're heading for a respectable place so I can make arrangements,"Past Mal, the one who never had allowed his feelings to get the better of him, at least not when it came to Inara, probably would have nonchalantly thrown another jibe her way to have the last word, but this Mal didn't. He just stood there, still trying to look unshaken, yet his eyes were telling a different story. "Chun zhu*," he cursed himself quietly after Inara had exited and only he been left in the kitchen.
Then, with one deep sigh, Mal declared this issue closed in his head, or rather successfully repressed back there. There was a mission afoot, and he had to attend with a clear mind. Everyone was probably already well prepared. He didn't like to be the one who kept his crew waiting. *** Mal exits to Cargo Bay ***--------------------- *translation: idiot
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Post by DarkSideCookie on May 8, 2021 6:36:59 GMT -8
Nobody had noticed that River was still there. They all had become occupied with someone while she had been with her thoughts only. So many thoughts. And feelings. Not all of them her own. Some of them pleasant, some hurtful. Sometimes this was all too much for her, mostly even, but, this time, she had listened to them with curiosity whilst fading out from most of the ongoing conversation around her. She had been focusing on the pleasant ones. Sweet feelings of attraction towards one another, one of them even coming from Simon. A smile had been spreading over River's features at that realization. He wanted him to be happy. He deserved it. But why was he pulling against so hard?
Then, suddenly, the memory of scraps of their former group conversation had jolted her out of her observing in mind. River had been looking up in shock when her brother's company on that mission had been brought up. Nobody had noticed. Not even Wendy. River hadn't meant to become a burden or someone who constantly had to be put to calmness, so she had tried her best to cover that panic with emotions she knew Wendy would write off as her usual uncomfortableness around too many people with too many thoughts. It had worked. But only for Wendy, not for herself. She already had been coming up with worries and a presentiment of danger regarding Wendy going. A thought like Wendy wouldn't come back. Actually, like... she wouldn't want to come back. But why would she want to leave them without telling anyone? No, this presentiment had to mean danger on that mission. They would be needing River's help. She wanted to help. To be useful. To be not a burden. Simon would understand that.
And just when River had wanted to leave, realizing that only Inara and Kaylee were still there, actually their captain had been reentering. She had not meant to observe them, but when, all of a sudden, a big knot of feelings had flooded her, she couldn't help but pause. Those had not just been pleasantness with a bit of hurt. Those had been Inara and Mal, names for a whole new palette of feelings. A feeling knot. Somewhat intrigued but, first of all, afraid to destroy their little moment, River had ducked her head, silently disappearing under the table. For a while, she had just sat there with a slight smile on her face. But then, suddenly, hurt had started to mask that rare pleasantness between them. River had felt it like a stab into her own heart. Why was everyone so cruel to themselves? Pushing feelings away instead of allowing them to be, especially the pleasant. Even she was allowing those. How else would she be able to fight the hurtful ones?
River had been pondering over that for another while until, eventually, there was nobody else left in the kitchen but herself. She finally allowed that breath she had felt like holding for an eternity to leave her lungs. Something wet dropped onto the ground and to her feet. With a slight movement of her hand, River dried her face from those tears that hadn't been hers. They had been theirs. Those two stubborn people.
She started crawling back from under the table. Everyone was going to prepare for that mission. And so would she.
*** River exits to one of the away shuttles ***
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 16, 2022 12:41:39 GMT -8
(Via ship-wide comms)
The speakers momentarily crackled to life with Inara's usual serenely toned voice following. "Kaylee, I could use your assistance in the Common Area, please."
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