chaosandcrimson

[chaosandcrimson]

Freja allowed herself to break out into a visible, genuinely happy smile before pressing her face to his neck to hide it, briefly nuzzling against him before peppering soft kisses over his skin. "So, do I get to steal you for the holidays? Or do you have plans with your family?" She pulled back to look at him with an amused grin. "I am at least demanding dibs on New Years Eve. Unless there's someone else you want to kiss at midnight?"

"It was implied," Herc said playfully nipping at her neck, chuckling when she pressed kisses against his temple. He was fully grinning against her skin, letting himself actually be happy over her holding onto him. "Might mean that, yeah," he teased, "Least here through January, rehearsals and opening, all that jazz."

[chaosandcrimson]

LOCATION: University of the Metroplex FOR: Skylar West ( @mercurysunstar )

Serenity didn't go out of her way to avoid meeting her little sister, but she didn't go out of her way to run into her, either. So, when she was invited to guest lecture at the university, she knew there was a possibility that they would see each other. "Skylar," she said when she saw her. It occurred to her that she may or may not have neglected to mention that she was no longer on location. "It's been awhile. How are you?"

[chaosandcrimson]

LOCATION: The Broom Closet FOR: Obsidian Rose ( @allwiredwrong )

"Has anyone ever asked you if you think that synths have souls?" Nicky asked, turning to look at her sibling. "I met someone the other day who asked that question and it's been on my mind ever since. Not because I've ever doubted that we do, but because I wonder what would drive someone to instill that doubt in another person."

[chaosandcrimson]

"I never said that they were more important," Freja replied with a teasing grin, closing her eyes and letting out a soft sigh as she tilted her head to expose her neck to him further. "I said that I have them." She turned her head to press a few quick kisses to his temple before pulling back slightly to look at him. "Does that mean you're going to be in town for a while?" She tried not to sound too excited about it, but it was clear from the way her arms tightened around Herc's neck that the news made her happy.

Herc was grinning as they kissed, "You know you like it," he quipped back easily. Tugging on her lip, he moved his hands to her thighs, running them up and down. "I'll take the weekend, but now I'm wondering what responsibilities are more important than me," he said brushing his lips along her jaw and down to her neck. "For the record I'm all yours this weekend too, Orpheus got some musical thing he wants me to at least try out for."

[chaosandcrimson]

Mizi dropped down in the corner booth and immediately made themselves at home, sipping their beer and leaning back in their seat, one arm slung casually over the top. "Oh, I don't know about that," she said with a shrug. "Your sister is Stevie Sparks, isn't it? Did her being a famous pop star influence your decision to get into music? And what about her? Is she proud her baby brother is following in her footsteps?"

Copper took a long sip of his drink, resigned to his fate and trying not to look like he was about to be executed as he followed her to the table. Taking a seat he was fidgeting with his straw, "Um...so not sure how interesting I'll be for an article," he admitted giving a small shrug, "Me being boring isn't going to tank the band's rep right?"

[chaosandcrimson]

Billie let out a soft chuckle when she caught Teddy temporarily losing his balance. Normally, when someone else was flustered around her, it made her feel less nervous; and while she may have looked calm on the outside as she made herself busy behind the bar, she was everything but on the inside. For a moment, she was convinced that she hadn't heard him right, but the flush on his face said otherwise. "And even if they don't, drinking cocktails on an empty stomach will definitely get us into trouble," she replied, picking up a bottle with one hand, tossing it behind her back, and catching it with the other. "That's how I end up dancing on the bar counter Coyote Ugly style."

"Oh do you now?" Teddy could throw it right back, but he could feel the warmth move from his ears down to his cheeks. "All that time in College really changed you huh?" it was a Joke for the most part but he could tell she was more confident than the Billie he knew 20 years ago. He watched in awe as she tossed the shaker around a bit "ahh..." He was was bit thrown off, he knew Billie didn't have a reason to lie about knowing any tricks but....he just didn't realize how hot is was going to be. His hand slipped a bit as he leaned on the counter and he composed himself quickly. It was his turn to clear his throat now, "Surprise me...." his voice was bit gruffer "I'm going to see if there are any left overs I can heat up. I think watching those tricks of yours might just get me in trouble..." It came out almost on accident, A flirt he would have used on any normal day. But This was Billie, and now his face was getting bright red.

[chaosandcrimson]

Helena let out a loud and exasperated sigh when she heard Aspen's voice. "Ugh, of course it's you," they grumbled, practically stomping up to the side of the rink with their skates slung casually over their shoulders and an irritated expression on their face. She crossed her arms over her chest as she glared at her rival. "And exactly how much longer is your private paid ice time? For that matter, why do you need private paid ice time? Are you that scared I'm gonna crush you if I actually get to practice?"

where: the ice rink

who: Aspen and Helena ( @chaosandcrimson )

Aspen had been called by her coach to take a break, something that Aspen had fought back on for a moment before finally conceding when threatened with the rest of the session being canceled if she didn't. She moved over to the side of the rink and stepped off the ice, putting the skate guards on as she did. "I still have private paid ice time" she said, hearing one of the entry doors to the rink open, knowing it wasn't her coach as they'd gone off in the opposite direction.

[chaosandcrimson]

"Dun dun duuun," Thalia filled in dramatically after her uncle's question. "If you ask me, it's about time he got his head out of his ass and went and got the girl. She's not gonna wait around forever." As she spoke, she bounced up to the oven to peer down at the popcorn in the pan. "You know, it's your fault that I don't like the popcorn that comes out of the popcorn maker like everyone else. You spoiled me with the old school shit."

where: Rudyard's Home

who: Rudyard and Thalia ( @chaosandcrimson )

"I really think he's going to profess his love this episode" Rudyard said, as the kernels in the pan finally started to pop and turn into little bits of popcorn. "but will it be enough or is it too late already?"

[chaosandcrimson]

"For what it's worth, I really am sorry," Kyra replied, her lips twitching up into a slight smile as she pulled one of her business cards out of her bag. "And I'm not looking to make you late for work, so... If you ever change your mind about being friends." She handed him the card. "It's got my personal number on the back. Hold on to it, or tear it up and throw it away—it's up to you. Either way, it was nice seeing you, Reggie."

"yeah well, i would've been more pissed if you'd kept it from me." reggie mumbled. it wasn't like he was really going to remember this conversation anyway (my bad) so in reality she could say whatever she wanted and he'd forget. "it's whatever at this point i guess, i should probably go or i'm gonna be late for work so thanks... i think."

[chaosandcrimson]

"Hmm, is that so?" Xenon asked, finally looking up from her nails to level Cai with a skeptical quirk of her eyebrow. "I can't recall ever saying that I liked you at all, let alone the most, my dear. But I do like that you want me to like you the most. That should be everybody's mindset when they meet me." Sliding off the table, she slipped the nail file back into her boot and reached out to place her hand on their cheek, patting it gently—and somewhat condescendingly—before taking a step back. "Now do me a favour and stop looking so pleased with yourself, darling. The rest of the team has arrived for our daily briefing, and we can't have anyone thinking I'm playing favourites, can we?"

@theluckyonerp

"darling you know I won't" They shook their head at her "You need to have more faith in me and my programming love" Cai scoffed at the mention of Nitro. "fine, but not great you can't stand there and say were not an equal match." They were mostly pulling at Xenon's leg just trying to be more cocky than usual. They smiled at her "Yes you are, its your first move to be so cruel too me but I know its because you like me the most." chuckling softly watching he act casual with the file in hand.

[chaosandcrimson]

"It's interesting that you ended up raising your sons with such contrasting parenting styles," Connie mused without any judgement; merely intellectual fascination. "As someone who was only ever exposed to one parenting style, and has mostly employed only one parenting style, I can't say that I know for sure there's one that's better than the other. Perhaps it is, as you alluded to, simply situational. Different children will have different needs." She tapped the plastic fork against the edge of the plate as she thought about it further before quirking one eyebrow up and shooting Alexander a playful look. "And what do you tell them? About being a bachelor for life, that is."

"It's funny," Alexander paused for a moment to put his thoughts together before continuing. "We were so pigeonholed into something, and sometimes I feel like I pushed that onto Tanner. He seems more than happy to do it, and I like to think he has a lot more freedom than I ever had to be and do what he wants, but with Yeager...." He shook his head. "That entire situation was so volatile, I never bothered to try to get him to do anything. He was incredibly defiant and suspicious when I first took him in, and I'm used to giving in with little to no pushback if he doesn't want to do something. I wonder what kind of man I'd be if I had had such a lax parenting style." He shook his head. "I suppose it's no use fixating on the what could have beens. Not to mention my children have a sixth sense for that kind of thing and occasionally start asking me if I'm going to be a bachelor for life or not."

[chaosandcrimson]

Jackie nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, exactly! We already know the materials aren't harmful to people, but we need to do more testing to see how durable it is, and if we need to change anything to make sure it won't like immediately break." They let out a loud laugh when the server returned with their food and they heard their stomach grumbling. They hadn't realised how hungry they were until they smelled it. "Even if we do all have our own stuff, I can't imagine anyone would say no to coming over for Christmas dinner; and if they do, I'm gonna pout at them until they change their mind. It'll be nice to see everyone in one place." They paused. "I gotta check with Zep when he wants to do our thing, but other than that, my schedule should be wide open."

"oh so essentially using recyclable material? that'd be so cool if you guys can make that happen." lily thought the concept was cool even if she wasn't sure how it was possible. "and if it's possible it won't affect it for people right? or is that the point of trying to get the green light so you guys can test it?" she asked more curiously. she chuckled a little at her sibling, "i don't see dad pushing me to do anything since it means i won't be leaving anytime soon and yes you should come over for dinner. i was going to ask everyone if they'd be willing to come over for christmas dinner at least, i know everyone's adults and might have their own thing going on but i don't know i was hoping we could."

[chaosandcrimson]

"Well, I think the fact that you're neither dead nor in jail is proof enough that you don't go through with those ideas," Trixie replied with a chuckle. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Ian holding two bottles of water, waving at him before briefly turning back to Zach. "Hey, I've gotta go, so I'm gonna let you get back to your meal. But I'll see you around, yeah? Who knows, maybe next time we'll both be doing something crazy."

"well it depends on the idea you have, if it's an idea that'll get you killed or arrested then maybe don't do it, or do, i'm not your dad." zach shrugged. "i don't go through with those ideas... at least i think i don't, if i have i don't remember."

[chaosandcrimson]

"You're right, but you're also an exceptionally kind and sweet person, which is why you feel that way," Luz replied with a smile as they arrived at the flower garden. She let out a soft chuckle. "It's also why you think I can be in a relationship when I have a solid track record that demonstratively shows the opposite. But I'll tell you what. if I ever do find someone who can actually match my crazy... Maybe I'll give it a shot then."

"Well, I think Halloween should be fun for everyone! If I want to be Tinkerbell but Cain doesn't want to be Peter Pan, or anyone at all, why would I ruin their fun by forcing them to dress up?" She shook her head. "What? Stop. I know those movies are like, ancient, but everyone knows that.... don't they? Even I know that, so I guess I assumed everyone did." Rini snickered. "What! Luz. Of course you can be in a relationship - well, if you want to be anyway. It's just one of those things you have to be willing to compromise about."

[chaosandcrimson]

Karma smiled and kept her hand wrapped around their wrist, weaving her way through the crowd and toward the exit that was technically for employees only, but that she had been given permission to use. It paid to know the owners—or at least be friends with their in-laws. Pushing open the door, she held it up for Sid while pulling a pack of cigarettes out of her cleavage, a grin on her face as she let the door close behind them.

Sid was pretty lost in the sound and vibes of it all, but was pulled back when they felt the hand grab their wrist. They were fine, but nodded and gave a "Yeah, I could use some air" anyways.

[chaosandcrimson]

Freja tapped the side of her nose with her fingertip before pointing it at Mia. Their shared drunken shenanigans were the bane of their neighbours' existence, or at least they would be, if they didn't simply invite their neighbours to join in. It was a foolproof strategy that had served the blonde well many times in the past. "Nothing wrong with being a vampire fucker," she replied with a playful grin. "I've always been more of a werewolf girl myself, but this is why we work so well as friends; we're not going after the same supernatural lover boys." She paused, letting her friend's words sink in and realise, for a moment, how much they resonated with her. The difference was that, deep down, she knew who her soulmate was and that he had already walked through the door multiple times. The problem was that he always left. "I don't think that's so much to ask. And who knows? Maybe he'll walk right into your Halloween party."

"it's because we get drunk and we get hot and the first thing to go when you're hot is the pants. it quite literally never fails." mia rolled her eyes playfully, bouncing along besides freja before shaking her head. "nope, no particular theme. i'm personally dressing up as bella swan from twilight because, as jovi tells me constantly, i'm a vampire fucker. felt pretty appropriate. but you're welcome to come as whatever you want." her expression had gone neutral for a moment, her head nodding sagely at freja's comment. "this perpetually single life is hard to navigate sometimes. part of me is secretly hoping that my soulmate just wanders in without me really having to try. is that so much to ask?"

[chaosandcrimson]

"Meanwhile, boys only like a challenge if it's to get into your pants, not your heart," Keaton quipped back easily, pulling open the door to the sushi restaurant and holding it for Mars before stepping inside herself. "Guess that means we're both destined to be lonely assholes forever. Don't worry, I'll save you a seat at the early bird special."

"It's definitely a bit of both; but girls only like a challenge if they can actually win it. I have yet to meet anyone who has gotten me to open up." Mars even kept Keaton at arms length. The betrayal of being put into the foster care system so young cut deep, and he had never let himself believe anyone would actually stick around (Juno notwithstanding). "I can rock shirtless, I just request the legs stay as covered as possible."