maskormenacelogs | I'm giving me the creeps

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I'm giving me the creeps

WHO: REGGIE MANTLE and SASHA BLOUSE
WHERE: Heropa #005
WHEN: Friday
WHAT: ~Date night~
WARNINGS: Possible references to cannibalism/violence/death/zombies/etc. at least, knowing these two. Also some heavy-petting.

[ When Friday finally arrives, Reggie -- much to his own relief -- feels strangely at ease, more confident than he expected to be feeling. Granted, if anything happens, he actually has some experience to guide him now; less need for unease if he knows what he's doing. Not to say any "doing" will be happening, but Reggie will take whatever peace of mind where he can get it.

It's hard to know what to expect from spending time with Sasha, and Reggie still isn't sure what about her in particular he's even drawn to, but so be it -- she relaxes him in some unfathomable way that he can't seem to get anywhere or from anyone else, probably because he doesn't have to do a whole lot of thinking when he's around her. It helps that she's cute, yes, but if there's anything else to it, Reggie has yet to figure it out -- and truthfully, he isn't sure he wants to, anyway.

His room is straightened up to some extent, though he isn't that messy to begin with because he simply doesn't have enough stuff here to leave around; most of what he moves out of the way are clothes and magazines. Everything they might need is already accounted for so if his roommates are around, Reggie and Sasha will have no need to venture from the privacy of his room -- food, some sodas, and he figures he'll let her pick out what movie she wants to see from the small pile of DVDs on top of the TV... then some other stuff too, but, well, whatever. The less he thought about sex in advance the less time he'd spend overthinking it.

Then Reggie's headed downstairs to wait, opening the door to stand outside while doing so. ]

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[ By the time Sasha appears down the pathway she's shed most of the thoughts about her date night in with Reggie. Talking with April beforehand helped tremendously — she isn't thinking too much about what might be happening in another hour or two anymore and tells herself if anything does happen to go with the flow. April's words remind her she doesn't need to be shy if something doesn't feel good. However, she doesn't expect Reggie to treat her badly. Sure, he might poke at her at times, but it's hardly unlike the way her friends from home do.

She wouldn't be walking up the front door if this was the case. After receiving Armin's digital will and realizing she's the last one from her world here — Laurie being out and Tobias asleep as usual, Sasha isn't comfortable sitting around in a house that feels bigger and emptier than it usually does. It's for that reason she arrives a few minutes earlier than expected, a small plastic container in her hands. She releases one hand to wave at Reggie the closer she gets. ]

Oh! You're already out here. Were you waiting long?

Nah.

[ Reggie shakes his head and shrugs, casual as can be while he leans against the front door -- then he straightens up, letting his hand rest on the doorknob briefly while he looks her over.

It's funny; he made this date with her before he'd gotten up to anything with Kitty Jones -- that had taken even him by surprise, not that he'd said no -- yet he still feels some measure of unease that he can't place. Not guilt, though; there's no one here he feels close enough to that he'd feel guilt over, which is how he wants it. Guilt is a terrible feeling that he reserves for his friends and family only, and even then only when he has to. This right now is more like... conflict, vaguely. He doesn't love anyone and hardly even likes anyone, but he considers that he needs to think a little more about consequences than he has been with regard to the people he spends most of his time with.

Even if nothing here matters in a real way.

Something to think about, anyway -- he's not about to actually tell Sasha about anything he got up to while she was gone. Instead he walks over toward her, kissing the side of her mouth before he turns away again back to the door. ]

Anyway, ready to go in?

[ There's still a lot Sasha can learn from this world about fashion. She's come in very plain looking high-waist shorts and a sleeveless crop top — a little evident she still throws on whatever she can find, but at least she doesn't wear clashing colours. She still doesn't accessorize or touch up with a bit of make-up either and her hair is in the same high ponytail it's always in. If they were going somewhere she might have considered doing something different, but Sasha doesn't think anyone needs to dress to impress if they're indoors. (Not unless it's a party.)

Her face grows warm when Reggie kisses her. Sasha swallows lightly, sucking her lips in temporarily. Then she nods, holding up the plastic container for Reggie to take. ]

Sure. It's too humid to sit around under the sun anyway. [ She is eternally grateful this world has invented air conditioning. ] By the way, this is for you.

[ She gives the container a gentle shake. ]

A belated birthday treat.

[ A gift? Reggie wasn't expecting that -- he doesn't have one for her in return, really, unless the date itself counts. It'll just have to, because he isn't giving her anything that's his.

Still, he accepts it, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Is it food? ]

Cool. What is it? [ Sure he can just open it, but-- well, at the very least they should get inside first. He opens the door, standing against it so she can go in. ] Room's upstairs. I'll open it there, if ya don't mind.

[ Hopefully she wasn't counting on a "thank you." ]

[ It would be nice to hear that from him, but Sasha isn't entirely expecting it. If he likes it that should be enough of a thank you. Unless he complains, then she's definitely going to wait for him to fall asleep and doodle all over his face as April suggested. ]

Birthday cake cookies! I saw the recipe in a magazine.

[ If Reggie opens up the container, he'll find four pieces of these treats. She might have overdone it with the sprinkles just a bit, though.

Sasha steps into the house, pulling her hands behind her back as she makes her way further inside. She looks around curiously, trying to get a feel of the sort of house Reggie lives in despite it being the same government housing she lives in. But every home has its own unique atmosphere and she wants to know what Reggie's is like. ]

[ Birthday cake cookies... well, at least that plural implies there's enough for Sasha to have some too, which undoubtedly she'll want -- less awkward that way, although Reggie will try at least one not to put her off ever getting or making him gifts again.

He does open it when he stops momentarily at the foot of the staircase, thinking to himself they at least do look edible, which is the least he can hope for if he's going to be expected to eat something. ]

You made these? Hope it didn't take you too long.

[ But Reggie can sense Sasha's desire to snoop and grasps her wrist to pull her upstairs -- not that he keeps any presence of him outside his room, really, although he wouldn't for instance want her seeing Matthew (well, no, Abduxel's) sigil drawn on the corner of his bathroom mirror -- and down the hallway, where his door is indicated with a painted on 'R M.' ]

There's food inside, though it ain't really no special birthday fare. Sorry.

[ There's a small surprised sound in the back of her throat when his hand snatches her wrist and tugs her in the opposite direction. Then a disappointed hum escapes her throat, but Sasha obliges him instead of wandering off as tempting as it is. What's he got to hide anyway? She doesn't see anything out of the ordinary so far. ]

Um, it didn't take too long. I've gotten better at baking since I've arrived.

[ If there's anything else besides her archery skills Sasha is assured in, it's her kitchen skills. She makes pretty delicious meals, she thinks. ]

What kind of food? I thought we were going to watch a movie.

[ She looks at the door, wondering what lies behind it. ]

Good, 'cause I was gonna say you probably got better things to do with your time than bakin' me cookies, but at least it sounds like they'll taste okay.

[ Reggie doesn't let go of her wrist until they're at the door to his room, which he opens -- anything he'd want hidden has already been put away, the room is tidy(-ish) without exactly being "neat." The floor is mostly clear, as is the bed; his school stuff rests on his desk along with some books and magazines, his old phone (from home, not that it really functions any longer as a phone) rested on top of them plugged into a charger. There's some sports equipment, some posters on the walls, and a few extra lamps around, but otherwise it's not a very thoroughly decorated room.

He grabs the small stack of DVDs and passes them to her, taking a seat on the edge of his bed. ]

Well, yeah, but I figured you'd want snacks or soda or something. I mean... [ Gesturing vaguely, he raises his eyebrow. ] You like food, so it ain't rocket science that I should bring food. It's just sandwiches, chips, popcorn, and soda -- and then I guess you brought dessert.

[ He's got altoids, though; always good to have those on hand if you have a girl over. ]

It's not like I'll bake you cookies all the time. Besides, it's just for your birthday.

[ A part of her is surprised to see his room at all. Reggie calms across as carefully selective about what he reveals, so getting to take a look around the room he spends time in is a little unexpected despite knowing the reason they're in here as opposed to the living room or anywhere else. Still, it surprises her to see how little there is. Maybe... she doesn't know what she expected. Her room isn't exactly decorated either despite how exciting it is to have her own private quarters.

She takes the DVDs, plopping herself down on the floor to go through them individually. ]

Everyone likes food. [ Her tongue pokes out. ] Anyway, uh...

[ She looks between two DVD cases, brows furrowing. ]

Which one has more cool action scenes? But nothing too bloody.

[ Sasha quickly adds; she doesn't want to see graphic but fake violence or gore for a while. ]

[ It's a little bit uncomfortable for Reggie, having her in here -- not that getting inside his room is anything like getting inside his head, particularly because he does have housemates that could drop by when he's home or even if he isn't. And not that he still didn't clean things up a bit more even so for the purposes of this date. Sure, it'd have been preferable to be over at her place, but with the whole Laurie situation, maybe... not. ]

Some people like it more than others. You don't see me eating for fun, do you?

[ He smirks mildly, but then furrows his brows in brief consideration, pulling one leg up closer to his chest while the other still hangs off the side of his bed. He doesn't have anything that gory or violent for his own reasons, so that's easy enough. ]

Well, that one's a spy flick. [ He points. ] Other one's like, a psychedelic comedy, but I guess they both got action. Either way it don't matter to me, so pick whatever you want. None of 'em are gory.

[ That's a relief to hear and she's glad he doesn't ask. Most people don't, but she wonders if there's an assumption sometimes given her status as a soldier. She's seen blood, bone and innards, and she's seen bodies twisted or trampled in ways that left them so disfigured she couldn't tell what part used to be what, but she wants to push all those images as far back into her mind as possible. ]

A comedy isn't so bad. [ A spy flick might turn too serious, she supposes. This is supposed to be a fun date. ] Okay, let's go with comedy.

[ She holds the case out toward him so he can get it set up. ]

By the way, how old did you turn on your birthday?

[ Reggie gets up, taking the DVD and popping it out of the case to put into the player. Comedy is a good choice, he mentally agrees, even if he'd be really hard-pressed to remember a single thing he's genuinely -- non-maliciously or derisively -- laughed at since he's been here. For him it's more about having things to watch he can just watch and not worry about following too closely, not get hung up over complicated plots; he doesn't get invested in them these days, just confused and impatient whenever he zones out and loses track of the story.

Good for dates too, of course; you never want to watch a movie on a date you're going to be too interested in. But that's not why he keeps them around. ]

Eighteen. Felt like the longest year of my life. [ Which it probably was, technically. When did he turn up here, again...? ] Not like it really counts, I guess. But as long as we're here...

[ He closes the player and sits back down on his bed, starting it up with the remote and motioning for her to sit next to him. ]

What about you?

What? For real?

[ It might be because she's slightly older than some of the others in the 104th that it surprises her to hear Reggie is the same age as her. A day older than her, too. ]

Eighteen, too. But I hadn't realized my documents had the wrong age listed until I got back.

[ Eighteen is supposed to be some kind of magical age where you're now a full-fledged adult and capable of making decisions that you don't require a legal guardian for, yet Sasha's somewhat disappointed it marks the end of Will's guardianship status. It shouldn't mean anything — she still sees him as a kind of father figure.

And at the same time, she doesn't feel any different — she doesn't feel older or wiser here. Well, she feels kind of different though not the birthday related reasons. ]

Isn't that strange, though? Our birthdays being so close despite us being from different universes.

[ Then she pauses, eyes falling to the spot beside Reggie on the bed before she gets off the floor and takes a seat next to him. If this starts to get too uncomfortable she's got plenty of options: she's definitely stronger than him and could punch him, teleport herself out or she can jump out the window. ]

Yeah, for real. Why's that so shocking?

[ Not that it isn't an interesting coincidence. Funny, in a way, especially because as far as personalities went Reggie feels like he and Sasha couldn't be more different.

Being eighteen really does feel the same as being seventeen so far, to him as well; Reggie doesn't think it would if all else were... well, normal. If he were at home, if nothing bad had happened, if he had never turned up here where he had both easier access to things like alcohol or drugs, places like clubs, as well as the desperate need to take advantage of that easy access for escapist purposes. Not that being eighteen makes those things any more legal. Not even sex, except in regards to it's had with.

When she sits next to him, Reggie moves his arm, though not to touch her; he leans it over his propped up knee to make more room for her. Not that he doesn't want to touch her, necessarily, but it's always moment-based, if Reggie wants contact or space. They're in his room, he needs to get over that stifling fact first before he can really relax. ]

A little -- mostly 'cause we already knew each other. Sorta funny. You think it actually means anything?

[ Reggie, for instance, doesn't really believe in fate or anything like that. Or at least, he doesn't think he does... he never used to, and has never reconsidered his stance on the subject. The last thing he needs is something else to dwell on; karma already occupies his mind enough. ]

[ She props her arms behind her so she can lean back a little, giving her feet a little swing and leaning her head back to stare at the ceiling pensively. ]

Coincidences maybe... I don't know about fate.

[ Growing up in a small, secluded village might have meant the people there would have their own local belief system and superstitions, but Sasha wasn't raised to believe in things like that. The only things they ever believed in and followed was their ancestors' hunting lifestyle. That's the only sort of "system" Sasha felt strongly about for the longest time. ]

I don't know why any of us are here. [ She can't help a frown then. ] If we're fated to be here, why do people get ported out all the time? It doesn't make any sense...

[ Shaking her head, Sasha straightens her neck so she can look at the screen as the movie screen pops up. ]

[ Reggie shakes his head, shrugging one shoulder as he flicks through the menu options to get the movie started. ]

Nah, I don't really believe in fate either. That'd be stupid. If this was fate, either this place would be a hell of a lot worse or it wouldn't be me here.

[ Again: karma. However Reggie may act, he doesn't consider himself deserving, per se, of this kind of clean break, this kind of second chance -- though he'll take it. And do his best not to think about all the rest while doing so.

He turns up the movie's volume. ]

It's dumb luck, that's all. Or some kinda elaborate mindfuck.

[ That's a slightly depressing way of thinking, she tells herself. This place might have its problems, but considering the kind of world Sasha is used to this place is a major step up from that. If she ever begins taking this world for granted she owes herself a slap in the face. The video Armin's left behind tells her (and everyone) not to disrespect this world.

She doesn't argue Reggie's response and focuses on the movie. It's easy for her to get sucked into what's happening on the screen and forget about Reggie during it. It's only when she needs to adjust her position or when a weight moves next to her she remembers. Other times she talks during the movie, although it's never for long. When she laughs she makes a comment about how hilarious the character is and when they do some kind of stunt she's never seen before she has to ask how they accomplished so elaborate at all.

During a giggle fit she finally says: ]

You know, I'd almost forgotten a second how great this world really is. It has everything! I don't think it's any kind of mind trick either.

[ And if it is, it's still kind of a pleasant one overall. ]

[ Reggie doesn't take being here for granted, but he sees it differently from Sasha. The world he comes from is basically ruined, yes, and it's basically his fault in a way, yes, but even so-- even so, being here where things are mostly good is a bandaid, at best. It's too bad, in a way, that things don't work in reverse; that they don't forget home while they're here. At this point, he actually wouldn't mind that.

He doesn't laugh much himself as the movie progresses, caught up in thought and spacing out to an extent, as usual. Sasha's periodic laughter draws his attention back and he glances over, eyebrow arched upward. ]

... Yeah, well. I mean, I'd sure hope not. But it don't really make a difference as long as we don't know it's a trick, y'know?

[ He pauses then, determining the moment fit to lean in for a kiss. An attempt, anyway; this world has everything, right? ]

Maybe so — [ She cuts herself off right then when Reggie starts shifting closer toward her. In her surprise she forgets about the movie and her attention falls on Reggie, her eyes trailing down to his lips and heart skipping a beat. Again her face flushes from heat and she frets internally on what to do next, hesitating initially before shaking off her flustered outward appearance. She leans in to brush her lips against Reggie's — soft and light, nothing too hasty or awkward at first.

However, a couple of seconds she breaks away from Reggie, her eyes a touch wide as if remembering something all of a sudden. ]

Oh! Uh... did— do you want to make out?

[ She blurts it out quickly so it doesn't sound very coherent.

(Thanks, April.) ]

Uh...

[ What a weird question. Reggie's hand has found its way to Sasha's hand, resting over it for a brief moment before it continues onward toward her thigh. He's more decisive this time, feeling more confident in general about turning off his brain enough so as not to overthink anything and just trust... maybe not himself, but instinct, at least.

He keeps close, raising his eyebrow higher dubiously before offering her a mild smirk. ]

Yeah, that a problem?

[ She speculates that might not have been the right moment to pose that question, although she realizes she hadn't asked April when it might have been appropriate. Well, it's too late now and anyway, the feeling of Reggie's hand distracts her from dwelling on it any longer. She doesn't push his hand or pull away, though she keeps her hands on the bed on either side of herself, fingers lightly curled into the sheets. ]

No, it's fine. It's...

[ Struggling to find the words, Sasha decides it's probably best to stop talking now. The more she forces herself to think the more her the pit of her stomach stirs with apprehension.

She bites down on her lip. ]

Um, sorry!

[ Wrinkling his nose slightly at Sasha's apprehension -- mixed signals at best, really -- Reggie hesitates a moment before pressing forward again, kissing her more assertively before she has the chance to stammer anything further, though he pulls back after another moment or two. ]

Well, make up your mind, 'cause all the reluctance really kills the mood. I could probably walk out the door right now and find five different chicks who actually want it, but-- [ His eyes narrow mildly and he glances away, sighing almost imperceptibly before he goes on with apparently difficulty: ] I'd rather be doing it with you.

Mmf!

[ The assertiveness behind the kiss doesn't surprise her completely, a part of her having expected Reggie to be like this, but it manages to catch her off guard for a quick moment. She can't think straight when he's kissing her and when her face tingles in response, the sensation trickling down her neck and into her shoulders and arms. Goosebumps rise on her skin.

When he breaks away and she hears the first half of his statement she punches his shoulder, exclaiming: ]

You're distracting me! And I could do the same I bet!

[ And then quickly deflates when she hears the second half of what turns out to be a confession. Sasha withdraws her hand and immediately quiets down. Her face and ears are a fierce shade of red again. She's also forgotten about the movie playing in the background, only able to hear their breathing and the sound of her fast beating heart. ]

... ah.

[ She manages not to break eye contact yet, though it's obvious she's having difficulty holding her embarrassed gaze.

That's a compliment, isn't it? He phrased it a bit rudely (she should really expect this from him by now), but it's oddly nice to hear it anyway. ]

Well... same, you know. [ There are people she's close to, but so far there isn't anyone else Sasha would feel comfortable messing around with. ] Just... well, I've never done this.

[ The corners of Reggie's mouth twitch slightly when it seems like Sasha is about to object and he gets ready, instantly, to argue back, but then what she says ends up being nothing like what he assumed it might have been -- which, of course, Reggie doesn't know either. Rejection, maybe? Somehow, despite this being their second date, Reggie still has trouble gauging if Sasha is attracted to him at all and if so, how much.

He holds eye contact with her for a moment or two longer, running his tongue thoughtfully over his upper lip as she goes on; at least that clarifies things somewhat. It isn't personal, which is what potentially would have bothered him the most; he leans close again, moving one hand up the side of her face until it slides loosely into her hair. ]

Well, I have -- you can just follow my lead. I won't lead you astray or nothin'.

[ At least that's off her chest. Maybe she should have asked April for tips on what exactly she should be doing, but that might have led to visuals of Will and April and that's not something Sasha wants to picture while she's with Reggie -- or ever.

She swallows and shudders lightly as his fingers slip in between her hair. It tickles and gets the hairs on the back of her neck standing up straight, her heart beating just a tad faster, and stomach aflutter in anticipation for whatever comes next.

Just don't think too much on it, right? That's what a voice in the back of her head tells her. If it doesn't feel good, she takes April's advice to heart and asks Reggie to stop. She's hoping it won't turn out that way, though. ]

Okay... just don't do anything weird.

[ She's not sure what "weird" is supposed to mean in this case, but she says it anyway as she turns herself to face him properly, lifting her legs onto the bed. ]

[ That's about all else he needs to hear; Reggie sneers mildly, his hand still in her hair, and only comments: ]

Yeah, whatever.

[ Whatever that means, but it's less dismissive than it might sound; Reggie isn't necessarily a respectful person, but he can still pride himself on the fact there are worse people out there than him. But -- that's neither here nor there, really.

He goes back in for more kissing, since that's the natural and most comfortable place to start -- he has lots of experience with making out, that's just usually where things stop. Maybe not this time, though; he leans against her to bring their bodies in closer proximity, then lifts a hand and moves it to her chest. ]

[ Kissing is still something she's getting the hang of. By no means is she sloppy, but Sasha is a little awkward when she returns the kiss, bumping her nose against Reggie's, and keeps it slow and gentle for the time being. She's increasingly conscious of wherever Reggie's hands go, however, she doesn't push his hand away from her chest and she doesn't withdraw from his touch. It's all foreign to her, but it would be a lie to say it wasn't kind of exciting.

When he leans in she follows his cue, shifting her weight so she can settle a little closer to him. It's kind of an awkward position to stay in, she realizes after a moment, when gravity is trying to bring her down onto the bed. She might have a toned midriff and arms, but even she can't hold this angle with someone taller and heavier pressed up against her for too long.

So she adjusts her position again, bringing herself down to her elbows on the mattress first before she tumbles the rest of the way down. ]

Why are you so tall?!

[ It's a light jab. She takes a deep breath, trying to get comfortable against the bed and places a hand on Reggie's shoulder for support. ]

Jeez...

Well, short guys aren't hot, first of all.

[ Reggie murmurs it against her mouth, leaning down over her as she goes down. His hand strays from her chest long enough to edge back down her abdomen to the bottom of her shirt so as to slip underneath it, while his other hand simply strokes her muscular arm.

When he breaks for air again, he asks: ]

We should move a little, so we don't-- uh, fall off. [ Since they're still by the foot of the bed, and Sasha's already lost her balance at least once. Plus, if they go any further, he'll need to be able to reach the things they'll need. ] And you can just tell me if you'd rather be on top or something, I can still work with that. Just don't, y'know, sprain anything.

[ There's a faint noise of surprise caught in the back of her throat when his hand slips under. It also tickles and she ends up giggling girlishly against him before he suggests they move so they're laying properly on the bed. She nods slowly and drags herself toward where the pillow lies, sitting upright this time. ]

Um... I'm fine like this for now. You know what you're doing, right? So...

[ She licks her bottom lip as she pulls her legs close, watching Reggie curiously. When he's close enough, she decides to make her own move and reaches for his collar, lightly pulling him in to meet her halfway for another kiss. This time there's a little more pressure behind it, but it's easy to pick up on the slight hesitation. ]

Uh -- yeah. I do. So... sounds like we're all good to go.

[ He follows her when she moves to lie more properly, eyebrows raising when she pulls him down. So far, so good -- Reggie feels a good sort of tension fall over him that he can identify as his body registering its interest. He kisses her back without the same sort of reservation, moving his hand back to where it was to pick up where they left off before the re-positioning, the other this time feeling its way over and down her abs. ]

But maybe we oughta lose some clothes here soon, what d'you think?

[ She sucks in her stomach for a couple of seconds when his hand slips against her skin again, feeling her muscles tighten in that fleeting moment. She then feels a wave of heat pass up her stomach from where Reggie's hand is and make its way toward her chest, then her neck and face. Eventually blood settles in her cheeks, but she tries to fight it back so she doesn't appear too flustered in front of Reggie.

She hadn't even given their clothes a thought until now. Her eyes flick to his chest, nimble fingers trailing behind his neck and the other hand hovering just below the fabric of his shirt. She's not sure which makes her more flustered: Reggie undressing or undressing herself.

Giving his shirt a light tug, Sasha promptly answers: ]

You first.

[ Well, that seems only fair, doesn't it? ]

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I'm giving me the creeps

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