An Egyptian Assassin
Thursday, February 1st
Alistar Bastet
Waking up slowly, the unknowing goddess stretched and yawned like a cat. Blinking slowly, she wasn’t sure what to do. She was tired but it was a rough month. It felt like so much had happened, but she didn’t think that was why she was tired. Briefly she contemplated going back to sleep. It was so comfy laying here in the bed. Nearly purring, she nuzzled her pillow and closed her eyes.
Drake Barlow
Drake would sleep well before waking up staring at the ceiling before looking to a sleeping Alistar beside him. Giving her a small smile he would get up and go to the shower enjoying the feeling of the hot water roll over his body. He still enjoyed the feeling of warmth since before he needed to wash himself with a cold rag. Getting finished, dried off, and dressed he would go into the kitchen and start making coffee. A phrase kept repeating in his mind and he would slowly nod before the coffee finished. He mixed it up like he knew she would enjoy before heading over to the room and placing the warm nice drink on the night stand. He wasn't going to wake her or bother he from sleep and knew she would let him know if she wanted him to cook something so for now he made some coffee for her to wake up to. The next thing he did was got back into the bed and just laid beside her just being near her without bothering her. It was peaceful and nice in this morning and Drake wasn't going to ruin this moment where the two were just relaxing in bed together. Drake would close his eyes and wondered what he should do today and if Alistar was willing they could spend the afternoon going on another not a date date with him. Drake wondered then where he would be or how far along he would be in getting better if he hadn't met Alistar. Would he have been far worse due to something the school would of done to him? Regardless of what he thought he knew meeting Alistar had been an important turn on his path to growing and now he was here laying with the woman he loved trying to think of ways to romance her and he actually found it fun. Drake opened his eyes and fixed their blankets so she was more covered and comfortable as she slept the smell of the coffee filling the air.
Alistar Bastet
The morning was a beautiful way to start her day. Drake had made her coffee and brought it to the bed, and then snuggled with her for a while. Normally she wasn’t one to laze about in bed, but that morning the mood had just struck her. Content to lay with him for a while and then have a small breakfast. Drake left somewhat early for his class, which was fine with her. She took her time getting cleaned up and changed, letting the school teleport her to her designated place.
As she arrived at class, the unknowing goddess looked around and observed people for just a moment. It was nice to take a slower approach to today. Waving to Toni, she blew the other woman a kiss with a wink. The two of them joked with one another now after meeting one day when Toni was training Drake. Alistar could tell that the robotic woman held no interest in Drake besides friendship. Which was odd to Alistar. Why did she care of other women held an interest in Drake? If anything, she should be happy for them to try and take him off her hands. Yet she found herself subconsciously growling and stroking the hilt of one of the many knives she had hidden on her.
Reading over Toni’s assignment, Alistar groaned softly. Why did the woman have to make her actually work? Looking around she saw someone she had heard about from Niels. Walking over to Thyra she grinned. ”Well hello! I’m Alistar. Would you like to partner up for this assignment?” Thankfully Thyra agreed, and the duo would be off. They settled on something with history. Which was a novel idea to Alistar, given how old she was. As the class went on, they would both discuss their own personal history and identified a few traits that were similar. Discussing potentially using one of those for their assignment, Alistar knew it would probably take at least another class or two before they could really nail down what they were going to do.
As class ended, Alistar gave Thyra her number, and headed off to Drake’s class. She would tell herself that she wasn’t waiting on him at all. Rather, she wanted to see what he was up to and who he was working with.
Class with Drake & Estelle
She approached soon after he scribbled down his list. But when he looked down at her... Well, this was undoubtedly going to be interesting. Her partner either was tired or really bored. The straight expression on his face had to be one of the two. Maybe that's just how his face was. Over time she'd learn a term people often liked to use. "RBF" to put it into plain initials. He could have an all-around resting face. Eventually, he took her hand and introduced himself.
Estelle gave him a nod as he stated his name. Even his voice was pretty monotone. She'd met worse people in her life. Now mentioning what they had to do next after finishing their lists. "Uh oh yes, the list. Here is mine," she said as she grabbed out a folded paper. He took her paper and she took his. Her green eyes looked over the words he wrote down. Before she could ask about his, he inquired about a specific item. "Well, there's only some I can do without it. But it's a small handful compared to the amount in the book. Plus with such a delicate nature, it's not something I'd want to mess up. Especially when it comes to new spells. Hopefully, I explained it in a way that made sense."
She looked down at the paper she got from him. It was bringing her attention back up to him with a question in mind. "So this dagger that is on your list. Is there any sort of significance for it? Seeing the other item on your list, could it be for camping? I have often used my own type of dagger, an Athane. But I'm sure it's for a much different reason than yours. So tell me, is it as simple as a camping tool or is it used mainly to defend yourself from something?"
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Drake would listen to her explanation before he nodded “that is understandable…magic from what I have gathered….is not something to be taken lightly.” he said before hearing her question about his dagger. “I think it's called a survival knife would be the one I would want to have….I read that they would most likely be the best to use in the situation I put forward….but if I couldn't choose then I would use the daggers I carry.” he said showing the sleek daggers he had on his person currently “since I believe they would meet whatever needs I would have out there. So both camping and defense.” he said calmly before nodding feeling happy with that answer but it didn't show at all on his face or appear in his tone. “So…were there other questions you had involving my list….I could not figure out any other things to point out for yours since it seems very reasonable to me.” he admitted to her and waited for her to respond.
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She listened as he explained about the map. Tapping her chin with her finger when he mentioned a bit more about the place. ”Ah so this place plays tricks on the mind. Yet, the effects can be very real. Almost like these tricks can indeed harm the body. Which would further explain the knife.” She had nothing more to say about it as he put the dagger away. Estelle took a moment to see if there were any more questions she had but came up blank. Though as it turned out, he had one last question. But it wasn’t in regards to either of their lists.
It was rather about the assignment. Curious if they were able to leave since they seemed to have finished rather quickly. She shrugged her shoulders before answering. ”I honestly, don’t have a clue. Perhaps we can? I mean, I don’t think there’s too much longer to this class timewise.” She wasn’t sure what their regulations were when it came to leaving early. Her usual assignments took the entirety of the time. Her gaze moved back to Drake as he asked another question. Inquiring about her desired whereabouts rather than class. ”I think most of us have other places we would like to be other than here, my dear.” He pulled his phone out and she turned away. Just so coincidentally at the same time when the bell would ring. ”Enjoy your upcoming company, Mr.Drake. It was a pleasure working with you. Perhaps we can again in the future.” Her head gave a small bow before taking her leave.
After class, she had no solid plans. Nothing on the agenda to meet anyone in particular. So she decided on a nice stroll to clear her head. Finding her way onto the path she took before. I wonder how Bunzo's class went.. she thought to herself. Putting her hands in the long black coat she shrugged off before class. During her walk, she saw two familiar faces. The neko and his otter who approached her in the same area. Her lips curled into a small smirk as her steps slowed. "My my, who is this I spot in what seems to be a recurring spot. Hello, Seimei and Owen of course. Always a pleasure." She said as her head bowed before meeting their gazes.
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Thyra Leon
The afternoon bell was to ring soon and Thyra wasn’t quite finished with her run. But nevertheless, she was forced to cut it short. Making time to return back to the dorm and shower up before class. Dressing in a simple black sweater and a pair of pants. She splashed cold water on her face before heading out the door. Thyra ran a hand through her hair as she made her way to class. Unsure of what to expect when she got there. She even wondered just who would be there. Hopefully, there were some interesting people. Otherwise, this was going to be a long afternoon.
Thankfully the run this morning was refreshing enough that she didn't quite care who she was paired with. Well, as long as they weren't overly peppy. That kind of personality was so annoying to deal with. Enough that it would give her a throbbing migraine. Stepping through the door, her eyes immediately looked around at those there. The others seemed alright enough. It wasn't too long after she arrived when she was approached. Judging by the woman, she had a similar aura to her own. With an introduction, she asked to partner up. "Yeah sure, why not. Call me Thyra." She replied with a slight shrug of her shoulders. Her attention glanced at the assignment and she let out a sigh. "Was hoping for something a little more action-filled. Beggars can't be chooser I guess."
After their clear dislike for the assignment, they eventually decided their topic would be history. When they began it turned out they weren't too different after all. Each comes from quite different background but each had its own struggles and similarities. She found herself having an interest in where Alistar came from and learning more about it. The time sure went by fast as the two worked. The next thing she knew, the evening bell would be ringing soon. They had exchanged numbers with one another. Then then the woman was off like she was in a hurry to meet someone? Thyra shrugged to herself and put her phone in her pocket. No evening plans that she knew of. So maybe she'd go off and train or something.
Drake Barlow
Drake would nod looking to his list “that map is important. I came from a place that….you couldn't trust what was before your eyes or where your vision would be hindered. Having a map and using it as a fact amongst uncertainty was something very important for my survival in that place.” he said as he would put the dagger away before looking back to his partner for this assignment “I think we have finished the assignment. I wonder if that means we are able to leave the class early or not?” he asked looking at his partner “Was there somewhere you would rather be than here miss Estelle?” he asked her, looking as blank as he had at the start of class, his mind wondering if the coffee he left Alistar had gone cold before she woke up. He was also going to ask if she would like to try a pie recipe he had just learned so pulling out his phone he sent her a text message asking how her morning was going.
To Alistar:
Dear Alistar, I wanted to ask how your morning was. Also, i have found a pie recipe i might cook tonight for our dessert after dinner.
from drake.
After that he would leave the classroom only to see Alistar standing there to his surprise. With a smiled he would walk over to her slowly wrapping on arm around her waist while his left hand came over to hold hers interlacing her fingers "Hello Alistar, I hope the coffee i made you was still warm." he said softly slowly leaning down and giving her neck a soft kiss before thinking about something "I am curious how you knew which class i was attending." he said smiling before slowly looking at her hair slowly running his fingers through her hair that she had down and over her shoulder smiling as he took a small tuft and gently took a whiff of her hair before locking eyes with her "Your hair smells lovely today...Rose hips and lavender suit you." he said looking instantly happier with her in his arms "so what has your day been like thus far?" he asked her not letting go of her.
Alistar Bastet
Waiting off to the side she could see Drake speaking with a woman, who she assumed was his partner for the class. The woman seemed polite enough. Amber eyes watched her leave before turning back to look at her phone as it chimed. Confused, she pulled it out to see who would be messaging her. Quickly reading over the text from Drake, the unknowing goddess rolled her eyes. She tried hard not to smile at his sappy text. Honestly, when did he get so sentimental? Pushing down the weird warm and fuzzy feelings that made her uncomfortable, she nearly jumped out of her skin when someone wrapped an arm around her.
Turning startled, wide eyes looked up at him blinking. He was lucky she hadn’t reacted and thrown him. However, a pale blush colored her caramel cheeks as she realized that her body naturally fit itself into his arms and she had leaned into him. What the hell was he doing? He wasn’t normally this forward and outgoing. Swallowing she glanced down at their hands. This gave the sneaky man just enough time and space to plant a kiss on her neck. Gasping softly, she shivered as goosebumps covered her skin. ”Drake! Yes, the coffee was amazing.” she squirmed slightly, completely thrown off by the way he greeted her.
Feeling his fingers run through her hair and seeing him sniff a lock of it made her blush darken. ”What in the world is going on with you?! Are you feeling alright?” she had no idea how to feel about what he was doing. On one hand it made her want to melt into him and receive more of the affection, but the more sane part of her mind, knew that it would be a terrible idea to do so. She couldn’t let his actions sway her. No matter how warm and fuzzy they made her feel.
Clearing her throat, she looked around wildly for a moment and cleared her throat nervously. ”I uh… Thanks? Class was fun. I actually came looking for a friend of mine. We’re going to hang out this evening. I just saw her leave, so I need to hurry and catch up. I’ll see you tonight, ok?” Giving him a quick peck at the corner of his lips, he would be able to tell she was flustered as she wiggled more to break free of his grip and take off after the woman, she had seen him partnering with. There must have been something strange that happened during class to make him act that way.
Quickly walking in the direction, she had seen Estelle go, Alistar finally caught sight of her with someone else. Walking up to the small group, she smiled politely to them. ”Hello! I’m so glad I caught you! I almost missed you.” she laughed as she glanced back at Drake and waved. Turning her back to him she glanced at the two with a sheepish smile. ”I apologize for barging in. I can head out after he leaves.” she laughed softly in a nervous fashion. ”Everything’s ok, he’s just acting a bit strange today.” she glanced at Estelle curiously. ”Were you in class with Drake?” glancing at the other two with Estelle, she smiled and nodded to them. ”I’m Alistar by the way.”
"Don’t act like you know me better than I do." he growled at the otter. Owen just took it in stride. He had long glanced at the hidden personality of the cat and he was determined to bring it forward. Both of them were interrupted at the sound of a familiar voice though and two pairs of eyes shifted to look at Estelle approaching them. Her Seimei knew at least and his ears had perked at the familiar sound. He smiled a bit and lifted a hand in greeting as they met midway. "Hello Estelle. I just came from class myself. It was in the forest today." he replied, explaining why he was in the forest again. Owen nodded and made a spin around the woman before settling next to her. ”And I was just exploring some while his butt was stuck in class. I don’t need to follow classes after all.” he chimed in and smiled at their friend. Seimei rolled his eyes.
"Then perhaps it is time I have a tight hold on you next time I’m teleported." he commented and looked at his companion. Owen stared at him before he shook his head. ”You wouldn’t dare!” "Watch me. Besides, you might learn something new." They bickered a bit but Seimei soon broke it, holding his hands up and sighed. He may have grown up as a pirate but he had not lost all his good manners. "Ahum. Sorry Estelle. Anyway, how was your class? Which class did you pick?" he asked their friend curiously, his ears dropping to a more relaxed pose. Before he knew it though, another voice rang through the area and this one was unknown to him. The feline looked around their direct area before he spotted the female walking towards them from the same direction Estelle had come. Maybe they had class together.
She kind of looked like a captain person to him. He tilted his head a bit for a moment as he looked at her. At first it seemed she was just coming there for Estelle so Seimei already made an attempt to leave, though he wasn’t sure where, when he was suddenly spoken to as well, much to Owen’s delight. Seimei wasn’t usually the type to hang around too much with people but it was early. "Hi Alistar, my name is Seimei and this is Owen. Careful he has a tongue as sharp as a dagger. Did you have class in the forest too?" he introduced the otter who just puffed up his chest proud of his remarks. The bakeneko shook his head and shrugged. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to stay here a bit longer. It wasn’t like he had any plans.
Estelle gave a friendly nod as the two turned to her. No doubt they were in the middle of their usual banter. Something she’d noticed the last time they conversed. A smile curled on her lips before she replied. ”Ah, a most ideal place for both of you. I know for Seimei at least. I came from class myself to clear my head. I’m not too surprised I ran into the two of you here again.” Her eyes glanced down as she caught movement. Owen did a once around her before settling at her side. Leaning down a bit, she picked the otter up off the snowy ground before holding him in her arms. Her fingertip scratched under his chin for a moment. ”Haha, I’d say you’re quite the lucky one. But I’m sure it got boring after a while on your own.” She couldn’t help but chuckle when she saw Seimei rolling his eyes. Their back and forths were quite amusing to her. ”If you tire of Owen, I will be glad to take him for a bit. It applies to a class as well should you need the break. I would love to have a little friend to talk to.”
Seimei raised his hands with a sigh. Clearly showing Owen he would rather talk about something else. Though she did find it refreshing, she would also oblige to his desire for a change of topic. Now he was addressing her and inquiring about her class. ”Well, I was in Ms. Huifang’s class. We had to make up a list of important items we use in our day-to-day lives. Our partner would look over the other’s list and ask about what we wrote. We then explain the purpose of said item. I was paired with an interesting fellow. He seemed alright but very distant. Almost as if he was in his own world. Nevertheless, we got the assignment done rather early.” When she finished answering his question, she heard another voice. One that sounded a bit familiar. One that she hadn’t heard in some time. Once this voice was close enough, Estelle turned to face the person it belonged to. A face she was rather surprised to see actually.
Alistar exclaimed that she was trying to catch up to her. That she was actually looking for her. Perhaps she had seen her walk this way and came to converse? ”Oh wow, Alistar! I didn’t expect to see you here of all places. You caught me just in time as here I am.” After she replied, Estelle glanced over Alistar’s shoulder when she turned back to wave. She saw Drake was someone who had her momentary attention. Turning back to the two of them as she apologized. Estelle shook her head in response. ”I cannot speak for Seimei here, but no need to apologize to me. It’s been a long time and I’ll happily make conversation with the both of you.” So this wasn’t how her class partner normally acted? A question she asked herself when Alistar mentioned he was acting strange. ”Yes, I was, we were partnered for the assignment. He’s a wild card that one and very difficult to read. Well, from my experience that is. Does he not particularly act like that often?”
She soon cut her words short as she realized the other two had not even introduced themselves. Giving them a chance to do so. While they did so, she would stroke the top of Owen’s head. Laughing when Seimei mentioned how the otter spoke. ”I find it to be charming actually.” Estelle felt movement and glanced down. Seeing Owen puffing out his little chest. Clearly showing he was proud of his “dagger-like” tongue. "What were your assignments?" she asked the two of them.
Alistar Bastet
Alistar smiled at Seimei when he introduced himself and Owen. ”Pleasure to meet you both. Sorry for interrupting.” Grinning at the warning for Owen it made her smirk at the otter. ”No. I was in Toni’s class myself. Seems we were all three in different ones today.” Breathing a sigh of relief when the two didn’t seem to mind her sticking around. Running a hand through her purple hair, she relaxed slightly. Amber eyes lifted to look at Estelle. Confusion flitted through them. Had she met her before? She normally wasn’t bad with names or faces but the school did seem to move people around a lot. This woman felt really familiar though and it bugged Alistar. Playing it off though she chuckled. ”Well that’s good to hear. It gives me an excuse to get away for a moment.” laughing nervously she scratched the back of her head. Glancing back at Drake when Estelle asked about him and described how he had acted in class. ”No, that sounds like him. He’s an odd one that’s for sure. He’s normally very monotone and no emotion showing on his face. That’s why when he gave me a hug and was… well overly affectionate. It surprised me.” she blushed a bit remembering his kiss to her neck. Her tan hand rubbing the spot subconsciously.
Thankfully the subject changed to classes. ”Mine was pretty easy. We had to pick a topic with a partner, and we’ll be researching it. Once we feel comfortable with it, we’ll be presenting it to the class. I’m pretty excited about it honestly. It was nice to get to hear about my partners history and the way their home was ran.” The list that Estelle mentioned sounded interesting. Looking to Seimei she wondered what his class had been about. Her thoughts drifted back to Drake and the weird way he had been acting. Why had he done that? Biting her lip as she thought her body shifted to a relaxed stance. It didn’t seem to bother her too much that it was cold all around them.
"Actually, I prefer the open sea, but since that isn’t going to happen here, the forest will have to do. I guess it’s not as bad as I thought though, I will admit to that." the feline replied and sighed a bit. He lived most of his life on a ship after all, you couldn’t just expect him to easily switch so radically. But the forest was a good second. Owen shrugged a bit and shook his head. ”Surely this is preferable to your life as a pirate? You rarely have to fight, you no longer have to worry about having enough food for months and the food is a bigger selection too since you aren’t limited to slow spoiling food.” Owen said, which caused the cat to roll his eyes. "Oh sure, I am so happy to swap that for a mostly boring lifestyle where I am held prisoner until I fall in love and get married." he growled.
"I’d love to take your offer but he won’t stay with you for long as he always comes back to me." Seimei replied at Estelle’s offer. ”Ha darn right I would. Because I am your companion and I have a mission. Besides I know you secretly enjoy having me around.” came the answer after which the feline changed the subject about school. There was no use wondering about his past or the life he used to have as this place effectively made that impossible for him now. He listened to her answer and nodded. "That sounds more like a game than a class. But I am sure it was a good change of pace.” he replied on his turn of class. When Alistar joined them, Seimei introduced himself as well as his otter and their attention turned to the newest addition to their little group.
And the two females started to talk so the feline just listened as he enjoyed the surroundings. He may not admit it but he did like the forest. He shook his head when the need for apologies was brought up, he didn’t particularly care after all, and squatted with his back against a tree, a generally relaxing pose. When he was addressed about his class he replied evenly. "I was in Astennu’s class about camping and survival. It was nice to be back to some of the things I used to do in my own life before this place claimed it. And it seems the one I paired with, a friend, is leaving soon. She is getting married tomorrow morning." he replied. While he hadn’t actively participated in the banter between the two, he had listened. It was something he was good at since young already, which came in useful for some recons. "Research? It seems they have some really high classes here. I didn’t expect that." he replied and smiled a bit at the two women. He was quite content currently.
They spoke for a bit until it was time to leave for curfew. Seimei didn’t want to get teleported again, so he said his goodbyes a bit before leaving for the dorm. ”And so we are back in the dorm for the rest of the night. Owen said and shrugged a bit before he went off to do his own thing. The bakeneko shook his head and walked in further when he felt his mobile go off in his pocket. It was the first gift he was given here, which was a new experience for him. Getting gifts that was. The feline opened the message blinking on top and read the new arrangements for dorms which made him tilt his head in surprise. But soon he smiled as he realized that meant he was in a dorm with Adrian now. "That is great, I look forward to that." he muttered to himself as he walked further inside and to the kitchen for something to drink. He didn’t even try to open the door as the message was clear there were no more linked rooms. And he would wait and see what the night would bring.
Estelle nodded, she had to agree with Seimei about the forest. She loved being out on the sea. This would have to be the next best thing. Last she checked, there weren’t any large oceans around. Just smell ponds and forest areas. Which is a good way for her to keep stocked up on herbs. She listened as the two debated which life was better. Life here or life out on the water. Honestly, she could see both sides of it. While being out on the water was freeing, it's nice not having to worry about little things. Things such as, am I going to be able to eat? Do we have enough food to last? At the same time, his feelings about being a prisoner were also valid. People can interpret their situations differently. "Well, if we were able to have a magical supply of food like we do here. Things would be much easier on the ship."
She couldn't help but to laugh at their responses to her offer. "Ah yes of course. If I had Owen, who would be around to bug you Seimei?" She said with a jesting tone as she said it. Which of course was a rhetorical question and she didn't expect an actual answer. Then the topic of the class was brought up in the conversation. Giving a shrug as Owen said it didn't sound like a class. "I don't really know the reasoning behind it. But, it's a little late to ask and I'm just glad it's done with. Though I will admit it was pretty easy regardless." Soon after, Alistar showed up, a face that she wasn't expecting. The conversation moved along but Estelle could tell someone out Alistar. It was written clearly on the confused expression. Perhaps she didn't remember her as it had been quite some time since they last spoke.
It was understandable and she didn't fault the woman. She listened as Alistar explained about her class partner. "Ah, I guess some people are just like that..” Just as the conversation was getting more in-depth with things. Estelle looked at the two of them. ”My my, has time really gone by that fast? We’ll have to catch up again. Perhaps meet up for coffee or something. I’ll be sure to keep in touch. Seimei, Alistar, it was a pleasure running into you both. Surprising with one of you and amusing with the other. Please, enjoy the rest of your night.” Her head bowed to each of them as they would soon be moved to their dorms. Thankfully, she was able to say goodbye before Seimei left.
Blinking at the part about Seimei’s friend getting married tomorrow, it caught Alistar off guard. ‘He must be talking about Jayden.’ She thought to herself. Drake had talked her into going to the wedding with him. Apparently, the little Neko had helped him out quite a bit. Nodding in reply to Seimei, she shrugged. ”Not sure I’d call it a high quality class but it’s not bad.” Waving goodbye to Seimei, Alistar still felt pretty awkward about dropping in on the two of them. It seemed things had just gotten strange after she dropped in on the group, and she could swear she remembered the woman from somewhere before Heartless.
The Egyptian didn’t want to go back to her dorm quite yet. She had seen Drake heading off that way, but the school of course gave her no choice in the matter as the curfew bell rang. With a yelp she found herself teleported into the dorm, hovering several feet above the couch. Feeling gravity kick in she was unceremoniously dropped, making quite a bit of noise as she caught herself sprawled out to hold her balance. ”I fucking hate when it does that.” she grumbled moving to sit up.
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Drake would hear Alistar being teleported into the room and a smile came over his features as he would set his book down and grab a wine glass, filled it halfway with wine, then walked into the living room setting the wine glass down on the coffee table before he would assist in her getting up “you okay?” He asked, fixing a few stray hairs before nodding “there you are, back to perfect.” he said smiling to her “[c]dinner is close to being done and dessert is in the fridge.” he said as he would lean down giving her a kiss on the cheek “Enjoy the wine and relax while I finish up in the kitchen.” he would say smiling as he left to make sure the roast was cooking evenly.
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Sitting up and adjusting her clothing as Drake came in carrying a glass of wine, she frowned tilting her head. ”What’s this for?” Taking his hand and standing, she looked up at him. The frown stayed where it was while he fixed her hair. She wasn’t so sure she knew what to do with this… even more affectionate Drake. It was weird enough when he was affectionate before but now it was over the top even for him. ”Yeah, I’m fine.” Wrinkling her nose at him, she did her best not to blush. Simply giving him an annoyed look as he called her perfect.
At the mention of dinner though, she perked and lifted her nose to sniff the air. ”It does smell good in here.” she offered, turning her face for him to kiss her cheek. Picking up her wine, she followed after him to the kitchen. Leaning on the counter her amber eyes trailed over him. ”What’s got you in such a good mood today?” It wasn’t far off of his normal mood but he just seemed happier.
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Drake would chuckle at her questions “its to enjoy.” he told her as helped her and kissed her cheek. He had felt good this morning and when they were together in the kitchen she asked what had him in such a good mood. “I don't think you want me to answer that question.” he said softly as he checked the roast. “So did you have a decent time with those friends you were meeting with?” he asked as he would move to stand beside her slowly, and almost naturally, putting an arm around her. His books were on the counter but from where they were standing she would be able to see the spines and the book on top of the stack of two was the egyptian one. Drake thought about the advice and looked over her outfit “you always dress so stunningly. Is it something you try to do or just naturally do?” he asked, trying to get a relaxed non-serious conversation started between them. He didn't want to bum her out or piss her off today so he figured just going with compliments and conversations about simple things was the best avenue in which to do that.
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Well that answer didn’t help her any. Shifting to put her back against the counter as he put his arm around her, she looked up at him. ”I did. Did you come straight back here and start on dinner?” she really did need to find him some friends to spend time with. Glancing over at his books, she tilted her head back looking them over. ”Why do you have a book on Egyptian language?” Humming at his question, she shrugged while taking a drink. ”Old habits die hard. Should I dress in baggier clothes with stains all over them?”
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Drake was happy to hear about her having a good time with those people only to be asked if he came straight here. “Well I had to.” he told her “the roast i had planned is a slow process but i thought it sounded good.” he said nodding before looking at the book she talked about “it's not about the language, it's about myths and old religions. I did read a language book the other day that was your language with english translations.” he said and was about to say he was reading about ra but felt that might hurt the mood he was trying to set. When she talked about her clothing he smiled “I am sure you would be just as alluring as you are now.” he said, leaning his head down to kiss her neck. “You're just too stunning that way Alistar.” he said smiling as he slowly moved to be in front of her with one arm still around her “So after dinner what did you want to do Albi?” He said using the word he had learned over the last month and watched to see how the nickname made her react with a soft smile on his face.He had wanted to come up with a nickname like she had done with him in her tongue and if the book was right this would be a possibly strong romantic gesture.
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It made sense that he would have to come back right away to start the roast. He was always planning their dinner ahead of time. She actually kinda liked that but still wished he would go out and spend time with his friends. Listening to his explanation about the book, she nodded. ”Have you learned anything interesting?” A confused look graced her features as he all but trapped her against the counter and kissed her neck. Humming suspiciously, her eyes went wide and her entire face along with the tips of her ears turned a deep crimson. Shoving at his chest in shock, she did her best to force him away from her. ”What the hell is with you today?! You’re laying it on kinda thick don’t you think?” The nickname made her insides twist and turn molten but at the same time made her angry. ”I’m not your anything. Mind your tongue and body before I dump cold water on you and make you sleep on the couch again.” she threatened. Trying very hard to calm her racing heart.
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Drake would nod “a few things.” he said before getting pushed away after using the nickname. She was all red and seemed very upset. Drake stood there staring with his usual expression as his eyes showed he was thinking of something. “So I went too far with it.” he said softly. Drake would start walking over to the books, grabbing the bottom one and flipped through it till he got to the page he was looking for. When he found the part he was looking for he walked back over to her “I was trying to properly enjoy moments with you by flirting with you in small doses throughout the day instead of the big ones like I usually do that are overly romantic. This book was helping me in thinking of ways to do that but I must have misunderstood something.” he said looking at her “And you are my heart. It wasn't anything till I started being around you. Now my heart has a specific shape and it is the shape of you.” he said to her, setting the book down.
“I was just trying to enjoy moments with you like you said. Not saying anything serious but just expressing how I feel. You told me I kept ruining the moment…Like I feel I am now.” he said, letting out a sigh. “I'm sorry Alsitar. I didn't think the nickname would upset you. I thought hard on it before deciding on that one.” he would explain to her looking annoyed with himself “Guess I didn't think hard enough.” he said, nodding. “But if you need now I can give you space or try to do less.” he said looking at her trying to smile “I was just sort of aiming for a relaxed dinner date you would enjoy right now.” he said but looked over “but I guess since the mood is dead we can just have a quiet and nice dinner.” he said, trying to salvage the situation he thought he had ruined completely by this point.
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Alistar wasn’t sure she liked the calculating look he gave her before he went to the books. Glancing at the book as he showed it to her, a frown etched itself onto her face. That frown stayed there as a tan hand came up to cover her mortified face. How the hell could he say such cheesy things with such a straight face. The worst part was that she could tell he wasn’t lying or making anything up at all. The red tint stayed on her cheeks and ears as she breathed. The Egyptian really had no idea what he was talking about though. ”You keep saying ‘like I said’ I don’t remember saying anything to you, especially about ruining moments.” he wasn’t wrong, in the least and honestly… these were nice and a change to the way he normally did things. Well now she just felt like an ass. It was obvious he had been trying to do something, once again, to make her happy and she had just shit all over it. Watching and listening to him, that feeling of having just kicked a puppy amplified. Damn he was good at that.
Squirming uncomfortably, she let out an exasperated sigh and leaned against the counter again. ”What you’re trying and doing isn’t bad Drake. You didn’t “Ruin” anything. It’s a hard 180 from how you have been to this and its shocking. You’ve gone from small touches here and there, to being very affectionate, and even in public!” she fidgeted slightly, rubbing her arms as she thought. ”I’m not exactly the best person to gauge for if what you’re doing is good or bad. Remember Drake, I have never chosen to be in a relationship because of Ra. Yes, you’ve given me a way to fight him and potentially win but that doesn’t mean we’re together…” she looked at him sadly, her eyes scanning over him. He really did clean up nicely in his black slacks and black dress shirt. ”The idea or potential reality that I could go home, and not have to be a slave to that man… is something I’m still wrapping my brain around. I assume that when you first came to this school and were coming to terms with the transition, and that you could have a life outside of that terrible place… you may not have been so ready to accept someone jumping headfirst in love with you and telling you that everything you’ve believed your entire life is just magically taken care of? Those things take time.” she tried hard to keep her voice calm and gentle. It wasn’t that she didn’t like what he was doing, it was shocking to her when she was still trying to get used to the idea that she could love someone… and hadn’t understood what he was doing.
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Drake looked at her and thought over the night he was talking about then realized something “Ah, you had gotten rather drunk. You were slurring and such when you said it. You told me a lot of things that night that I wonder about how much you recall.” he said, smiling a bit thinking about having that little secret for him to hold on to and tell her when he decided he wanted to. He smirked and moved back to stand in front of her as he listened to her words. His hand slowly came up and cupped her face as he would slowly lean his head down to rest his forehead against hers.
When she finished he looked into those hypnotizing eyes that filled him with joy for a silent moment before speaking. “I wanted to be more open with how I feel. I wanted to show you I don't only show you affection in private but all the time. I also wanted others to see so that they know I feel that way for you.” he said and his smile though a bit sad was still there “And you're right. We aren't together yet like you said and I would've never imagined being even close to where I am now when I first got here. My mind wasn't even fully healed so love wasn't even something possible for me. Not only that but when I did have my mind I…..I couldn't see myself loving someone knowing what I had to do when I got back.” he said before smiling happily at her “and I can wait for however long you wish…I am not going anywhere. Years or decades I don't care as long as you will let me be by your side. I can wait.” he told her before giving her a soft kiss for a moment. “Sorry for overwhelming you, it wasn't what i was trying to do but i did find some of your reactions cute” he said, slowly taking her hands into his interlacing their fingers. “I'll try to be better for you so that you can enjoy these moments with me.” he said with a warm loving tone.
He slowly leaned his head back giving her space before hearing a timer he set go off and he looked over before looking back to her “I will go fix our plates.” he said softly as he reluctantly let go of her and walked over to start dishing up their meals mulling over her words but couldn't help his big smile. She hadn't hated any of what he was doing and that meant a lot to him.
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Scrunching her face in confusion, she tilted her head. Then it dawned on her the last time that she had gotten drunk. Had she really said all of that? ”Yeah… not much. It’s all pretty hazy…. What else did I tell you?” she asked suspiciously. The smile on his face made her really wonder what she had said to him that he would grin like that. Amber eyes narrowed at him warily feeling him cup her face and rest his forehead on hers.
A thrill went through her at his words. She didn’t mind the affection in the least. The public affection did concern her though. ”So you’re showing public affection… to what? Stake a claim on me?” Raising an eyebrow at him with a smirk, she wondered if he even knew it could be seen that way. ”Could it be jealousy? Trying to warn off anyone else who may want to try their luck with me?” Her eyes danced with humor. She knew she would probably harm anyone who tried the same with Drake, and it bothered her. The longer she stayed roomed with him and spent time with him, the closer she felt to… the feeling she didn’t want to name. Her eyes looked sad when he said he would wait as long as it took. Returning his kiss, a hand came up to rest at his side, holding onto his shirt. Wrinkling her nose at him calling her reactions cute, she lightly pinched his side. ”Don’t be an ass.” she laughed, shaking her head.
Watching him get their plates together, she waited for him to come back to the table and put them down.
Walking up behind him, she wrapped both of her arms around him. Her left hand circled his stomach while the right snaked up his chest, hugging him tightly to her front. Nuzzling the back of his neck, the Egyptian gently rested her head against the back of his. She wanted to say something, words were trying to come out of her mouth, but she had no idea what they were. Instead, she just held him silently, her hands clenching in his shirt lightly.
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Drake smiled as she asked if the reasons she listed was why he wanted others to know how he felt towards her “Probably. I don't want to see you in anyone else's arms since it makes my blood boil and my stomach turn imagining it..” he told her softly before they kissed and chuckled as she pinched him making him smirk “I will do my best to not be.” he told her with a gentle tone. He would go to fix their dinner and set the plates down before watching her move to behind him. What she did felt so nice and he felt her clench his shirt making a warm expression come over him as his hands moved to interlace with hers.“I won't let go.” he said softly and he knew she would get that he wasn't talking about her hands. “Let's eat then lay down together. Do you like that plan?” he asked, looking over his shoulder to catch a glimpse of what her face looked like right now.
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Staying the way she was for a few moments longer, she didn’t reply to him right away. The words were still stuck in her throat and she just couldn’t figure out what they were. It perplexed and frustrated her that she couldn’t get the words out. With a soft sigh, she nodded and squeezed him once more before letting go and taking her seat. ”Sure. Even though we probably shouldn’t lay down right after eating. It’s not the best for your stomach.” she chuckled and dug into the meal he had prepared. ”Not that I don’t love your food, but we really should get you more friends to hang out with during the day. Oh, that reminds me. Who is it again that we’re seeing off tomorrow?” He had told her that they had been invited to a wedding, but she wasn’t sure if she had ever actually met the woman he spoke of. ”Seems a bit odd for you to actively want to go to a social function.”
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Drake would smile and nodded “you bring up a fair point. Maybe not right after dinner.” he said smiling to her before he began eating as he would hear her bring up he needed more friends which was not something she was wrong about. It wasn't like he hadn't been trying but it never really seemed to stick with anyone he had met other than Charlotte which he hadn't spoken to in a minute making him wonder if everything was alright with her. Hearing her next couple of questions he smiled “It is the wedding of my friend jayden...well i consider her a friend at least. She was very helpful in helping me learn some things about myself and the power I have and I hope in my own way I was able to help her..” he said calmly with a gentle smile on his face. “So I wanted to see her off tomorrow since I may never get to see her again once she leaves.” he said and something in his chest felt heavy.
Drake knew he was a bit sad at the fact he may never see Jayden again and wondered if maybe he wasn't trying so hard to make friends since he knew once he or they left that the likelihood of them seeing one another again was almost nil. His relaxed expression soon faded, turning into his usual stoic and emotionless one as he continued to eat his dinner, able to eat it all now. His mind was now thinking about a few things and it was mostly about the feeling of seeing someone you felt close to going away. It brought up some painful memories for Drake that he wasn't sure how to handle since Jayden leaving meant she had found love which was a good thing. It just felt so complicated to him and hard to piece together currently in his mind. Looking to Alistar he realized he had been silent for a moment “Sorry, there were suddenly a ...lot of things to think about in my mind.” he told her, giving an awkward smile to her but his tone still felt lifeless now.
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Still eating the wonderful food, he made she chewed slowly while listening to him. Obviously, she had heard of Jayden before and knew the young woman was madly in love with a man named Umbras. Who, Alistar considered a bit too timid, but from the way she had seen him move…. He was a different breed all on his own. Finishing off her food, it was obvious as her eyes trailed over Drake, that he was pretty deep in thought. Tilting her head, it occurred to her that he had lost pretty much everyone in his life that had ever meant anything to him. So, it stood to reason that he wouldn’t take losing one of the few friends he had managed to make, well.
When he apologized, she smiled at him softly. With a deep breath, she knew that normally she wouldn’t have felt the need to comfort someone when they were grieving. However, with Drake, seeing him like this and how he was struggling, made her heart clench and her chest feel tight. Realizing the feeling wasn’t going to go away, the unknowing Goddess stood from her chair and walked around to Drake. Shifting his chair so that he was facing her, she sat in his lap and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, toying with his hair. ”It’s ok to be sad to say ‘Goodbye’. At least you know she is loved, in love, and will be happy wherever she goes. Who knows, this school works in mysterious and fucked up ways. You could see her again.”
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Drake would watch her walk over and move his seat as she sat in his lap and played with his hair. He gave her a half smile and would slowly hug her and nuzzle his face into her neck softly sighing “Im…worried if i try making friends i will just keep losing them and…..it's hard to go through with losing more people close to me….it also scares me that this school would pull you away from me in a horrible and terrible way.” he said his hold on her tightening “that….that might be something i wouldn't recover from….knowing you were gone….alone…..and I wasn't there at your side to help….I would hate that more than anything.” he told her, hiding his face in her neck. He would take a moment before moving to sit normally where they could see each other “sorry…I was doing that serious thing...that ruins moments again wasn't it?” he asked her, smiling awkwardly, before slowly began rubbing her neck with his right hand gently. “So did you still want to join me for that wedding?” he asked her.
Chuckling softly, she tilted herself to nuzzle the side of his head and hold him. It was hard to believe that a man like Drake, who could be a scary motherfucker in his own right, would or could also be reduced to whatever you would call the person cuddling her now. Smiling gently, she hummed subconsciously. ”Is it that I would be going alone, or that you would be? You make it sound as if I’m some weak damsel in distress that needs a big strapping man to come and save me.” laughing softly, she rolled her eyes. Hugging him tightly as his own grip tightened, she didn’t mind the pressure. The Egyptian knew it was his way of reassuring himself that he could hold onto her. Her warm amber gaze met his ice blue eyes with a small smirk. The only thing she could think of that she would have meant… was how he always redirected things to how they could be. ”Not so much. Sure, it’s a more serious topic, but it came up naturally.” taking a breath, the purple haired beauty brought a well manicured nail up to her lips. ”The only thing I could think of for this, would be if you somehow twisted it into things that we, or I can’t have.”
Frowning, it made sense to explain what she intended for that. ”By that I mean, it was always frustrating how you would automatically go to us having a life outside of this school, children, love, family. Things that are and never have been in my future. I know you think they can be, but again, think back to when you first came to this school. Would you have believed anyone if they had told you that?” she gave him a pointed look, letting him know not to argue with her. ”I know you believe it to be true, but that doesn’t mean I do. For me, it hurts. To be forced to think of something that I can’t have. I would much rather be right here in this moment. Sitting comfortably in your lap, enjoying this right now….. Than thinking about something that hurts me.” with a sad smile, her hand slipped to his cheek, brushing over it lightly.
”Of course I'll still go with you. I have to see how these things work anyway. For all we know the school just makes it seem like the people are leaving but really it’s killing them.” by her tone alone it would be hard to tell if she was joking or being serious.
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Drake would listen and just simply nodded at her words having nothing to say in response to them. She was right. Drake back then would have just called them foolish, naive, or just ignorant of what he had been through as well as what was waiting for him. He knew parts of her situation but the full scope, feeling, and weight of it was something he wouldn't be able to fully understand until he was there going through it with her and in the situation. Till then he would just try to hold off on talking about the life they could have outside of here even if talking about it made him feel such a powerful warmth.
Bringing up that she wanted to see how the weddings worked and if there was a possibility of it being a way for the school to just off them Drake stared in wide eyed shock. “I….hadn't considered that.” he said in a low voice concern showing in those blue eyes of his as he thought about jayden “I….I should bring my weapons…just in case.” he told her with a nod as he started thinking of possible scenarios and how he would handle them to keep Jayden and her man safe.
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Her thumb caressed his cheek lightly. ”Has the school ever done something like that? Put two people who were obviously in love, in a position that would hurt them?” she asked curiously. Was it plausible that the school would hurt his friend? Everything that everyone told her said no, but for some reason she just had to look the gift horse in the mouth. ”Come on now, I doubt you want to spend the night thinking of sad things. What else shall we do tonight, or did you really want to go straight to bed?” Giving him a quick peck on the forehead, she stood and collected their dishes, putting everything away quietly. He had done the cooking after all, the least she could do was clean up.
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Drake would shake his head having never heard of such a thing happening but at the same time it wasn't something he could rule out as impossible. looking to her as she talked about doing other things that weren't sad. He felt the warmth from the kiss she did on his forehead and a small smile came on his face as he watched her go to clean up the dishes. He would wait till she was almost done before getting up and moved over to hug her from behind resting his chin on her shoulder “I would like to be with you then, before bed.” he said and gave her neck a kiss, his hands over her stomach as he held her “is that alright Albi?” he asked her softly using the nickname again.
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Freezing the moment she felt him hug her from behind, she tilted her head and looked towards him out of the corner of her eye. With a soft exhale, she finished drying her hands and leaned back into him. Somehow, he just knew what to do to worm his way around her walls. The light brush of his lips on her neck had her shifting her head to give him better access and her eyes closing. Laughing softly a smirk curled her lips, even as a slightly pained expression rose to the surface. ”Akl.” her tone had her slight warning to it, but there was something else mixed in it as well. That word… it gutted her every time she heard it, yet at the same time…. She dared not think of the other feelings it brought up. She was struggling enough as it was to keep him at arm’s length.
Turning her face to look at him, she wasn’t sure what to make of his words. ”You are with me. Sorry to say, but you’re stuck with me here in case you forgot.” she laughed softly again knowing she had just made a terrible joke. Honestly, nights like this were hard with him. If she let herself… and she may have slipped a time or two…. It was easy to let herself dream. The memory of that dream came to the surface of her mind causing her to blush and look away from him shyly. There was that twisting feeling that reminded her of who she was and where.
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Drake would be watching her and he smiled at her using his nickname since it just made Drake happy to hear. Drake looked into her eyes seeing the conflict in them from the situation they were in and it did make him feel a bit guilty. He wished he could make this easier for her but there was nothing currently within his power that he could do. Slowly scooping her up into his arms he would carry her to their bedroom smiling “If it does happen I will probably carry you out of this place like this.” he said smirking with a wink as they would soon be in the bedroom. Laying her down on the bed he would move to be over her and claimed her lips lovingly as he would hold her in his arms.