Rendezvous

[Raven]

"Even if we have coordinates, this place is hard to find." Raven was cautiously watching the surroundings as they traveled, guiding the Geno Breaker carefully through the foggy paths.

You'd think with how many times we've been here that we would remember at least something specific. Shadow perched on the Geno Breaker's pincer shield, keeping a constant lookout for threats and dangerous ledges. But no, of course I don't remember any helpful details.

He shuffled his wings.

He adjusted his grip.

He sighed.

Are we there yet?

The pilot rolled his eyes, "Almost, actually. Can you get in touch with Blizzard and let her know?"

The organoid rumbled affirmatively and reached with his mind to find that longtime friend through a private channel. No one but their parties alone needed to know of this gathering. Blizzard? We're almost there. Are you guys nearby?

Raven began to wonder if they had beat them to the clearing. It wouldn't surprise him if Vira and Blizzard had already arrived, but it was difficult to assume anything. Iselina was hard to navigate, but that was why they chose the location.

[Vira]

"You'd think with all the times we've just stumbled across each other, having a set place to meet wouldn't be so bloody difficult.." Blizzard was quite used to Vira's grumbling, so she wasn't really paying attention. She had taken to perching on the tip of the Fury's head, straight above the cockpit. That was the best way to keep an eye on the front, while Hisk "guarded" the back. The buffoon was currently lying asleep on the buster claw mount, oblivious to both fog and destination. Vira had her chin propped on her palm, staring blankly as the Fury ambled along the path.

Blizzard was close to flying on ahead when the nudge to her senses alerted her to Shadow. I believe so.. We should be there in a couple of minutes. Those minutes ticked by until the Fury halted, its radar beeping that it had arrived at the coordinates Vira had entered. The enclosure was fairly small, atleast by the Breaker and Fury's standards. They'd fit just barely. Blizzard happily hopped up into the air, landing a short time later with a downstroke of the wings.

Vira prodded the cockpit release and unbuckled her seat belt, waiting for the Fury to lean itself down a bit so she didn't break her neck. She landed beside Blizzard with a slight wince, brushing her shirt off. "What'd Shadow say?"

They're coming.

[Raven]

Likewise, the Geno Breaker arrived at the edge of the clearing. Its eyes flickered at the sight of the Fury, but made no threatening gesture. It glanced back and forth as it settled into a comfortable position and its cockpit whirled opened. Shadow leaped from his lookout and glided to the hard surface below where he waited for Raven to join him. The organoid wiggled his tail in excitement. No more traveling (for now), and he got to see some friends again. The moment was good.

Raven exited the cockpit and landed next to his organoid, adjusting his jacket and failing to restrain a half smile as he noticed Shadow's excitement. It began to dawn on Raven how slightly awkward this could be. It had been a few weeks since he had last encountered Vira and her organoids. He dared not approach her if his presence put her in danger. His new Guardian Force alignment meant many changes for him, but also that he had to be careful about whom he spent time with.

The dark haired man stuffed his hands into his pockets and ventured to greet the other party, but Shadow quickly darted ahead. Blizzard! He offered a toothy grin and waved his claws, but suddenly paused. Isn't Hisk here with you guys?

Raven nodded a greeting to the two females as he caught up with Shadow. "Thanks for coming." His attention went solely to Vira then, briefly scanning her over. "Healing up okay? It's.. been a little while."

[Vira]

Blizzard bobbed up and down like an excited bird, her fangs exposed in a happy grin. She practically bowled Vira over as she ran to meet Shadow. Hi Shadow! She waved back, though was quick to shush him in an amusing show of frantic talon waving. He's asleep, up there. She pointed up to the figure of the Fury, who was tilting its head at the Breaker. It was obviously surprised it hadn't growled or.. shot a particle beam at it. Hisk could just barely be made out as a lump atop the Zoid's back.

Vira smiled a little at him, her memory choosing that moment to replay some of the Evrioz moments. Very clearly. Her eyes darted over to Blizzard, who either hadn't noticed or was leaving it alone. "Hi. I was a little surprised actually.." She had never been contacted by him before, ironically. When Blizzard had said Shadow had given her coordinates to meet them, she had been more than a little confused. She rubbed absently at her arms, obviously still a little shaken.

"Yes, I'm fine. A little hard to sleep." She shrugged this off, as if that were normal. Sadly, it probably was. "It has been.. What do you need to talk about?" She instinctively knew that's why he'd called on her. Why else would he ask her here?

[Raven]

Shadow stopped dead in his tracks and his blue eyes shot to the location she motioned to. Sure, everyone there was tolerant of Hisk, but if he was asleep, why wake him up? He was annoying whether or not they were immune to his nonsense. The organoid tilted his head at the humans a few yards away. He then accessed his favorite private channel while pretending to be interested in a rock in the opposite direction of the pilots. How have you guys been? Especially Vira? Raven told me more of the details. I even tapped into some of his memories. It was.. horrific to say the least...

"I would've done so sooner, but I wanted to be sure the Guardian Force wouldn't be a problem or.. put you in danger, I guess. But I'm pretty sure it's fine." He couldn't help but notice her uneasy gesture. He could easily identify such body language, but he didn't expect her to admit any troubles.

Vira had been on his mind a lot since they last parted. He hadn't been able to speak to her since he left to talk to Karl Schubaltz again about the Guardian Force. And since then, his life had continued non stop in a whirlwind of interviews, tests, and paperwork. The admissions process still wasn't completely done either, but they had given him some time off while other things were being sorted out. The rest was greatly needed. His conscious hours were never wasted now, but nights were often plagued by nightmares. But Raven refused to acknowledge them, and only pushed the horrid visions away. They were something he couldn't deal with at the moment.

"I see Vais isn't around still." He could tell with a single glance to her eyes. "I want to put an end to Kurt and what he does." He paused a moment, shifting his weight to one foot. He glanced to the ground, hoping this wouldn't be too forward, or something to be laughed at. "I'm sick and tired of the trouble he causes us. Now that I have some connections, I can do something about it. I just need to know how to pin something on him. He's so good at hiding everything. There's no evidence to back up what I say."

"But, I also have a feeling it's only a matter of time before he comes after me and Shadow. Once word gets out about us, I can't see him sitting back and just waiting for the army to show up at his door." Raven huffed a sigh and took a few steps closer to the woman, lowering his voice a bit. "Look, if you don't want to go with me, I'm fine with that. I don't want you to get hurt again. But, I'd really like some insight. Maybe I can get Vais back, too." He finally shut his mouth and awaited a response.

[Vira]

Blizzard was preoccupying herself by picking at her hindclaws with her fores. She had gone down to her haunches, though her head was tilted to say she was listening. Vira hasn't been.. speaking much. Less than usual. She's got this faraway look in her eyes that I can't get her to get rid of. She's.. disturbed. Blizzard looked a little troubled. She has nightmares. Usually wakes up in sweats and asking me about Raven or Razor. The organoid shook her head sadly.

What? She stared at him like he'd grown a second head. But then it hit her. He had gotten an offer from Schubaltz.. She took up the rubbing her arms again, glancing around nervously. She'd done that ever since she'd hit Imperial soil again. Never talking, always watching. "That's good.. wouldn't want anyone jumping me." Her voice sounded a little hoarse, prossibly due to its unuse the past weeks.

His mention of Vais caused an odd look to pass by her features. It wasn't clear if it was grief or guilt. Perhaps maybe a mix of the two. It stayed there until he had finished, her eyes glittery. "Of course I'd go with you.. You honestly think I wouldn't?" She smiled a little weakly. "Kurt has many business partners that'd vouch for him. I'm a criminal, and I don't know how much credibility you have yet.." She pondered for a moment, something clicking in her head. "I've met Van before.." Vira watched him very carefully at this, "He's a nice guy, didn't judge me by what people have said of my past. I think he'd listen if we told him about Kurt.."

[Raven]

The black organoid snuck a glance at the two humans. Either Raven was really preoccupied with his conversation or was just ignoring he and Blizzard. His muzzle turned back to Blizzard as she finished. That doesn't sound good... I wonder how Razor is doing. We haven't talked to her since, but that's probably a good sign. Shadow tilted his head in thought, I wonder if there's anything we could do to help Vira, though. But I imagine you've tried a lot, right?

"You met Van?" This obviously piqued his interest, though he didn't appear too fond of her idea. "Uh..." He drew a hand from his pocket to scratch the back of his neck almost nervously, though he did have to consider the proposal. "I don't know how willing he would be, not to mention that would require me asking for his help." He dropped his hand to his side and arched a brow at her. "As much as I'd really like to not resort to that, I'd do it." He gave an exasperated sigh while further pondering the options.

"So... I get in touch with Van, find out if he'd be willing to help, and see if he wants to come with us to put Kurt behind bars? Of course, I'd much rather kill him on the spot, but I don't think they smile upon that." He made an innocent shrug, his gaze falling back on her again. Even though he was glad she was willing to back him up in this endeavor, he still wasn't sure she should tag along. She could be a huge help, but despite what she said, she didn't seem well.

[Vira]

Blizzard sifted the dirt below her hindclaws while she searched her mind for a solution. I've tried.. limited amounts, actually. She refuses to talk about it, and dismisses my attempts to do so. Her eyes go away, like she's reliving it again. There's much pain there. I can feel it festering in her heart. I won't mention the state of her mind. She snorted derisively. I've even tried contacting Xiao. But that idiot organoid of his rudely informed me his master wasn't around. Her tone really got derragatory here. Though Shadow probably knew she and Wraith's relationship was murderous at best.

"Yes, I met Van." The smallest of smiles touched her lips. One might question if they saw it at all, as it vanished almost instantly. "I could always ask him if you'd like.. I don't have a problem doing so if it means he'll help us." She glanced sideways once more, her eyes lingering there upon the fog. "I'll kill him. With my bare hands if I have to."

She totally wasn't there anymore, her mind locked on something that had happened that awful week on another continent. "I'll tear his head off.. I'll--" her threats got gradually more morbid and graphic until Blizzard was making alarmed noises and Vira herself was trembling from head to toe. A confusing mix of rage and terror warred in her mind.

[Raven]

This could be more difficult than I thought, then. Shadow guessed her attempt to find Xiao probably didn't prove fruitful due to both parties, but oh well. He wasn't too fond of that man and his organoid anyways, and Raven sure wouldn't be calling for their assistance. The organoid cast his gaze back to the humans again, but only to ponder. Where have you guys been since we last saw you?

"No no, I'll do it. It'll be much easier for me to get in touch with him." He didn't continue on that topic as she had gladly changed it, but he wasn't so sure the topic of killing Kurt was the best alternative. He quirked an eyebrow at her reaction, which only worsened, despite Blizzard. It slowly dawned on him that she was in a far worse state of mind than he.

Shadow watched in worry, mentally nudging his master to do something. Raven sent a confirmation back to the concerned metallic creature, and also asked him to keep an eye out for danger. Shadow turned back to Blizzard finally, Raven will talk to her. Maybe he can help. I'm guessing that a lot of this deals with him, too. He wants us to watch for anyone or anything that could interrupt. The last thing any of us need is a surprise attack right now.

"Vira," he tried to get her attention. "Vira," again, this time taking her hand and looking for her eyes. He was wary, if not nervous, about being so bold with her. But perhaps this time, he needed to be. "You- ... You need a break." He motioned to the near rocky wall with a glance, "Let's sit down."

[Vira]

Vira was still mumbling to herself when he took her hand, which stopped the string of words. Her fingers tightened around his own, though her eyes remained a littel unfocused. She peered at him a good ten seconds before she moved mechanically towards the wall. "I'm sorry.." Her body still quaked, though not as rapidly as it had before. "I can't.. I can't make it go away. It'll hit me sometimes, and it's so debilitating." She extricated her hand and rubbed her eyes with the palms of both. She had forgotten that Raven had asked her to sit. Instead she remained upright, leaning heavily against the rock wall for support while her hands remained clamped over her vision.

Blizzard looked from Raven to Shadow to Vira, her eyes troubled. Finally she nodded affirmation, and turned to find a good spot for lookout. We've been mostly in the desert. I've tried to convince Vira to move to the cities. But she says Guygalos would only remind her of Evrioz. Plus, she's awfully untrusting of everyone now. She almost killed a young man that stumbled across us the other night.. Blizzard sighed. I'm not sure why it affects her as it does.. But she's just so vulnerable. I think some of it carries over from her childhood.

Blizzard stopped at a space in the trees, the fog parted slightly here so it was easier to see. What with the abundant vegetation on the left and right, and the rock wall at the humans' backs, this was teh only place anyone could really sneak up on without creating a ruckus. When I took her from Kurt's castle, this was almost how her mind was operating that first night. Alone with me in the desert after seeing murder. She snuffled and went silent.

[Raven]

Shadow followed the white organoid and listened intently. Their lookout was well positioned, and his bright blue eyes scanned back and forth for any signs of intruders. I see... He wasn't sure what to say. It was in Raven's hands for now.

Raven studied her movements. The more he did so, the more he wished he had come to find her sooner. When she paused against the wall, he proceeded to sit down and lean back against the surface. His mind searched for something to say. Sure, he wanted to know how her injuries were healing, along with a slew of other things, but he knew he had to be careful with her. At the same time, these issues had to be addressed in some way.

He reached and lightly tapped her shin, "That's not sitting." His purple eyes looked up for hers again, a faint smile pulling at the edge of his lips.

[Vira]

Vira was watching Blizzard now, not really paying attention to Raven. Her shivering had finally abated, and her eyes had regained a little clarity. Where she had removed her hands, they now hung loosely at her sides. The poke to her shin atleast didn't cause her to jump out of her skin. She did as she was told and plopped down indian style. Sher folded her hands in her lap and peeked cautiously over at Raven. She had hoped not to have a fit infront of him. Atleast he wasn't in a nosedive downwards. With the big black ocean waiting to swallow him up when he hit bottom.. an involuntary quiver shook her.

She angled her head towards her companion, her face pale and her knuckles white from clasping them so tightly. "I'm sorry you had to see that.."

[Raven]

"It's alright. I'm just sorry I didn't come back sooner. Things have been hectic on my end with the Guardian Force. Lots of paperwork and tests." He looked ahead and chuckled, "Including an annoying sanity test that I haven't gotten results back from yet. And apparently I need a last name for their systems, and I am not letting them use 'Prozen'... I need to make one up. Along with other things." He inched around to face her and leaned his side on the wall. "I got a break while a lot of Evrioz stuff is being investigated, though." He offered a one shouldered shrug.

"But now I'm.. sort of worried." Raven knew he had to be careful, but he had also realized that he couldn't solve the problem if he didn't bring it up. He did have a well educated guess, but wanted to be sure.

There was a pause as he searched for suitable words. "...What happened to you?" He searched her face for clues. "What's bothering you?" He was trying so hard to be open and caring... two things that were not his forte. But he would try for her sake.

[Vira]

Paperwork.. sanity test? Vira almost laughed. Her hands relaxed a little bit, and she did swivel a bit so they were almost facing one another. "Other things? Oh.. your age and stuff." Vira pondered a moment, "I'm 23, and you're atleast the same age as I am. Your birthday can be in June.. Beautiful month." She turned her glittering eyes upon him then. "That would make you 24 now." The almost-smile traced her lips again. "Anything else?" Her good humor gradually faded back into anxiousness.

His question probed at her chest. It felt as though a big slash was festering underneath the skin. "I.. After we seperated, I went into the deserts. Remote ones. That first night was.. awful." Her halting sentences didn't get any better by that time, yet she pushed on, "I couldn't sleep. I went atleast the next five days on a few hours. I couldn't eat without.. vomiting it up." Her gaze had dropped from him to the dirt. Discomfort built in her shoulders where her muscles were bunched tight.

"I was in constant, almost irrational fear. Of seeing.. Kurt pop up at any time. I--" She cut off abruptly. It was a moment before she continued, albeit on another vein. "A few days ago, a man surprised me at night and I.. I almost killed him on the spot. Blizzard managed to knock the blade tip into his shoulder rather than his chest.." Her words stopped, her hands white and her complextion ashen.

[Raven]

How he adored the proposed age and month. It was something unique and special to have those two facts set in stone, and having them come from Vira somehow made it all the more beautiful. He couldn't hide the grin it caused him to hold.

But once again, the atmosphere became cold. How he wanted that previous conversation to continue, but, he was finally getting somewhere with her. Perhaps later he could bring it back, because there were other questions on those papers that he didn't have answers for, and the thought of Vira assisting him in coming up with them delighted him.

Raven leaned forward and placed his hand on her own, attempting to draw her out of that state once more. He was somewhat surprised by the contrast of color. "Hey, hey," he spoke in a hushed tone, "It's okay now." He moved his hand to reach for her chin, lifting her face to seek out those eyes again. "Razor's alive. I'm alive. You're alive. ... It wasn't real."

[Vira]

Vira listened, nodding her head in increments. She had trouble meeting his eyes when he lifted her head on his own. "I know it wasn't.. But I still feel it happening. I still dream of it. Seeing you both.." She ground to a halt here. She wanted so badly to bury her face in her knees and make it go away. "The dreams are so vivid I'll wake up in the night screaming my head off. I don't even dream of Kurt's castle anymore. It's you dying. Over and over." She blinked and the tears that had been building finally spilled over and ran down her cheeks.

"I can't anymore, I can't." She latched onto his forearm with her hand, needing the contact to stabilize her raging thoughts. "We have to kill him.." The though of Kurt just rotting away in a cell infuriated her. Her vengeance streak ran strong, and she wanted him to taste the blood and feel the blades himself. Her fingers twitched convulsively where she gripped Raven.

[Raven]

Raven had to let her explanation sink in. In a way, this was his fault, but on the other side of the spectrum, he was overjoyed that she really did seem to care about him. He rotated his wrist to hold her hand in hopes of steadying her.

"Listen," he reached forward with his free hand and gently wiped a tear from her cheek. It was strange to see her break down like this. Vira never cried. He continued and wiped away the other. "I understand. I want him dead, too, but trust me... recklessly taking someone's life does more harm than good, and so does chasing after them when you're not healthy." He paused... then shook his head. "And I would be a fool to let you go right now... You need to take some time off, heal, and then form a plan." For only a moment, his bottled and repressed anguish surfaced to his features, and he looked away for the first time.

"Just- .. Please don't be reckless. I don't think I could- ..." His words cut off, unsure of how to finish.

[Vira]

"I can't heal." Her fingers almost didn't allow him to turn his wrist, yet they threaded with his easily enough. "It's my world now.." The tears were resilient, as reinforcements backed up the ones Raven had dashed away. She briefly wondered how she had gotten here, sobbing infront of the one person she didn't want to see her fear. Or, perhaps she did want to rely on him to let it out. Blizzard was an attentive organoid, and even Hisk had stopped being totally idiotic around Vira, as he picked up upon her moods very well lately.

When he looked away from her it was odd, as now she couldn't move her own gaze away from him. She blinked, feeling the pressure easing slightly off the mental bruises.

"Don't worry.." Her voice became hoarse, her fingers squeezing his in uncertain reassurance. "I won't be reckless. I.." She focused on what she had to say. "I couldn't live without you in my life, either."

[Raven]

He swallowed hard and his eyes flicked back to her. He could feel his heart pounding. Those words struck him.

Several years of confusion welled up in his mind. So many questions were unanswered. He had never learned so many basic life lessons. The more time passed, the more he knew something was missing. But, pushed to death and back, it was finally.. finally becoming clear to him.

Raven glanced down and gently took her other hand as well. His wrists rested against her calves, and he was oddly silent as he gazed at her palm. He had to remind himself to breathe. He hadn't felt so nervous in ages.

He looked up and locked his hazy purple eyes on her sapphire ones. "Vira, how would you define love?"

[Vira]

"Love?" Vira almost couldn't get the word out. "I.." To be frank, Vira wasn't all certain she could define it, either. "When you care for someone so deeply, it lifts your heart. Cracks the ice around it." She gripped his hands tighter, sliding her thumbs over the backs of them. "You don't want anyone else ever.." She was crying again, silent tears. The shaky smile on her face almost made it to her glittering eyes. At this point, she didn't care if Hisk woke up and landed on a land mine.

She'd forgotten all about her nightmares. Possibly because, deep down, this moment was a dream come true.

[Raven]

Raven listened so intensely. He soaked up every word. There was nothing around them. It was just he, Vira, and a moment of truth. The longer she went on, the more his own smile grew. There was no reason to hide it. There was no reason to put up a cold exterior and hide behind a wall of hostility.

"Then.." He drew a faintly trembling hand from her grasp. Gently, he ran his fingers through part of her bangs, loosely tucking them behind her ear as he leaned closer. "Vira?" His gaze was unmoving. His voice was only slightly unsteady. He was finally certain of what he was telling this woman. What came next was genuine and tender, just above a whisper, and just for her.

"I love you."

[Vira]

()

Vira didn't know what to say, what to do, how to react. Her world fractured and split, yet just as quickly reformed into something glowing. Something that melted her heart and left her memories of Evrioz replaced with this moment. "You do?" It was almost inaudible. She shifted closer to him, side to side, the hand he had freed curled reverently around his neck. "I love you too.." Her eyes filled with more adoration than she had shown to anyone in her life. "So much."

Her hand trembled. "I never want to have to see you in pain again." She leaned her forehead against him, still tasting the salt of her tears.

[Raven]

Raven was consumed by her words. After years and years of pain, despair, and loneliness, he found someone to love. And more miraculously than that, she loved him back. The concept was so foreign to him. It was new. It was terrifying. It was extraordinary. Her glittering eyes were so beautiful. No one looked at him like that. No one ever loved him like this before.

He closed his eyes as her skin touched his cheek. His hand slipped behind her neck and he softly stroked her soft dark hair. He felt a single hot tear slip down his own features. Relief? Redemption? Joy? It was an emotional mixture Raven could not identify. He turned his head and gently kissed her cheek. "I won't leave you."

[Vira]

"I know." She cuddled up into him, wanting nothing more than to stay here forever. It felt as though this whole new range of feelings would dissolve as soon as they left this secluded glen. As soon as the fog and trees and rocks went away, the evil came crashing in to replace them. She felt his tear against her skin, which only caused her heart to swell even more. "Hey, it's okay." Her hand came up to tenderly stroke his cheek, erasing the streak. "You don't ever have to be lonely again."

Vira's hands moved to his knee, using it to draw level with his height. "Ever.." With that, she kissed him with all the reverence and love she was experiencing.

I guess whatever he said worked cause-- Blizzard's head whipped back forward so quickly it was a miracle organoids had little threat of whiplash. Uhh. Blizzard clacked her claws together, half in confusion half in embarassment. So Shad. What do you like to do in your free time?

[Raven]

Raven wrapped his arms around her smaller form and held her close, shifting and leaning back against the wall for support. Vira brought comfort to his soul and vanquished the fear surrounding it. He delighted in a glimpse of her glittering eyes before his closed as well, and the passionate kiss was returned with vigor.

Shadow felt the need to distance his connection from Raven. It was such a strange flow of emotions that, somehow, he knew he had no business with it. He wiggled his toes and pretended they were interesting, eyeing them with most suspicion.

The organoid's head snapped up at Blizzard's words, as if she had jerked him out of some deep thoughts.. or just plain embarrassment. Uhh... He glanced back towards the two humans, then to Blizzard again. He shook his head and clacked his claws. I don't do much. Mostly keeping an eye out for Raven. But it-- uhh-- it looks like I might need to pick up a hobby. ...Does this mean we get to be roommates?

[Vira]

By the time Vira's fingers had threaded through his hair and was using him practically as a pillow, she had to break off to breathe. She grinned like an idiot down at him. Oh dear, if Razor happened upon this one spot in the world she'd likely have a stroke on the spot. Atleast Hisk wasn't awake.. Or if he was his jaw was sitting on the ground below the Fury. "Anything else you need me to come up with for you?"

Blizzard giggled into her claws, giddy beyond reason. I'm sure he'll find a new one soon enough. She cracked up mid sentence and cackled. It does! We can have sleepovers and terrorize the house. Play hide and seek and generally make our master's lives miserable. Her grin was toothy. She prodded Shadow with a wing, They have to remember though. Raven mows the lawn. Vira cooks.

Blizzard shook her head sadly. The house'll explode.

[Raven]

"I like June," he quickly chimed back, grinning despite himself. "What about a day? That's important, too." He gently ran his hand through part of her bangs again and proceeded to caress the side of her face, fondly stroking her cheek bone with his thumb. Her features were so elegant and beautiful in his sight. Never had he had such a moment to admire them with such honesty and compassion.

Vira cooks? Shadow seemed genuinely surprised. Sure, all pilots on their own had to cook, but it never really dawned on him that Vira cooked. Well. I shouldn't be too surprised, right? I mean, Raven does his own laundry. I guess I forget everyone does those things. ...Is she a good cook? He eagerly wiggled his tail tip back and forth. Not that he ate it or anything, but he loved the smell of good food.

[Vira]

"Hm. Let's say the 14th. Right in the middle. Near the ending of Spring." Vira traced his jawline with her fingertips, ignoring Blizzard's laughter and her conversation with Shadow. "See? Isn't so hard to do.." She snuggled into his chest, growing sleepier under his tender attnetion. "What do you want for your birthday?" She wasn't how sure she was that she could go back into a city full of people at the moment. All she wanted was to stay away. Somewhere remote and secluded, where Kurt would have extrme difficulty finding them.

Er.. Well she's good at some things. Cooks up a mean pasta. Pretty excellent soups. Once, when she came back from raiding, she made some kind of herbal chicken.. thing. I sometimes wish I could live on human food remembering how that smelled. Blizzard nodded and smaked her fangs together.

Wait.. Raven does laundry?

[Raven]

"June 14th. Works for me." He fondly rubbed her arm as he held her close, pondering an answer to her question. No one had ever asked him that before. Raven couldn't recall ever getting a birthday present. He rested his cheek against her head, "I'm not sure. Maybe just a day by the Andar Sea. Where we can watch the sunset and the stars." His voice was soft. He knew she was exhausted from all her recent trials and he surely didn't mind being the pillow. But then something important dawned on him, causing him to look up in surprise. "When's your birthday?"

That sounds like it'd smell really good. Shadow nodded his big metal head. And of course he does. I think everyone has to do their laundry at some point, right? The organoid chuckled a little.

Shadow's gaze shifted back to the Raven and Vira, and he paused to take in the scene. I'm.. happy for them. He tilted his head. He feels happy and.. sincere. I haven't felt that from him in ages.