compnetwork | Backdated to May 13, VIDEO

[It's taken the better part of the day for Alex to get his bearings and settle into the cramped lodgings that have been provided for his use. The place is a far cry from the one he used to have, it makes him quite glad he never had many belongings. Fitting things in here would be a nightmare.

He's examining the one object he did receive rather dully, slowly turning the clear container around in his hands and eying the powder inside as it shifts about. An inconsequential piece of junk for most people but for him it's going to be a constant reminder of the past. More immediately it's reminded him there's something he needs to ask this new madhouse, boy won't this be fun.]

So, this clearly isn't another F3. Not sure if I should be relieved or not about that, guess I'll reserve my judgement for the time being. I've still got questions though, very important questions.

First off, are there any others here from the Facility? You can't miss them, gaudy collars, no survival instincts, most probably suffering from some form of post-traumatic stress. I'm actually looking for someone specific out of any that might be here... but if she is here, knowing her she'll be breaking down my door the second she sees this. [That thought brings a flicker of a smile, but it instantly dies away when he considers that she might not be here. He shakes his head and pushes that prospect to the back of his mind, it's not something he wants to dwell on right now.]

Secondly, if anyone recognizes me at all it'd probably be better for everyone involved if you just spoke up now. I'd really hate to find out about that second hand, it could lead to all sorts of unpleasantness.

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[ She doesn't care if he's teasing or not. The kiss makes it even better, and her grin grows wider. ]

It's what you'd say too.

[He tilts his head and considers her words for moment, then nods.]

Yeah, you've got me there.

[ She lets out a "hmph" in amusement, then settles against him, still hugging him tightly. ]

You're really here. [ It's spoken solely for her own sake, for further proof he's there in her arms. She can hear him and feel him holding her, but the clarification is nice. ]

[He continues to stroke her hair as she settles in, holding her just as tightly in return.]

And that's never changing. [Something he knows for a fact, but voicing it out-loud is something they both need to hear. It makes the truth of things that much more solid.]

[ Hearing him say it makes it all the better. Where she could doubt her own words, she doesn't doubt his for an instant. ]

Good.

[For a few minutes Alex is content to just stand there and hold her, petting her hair in total silence. Sadly they can't stay like that forever, but when he does pull back and break the silence it's with no shortage of regret.]

So what's the plan? If there even is one yet.

[ Dammit Alex, she was perfectly fine with just holding you. ]

Plan? What plan?

[Sorry Lucy, but there's scheming to be done!]

The plan for what we should do about the new mess we're in, of course. I'm not about to just sit back in this apartment and go domestic, are you? [And there's one of his grins that can only mean trouble.]

[ ~~Dammit Alex, this is why we can't have nice things~~.

She frowns at that, but not out of anger. More than anything, she's tired. She doesn't know what to do with herself in such a (relatively) peaceful place, but . . . it's something she imagines she'd like to get used to. ]

Maybe I happen to like being in a place where I don't have to wake up and wonder if I'll die that day or not.

[For a second he's worried he might have upset her, but he realizes that's not really the case. She's tired, it's understandable, and she also has a really good point.]

You're right, maybe this is a good change of pace. [His smirk softens into a smile and he puts a hand on her shoulder.] The place is far from perfect, but I guess it's a paradise compared to where we were.

I don't know what to do. Actual food is easy to get, nobody seems to fight unless it's against those creatures that appear during that hour...I can feel the wind and hear the birds chirping in the morning.

[ She's liable to start shaking, but refrains as his touch restores some of her strength. Her fingers tighten their own hold on his jacket. ]

I don't know what to do here.

Kaede...

[Once again he finds himself hugging her closely, giving her something familiar to focus on rather than the prospect of their alien situation.]

I understand, this is a lot to soak in. You don't have to do anything, but you'll figure out something you want to once you're used to this place. We both will.

[ If it weren't for the heat of his body engulfing her, she'd swear she's just dreaming. After all, it's not like it was uncommon for Val to induce incredibly realistic dreams, right? ]

And it won't be lonely. Not if you're here.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[He's getting the feeling adjusting is going to be harder for her than it is for him. That's just fine though, he'll be there to help her every step of the way.]

When you're feeling up to it we can start getting a feel for this city, see the sights and whatever else it has to offer. We could make a date out of it, how's that sound?

[ That's right, she tells herself, she won't be alone. He's here, and if she falters even a little, he'll still be here. She could stand up on her own if necessary, her keeping herself together before he arrived, however short it was, proved that, she thinks, but she doesn't have to go it alone. Not anymore.

Her face feels a touch warmer at the mention of a date. Come to think of it, she can only recall a small handful of times they've ever actually gone on a real "date." ]

Okay.

That's my Kitten.

[He chuckles and gives her a quick kiss, rewarding her for the slow perking up. Part of him is surprised that actually worked though, he still can't believe anything he says could comfort someone half the time. He's glad he can give her that though, it's the least she deserves to have.]

Backdated to May 13, VIDEO

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