InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "i'm all wet, can i come in?"

Serena DeSoto (grease_monkey) wrote in kings_ransom,
@ 2008-02-24 21:24:00

Tuesday
Who: Serena and Kesh
When: After the Meeting
Where: The Beach

The meeting had been over for a while, and Serena wanted to get some sun. She hardly ever left the ship, and she didn't go topside as often as she should. She just felt pale lately. So, she sped around her room, pulling on her polka dot bikini and grabbing a towel, sandals, tanning oil, sunglasses, sarong and tank top. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her black and white bikini and then tying the black sarong at her hip. She pulled the white tanktop over her head, slipped her feet into some black flip-flops and left her hair down and loose. Satisfied with the way she looked, she rummaged through her closet until she found something to put all her stuff in.

Licking her lips, she threw all her stuff into a shoulder bag and headed out the door, locking it behind her. She paused outside her door for a minute before she made up her mind. She had enjoyed the time she spent with Kesh yesterday, and wondered if she would be pushing her luck to see more of him today. She headed for the rooms and found his fairly easily. She stopped in front of it, then changed her mind and turned around, heading back the way she'd come. Then, she talked herself into it again and turned back around. She was going to be dizzy if she didn't knock it off.

She stood in front of his door and took a deep breath before she lifted her fist and rapped softly on the door. She bit down on her lip as she waited for him to answer. Of course, she couldn't be sure it would be him who answered. Didn't they all bunk with other people? She'd never had to, and she probably ought to feel bad about that, but she didn't. She took a step back and leaned against the wall in an effor to look nonchalant when the door opened.

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tarnished_aegis
2008-02-26 04:07 am UTC (link)

After departing Serena's quarters earlier, their time having been cut short by some sort of meeting, Kesh had returned to his quarters and tried to delve back into the latest book. 'Tried' being the key word there, after scanning the same page four times and realizing he still hadn't actually read anything , Kesh put the faded bookmark back in and gave up. His mind was elsewhere, really still reeling from the timid but determined kiss Serena had planted on his cheek when she left. He had been left in the hall like an shy schoolboy, but quite happy she didn't turn back to see his shock and slight blush.

So he had settled into his tiny cot, head propped against one wall and feet nearly touching the opposite one. Good thing he wasn't any taller! He was engrossed in reflection, the woman who's company he had just left, possibilities of them, their powers, why he was so wrapped up in the thoughts, and... why was his room so damn small in comparison. He looked about and stretched, finding that he was able to touch all four walls at once with some effort. He shrugged, really didn't need much more... didn't own much.

The sound of footsteps outside brought him out from his thoughts. Coming... going... coming... pause... then a knock. Odd, most people just bounded up and knocked, if they knocked at all that is. Curiosity and intrigue overrode his usual shooting of 'Enter' in response. Instead he stood, not bothering to put a shirt back on and opened the door. Kesh blinked rather quickly when he saw Serena leaned against the wall outside his quarters. His mouth opened once to say something but words failed and he quickly pulled back to just a smile before getting out. "Hey, I was just thinking..." He stopped himself, not wanting to seem pathetic. God she looked amazing, standing there in... swimwear with beach goods in hand. "Please, come in..." He smirked and looked back into his room. It was as usually, spotless but still nothing like her quarters. He looked back to her with a warm smile. "Unless you have other pressing engagements" as he nodded to her bag.

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grease_monkey
2008-02-26 04:35 am UTC (link)

Serena smiled when he opened the door. And her smile widened when she saw that he was shirtless. The man really was in great shape, even without the usual diet of food and drink other humans needed. She pushed off the wall and watched the shock and surprise pass over his face. "Hey. Thinking...? That's unusual." She grinned, teasing him slightly.

As he stepped back and invited her into his room, she stepped forward into the doorway. She took a look around the room and her jaw dropped. She looked at his door and saw the painted number there. She frowned and her brow creased. She lifted her hand and pointed toward the number there. "You know, I distinctly remember making this room a storage closet. I thought it confusing that you had a room I didn't remember." She looked at the door a little more closely and saw the holes in the wood where the plaque reading "Storage Closet" had been.

"Who assigned you to your room?" She looked perplexed and stuck her head in the room and looked around before stepping inside. His room was so small it was ridiculous. "I can't believe you haven't complained about this. Haven't you seen anyone else's rooms?" She turned around in the room and crossed her arms over her chest. "I can't believe you've lived in this little space for so long. We have to get you into a normal room." She looked at him. "Unless, of course, you enjoy living in a closet?" She grinned again and held up her bag.

"I wanted to go to the beach. Care to join me?" She smiled invitingly, even flirtatiously. She wanted him to come along and didn't really want to leave the ship without him. She would if she had to, but she enjoyed his company and wanted him to go with her. Relaxing before a heist was just what she needed.

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tarnished_aegis
2008-02-26 10:01 pm UTC (link)

A pretty good body was one blessing to Kesh's ability. There were no dietary concerns for him, no watching what he ate ect. His body consumed energy and only what it needed, there was no real storage of excess in any form. Combine that with the fairly good insulation properties of his shield and his body had no need of much body fat at all. He laughed softly at the tease, "Ya, it happens sometimes... hurts though."

He smirked and rolled his eyes at the confirmation that his quarters were indeed non-standard. Yup, not always the sharpest tool in the shed. "Apparently a real comedian" He replied back. Ya, he knew the guy... and would get back at the twerp later. "Other than yours, no. Just stayed hole'd away to myself or lounge in the common areas. Figured new people got smaller rooms." He shrugged, "Should have known something was up with the guy's sarcastic response to my strong request for private quarters." He chuckled and looked between the room and Serena, "Well, it is private quarters... and keep it clean is a snap. Plus it came with a mop!" His eyes twinkled with good humor.

"I don't think there is a thing in this world that could prompt me to turn you down. Just let me grab my things?" That smile was not lost on him and only fueled his desire to be around her more. He took his Hawaiian shirt from the hook on the wall and slipped it on, leaving it hanging open. He pulled the footlocker from under his bed, quickly dialed in the combination and opened it just enough to grab a towel from the top. Locking the box back he slid it back beneath the bunk and looked about for a moment. His board shorts doubled as a swimsuit well enough and he considered sandals but really, didn't need them. So towel and shirt... he was set. He closed and locked the door to his closet behind them and smiled to Serena. "Ready?" as he extended his hand, offering to carry her bag.

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grease_monkey
2008-02-27 01:25 am UTC (link)

She laughed softly when he turned around and made fun of himself right back. "I'll bet it does. Though, it would seem nothing could hurt you." Lounging against one of the walls of his room, she marveled again at how small it was. She couldn't imagine herself living in a room this small. But, he didn't seem to to mind it so she shrugged. "Long as you're comfortable. Have you got something to hide that you requested a private room so strongly?"

She eyed him playfully as he got dressed, pleased that he was going to go with her. It would be more fun with someone along and she knew she'd be the source of envy of a lot of women. She admired his physique and knew that others would, too. She watched him lock his footlocker and smiled again. "You don't trust people, do you?" It wasn't until Umbra came onto the ship that she started locking her own door.

She walked out the door and waited while he shut and locked it. "Yep, as ready as I'll ever be." She handed him her bag and walked down the hall with him toward the deck. She descended the plank to the dock. She turned toward him and pointed toward the beach. "This way."

She hooked her arm through his and walked toward the beach. "So.. any reason you need a towel?" She'd noticed him carrying it and wondered. Yesterday, the grease had flown off his finger when he'd wiped it from her cheek. Seemed to her water would do the same thing. But maybe it was to put on the sand to sit on? She tilted her head slightly and waited.

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tarnished_aegis
2008-02-27 05:12 am UTC (link)

Kesh chuckled then shrugged with a mischievous grin, "Perhaps. Or maybe I'm actually soft and squishy under my hard shell." He just smirked at her questioning of his secrecy. He was a private person for the most part. Side trait of being a loner was not trusting people, or was that part of the cause of his status... either way really though. But no, he had no great secret or prize packed away; just habits of his life.

"Keeps honest people honest" as he tapped the padlock. "But no, not really. I don't know probably not the healthiest attitude but people start at the middle of my scale until the prove where they belong." He shrugged and smiled to her. It was the truth, hard as it may sound. Been too many places and seen too many things to just hand out trust in humanity.

He followed just behind her through the narrow corridors, not ashamed at the amount of time his eyes spent on her rather than the surroundings they passed through. A beautiful woman indeed, and one proving more interesting and appealing as time continued. Had to pay attention on the plank though, didn't feel like tripping and landing who knows where and making an ass of himself.

He smiled warmly as she took his arm on their way to the beach. When she asked about the towel he grinned before replying, "Never read the HitchHiker's Guide? Always bring a towel." He looked to her, his grin dropping to just a smile as he admitted to the full truth, "Seems like the normal thing to do when going to the beach, needed or not." There was a reason he owned only one towel and it appeared nearly unused.

He noticed a good looking spot on the beach for them and slipped his arm about Serena's waist to lead her to it. Judging the spot satisfactory, he tossed the towel down as open as he could and set her bag on it followed quickly by his shirt. He stretched for a moment, enjoying the feel of sunlight radiating against his shield. Then smiled and turned to her, his hand resting on her side once again. "MMmmm.... good suggestion Serena. Thanks for inviting me along... should have grabbed my water wings though" He teasingly tacked on.

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grease_monkey
2008-02-28 03:56 am UTC (link)

"Soft and squishy, eh?" She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "We'll just have to find out, won't we?" She gave him a sidelong glance and raised a brow, grinning.

His explanation of his mistrust of most everyone was reasonable. As long as everyone started in the middle, she was fine with it. She trusted perhaps a little too easily for her own good, though.

As they reached the beach, he answered her question about the towel with one of his own. "Hitchiker's guide? No. Never heard of it." She grinned, but it faded just a bit when he said it seemed like the normal thing to do. She felt bad for him, that he had to do "normal" things to fit in.

She watched him set up the towel and place her bag. She pulled her own towel out of the bag and layed it out next to his. She sat down on it and removed her sandals, setting them next to her in the sand. Pulling her bottle of tanning oil out of her bag she held it out to him. "Would you mind getting my back?" It was so cliche, but it was impossible to do it herself. If she had been given the ability to stretch her limbs rather than telikinetic power, she might have been able to, but such was not the case.

She pulled her tank top over her head and put it in a small pile at the head of her towle then turned her back toward him and pulled her hair over her shoulder, exposing her neck and back to him.

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tarnished_aegis
2008-02-29 05:27 am UTC (link)

"Ah, well it's a rather entertaining tale of a guy having to hitchhike across the galaxy due to a chain of circumstances. Besides being useful for all sorts of things, they say always have a towel. Because a guy with a towel obviously isn't a freeloader... he came prepared for whatever, I mean... he even has a towel." Kesh smiled and shrugged, wanting to divert the pity he saw flash in Serena's eyes. He didn't want that, especially from her. He was alive, can't ask for much more than that; anything else is a bonus.

He smirked and shook his head a tad as he took the bottle of oil. "Mind? I imagine if I didn't say yes there would be a horde here in under a minute begging to do such." No doubt, he had already seen envious eyes shift towards them. And cliche or not it was universally effective.

Kesh poured a small pool of oil into his cupped palm and spread across her shoulders before beginning to massage it in. The warm energy from his shield warming the oil as he did so. He took his time, making sure not spot went under appreciated. Partially because he was a bit compulsive, but mostly because he wanted the excuse to touch her, and in no half-assed manner. "So what was it that convinced you to escape from the ship for the day? I hear you usually spend most your time onboard." As he worked from her shoulders, down her back and slowly across her sides. His fingers rubbing and kneading gently along her tender skin, breaking only to get some more oil when needed.

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grease_monkey
2008-03-02 05:21 am UTC (link)

"Sounds like something I'll have to read." She grinned and watched him. She hadn't meant for the pity to move into her eyes and she wondered if he'd noticed. It was really not even so much that it was pity, just that it was too bad people judged other people. If no one cared, he wouldn't have to act "normal". Her smile faded slowly, as she turned and pulled her hair over her shoulder, exposing her back to him.

She was pleased that he didn't turn down her request for assistance with the oil. She was sure some other yokel would have done it, but it wouldn't have been as great of an experience. Nibbling her lip, she tipped her head down slightly to give him the best access to her back. When he began to massage the oil into her back, she knew it had been too long since she'd seen a masseuse.

"Well, I don't get off the ship much because we usually have to be prepared to leave quickly. Just in case one of the crewmembers takes it upon themselves to risk the rest of us. In this case, no one should be stupid enough to do that. Not with the job we have to do tomorrow. Plus, the day is pretty nice and we are in Hawaii. I don't get to go to Hawaii every day, you know. And, as far as the job itself is concerned, I thought it was about time I participated. I've only been in on one or two since the ship came into being and it might be a long time before I participate in another, so I thought this would be a good one." She shrugged her shoulders slightly.

When he was finished, she took the oil back and applied it to the backs of her legs and arms. She lay down on her stomach with her arms down at her sides, her face turned toward him, sunglasses on. "So, you seem to like the ship okay. Other than the situation with your room, are you liking the people alright? You seem to be friends with a few of them, anyway."

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tarnished_aegis
2008-03-02 06:54 pm UTC (link)

Though her head faced away from him, he saw the movements in cheek suggesting she was biting her lip and Kesh couldn't help but grin. He might not be able to feel their contact, but she could and he did want it to be enjoyable for her. In that regard at least, he was generous for others. But at the same time , perhaps selfish for his motives. Couldn't enjoy the sensation, only the knowledge of a good performance.

His attention was drawn back in full as she spoke. He chuckled softly at the thought that some crew member could cause trouble that might prompt a expedite departure. Wonder who was the worst at that? Could be any number of them, Cap't especially. He continued to massage in the oil as she went on, enjoying his proximity to her and the ... well whatever it was he could sense from her. He still hadn't been able to put a name or label on it, but whatever small sense he did get... it was enough to be distracting.

"All true enough. I suppose I start getting a boxed in feeling after being on a ship for too long straight. Gotta get out and prove I'm alive ya know? Guess that's part of why this outfit seemed so alluring. Ship full of mutants, sailing about, heisting whatever and harvesting energy. Sounds like a good life to me." He smiled and winked to her.

After she took the bottle back he laid back on his towel, hands under head starting up at the sky. Well, really head cocked to the side enough to watch her fingers slide across her lean legs and arms. He was engaged in watching her enough that it took a moment to process she had asked him something. His usual aplomb manner always seemed to fail around this woman. "The ship? Yes... I think I can safely say it is my favorite residence of yet. I've been in all manners of places, but nothing holds a candle to the King's Ransom " He smiled to her softly, " And yes, the people are are intriguing as the ship. Not sold on that shadow the Capt'n seems to covet. But the rest of the crew..." he trailed off to just a warm smile and a nod. He had to be careful, starting to feel attached to the ship and crew. It was starting to feel like... a home.

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grease_monkey
2008-03-06 04:03 am UTC (link)

She smiled in response to his answers. "I'm glad you're comfortable on the ship. It's important to me." She wasn't sure exactly why. Maybe vanity for the very simple fact that it was her ship and she wanted people to like it. But, perhaps for another, deeper meaning. She gave him a crooked smile, watching him closely from behind her sunglasses.

He was really one of the most attractive men she'd ever had the pleasure of keeping company with, but it was his personality that held her intriqued. He was not one to trust easily, was very private, but also loose with compliments and very accomodating. He was a puzzle, and one she intended to piece together.

"That shadow, Umbra, right? I can see the attraction Nate has to him. He's a walking contradiction. Male with a feminine appearance and so small that Nate's inner workings would definitely feel compelled to take care of him, protect him, yadda yadda." She shrugged as she lay there, face down, on her towel. "I haven't talked to Umbra, so I hope he works out alright. Nate doesn't usually make mistakes with who he brings aboard, so I'm sure it'll be fine."

"So, is this your first time in Hawaii?"

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tarnished_aegis
2008-03-06 10:43 pm UTC (link)

Probably the warmest smile he had given in awhile curved his lips as he looked to her after the response, "Is it?" He looked at her for a long moment; feeling drawn to, attracted to, and all the while scared of the beauty beside him. The draw and attraction he could understand, hell anyone still breathing could understand. But why the hesitation? He actually felt enough trust with this woman he barely knew to be willing to open up some for once. Was that it? Was it fear of rejection... or worse, acceptance? Wouldn't that be a change... feared, rejected, outcast, shunned. All the things Kesh and most other mutants learned to live with. But Kesh had learned to thrive on it, to offer something else...

"I assume that to be the name. Only had a glance of an icecube and they don't tend to talk back much." He shrugged to the rest, "Perhaps, and you know the Captain far better than I. I just know that when I catch someone trying to steal from me I seldom welcome them with open arms.... less red carpet and more of the closed fist type of ceremony. Ya know? But, I'll trust in your assessment of the Captain's judgment." His rolled to face forward, staring at the sky above. Too bad his shield didn't work as sunglasses. He smirked in thought for a moment, it blocked out enough UV's to keep him from getting burned... wonder if he could learn to control it enough to be actively useful and not just reactive to inputs.

"No, been here a couple of years ago. When I first struck out on my own decided to get out and see what I could find in the world. Started spiraling outward geographically to new places." He laughed softly at the thought, "Then... less of a spiral and more of random bouncing from place to place" He turned to look back at Serena. "And what of yourself? Where have you found yourself traveling to?"

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grease_monkey
2008-03-08 05:23 am UTC (link)

"Nate knows what he's doing. He took you aboard, afterall." She gave him a cheeky grin and then laughed softly. "I'm kidding. But he really is a good judge of people. We're not exactly the culmination of morals, the King's Ransom." She shrugged a little, watching him. His smile tugged at her belly. How was it that a mere smile could practically turn her to jelly? They must have made quite the pair there on the beach.

"I've never been to Hawaii. This is my first time. Another reason I wanted to get off the ship. Not very often I get to spend time on the beach with a handsome companion." She gave him another sly smile before she went on. "We have been to several places, New York, California, Alaska, South Africa... Usually it doesn't last more than a few days before we move on though. It gets riskier the longer we hang around. Too many people come snooping."

"Of all the places you've gone, where's your favorite?" She hoped that she wasn't being too intrusive. She just wanted to know all she could about this guy. She had only really started talking to him, but she almost felt like she'd known him forever.

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tarnished_aegis
2008-03-08 09:43 pm UTC (link)

Kesh laughed softly and eyes twinkled as he looked to her, " Are you sure using me as a reference is such a good thing?" Truth, perhaps not good. But not so bad either. Kesh might be a bit of a scoundrel, but he was good enough to not get caught. Or at least not bring others down with him as well. And his disposition and morals really did seem to fit right in with the rest of the crew. Well, save for Viv... she seemed far and away the most respectable of the bunch.

He rolled onto his side to face her as she continued, his head rested on a bent arm. Their faces now just inches apart. The rest of the people on the beach seemed to melt away leaving just the two of them there. He wanted to reach out and touch her, kiss her, something... and not to have that damned shield between them. Was that off the mark? She had pecked his cheek when she had to leave before, couldn't misinterpret that could he? And why the hell was he thinking about this, never had in the past... just followed instincts. To hell with it, he reached over and combed his fingers through her hair as she delivered the compliment. Some witty retort started to materialize then vanished in a poof before he could let it out. Instead he was left with just a soft smile.

"Favorite? Lots of choices I suppose. I don't know about a favorite place... but a favorite trip for sure. Shortly after I ran off, I did the whole 'Rebel without a cause' thing. Bought a beaten up motorcycle and took off across the country. Did some odd jobs here and there to buy gas and then headed off again. Saw a good chunk of the US that year. But I guess if I had to pick a place.... Deal's Gap. Tiny town in North Carolina, has a stretch of road called the Tail of the Dragon. Three hundred some odd turns in just a couple of miles. Beautiful place, great drive." He smiled and nodded, content with his pick.

"Yourself? And so you're not the only one asking questions. favorite past time?"

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grease_monkey
2008-03-09 12:26 am UTC (link)

If his smile could cause her to turn to jelly, his touch seemed as if it could turn her into a puddle. As his fingers raked through her hair, her eyes closed momentarily and she entertained a brief vision that entirely put her to shame and caused a blush to form over her baking skin. She caught her breath and could do nothing more than smile weakly in return. He continued to speak so casually, as if he was unaware of his effect on her. And indeed, he probably was.

When she felt as if she must breathe, or pass out, she decided on the former and slowly released her air in as inconspicuous a manner as she could manage. She could barely make sense of what he was saying, feeling lightheaded from the unintentional witholding of her breath. She did catch most of it, however, and after a moment was able to piece it together enough to nod. "It was probably more fun on the back of a motorcycle than in any other vehicle. I'm not familiar with the area, is there a speed limit or is it like the autobahn in Germany?" It sounded a little dangerous to her, but exhilerating that the same time.

"I'm not sure if I have a favorite place, either. I am enjoying Hawaii immensely so far, though." She smiled crookedly again and willed his hand to make another pass through her hair, feeling grateful for the foresight she had to leave it down. "I think that perhaps one of the most memorable, however, was Manchupichu. It was so beautiful. And the locals were wonderful. The food wasn't bad, either." She smiled and turned on her side, then sat up. She had decided it was time to turn over and bake on the other side. She took up her suntan lotion and began to apply it to her legs, stomach, chest and arms.

When she had finished, she lay down and closed her eyes against the brightness of the sun. "Past time? You can't guess?" She laughed softly and turned her face back toward him. "Tinkering, mostly. I like to invent, build, fix. I like to work with my hands. Asside from that, though, I like what any other girl likes. Shopping." She grinned and bit down on her lower lip. "I know... not most men's cup of tea."

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tarnished_aegis
2008-03-09 08:05 pm UTC (link)

Kesh's face softened as he watched Serena relax beneath his touch. The slight blush was barely noticeable in the bright sunlight, but he caught just a hint of it. The extent of his affect on her however was missed on him. He was too fixated on touching her and the effect she had on him to fully appreciate the impact he had on her. Were he truly observant he might have noticed her breath being held, how would he have taken that?

He laughed softly at the mention of speed limits. "Oh, there are definitely speed limits and they are quite low. But laws only apply to those worried about breaking them." A bit of mischief danced across his face. "Plus, it's not like I ever have had much concern on a bike. Actually I used to love to scare people.... act overly drunk, jump on a bike naked and lay it over on purpose. Then just walk away." Ya, he could be a real ass when he felt the urge.

He watched her as she spoke and marveled a bit as she urged his hand through her hair again, a feat which he happily engaged in. His fingers sifted through her hair like it was fine silk and a thumb brushed against her cheek before his hand settled on the crook of her neck. As she sat up he shifted to lay on his back once again, staring up at the blue sky. "Sounds like a nice place... will have to make a point of going some time."

Kesh chuckled at not having guessed a mechanic's favorite way to pass the time, then groaned at the mention of shopping. "Must be something genetic with women..." He turned his head to look at her with a teasing grin. "So, other than the wondrous ship that we sail about in, what are some other inventions of yours?"

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grease_monkey
2008-03-10 12:34 am UTC (link)

As the sun beat down on her exposed skin, Serena relished the feeling. Her dark skin had grown pale during her time on the ship, in the underbelly away from the sun. It felt so good to lay there in the warm sun and just bake. It was only made better by the company that lay next to her. When she found his hand was once again running through her hair, she leaned into it, closing her eyes. She felt the absence of his touch immediately and almost regretted her decision to turn over.

"You have a rather sick sense of humor. Crashing the bike isn't enough, but you had to do it naked?" Not that she would have passed up the opportunity to see that, but she could see where a bystander would freak out after watching a naked man crash. She cringed inwardly just thinking of the skin that the road could shave off a body being dragged across it. She sometimes wished she had the ability to heal rapidly. She'd had to deal with skinned knees, cuts, bruises and broken limbs in the past. It always humbled her when she hurt herself, reminding her of her mortality and the fact that any day could be her last.

"I'm not sure all women are born with the need to shop, but I certainly was." She chuckled softly and raised herself up on her elbows. "I really can't see Viv as much of a shopper. I think she only does it out of necessity, not because she likes it. A lot of the time I don't even get to do the shopping myself. I usually have to order ahead from a catalog if I know we'll be within range of one of my favorite stores, and then have someone else pick it up." She shrugged as if it really didn't matter much, but she really did miss riffling through racks of clothes and trying things on.

Right now, however, she was content to lay on the beach with Kesh. She hadn't even thought of shopping until he asked about pasttimes. In all reality, she would rather hang out with Kesh than shop any day. One of these days, she might make him go with her, though.

"I created a more fuel efficient and powerful engine for my father's rig several years ago. I've made a few devices that allow us to get an internet connection no matter where we are in the world. The containers we use to process the lightning are mine,too." She shrugged. Those were just a few of the things she'd done. "What are your pasttimes? Other than scaring the hell out of innocent people?"

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tarnished_aegis
2008-03-12 03:06 am UTC (link)

He chuckled and nodded, "It has been said before, yes. And of course, laying a bike over just makes people cringe. They don't freak out until you do it naked." He grinned a sadistic smile. Yup, a real ass when he wanted to be.

He shook his head playfully at the thought of shopping and let out a soft sigh. "No, I can't say I can see her spending the day going through the galleries either. I do think I can see you sorting through the latest fashions. Trying things on, making store clerks and models envious. But, should you ever need someone to go along with you... I may groan a bit, but if you can tune that out I'd be good company. Or delivery boy" He could stomach shopping to be in her company. And seeing her in a variety of outfits could be very intriguing.

He watched and nodded, the slight widening of his eyes showing he was indeed impressed. "Looks, brains, and humility is there anything you lack?" He smiled in flattery. Everything she mentioned as being just run of the mill hardly sound as much. And while Kesh was no mechanic he knew the things she talked about so casually were not common run of the mill items.

"Me? Nothing so productive or useful to society. Just whatever the moment brings around. Surfing when around oceans, hiking in the mountains, cliff diving in ravines, museums and such in big cities. Just trying to get out there and live the moment I suppose. Oh, and of course cause mischief or scare innocents when possible" he winked and grinned at her.

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grease_monkey
2008-03-14 12:41 am UTC (link)

She shook her head at him. His amusement at frightening innocent people was clear, but it didn't make her like him any less. It was just one of the things that made him seem more human than the ethereal being he appeared to be here, nearly naked on the sand beside her, the sun beating down on the pair of them.

"Yeah, I tend to spend hours looking through racks and piles. I have a penchant for shiny things, especially if they're on clothes." She grinned deviously when he admitted that he would be good company if she ever took him shopping with her. "I'll remember that." She laughed softly, tipping her head back, causing a cascade of dark hair to fall onto the towel beneath her. She'd have to be sure that she tried on some very slinky stuff for him. She grinned, just imagining the scenario.

She snorted slightly when he flattered her once again, and shook her head, turning it away from the sun so that she could look at him. "I lack a lot of things. But, if I list them off, you might not be so keen to spend time with me." She winked at him and lowered herself back onto her towel, raising her arms to cross them over her forhead, shielding her eyes from the sun.

"Adrenaline junkie, huh?" She chuckled. "You can afford to do those types of things, though, I suppose. Not me. Believe it or not, I'm afraid of heights." She laughed at herself. "I know, being that I created the ship we fly on, it seems strange. But if you'll notice, I never go near the edges while we're in the air." She shrugged as best she could with her arms folded over her head. "Museums, swimming, skiing, stuff like that I can handle. Long as I'm on the ground." She smiled sheepishly.

"What kind of jobs have you had in your life?" She licked her lips a little and then reached into her bag for a stick of balm. She smeared it on and rubbed her lips together, then looked over at him, waiting for his answer.

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tarnished_aegis
2008-03-15 11:51 pm UTC (link)

Yes, Kesh had a twisted and sometimes sick sense of humor. Spawned partially because he was a male, and partially because of the detachment he felt with society. It was easy to find humor or mocking in their short-lived sympathy's. Sympathy's that were offered so long as they thought you one of them, and revoked the moment a difference was found. Ya, it was easy to laugh at their expense.

"Hours?" he he bit his lip to stifle a groan. What had he just volunteered himself into? "Guess I can't say too much. I've 'wasted' great periods of time just sitting somewhere thumbing through a book. But to each their own so long as they are happy right?" He smiled as he watched her hair cascade and pool against the towel. A short breath escaped as he was mesmerized watching her, the sunlight glowing on her skin, the curl of her lips in laughter. He liked this woman, so far everything about her, even the way she made him feel. "Perhaps, then again... perhaps not. That's part of the fun and adventure though isn't it? All things in good time... though I do want to learn all those little things about you." He returned her wink.

A heart filled laugh followed her comment about heights. "Creator of an airship is afraid of heights?" He snickered and shook his head," I suppose now is where I should have a moment of bravado and say that I'll save you from them or something. But I still go squish like everyone else after a hard fall. So no heights, check."

"Jobs, oh lets see. Really I think if you can name it's I've done it. Short order cook, a bad one at that. Construction, stunt driver, played in a band for awhile. Really, just whatever I stumble across worth doing that can pay..." Distracted, watching her lips as she dressed them in balm was almost drove him to kiss her right there. Almost... ah to hell with it. He leaned over and softly pressed his shielded lips to hers. His fingers brushed through those dark locks as he slowly pulled back. "Sorry... I just couldn't..... " he smiled softly down at her and shrugged. "You are far too tempting and alluring of a woman Serena."

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Part 1

grease_monkey
2008-03-16 12:38 am UTC (link)

Serena had a hard time sympathizing with Kesh. Not that she didn't, she just didn't have the same experiences he did. Her mother had been killed by their own kind, spawning a hatred of them in her father. Because Serena's mutation was something she controlled, and not something outwardly noticeable or visible, she had never suffered for it in her childhood. She'd never been teased, taunted, beat up or anything of the kind because she was different. It was probably because a lot of people didn't know. Her own father didn't know. But, when she was in college, she revealed it to people, and they seemed to accept it. Whether it was because she was helping them commit crimes, or because she was pretty, or because she was likable, she didn't know. But she had never suffered persecution from anyone, and didn't know what it would be like. Horrible, though, she could imagine.

She cackled slightly, wickedly, when he groaned over the hours she spent shopping. "Don't worry. I won't make you go unless you want to. And I won't spend too long. Besides, who knows when I'll get off the ship next. Huh?" She shrugged her shoulders and watched him. He was fun to be around. She often got so caught up in her work that she forgot how to have fun. She concentrated so hard to make sure that things ran smoothly and that there were no problems with the ship, that she rarely interacted with the people on the ship besides Nate. She always talked to him, mostly to report back to him any problems or needs the ship might have. Still, she knew that she wouldn't be able to rely on his company. Not with Umbra on board. Nate had practically closed himself off with the little shadow mutant for the last three days. She couldn't really blame him. When you found someone you enjoyed, you stuck to them. Like she was doing with Kesh.

She really hoped that she wasn't stifling him, or making him feel caged in. She tended to do that without realizing it sometimes. "Yeah, pathetic, I know." She shrugged her shoulders once again. It was only now that she realized just how often she did shrug her shoulders. It just seemed appropriate sometimes. Especially when she wasn't feeling all that sure of herself. She tilted her head when he mentioned that he went squish like everyone else. "Really? Your shield doesn't protect you? I thought that the harder something hit it, the harder it reacted?" She raised a brow, curious that he could potentially succumb to a demise the same as the rest of them.

She laughed at all of his jobs. They were manual, nothing to do with how much he read or anything real intellectual. She certainly didn't think he was stupid, no... it just seemed like he took jobs he could easily leave. Office jobs usually required a little more dedication. "I've never really done anything other than tinker and dismantle cars, build things and stuff like that. It's all I've ever really done." She laughed softly. "Never really thought of doing anything else, to be honest. I don't know if I could do anything else. Professional shopper, maybe." She grinned as he finished his oration.

She could not have been prepared for his kiss, even if she had been warned in advance. She stiffened at first, and then after the shock of it wore off, she relaxed and leaned into the kiss. His magical fingers were again raking through her hair and she felt as if she'd float off the earth and rocket into outer space. When he drew back, she opened her eyes from their dreamy half lidded state, and lifted her sunglasses. "Ahem, yes. Quite the alluring one I am." She laughed, feeling foolish and tilted her head to look at him more closely. "If the words didn't sound as if they fit someone more feminine, I would say the same for you. Although, I think the word delicious sums it up a little better."

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Re: Part 1

grease_monkey
2008-03-16 12:38 am UTC (link)

Good Lord, she couldn't believe she'd just said that out loud. It was alright to think it, silently, in her head. But it was not alright to blurt it out like there was no control over her mouth. Horrified at herself, she lifted her hand to her mouth and bit down on her lip. Squinching her eyes closed, she tipped her head down. "So..." she drew out the word until she could think of something halfway intelligent to say. "All ready for the job tomorrow?"

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Re: Part 1

tarnished_aegis
2008-03-16 01:46 am UTC (link)

"Yup, really" He nodded. "My shield protects me from a great many things and yes the harder the impact the harder my shield feels. But, it still gets reacted against my body." He smirked and thought for a moment, "Imagine being in a suit of armor. A punch doesn't hurt at all... bullets would break some ribs probably. Fall off a cliff, body still takes too hard of a shock even if the armor is alright. Make sense?" He shrugged this time, "No-one is invincible, certainly not me. Just a bit tougher than others perhaps."

Disposable jobs, a perfect description. Something he could easily walk into and away from with no baggage or loose ends. Do something for awhile then go off to find whatever seemed new and interesting at the moment. He did read, a lot actually on all subjects. But, knowledge doesn't always translate to intelligence. Application of that knowledge, and the will to use it formed intelligence and wisdom. While not a moron, neither of the latter requirements were Kesh's strong points. Instead he tended to take the intellectually lazy way around things, and not apply himself. "Please, I'm quite sure someone who can build a airship could do most anything she set her mind to." He smiled softly to her.

A colored flush set over his cheeks. He hadn't really thought anything past his initial desire to kiss her, and her response caught him off guard. He chuckled softly trying to fight off the blush she had caused in him. "That is a new one." He smiled but didn't retreat from her despite her squished face of regretting something. She had leaned into the kiss and her eyes had said it was welcomed. So, regret of something she said? He hadn't caught anything off. His fingers continued to toy through her hair and then across her cheek and neck wanting to soothe any concern she had. Soothe her, yes. And touch her still for himself.

His shield shimmered slightly, almost unseen in the direct sunlight. He stared at the point of contact between the two, perplexed. There wasn't enough pressure to cause his shield to color itself... so why was it? Because of him, because of how he was feeling with Serena. Because of Serena, her ability? Or just the combination of them there on the beach. Question on the end of a drawn out word, what was it. Oh, "The job? Sure... bust up some equipment and do whatever is needed past that. Should be a good time." He smiled, "Looking forward to working with you. And you are ready for your part I assume?" The job was really the absolute last thing on his mind. Had Serena not said something, Kesh would have remained captivated by her. Having forgotten there was a world past their beach towels.

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grease_monkey
2008-03-16 06:59 pm UTC (link)

She nodded at his explanation. "Yeah, that makes sense." She thought for a moment. "So would the ground crack, then?" She was trying to wrap her mind around the idea of the armor and thought it would have to be made out of the toughest material in existence. "So, what's your shield made out of anyway?" Maybe he didn't even know, but she figured that a lot of doctors had performed tests on him and might have shared some of their results.

She shrugged. "I'm not so sure about that. I might be able to do something, but I'm not sure I would be able to it well." She really hadn't tried many other things, mostly because she only wanted to do what she liked. She was a little closed minded that way.

She really did feel kind of stupid, but his fingers lingered in her hair and ran over her cheek and neck. It did soothe her and she relaxed again. There was something so calming about Kesh. His touch was different from anyone else's. There was no roughness of fingers, just a smooth warmth that rolled over her skin like marbles. She smiled at him and sat up.

Crossing her legs, she sat forward. Her arms rested on her crossed legs as the subject changed and they began talking about the job the next day. She nodded, "Yeah, I'm ready, I think. It's been a while since I participated in a job, but I'm pretty sure I can handle it." She gave him a crooked smile and shrugged again.

"I think I'm done baking." She reached into her bag and pulled out her tank top and her sargong. Pulling her tank over her head and tying her sarong around her hips, she shoved her suntan lotion into her bag and tilted her head. "We could grab some dinner before we head back to the ship if you want? Or maybe Mag has some stuff prepared in the galley. What do you think?"

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tarnished_aegis
2008-03-18 03:07 am UTC (link)

He watched her face as she churned over ideas and tried to figure him and his abilities out. Quite an endearing look about her as she did so really. "Well, never tried it. As many risks as I do take, I generally know I can walk away from them. But I would imagine it would be like a 160lb rock smacking the ground. As far as what it is..." He smirked and scrunched his nose as he thought of how to describe it. "Best any were ever able to tell, it's some sort of energy that my body puts off. It's not actually anything solid or material. Just a force I put off. Seems to be the reason nothing gets through it." That really was the extent of his knowledge of his shield. Labcoats were always interested in it though, especially in trying to replicate the effect but seldom in their subject.

"I have no doubt you can hold your own. I can picture poor unsuspecting and unnamed guards being flung about the halls with just a flick of your fingers." He chuckled picturing the scene. Wasn't used to thinking of the females of an outfit being the muscle. Quite the sight it would be to watch. After he was done with the generators of course. Now that would be fun, a nice snack and creative destruction! Plus a little thievery and all done in good company. A great day it was sounding to be indeed.

Kesh just smiled softly as Serena dressed again. Though Kesh was a simple guy and liked getting to see skin. Serena was breath taking, bathing suit or clothing, it didn't matter. "I'm sure Mag's dining is delightful, but as you've said. You don't get off the ship that often. Lets see what the locals have to offer. I'm sure the atmosphere will be a bit better than the ship." He winced realizing that might have come out somewhat insulting to her creation. "I mean, don't get me wrong. I love the ship, but seeing things outside of it are always refreshing." He smiled and shrugged sheepishly as he slipped his shirt back on, stood and offered her a hand up. "So, before I stick my foot any further into my mouth.... how about that meal?" He smiled warmly and walked them towards the rows of shops and eateries.

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