[Altair looked away shyly, running a hand quickly through his hair. Thank goodness the fog wasn't out, otherwise his wings would be super bright with how embarrassed he was right now. It was hardly the first time he said she looked nice, but now it felt different and her smile felt almost too bright to look at.]
I was worried! I didn't notice anything different with the animals when I used my heat vision and you didn't give me a tell so I thought complimenting you would work since you usually act a certain way.
[A very cute way....This was not the time to think about that! His plan had sounded like a good idea at the time but now it felt like a disaster and he felt his cheeks grow hotter. He wasn't even sure if it worked since she wasn't as speechless as she usually was, but maybe that was because they had grown closer? The idea made him happy but it was not helping! He turned back to her with a sigh and a small smile.]
I meant the compliment. It wasn't just to see if you were still you.
[He didn't want her to think he had tricked her. Though he kind of did, but it was for a good cause and he really did mean what he said.....this was the worst idea ever!]
[ Her cheeks flush a bit. ] I hadn't thought of that. It's just... normally it confuses me that people think I'm pretty still. I mean. I look weird with my pincers and everything... and I really like you...
[ She trails off as her brain starts to basically do a Blue Screen of Death. Annie can't stop herself from babbling apparently. She bites her lip then smiles at him very sheepishly. ]
I'm still me. I'm just not used to you being ready to flirt. Which... I like it. I like that we're actually talking even during this latest dumb crisis.
[Altair responded to Annie's rambling with a fond smile. That was the cute reaction he had been expecting. He wished that Annie could see how pretty she really was but as someone who hated his violet eyes he understood how difficult that could be. He was happy that they could easily talk to each other like this, even in a dangerous situation, which he had almost forgotten about. He suddenly tensed and glanced around to make sure they were still alone.]
Yeah, speaking of dumb crisis, we should probably get going. We can flirt-I mean talk more later.
[These feelings of his were going to get him in trouble. He needed to focus but there one last thing he needed to do first and flashed Annie a affectionate smile.]
For the record, you don't look weird at all. You're a very pretty scorpion.
[ For the record? Annie thinks his eyes are dreamy. She hasn't come out and said that however, recognizing he seems to have his own body issues too. Annie is almost glad that the crisis is going on because it's a good distraction so she isn't overly tempted to kiss him right now. ]
Once we're safe I'll um... Yes. More of that.
[ Annie is turning more pink. If he keeps calling her pretty Annie might die of cute or something. ]
Maybe we should head out before we get distracted? Um. You're.... good at distracting me. Especially now that you know how I feel it seems like.
[Altair looked away again with a nervous chuckle as he looked around again.]
You're guilty of that too, you know. Not that I mind. Most of the time anyway. Not when you are in danger though.
[Speaking of, Altair's eyes narrowed at the sight of a few animals creeping closer. They had stayed here too long. Altair moved in front of Annie and pulled out a few stone daggers which he levitated around him as he glared at the increasing numbers of wild creatures, all flirting forgotten.]
[Altair considered their options. They were just animals. He could probably fight through them easily enough, if he wasn't worried about about either of them getting touched by the strange animals. It was so frustrating that he didn't know what caused the weird behavior. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound to something heavy stepping on a branch and a deep growl. Altair cursed in a language that sounded a bit like Arabic as a large bear lumbered into view.]
Of fucking course!
[Altair spread his wings and pulled Annie closer to him in a tight embrace.]
Hold on.
[He had never flown while carrying someone before but he didn't have to second guess himself right now. He needed to get Annie to safety.]
[ Annie whimpers grasping at his shoulder when he pulls her close. There is a sudden spike of fear. Will they get attacked?
Annie doesn't want her body to get taken over. Anything but that.
Due to their differences in height, Annie's face ends up briefly hidden in Altair's chest. She doesn't want to acknowledge the fact they are pretty much exiting stage left in pursuit by bear. That would just be far too much for the young woman to deal with. Now is not the time for humor with horror. ]
[Altair looked down at her with a small smile and gripped her hand tightly to reassure her before readjusting his hold around her and leaping into the sky. His take off was a bit clumsy with him holding Annie but he was a decent flyer and he quickly left Annie's house behind. As soon as he was sure they weren't being followed he slowed down so he could check on Annie.]
[ Her cheek is pressed against him. Annie has to tilt her head to look up at him. Honestly this isn't bad. She still is going to cling to him so that she doesn't slip. He will discover her scorpion feet very gingerly ending up on his legs. She is trying hard to not pose any problems but if her feet are on him Annie is confident she won't fall. ]
I think I'd enjoy this if my heart wasn't pounding in my chest. You're... You're good. I'm just anxious because that was a bear. Bears are fast when they feel like it.
[Altair started to relax slightly as soon as he knew Annie was okay and he looked down at her with a small smile. He was also finding it hard to enjoy the flight with how worried he was that he might drop her and not trying to think about how close she was right now. Annie can probably hear his racing heart right now as he tightened his grip around her as she changed position, both to make sure she didn't fall and to comfort her. His anxious smile showed a glimmer of amusement.]
Don't worry. We should be safe up here but just to be safe, let's avoid talking about anything dangerous while we're up here. Our luck is notoriously bad after all.
[ She is trying to not panic. His heart is pounding near her ear and Annie doesn't want to bring him more stress. Instead, she tries to smile at him. It's strange but somehow being in his arms is also kind of soothing. Annie hadn't thought that he could sooth her just by holding her. How interesting. ]
I never thought I'd have nearly as much trouble. [ She gives him a small smile. ]
Thanks for worrying about me. I hate being alone anyways... I feel.... I don't want you worrying, but I feel liker I end up alone a lot.
[Listening to Annie helped distract Altair from how stressful the situation was and his racing heart slowed down a little as they talked.]
Of course I'll worry about you. You're really important to me Annie and I would rather worry more then have you get hurt because you are trying to protect me. Would you feel less lonely if came over more often?
Technically he already did, she just didn't know about it since he stayed hidden. He felt a bit guilty about his well meaning stalking but he still felt like it was necessary in a dangerous place like this. He didn't want anyone else to get hurt like Peace and Jongdae did. He would feel better if he didn't have to hide it though and he could spend more time with Annie instead.]
[ Annie feels dumb because of all the things he could say? Altair says he's going to worry for her and that she is important to him. Of course she is, part of her mind rationalizes. He tried so hard at the party. Annie just bobs her head. ]
I haven't seen Shirou. Coraline is gone too. I keep... I keep loosing people once I let them get close.
[ Annie sniffs to try to avoid crying on him and instead props her head against his chest. ]
Please. I don't want to lose you too. You're important to me. Not just because I'm lonely a lot. Sometimes when I can't sleep I end up sending dumb messages to people's inboxes. Once I think I told Inspector Javert I was being stalked by a turkey.... in my defense they're evil.
[ She's babbling again. How does he do this to her? ]
[Altair tensed slightly as Annie talked. Her words were painfully familiar. He was haunted by the same thing. Every time things were going well in his life, something terrible happened and he lost someone. His old best friend, his mother and Vega, Arrakis, and Skylar. Even Bellatrix and Sirius hadn't been completely spared but at least they were still alive, or at least they were when he last saw them. He had no idea what happened to them after he was trapped here. Every one of them were a precious light that made the darkness easier. His fear of betrayal wasn't the only reason he never let anyone close. That precious light was fragile and easily snuffed out. Knowing Annie felt the same way made his heart ache and he embraced her tighter.]
You won't lose me. I'm ridiculously stubborn remember? Nothing has managed to get rid of me yet and I have no intention of losing now.
[If the fog god tried to trap him in the sea of stars he would just have to find a way to break back out. He kept that part to himself though. He didn't want to hurt Annie more by bringing up the possibility that he might disappear one day.]
You can talk to me anytime you get lonely. I'm usually awake at night.
[ It's funny, but Altair is making her own fear shrink. She looks up at his face again enjoying how safe he makes her feel. It's enough to make her cheeks glow with happiness. ]
I just try so hard not to let things get me down. I keep trying to get close to people because I hate... I hate feeling alone. I just... also really like being around you. A lot.
[ Because of their feelings for each other. It's unsaid but there is a look in her eyes. Given the chance Annie would absolutely kiss him again. ]
Would that make us insomnia buddies? I... wouldn't mind.
[Altair might like that and his heart beat sped up at her suggestion. He already knew Annie liked him so he shouldn't have been worried, but it always made him happy when people actually liked being around him and his smile grew brighter. Annie was so bright and he was incredibly happy someone as amazing as her chose to be with someone like him. It was Annie's fault for bringing it up but he really wanted to kiss her right now. He never thought he would wish he wasn't flying but he did right now. Luckily Annie's question distracted him and his eyes narrowed slightly.]
Sort of. I do have trouble sleeping,
[He didn't want Annie to worry about the terrible nightmares that plagued his sleep but he didn't want to lie either so he just left it at that.]
but I'm also a troll so I'm mostly awake at night to avoid the sun.
Good to know I should plan for moonlight picnics instead.
[ Is she flirting with him still? Oh yes. The idea of him joining her somewhere with just the stars and moon to keep them company feels very romantic. ]
I have nightmares. I... thought by now they would fade.
[ Her voice goes very soft. Her face is resting against him and Annie feels comforted just by being close to him. ]
[Altair's eyes narrowed with a haunted understanding. He was glad Annie couldn't see his expression right now. He knew he couldn't chase away her nightmares but he wanted to give her some comfort at least, not something else to worry about. He didn't have much time to think about it. Annie's casual observation put him instantly on alert.]
What?
[Altair stiffened, his heart rate spiking with worry as he snapped his head up to look around. His eyes narrowed when he saw the clouds ahead of them breaking up and he muttered a curse in the same unfamiliar language as before as he wrapped his arms around Annie in a protective embrace.]
Hold on tight. This is going to get...
[The clouds right above them broke apart, hitting them with a bright ray of sun. The rest of his words were lost under a dizzying fog as the sun quickly drained away his energy. His wings suddenly felt heavy and he desperately tried to summon enough strength to escape the cloud break. With a powerful thrust of his wings he managed to escape the searing rays but the effort had taken it's toll. Altair's breathing was uneven and his wings shook with the strain of keeping them airborne. They started to dangerously droop and his eyes threatened to close.]
...Shit
[He used the last bit of strength he had to wrap his wings protectively around Annie before they started to fall.]
[ Annie finds herself tight against him. What is happening? She manages to turn her head slightly to get a better look and dread fills her. This is one of those times in which she wishes that she was wrong. Annie clutches to him, trying to not be a hindrance. ]
Shit!
[ Too bad she can't help! Annie yelps when they start to drop. She could feel him trembling. Annie wanted to say something, but the words are caught in her throat. When they the ground it is hard and Annie cries out as two of her back legs drag roughly through the dirt and wet grass. She manages to save her tail from dragging as they tumble and roll. Somehow, Annie ends up half covering Altair. Annie reaches to touch his face, concerned he is hurt, when the sun starts to come out.
Annie hisses in rage at the sky before fumbling for her bag and pulls out an umbrella, opening it up over them to protect the man she is almost in love with. ]
[Altair didn't answer her at first, he was too weak to open his eyes and Annie's voice sounded muffled, like he was underwater. Did they fall in the lake?! His expression twisted with pain at the harrowing thought and his panic gave him just enough energy to open his eyes and Annie's worried face came into focus.]
Annie?
[He let his head tiredly fall to the side with a huge sigh of relief. His mind was just playing tricks on him. He was fine. He winced in pain when he tried to move. Ow. Everything hurt but at least he was still alive. He gave Annie a small reassuring smile.]
[ She can't help but almost sag onto him. The umbrella she is trying to use to shield him wavers slightly. Somehow nothing bad happens. Her hair falls against his cheek as she tries to see just how hurt he is. ]
A little bruised probably, I don't care. You took most of that fall. I.... I....
[ Annie sniffs, trying to banish away any tears threatening to come out. ]
[Altair's tired eyes narrowed at Annie's reaction. He felt guilty for making her worry, especially after she told him how scared she was of losing him. His arm felt heavy and Altair tried not to wince at the pain as he slowly reached up to touch Annie's cheek with a weak smile.]
I told you, I won't die that easy. I'll be fine but I'm sorry I worried you. I should have paid more attention. I'm glad you are okay.
[ She's already so deeply wound up due to how she feels. Annie leans into his hand just a bit, breathing in and out to try and calm herself down. ]
I... How do we get inside? I can keep you safe with my umbrella, I think. Also you're okay. Seriously. You came to make sure I was safe and.... and made sure it wasn't so bad. I don't think I could fight everything off on my own.
[Holding his arm up hurt but he kept it there a little longer so he could feel Annie's warmth, before trying to sit up with a quiet groan as he tried to hide the pain.]
The umbrella should work. Now that I'm not being fried by the sun, I'll be fine.
[Well, mostly anyway but it wasn't the first time he had to push through being battered and bruised. It was fine and he didn't want Annie to worry any more than he already had.]
Where did we land anyway? I think we were close to the house when we fell.
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ohmyscream) wrote2020-06-06 01:59 pm
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no subject
I was worried! I didn't notice anything different with the animals when I used my heat vision and you didn't give me a tell so I thought complimenting you would work since you usually act a certain way.
[A very cute way....This was not the time to think about that! His plan had sounded like a good idea at the time but now it felt like a disaster and he felt his cheeks grow hotter. He wasn't even sure if it worked since she wasn't as speechless as she usually was, but maybe that was because they had grown closer? The idea made him happy but it was not helping! He turned back to her with a sigh and a small smile.]
I meant the compliment. It wasn't just to see if you were still you.
[He didn't want her to think he had tricked her. Though he kind of did, but it was for a good cause and he really did mean what he said.....this was the worst idea ever!]
no subject
[ Her cheeks flush a bit. ] I hadn't thought of that. It's just... normally it confuses me that people think I'm pretty still. I mean. I look weird with my pincers and everything... and I really like you...
[ She trails off as her brain starts to basically do a Blue Screen of Death. Annie can't stop herself from babbling apparently. She bites her lip then smiles at him very sheepishly. ]
I'm still me. I'm just not used to you being ready to flirt. Which... I like it. I like that we're actually talking even during this latest dumb crisis.
no subject
Yeah, speaking of dumb crisis, we should probably get going. We can flirt-I mean talk more later.
[These feelings of his were going to get him in trouble. He needed to focus but there one last thing he needed to do first and flashed Annie a affectionate smile.]
For the record, you don't look weird at all. You're a very pretty scorpion.
no subject
Once we're safe I'll um... Yes. More of that.
[ Annie is turning more pink. If he keeps calling her pretty Annie might die of cute or something. ]
Maybe we should head out before we get distracted? Um. You're.... good at distracting me. Especially now that you know how I feel it seems like.
no subject
You're guilty of that too, you know. Not that I mind. Most of the time anyway. Not when you are in danger though.
[Speaking of, Altair's eyes narrowed at the sight of a few animals creeping closer. They had stayed here too long. Altair moved in front of Annie and pulled out a few stone daggers which he levitated around him as he glared at the increasing numbers of wild creatures, all flirting forgotten.]
We need to leave. Now.
[Before something bigger showed up.]
no subject
[ Annie looks like she's trying to not be upset. He was only teasing her. He wasn't trying to be mean, but it seems she keeps getting in trouble. }
Shit!
[ Annie swearing seems weird. She doesn't do it often. Her hovering behind him in fear is absolutely a thing. ]
Which way do we go? Taking to the trees might be dangerous for me. Squirrels. They're numerous out here. At least I haven't seen bears.
no subject
Of fucking course!
[Altair spread his wings and pulled Annie closer to him in a tight embrace.]
Hold on.
[He had never flown while carrying someone before but he didn't have to second guess himself right now. He needed to get Annie to safety.]
no subject
[ Annie whimpers grasping at his shoulder when he pulls her close. There is a sudden spike of fear. Will they get attacked?
Annie doesn't want her body to get taken over. Anything but that.
Due to their differences in height, Annie's face ends up briefly hidden in Altair's chest. She doesn't want to acknowledge the fact they are pretty much exiting stage left in pursuit by bear. That would just be far too much for the young woman to deal with. Now is not the time for humor with horror. ]
Get us out of here. Please.
no subject
Are you doing ok?
no subject
[ Her cheek is pressed against him. Annie has to tilt her head to look up at him. Honestly this isn't bad. She still is going to cling to him so that she doesn't slip. He will discover her scorpion feet very gingerly ending up on his legs. She is trying hard to not pose any problems but if her feet are on him Annie is confident she won't fall. ]
I think I'd enjoy this if my heart wasn't pounding in my chest. You're... You're good. I'm just anxious because that was a bear. Bears are fast when they feel like it.
no subject
Don't worry. We should be safe up here but just to be safe, let's avoid talking about anything dangerous while we're up here. Our luck is notoriously bad after all.
no subject
I never thought I'd have nearly as much trouble. [ She gives him a small smile. ]
Thanks for worrying about me. I hate being alone anyways... I feel.... I don't want you worrying, but I feel liker I end up alone a lot.
no subject
Of course I'll worry about you. You're really important to me Annie and I would rather worry more then have you get hurt because you are trying to protect me. Would you feel less lonely if came over more often?
Technically he already did, she just didn't know about it since he stayed hidden. He felt a bit guilty about his well meaning stalking but he still felt like it was necessary in a dangerous place like this. He didn't want anyone else to get hurt like Peace and Jongdae did. He would feel better if he didn't have to hide it though and he could spend more time with Annie instead.]
no subject
[ Annie feels dumb because of all the things he could say? Altair says he's going to worry for her and that she is important to him. Of course she is, part of her mind rationalizes. He tried so hard at the party. Annie just bobs her head. ]
I haven't seen Shirou. Coraline is gone too. I keep... I keep loosing people once I let them get close.
[ Annie sniffs to try to avoid crying on him and instead props her head against his chest. ]
Please. I don't want to lose you too. You're important to me. Not just because I'm lonely a lot. Sometimes when I can't sleep I end up sending dumb messages to people's inboxes. Once I think I told Inspector Javert I was being stalked by a turkey.... in my defense they're evil.
[ She's babbling again. How does he do this to her? ]
no subject
You won't lose me. I'm ridiculously stubborn remember? Nothing has managed to get rid of me yet and I have no intention of losing now.
[If the fog god tried to trap him in the sea of stars he would just have to find a way to break back out. He kept that part to himself though. He didn't want to hurt Annie more by bringing up the possibility that he might disappear one day.]
You can talk to me anytime you get lonely. I'm usually awake at night.
no subject
[ It's funny, but Altair is making her own fear shrink. She looks up at his face again enjoying how safe he makes her feel. It's enough to make her cheeks glow with happiness. ]
I just try so hard not to let things get me down. I keep trying to get close to people because I hate... I hate feeling alone. I just... also really like being around you. A lot.
[ Because of their feelings for each other. It's unsaid but there is a look in her eyes. Given the chance Annie would absolutely kiss him again. ]
Would that make us insomnia buddies? I... wouldn't mind.
no subject
Sort of. I do have trouble sleeping,
[He didn't want Annie to worry about the terrible nightmares that plagued his sleep but he didn't want to lie either so he just left it at that.]
but I'm also a troll so I'm mostly awake at night to avoid the sun.
no subject
[ Is she flirting with him still? Oh yes. The idea of him joining her somewhere with just the stars and moon to keep them company feels very romantic. ]
I have nightmares. I... thought by now they would fade.
[ Her voice goes very soft. Her face is resting against him and Annie feels comforted just by being close to him. ]
I... Hey wait. Is the rain slowing down?
no subject
What?
[Altair stiffened, his heart rate spiking with worry as he snapped his head up to look around. His eyes narrowed when he saw the clouds ahead of them breaking up and he muttered a curse in the same unfamiliar language as before as he wrapped his arms around Annie in a protective embrace.]
Hold on tight. This is going to get...
[The clouds right above them broke apart, hitting them with a bright ray of sun. The rest of his words were lost under a dizzying fog as the sun quickly drained away his energy. His wings suddenly felt heavy and he desperately tried to summon enough strength to escape the cloud break. With a powerful thrust of his wings he managed to escape the searing rays but the effort had taken it's toll. Altair's breathing was uneven and his wings shook with the strain of keeping them airborne. They started to dangerously droop and his eyes threatened to close.]
...Shit
[He used the last bit of strength he had to wrap his wings protectively around Annie before they started to fall.]
no subject
[ Annie finds herself tight against him. What is happening? She manages to turn her head slightly to get a better look and dread fills her. This is one of those times in which she wishes that she was wrong. Annie clutches to him, trying to not be a hindrance. ]
Shit!
[ Too bad she can't help! Annie yelps when they start to drop. She could feel him trembling. Annie wanted to say something, but the words are caught in her throat. When they the ground it is hard and Annie cries out as two of her back legs drag roughly through the dirt and wet grass. She manages to save her tail from dragging as they tumble and roll. Somehow, Annie ends up half covering Altair. Annie reaches to touch his face, concerned he is hurt, when the sun starts to come out.
Annie hisses in rage at the sky before fumbling for her bag and pulls out an umbrella, opening it up over them to protect the man she is almost in love with. ]
Altair? Please. Please be alright.
(cw: vague drowning mention)
Annie?
[He let his head tiredly fall to the side with a huge sigh of relief. His mind was just playing tricks on him. He was fine. He winced in pain when he tried to move. Ow. Everything hurt but at least he was still alive. He gave Annie a small reassuring smile.]
Sorry for the rough landing. Are you okay?
no subject
[ She can't help but almost sag onto him. The umbrella she is trying to use to shield him wavers slightly. Somehow nothing bad happens. Her hair falls against his cheek as she tries to see just how hurt he is. ]
A little bruised probably, I don't care. You took most of that fall. I.... I....
[ Annie sniffs, trying to banish away any tears threatening to come out. ]
I told you I don't want to lose you. Stupid sun.
no subject
I told you, I won't die that easy. I'll be fine but I'm sorry I worried you. I should have paid more attention. I'm glad you are okay.
no subject
[ She's already so deeply wound up due to how she feels. Annie leans into his hand just a bit, breathing in and out to try and calm herself down. ]
I... How do we get inside? I can keep you safe with my umbrella, I think. Also you're okay. Seriously. You came to make sure I was safe and.... and made sure it wasn't so bad. I don't think I could fight everything off on my own.
no subject
The umbrella should work. Now that I'm not being fried by the sun, I'll be fine.
[Well, mostly anyway but it wasn't the first time he had to push through being battered and bruised. It was fine and he didn't want Annie to worry any more than he already had.]
Where did we land anyway? I think we were close to the house when we fell.