((Marceline Carlson continued from A Cold Reception))
Here.
The temple was an obvious choice for where Dolly would logically go to find her, given that both Dolly and Marceline appreciated ornate architecture and old, spooky buildings. Not only that, but the temple could serve as a well fortified location for the two of them to stay in for an extended period, if they deemed it necessary. The garden next to it, however, was an even better spot to intercept her. Dolly always liked the scenery found in decorative gardens, and while this one clearly had not been taken care of in many years, she knew that Dolly wouldn't be able to resist coming here first, before heading inside the temple proper.
Marceline scanned the area around her, looking specifically for signs of people, and especially for signs of her girlfriend. The garden's statues and overgrown plants did surprisingly little to hide the surroundings, with the garden being fairly open, giving her a clear view of almost the entire area. Reaching up, she readjusted the makeshift sweatband that she had fashioned during her trip from a strip of bandages in the first aid kit to get it out of her eyes, before taking a sip of warm, tepid water from the bottle she was carrying. The air was hot, having warmed significantly from the morning as the sun rose into the sky, and she had spent several hours getting to this place, working up a sweat the whole time. She hated being as sweaty and sticky as she was, back home she always tried to avoid exerting herself too much specifically to avoid this situation, but finding Dolly mattered far more than her personal comfort.
Keeping her eyes and ears on her surroundings, Marceline was on high alert- not only to find her girlfriend, but also just in case any of her classmates decided that scoring an early kill was somehow something to be desired. She couldn't fathom why anyone would actually go out of their way to kill someone, even in a situation like this. Defending yourself or others was one thing, but actually going on the offensive and attacking someone was something else entirely. There was no excuse for it, in her eyes; this game they were now stuck in certainly didn't justify it. After all, it didn't even make sense from a survival perspective- animals in the wild avoid fights even if they know they'll win, because any injury, no matter how minor, could be life threatening. Actively getting into fights was a surefire way to invite injury and death upon oneself. No, there was only one possible reason for it- pure malice. Anyone that attempted to hurt her or anyone else was to receive nothing but her fury and scorn.
Finishing her scan of the area, she let out an exasperated sigh. Fortunately for her continued survival, she didn't see nor hear anyone nearby. Unfortunately for her current objective, this also meant that Dolly was nowhere to be seen. Creeping dread began to make its way into Marceline's subconscious- what if Dolly didn't come? What if she didn't actually know Dolly as well as she thought she did, and Dolly was going elsewhere? What if she had already gotten herself killed, with Marceline knowing about it?
Shaking her head, Marceline did her best to clear these thoughts from her mind, insisting to herself that Dolly is coming, that she did know Dolly as well as she thought, and that Dolly was definitely okay.
Marceline shuffled over to the center of the garden, taking shelter in the shadow of one of the its statues, and letting out a breath of relief as she sat down in front of it. Unfolding and planting her spear next to her, she was ready to defend herself if anyone with ill-intent happened came close, despite her lack of experience with the weapon.
Now all she had to do was wait.
So, she waited.
Two Hearts
Day One; Private until backslash posts, then Open.
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VoltTurtle
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((Dolores Upton continued from And I saw, from eyes that were not mine.))
It was quite a trek. Uphill for most of the way, too. Dolly wasn't much for the outdoors, but she made exceptions from time to time for adventurous little ramblings with her friends. The way from the waterfall to the cliff on the southern edge of the island was a bit more than a ramble.
It hadn't taken long for Dolly to miss the cool interior of the cave tucked behind the waterfall and the relieving spray of water. In the same vein, she was soon regretting her boots. She had other footwear, of course, but it had been in her luggage, not her personal bag, and everything except for the contents of her purse and makeup bag had been taken. She'd intended to simply slip her boots off on the bus when she tired of them and go stocking-footed for the drive. It wasn't as though she'd planned to be walking any distance but that from the bus to her parents' car in the school parking lot.
She didn't think that this could quite be called karma, but it was perhaps something of a cosmic joke at her expense, if such things had any intelligence behind them. Though that was a rude thing to think when she was ostensibly on her way to pray, no?
The panic had never quite set in the way Dolly expected it to. She was numb no longer, or at least not as she had been when she first woke, but she hadn't cried like Rhonda. Poor Rhonda. Physically, she might do best out of all of their little motley crew, but she seemed to be suffering the most so far. Emeka and Ariana at least were determined, and Dolly had a goal in mind. She also had a blister forming on one foot, but she'd have to tend to that later.
The small talk had come and gone as they wandered, but it fell quiet when the temple came clearly into view. They had approached it from the side, it seemed. To the back, there was some sort of garden.
In the garden, there stood a girl with pink hair.
It was a surprisingly sharp pleasure in the midst of everything, to know that her own instincts had been good. Perhaps she could trust herself after all.
Dolly stopped short, shot a glance and a smile at her trio of companions, and then stepped forward again. She'd had the presence of mind to put the knife away some time ago, right around when she had really started to sweat. What had survived of her makeup was bound to start running any time now too, but a slippery knife was a poor prospect. Especially when there was a good chance that Dolly would presently find herself on the receiving end of a gesture that was more tackle than hug.
"Marceline," she called from the edge of the garden.
It was quite a trek. Uphill for most of the way, too. Dolly wasn't much for the outdoors, but she made exceptions from time to time for adventurous little ramblings with her friends. The way from the waterfall to the cliff on the southern edge of the island was a bit more than a ramble.
It hadn't taken long for Dolly to miss the cool interior of the cave tucked behind the waterfall and the relieving spray of water. In the same vein, she was soon regretting her boots. She had other footwear, of course, but it had been in her luggage, not her personal bag, and everything except for the contents of her purse and makeup bag had been taken. She'd intended to simply slip her boots off on the bus when she tired of them and go stocking-footed for the drive. It wasn't as though she'd planned to be walking any distance but that from the bus to her parents' car in the school parking lot.
She didn't think that this could quite be called karma, but it was perhaps something of a cosmic joke at her expense, if such things had any intelligence behind them. Though that was a rude thing to think when she was ostensibly on her way to pray, no?
The panic had never quite set in the way Dolly expected it to. She was numb no longer, or at least not as she had been when she first woke, but she hadn't cried like Rhonda. Poor Rhonda. Physically, she might do best out of all of their little motley crew, but she seemed to be suffering the most so far. Emeka and Ariana at least were determined, and Dolly had a goal in mind. She also had a blister forming on one foot, but she'd have to tend to that later.
The small talk had come and gone as they wandered, but it fell quiet when the temple came clearly into view. They had approached it from the side, it seemed. To the back, there was some sort of garden.
In the garden, there stood a girl with pink hair.
It was a surprisingly sharp pleasure in the midst of everything, to know that her own instincts had been good. Perhaps she could trust herself after all.
Dolly stopped short, shot a glance and a smile at her trio of companions, and then stepped forward again. She'd had the presence of mind to put the knife away some time ago, right around when she had really started to sweat. What had survived of her makeup was bound to start running any time now too, but a slippery knife was a poor prospect. Especially when there was a good chance that Dolly would presently find herself on the receiving end of a gesture that was more tackle than hug.
"Marceline," she called from the edge of the garden.
"Art enriches the community, Steve, no less than a pulsing fire hose, or a fireman beating down a blazing door. So what if we're drawing a nude man? So what if all we ever draw is a nude man, or the same nude man over and over in all sorts of provocative positions? Context, not content! Process, not subject! Don't be so gauche, Steve, it's beneath you."
((Meka Gibson continued from And I saw, from eyes that were not mine. And I felt, with a fear I could not reason.))
Meka wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. He definitely would have dressed better had he known he'd be dumped in a tropical island. He figured he would wear layers on the bus in case it was too cold from the a/c, but now he was stained with sweat and continually wringing his collar to let air in. He had taken the jacket off and folded it into one of his bags. He didn't want to slow the group down, so he had to settle for rolling the sleeves off his hoodie up. He exhaled a bit as they continued their ascent.
For most of the walk, Meka had mostly stayed back with Rhonda. She had clearly been taking this whole thing worse than the rest of them, although even he had to admit he was only barely holding it together. He didn't have much to realistically offer other than a few pats on the back and reassurances that everything would be fine. She had cried a little, but not much. They were probably getting too tired to cry. At least the temple would surely offer some space for them to collect and process things better.
Besides, Meka at least had something to think about while walking. If there was a way out of there, or at least exposing the island to the outside world, there had to be a way to do so without the terrorists knowing. Meka tried to think about everything he could do. He could try to start a fire, although the chances of it getting out of control and killing others was a possibility. Plus, there was always the chance that if he did attract attention, then they could just kill everyone anyways by blowing the collars. There had to be some blind spot or something to exploit.
The group was finally reaching some gardens near the temple. They were banking on Marceline being here, drawn by the aesthetics of the location, so Meka had to hope that she was indeed here.
It was when Dolly had a one-word exclamation that Meka saw a pink-haired girl in the distance.
"Holy shit, she really was here."
He had to give Dolly props. She clearly knew her friend that well.
Meka wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. He definitely would have dressed better had he known he'd be dumped in a tropical island. He figured he would wear layers on the bus in case it was too cold from the a/c, but now he was stained with sweat and continually wringing his collar to let air in. He had taken the jacket off and folded it into one of his bags. He didn't want to slow the group down, so he had to settle for rolling the sleeves off his hoodie up. He exhaled a bit as they continued their ascent.
For most of the walk, Meka had mostly stayed back with Rhonda. She had clearly been taking this whole thing worse than the rest of them, although even he had to admit he was only barely holding it together. He didn't have much to realistically offer other than a few pats on the back and reassurances that everything would be fine. She had cried a little, but not much. They were probably getting too tired to cry. At least the temple would surely offer some space for them to collect and process things better.
Besides, Meka at least had something to think about while walking. If there was a way out of there, or at least exposing the island to the outside world, there had to be a way to do so without the terrorists knowing. Meka tried to think about everything he could do. He could try to start a fire, although the chances of it getting out of control and killing others was a possibility. Plus, there was always the chance that if he did attract attention, then they could just kill everyone anyways by blowing the collars. There had to be some blind spot or something to exploit.
The group was finally reaching some gardens near the temple. They were banking on Marceline being here, drawn by the aesthetics of the location, so Meka had to hope that she was indeed here.
It was when Dolly had a one-word exclamation that Meka saw a pink-haired girl in the distance.
"Holy shit, she really was here."
He had to give Dolly props. She clearly knew her friend that well.
((Rhonda did her best to stay strong on the way from the caves.))
It was hard, of course, and every so often her mind would drift, noticing some pretty plants or the scenery, only to snap back into reality and bring out fresh tears. She probably looked horrible. Anyone watching-know, she didn't care about them. She couldn't. They, they were nothing. She kept telling herself that, but she couldn't help but notice the occasional lens watching her.
Meka did his best to help. She appreciated it, more than her frequent, "Thank you" affirmations could say. She was amazed at how much stronger the rest of them were, holding out like this. She wanted to stop, to curl up into a ball and try to go away, but she didn't want to make them stay with her, and didn't want to be left behind, so she kept up. She was holding out pretty well physically, but she was hot and sweaty, which was embarrassing too, though the fan helped. It was nice that her weapon was also useful for something else, at least.
Rhonda had seen the temple in the distance-her height was good for that, at least-and been relieved. She hadn't known what to say about it, though, only directing Meka to it with a silent extended arm and pointed finger. She hadn't seen the doorway, but had assumed there must have been one. They'd come in from the side, apparently, but they'd made it.
Admittedly, Rhonda knew almost nothing about Marceline other than what Dolly had said. She probably wouldn't have recognized her by name if she hadn't already been thinking about her. But her hair, so bright and audacious in a way Rhonda kind of envied, was a giveaway even at a distance. Immediately, it felt like her heart was relaxing, expanding in her body as she gasped. It had worked. Somehow, the stars had aligned, and Dolly had found her girlfriend, right where she'd thought she'd be. Safe, alive, and here.
She covered her mouth and started crying again, trying to muffle her body's attempts to ruin the moment.
It was hard, of course, and every so often her mind would drift, noticing some pretty plants or the scenery, only to snap back into reality and bring out fresh tears. She probably looked horrible. Anyone watching-know, she didn't care about them. She couldn't. They, they were nothing. She kept telling herself that, but she couldn't help but notice the occasional lens watching her.
Meka did his best to help. She appreciated it, more than her frequent, "Thank you" affirmations could say. She was amazed at how much stronger the rest of them were, holding out like this. She wanted to stop, to curl up into a ball and try to go away, but she didn't want to make them stay with her, and didn't want to be left behind, so she kept up. She was holding out pretty well physically, but she was hot and sweaty, which was embarrassing too, though the fan helped. It was nice that her weapon was also useful for something else, at least.
Rhonda had seen the temple in the distance-her height was good for that, at least-and been relieved. She hadn't known what to say about it, though, only directing Meka to it with a silent extended arm and pointed finger. She hadn't seen the doorway, but had assumed there must have been one. They'd come in from the side, apparently, but they'd made it.
Admittedly, Rhonda knew almost nothing about Marceline other than what Dolly had said. She probably wouldn't have recognized her by name if she hadn't already been thinking about her. But her hair, so bright and audacious in a way Rhonda kind of envied, was a giveaway even at a distance. Immediately, it felt like her heart was relaxing, expanding in her body as she gasped. It had worked. Somehow, the stars had aligned, and Dolly had found her girlfriend, right where she'd thought she'd be. Safe, alive, and here.
She covered her mouth and started crying again, trying to muffle her body's attempts to ruin the moment.
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Yugikun
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In the distance, somewhat concealed by the garden, stood a girl with a gun hanging from her right hand.
((Roxanne Herbert, continued from Lunacy))
There hadn’t been any particular trouble in getting down from the temple roof. Perhaps there had been peril — the threat that gravity would provide a sudden stop to what she could only hope was just beginning — but that unwanted feeling had been easy to diminish, shove aside once her feet had found ground again. She had chosen to walk the gardens, after that. Chose to see if the sights there would betray her just as much as the temple had. To her surprise — to her relief — they hadn’t. The plants, the sculptures had done enough to ignite her interest, as little as there was to see. Perhaps, had this been a time before — a place far less foreign than this — such difference would’ve been enough to give it superlative. Perhaps there would have been photos taken. Memories preserved, made out to be more important than they really were.
That was then, though. This was now. Now she had no camera in order to make her experience more artificial. Now there had been other sights — the cliff, the top of the temple, Ms. Garcia — to supplant this, put it in perspective.
But they were captivating enough, Roxanne supposed. That was why when she saw Marceline and Dolores find one another, she was happy to have something over here to preoccupy her, give her a better reason to not be closer. Their reunion was significant — more than she was — and unlike the other three intruders, she had enough sense to realize that. The detail wasn’t something she was all too familiar with, but she had remembered enough of what Marcy had said during their practice together to know that regardless of what happened in the days that followed this, that this reunion would define their lives forever, be a thing the two remembered even on their death bed. What right did Roxanne have to even dare to invade, possibly ruin what was happening just as Princess, the others had ruined hers? Even if Marceline and her had their familiarity, how did she compare to the one she loved most?
The answer to the question felt fairly clear to Roxanne, if not any of the other interlopers.
So she stayed there. Watched, as their embrace began. There was movement from her right arm — a rustle from the bushes beside her — but she had stopped herself. Stayed still. Stared forward, at what she hoped was unfolding.
((Roxanne Herbert, continued from Lunacy))
There hadn’t been any particular trouble in getting down from the temple roof. Perhaps there had been peril — the threat that gravity would provide a sudden stop to what she could only hope was just beginning — but that unwanted feeling had been easy to diminish, shove aside once her feet had found ground again. She had chosen to walk the gardens, after that. Chose to see if the sights there would betray her just as much as the temple had. To her surprise — to her relief — they hadn’t. The plants, the sculptures had done enough to ignite her interest, as little as there was to see. Perhaps, had this been a time before — a place far less foreign than this — such difference would’ve been enough to give it superlative. Perhaps there would have been photos taken. Memories preserved, made out to be more important than they really were.
That was then, though. This was now. Now she had no camera in order to make her experience more artificial. Now there had been other sights — the cliff, the top of the temple, Ms. Garcia — to supplant this, put it in perspective.
But they were captivating enough, Roxanne supposed. That was why when she saw Marceline and Dolores find one another, she was happy to have something over here to preoccupy her, give her a better reason to not be closer. Their reunion was significant — more than she was — and unlike the other three intruders, she had enough sense to realize that. The detail wasn’t something she was all too familiar with, but she had remembered enough of what Marcy had said during their practice together to know that regardless of what happened in the days that followed this, that this reunion would define their lives forever, be a thing the two remembered even on their death bed. What right did Roxanne have to even dare to invade, possibly ruin what was happening just as Princess, the others had ruined hers? Even if Marceline and her had their familiarity, how did she compare to the one she loved most?
The answer to the question felt fairly clear to Roxanne, if not any of the other interlopers.
So she stayed there. Watched, as their embrace began. There was movement from her right arm — a rustle from the bushes beside her — but she had stopped herself. Stayed still. Stared forward, at what she hoped was unfolding.
"Well, I'll be damned. She nailed it."
It was something right out of a movie, Ariana Moretti thought as her motley crew sauntered up to the garden area beside the temple. All that they needed was a sweeping score, a few conveniently-placed cameras and a fit of dramatic lighting and this could have been a helluva moment.
Goddammit, she allowed herself a smile as she came to a stop just behind Dolly. She'd been watching movies with Ross too long, he was starting to rub off on her. A pang of something sliced through her, and the smile fell away.
Right, shit.
((Ariana Moretti continued from And I saw, from eyes that were not mine. And I felt, with a fear I could not reason.))
The fact that Dolly had guessed correctly was a testament to how well she knew her friend, though how Marceline reacted would be an answer delivered in the next few seconds. It could be a sweet reunion, a joyous occasion in a situation gone sideways on every level. It was the kind of reunion that selfishly, she wished for herself, but she knew that she would never have - and thank fucking god for that. As they'd left the cave, it had gotten hot, and Ariana had ended up putting her jacket inside of her duffel almost immediately. That she'd worn a tank top on the bus had been a small comfort, as her lack of sleeves meant that she wasn't sweating or exerting herself nearly as much as any of her companions.
But holy hell, it was hot.
Hell, indeed, seemed the appropriate place to call it, though the garden itself was truly quite lovely. Yet as she kept the Glock in her right hand, she wasn't enjoying the sights as much as she was scanning the area for other possible threats. None of the others had anything that could do much good unless in-close, and Dolly was obviously preoccupied for the time being. Rhonda started to cry - what else was new - and Ariana took a momentary glance back at Meka, who had been acting as her caretaker for the trip. That worried her a touch, but she knew that her own emotions would eventually emerge and she would have to deal with them.
Not now, though.
Uncharacteristically silent, she looked back at the girls in front of her and let the two have their moment, her eyes more focused on any movement in the area. Did she - no, that was nothing. A tree moving in the breeze. Hyper-vigilance was exhausting, but she knew that for their merry band it would be the difference between life and death.
Ariana firmed up her grip on the pistol.
No death for them, today. Especially not right now.
It was something right out of a movie, Ariana Moretti thought as her motley crew sauntered up to the garden area beside the temple. All that they needed was a sweeping score, a few conveniently-placed cameras and a fit of dramatic lighting and this could have been a helluva moment.
Goddammit, she allowed herself a smile as she came to a stop just behind Dolly. She'd been watching movies with Ross too long, he was starting to rub off on her. A pang of something sliced through her, and the smile fell away.
Right, shit.
((Ariana Moretti continued from And I saw, from eyes that were not mine. And I felt, with a fear I could not reason.))
The fact that Dolly had guessed correctly was a testament to how well she knew her friend, though how Marceline reacted would be an answer delivered in the next few seconds. It could be a sweet reunion, a joyous occasion in a situation gone sideways on every level. It was the kind of reunion that selfishly, she wished for herself, but she knew that she would never have - and thank fucking god for that. As they'd left the cave, it had gotten hot, and Ariana had ended up putting her jacket inside of her duffel almost immediately. That she'd worn a tank top on the bus had been a small comfort, as her lack of sleeves meant that she wasn't sweating or exerting herself nearly as much as any of her companions.
But holy hell, it was hot.
Hell, indeed, seemed the appropriate place to call it, though the garden itself was truly quite lovely. Yet as she kept the Glock in her right hand, she wasn't enjoying the sights as much as she was scanning the area for other possible threats. None of the others had anything that could do much good unless in-close, and Dolly was obviously preoccupied for the time being. Rhonda started to cry - what else was new - and Ariana took a momentary glance back at Meka, who had been acting as her caretaker for the trip. That worried her a touch, but she knew that her own emotions would eventually emerge and she would have to deal with them.
Not now, though.
Uncharacteristically silent, she looked back at the girls in front of her and let the two have their moment, her eyes more focused on any movement in the area. Did she - no, that was nothing. A tree moving in the breeze. Hyper-vigilance was exhausting, but she knew that for their merry band it would be the difference between life and death.
Ariana firmed up her grip on the pistol.
No death for them, today. Especially not right now.
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VoltTurtle
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Marceline felt her eyelids growing heavy as she sat, ready to fall asleep. As important as staying awake was, waiting around and doing nothing was really boring.
She began to hum a song to herself, tapping her finger against the ground to keep her rhythm. Despite her best efforts, however, she only grew more tired as she sat there, eventually closing her eyes completely and drifting off.
She didn't know how long she sat there, eyelids closed, leaned up against the statue behind her, half asleep. What she did know is that her eyes flew open the instant she heard her girlfriend's sweet, familiar voice say her name. Bolting up from where she was sitting and dropping her weapon to the ground, she wordlessly ran to Dolly's side. Embracing her and nearly tackling her to the ground in the process, Marceline held her tight to keep the both of them from falling over.
"I knew you'd come here!" She said, the elation in her voice evident to everyone around. "I just... know you too well."
Ignoring everyone else around them, Marceline pulled her girlfriend in for a kiss. It was sweaty, gross, and probably the worst kiss they had ever shared with one another, but considering the circumstances, it was the best kiss Marceline could ask for. For a moment, she had peace and tranquility, and nothing else needed to matter.
She began to hum a song to herself, tapping her finger against the ground to keep her rhythm. Despite her best efforts, however, she only grew more tired as she sat there, eventually closing her eyes completely and drifting off.
She didn't know how long she sat there, eyelids closed, leaned up against the statue behind her, half asleep. What she did know is that her eyes flew open the instant she heard her girlfriend's sweet, familiar voice say her name. Bolting up from where she was sitting and dropping her weapon to the ground, she wordlessly ran to Dolly's side. Embracing her and nearly tackling her to the ground in the process, Marceline held her tight to keep the both of them from falling over.
"I knew you'd come here!" She said, the elation in her voice evident to everyone around. "I just... know you too well."
Ignoring everyone else around them, Marceline pulled her girlfriend in for a kiss. It was sweaty, gross, and probably the worst kiss they had ever shared with one another, but considering the circumstances, it was the best kiss Marceline could ask for. For a moment, she had peace and tranquility, and nothing else needed to matter.
Dolly's prediction had been correct - both the one about Marceline's whereabouts, and the one about getting tackled. She caught Marceline around the waist as they collided and accepted the kiss. It was messy and honestly rather terrible, but Dolly's heart buoyed. When she pulled away, what was left of her lipstick had smeared across Marceline's mouth, and Dolly breathed out a soft giggle at the sight.
It really hadn't been a stretch that she would find Marceline here. They'd wandered cemeteries before. Had the conversation, "Isn't this a bit morbid?" "Yes, but it's also beautiful."
"I'm glad you're here," she said, voice muted. "And that you're- okay." 'Okay' was a tricky status, but for now? For now everything was as close to okay as it ever would be again.
It really hadn't been a stretch that she would find Marceline here. They'd wandered cemeteries before. Had the conversation, "Isn't this a bit morbid?" "Yes, but it's also beautiful."
"I'm glad you're here," she said, voice muted. "And that you're- okay." 'Okay' was a tricky status, but for now? For now everything was as close to okay as it ever would be again.
"Art enriches the community, Steve, no less than a pulsing fire hose, or a fireman beating down a blazing door. So what if we're drawing a nude man? So what if all we ever draw is a nude man, or the same nude man over and over in all sorts of provocative positions? Context, not content! Process, not subject! Don't be so gauche, Steve, it's beneath you."
Being a man with a love of poetry, Meka had to find the reunion between Dolly and Marceline to be quite touching. Considering these two girls in eclectic fashion and appearance were reuniting in an overgrown garden near a temple, he couldn't help but think of all the sort of phrases he would use to compose a poem about this moment, comparing Marceline's hair to some nearby flowers, or comparing Dolly to one of the sculptures that lay around. It wasn't until the girls kissed that he suddenly lost his train of thought. He wasn't the kind of guy to get embarrassed around queer people, but he was mostly surprised he never considered that Marceline was Dolly's girlfriend, and not just her friend.
He looked around to Ariana and Rhonda to see how they were reacting, then back to the girls. He simply raised a hand and waved at them.
"Hey, Marceline," he said. "How's it going?"
Meka wasn't sure what would change now that they found Marceline, but it at least meant it was possible they could find people they knew if they really dug deep into their knowledge of them. At the very least, it meant that they had more people to hopefully increase their chances of survival.
He looked around to Ariana and Rhonda to see how they were reacting, then back to the girls. He simply raised a hand and waved at them.
"Hey, Marceline," he said. "How's it going?"
Meka wasn't sure what would change now that they found Marceline, but it at least meant it was possible they could find people they knew if they really dug deep into their knowledge of them. At the very least, it meant that they had more people to hopefully increase their chances of survival.
Rhonda didn't know what to do. That was okay, right? She wasn't important. They were in love and they were reunited, and whatever Rhonda could contribute was...well, she couldn't.
She sniffled a little and wiped her face. She fanned herself a little, trying to cool down, but stopped when she considered how silly she might seem, to be fanning herself like a 19th century lady with the vapors or whatever.
She crossed her arms, and she observed. That was about all. She was a witness, a bit character in this scene, and she was fine with that. She smiled, just a little.
She sniffled a little and wiped her face. She fanned herself a little, trying to cool down, but stopped when she considered how silly she might seem, to be fanning herself like a 19th century lady with the vapors or whatever.
She crossed her arms, and she observed. That was about all. She was a witness, a bit character in this scene, and she was fine with that. She smiled, just a little.
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Yugikun
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Her desecration had not been noticed. Marcy and Dolores’ reunion remained unimpeded. A smile — warm, toothless — crept across her face.
And even better — the other three had realized the importance of this moment. Other than Emeka’s worthless question, they had stayed silent, done only to watch the two as they found one another once again. There was... a sense of fulfilled curiosity as well as happiness for seeing this — truth be told, Roxanne had never seen Marcy interact with her girlfriend all that much. It was interesting to see what they were like, in a situation such as this. It made her happy to know that they were more than happy and she was glad — despite the best efforts of the other three — that they were not interrupted, that their happiness would not be undercut by someone trying to talk over it. They would understand... something to a level Roxanne hadn’t, yet. Something she could only hope to replicate.
...
Silence fell. The embrace looked as if it were about to end. Perhaps now was best to come in, congratulate them herself, talk to them at a time where it was actually appropriate to talk. She took a step forward, then another. Her mouth stayed shut as she walked onto the scene, gazing at all five, but keeping it at Marcy and Dolores, hoped they would not return it.
And even better — the other three had realized the importance of this moment. Other than Emeka’s worthless question, they had stayed silent, done only to watch the two as they found one another once again. There was... a sense of fulfilled curiosity as well as happiness for seeing this — truth be told, Roxanne had never seen Marcy interact with her girlfriend all that much. It was interesting to see what they were like, in a situation such as this. It made her happy to know that they were more than happy and she was glad — despite the best efforts of the other three — that they were not interrupted, that their happiness would not be undercut by someone trying to talk over it. They would understand... something to a level Roxanne hadn’t, yet. Something she could only hope to replicate.
...
Silence fell. The embrace looked as if it were about to end. Perhaps now was best to come in, congratulate them herself, talk to them at a time where it was actually appropriate to talk. She took a step forward, then another. Her mouth stayed shut as she walked onto the scene, gazing at all five, but keeping it at Marcy and Dolores, hoped they would not return it.
Ariana couldn't help it, a smile had crept upon her face as she watched the reunion between the two lovers. It was sweet, the kind of thing that in these fuck-off impossible odds could give a person the chance to forget about impending doom. It was something pure, something happy. What was happy to any of them anymore? An emotion that was more of a memory. Something to be remembered, but no longer felt. It reminded her of how she'd felt just before she'd gone home before the trip. When he had given her the wonderful gifts.
Hands instinctively going to the locket around her neck, Ariana found herself clutching it to her chest. Thinking too hard about what she'd left behind was going to unbalance her, which they couldn't afford right now. Dolly had found Marceline, and they were happy. For right now, that was enough. Meka and Rhonda had - mostly - observed the same respectful silence that she had. Not wanting to stare or start idle conversation, Ariana looked around the area once more. There wasn't a whole lot of cover in what was basically a graveyard, and so sticking around was probably a great way to become fertilizer for this lush area. Maybe they could head towards-
"GUN!"
Her voice boomed through the area before her mind caught up with her body. Acting on instinct, Ariana took three steps forward and one to the left, positioning herself directly in front of the embracing couple, reaching back and pushing them back behind her towards the others. Raising her arms, she pointed the Glock at the approaching girl. Anna Herbert, if memory served. She knew her in passing, she was no one to be worried about.
The shotgun she carried, on the other hand...
Ariana didn't want to be jumping to conclusions, but if she didn't, she knew she might regret it. The hairs on her arms stood on end as her adrenaline started pumping. This was real, this was really happening. She was pointing a fucking gun at someone. Ariana thumbed the safety off.
"Hi Anna," her voice was friendly but still firm. Ariana wasn't fucking around. "Nice to see you, under the circumstances. How about you put that gun away, huh?"
Was it aggressive? Maybe. She bet her companions probably wouldn't approve.
They'd approve less if they were dead.
Hands instinctively going to the locket around her neck, Ariana found herself clutching it to her chest. Thinking too hard about what she'd left behind was going to unbalance her, which they couldn't afford right now. Dolly had found Marceline, and they were happy. For right now, that was enough. Meka and Rhonda had - mostly - observed the same respectful silence that she had. Not wanting to stare or start idle conversation, Ariana looked around the area once more. There wasn't a whole lot of cover in what was basically a graveyard, and so sticking around was probably a great way to become fertilizer for this lush area. Maybe they could head towards-
"GUN!"
Her voice boomed through the area before her mind caught up with her body. Acting on instinct, Ariana took three steps forward and one to the left, positioning herself directly in front of the embracing couple, reaching back and pushing them back behind her towards the others. Raising her arms, she pointed the Glock at the approaching girl. Anna Herbert, if memory served. She knew her in passing, she was no one to be worried about.
The shotgun she carried, on the other hand...
Ariana didn't want to be jumping to conclusions, but if she didn't, she knew she might regret it. The hairs on her arms stood on end as her adrenaline started pumping. This was real, this was really happening. She was pointing a fucking gun at someone. Ariana thumbed the safety off.
"Hi Anna," her voice was friendly but still firm. Ariana wasn't fucking around. "Nice to see you, under the circumstances. How about you put that gun away, huh?"
Was it aggressive? Maybe. She bet her companions probably wouldn't approve.
They'd approve less if they were dead.
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VoltTurtle
- Posts: 1545
- Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2018 4:10 pm
- Location: Dreamland
Marceline held Dolly close to her, yet just far enough apart for them to look into each other's eyes. She raised a single finger in Meka's direction, as a signal to him that now was not the time to talk to her. She had the most important person in her life to talk to, right now, and everything else was secondary. "I'm glad that you're okay too," she whispered, as she ran her fingers through Dolly's hair, not caring for anyone besides her to hear what she had to say. "Or at least as okay as we can be in this fucked up situation. Now we just have to make a plan and-"
Marceline stopped talking, her gaze quickly shooting over to Ariana when she heard her shout. It didn't take long for her to notice that a gun was now being pointed at one of her best friends, and it took even less time for her to react. Without thinking, Marceline broke away from her girlfriend's embrace, dashing to the confrontation and shouting "Hey woah, calm the fuck down!" as forcefully as she could manage. "Ariana!" she continued, "Roxy is in my band! She's my friend! Don't point a fucking gun at her!"
This was absolutely one of the worst possibilities that she could have imagined for how this situation could have gone. She got to meet up with her girlfriend after worrying about her, and then someone from her girlfriend's entourage decides to try to start a gunfight with one of her best friends. She wasn't going to let this happen, she couldn't let this happen. Glancing back and forth at the two of them as she put herself between them, Marceline extended one arm in each of their directions, hands signalling for them to stop.
Even though she had just walked into one of the most dangerous places she could possibly be in under the current circumstances, she didn't feel any fear. She needed them to know that she was not going to let anyone get shot, and everything else, including her own emotions, was secondary.
"Roxy don't- don't freak out. It's okay!" She exclaimed, craning her head towards her bandmate, unsure of how true that actually was. "Ariana isn't going to shoot you, just... don't raise your gun or anything, okay? Everyone stay calm, we're all friends here. Nobody is going to get hurt."
Marceline stopped talking, her gaze quickly shooting over to Ariana when she heard her shout. It didn't take long for her to notice that a gun was now being pointed at one of her best friends, and it took even less time for her to react. Without thinking, Marceline broke away from her girlfriend's embrace, dashing to the confrontation and shouting "Hey woah, calm the fuck down!" as forcefully as she could manage. "Ariana!" she continued, "Roxy is in my band! She's my friend! Don't point a fucking gun at her!"
This was absolutely one of the worst possibilities that she could have imagined for how this situation could have gone. She got to meet up with her girlfriend after worrying about her, and then someone from her girlfriend's entourage decides to try to start a gunfight with one of her best friends. She wasn't going to let this happen, she couldn't let this happen. Glancing back and forth at the two of them as she put herself between them, Marceline extended one arm in each of their directions, hands signalling for them to stop.
Even though she had just walked into one of the most dangerous places she could possibly be in under the current circumstances, she didn't feel any fear. She needed them to know that she was not going to let anyone get shot, and everything else, including her own emotions, was secondary.
"Roxy don't- don't freak out. It's okay!" She exclaimed, craning her head towards her bandmate, unsure of how true that actually was. "Ariana isn't going to shoot you, just... don't raise your gun or anything, okay? Everyone stay calm, we're all friends here. Nobody is going to get hurt."
Ah.
Well, she'd expected something like this to happen sooner or later. Sooner had been more likely.
Marceline broke away from Dolly's grasp and rushed to plant herself between Ariana and their interloper. Anna, or Roxanne, as she preferred. Dolly's fingers twitched with the instinct to reach after her, but her feet didn't follow at the same speed. Unfortunately, the pause in movement had given Dolly's feet enough time to embrace the fact that they were really beginning to hurt. When she stepped forward, she had the slightest limp.
"Ariana," she followed up in the wake of Marceline's outburst, "it's okay." She glanced back towards Emeka and Rhonda, unsure if they were going to intervene as well. Looking back to Ariana, she did reach out, but didn't touch. Her pulse was elevated.
She was awake now.
Well, she'd expected something like this to happen sooner or later. Sooner had been more likely.
Marceline broke away from Dolly's grasp and rushed to plant herself between Ariana and their interloper. Anna, or Roxanne, as she preferred. Dolly's fingers twitched with the instinct to reach after her, but her feet didn't follow at the same speed. Unfortunately, the pause in movement had given Dolly's feet enough time to embrace the fact that they were really beginning to hurt. When she stepped forward, she had the slightest limp.
"Ariana," she followed up in the wake of Marceline's outburst, "it's okay." She glanced back towards Emeka and Rhonda, unsure if they were going to intervene as well. Looking back to Ariana, she did reach out, but didn't touch. Her pulse was elevated.
She was awake now.
"Art enriches the community, Steve, no less than a pulsing fire hose, or a fireman beating down a blazing door. So what if we're drawing a nude man? So what if all we ever draw is a nude man, or the same nude man over and over in all sorts of provocative positions? Context, not content! Process, not subject! Don't be so gauche, Steve, it's beneath you."
Meka smiled a bit as Marceline raised a finger to his comment. She clearly wanted to savor the moment with her ladyfriend a bit more, and for that, he could understand. He'd want the same bit of space if he was with someone he loved. He could give them that moment if they needed it. They could discuss strategy later.
Unfortunately, someone else didn't want to give them the space they needed. Ariana cried out about a gun and moved out. Soon the lovers were moving too. Meka stayed back and put himself in front of Rhonda. He didn't have much to protect her from a gun, but he knew Rhonda was probably worse off than him emotionally, so he could at least try to protect her.
From the sounds of it, it was a friend of Marceline who had just wandered in. Roxanne. Meka didn't know her too well, but it sounded like she wasn't someone really dangerous. Obviously, there had to be a degree of suspicion for everyone once they wound up in SOTF, but Meka really hoped Roxanne was just a relaxed girl who wanted to stick with her bandmate, her bandmate's girlfriend, and three of the girlfriend's traveling companions.
"Uh, yeah, let's just take it down a notch," Meka added. "No need to do anything we'll regret later."
Unfortunately, someone else didn't want to give them the space they needed. Ariana cried out about a gun and moved out. Soon the lovers were moving too. Meka stayed back and put himself in front of Rhonda. He didn't have much to protect her from a gun, but he knew Rhonda was probably worse off than him emotionally, so he could at least try to protect her.
From the sounds of it, it was a friend of Marceline who had just wandered in. Roxanne. Meka didn't know her too well, but it sounded like she wasn't someone really dangerous. Obviously, there had to be a degree of suspicion for everyone once they wound up in SOTF, but Meka really hoped Roxanne was just a relaxed girl who wanted to stick with her bandmate, her bandmate's girlfriend, and three of the girlfriend's traveling companions.
"Uh, yeah, let's just take it down a notch," Meka added. "No need to do anything we'll regret later."