maskormenacelogs | poetry with amber imagery or something [OPEN]

Entry tags:

poetry with amber imagery or something [OPEN]

WHO: Lucina, various
WHERE: Maurtia Falls, De Chima, misc
WHEN: Early/mid-October
WHAT: assorted happenings
WARNINGS: labeled in subject headers

Maurtia Falls
Lucina's main haunts are still in this city of conflict -- same as it has been, those two and a half years ago. Gods, has it been so long already? So much else has changed...her, too.

She resides on a residential block in a rental house, and might be encountered in the wee hours of the morning on her way out to work, or perhaps on the rare day off, tearing up the sad excuse for a garden she'd tried (sort of) to maintain (and failed to) in preparation for winter.

Downtown, she frequents a cafe and pastry shop where she's made many a friend and good memory. Catching her before she hustles off on patrol or another duty is a great chance for a free treat and a chat...or perhaps a means of teaming up for a bit of crime busting?

At Helix, the base of operations for Aegis Force, practically her second home, she is constantly either at work or training for work. It's not as frantic and despairing as the month before, so she can be a cheerful spotter or sparring partner, or she can help with some kitchen chores or monitor duty! She also likes to take her breaks on the rooftop helipad, enjoying the cooler air as the weather starts to behave more like autumn.

De Chima
It's not a place she visits too often, but at least once a week, Lucina tries to make time to volunteer at the O'Malley Clinic. She's not much of a nurse, but if you ever wanted to know what it feels like to be bandaged up nearly immobile as a mummy for a simple scrape? She's your girl. Also don't you dare try to escape until treatment is over! She can double as a bouncer.

There's always a chance to catch her in the skies, as flying is her favorite pastime -- and it beats traffic. Hopefully she's not spying any trouble from on high, but if you're in a pinch, she can swoop down and lend a hand (or sword)!

Misc
You're welcome to put in a starter or come bug me @

whyellewhy to brainstorm

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[His gaze lingers on her as she speaks. Her words resonate with him a little oddly, and there's a weird pull of defiance in him, but that's likely just his natural need to be contrary. So, instead he nods.

It seems like it's getting a little easier to curb it around Lucina, but maybe it's because the things she present aren't so inflammatory to his beliefs and values...at least as of late. There's a lot of changes that seem to be getting swung into motion, even if he abhors the idea of changing. The world needs to change, not him. Yet, it feels like things are starting to shift within him. Even if subtle and seemingly negligible. But even an avalanche can start from a single pebble being displaced.

Like Lucina, his gaze falls to Masquerain in his arms, the bug totally passed out at this point. There's a weird flutter in his chest as she talks about his Pokémon. It's one thing to consider something worthwhile for him, but she always has room for them too, in her considerations. It's something that really resonates with him, something he appreciates about her...]

...They don't hate it here, but the lack of Pokémon can't be great for them. I bet it gets pretty lonely.

[He worries that it is, anyway.]

[it may be as he says... but Lucina doesn't know the right of it, not really. she's not from his world; she may befriend as many of the Pokemon as she's able here, but being a stranger to their world and way of life leaves her rather blind to the nuances that could be at play -- things Guzma can be keenly aware of.

they're practically people in their own right, after all...

making a thougtful sound, her hands fidget a little in her lap, holding off the want to reach over and pet at one of those wings at rest; she's really no good being idle.]

I hope that being around Archie's companions can help. But if there are other ways...I'd like to help.

[her expression crinkles a little, feeling a touch sheepish.]

You'd just have to translate for me, since...well...

[Guzma's spent some time thinking about how well his Pokémon's needs are being met here. And while they act fine, happy to be with him and interact with the humans here, he can't help that niggling worry in his chest every so often.

That fidgeting doesn't go unnoticed, but it might as well be for all he doesn't comment on it.]

It does. They get on well enough. [He breathes out a huff.] Tupp's Salandit, too.

[But then he pauses for a moment. Translate for...

He offers her a glance, before gently lifting up Masquerain (who is not even remotely bothered by this) and offering him to Princess Fidget over here.]

Well, I figure you'll be around 'em enough that probably won't be needed, huh?

A--oh-- [she startles a little, not immediately sure what was going on, but when one is offered things, it's a compulsion to reach out, so...

so now she has a snoozing bug in her arms...and subsequently in her lap. she looks a bit baffled, but also a bit endeared. he's so cute and content...!

still. she's got to have a nervous flutter in her belly for a reason, right? she peers over toward Guzma, head tilting slightly as she studies him.]

You...really mean that. Don't you?

[should she be pleased about that? she kind of thinks she is, but...]

[There's a slight upward pull at the corner of his mouth as he looks at her. Masquerain asleep in her lap like that...what a warming sight.

Her question, however, gets a raised eyebrow.]

...Well, yeah. Why wouldn't I?

[He settles back against the couch, crossing his arms over his chest. Not quite pouting, but to the untrained eye it might seem as such. At the very least, sulking.]

You've been over often 'nough already, it only makes sense you'd pick up communicatin' with 'em, huh? They understand you fine, it's just a matter of you gettin' them, now.

[she has to bite her lip to stifle more of a smile at the way he slumps back like that. it's not quite what she meant -- the matter of time to understand them. rather...that he's resigned to letting her have that time. with them. with him.

a delighted feeling brings a fresh flush to her face and has her fidget and sit up forward just enough as to not disturb the sleeper on her lap, her knees raised up when her feet are on tip-toe on the floor.

it's not posture she holds for very long, and she, too lets herself settle back against the cushion behind her, shoulders relaxing and feet back flat on the floor.]

It might be silly, but...I'm excited. [she smiles at him before she can catch herself and look back down, letting her hair obscure her expression.] To get to know all of you. That you'll let me...

I can't really understand why, but...it feels very important to me.

[Guzma watches her for a long moment, between that change in posture, the excitement within her, and what she says...he's filled with a strange and frightening tingle of emotion that he's not sure what to do with.

I can't really understand why, but...it feels very important to me.

That strikes him particularly hard, and he huffs, looking away from her. Heat to his face as he tries to figure out how to react, what to even say. What a fucking thing to say to him! Someone who has craved importance ever since childhood...that those he views as powerful, whether through skill, importance, age, or some other factor, would recognize him or see him as being important.

Worthy.]

Tch, you should be, yo! Not everyone gets the chance to get up close and personal with Big Bad Guzma like this!

[There he goes, looping into that almost defensive and deflective way of speaking. As if he's trying to make light of the sincerity of the situation. Maybe he is, if only because he doesn't know how to navigate feelings like this.]

...but maybe your boy's a little excited too.

[This is important to him too, but it's harder to admit that.]

[there it is again -- that little wave of delight. Lucina's shoulders draw up a bit as she braces against it, pressing her mouth into a thin line until she's tempered herself. it wouldn't do to be so taken by a feeling as to accidentally squeeze poor Masquerain near to death, would it? yet what is she supposed to do with this excess energy he's given her?!]

I'm not calling you that.

[her mouth twitches with the fight to stifle the laugh that peppers her voice.]

"Big Bad Guzma" sounds more like...something from a children's fable. [she squints over at him through her bangs.] Wolves and such, terrorizing children and small animals.

[There's a few things he could suggest to do with that energy he's giving her, but maybe such suggestions are a little uncouth, and a little awkward when there's a gaggle of Pokémon hanging around. Particularly when Pinsir's watching them as he is...]

Tch...

[A children's fable, huh?]

With my rep back home, that ain't entirely inaccurate...

Really.

[she squints at him.]

With your affinity for your Pokemon, I can't actually see you picking on other, littler ones, but is that actually how you spent your time?

[He holds his gaze on her for a second, before shrugging.]

It don't matter if it is or if it ain't. People believe what they wanna, huh?

[That's not an answer, Guzma.]

But that's too small for what I do back home. Ain't that simple.

[He does steal Pokémon. Him and his grunts, but there's a purpose beyond just terrorizing them. It's not about the Pokémon at all, or scaring them. The kids, however...]

[she's not people, she wants to point out. but...maybe he still thinks of her that way, even if he's said he's seen who she is. it's hard to say, especially in the midst of the moment, where it isn't so easy for her to quickly sleuth out hidden meaning or put together other clues that are still new to her.

she is who she is: earnest, honest, and trusting in the things that are face-value, even if there's more to it than that.]

...Hence not being Small Bad Guzma. [there's a bit of a flatness in her tone, but not out of ill will. she's just...blunt and lacks a real knack for sarcasm.] Right.

Well, I can only believe what I can see and believe in. [tilting her head.] ...Don't use that as an excuse to go bullying elementary schoolchildren.

[Even if she lacks the knack for sarcasm, he still finds what she says amusing, at least at first. That bluntness doesn't bother him, after all, he's blunt himself!]

Like I said, it ain't that simple.

[He's not denying the bullying of elementary schoolchildren...]

...There's a lot to explain for you to even start to understand. [His expression falls to something a little more solemn.] And even then, I dunno if you would.

Edited 2019-10-13 01:24 (UTC)

I'm going to try, at the very least, but I'm determined to understand. [she looks as certain as she speaks, perhaps maybe a bit too determined? but she does take her word seriously.] It wouldn't make sense to not even try, right? If I didn't come here to learn more about you, it'd make no sense...

[...yeah, she believes what she says, but...hearing her say things like that aloud makes her face start to go red again. she realizes belatedly she's probably embarrassing herself.]

[Studying her for a long few moments, he looks between her and Masquerain, before settling his gaze elsewhere. Didn't she just open up to him about her situation? Is it fair for him to keep this shit from her? It's not, and he knows it, yet it's like a vice has tightened around his chest as thinks over what she said.

The red to her cheeks is a weird comfort, making him feel less vulnerable in this situation when she's looking embarrassed herself. Maybe that's what eases him a bit, allowing him to puff out a sigh.]

My situation ain't as grim as yours, that's for sure. But that don't make it less shitty.

[How to explain this without giving too many details, hmm...]

Where I come from, we got these traditions...

[His eyes wander from her and Masquerain to Golisopod and Pinsir. The former has since made himself comfortable on the floor and has dozed off. Pinsir is resting his back against the larger bug's side, arms crossed over his front as he stares at Lucina and Guzma still. Utterly unblinking.

Guzma doesn't seem bothered by his staring, clearly used to it. His face scrunches and he shrugs.]

Tch! Whatever, it don't matter. [HUFF] I don't do nothin' for no reason. Even if it makes me bad, even if it's seen as cruel by ignorant punks, it ain't for nothing.

[her eyes wince as he huffs. did she push too far? honestly, sometimes she doesn't realize when she's pushing at all...

so maybe what he's said already is pretty far? he's clearly bothered in even trying, yet...he tried all the same, didn't he.

her expression softens.]

No one does anything for no reason. That much I know.

[and most don't do things thinking they're in the wrong, and those that do? may think it's for a better cause. the longer she's lived in this world, the more she's come to realize that. things aren't always black and white, life and death...]

...Tell me about it later, then? I think I already took up all the time for...grim things. [she smiles sheepishly.]

[The fact she doesn't push him more gives pause, his eyes lingering on Pinsir, yet he's more looking past Pinsir. Part of him feels guilty for backing out so quickly, for essentially running away from this before he's barely began. Yet a bigger part of his grasps onto that out she's given him, and even if it makes him feel a little disgusted with his own cowardice, it doesn't stop him from embracing it.]

...Yeah.

[He says a little thoughtlessly, before catching himself.]

Uh—what I mean is...y'didn't do nothin' like that. I wanna know this sorta shit, y'know? [Like how she wants to know about him... ugh.] But...later. Yeah. I'll tell ya later.

Now just ain't a good time.

[Not that he'll ever think any time is a good time, but that's not important.]

[this Guzma... he's definitely a different sight than what she'd known at first, isn't he? what does seem the same, though, is that he's not the sort to faff around in conversation, whether it's because of discomfort or just a dislike of it. she can relate, in a way, and maybe that's why she can convince herself what he's saying is true. that he wants to know -- gods, that makes her feel a little strange -- and that he'll explain himself better later.

it's weird how quickly she can believe in things like that in the moment, and yet, somehow, she'll be second- and third-guessing it on her own...

after a moment of quiet, Lucina's eyes settle back down to Masquerain and, with a soft sound, she carefully lifts the bug and sets him on the cushion beside her and, after a beat of negotiating with impulse, she sits up a bit straighter, looking back over at Guzma, eyes big and face still red.]

That being said. I...I suppose you'll want me to go, yes? I understand. Only, ah...then, in that case... [her fingers fiddle and fold together then unfold on her lap.] Well...

[It's hard getting close to someone you previous tried to convince that you're nothing but a terrible monster of a man. Painting this picture of yourself, and then slowly tearing it down...it's almost shameful in a way, like humiliating to show his true self after all his boasting and what not.

Wanting to be understood, yet too afraid to open up so anyone can.

As Lucina moves Masquerain, shifts, and stares at him wide-eyed, he can't help but look to her himself. His own eyebrows raising a bit, expectantly as she continues and then...doesn't finish her sentence. Maybe if his mind hadn't been wandering elsewhere, he'd have picked up on what she's trying to imply. Instead, he just stares at her a little dumbly.]

...Well?

[He doesn't necessarily want her to go, but he does want her to get to her point already!]

We-well...uh...

[she bristles, mouth twitching.]

Well, that is...before I were to go, then. Would you mind, um--

[gods, this is embarrassing! yet she, a fool, points at her mouth, as if that explains everything. maybe the real stupid thing is she thinks it does.]

[It's not that stupid, because Guzma gets it. Well, if the way his dumbly expectant expression morphs into smug understanding means anything. If she's expecting him to make the move, she's in for a surprise.]

Oh a kiss?

[He says with a tone that fits his expression.]

I don't mind at all.

[And there he sits. Watching her, one eyebrow quirking upward as he waits.]

[wow. wow, he's just...going to sit there making that face, isn't he? Lucina looks taken aback in one beat, then a bit annoyed in the next. if he thinks she's just going to sit there floundering, though, well...! well he's wrong! why not make a kiss a point of pride? she's dumb enough to do that, obviously.

so, to hell with her stupid, flustered butterflies and what-not, she scoots over, looking like a blue-haired tomato on a mission. with a huff and a bit too much gusto, she tugs at the collar of his shirt and sits up in the same motion, and all this means is instead of being able to get away with a quick kiss, she--]

A--ow!

[just bonks his face.

too much gusto.]

Gah--gods--!

[Here Guzma thought he had properly goaded her into taking a little initiative in kissing him! And maybe that is what he did, but it's not what it results in. Nah, all he gets for his troubles is a headbutt to the face.]

Deh!!

[His face scrunches as he pulls back. He stares at her for a moment—and then just cracks up laughing.]

Hahaha! W-what the hell was that, huh? I thought you wanted a kiss, not to take me out, yo!

I wasn't trying to, I-- oooorgh...! [she lets him go, bringing her hands to the sides of her face, mortified.] I overshot, alright?! [she gets up, lightly bonking a shin on the table and freezing up, waiting for something to, perhaps, crash.

no?

okay. good. she can huff safely.] Gods, I'm just going to go before I, I cave in the ceiling or--!

[Guzma watches her as she just...continues to make a fool of herself. Getting more and more flustered by her stumbling and haphazard movements. However, when she goes to pass in front of him, he extends his leg to cut her off. Resting his foot on the table. He's still slumped back on the couch, one arm on the back of the couch, while the other rests on the armrest.

He's peering up at her with a grin.]

You ain't gonna wreck this place no worse than I do already.

[Considering those holes in the wall on the upper level, um...

He beckons her with a nod of his head.]

C'mere.

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