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Who: Mystique & [open]
Where: The training center!
When: Afternoon of March 14
Rating: PG-13 to start?
Summary: Aggression is best taken out on inanimate objects, if one wants to avoid undesirable consequences.
The Story: [Perhaps it was the annoying overgrowth of plants that occurred after the sky threw false memories down at the ground, or the fact that people seemed to be reuniting in droves in this place, but today Mystique was feeling particularly irritable. She still had nobody from home here, and while she would tell most people to their faces that this was a good thing ... it didn't mean she didn't still miss her brother. Idiotic and idealistic as he was, there had been an alarming number of instances here where she'd thought it would be a lot easier to have him around than to face things alone.

It was this particularly rotten mood that had sent her to the training facility today -- she shows no sign of stopping the punches that she's throwing at the punching bag suspended from the roof despite a chorus of somewhat worrisome creaks coming from the chain holding it up.

At this rate she's going to bloody her knuckles -- or she would, if she hadn't already thought to thicken her skin there just a little.

Approach with caution, friends.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I can imagine how difficult that must be. Not knowing can be worse than bad news.

[And worse than that, there's no way for her to get an answer. Not while they're stuck here, unless her brother shows up. And even then it might not help, if he were to remember things differently to her or come from a different time.

Heaving a sigh of his own Alistair takes another, more measured gulp of his drink, watching Mystique over the rim of the glass.]

I think this place just likes toying with us sometimes. Maybe there is a demon behind it all.

[He'd prefer it in a way. Demons are intentionally cruel and can be slain. If Wonderland has no driving force or motive then there's no reason for why anything happens and no purpose to any of their misery. Which just doesn't sit right with him.]

Not knowing is definitely worse than bad news.

[She's all too aware of what being here means, and there's no doubt that it's what's caused her frustrations to boil over in this place.

She sees him watching her over the rim of her glass, though, and manages a slight smile as she meets his eyes over her own.]

It isn't all bad, though.

[In some ways, she thinks that being happy here could be some sort of slap in the face to whoever had brought them here to torment them.

She understands the desire to have a person or thing to demonize, though. It's easier to have a tangible thing to target.]

Is it?

No, of course not!

[Alistair is quick to agree that Wonderland isn't all bad. He doesn't want Mystique feeling like there's nothing good here and he truly doesn't hate it himself.]

Or I don't think so.

[Putting his glass down he smiles at her encouragingly.]

I haven't found it bad being here - a little dull maybe but not bad. And so long as it's true that if we get home nothing there will have changed from when we left then it's fine.

[He could almost view it as a holiday if he were absolutely certain that the Blight really would wait for him to get back. A holiday he has no control over the length of and didn't choose to come on but still a holiday. Not his choice but not terrible either. As with her and her brother though, it's that hint of uncertainty that's the problem.]

[When she'd first gotten here, she'd been sure that people would be looking for her. When she'd found out that nobody even knew they were gone, really, it had been -- equal parts relief and concern. Nobody to miss meant nobody to rescue, so it made sense for this place to keep them all frozen in time.

She nods.]

I can't imagine it not being true. Otherwise, bringing people here would be too risky and complicated.

[She takes another sip of her drink. Okay, so maybe she's going for the 'drink a lot in a small period of time to actually get a buzz' strategy and it seems to be working. That's...good.]

And I'd hope people would've come looking for at least one of us, if we had appeared as missing.

[She pauses.]

I wonder what makes this place choose whether it pulls in almost a whole universe of people or just a single person, like me.

[Obviously it's because this universe hates her, and not because their numbers relied on an arbitrary measure of popularity on the internet.]

I guess I didn't think of it that way.

[In part because even if time was passing and people noticed him missing they wouldn't be scouring Ferelden for him. There were bigger things to worry about than one missing Warden, no matter who he was. And with two Wardens presumably remaining in Ferelden they still would have hope of stopping the Blight without him.]

You're right. There's enough of us here that there would be someone looking if we were all missed. And someone with powerful enough magic to find this place.

[Wherever it was. The Fade or somewhere else.]

Maybe it's something to do with magic? There's a few people here from my home and we have magic. But I've met people who don't think it's real or they say it isn't where they're from. I don't know how many of them there are but if it's... easier for whatever brings us here to go where there's already magic maybe?

[But really he's just guessing. It could be there's a reason for who turns up in Wonderland or it could be there's no reason and it's completely random. He certainly doesn't think much of his chances of figuring it out either way. ~~After all, he's never even heard of the internet.~~]

[She can't help the laugh at his statement. She doesn't think that he's wrong, necessarily, so hopefully he doesn't get immediately offended at the reaction -- she'd just never have thought to make that kind of a leap of faith.]

So that's one thing that's probably true. The most important one, really.

[She pauses, though, to try and explain her reaction to his statement about magic.]

I don't know if there's really magic in the world that I'm from, or just some sort of advanced science. I'm sure Charles would be able to talk your ear off about the two things being the same, anyway.

[There's a shrug.]

But for all I know, you're right. It'd make as much sense as everything else here, come to think of it. Maybe it gets 'more' from people who're from magical worlds. You're like an extra-tasty treat for it.

[Her lips twitch into a brief smirk. The alcohol is doing just enough to relax her that she isn't schooling her somewhat predatory nature as well as she probably should be.]

[People laughing when he talks is nothing new. It's what he strives for most times he opens his mouth and the rest of the time it happens whether or not he wants it to. So Alistair simply nods and smiles, glad to (mostly) accept that the Blight really will wait for him to get back.

As for whether or not there's magic where Mystique is from, all he can offer is-] Your abilities look like magic to me so maybe they are the same.

[Although he's had enough people tell him the magic talking box isn't really magic so maybe there is a difference.

Sipping at his drink again he chuckles.] Now you've got me worried I'm going to get turned into a snack when I'm not looking. Does it help if I say I taste awful? And I'm not magic?

[Would that discourage Wonderland from deciding to make a meal out of him as well as keeping him captive?]

I'm sure my brother would tell you magic is just science that someone doesn't understand yet, but that's kind of a boring thought.

[Maybe Wonderland isn't the only thing he should be trying to convince not to treat him like a snack, from the way she looks at him for a moment before she shakes her head clear of that particular train of thought. Well.]

I don't think you're the chief authority on how you do or do not taste, unless you make a habit of both tasting yourself and other people.

[She lets out another abrupt laugh,] And if you do, I've got to tell you -- as a friend -- that that's kind of weird.

Given all the things I don't understand there must be a lot of magic in Ferelden.

[And Wonderland. And other places. Including right in front of him, as Mystique is giving him a rather odd look that he can't decipher. It's forgotten as she laughs and Alistair's eyes narrow in response. He looks over at her, trying and failing to hide his grin.]

So this isn't the time to lick you and see how you taste? And here I was thinking that's how everyone made friends. No wonder people look at me so strangely!

[She hadn't meant to make him think too much about the things he didn't know about, but he doesn't seem as depressed about the idea as her brother might've been so she opts to just breeze past it, especially given what he says next.

The odd look isn't going to be gone for long at this rate, since she returns the grin easily.]

Well, if you want to lick me I wouldn't say no. It's not how I normally make friends, but I guess I can make an exception for you.

[That sounded a lot less ridiculous and a lot more sexy when she'd been saying it in her head. Ah well.]

[It's about as ridiculous as Alistair was hoping to be honest and only makes him grin even more widely.]

That's so sweet!

[Never let it be said he's above making a fool of himself if he thinks it will make people laugh. Wait, no that's not right. It's never been said that he's above making a fool of himself if he thinks it will make people laugh. That's better.

And since Mystique was so kind as to offer he takes her hand and tugs it across the table, sticking his tongue out and leaning down to lick at her palm if she doesn't stop him. If she's going to make offers like that she really shouldn't be surprised if this is what happens.]

Well, I try.

[She isn't sure what she was expecting of him, given his track record of hilarious antics, but it wasn't having him reach over and try to lock her hand. If she'd had more presence of mind at the moment she might have pointed out that it was likely her palm was just going to taste like the lemons from the drink mixed in with some sugar and maybe whatever traces had been on the table in the bar, but she's now a little distracted with the supposed adult in front of her licking her.]

Well? Do I pass the taste test?

You could try somewhere else if you're not quite sure yet.

Edited (Phone tags! D <) 2016-04-20 17:57 (UTC)

[Supposed adult is definitely accurate as he sits there for a long moment with his tongue sticking out like a particularly large dog.

Her hand tastes perfectly normal - a little lemony, a little sweet and mostly like skin. Although part of him had almost expected something else a little more blue in flavour. But not the point.]

Hmmm, no I think I'm satisfied. My first impression was right - you're a good friend to have.

[Whiiich admittedly hadn't been his first impression on seeing her. But. Hopefully they can not bring up how very smooth he was the first time they spoke lest anyone listening in get intimidated.]

And I think you should be safe from getting eaten while you're here.

[Your eyes deceive you, Alistair, but you'd probably not be the first to assume that she was going to taste a tad more blue.

She raises her eyebrow at his statement about first impressions, since she's fairly sure that the first time they met he thought that she was a desire demon bent on seducing him. That isn't actually far off the mark of where her goals were steering her this evening, though, so she can't say he's wrong.

He's been one of the few people here she's coming to trust, and the weight of the last event is still making her feel so very lonely. The combination of that, and the speed with which she's downed the last of her drink, make it easy for her to slip to her feet and then into Alistair's side of the booth. She isn't crowding him just yet, but she feels the intention might be clear.]

In that case -- present yourself. If I'm going to be making exceptions for who I let lick me, I expect to be able to get a taste for myself.

[What, him, introduce himself to someone by accusing them of being a demon? Never. He'd never. That's just not him.

Alistair doesn't think too much of her coming around to join him - it's a little cozier, a little more friendly than sitting opposite each other and makes it easier to fulfill her request without them getting any odd looks. Just in case someone at the bar thinks there's something odd about two people licking each other. Although why anyone would is beyond him.]

Your wish is my command, my lady.

[Chuckling, Alistair offers her his hand to taste as well. Since he went and started this he can't complain about it being turned back on him. And, well. If she wants to lick him who is he to say no?]

[With the other patrons of the bar being trapped in Wonderland as well, a couple of people licking each other probably isn't even the strangest thing they've seen today.

She's never going to get used to anyone calling her 'my lady', but that doesn't mean she doesn't secretly like it.

She makes a point of turning his hand over with her fingers so that his palm is exposed, but rather than going for the middle of it like he had, she opts to flick her tongue out against the more sensitive skin of his wrist.

She pauses after doing so, raising her eyes to meet his while she pretends to look thoughtful.]

Well. I'm afraid I was right about you being tasty. You'll have to be extra careful from now on.

[That's a very good point. It's certainly not as strange as some things he's come to take as normal whilst in Wonderland. Or things he takes as normal back home that most others seem to find strange.

Alistair twitches at the swipe of her tongue over his wrist, a little surprised by the move despite himself but given the roughness of his hands it's probably a better choice than his palm. Thankfully he wasn't doing anything earlier like polishing his armour that would have left an unpleasant taste on his skin so he doubtless tastes of little more than sweat and skin. Arching an eyebrow and grinning he waits patiently for her verdict.]

I am, am I? And here was I convinced I'd taste like old socks. [A put upon sigh follows.] Well, if I disappear and you never see me again you'll know what happened.

Old socks? I mean, you do shower, from what I can tell...ajd jeeze, way to kill the mood. The number of times I've seen people post about others just disappearing to the network...

[She shakes her head. Realizing she hasn't dropped his hand yet, she does so and glances over toward the bar.]

...I think that deserves at least another round of drinks. Maybe I should get them to go if we're going to keep going like this, because I don't want to have to carry you back to your room.

[Or drag him comically.]

[Alistair winces. He really hadn't thought about what he was saying that time, had he? He's seen those announcements too and while it's never been someone he knows....]

Ah, want to see me put my other foot in my mouth now?

[Taking his hand back he follows Mystique's gaze over to the bar and shrugs. Another round doesn't sound like a bad idea, though he's almost insulted by her implication.]

Hey now, I'm not that much of a lightweight! [Mostly due to having mass on his side but still.] But if you really want to get me alone you just have to ask.

[Or if she just doesn't want to be seen in public with him when he gets loud and embarrassing. That's good too.]

If you're going to be showing me how flexible you are by putting your other foot in your mouth, then we definitely need to get a room.

[She's not going to mention that she's not as much of a lightweight as people would think either because of her mutation unless it comes up. You can't just immediately give up such a great upper hand during drinking games.

At his comment about getting him alone, she can't help the sly smirk.]

You caught me. I was trying to be subtle about it, but your powers of deduction are just too good. Guess I should just drop the act.

[Fueled just enough by the few drinks she's had (and when has she ever really needed an excuse to initiate, honestly?), she moves to close the distance between them. If he doesn't move away once they're nearly face to face, she'll tilt her head and lean in to press her lips against his.]

That's right! You can't fool me that easily. I'm onto you.

[Alistair grins back proudly, expecting her to head for the bar again and then make good on the plan to find somewhere that one of them passing out won't be a problem.

When that doesn't happen he stays where he is, frowning as she draws closer, confusion slowly giving way to surprise. He doesn't respond to the kiss, frozen uncertainly in place until she pulls back.

It takes him a long moment to find his voice again, uncertainty clear when he speaks.]

Mystique? [Cheeks pink he studies her face intently, looking for... something. Something to tell him what he's supposed to do.] ...I want you to know I'm going to be really embarrassed if you start laughing.

[And more than a little hurt. He doesn't mind teasing but if this is a joke at his expense it's going too far. He doesn't think she'd do that to him though.]

[Any sort of comment she might have about whether she'd really be able to fool him is pushed away in favor of his reaction (or lack of reaction, at first glance) to the kiss.

Once she's pulled back, she can see the reason he was so frozen in place -- he's confused, that much is certain, but then he says that and all she can do is blink.

He's flushed, which is usually a positive reaction, but the statement...]

Have you ever had someone kiss you like that and then laugh?

[She clears her throat, dropping a hand down to his leg to steady herself. Okay, Mystique, this isn't like that time a decade ago when Hank rejected you by saying you weren't ever going to be beautiful like this. He's just asking a question.]

I think the joke would be on me, if I've misread you completely and you're not interested.

Um- Not exactly. [Dropping his gaze to stare at her hand against his leg he flushes brighter.] But I don't normally get women kissing me at all.

[Maker that sounded completely pathetic, didn't it? Not much worse than expecting to be laughed at though, which she has yet to do.

Looking back up at her next words Alistair smiles hopefully. She thought he was interested in her. And so had decided to kiss him. And not to make fun of him because of it. Which meant she was-]

I didn't- I mean, I- No. I mean, yes! I- Oh, blast it!

[Leaning in a bit too quickly he's more liable to knock their teeth together than actually manage to kiss her but maybe he gets points for effort? Or at least for conveying what he can't find the words for.]

[Any anxiety she might have been having quickly dissolves into relief the longer that Alistair goes on. She isn't surprised, exactly, that he isn't experienced (how old is he, anyway?), even is she's surprised no women have tried anything on him. Maybe that was a product of the time he came from. Whatever the reason, it's given her the upper hand in this situation and she isn't about to waste the advantage.

Once he starts stammering, she's just about to lean on again and put him out of his misery when he moves so eagerly back in.

Points for effort, definitely; Mystique narrowly manages to keep their teeth from colliding by virtue of her reflexes and opts to place a hand at the back of his neck to help guide him into a better angle that would be less likely to lead to emergency dental surgery.

She pauses for a breath she doesn't really need, voice low.]

I still think we should get out of here.

Edited 2016-04-27 00:49 (UTC)

[Well. OK then. Good.

Actions convey what words can't and, courtesy of Mystique's guiding hand saving both their teeth, this kiss is a lot better than the first now that he's not worried about being laughed at. Alistair can feel the heat still lingering in his face as she pulls back, stomach fluttering at the sound of her voice.]

I think- Yes. We should. We need to talk.

[The conversation is not one he wishes to have in public where anyone can hear. And if there's going to be more kissing that's not the sort of thing that should be done in public either. Yes, he knows that people aren't always proper and well-behaved in bars in general but she deserves better than that and it's just not something he's comfortable with personally.

Nodding at the bar he smiles shyly, tone deliberately light as he adds-] I won't blame you if you still need a drink to take.

Being as he's going to fumble through the coming conversation too and she might well need it by the end.]