[It is nice, even if what they're trying to do is stressing Vera out a little bit. Then again, Vera seems to have a baseline level of stress all of the time, so it might not be much different from how she usually is.
She inhales sharply once again, slowing her breathing just a bit more to keep pace with Jen's. It's amazing just how relaxing this is. This may be the sleep deprivation, but the shorter girl finds herself almost in a trance as she feels out into the void for her friend. That tired feeling is from the lack of sleep, right? It's starting to feel like she's fighting against a current, some opposing force trying to pull her back towards her own body. She knows that's where she belongs, but she can't turn back now, she has to keep going until she finds Jen. It can't be much farther, she has to be out there somewhere.]
Can you... feel me, anywhere? I need... a sign, or something.
I... think so? [ it's an odd sensation, to be sure. it could also just be the way she's practically meditating at this point, but there is a warmth building up and it's not just emanating from where their hands meet. well, it is but even her right hand which is the extremely strange part. ]
Here, let me... try something. [ she wiggles her right hand's fingers a bit, trying to gently pull them out of Vera's grip but then immediately go for her wrist instead to avoid actually breaking contact. ] I'm going to reach up higher. Don't break your focus.
[ slowly, without wanting to alarm Vera, she brings her fingers up along her arm, all the way up to her shoulder for now. it's a firm, reassuring grip. Jen also shifts a bit closer on the cushions almost bringing their legs to touch. she figures the more contact the better for this and she has a rather crazy idea. ]
Try to think about... things we have in common from that other life. Memories. The hug is a good start, but also ... times we used our powers. [ and she will go ahead and do the same. visualizing herself being knocked down, but not out. also all the fancy magic-like stuff Weiss was capable of; the speed of her sister Ruby; the shadows and swordplay from Blake... ]
[Vera's breathing stiffens as she feels Jen come closer to her, and she finds herself leaning towards the girl instinctively. The blonde's warmth was more apparent now than ever, as if to beckon her closer. In her mind, she continues to reach out towards that warmth, hoping that somewhere inside of it is her friend's spirit.
She thinks of Weiss, and Yang, and the few scant memories the four of them share. Their first time meeting at school, the formation of their team, the battle against that giant bird and on that train where Weiss battled that large man with the chainsaw, and of course, their tight embrace.
Something begins to feel near, like finger tips brushing against her hands and arms, only for a second, before vanishing again.]
[ her own memories are a mix of sweet and sour, which honestly just seemed to fit how they operated in this life. Yang butting heads with Weiss after Ruby's absolute trash fire of a first impression, the time they nearly disrupted their entire school's first night's rest right after meeting Blake for the first time, being put on a team together with Ruby as leader - much to Weiss's chagrin at the time, but also the times they worked together in almost perfect sync such as the battle with the giant robot.
what was the thing her sister shouted, again...?
it's on the tip of her tongue as her forehead touches Vera's gently. she can feel the contrast between their spirits - or so she hopes that's it and not that she really does have a fever whereas Vera is chilled to the bone - and the word coalesces from the sensation. ]
Freezerburn, huh? Heh. What a silly name for it...
[ and that seemed to do it. while her own hands didn't move any more, Jen could feel the rush of heat blasting back along her skin, under her skin, and all the way to the core of her chest as her Aura was kindled. she opened her eyes and gasped loudly, but didn't sever contact. ]
[And there it was, a rush of cold followed by the smallest licks of warmth. It was only the slightest of touches, but there was no mistaking what had just happened. Two souls had communed, and one had restored power to the other. Then, it all comes rushing back, like a rope tethering her soul to her body had been pulled, snapping her back to where she belongs. There's a rushing sensation, and suddenly she finds herself sitting on the couch again, legs folded, forehead touching the taller girl's. Her body is no longer the blazing heat it was before, but instead exuded a controlled, comforting warmth.]
I... think it was.
[Vera's eyes flutter open. She tries to move, but the toll of her deed come fast and without warning. She's dizzy, light-headed, and drained, her body already exhausted from lack of sleep now feeling as if she had just ran a marathon as well. A hand rises to touch Jen's face, and the other to her shoulder, steadying the weary mogul as she starts to pull away. She looks up at the taller girl, their eyes meeting for what feels like the first time, like something had changed. She was still Jen-- strong, confident, beautiful Jen, but something was different about her. Something...
Her eyes shut once again, as she closes the distance between them to plant a gentle kiss on her lips.]
[ Jen's own rush was still subsiding as her body went through the recent mild trauma and worked to heal it up faster. it felt amazing. beyond words, actually. she could absolutely get used to this now that everything was working again. she really ought to see if her limits come close to what Yang could pull off in her dreams, but she's not about to head off and get hit by a bus. maybe make another sparring match date with her friend. or with Kara...? ]
Good. I'm - mm? [ the thought is promptly interrupted by Vera's kiss. she finds her eyes slipping closed again. her nerves were still charged up - probably literally - from that exchange and giving them something like this to process was almost overwhelming. but in a good way. a way that bids her to raise her hand to the back of Vera's head and pull her into the kiss deeper.
maybe seeing how this felt could answer the question of what things were like before? whatever the excuse, there's no mistaking the lack of hesitation on her end. ]
Mm... [The small, rational part of Vera's brain that had somehow managed to stay conscious is screaming that this is a terrible idea. The rest of her body, operating solely on instinct, didn't care. Jen's lips felt like lightning coursing through her body every time they touched, and the shorter girl wanted to feel it more. Her weight shifts, her body slow and sluggish, but she manages to drape her arms over the blonde's shoulders and wrapping gingerly around the back of her head.]
[ fire and ice, fire and lightning. whatever it was, it worked well together and since Vera was receptive then she went all-in herself. the other hand wrapped around her side and now their legs were slightly overlapping without actually climbing into the shorter girl's lap. it's a bit of an awkward position but the sensations more than made it worthwhile.
she doesn't even feel the urge to tell Vera to watch the hair. that's saying a lot. she's gotten way more defensive about it of late. ]
[It is an awkward position, and as much as Vera wants to continue this, the limitations of her current state are making it more and more difficult to do so. Her body aches, her breath is shallow, and she's exhausted to the point of bordering delirium. Letting the kiss linger a moment longer, she savors this little moment before finally pulling away.]
[ pulling away to breathe was going to happen sooner rather than later, too, since her own body was feeling some strain from the sudden shift in the way it operated. Aura is a hell of a thing, and it will take some getting used to, but hopefully it wasn't always like this...
she couldn't help but smirk, feeling rather confident about the turn this evening took since it had started off with Jen in a near-panic. ]
[ the follow-up surprised her with how... casual? it was. Vera you are doing about a poor a job as being straight as Jen is; but she doesn't voice that thought. not in such a way. ]
Thank you, Vera. I was right to come to you, after all. But I'm sorry it was at such a late hour...
[She'll go back to protesting her sexuality in the morning. It's too late for any of that now.]
You call me in the middle of the night, get me up, drive to my home and make me do this ridiculous ritual with you and now you apologize?
[She's not even sure what reaction to expect out of Jen at this point, but the small smile creeping across her lips betrays the fact that she's not taking this at all seriously.]
[ Jen is briefly worried that she crossed a line, again, bringing up the circumstances that led her here... but she's surprised, again, that Vera was taking it all in stride.
the hesitation is matched as Jen looked down at the space between them. they both have their images to protect, and it would be tough to explain things to anyone who came in the morning. what if it was her fiance? ] Mm. Are you sure...?
[ honestly? Jen should have expected something to that effect. or hoped for it? it's hard to say. the point was that Vera's argument was again a mixture of things that made sense and things that were obviously just a ploy. but it isn't as if Jen wanted to refuse her, and risk setting back any progress they might have made in reconciliation.
it was just going to be sleeping in the same bed together. it didn't have to mean anything special. it didn't have to lead to anything. Vera looked so tired she'd probably fall right asleep. ]
You mean you couldn't just pass out in the recliner across from me? [ she said with a smirk. but she started to shift off of the couch already, offering her hands to help guide Vera up in case she felt too unsteady or weak to do it on her own. ] If you insist, Miss Weisz, let's go. I'll try not to wake you up when I sneak out early tomorrow.
[She tries to get up herself, but the sudden movement makes the room wobble for a moment, so she gives up on that pretty quickly. Taking Jen's hands, she closes her eyes and rises to her feet. Oof, why is this so hard? Who knew manipulating the human soul would take so much out of you.]
And don't "Miss Weisz" me. I won't let you think that our relationship is so formal. [She casts a serious glance up at the blonde before tugging her arm to lead her towards the bedroom.]
[ it's tough, but Jen's got her. she won't let her crash before it's actually the right place for it. ]
How "informal" do you want me to be? [ oh, she probably shouldn't have questioned that right now but. it was something that was burning in the back of her mind for quite some time now. ]
That's fair. [ at least Jen doesn't try to do something stupid like tease Vera about not having the answer to something for once in her life. ]
For the record: me neither. But it would help to know if you want me to keep to myself tonight or not. [ a beat. ] And if I have to sleep in day-old clothes or not.
no subject
Date: 2018-08-15 04:08 am (UTC)She inhales sharply once again, slowing her breathing just a bit more to keep pace with Jen's. It's amazing just how relaxing this is. This may be the sleep deprivation, but the shorter girl finds herself almost in a trance as she feels out into the void for her friend. That tired feeling is from the lack of sleep, right? It's starting to feel like she's fighting against a current, some opposing force trying to pull her back towards her own body. She knows that's where she belongs, but she can't turn back now, she has to keep going until she finds Jen. It can't be much farther, she has to be out there somewhere.]
Can you... feel me, anywhere? I need... a sign, or something.
no subject
Date: 2018-08-15 04:12 am (UTC)Here, let me... try something. [ she wiggles her right hand's fingers a bit, trying to gently pull them out of Vera's grip but then immediately go for her wrist instead to avoid actually breaking contact. ] I'm going to reach up higher. Don't break your focus.
no subject
Date: 2018-08-15 04:22 am (UTC)Okay... [She breathes the word, fingers on her newly-freed hand balling into a fist.]
no subject
Date: 2018-08-15 04:27 am (UTC)Try to think about... things we have in common from that other life. Memories. The hug is a good start, but also ... times we used our powers. [ and she will go ahead and do the same. visualizing herself being knocked down, but not out. also all the fancy magic-like stuff Weiss was capable of; the speed of her sister Ruby; the shadows and swordplay from Blake... ]
no subject
Date: 2018-08-16 02:45 am (UTC)She thinks of Weiss, and Yang, and the few scant memories the four of them share. Their first time meeting at school, the formation of their team, the battle against that giant bird and on that train where Weiss battled that large man with the chainsaw, and of course, their tight embrace.
Something begins to feel near, like finger tips brushing against her hands and arms, only for a second, before vanishing again.]
...Jen.
no subject
Date: 2018-08-16 03:28 am (UTC)what was the thing her sister shouted, again...?
it's on the tip of her tongue as her forehead touches Vera's gently. she can feel the contrast between their spirits - or so she hopes that's it and not that she really does have a fever whereas Vera is chilled to the bone - and the word coalesces from the sensation. ]
Freezerburn, huh? Heh. What a silly name for it...
[ and that seemed to do it. while her own hands didn't move any more, Jen could feel the rush of heat blasting back along her skin, under her skin, and all the way to the core of her chest as her Aura was kindled. she opened her eyes and gasped loudly, but didn't sever contact. ]
Was... that it?
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Date: 2018-08-16 03:58 am (UTC)I... think it was.
[Vera's eyes flutter open. She tries to move, but the toll of her deed come fast and without warning. She's dizzy, light-headed, and drained, her body already exhausted from lack of sleep now feeling as if she had just ran a marathon as well. A hand rises to touch Jen's face, and the other to her shoulder, steadying the weary mogul as she starts to pull away. She looks up at the taller girl, their eyes meeting for what feels like the first time, like something had changed. She was still Jen-- strong, confident, beautiful Jen, but something was different about her. Something...
Her eyes shut once again, as she closes the distance between them to plant a gentle kiss on her lips.]
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Date: 2018-08-16 04:12 am (UTC)Good. I'm - mm? [ the thought is promptly interrupted by Vera's kiss. she finds her eyes slipping closed again. her nerves were still charged up - probably literally - from that exchange and giving them something like this to process was almost overwhelming. but in a good way. a way that bids her to raise her hand to the back of Vera's head and pull her into the kiss deeper.
maybe seeing how this felt could answer the question of what things were like before? whatever the excuse, there's no mistaking the lack of hesitation on her end. ]
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Date: 2018-08-16 04:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-08-16 04:48 am (UTC)she doesn't even feel the urge to tell Vera to watch the hair. that's saying a lot. she's gotten way more defensive about it of late. ]
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:02 am (UTC)Holy shit...
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:09 am (UTC)she couldn't help but smirk, feeling rather confident about the turn this evening took since it had started off with Jen in a near-panic. ]
I'll say.
You look... tired.
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:12 am (UTC)It's your fault. [Her breathing is so heavy it's almost ragged, but it doesn't stop her for leaning in for another quick smooch before pulling away.]
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:14 am (UTC)[ the follow-up surprised her with how... casual? it was. Vera you are doing about a poor a job as being straight as Jen is; but she doesn't voice that thought. not in such a way. ]
Thank you, Vera. I was right to come to you, after all. But I'm sorry it was at such a late hour...
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:17 am (UTC)You call me in the middle of the night, get me up, drive to my home and make me do this ridiculous ritual with you and now you apologize?
[She's not even sure what reaction to expect out of Jen at this point, but the small smile creeping across her lips betrays the fact that she's not taking this at all seriously.]
...Stay the night, at least.
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:21 am (UTC)the hesitation is matched as Jen looked down at the space between them. they both have their images to protect, and it would be tough to explain things to anyone who came in the morning. what if it was her fiance? ] Mm. Are you sure...?
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:24 am (UTC)[She hopes that excuse is persuasive enough for Jen to ignore the fact that the shorter girl is practically in her lap at this point.]
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:42 am (UTC)Jen resigns herself with a sigh. ] Alright. I guess I can get cozy on the couch.
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:49 am (UTC)No... you should stay with me. I-I... can't see you if you're on the couch.
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Date: 2018-08-16 05:53 am (UTC)it was just going to be sleeping in the same bed together. it didn't have to mean anything special. it didn't have to lead to anything. Vera looked so tired she'd probably fall right asleep. ]
You mean you couldn't just pass out in the recliner across from me? [ she said with a smirk. but she started to shift off of the couch already, offering her hands to help guide Vera up in case she felt too unsteady or weak to do it on her own. ] If you insist, Miss Weisz, let's go. I'll try not to wake you up when I sneak out early tomorrow.
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Date: 2018-08-17 03:10 am (UTC)[She tries to get up herself, but the sudden movement makes the room wobble for a moment, so she gives up on that pretty quickly. Taking Jen's hands, she closes her eyes and rises to her feet. Oof, why is this so hard? Who knew manipulating the human soul would take so much out of you.]
And don't "Miss Weisz" me. I won't let you think that our relationship is so formal. [She casts a serious glance up at the blonde before tugging her arm to lead her towards the bedroom.]
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Date: 2018-08-17 03:17 am (UTC)How "informal" do you want me to be? [ oh, she probably shouldn't have questioned that right now but. it was something that was burning in the back of her mind for quite some time now. ]
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Date: 2018-08-17 03:24 am (UTC)I... don't have an answer for that. [She takes one hand off of Jen's arm to brace herself against the frame of the door.]
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Date: 2018-08-17 03:27 am (UTC)For the record: me neither. But it would help to know if you want me to keep to myself tonight or not. [ a beat. ] And if I have to sleep in day-old clothes or not.
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Date: 2018-08-17 03:28 am (UTC)(no subject)
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