America Chavez is one of a kind! (msamerica) wrote in marvel_prep, @ 2015-12-06 23:05:00 |
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America hadn't been into an arcade before but she'd eyed them more than once. It was one of those days, on a casual stroll with Karolina when they'd started to pass by one - that happened to keep drawing America's attention - that when Karolina noticed how distracted the bruiser kept getting (clearly picking up on the interest, and reservation that America had for the situation as it completely derailed from what they had been doing) and suggested that maybe they should check it out. America had been a little hesitant but with some gentle prompting had agreed to satiate her curiosity. Which, clearly, the only solution was to investigate the arcade. This particular location they'd found was dimly lit with flashing lights and a ton of noise, but seemed to have a pretty extensive collection of games to play. The machines lined the walls and wrapped around the open floor space developing a maze of games, and people playing them as far as the eye could see. This was probably something Jubilee would love, and if it weren't for the fact of the high level of noise America thought she might enjoy this more herself. Maybe if they came back another time, earlier in the day... Though America's hesitance didn't dissuade Karolina at all as the bruiser found herself willing to venture deep into the pit of games and noise at Karolina's lead. With game tokens acquired there was no lack of selection of things to do, and quickly America found herself embroiled in a series of cooperative and competitive games with Karolina, which - as Karolina seemed to be okay with the situation - caused America to calm and begin enjoying herself significantly as well with a smile forming easily. Eyes were careful though to measure if this was bothering Karolina at all, if she wasn't into this America could always come back later by herself but.... That didn't seem to be an issue. Which was a relief. However, her girlfriends state of enjoyment wasn't the only thing that had caught her eye and America's attention kept drifting away when she thought the other woman wasn't looking trying to suss out precisely what she could do about the machines that seemed to hold prizes that one could win. It had taken a bit to time it just right, but through casual observances America finally found a game she thought would work well for what she wanted to accomplish, and the situation presented itself to try the game out as Karolina excused herself to the restroom. A quick kiss was taken and America gestured towards the area she'd stay in so that her girlfriend could find the bruiser easily upon her return. Taking a moment to assure Karolina was out of sight America beelined towards the claw game and popped in the appropriate tokens. Thankfully, it looked as though some of the toys had already been loosened up and America set to work. First try? Failure. And she shifted, looking displeased and glancing over her shoulder to assure Karolina wasn't headed back yet. Second try? Another failure. A few curses were muttered in Spanish as determination streaked across her face, damn it. She was going to win this game. Thankfully, the games were surprisingly quick so hopefully, she'd still have enough time before the other woman got back.... Video games had never really been Karolina’s thing, but she knew enough about how to play them from spending time with her friends. She wasn’t very good, and frankly, America was able to pick up on it rather quickly, enough that she was dominating her in competitive play after only a few goes on various machines. It was good, in a way, that this wasn’t Karolina’s thing because her focus was honed in on making sure her girlfriend was having a good time. That was really what was keeping her entertained through their play. She’d noticed America could be guarded at times, and by necessity had to take a more observational role in the activities they did together. It was nice to see her girlfriend having fun participating in something. She’d taken a break to the restroom and had touched up her makeup a bit before making her return. She was surprised to not find America by the game she’d left her at, but the other girl hadn’t wandered off very far. She couldn’t help the smile on her face as she watched the bitty bruiser take a shot at the crane game. Waiting for one more failed attempt to finish, Karolina wrapped her arms around the other girl’s waist. “I hate to break it to you, but these games are kind of fixed…” America had been so entrenched in the game that she hadn’t even noticed Karolina’s return, and startled slightly when she felt the other womans arms. Thankfully, her girlfriend spoke and allowed for America to instantly calm. While the words were technically discouraging, the bruiser couldn’t help the smirk that settled across her lips as she shifted. “Some things don’t change between dimensions.” A hand reached behind her so that a finger could stroke along the side of Karolina’s face as she leaned back into the other woman briefly to steal a kiss. Breaking, America smiled. “And even with rigged games.” With the words a hand dug into one pocket to retrieve a couple more tokens that were popped into the machine. “They have to make it so you can win sometimes.” With that America’s eyes narrowed in on the specific item she’d been loosening up with her last few tries. The control was shifted into place over the item. “Otherwise people wouldn’t play it.” The button was pressed, the crane dropped and America found herself with her breath held for a brief second before the bear came up with the crane and carried over to the shoot that it was dropped in. Smuggly grinning America turned to give Karolina a brief look before bending over to retrieve the plush toy and offer it to her girlfriend as she leaned in for a kiss. “And I always find a way to win.” Karolina took the bear, grinning into the kiss. “I should never have doubted you,” she cooed, hugging the bear to her chest. She really adored America’s indomitable will. Sure, it mostly manifested itself in actions like not giving up on games clearly rigged to get your money, but it was nice to know that for all the other girl had been through, she didn’t allow herself to be totally jaded. It was a relief to know that if things ever looked bleak, there was someone by her side who could find a sliver of hope. “C’mon, let’s go see if we can trade in any tickets at the prize booth for a kazoo or something.” The bruiser hadn’t even realized that her hands had slipped into the star formation while looking upon - with a certain sort of all encompassing elation and spiritual reverence - the foilage and water of Lake George until Karolina said…. Something. America had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she hadn’t even really caught what the other woman had said. Just enough was picked up on to pull her back down into reality, and she couldn’t help but feel a little out of place, a little uncomfortable with the curious look from Karolina after some comment or another about her hands. An uncomfortable, and forced smile was given - America was trying, she really was - and a hand reached up to rub at the back of her neck. “Lo siento.” The words were muttered as America’s eyes shifted away, the air given off had a hesitance to it, and it was unintentionally littered with touches of insecurity. “Distracted.” Another attempt at a sheepish smile was given, but the bruiser still seemed a bit thrown off. Karolina blinked, immediately noting some discomfort from her girlfriend. That simply wouldn’t do. She stepped closer to the other girl, wrapping her arms around America’s waist. There was a distinct chill near the water, which Karolina hated, but the scenery was unspeakably beautiful. She could almost see what people were going on about when they tried to explain the awesomeness of changing seasons to Los Angelenos. “What’s on your mind, babe?” She wasn’t going to outright ask about her girlfriend throwing up quasi-gang signs. Not yet, at least. America deserved a moment to think about whatever it was going on in her brain. Karolina really only wanted to listen and know if she could help. The trip out here was supposed to be baggage free—something fun to participate in that was in a neutral territory. No Runaways, no Stark School, no SWORD, no punch happy friends. Just the two of them in a place neither of them had been before. “If you need a distraction from your distractions, I could probably help with that.” There was some wickedness in her words, but firstly, she wanted to make sure that America was okay. America’s hands shifted, flowing along Karolina’s arms before coming to rest over the other woman’s hands, and the bruiser leaned back slightly into her girlfriend. This was okay. There was nothing to run from, no need to hide, no need to knee jerk away from conversation, nothing to...Eyes shifted closed for a moment as a deep, slow inhale was taken. “Stars are important where I come from.” A weak - but sincere and mildly haunted - smile arose. Eyes opened as America raised her arm so that star outline tattoo on her right wrist was clearly visible to Karolina, surely the other woman would have noticed that long before now along with the star necklace and the fact that the theme regularly appeared in her clothing, but.... “They’re….” America’s brows knitted thoughtfully for a moment. “Almost holy symbol like.” A slight frown pulled at her lips. “They’re not a holy symbol… It’s like… Reverence.” Clearly from the look on her face America wasn’t entirely sure how to explain this, but she was trying. “They’re powerful where I’m from.” The frown remained, no these still weren’t the right words. “It’s important.” Really, that was the best she had as most other words were failing her terribly now. America’s eyes shifted, a long lingering look settling over Karolina before they shifted over the landscape they were surrounded by as well. Whatever had swirled through her head while looking over Karolina seemed to remain stuck in her head even as eyes settled elsewhere. “This is important.” A hand rested over one of Karolina’s again as the words were spoken giving it a squeeze as America’s gaze remained looking out over the lake. Karolina wasn’t entirely sure she followed what America was saying, but then, faith in something bigger than herself was never something her parents had instilled in her. She supposed that was all wrapped up in their hubris. They’d taken and taken and taken from their home planet. They’d gotten away with it, escaped to a whole other world ready for the plundering. They’d fallen in with a powerful crowd. And even from the few scant moments of insight she had into who her parents were, she could tell that they’d never exactly been the type to appreciate the stars. Which was crazy considering the things that Brand had taught her about Majesdane. “The planet my parents are from...it sits really close to a star. They treat that like a big self-defense mechanism. There’s tougher races in range of them, but that big white star protects them from a direct invasion. And I get most of my energy from the sun. So I guess they play a big role in my life too.” She glanced once America’s shoulder, looking down at where she could see just a tiny corner of the tattoo America had showed her. “But if I’m being honest I thought the star tattoo was just a fashion choice.” She grinned before turning her head to press a soft kiss against America’s temple. “What was the hand gesture about?” She wanted to know these things, and she trusted her girlfriend to say if there was anything she didn’t want to share. "Somewhat." America couldn't help the passive smile, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Call it a fashion choice with meaning." Maybe a nod to a legacy would be a better explanation of the situation than not. Though... Then there was the remaining question about the hand symbol, and America's brow knitted slightly. “Stars are a major motif of home.” There was a faint hesitance as eyes scoured the horizon before them. “These colors remind me of it too.” A beat as America shifted, pressing her weight back into Karolina. “Blast from the past.” The words were a bit lower, haunted memories and maybe even the faintest hint of remorse playing at the edges of the words. “Where I’m from is very colorful. Filled with heroes and stars.” There was another pause as she considered the proper answer. “The hand symbol is connected to my world, our history, a way of showering respect, a way of…” Brows furrowed. “A way of representing an important symbol of our lives.” A beat and America shifted, slowly letting her hands form the symbol again before raising it so that Karolina could get a good look at it. “It’s a star.” A beat. “This place reminded me of my dimension, and I guess…” A weak smile. “Old habits die hard.” She raised the star shaped hand symbol with a half shrug before letting her hands fall out of it. “I don’t expect you to get it.” A beat. “I can’t explain it well. haven’t been back to my dimension since I was six.” The bruiser had dropped hints about how long ago she’d left her own dimension, but had never outright admitted how long it had been since she’d been there to Karolina. Saying it outloud felt weird. Hell, admitting to herself that she’d spent more time on the run between dimensions then being raised was still gave her an odd sort of cognitive dissonance even now. “That was a big decision to make when you’re so young,” Karolina noted, circling around to look America in the face. She was starting to see the bigger picture here. “I think it’s a beautiful sentiment...to stop and respect the place you’re in.” She stepped forward, taking America’s hands in hers. “I know this isn’t home….I know that. But I hope it can have its moments. I know you’ve seen all kinds of things traveling all kinds of places. I think I can show you some more things worthy of your respect.” She offered a shy smile, drawing America back with her as she walked along the lake shore. “We could grab some leaves while we’re here. I hear they can make some nice decorations and they keep a little while.” There was little she could do for America’s homesickness other than trying to make this universe as appealing as possible. A little part of her was starting to worry that it might always be a problem. America shifted, interlacing her fingers with her girlfriends, and gave Karolina's hand a slight tug to make the other woman turns towards her so that she could catch and hold Karolina's gaze with the next poignant and heartfelt words. "You always remind me of the beauty this universe holds." There was a signifcant amount of amusement, and a touch of glee written across America’s face as the video finished. With her arm wrapped around one of Karolina’s with their fingers intertwined, her body cuddled close to the other womans, and one leg hooked around one of Karolina’s America shifted, pointing across the computer screen with her far hand to indicate which video in the sidebar that her eyes had landed on. “What’s that one?” There was the faintest hint of excitement trailing in the tone of her voice, something almost childish and vulnerable hiding just around the edges as America settled comfortably back into cuddling up against Karolina. “Oh my god,” Karolina squeaked, somehow even more excited than America as she made a move with her free hand to click on the video. “How have I not showed you any Hannah Hart? She’s like queen of the internet lesbians...her regular stuff is better but this ok.” She let the video play through, grinning at some of the goofier jokes in the sketch. She let out a sigh when the video finished. “God sometimes I think I just need to move back to LA where all the cool people are.” The New York tv, film and modeling scene had been good to her, but there were all kinds of opportunities available to her on the West Coast. Of course, she had made the call long ago to stay for her friends, and now she had another good reason to stay. “Mark my words, America. Someday I will be on My Drunk Kitchen. I have to make it to the legal drinking age first, but then bam! Here, I’ll show you one of them.” She clicked to start another video. “No…?” Clearly, America hadn’t a single clue who this person was or why they might be important. All she’d seen was the second of the video title that popped up in the sidebar and well, lesbians. Who wouldn’t want to watch something to do with lesbians? Though, the video in of itself was so ridiculous that America couldn’t help a chuckle here or there. However, as the video continued to play - while amusing - the bruiser couldn’t help but look somewhat confused as well. “Is telling if a girl’s gay really that big a deal here?” Clearly, America wasn’t getting the bigger picture here. “Hitting on girls isn’t that hard.” Admittedly, it’d always been sort of easy for her too. Maybe it was because she’d grown up with gay moms…. An eyebrow raised with a slight smile as Karolina commented on living location and made promises about where her career would go. “Why don’t you?” Obviously America didn’t recognize what the issue was with moving back that way, but regarding her wanting to be on the show.... “Not much longer before then, yeah.?” Now that she thought about it, she wasn’t exactly sure how old Karolina actually was. She had a general idea, but specifics? She’d never asked. Though with the next video being played her attention drifted back to the screen as she remained comfortably intertwined with her girlfriend. “Well no, not hard to hit on girls. But sometimes you don’t want to waste effort on girls who only like attention. Plus, America’s a little bit weird about talking about sex and sexuality so plenty of stuff is left to mystery,” Karolina shrugged. When America responded to the question about why Karolina wouldn’t move to LA, she was a little surprised. “Well, it’s just I have a life and people here. Molly’s still in school. You’re still in school. The people I can turn to for questions about my powers want me here for the time being. There’s...lots of things.” Her brow furrowed. “I mean, I guess I could be bi-coastal, but I worry I’d get lonely. Plus there’s some kind of crappy memories back home.” This was a familiar mantra, one that she repeated often to justify her staying in New York. She had no great love for the area, but there were a lot of messy emotions (good and bad) back in California. America gave a slight shrug, seemingly nonplussed regarding hitting on girls. Hell, she’d hit on Jen right off the bat, and Karolina pretty quickly too. They weren’t the only ones she’d hit on, but… Well, that was a different story. People liked what they liked, and it was just as easy to say no to someone. She knew how to take a hint. “I can fly.” The words were thoughtless once again. Clearly, she didn’t get the entire point Karolina was trying to make. However, at the slew of other points America nodded seeming to come around to what was being said finally. “Makes more sense for now then.” Then came the commentary about crappy memories and America couldn’t help the slight frown that drew at her lips. That was always one of the hardest things to face. A careful squeeze of Karolina’s hand was given before looking over to catch her gaze. “If you want to move back there,” There was a hesitation as the bruiser was thinking through her words. “We can make happier memories. I’m sure.” Karolina was going to remark that it was an awfully long way to fly solo, but America seemed to come to an understanding then that the complications from moving were just as emotional as they were logistical. She hadn’t anticipated any particular response from her girlfriend, but she had to admit that this one was cheering. “I think, no matter what, as long as we try to make the time we have together as happy as possible, then...it’s silly to worry about where I’m going to live. I’m here for now, and here’s awesome because it’s where you are.” She grinned, pressing a kiss to America’s lips. “You need to see Lil Bub. Immediately.” It seemed like a simple enough thing to do. Just go out, wander around together and enjoy spending time together meandering about. America had held a little hesitance to the idea of casually strolling through a section of store fronts with Karolina. Yet, it wasn’t due to any sort of resistance to being seen with the other woman, or even an issue of repressed homophobia as the bruiser had been more than happy to intertwine their fingers as they walked, or giving the other woman quick kisses between casual conversation or observations of the things around them. No, it was the simple fact that America had started to catch on to just how famous Karolina actually was, and the last thing she wanted to do was drawn undue attention to the other woman, or get their relationship to be some big news headline. Did she ultimately care if people knew? No… But she also wasn’t overly fond of involving people in her business. Regardless, it hadn’t taken long for those minor qualms to slip away as they walked and chatted. A hint of color caught the corner of her eye and America paused in her walking, turning to look at the display in the window as it reminded her she still needed to pick up gifts for a couple people stil…. Which…. "Do I need to get your friends gifts?" Even though almost everything America said came with a level of controlled consideration she felt like this question was a bit… blurted out at best. “For the holidays.” America cleared her throat, feeling a little awkward about the question now that she thought about it more. Why did this shit always seem to make sense in her head, but sound stupid out loud? “Oh no, no,” Karolina answered adamantly. “I mean, if you want to get them something small that’s your call, but I think anything more than that would be weird. You guys just met.” She made a face that showed how weird she thought that would be. “I’ll just bounce my Christmas gift ideas off of you and that can be how you participate.” She smiled cheekily at her girlfriend from under her disguise, which consisted of a fluffy winter hat and big sunglasses. She only wore it when in hugely public places. Even then, she sometimes chose to forego it, but today, it was an important part of keeping her girlfriend’s privacy in tact. “I’m not getting anything for your friends.” She shrugged, before slipping into the store America had been looking into. “Okay.” She’d let that go then. Maybe something small as a sort of peace offering. Not that peace needed to be made per se, but… It never hurt to make gestures of good faith to someone’s family. “Sure.” A slight smile rose as the idea for participation seemed likely best. “You don’t know my friends.” The comment was passive, more of an afterthought than anything. Karolina had only met Tabitha once, and quite frankly with how it had gone America felt like once was probably one too many times. Everyone else was… Well, might be considered sort of weird in Karolina’s eyes. Not that America was about to stop hanging out with them, but she also recognized that not everyone got along as easily with others as she did as well. Without thought the bruiser followed along, her eyes wondering over random pieces they passed by while entering the story. “Touche, but I—” Karolina cut herself short of saying she didn’t like the one of America’s friends she had met. That would have been rude. And possibly started an argument (even though she had every reason to dislike Tabitha.) “I guess there’s time to rectify that.” She picked up a black shawl, wondering if it was something Nico would like. “I can still help give my opinion on what to get. I have good taste.” She set the shawl down, feeling she could do better for her best friend. “You know what sucks about Christmas shopping? Getting distracted with stuff that you like. I’ve seen like twenty cute outfits I don’t need.” She laughed, glancing over to see what America was looking at. She wasn’t entirely sure what to get her girlfriend yet and hoped going shopping would illuminate some options. “If you want to.” America wasn’t exactly rushing to introduce Karolina to her friends after the mess with Tabitha, and her tone reflected that. Jubilee she was afraid of turning into a raging fangirl. Jen - if America ever saw her again - she guessed would have some sort of flirty comments to make which who knew how Karolina would react to that. Anna… Would probably be uncomfortable and Laura’s social skills… Well… They all had things that they needed to work on. America couldn’t help an amused noise at Karolina’s distraction as her eyes wondered over what the store had to offer. No one item was locked onto for in depth inspection, but each was clearly noted before moving on to the next. “Never seem to carry what I’m looking for.” Which was unfortunate. She was somewhat particular with what she wore and well… It seemed to be hard to find around this time of year. “Oh? What are you looking for? Maybe you just haven’t found the right store yet.” This was it. Karolina was going to find out exactly what America most wanted for Christmas, and then she would achieve peak girlfriend points. On the inside, she was doing a victory dance. On the outside, she kept her face studied and calm, looking merely curious like she was trying to give helpful advice. Someone needed to give her an acting award immediately. She gave another quick glance at what America had been looking at, trying to memorize everything the other girl didn’t want so that nothing would be left to chance. America couldn’t help the frown that pulled at her lips regarding Karolina’s words. She’d already looked in so many damn stores at this point it was getting painful to think how much more looking she’d likely have to do. Though, the fact that she’d carefully kept this topic off the radar since June had slipped off her mind as something distracted her for a moment and she started to examine it from afar hoping that maybe, just maybe.. “A jacket.” A beat before a frown crossed her lips and frustration trickled across her features at realizing what she’d been looking at wouldn’t replace what she’d lost. Though, then it all clicked together and America realized she’d slipped up, a low huff of air was released. “Been looking to replace the one I had since June.” There was another frown, this one a mix of frustration and temporary defeat acceptance on some level. “Think I’m out of luck until next July.” “Oh? Well what’d it look like?” Karolina was feeling so sly. Maybe it wasn’t just the acting. Maybe her spy classes were paying off. “I mean, I have a ton of fashion connections. I could let you know if any of my modeling contacts know where to get a similar jacket.” She shrugged, playing it so cool and nonchalant. “Or I can use my aforementioned good taste to help you find something else that’s not the same, but is equally cute.” She wanted to whip her phone out then and there and start texting her fashion designer friends—the ones who could make a jacket out of thin air in time for Christmas. Sure, she’d have to suck up and bribe to get it done quickly, but the thought of doing something really good for the girl who had saved her was too tempting to pass up. With the nonchalant tone of Karolina's words America felt a slight level of relief. At least there would be no conversation surrounding the other woman feeling bad about the jacket that had been lost saving her. Or America needing to explain the relevance of the jacket either. While she wasn't opposed to explaining, the bruiser didn't really want to get into all of that here and now. “Light colored jean jacket. Shoulders were red and white striped, with a patch of blue with white stars running down the arms. Pockets on the jacket breasts. Button up.” A slight shrug was given after the description. She could have described it even more in depth but… What was the point? “Doesn't seem like something stores would just carry.” And from everything she’d seen that statement rang pretty true so far. “I'll just find something to replace it with next year.” However that was enough of that for now. An eye slowly fell back to Karolina. She still wasn't sure what to get her girlfriend for Christmas even if she did already have ideas for Karolina's birthday and New Years. Hopefully, she'd get a good clue soon, If she could just find out something the other woman seemed like she couldn't live without…. Well, that would clearly be the perfect gift… “Anything else you wanna check out in here?” Karolina gave a final glance around before shaking her head. “This place kind of seems like a bust. Want to hit up the food court before we go to the next store?” She was sure America wouldn’t protest. “I feel like I have gift giving block, and if I don’t take a break I’ll never find anything for Nico.” She gave a long-suffering sigh. It was nice to be able to buy things for her friends, but it was kind of easier to think of what her friends wanted when the things they needed were more of the basic essentials variety. She hurried over to America’s side, taking her hand and lacing their fingers together. She dipped her head down onto the other girl’s shoulder for a moment before turning to head out of the store with her girlfriend in tow. |