Cigarette flicked off to the side from her lingering position at that bus stop bench. The dyed-redhead wasn't waiting for the bus, but the spot was well lit enough for her to feel somewhat safe within the night. Cellphone in hand and flipped open. Soft chimes of Beeps echoing out with each thumb press to the down arrow.

Texts from her roommates.
A few from friends back in Emerald Bay.
and the past conversations she held with Rayvinn that she hadn't quite gotten around to deleting yet.

A conversation that had come to a sudden halt a good month or so back.

It was a bit worrisome. The woman had stopped coming around the dueling venues as well - and that gave Apple more reason to worry. Not only that, but the conversations they had before. Looking back on it now - could Rayvinn be in danger? .. Or worse? The thoughts alone had her pulling free another cigarette, but she stopped herself short of lighting it. Looking to the stick held between her index and thumb. Wiggling it about a few times before tossing it away all together. The same would be done to the pack.

"I'll just write her.." She said softly to herself. Her body hunching over and the phone brought closer to her face. Her posture was terrible, that's what anyone would probably think if they saw her right now. Still, the only thing on Apples mind was the message that she was now thumbing onto her screen.

Hey. You there?

Short and simple. Send. Wait -- she wouldn't. Her finger hovered over the button, and instead of hitting that - she'd erase it. The phone was slid closed and she looked out into the slightly lit street. A shake of her head followed, and the phone was opened once more.

Yo! Raye!

The next idea.. and the next to be wiped from her screen with a few taps to that back button.

Why was this so hard? She didn't even know the woman all that well. The only thing that she did know, was that she enjoyed her company.

I miss you.

Smack. Her hand found her forehead when she looked over what she just wrote. Said hand slowly began to slide down her face and finally drop into her lap. "No way.. that'll just sound wrong." But it's really how she felt. She did miss her. Thumb moved to that button to erase, but something soon startled her. Body jolting up and head looked to the source of that loud honk. ".. Took you long enough!" She yelled out. Then looking to her phone and the vision of a flying letter on her screen.

Message Sent

".. O.. Oh..! Sh*t..!"

"What's your problem?" The voice of her roommate met her ear. She shot him a look from the bench and quickly jumped up. "I hate you so much right now..!" Apple replied while dashing over to the car.

Waking Up from Nightmares...

Rayvinn awakened in a darkened room in the Outback, trying to climb out of the terrifying nightmare that had left her drenched in perspiration and sitting straight up in the bed. It took her several moments to overcome that unrelenting mental haziness that gripped her mind, but it finally started to clear and the trembling elf looked around.

The darkness mattered very little as far as her sight was concerned, she could see nearly as well now as she could with full light. It only took a couple of moments for her to realize she was in Apple?s room again, apparently the redhead had carried her upstairs after she had passed out. This was starting to seem like a common occurrence...passing out wherever she happened to be. Not the safest thing she had done, but not the stupidest either. At least she had people like Apple, Reap, and Kruger to try to help take care of her when she apparently couldn?t take care of herself.

Apple. Thinking of the other woman caused Raye to look down to the bed at the sleeping form nestled against her. Raye trailed fingers along Apple?s cheek then down her jaw. She hadn?t intended to awaken the redhead from her slumber but was a little relieved when the other woman?s lashes fluttered several times and she opened her eyes. A leg clad in pink flannel slid lightly up the elf?s leg as Apple shifted her body.

?Rayvinn? What?s wrong? Lay down.?

Apple?s voice, husky with sleep, was a lullaby for the elf and she slid back down next to her. A light shudder swept through Raye?s thin frame so she snuggled beneath the blankets, closer to the other woman, until only her face was exposed to the coolness of the room.

?Just had a bad dream. I?m better now.?

?Mmmkay. Wake me back up if you need to.?

?Alright...hey, Andrea??

?Yeah??

?Thanks...?

?For what, Raye? Are you sure you?re alright??

?Just for being you and yeah, I?m okay now.?

Rayvinn smiled softly in the dark as Apple slid an arm over her waist and immediately fell back to sleep.

Sleep was elusive for Raye, but she didn?t want to awaken Apple again so she just lay there entwined with her, listening to the soft rhythmic breathing that was interspersed with the occasional snore. Rayvinn had nothing but time and a mind full of thoughts bouncing about. She pushed aside thoughts of what had awakened her in such a state of panic and concentrated on what soothed her more than anything else.

The elf wasn?t sure how define the relationship between herself and Apple. It wasn?t physical like people assumed. Though, when Apple touched her, it sent butterflies into wild flight in her stomach. They didn?t really talk about how they thought or felt about one another but Raye knew she felt a slight emptiness anytime the redhead wasn?t with her. Even if it was just for a few hours, she missed her. Then there were moments like they had just shared, when all of the comfort the tormented elf needed was contained in a few words and a touch from Apple. There was no definition to them but Raye wouldn?t trade what they experienced with one another for something more easily defined.

Laying so still and listening to the softly slumbering woman next to her had finally caused Rayvinn to relax enough that she could fall back to sleep. No nightmares awakened her for the remainder of the night. She was safe.

Sugar, Fireworks, and Debates about Kissing


Stopping at one of the many vendors that sold their wares out of carts, Raye gave the older man that was spinning sugar into colorful cottony concoctions a warm smile.

"Hello there Harry, look at you with my favorite kind all ready for me."

A lilting chuckle was given as she accepted the large cone of rainbow colored cotton candy. It was passed off to Apple with a wink as she pointed at the cart.

"Want some of your own or wanna share? Don't forget we still have funnel cakes, teriyaki chicken kabobs, lemon ice, and about a hundred other things. Fried cheese. Gods but that sounds perfect."

Raye was already lost in her fantasy of eating every fried, fat, and sugar laden item all along this area. Gaze snapped back to Apple before her fingers, poking out of her cast, were entwined with the other womans in a softly possessive touch.

Damn that elf..! Andrea was supposed to be on a diet, right..?! Yet here she was, being tempted with spun sugar in the form of cotton candy!

"Uh.. Let's share."

The redhead spoke while flashing a smile. Diet could start tomorrow, right? No reason to not have a little fun! .. Plus lemon ice sounded good, same with the fried cheese. She said a silent prayer to her gut and thighs -- sorry, just try and last a little longer..!

"It sounds like you're trying to fatten me up.. should I be worried?"

Mock stare at the elf. Suspecting her of obvious wrongdoing! This didn't stop her from reaching out and pinching at some of the cotton candy. Popping it right into her mouth and enjoying the taste of it.. It was written all over her face!

"Soo good.."

"Of course. Remember...flayed hide and barbeque sauce? You look like you would be exceptionally yummy. Though I think probably better with a balsamic glaze than barbeque. Maybe wrap you in prosciutto first..."

Raye leaned back and let her gaze travel over Apple as if scrutinizing what cut of meat would go with what vegetable.

"Hmm..probably be good with some asparagus and baby red potatoes with rosemary."

It was all the elf could do to maintain that stoic look upon her face. Then all at once
she looked up and smiled sweetly before pinching off a bite of cotton candy to feed Apple.

"C'mon, precious...let's get to fattening you up then..."

"... Huuuuh...?"

Was all Apple could do while Raye spoke. Unbelieveable..! She couldn't help but look down at herself, then back up at Raye, all before casting those eyes down yet again. Cheeks began to puff in obvious distaste.. How dare she..! Would Andrea get mad? Was it time to yell and scream? No -- she'd instead begin to whine out while stepping closer to Raye. Moving to wrap arms about her while pressing head to shoulder.

"Stoooop..! You're making me feel all bad about myself..!"

This, of course, didn't stop her from taking that offered cotton candy bite and popping it between lips.

"So mean.. Why do I put up with you?"

"How am I making you feel bad about yourself? Because I said you look good enough to eat? That is somehow an insult? Unbelievable!"

Was Raye going to start yelling and screaming and throwing one of her famous tantrums? Of course not. She slipped her own arms around Apple's shoulders, not even remembering that this was supposed to be so weird, and laid her cheek against the redhead's.

"I think you put up with me because I am breathtakingly beautiful, amazingly talented, and the best kisser you will ever know."

Good thing Apple couldn't see the blush along her cheeks or the tips of her ears.

"Uhm...I mean once I decide to really show you my mad skills. Yeah...skills..."

Okay, -now- she was feeling that awkwardness. It just took a little while to warm up to it.

"But really...I think you put up with me because I say things about wrapping you in prosciutto and glazing you. You weirdo!"

Maybe she was too busy trying to act insulted to really freak out over what was going on.. Then again -- they had spent how many nights with one another now? Apple felt somewhat at ease when those arms wrapped about her shoulders, and even moreso when cheek pressed against her own. Standing like this, though awkward, was something she'd rather be doing at this very moment than anything else.

".. beautiful, talented.. and best kisser?" Her voice sort of low as she repeated those.

"Nope.. I don't think so."

Turning her cheek so that it wouldn't be her own pressing against the elfs; but her lips instead for a quick kiss. Then she pulled away and laughed. Nervous sort, but still a laugh with meaning.

"Fireworks. That's what I want."

"It isn't slander if it is the truth and there is proof of it. I bet the other people that live at the Outback could hear you. So you can't sue me. But maybe I will sue you for threatening me. But you did just offer your body heat so...I won't sue you -this- time. You better be glad this deal is suitable. Do you have any idea how horrible you would look in one of those orange prison jumpsuit things? Even someone as hot as you couldn't pull that off, darlin'."

Raye had quickened her steps to catch up with the quick little Apple so when she stopped and turned around suddenly, Raye smacked into her.

"Oww...SUING! Unless you offer me another good deal!"

Raye rubbed at her arm then smiled as the request finally registered.

"Fireworks sound great. Lead the way."

Obviously the elf could have spoken much fantastic innuendo regarding fireworks, but she refrained. Such a well behaved thing.

"You're the dock adventurerer.. I've never been here before!" Leaning back from the bump.

".. Still, it's getting dark." She looked up to the skyline now.

"Might not be the best idea to stay out too late, you know? With all the crazies about.."

Unknown to Andrea, she had her own little brand of crazy standing right by her. ".. Oh."

She needed to make sure to say this before the conversation was fully taken elsewhere!

".. Stop stealing my bit, I'm the only sue-crazy person here, got it?!" Seriously serious look on her face!

Oh yes she most certainly did have her own brand of crazy right there!

"Well if you wouldn't assault someone then they wouldn't threaten to sue! Duh. And yeah, it is getting dark down here...and while I don't have any issue with a fight erupting and having to toss a few bodies into the sea...I would prefer to keep you out of that. So, maybe fireworks another night? Or we can shoot some out of your window tonight...uhm..."

Suddenly feeling a little awkward again. "..I mean...if you want me to stay again. If I haven't worn out my welcome...though you do owe me body heat!"

Rayvinn turned them around to start walking back the way they had come but stopped to get the funnel cake she had promised. After she paid and held the paper plate in her hands, she stared down at it and gave in to her mind recalling the last time she had eaten one of these. A little sigh was given as she forced the memory down...she could only take memories of him in small doses, after all.

Softly, "It is important that we have this at least, and really enjoy it. Someone really wise in these sorts of matters made me realize how important moments like these are."

Probably sounded really bizarre to the redhead but at that point, Raye was unconcerned. She had taken a bite of the funnel cake and licked the powdered sugar from her lips. A wide smile curved upon her lips as she went for another bite. Funnel cake smiles...that was what she had called it the last time.

"Jeez.. don't talk like that." Snickering.

Red strands of hair swaying left to right as she shook her head and followed behind the Elf. Tilt of her head, simply watching for now as Raye got some funnel cake. The man looked to her, but she instead brought up a hand and waved no. Why pass out on good funnel cake? Because she got what she needed from Raye. Reaching in to pinch at a little piece to slip between her lips. Just that small taste alone was good enough for her. She didn't know how the
elf could pack away so much food!

"Don't worry about that.. you can share my bed any night, alright?"

That might of sounded a little weird -- but she meant every word of it.

"Important moments, huh..?"

Apple blinked and looked up to the slowly darkening sky.

".. Yeah, this was a pretty nice day, wasn't it?"

Lips curling back to show off a smile. She then turned to look at the woman.

"I won't be forgetting this day. Never, ever."

Reaching out then. That good arm of Rayes would be grabbed at and hugged against.

"C'mon.. Let's head to the Outback.."

Raye chuckled a little at Apple's playful chastisement.

"Fine...but you will be very happy I am like this someday when you need someone's ass kicked. Or you need to hide a body. Just sayin'..."

Another teasing laugh as she began to walk slowly next to Apple. A brow arched lightly and she was thankful it was growing darker so the red tips of her ears wouldn't be obvious.

"Anytime huh? Careful what sort of offer you extend...I might be getting too accustomed to sleeping with you. I don't sleep much otherwise even if I take those stupid pills they keep saying I need."

A strange confession to make, especially when she had never been forthcoming about any specifics of why she had been so messed up. Raye fed another piece of the funnel cake to Apple and nodded seriously.

"Definitely important moment...you are..important...and special."

Taking another bite and then swallowing it, she finally spoke again.

"I won't be forgetting it either but we have tons more of them together, I think...I
mean...I hope so."

Letting the redhead lead her towards the Outback, Raye pulled her phone from the pocket of her bohemian ankle length skirt and texted a quick message to Hank. "Can u set off fireworks below App's window later? I'll let you know when. Lots of colors and designs. Big show, plz and thnks.?

Once they were standing in front of the room, Raye stepped back so Apple could unlock the door and then waited for the redhead to move inside before she followed and shut the door then locked both locks.

Shoes were kicked off and messenger bag tossed onto a table by the door before the elf began perusing through a duffel that was on the floor. Retrieving a pair of boxers and a plain t-shirt, she quickly changed clothes and then went to the window to stare out.

"Nnng--ah~!"

Those two clicks of the lock and deadbolt was all Apple needed to hear to finally feel perfectly relaxed in the room. Arms stretching high then bending at the elbow to press against one another behind her head.

"I'm so tiiired.."

Excuse the small whine that left her lips. But she really *was* tired! Tired enough to just kick off her shoes and plop rump first down onto the bed. She then caught sight of Rayvinn and blinked.

"What's up..? See something weird?"

"Yeah, you better come and look at this. It is just...wow. How crazy."

The elf had to keep her face turned so Apple wouldn't see the excitement on her face. Hank needed a raise for all that he did...this was above and beyond anything Rayvinn could have asked for.

"Huh?"

Andrea moved to slip off the bed and stand then. Those bare feet touching along hard floor; bringing her closer and closer to the window. Before she could even lean to get a better look, a flash of light met the sky and those green eyes would be surprised with the sight of an explosion of color.

".. What.."

It's all she could say. Another bright explosion. The light illuminating her face. It caused her lips to slowly curl from that shocked sort of "o" and into a full blown smile.

".. Wow."

Rayvinn hid her smile for a moment then nodded. "Wow is right. It's beautiful. We are totally lucky."

The elf watched Apple for a moment before looking back out the window at the wondrous display of color and design. Sure it was loud to her sensitive ears but it wasn't painfully so and the smile on Apple's face would have made it worth it anyway.

After the display ended twenty minutes later, Raye leaned over to kiss Apple's cheek before moving past her to jump onto the bed and slide under the blankets.

"So much sugar..." Yawn. "..And I was already so damn sweet to begin with." She snickered a little before burrowing into the bed to get comfortable.

Apple just stood there. Leaning against the window ledge. Eyes looking into the darkness in front of her. The haunting images of the fireworks still so alive in her eyes that the emptiness of the night meant little. ?We are totally lucky?, she said.. Andrea could still hear those words, even after so much time passed. Her chin dipped, yet smile kept itself on her face. She had some hint of a feeling that it wasn't just luck. She had spoken of fireworks.. and then it was done, Rayvinn had to be the one behind this.

The smallest of sniffs sounded out. Hand moving up to brush a finger under wet eyes. Trying her hardest not to start crying. It took her a few seconds to collect herself, but once she had done a good job of it, that would be when she turned to face Raye.

"Yeah. We had a busy day, huh?"

Stepping closer to the bed. The redhead moved to kneel down at its side. Arms crossing against one another against the softness of the bed while chin pressed down onto them. Right now she'd be staring at Raye.

".. I'm going to take a shower. Think you can live without me for a few minutes?"

Apple could be as suspicious as she wanted but Raye would never tell her about this. There had just been something in the redhead's eyes when she had turned around and said she wanted to see fireworks that made the elf want to give that to her. Would she always give Apple whatever she wanted? Probably not...but when it really counted? Raye would do her best.

She thought she heard a sniffle. Couldn't be certain, however, as there was just that one. Then she saw a hand lift to the woman's face. Rayvinn nibbled at her lower lip, hoping she hadn't done something to cause this. However, Apple seemed just fine, so the elf dropped it before she could even get started on an interrogation.

"Hella busy day, yes. It was wonderful...thanks for making it so much fun. And for all of the work you put into it...I suppose you have earned a shower, though I will suffer immensely without you."

Such a pitiful lower lip pout she showed. She would likely be zonked out five minutes after Apple was out of the room but there was no reason to harass the woman less.

Eyes closed. Lips pulling back to show off that bright smile of hers. Chin resting against crossed arms turned to cheek with just a tilt of her head. The smile might not have been so bright after, but it still remained on her face. Those green eyes of hers peering out once more. For now, Apple would only stare.

".. Hm.."

That sound alone and nothing more. Another smile offered. Then, with a pushing of those palms, she'd rise up from her kneel and move to step about the bed.

"Goodnight, Isaviel." Stopping at the door to the bathroom. ".. That's if you fall asleep before I'm back."

Turning. Her back pressing to the door. One step, after another, causing the door to open behind her.. and finally, she'd escape into the bathroom.

That sniffling lasted only as long as it took for Apple to flop down and show her own stomach. The elf tried to pull her gaze away; tried to focus on anything other than the redhead because watching her was certainly not easing the tension in her stomach...butterflies on crack maybe?

"You are not fat...you are so freakin' sexy you make me want to..."

The very second the words left Raye's mouth, she sucked in a shocked breath, her face a nice shade of near purple, and began to choke. The choking was welcome, it had stopped her from saying anything more stupid than she already had.

It really was good that her face was pressed against the bed. The moment she heard Raye almost dare to finish that line -- was the same moment those green eyes grew wide. Palms pressed to the softness of the bed. Added force was applied so that she could rise up and soon enough turn onto her backside once more. The choking sound was alarming, but so had been the elf?s words.

".. Ah.. um.."

?Uh...I didn?t mean that like it sounded.? The choking began to subside, just ragged little pants for breath now.

Fingers curled to grip against sheets. Eyes, directing themselves away from the image of Raye, looked off to the side. ".. You want to stay over..?"

Dropping the subject. Changing to another one. But what she had changed it to, mixed with what was just said, might not make it any better.

What Raye had been about to say was so much more innocent than what it might seem...then again, there wasn't really anything purely innocent about any of it. What she had almost blurted out was that she wanted to paint Apple. Not the woman herself...but a picture of her. It was probably best she hadn't spoken further because the question would come up regarding how she wanted to paint her. That would only leave Raye looking like some pervert instead of an artist that saw everything in an aesthetic way more than a physical one.

Raye swallowed and fidgeted, weight shifting from one foot to the other, alternating which hip jutted. Tugging on the ends of both of the braids that fell over her shoulders and chest to rest at her waist, she drew in another soft breath before exhaling slowly through pursed lips. "Uh huh."

~Uh huh.~ The best way to counter that?"Okay.."

The best way. Andreas grip on those sheets became less and less; all before finally letting go all together as her body pushed forward. Elbows pressed to her legs and palms clapped against one another just once.. only then did fingers curl between one another so she could grasp at her own hands.

".. So, uh.."

They wouldn't stay grasped for long. Apple couldn't seem to stay still. Hands parted and instead pressed to the bed so she could force herself to stand once more.

"... I think I might have some popcorn.. or, I could go downstairs for something.. or, um." Stepping off to the right. Then -- she'd stop.

".. Hey, Rayvinn?"

Raye's gaze followed Andrea's every movement which likely made her just look twitchy and shifty eyed! When the redhead finally stopped, the elf blinked a couple of times.

"Hm?" She couldn't trust her voice yet.

".. Well.. you see.." Hands pressed to her hips. Then rose, so that she could cross her arms. Form sort of leaning over.. then came a small puff of a breath to push away some red bangs.

"I was wondering, well.."

Raye shifted so that her uninjured arm was bent behind her back and her cast was held against her side. Eyes widened ever so slightly as Apple spoke.

"...Wondering...what?"

Deep breath. Taking a moment to just *think*.

".. Well.."

~Just come out and say it.~ That, along with a few other choice words, had been ringing in her head. Andrea shifted about so that she could peer over to Raye.

".. What is this.. I mean, you know.. that we're doing.."

Arms loosened their cross, but they wouldn't fall yet. She looked rather uneasy as she spoke.

".. What am I to you?"

A few slow, thoughtful blinks before the elf opened her mouth to speak, lifted her gaze to Andrea's then closed it again. This happened twice more before Raye growled out in frustration. Of all the times to find herself unable to speak! A quick, deep breath was taken as Rayvinn's long legged strides ate up the short distance between herself and Apple. If she stopped for even a moment to think about what she was doing, she would lose her nerve...so she plunged ahead...dove into the deep end without her floaties!

A quick swallow as the elf lifted both hands, despite the awkwardness of the cast, and caressed Apple's cheekbones with her thumbs before cupping her jaw and leaning in. Her gaze locked onto the redhead's for the few moments before her lips brushed against Apple's and then lashes fluttered closed. Her lips parted slightly to draw Apple's lower lip between both of her own for a gentle tug before the tip of her tongue slid across it. Raye released Apple's lip but continued to stroke delicate fingertips across her jaw. She hoped she hadn't just plowed through Apple?s boundaries..

"You are special to me. I don't know what label to put upon you for several reasons. The main one being...I don't know what you want to be to me." Her voice didn't rise above a whisper as she leaned her forehead to Apple's. The other reasons

Andrea stood there lost in thought. How was this going to turn out? Raye wasn't speaking.. and then, when that frustrated growl let out. Andrea didn't know what to expect. The gap, as small as it already was, between them had been easily crossed. The next thing the redhead knew; she was taken. Her arms uncrossed instantly and fell to her side as fingers pressed to her jaw.. and then those lips, against her very own. Apple was surprised, yet.. in a way -- rather happy. Her own fingers began to twitch lightly before she drew her arms out to gently hook about Rayes waist.

"... I."

What did she want to be? It was obvious. She had some sort of feelings for this woman. To deny that would be to deny the way her heart rapidly beat at the moment at just her closeness alone. Forehead to forehead now. Her eyes looking right into the elfs. Andrea wanted to look away, yet couldn't do so.

".. I like you.. A lot." Awkward as it sounded. Andrea was trying her hardest. ".. More than I've ever liked a person before.. The time we've spent together.. I've had so much fun.. I.." Her own voice choked up.


"I like you a lot too. I miss you when I don't see you even if it has just been one day." Raye swallowed as she leaned her head back and tilted it a little, hearing that extra emotion in Andrea's voice.

"Hey, what's wrong? If I upset you, you can punch me as hard as you want to. I probably shouldn't have..uhm..done that..that way. Eh. I'm sorry." Awkward!


".. N.. No, it's not that.. you have nothing to be sorry about."

Her own head dipped forward; leaning in to press it against the womans shoulder so that her face could meet Rayes neck.

"I'm just.." Sniffing back. Her shoulders rising up while those arms that had wrapped about the elf lifted up along her back so she could take a better hold. ".. Happy."

Raye leaned into the embrace, lowering her head so that her lips hovered near the spot where Apple's cheekbone met her jaw.

"So, you are crying because you are happy...not because I have done something wrong. Good...because it would kill my ego to think my kiss brought you to tears,? she joked.

Lips lowered to brush across pale skin before they were pulled back, just in case she was being too affectionate. The elf's chin rested against the exposed side of Apple's neck.

Sniffing back once more. Her head shook gently. A soft chuckle left her lips, along with the sound of yet another sniff.

".. You're too sweet.."

Andreas arm unhooked from about Rayes form. One kept itself at her back, yet the other was on the move. Fingers trailing along to guide against skin before the feeling of that palm met with the elf?s cheek.

".. I'm glad you hit on me.. that night." Lifting then turning her head to offer a smile her way.

Raye did her best to ignore the tingle along her skin and arched a brow at Apple's words.

"Don't you mean you are glad you asked me out? But yeah...I am glad I didn't talk myself out of hitting on you...though I had no idea that is what I was doing, at the time. I still don't know what happened to make me notice another woman...so weird. But...it's good."

The elf still had her moments of being weirded out by this attraction to Apple, mostly when it came to physical contact because kissing a woman was all new territory for her. The weirdness came from her own insecurity more than anything else, however. She was working through it, obviously, or she wouldn't be standing there with her arms around Andrea. Raye leaned her cheek more firmly against the hand pressed to it and turned her head to press a kiss to Apple's palm.

"I'm glad I'm here.

You are (Not) Alone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJSJngXfv20]

There Andrea sat within the bathroom. Dressed for the morning of training ahead yet her mind wasn't quite on the same task as her clothing had been. With a lack of sleep and a whining dog bumping against her hand, she didn't know how she'd be able to handle morning training with Candy. Not only that, but visiting church a few hours later. Her day was pretty hectic.. but, at least she'd be able to sleep once those two things were over. Or so she thought. There was also Raye.. then again, the elf would understand if Andrea wasn't exactly conscious by mid-day.

"Huh?" Andrea questioned while looking over the edge of the bathtub. Her left arm had been dangling over it, the puppy her and Raye had purchased for Kruger was busying itself by bumping and licking against her slightly opened palm. In all honesty, that arm felt like dead weight with the lack of sleep she had been experiencing. The adrenaline rush and a good cup of coffee before training would fix that, but for now - she felt terrible. ".. What, you want me to sing it again? What's it been.." Andrea closed those emerald green eyes and thought back on her night of babysitting the puppy within the bathroom. ".. Twelve times already?" Her voice sparked the dogs own in response. It yipped and Andrea let out a soft sigh. "Fiiine.." Lazy fingers beginning to dance around to scratch at the small animals ear.

With a deep breath, followed by a soft sigh, she'd begin to sing out. The walls of the bathroom doing their best to cause that lovely echo to sound about within the small space. While Andrea wasn't the best singer in RhyDin. It just didn't matter within this bathroom.

"♪ Poets often use many words
To say a simple thing.
But it takes thought and time and rhyme
To make a poem sing.

With music and words I'll be playin'
For you, I have written a song
To be sure that you know what I'm sayin'
I'll translate as I go along. ♫"

Andrea closed her eyes and took in another breath. That pause causing the puppy to bark out, as if asking in its own way for her to continue. Lips began to curl into the smallest of smiles then. Her head tilting to the right, causing it to press against the hard, cold tile of the shower wall she sat against. "You're lucky this hasn't waken up Raye yet.. I'm putting all the blame on you if she comes barging in here.." The puppy made its presence known as it pressed against her hand once more. That pink little tongue tickled against her fingers. "Okay, okay.."

"♪ Fly me to the moon
And let me play among the stars.
Won't you let me see what spring
Is like on Jupiter and Mars.

In other words, hold my hand
In other words, darling, kiss me. ♫"

Maybe it was the lack of sleep, but she found this all amusing. Not only that, but somewhat special. Even more when she thought of the woman that laid within the bed in the room just opposite of this very wall. Andrea pulled her hand away from the puppy and moved to awkwardly rise from the tub. Only to settle herself down upon its edge. The puppy began to step about, sitting between her bent legs and looking up at her with its little head tilted to the side. Andrea reached down then and gave it a soft pat against its head while continuing the song.

"♪ Fill my heart with song
And let me sing forevermore.
'Cause you are all I long for
All I worship and adore.

In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you. ♫"

One last pat found its head. Then she rose to stand.

"♪ In other words, please be true.
Please be true, I just want you to be true.
In other words, - "

Those soft Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah leaving her lips as she stepped toward the mirror. Glasses grasped upon and slipped onto her features so that she could take in the figure that reflected back at her. Then to her watch. 3:37.. she needed to head downstairs. She turned about and looked to the puppy that had followed after her.

" - I love you.
I love you, I love you. ♫"

Andrea bent down. Resting one arm at bent knee while other reached out to give the puppy a few more pets. ".. It's time for you to go to sleep, sweetheart. Raye'll be up soon, alright? She'll play with you." The redhead then rose and made her way for the door. The puppy whined. It yipped. She gave it one last look, followed by a wiggle of her fingers, before opening and stepping out from the bathroom. Andrea peered through the slowly closing door, watching as it began to follow. Attempting to leave the room, but she'd close the door before it could. "I promise. Okay?" She whispered against the door. The song continued in her head, yet she only spoke it out in whispers. "To the moon.. To the moon. ♪" One last glance to the sleeping elf upon the bed was taken. Then she turned to leave the room. Only when she had exited into the hall - did she finish the song.

"♪ C'mon, just take me to the moon and back. ♫"

She was sure Candy wouldn't exactly approve of anymore singing from the red head once training started.
But Andrea kept that little smile on her face.

Confessions : 5-10
(Events are taken from Live Roleplay)

Apple was sitting at the couch. Wearing a nice little skirt, some fishnet leggings, that one shouldered black top and some killer boots. Red hair all done with curls just for the challenge! Looks like she put a little effort into getting ready. "Are the two of you ready to fight?"

Rayvinn came down from Apple's room, arms lifted to put the last pin into her hair. Unlike Apple, Raye wasn't dressed nice for this challenge. Just jeans that had seen better days, a nondescript shirt, and a pair of flip flops. Hair was pinned into a messy bun at the crown of her head.

Apple liked to make comments about Raye outshining her, so the elf made it a point to prove to the redhead that she easily took the spotlight. To the caller's couch she went, shoes slapping lightly upon the floor. Plops down next to the caller and grins.

Ahem. She'd rise up then and hold the mic at ready. "Okay! We might not really have a crowd, but that doesn't matter! We're here to watch two duelists fight it out for the Barony of Old Market! Will Camilla defend, or will Candy get a nice little district to call her own?!" She'd hold out a hand and gesture to the lit up ring.

"We have the Baron of Old Market herself, Camilla! Fighting under the flags of Latium and the Scathachians!" Then turning her hand to Candy. ".. Oh, get in the ring - the
both of you..." Ahem! Trying to sound like a pro. ".. And, well - Candy! Who fights for herself! Because she didn't bring me anything special to say about her!"

"The challenge will be best two out of three! So salute, bow, whatever sort of greeting you want to give.. aaannnnd..!" Slashing down her arm. "Get it on!"

"You didn't miss my flashy intro, that's good." Thumbs up to Raye. Apple was feeling herself right now. That ego on full shiiine.

"I didn't. You did awesome. Told ya not to worry." If she hadn't told her, she meant to. "So, if Candy wins, I'm moving to Old Market. You coming with me?"

".. With Candy in charge of the place? Yeah, sure." Grinning. "I think she'd make a pretty good baron. But I don't wanna sound biased. I'm on the job after all." Ahem.

Rayvinn fell asleep not long after the first match took place. Candy won and the two ladies launched into the second match without much of a break between the two. Camilla fought hard to defend her title but Candy was ruthless and ended up winning the second match as well.

"CANDY HART IS THE NEW BARON OF OLD MARKET!"

Raye's gaze shifted to the downed woman in the ring. Was that a hint of compassion in the elf's eyes? Surely not, that had been extinguished quite a while back.

Candy still had some energy... she looked toward the clock and seeing the time... thought she'd check out the Outback. Out she went without another word. Someone would have to track her down to give her the ring.

Rayvinn didn't like the idea of just sitting there while someone was injured and not trying to help. She was a slacker and perpetual smartass but she wasn't immune to feeling the suffering of another being; blame her elven heritage for that. She cleared her throat softly as she stood and moved to the ring. "Is...can I do something to help?" Not that she really knew -what- to do but she was willing if another pair of hands were needed.

Jaycy blinks, having forgotten others were here. She looks up to Raye, ceasing the stream just for a moment to answer. ?Honestly, I don't know. I think the Ward will work well enough to heal her but I can't be entirely sure.? Blushes slightly. ?I'm playing it by ear.? After answering, she resumes the whisper of waterfall from the bottle::

Raye nodded a little, not having much experience with the wards and therefore not knowing what to say.

Stepping out form the back offices, Apple looked to the ring that still held the Baroness within it. ".. This might be kind of a bad time to say this, but.. Can I have the barony ring? and I need to know when you'll be able to leave the, uh.. barons housing."

Hearing Apple, Raye turned to just stare at her.

Camilla was in no condition to respond to Apple at the moment

Ahem. Yes. Apple noticed that a little too late. Which made things a little more awkward for her.
"I'll just.. make a little note." Another ahem. ".. You fought well." Adding in. Hands held behind her back. Fingers fidgeting about.

Camilla left with Jaycy following behind at a respectable distance, just to be sure the woman arrived at her destination without any difficulty.

".. Jeez.." Apple brought those hands out from behind her back. One kept at her side while the other rose up to ruffle at cury red hair. "I feel bad.."

"It was a bad situation. No one wants to be stripped of something they value so much. To have that occur publicly and with great physical pain couldn't have been easy for her." Then Raye did what she did best, shrugged the seriousness away and forced a laugh. "Why didn't you wake me up? I look so lazy falling asleep in here all the time." Pokes at her. "Somebody likes to stay up all night and I don't get enough sleep!"

The laugh brought some comfort. Apple still felt a little uneasy. She should've kept her mouth shut, but it was something she needed to ask. The poke had her smiling ever so lightly, and finally a laugh came next. "I got too caught up in the fight.. I didn't even realize you were sleeping... and heeey, it's not my fault I'm so cute that I keep you up all night."

"Entirely your fault."

"Then it looks like I'll be keeping you up all night again.." Reaching out to brush fingers against the hem of Rayes shirt. Then curling them to grasp at the fabric. Light tugging here and there while she drew closer. Head dipped and chin tucked against her neck. ".. but it wont be so bad, I bet.."

"I had a power nap...I should be good for a few hours before I croak."

"Then what should we do..?" Finally peering back up and into the elfs eyes. "I'm leaving it up to you.."

"You leave it up to me because you know I will say that we can do whatever you want to do." She laughed a little and tucked a dyed red curl behind Apple's ear.

".. Gasp.. you totally know my plan now." Faking surprise. Wide eyed and mouth opened. The look settled back and she began to smirk once more. "Weeelll..." One hand stopped its fiddling with the elfs shirt so that it could instead move a finger about the womans covered stomach. ".. I'm all dressed up, we're wide awake. Take me someplace where we can dance till morning?"

"I'm not sure I follow you really. There was never an over abundance of kissing between us. We have always been rather awkward." She sat on the other end of the couch with her back pressed to the arm so that she was facing the redhead.

"Honestly...I have no idea how to get close to you in that way. I get nervous. I worry about being too forward. I worry about what you will think. I don't know what to say, Apple. I am awkward with you and I don't know how to overcome that." Finally some honesty about their situation.

"You don't have to feel awkward.. I mean, I told you it's okay.. Remember? After the mask party." She still remembered the night. How they stood blow that street lamp and spoke with one another. Apple shifted against the couch, forcing herself to turn to her side. She'd press her shoulder and the side of her head against the couch. "I dunno, I've just gotten used to the idea of being able to do it.. and I want to." Her gaze shifting to the side. "Is it weird? You know I have feelings for you, right..? I just want to show it too.."

"I don't think it's weird at all. But I don't know what to say. I know you say not to feel awkward, but I do. I can't help that. I can't help how I feel." Rayvinn sighed a little as she leaned her head against the couch also. Her voice softened. "I know you do. I have feelings for you too. I...I guess I just need to figure it out. I know I don't like to be the cause of any sort of upset for you but that seems to be what I am doing."

Sighing again, the elf rubbed a hand across her forehead. "Have you ever considered that maybe I am just not right for you, Andrea? I have thought about this a million times, I am sure. It isn't something I like to think of but there are times when I can't help it. I suck at being close to someone and eventually it blows up." She swallowed heavily and pushed the thought of Jonothon out of her mind. She didnt want to think that she could hurt Apple the way she was sure she had hurt him. And maybe that was part of the problem, part of why Raye wouldn't let Apple get closer.

"Not right for me..?" Andrea fell silent then. Her eyes lowering themselves to look down at the couch instead of keeping the elf within her sights. She thought over Rayes words. Was there ever a time she thought Rayvinn wasn't right for her? ".. Yeah, there was.. I wondered why this beautiful woman was so interested in me." She reached to rub nervously at her arm. "I thought it again at the beltane party too.. you looked so natural out there, and then there was me. I felt out of place and just, I dunno.. useless. We're really different."

The redhead swallowed back. Green eyes peering up at the elf. "But, maybe I just suck at talking about stuff like this.. I don't know, I mean." Feeling a little tongue tied. She pushed herself from her lean against the couch and slouched forward. Moving a little closer to Raye when she did so. "I like it.. I like how you're so strong. I mean, when Candy started that stuff in the Outback? And, like.. you pulled me away and protected me? I felt, like -everything was okay. Like nothing could hurt me. But I don't just like you 'cus of that.. it's a bunch of stuff." She shook her head.

"I might think about it at times, but it's not really if you're not right for me -- it's like.. if *i'm* the one not right for you.. but then I look at your face and the thoughts just leave me, 'cus I wanna stay with you." She huffed out. ".. I'm not sounding confusing, right?"

Rayvinn shook her head several times while Apple was speaking to indicate her disagreement with the redhead's words but she waited for her to finish before saying anything. "You were beautiful and natural and courageous at Beltane. You went, even though you were nervous and didn't feel like you would fit in. You didn't only show up, you were yourself and you mingled with new people and met Daigh and Quinn. You dazzled and shined. Yes, we are really different. You see the bright side of everything and I destroy everything that is bright. There is just so much about me that you don't know, Andrea. I wanted you to like me so I tried to just hold back everything and behave. People can't be happy when they have to pretend not to be who they are. It's not you that isn't right for me. You are perfect, despite what you say. I'm the one that isn't right."

She reached out her freshly scrubbed hand and plucked at the fishnets above Apple's knee then let go of the material and traced over it before she spoke again. "I don't know if I can make you happy, Andrea and I don't want to gamble with your heart when the odds are so stacked against it. I don't know how to fix what is broken and be someone good for you."

6/26

"Wait.. what do you mean..?! Hold on!"

The line on the other end went dead then. Apple, in her not so thrilled way, slammed the landline phone back down onto its base. Grumpy was the best word to describe her now.. either that -- or pissed off. Fuming could also be a possible choice. Either way, the redhead sat back down onto the bed.

"GAH..!" Then flopped back to lay down after her aggravated yell.. it was then that she realized what she was laying on..

.. Dirty, dirty motel sheets! Sure, they could be CLEAN.. but - she had seen enough new reports to know that - that wasn't the case! She quickly hopped up and whined out. "Raaaye.. I don't wanna stay here for two days.."

Rayvinn had been perched upon a rickety table in the corner of the musty smelling room. One leg was kicking back and forth idly as the other was drawn up to her chest, her heel pressed to the table as she began to untie the laces of her running shoe. Once it was loosened enough, the heel slid from the table and the toe of the other shoe pushed against it to dislodge the shoe, which was then kicked haphazardly a few feet away. The process began again on the remaining shoe but she was snickering this time as she watched while the redhead start getting angrier. Raye was -so- happy she wasn't the poor guy on the other end of the phone.

"I could shoot him for you if you want."

Was her helpful interjection as the conversation became more heated. Then she watched as Apple slammed down the phone and flopped down on the bed. Rayvinn cringed...that was the reason she was sitting on the table...sheets, upholstery on the chairs, everything fabric was likely soaked in germs and gods knew what else. Okay, everyone knew what else and it wasn't a pleasant thought.

"Eww don't sit th...okay nevermind." Raye crinkled her nose. She had tried to warn the woman.

"Apppple. We don't have to stay here. We can go somewhere else. Let's just walk out to the parking lot and I will show some leg while you show some boob and someone can give us a ride into the closest town. Surely there is someplace nicer to stay than this dive."

The elf looked around then huffed a sigh. She had stayed in some really disgusting places in her time but that didn't mean she wanted to do it now. Especially with how prone Apple was to whining...Raye didn't need to endure that for two entire days.

"If we can't get a ride into town then we could just stay in that field we passed on our run here." She knew exactly how that would go over with the redhead but she really had no other options to offer.

Oh my. Was her whining that bad? So bad that Raye couldn't handle her oh so beautiful whines for two days? Woe is Apple.. yes, woe is she. Speaking of Andrea - she was currently busy trying to ` wipe ` away the dirty feeling that now plagued her clothes thanks to that five second short trip down onto the bed.

".. First we got THAT jerkoff in the front giving us a **** room.. and then, like.. we get ANOTHER jerkoff on the phone! I mean, really!? You're a tow truck guy..! You're supposed to, like.. have a tow truck..!" Grumble, grumble.

"You know what we should do.. I should.. just, like.." Points to the door. "Go out there and steal that guys car..!"

First talk of shooting people from Raye, and now Apple sounded like she was about to become a car thief.

".. The field..? But, I.. I wanna make sure you're under a roof.. it's my, like.. job!" Gestures all around. "I'm the girlfriend, I should be able to provide 'n stuff.."

While Apple was wiping away the sex germs of hundreds of degenerates, Raye was giggling more and more as Apple continued with her tirade. By the time the redhead pointed at the door, the elf was leaning over laughing.

"Ohhh gods....yes. We should do that. Actually, I can just go sweet talk him out of the keys."

There was something in the way the elf said "sweet talk" that made it really obvious there wouldn't be much talking and it sure as hell wouldn't be sweet.

The snickers got Apple to pout. But, there was maybe a hint of a smirk behind those puffy lips of hers. The sway returned, and seemed to mix rather well with the plucking and twisting of Rayes halter top.

".. Stoop.. I'm trying to sound sexy for you.." Peering off to the right, then somehow bringing herself to look at the elf in her eyes. ".. I guess I suck at that, huh?" Exaggerated sigh. ".. I dunno.. Maybe I should steal one." Leaning closer. Her forehead finding Rayes shoulder -- a spot Apple seemed to like when it came to resting her head.

".. Wanna go to that field?" Maybe becoming a car-thief just didn't appeal that much to her.


"We can do whatever. Just...if we stay here...I am gonna go bully the dude for some Lysol and sheets that I will launder myself." Of course, Raye doing laundry was a hilarious thing to behold. Cor's townhouse had been flooded on occasion due to just that.

Apple gave a gentle nod against that shoulder. ".. Let's just go." Apple lingered there, leaning upon the elf, for a few more seconds -- then finally forced herself to lean away with a small sigh. "There's no way we're going to sleep here. No way, nu-uh.." Shaking her head. ".. Could you, like.. gather everything? I'm going to see about us - our money back." Backstepping a little. Enough time to flash a smile over at Raye.


"Okay. Let's go then." Raye shook herself out of whatever little reverie she had been in and nodded. "Yeah, I'll get stuff together. Not like we unpacked anyway." Of course, she had taken her shoes off and now would have to put them right back on.

"So, Princess...what do you plan to sleep on in the field since everything is in the trunk of your car?" Just being the voice of reason, as usual.

"Anythng is better than.. " A few pointing gestures over to the bed. "Um.. I think there's a blanket in the car." Leaning against the door then. A few finger taps against it in thought. "I mean.. we could get it, right? But it's pretty far.." Then a shrug. Leaning from the door and turning to grasp at the handle to open it. "Dirt 'n grass isn't so bad, right?" Flashing a grin over her shoulder. "Think about it while I go get the money.."

It was then that the redhead left the room. The door, of course, was left open so Raye could follow behind. As for what Apple would be doing? Well.. once she got to the front office -- there might of been a few unkind words being flung around.. then some softer ones, before finally the sight of Apple gunning out of there with a handful of cash, and her stun-gun in the other. "GO, GO, GO!" .. It probably looked way worse than it really was.

"The car is gonnnne, Andrea." Siiigh. She grabbed her shoes and started to pull one on as Apple walked to the motel office. She had the first shoe tied and was just about to slip on the second when she saw Apple running out with a handful of money and...her...stun gun?

"Oh f*ckety, f*ck, f*ck, F*CK! Andrea Anderson, oh gods what the hell have you done?" She grabbed the bag and her shoe and half hobbled, half ran out the door and towards the wiley redhead. She was angry right up until she caught the look on the woman's face. At that she just started cackling. Hop hop run hop run.

"C'mon, c'mon..!" Yelling out still. Trying her best to shove some of that money away into her pocket, but losing some in the process! Did she double back? Hell no. "What'd I do..?! Uh, uh..!" Stungun tapped against the side of her head a few times while she continued to walk-run.. which then turned into running. At least till they cleared enough distance between them and the motel for her to finally calm down.

Body swung around and a point of the stun-gun was given toward the motel in the distance. "That.. that guy! I was all, gimme my money back.. that room is, like, complete ****..! And he got all mouthy and, and all that stuff!" Chest huffing. Trying to catch her breath while speaking. "So, I'm all.. Refund, now! .. and he sort of said.. like, you know.. if you do somethin' for me, I'll do something for you type of thing!" Taking in a deep breath then. Standing a little more straight.. "So.. I.." Casual sort of shrug. "Bzzap.." Shooting motion.

".. I think I made him pee his pants.." That came out of left field when she blinked.

"So...what is your name? Is it okay if I just call you Stan? Stanley maybe." She nodded a little, lifting a hand to pull those silken dark waves over one shoulder, the one farthest from where the man sat bleeding and whimpering, and let them fall to her waist. She drew one bronzed, dancer's leg up to press to her chest and wrapped an arm around it before lowering her chin to rest upon it as if she were terribly bored. The other hand had pulled the other dagger of the twin set and she was pointing it at him now.

"So, Stanley. Seems to be a really **** day for you today. You hit on that sexy redhead and she zaps you until you..." Checks to see then nods. "...Yeah, until you pissed yourself like a schoolboy on the playground with a bully. Now, I know you must have decided she was crazy or somethin', right?"

Rayvinn nodded sympathetically, her gaze never leaving his. Voice lowered. "Well, she is the sanest one of the three of us. You were f*cking crazy for suggesting that she would put that lovely mouth of hers anywhere near you. And well...Stanley, I won't lie to ya here. I am just a plain ol' lunatic. Ya kinda f*cked up here, man." The blade was tapped a few times against the man's arm as she nodded.

Was Raye overreacting? Obviously. The deranged psychotic elf within her had lain dormant for far too long. All it took was even the suggestion of sexual abuse and everything she had endured while she was in Istandor came rushing back and if there was no intervention of some sort...Stanley was going to be a dead man.
Poor Apple for having let a woman such as this into her life.

".. Damn.. huff.. she runs fast.." Apple hadn't made it just yet. After crossing that field, then stepping foot in the parking lot, she needed to take a breather. Her body bent over with hands pressed against slightly bent knees. Chest rose and fell as she took in and let loose long, deep breaths. What exactly did she think Raye would do..? Well -- for one, she was armed.. that was true, but she didn't expect anything much. Maybe a good ass kicking.. the guy deserved that much, but still.

".. Nn.. Okay, you need to start running more.." Spoken softly to herself. Apple forced herself to press forward and continue her failed chase. She heard what sounded like a scream when she ran past a few of those rooms -- one of them being the same they had occupied only minutes before. The front desk wasn't far, just a little more of a walk, a turn, and then she'd be there..

.. and once she got there? All she could do was stand in the doorway and blink. ".. Rayvinn..?"

"Hello, my dear. You are -just- in time! Stanley here...well, we were just discussing the benefits of apology. Weren't we, Stan?"

The man looked up at Apple with a pitifully, pleading look even though she had zapped him and "stole" from him. Of course, when Raye saw that look she reversed her grip on the dagger and slammed the weighted pommel into his already broken nose.

"Don't you f*cking look at her. Don't. Ever. Look. At. Her." She was quickly destabilizing, not that she had been stable in the moments before. "Apologize. Now. And I want you to convince her that she is the most beautiful woman you have ever seen and that is the reason you were so terribly disgusting. Convince her that you are a disgusting dog and beneath her notice." Rayvinn didn't even bother to look back towards Apple.

.. and that -- that wasn't the sight she was expecting. Silence fell over the redhead as she tried her best to take in the scene that was laid out before her. That man, the owner - he was bleeding. Hurt, more so than she had left him. "Rayv--.." She tried to speak her name again, yet the sight of that weapon slamming roughly against the mans bloodied face caused her to suck in a breath and hold her tongue instead.

Her legs felt frozen. Her whole body tense. It was fear - wasn't it? She had never seen the elf acting in such a way. Never. ".. R.. Rayvinn." Andrea finally found her voice then. As well as her legs. Closer - and closer she'd move with each slow step. "Stop.. you.. you can't do this. He.." Swallowing back. ".. He's hurt, please.."

Earlier in the day...



Rayvinn had the window rolled down and both legs poked straight out the window as she lay sideways on the seat with her head resting against the outer part of Apple's thigh. The radio was cranked up, her shoes were off, and both feet were swaying to the beat. The elf didn't have a care in the world.

Sputter. Sputter. Rattle. Rattle. Sputterrattlethumpbang. The car comes to a sudden halt in the middle of the road. Raye sat up, looking around.

"Uhhh Andrea...why are we stopped in the middle of the road?"

"...... Umm.."

Apple was currently trying to figure that out as well. Trying to start up the car, but there was nothing that would help that along. Foot pressing to pedal.. and then it went right back to kicking. Andrea was getting a little aggrivated. Slap, slap, slap to the wheel. Then leaning back with a huff. ".. I thought all this stuff was fixed..!" Whining out. ".. Hold on a sec." Sighing. That door opened up quick, and the redhead stepped right on out. Circling around the car to pop the hood.. but when she did, a small bit of smoke bellowed out..

"...... Hmph..! Stupid!" and then came the kick, which then got a yelp out of the redhead. Bouncing about on one leg while hissing out. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to kick something while wearing sandals.

Rayvinn struggled to keep her snickers hidden behind her hand and silent. Seeing Apple slapping the steering wheel was adorable, however, and she couldn't quite hide her amusement. She hopped out of the car after the redhead and stood back to watch as she popped the hood, crinkling up her nose as the smoke poured out.

"That doesn't look like it is very healthy...is your car sick or something?"

Then she watched as Apple kicked the car and hurt her foot. Shaking her head, the elf looked back to the car. She had no working knowledge, at all, of motorized transportation.

"Calm down, okay? It'll be fine. We can push it to the side of the road and put everything in the trunk thingy. Pack a smaller bag and walk until we find someplace to stay the night. Okay?"

Of course, it never occurred to Raye to call a tow truck and catch a ride into the closest town once they loaded up the car. Why would it occur to her since this was her first time even riding in a car?

".. But, I wanna go hooome.." Yes. More whining. Forehead to forehead against Raye. That at least got an exaggerated pout. The pout was real, but to only a small point. ".. Nah, we can just call tow truck or somethin'.." The redhead said while leaning a little against Raye.

Cellphone was pulled from her back pocket when she stepped away. Bringing it up to her eye level after taking some time to fix her glasses.. and then, she began to squint. ".. No signal." A few steps to the right, checking again. Then a little moooore to the right. Still nothing. NOW she was sighing. ".. Ugh.. looks like we're doing it your way."


"Awww...it'll be one last adventure before we go home. C'mon, give me a smile...it's gonna be so fun!" She nearly shouted that last word.

Before Daybreak ~ 7/19/2012
Room in the Outback
--

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
What's up?

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7229/appsv.jpg Bad x Apple
Nothing much
trying to be quiet
rayes sleeping in the next room

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
Next room? Where the hell are then? Isn't that place just one huge room?
*are you then

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7229/appsv.jpg Bad x Apple
bathroom

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
LOL SERIOUSLY?

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7229/appsv.jpg Bad x Apple
shes tired
i want her to get her sleep and the laptop is distracting

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
Ahhhhh.. but, seriously. The bathroom?

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7229/appsv.jpg Bad x Apple
get some of my best thinking done in the bathroom dude :3

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
Rofl. And what are you thinking about now?

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7229/appsv.jpg Bad x Apple
cupcakes
trying to find a recipe for something Raye might like

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
No one likes being killed, Andrea.
and by killed I mean poisoned.
and by poisoned I mean from your food.
Because you know.. your cooking..
It's bad.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7229/appsv.jpg Bad x Apple
. . .
i hate you so much right now

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
Use that hate for something good and play WarpCraft with me.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7229/appsv.jpg Bad x Apple
not going to play that casual crap
too busy trying to find a way to poison my girlfriend
bye
ps the governor ate my brownies and didnt die so f u

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/6508/sethv.jpg SethTheBest2
Wait. What?

--

Apple rolled her eyes and set her status to away. Last thing she wanted to do was get mad at Seth and his need to poke at her cooking skill; something that everyone seemed to be having a joke about the past week or so.

Tonight with Raye upset her maybe a little more than it should have.

".. I just want to make something nice for you." she said in a low mumble. Finger continued to tap away at that down-arrow key. Cupcake recipes scrolling down her screen, along with photos beside each and every one of them. Though tired from her activities in the Outback; the redhead just couldn't fall asleep.. not when the search was on.

Like a tigress stalking her prey.. Apple continued on. Searching and searching through that list till she found something that caught her interest.

".. Bingo."

Jack Daniel?s Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

Oh yes. That sounded just perfect.

".. and, posted.." Andrea murmured to herself. Her thumb tapping against the touch pad of her laptop. New newest entry to her blog had been posted, and all she wanted to do now was relax.

Her first Diamond Quest.

She won it. She really won it. She put in the hard work and it finally paid off. Those two weeks of training in the Outback.. getting better, becoming stronger, becoming Emerald.

.. and now, she was a Diamond.

Raye, Candy.. it was because of them that she made it this far. No, not only them. Kheldar had given her tips about her fighting style that she did her best to change.. and even Matt Simon, the person who first showed her the Outback, in a way they all helped her achieve this goal.

Andrea looked to the diamond that sat beside her laptop. She reached over and gently took hold of it; keeping it placed within her palm while she looked it over. The light from the laptop glittering across it's surface. It had the redhead smiling.

After so much.. she finally had something to smile about. A true smile. Something she normally only shared with Rayvinn.