Angel sat quietly in her seat on the hyperloop, headphones in her ears connected to her phone playing music to drown out all the noise and to keep her nerves calmed. What was she doing? She had gotten on the train to go meet someone she had met in a fucking video game. Why had she thought that was a good idea at all? What if he was actually some creepy old guy? What if he only liked her because of how she looked in the game? She shook her head, trying to clear those thoughts. He didn't seem like he could be that type of person, and besides, Alonso had met him in real life and the older man had seemed to vouch for Aaron. As such, Angel sighed. When the train pulled in at Boston, Angel fought through the crowd to get off as soon as she could. Raising her phone in her hand to pull up the navigation, her eyes widened in terror as she saw the notification reading "1% battery remaining." The screen faded to black almost immediately. She shoved her phone into her backpack, where her VR headset was as well, and sighed. Now what the hell was she going to do? She had brought her charger, but where was she going to find a place to plug her phone in at? She fumed and mused, tapping her foot against the ground. Up ahead was a terminal showing some key points in the area. She approached it and began to scan it, looking for where she needed to go. "Mass Institute of Technology!" She exclaimed. "He said it was near there, so I just need to go there." A cab ride later, Angel stared up at the Institute. She spun around, wondering which way to go now. She supposed her only real option was to ask random people, and hope one of them could tell her where Steele gym was... It was 12:30 when Angel finally reached the doors of Steele Gym, about thirty minutes after the agreed upon time. She exhaled heavily, brushed her outfit down, and entered the building. Not wanting to stand out too much, she made her way toward where the weights were, and looked for the lightest dumbbells she could find. She looked around, trying to figure out where Steele might be. She approached the reception desk. "Is the owner of the gym here today?" She asked the clerk. (I'm gonna admit, I don't go to gyms, no clue if they have reception clerks or anything like that lol. If not, just assume she asked a random person who looked like they know what they are doing @Aaron Steele )
As she leaned in to kiss him he'd almost feel her lips upon his, yet she signed out before he could. A faint smile passed, she was a clever one, but he'd get that kiss one day soon. Lips curling into a warm smile he'd log off and take his VR headset off, knowing his luck she would probably be a he and he'd be followed by some camera crew and become catfished. Lips shifting some he'd devise a plan to meet her at his gym tomorrow as discussed; having a backup person. In case this was the scenario. None the less the male would head off to shower then lay down in his bed; thought running wild about the possibilities. Was he making a mistake, bringing them to his work; what if she was a weirdo or a he. That could really mess things up for his reputation, but then again; that might bring in the LBGT community. Shaking his head he'd go to sleep. It wouldn't be much longer until he woke up a few times during the night; unable to sleep. His focus on the female and his big day. Yet he'd decide the best course of action was to go for late night jog. Killing his thought with the exercise he'd listen to his music working up a sweat before returning home sometime later, showering and laying down once more. Waking up he'd soon get dressed and head off to work. Taking his car and heading in a bit early he'd prepare mentally and work off his anxiety. Having really gotten into it, he'd forget the time. As he soon got up and sat at the entrance waiting he'd look about then sit again, once more checking before he groaned. Nodding at his receptionist he'd motion himself off to the shower room. He'd forgotten he was smelly from the workout; trying to avoid that. He'd try to get a quick shower in. It was at this point his guest would have arrived, asking about him. A hand pointed towards the shower room they'd smile as they told her, no one else was at the gym she could go let him know he was there, or she could inform him herself. Seeing if she was one of his playthings or a genuine friend. Lips curling as she got up; perhaps testing if the guest would become jealous she'd sit back down. Moments later Aaron would turn the corner in the shower room. His towel scrubbing at his head; his naked boy exposed to anyone walking into the shower room. This much would be clear if she had visited him. Putting it down he'd arch a brow, "You lost short stuff...wait, don't tell me. Cute face, perfect lips, look like you about to cry, not entirely surprised to see me. "Sera?" he'd ask curiously before looking down with a grin, "So you gonna take a picture, it last longer. Honestly, I was expecting dinner before letting you see me like this in real life but it's w.e Ignore the scar. It was bad injury when I was younger. Abusive father..." he'd say now hiding his body. A few other scars tainted the otherwise beautifully sculpted Adonis before her but none the less he'd head over to the lockers and begin to get dress, "So shall we head to my office or did I get dressed too soon, plenty of hot water left if you want to grab a shower; I'll lock the doors so no one comes in." he'd say teasingly trying to gauge her reaction before finally becoming dressed and heading into his back office. Sitting he'd smile some turning on the AC, "Hot as hell out today; maybe it's just me. Anyways sit relax, enjoy yourself. Vitamin water, Energy drink, Tea, Water? he'd ask opening the mini fridge to grab an iced tea, his eyes shifting to her as he sat down he'd grab his VR, "So we jacking in together or...sounds a bit wrong but whatever. You know what I mean. So are we good to log into the game together now or were you thinking of some general conversation? I don't want you to be late to those mountains and such." he'd say confidently, yet at the same time nervously as he nibbled at his lip staring at her some. She was pretty, not super hot but pretty. Definitely girlfriend material, but not quite lover. Well not until the third day. "Oh Sera, are you going to share your real name now? You already know mine and a lot about me. Sharing something before we leave this world for another." he said some his hand reaching out to hold hers." Curious to see how receptive she was, let alone to find out how she felt. Last he knew she wasn't ready til she spoke to that person. So all of this was merely flirting until ready to move on from her ex."Alright, did you tell that ex of yours anything yet?" he asked curiously. Arms resting on his chest sipping on his drink here and there. Waiting for his questions to be answered.
Angel frowned at the fact that the gym was completely empty, save the receptionist. When the woman told her that Aaron was in the shower, she sighed heavily. "No, it's fine..." she said. "He wins anyway," she said with a soft laugh, heading toward the showers. In all honesty, she wasn't sure what she had expected. She definitely hadn't expected to walk in to find him completely naked, but at the same time, she wasn't sure what else she could have expected. She put her hand on her hip, and kept her focus on the man's face. "You're an asshole, you know that?" She asked with a firmly straight face. However, the corner of her lip twitched once, than twice more, and she burst out laughing. "No, but you have to admit, you completely cheated! You were supposed to have to pick me out a crowd," she said with a smile, but that turned to a frown when she saw the scar. She was about to take a step forward and ask what happened when he explained. "I actually wouldn't mind a shower myself," Angel said. "I did walk here in the midday heat, which was pretty stupid of me." She paused for a minute. "When I say I wouldn't mind a shower, I do mean one by myself. You could bring me some fresh clothes for when I'm out, though," she offered. --- When she was out of the shower and dressed, she would accept the man's offer of something to drink with a "water, please." When he moved on to ask about them logging into Terrasphere, she shrugged. "Well, we have some time still. I don't think it'll take all that long to get to where we need to be." When he moved on to asking about her real name, she smiled at him. "It's Angel," she said. "Sera Phim, seraphim. Type of an angel, Angel," she explained. She paused after saying that. "Though, the way you said that makes it sounds like we have some suicide pact, leaving this world for another?" She frowned a bit when he asked about her ex, but nodded. "I sent her a message this morning. She was upset, but... we're just gonna pretend it didn't happen," she said. She shrugged. "Any other questions? I mean, you did win our little game, so I guess you have the right to... hmm.... let's say you get to know 3 things about my life, here. My name's a free one," she said. (Left a cut in the middle, since a lot could happen from that lol @Aaron Steele )
As their event unfolded in the shower he'd laugh some and tease her back some as the banter continued and he nodded; setting up the locker room for her and leaving some clean clothes. He wanted to respect her, this was after all the real world, it held a bit more rules and laws to follow. As such he'd let her be, a faint smile passed his lips upon exiting, "Too bad." As he exited and sat about waiting outside the room he'd note his receptionist and smile, "Not what it seemed like. I am just her friend. Don't you do that...I now that look. Sure she's cute but she's a New Yorker, we don't mix well. She probably loves the Fucking Yankees...Oh don't act like I ain't a Sox fan, Pats, Celtics and Bruins." he'd sigh some as he turned to look back to her; once finished he'd led her to his office. But not before complimenting her, "You look beautiful, smell nice too, definitely better than some catfish man and his man boner for me." he'd say revealing his expectation. "I still would have hung out, just not kissed you til our third date." he teased and implied this was such an event. Yet as things carried on to the room and she requested water he'd listen to her words. He felt somewhat stupid for never noticing "Oh...yeah. I...I knew that. Pfffft. Angel, explains a lot. Although you seem more like the questionable angel sitting on my shoulder; the one who tells me to do bad stuff." he teased playfully poking fun at her more, questionable morals for an angel. Yet her words stung some but he'd turn them around and flirt with them, "A world without you is not worth living my Juliet. But enough flirting, time to get serious." Listening to her words he'd frown some, unsure what that meant for him. "So lets kill the elephant in the room, what are we if anything. Please define it for the simple minded man I am." he'd say trying to make her be straight forward. "Second, when is our second date and where. That is one question don't try and cheat and keep in mind I am totally counting this as our first."With his smile turning he'd tap his chin, "What was it about me that made you feel this was a safe of a good idea and do you regret it. Okay, this last one is cheating and a twofer but whatever. The point still stands, if you answer honestly I'll let you ask me three as well, then It's best we get going." He said smiling as his gear was on and his eyes were closed as he leaned back waiting to respond to any and all inquiries the female had. ------------------------------- As soon as the banter passed and they entered the game he'd arch a brow, "Hmm so we are back in the room with time to spare, not enough to enjoy it but we could talk more or...you could tell me what it is we are going to this mountain for, you must have some idea. I won't judge you, but I don't do secrets and this has been bugging me. I know you talked to your ex, I just want this to be a thing, we can't have it til that's dealt with and we can't be if there are secrets. I will go first, I don't have a preference when it comes to females outside they must be short. I also for games like this prefer elves, which is what first attracted me to you, you have some elf qualities." he'd say blushing some hoping she'd change topics or fill more time chatting as they waited for her message to give the coordinates to the location. "Ready to go?" He'd ask as he opened the door and would lead the way. Returning the key he'd smile some thanking the innkeeper as he then made his way outside and began to walk the path; the mountain wans't far but as far as he knew there was no fast travel to it. At best they could save some time cutting through the woods. But that in itself could lead to some dangers and fun. This however was Sera's call as he turned to her and took her hand kissing it and placing it on his heart, "Lead the way, my Angel." he'd tease as he gave her permission to take control of their quest further as well as an excuse to flex his pectoral muscles beneath her hand. Lips parting to speak again he'd instead nibble at them before turning and walking off ahead. He's saving his breath for something more important. His hand, however, had grabbed her's and was now dragging her if she decided to stand still; "Come, love, I want to get this over with. I have a bad feeling and my gut is rarely wrong. I sense this event will be, life changing. If not for you but for the both of us. Something, something is going to change. He'd say some worried as he took a deep breath looking up, "May the gods have mercy on us..." he'd say to himself. Having spent some free time reading lore, eyes shifting back he'd ask her an important question, "Who of the Elysid Court. did you find most worshipable? I am tired between Tyl and Lheo." he'd say admitting his bias and probable reason for the paladin movment. @Sera Phim
As Angel showered, she couldn't help but smile thankfully at the fact the man had let her shower in peace, by herself. She didn't take long, and was out in about ten minutes. She'd let her hair stay a bit damp, but she brought the towel with her by hanging it over her shoulder so that if she needed to dry her hair sooner than she expected in order to get to playing Terrasphere she could. She wasn't sure how long Aaron would want to talk, first. She grinned when the man revealed what he'd been worried she might be. "I mean, for all you know, I might have some extra stuff you don't know about, you haven't seen me the way I've seen you twice now," she smirked. "And since I try not to be a first date type of girl, I guess you won't for a little while longer." When he accused her of not necessarily being the angel on her shoulder, she chuckled. "Hey, a fallen angel's still an angel, more or less. Just a bit.... hornier," she winked. When he got serious and asked what they were, she grew equally serious. "I want to be completely honest with you. I don't know, not one hundred percent. For right now, let's just say we're a boy and a girl, and figure out the rest of what we can be together." When he asked the second question, she smiled a bit. "I actually thought this was our second. Our little misadventure yesterday about romance wasn't enough to be called a date for you?" She teased. "But, if you're calling this the first... then I think it's your job to plan the second, because it was my idea to do this one," she said. "How's that sound? I'm up for anything in either world, within reason." She grinned again. "Keep in mind, I like to think of myself as a third date girl. But, if you insist that this is the first, and not the second..." she shrugged, trying to fluster Aaron a bit. At the third question, Angel grew completely serious. The smile on her face was purely one of gladness and kindness, empty of any teasing or playfulness. "Because you proved it to me," she said. "Sure, you made some crude jokes. But you were serious and honorable when you needed to be. You didn't try to talk me into what I should do, or tell me who I should be. That leads into the three things about you, but... I don't need to ask questions for the three things that are most important." She held up a finger. "You run a gym, a business. That means you're hard working, you don't make stupid investments, and you know how to set goals and standards and priorities." She held up a second finger. "You're trusting. You told me about your father, this early on, and those scars. That takes a lot of courage and bravery, and it didn't turn you into someone bitter, but you still have a joy about life." She held up a third finger. "And you passed my test. With the shower. You proved you knew when to back off and not push a joke any further, when to respect boundaries." She lowered her hand and sighed heavily. "Those are the three most important traits in a guy. Hard working, brave, honorable. The rest? All icing on the cake. So to answer your totally cheating, completely not fair, you're a horrible person for breaking the rules, fourth question..." She grinned. "I don't regret it at all." ------------------------------------------------------------------- In the game world, Sera shifted a bit. The alcohol she had drank last night had mostly worn off by now, but her avatar was still suffering some of it's affects, it seemed. "What happened to 'never let me drink that much again', ow," she rubbed her head. "It's mostly worn off by now, but man. I really need to not drink so much." She mused for a bit when Aaron asked if they had time to spare in their room. "Not a whole lot," she admitted sadly. "As for what we're going to the mountain for... I don't know. I showed you the message yesterday, you know as much as I do. But... I have to find out. I agree with the no secrets thing. I broke up with the ex, I also prefer short girls, but guys I prefer taller. I will be inclined to desire the occasional threesome, you are allowed to vote no on that, in which case I won't. If we become a thing, any bed activities involve both of us or neither of us," she said. "That's really my only ground rule." Sera laughed when Aaron started practically dragging her after telling her to lead the way. "Aaron, stop!" She giggled. "I can open portals, remember? We can literally take three steps and be in Pormont instead of having to walk all the way there!" When he asked about gods, she shrugged. "I don't really know. I think Idna, though," she said. Then, she began her chant, a portal slowly opening before her. "Alright, you go first. My turn to admire the view for one," she said with a grin once it was finished.
As time passed and they sat there talking some he'd listen to her answers and questions doing his best to answer honestly and truthfully. Her words, as usual, bringing a smile on his face as he shook his head, "I can tell, although I bet it's cute. Tiny as hell if it's there." he'd say with a chuckle teasing her back, "Either way, that's not what I like about you so it plays little in this matter. Regardless of size or existence." he said looking at her how he did in the game. Eyes shifting some he'd think on the next bit listening to her. A faint blush passing as she spoke of being a horny fallen angel, why did this not surprise him, but he wouldn't complain. His next words serious got an equally serious remark. A warm smile passing as he agreed with her and would place a hand over hers and nod, "Then that is fine by me, I am totally up for that. I'd just like to be honest with you, however, I do not want this to take too long to figure out. This is my only fear." He said some looking to the side as they chatted a bit more his face flustered again, "come now, that isn't what I meant and third date or note. The game won't count for that to me. I don't count it as a date unless we hold hands and I can show you off. The game isn't exactly meeting my qualifications. None the less we are just a boy and girl so it's hard to claim this a date, to begin with; since we never agreed. But if you wish for it to be a second I'll agree to a first and I have a plan for a proper second date." he said some smiling as he knew what he wanted to do; new York is an okay place for it given its theaters and restaurants. But he'd remain silent on that. His attention turning to her once more, still flustered, "Besides I'd break that record on the second if I was that kind of guy, but I'd rather wait til you're in love with me begging for that third date kind of night." He'd say a bit cocky as he folded his arms over his chest, "Besides you've seen what awaits you. The only factor you're missing is my endurance and how rough I like to get but that I'll leave for you to imagine on our what was that third or fourth date." he said mocking her, his hands sliding over hers to hold it as she asked her questions. But to his surprised she'd by pass that describing him, a faint smile passing as he played it off smooth, "So you are just that into me. Good cuz I want to be more than just some boy some day....I want to be a man, but not just any man. Your man, so until that day comes I'll work on whatever it is I need. Just know I won't change who I am in the long run, so if that is at all in your mind; which I doubt but I figured I'd state it now..." he'd note before entering the game and carrying on his actions. ------------------------ A chuckle passed his lips at her complaint, "To be fair I didn't let you, I encouraged and joined you. So stop yelling my head hurts too." he said with a smile and continued on with his actions. Yet as their banter continued he'd blush, "Is that a game rule or...never had that one thrown at me. Feel like it's a test. I normally only got enough meat for one, but if I must split it you get first dibs." he said jokingly before they left and continued towards their goal. He truly wished she knew more but for now, this was as good as it got. His own knowledge on the matter seemed lacking. It sucked walking into a situation blind; no control.But he'd protect her no matter. Yet at her offer, he'd sigh "You and your portals. They tire you out and it's a dangerous thing to walk into things blind. Not to mention were are missing out on traveling dreams. I'll agree to walk through if we walk back...no cheating. We need to bond more and get lost in the woods beneath the stars, maybe sing at a camp fire and cuddle. You can cuddle with boys right?" He asked teasingly. His lips curling as he heard her request and flaunted his booty walking through shaking it stopping to pose looking back biting his lip before stumbling forward through the portal for the sake of it. Appearing at the location he'd hold his shield tight and his blade in his other hand; he was ready to take on whatever this was, but still felt off. None the less he'd smile and put on a brave face to challenge whatever task it was they were to face; but who was this enigma who called to her? @Sera Phim
Angel smiled when Aaron said he didn't want them to take too long figuring out what they were. "When you first met me, I was drunk off my ass, remember?" She asked. "Do I really strike you as the type of girl who would spend forever thinking about if she wants something? I've made some mistakes in relationships before, believe me. That's why I want to move a little slower than usual. But.... a little slower than usual for me still isn't that slow. How about this - once we both log off from our gaming season, we decide what labels we want to use? That will... still be slower than usual for me, but not too long for you?" She offered. When they discussed date numbers, Angel laughed. "Okay, so three dates in this world before we do anything here, three dates in that world before we do anything there?" She laughed. "Is that a fair compromise? If that's the case, though, we're definitely counting yesterday as one there." She mused for a bit. "That said, since we did meet there first, I think I'd prefer anything happening there to happen first, but it's not a huge deal," she said. When he turned to the concept of breaking that record, she grinned. "Well, if the first two dates are good enough, I'm not against the third date starting immediately following the end of the second. So instead of eat dinner and watch a movie as one date, it's eat dinner as one date, and then... have a movie on in the background for the next." Angel raised her hand to Aaron's mouth when he said 'fourth date' to cover it. "Third," she said. "I'm not the most patient person in the world when I want something, I'm trying hard enough here as it is," she added with a coy smile. That coy smile turned into one just of gladness when he said he wouldn't change for her. "Good. Relationships shouldn't be about trying to change the other person. Yeah, they do change us, you can't help that. But they should be about growing closer to someone else, learning more about yourself, and bettering yourself through it all, not changing to make someone else happy. I won't change who I am for you either, but if I see things about myself I can improve because of you, I will work on them as well." ---------------------------- Sera hit him softly when he said he didn't let her drink, but rather encouraged her. "I'm not yelling, you're just hearing loud." When he asked about her ground rule, she chuckled. "I'm just saying, I still like girls. I'm not against us having some extra fun if you're up for it, but at the same time, I understand loyalty. If you're in a relationship, you're not doing the vertical tango unless the other person in the relationship is too. So if you ever see a cute girl calling your name..." Sera shrugged. "Have her talk to me, and we can think about it. It's not gonna be a 'yes' in every situation, obviously, and know I'll never do anything without you saying yes and joining in as well." "It's cute how concerned you get," she said when he voiced his dislike of her using the portals. "It's only taking us to a city in Pormont, we still have to walk to the mountains. The energy expenditure is lessened because I'm connecting to an anchor point on the other side, so it doesn't tire me out that much, and that part of the city is specifically designed to be teleported to, so it's safe at all times. I will absolutely cuddle with you. But be warned-" She grinned teasingly. "I call dibs on little spoon, and I do like to press against the bigger spoon. She whistled at him as he walked. When she followed behind him, she gave him a light smack on his butt. "Put your sword away, cowboy." A notification popped up in her field of vision, another message. She opened it, and read off the series of numbers, which was all the message contained. She frowned for a moment as she thought. "Well, I think those are the coordinates for where we need to go..." she checked her map. "I picked a good city to port us too. The closest one, in fact." She looked at the time, about 1 pm. "So long we don't stop for too long, I think we can be there by shortly after dinner time," she said. "Just before nightfall." She gave him the coordinates again, so that he'd have them in case he wasn't listening close enough the first time.
As the two spoke and he vented his views he'd nod in agreement to her proposal. A clear defined answer would make it easier on him as well as help him explain it to others should he need to. He hated the answer it's complicated, felt like a cheaters word and an excuse to fool about. So he'd vow to never use it if he could avoid it. Yet as he continued on with his comments and teasing she appeared to be quick to respond. His hunger joke passed her over or so it seemed until she hinted at the movie being background noise a faint blush passing as he rubbed the back of his head some, she probably tasted great anyways...but before those lips cames the ones meant for the public." Well, before any fun, I need to know the taste of your lips. So when you are ready that will be our signal." he'd say teasingly before bring up the fourth date requirement for their limits; well at that moment at least it was clear he was wanted and when she wanted him further she'd take it. Sharing his word with her about change however only sparked further conversation and chatter, something perhaps more interesting between the two as she seemed to enjoy his answer. None the less the duo went off and into the game; their banter continuing Yet that ground rule that caught his attention did stem one final question, "Twins, if you got one that's a first, if not that three way is a four way. It's a bucket list and not one I'll give up. Right there next to making love in public roughly and in a manner I'd go jail for years, but that one is there merely for thrills, I'll have to do it as an old man; so I die in jail." he said jokingly as he continued on their paths. Her teasing of his concern leads him to stay quiet and walk forth asking about cuddling. A faint smile passed as he grinned,"Good I got Netflix in the office, we can cuddle and chill watching some. But be mindful the big spoon might just spoon you if you rub too much..." he'd say with a large smile arriving at the city. Eyes scanning about he still felt like something was off but remained quiet aside from his questions already asked. His blade unsheathed as he looked to her, sighing as he put it away. Hearing the beep his stomach turned as she read off numbers, "Coordinates...oh not too bad and there is a faster way to get there...I can't promise I'm any good. But I heard you can rent a carriage to get there or riding a horse there. Of course, the horses have another to take them back after so your sort of getting into a one-way trip scenario but eh. It's worth it to save some time no?" He asked her curiously. As he took her hand; their fingers would interlace, as he walked with her towards one of those horse stands. Paying the male he'd rent the horse and climb upon it, reaching down to give her a hand so she might ride upon it before him; his little spoon." a faint blush would pass as she was more or less sitting in his lap. The horse taking off as he held the reins, or she could if she preferred. His hand resting on her waist side. Blushing he'd mutter; "It's not like you think. okay it is, but I blame these bumpy roads in your enticing back side; again sorry if I'm stabbing at you. It's not as easy to master or control this sword." he'd say groaning as he tried not to come off as perverted "God do I hate you so much right now, this is all your fault...I'm gonna need a moment when we stop." he said as they continued traveling to their target. A rather, troublesome and horny horse ride later his hands would have remained firmly upon her waist as his teeth sunk into her neck fighting his urges to take her right there he'd release and pull back."Sorry about that." he'd say muttering not sorry under his breath as he hopped off the horse and took a walk ahead trying to relieve some stress as he kicked a rock angrily making his way towards the coordinates. If all went as planned he'd arrive calmer and less frustrated at the area with her. His sword and shield drawn he'd note a temple of sorts off in the distance hidden by trees and vines, "So this is why we are here. Taking me tomb raiding there Laura?" he said some smiling as he blew hot air off, "Although if you were dressed half as revealing as that this mission would have to have been failed as I'd probably steal the horse take you to the nearest barn and roll around in that hay til the morning..." he'd say blushing heavily making his way towards the temple; the stars above filling the sky as the last bits of light seemed to fade; the red tips of the sun's horizon. @Sera Phim
