Swim Time For The Grown Folks (Anja Drake)

[RiffWrath]

OOC: Continued from Here. (http://75.126.43.122/forum/showthread.php?p=266686#post266686)



Darkness slowly crept through the Cullen's Institute. With the rising night, brought on by a beautiful sunset, Mel walked out to the pool area, dressed in swimming trunks that went well past his knees, non-slip swim shoes, and a tight, red t-shirt with some obscure symbol emblazoned upon it. Slung over his shoulder was a white towel, which contrasted sharply with the rich red shirt and the black trunks and swimming shoes.


A cloud rolled across the slowly creeping night sky, a grey color on the background of crimson-turned-purple, the last rays peeking over it. It was last call for the sun, and it wanted a shot to go. Mel found the pool easily; it stood out on the well-kept school grounds, particularly in the recreational area. Strangely, despite the fact that it was a nice night for a swim, there were no other swimmers about. He actually had the pool to himself. Or would until Anja got here, Mel thought to himself.

There was no lack of confidence in him. He knew she would come, after all, the small kiss on his cheek, and the warm goodbye eariler that day, before the classes began, almost insured that.

Once he found himself poolside, Mel sat the towel down on a lounge chair before setting himself down. He removed the pool shoes, and sat them at the foot of the lounger. He pulled the red shirt over his head, haphazardly tossing it behind him, the red cloth landing on the white chair back.

Mel eased himself into the pool, finding the water to be as warm as bath water. It felt good on the muscles, especially after a long day, coupled with a long jog that he took a few hours before, just as classes ended. He sighed, before slowly dunking his body into the water, leaning his head backwards and blowing air through his nostrils to keep them from becoming filled with the water. The black long hair lay upon his neck and back, away from his face. The beads trickled down his back and chest, leaving glistening traces upon the tattoos across them. The ink blots of various designs seemed to move even more so in the pool's underwater light and the light of the moon, the tattoos coming to life and writhing about.

Mel spent the better part of an hour in the dying light of the oncoming night, swimming laps down the pool. In his resting time, Mel had a strange thought, and decided to test out his powers in the pool. After all, you could see the vibrations in a body of water.

He took a breath, and shook his hands slowly, watching them stir the water around them. Steadily, he increased the speed of his shaking, the water beginning to bubble just at the surface. Soon, Mel stopped his hands from shaking, bringing them to rest. Yet the vibrations at the surface and in the water only strengthened, sending massive ripples throughout the greenish-blue water. Mel lifted his hands, still concentrating on the kinetic energy being unleashed in the pool, and brought his hand down hard, slapping the water's surface. The resulting concussion displaced well over two foot of water in front of him, the vibrations lancing outward, cutting a path through the water, stopping at the concrete. Fortunately, there was at least eighty feet or more between Mel's origin of the shockwave, and the ending point at the wall, lest the vibrations actually crack the concrete.

Mel looked bewildered. He could do much more than just amplify his voice. He could actually control the vibrations around him, and create concussive forces without actually speaking. Awesome. Mel then thought, If I can do this, then surely I can silence or still the vibrations around me?

Mel took several breaths, before submersing himself. The vibrations of his movement shook the water around him, displacing it normally. Summoning his kinetic energy, Mel slowed it down, bringing his entire body to a halt. As he did so, the waves around him ceased to be, stilling the very water that he had disturbed only moments ago. Soon, well after thirty seconds of being submersed, it would seem that no one had ever even broken the surface of the water, let alone still be laying in the deep, waiting. Mel still had plenty of air in his lungs, but brought himself up slowly. Every movement Mel felt should have displaced water, churning it up, bringing some commotion to the surface, some waves or some bubbles. But nothing came. Not a single movement. Even when he broke the water, cresting in absolute silence, not a single wave at all. Even when he slowly exhaled his spent air, Mel heard absolutely nothing. Mel stood there, water dripping down his body, impacting the surface yet leaving no trace of impact whatsoever. He marvelled at this power he had. He could raise his voice to damaging levels, create concussive blasts of sonic and kinetic energy, and could even still the kinetic vibrations around him, effectively silencing the area around him. What more could I accomplish?

And as he thought this to himself, he heard someone approaching. Strange that he could still hear, despite the area of silence around him. Then he realized that he wasn't actually hearing them. Mel was feeling the vibrations of their movements, of their existence. They could probably stand still, and Mel could still probably feel the vibrations and sonic waves that their living body would make, such as the pulse of a heart beat, the breaths taken with each passing moment, or the slight vibrations of each bat of the eyelids. Mel stood, amazed at his own powers. Yet chances were, if the approaching person was Anja, then he would be amazed even further once she was within sight.

[Anja Drake]

It was no lie that Anja had been looking forward to seeing him all day; ever since she had left him this morning the feeling of excitement seemed to build in her. Classes had, without a doubt, gone by extremely slow; the few she had that day were dragged out as long as possible…or at least that was how Anja felt. History and algebra went by slow incredibly sloth-like, the blind girl thought the day would never end.
<o></o>
Her session with Mr. Rhee was relatively distracted and her emotions were a bit untamable as she tried not to think of seeing him again. Although she tried not to, she was sure that her anxiousness showed during her scheduled time with the professor. Anja was just thrilled that she didn’t have to worry about spontaneous transformations for the time being, mostly due to the new agreement in place with her “other self”. As soon as the training appointment was over, she had all too quickly rushed back to her room; and surprisingly she met her dorm neighbor on the way up, Melina was her name.<o></o>
Ever since Anja had started at the Cullen’s Institute, Melina had been one of her first friends and she knew Anja’s moods quite well. Being the natural curious soul that she was, Mel followed Anja to her dorm room; all the while asking questions about why the Italian was in such a hurry. Eventually, Anja let up and told her about her “date” she had scheduled in the pending hours.
<o></o>
Almost immediately, Melina took the liberty of making Anja even more distressed with questions like; what are you going to wear? What is his name? Where are you going? Is it that new guy?!
<o></o>
Anja answered the question in due time and after doing so, Melina decided to help her, or rather, she insisted that she help Anja.
<o></o>
The bathing suit she picked for Anja was a two piece, dark maroon with horizontal white strips, that tied both behind her neck and her back and the matching bottoms tied on either side of her hips; the suit left Anja feeling very…confident, to say the least. Melina was bouncing off the ways, chitting and chatting about how amazing she looked.
<o></o>
Anja let Mel be herself as she scooted around her; asking questions and putting light amounts of makeup on her; which made no sense to her since she would be swimming…but when she asked Melina about it, the other girl said it was waterproof. Still, it didn’t make that much sense to Anja.
<o></o>
After she left her room for the pool, Anja was dressed in a pair of black shorts and a navy tank top; an off-white towel wrapped around her shoulders and a pair of black flip flops clicked against her heels as she walked along the dorms.
<o></o>
Outside, the air was cool but very moderate temperature still clung to the air. She easily picked her away around the grounds and she soon was on the brick path to the pool area. Her nerves were spiked, she could sense him from her place and the feelings that swam in her mind seemed to fluttered into a frenzy.
<o></o>
When she emerge from behind the hedge closed barrier, she could feel the warm of the water already brushing her tanned skin softly. She “saw” Mel and smiled as she approached him. Her belongings were tossed into the chair next to his things and her tank top soon followed it. It didn’t take her long to noticed the disturbed water around the edge of the pool and she turned to the young man with a teasing grin.
<o></o>
“Decided to start without me?”

[RiffWrath]

He watched as the curved form, obviously feminine, disrobed, tossing her tank top off, next to his clothing. It could only be Anja. Her form was distinctive.

In terms of detail, he couldn't see much. With the moon not being full, and her form being ten plus feet from him, he could make out the basics of her outline and some of the colors on her, downplayed by the darkness. But what seemed so striking is just how the minimal amount of moonlight seemed to frame her, giving Anja a surreal glow to her. He noted that she was wearing a dark-colored two piece that contrasted well with her skin tone. He could also see that it was tied to her, via several strings, such as around the neck and back. She was wearing a darker pair of shorts, though they were short and tight fitting enough, combined with the top, to leave little to the imagination. Mel had to take a breath, and focus on the task at hand: communication.

"More like coolin' off after a jog. And, ya know, horsing around with my powers. Nothing major."

Mel stretched his limbs out, laying back against the poolside. His arms outstretched, hands holding the side, Mel relaxed. The bottom of his tattooed torso and legs floated freely in the water, held up by buoyancy, and by his arms, which were hardly straining to hold himself afloat, though the muscle tone was very obvious, completely uncovered by a shirt or any other piece of upper torso clothing.

Mel smiled.

"Ya know, you don't have to swim in the shorts. Wet Umbros are rather uncomfortable after a time."

[Anja Drake]

The young woman gave Mel a look of mock surprise at his mention of getting her shorts wet, though through the dark it was probably hard to see it. She decided not to say the witty comment that came to her mind for fear that it would come out wrong. The last thing she wanted to do was insult him or give him the impression that she was arrogant or egotistical.
<o></o>
Instead she simply agreed with him.
<o></o>
“I suppose you are right. Wet clothing is always a bit troublesome.”
<o></o>
The idea came to her head to tease him a little by only inching her shorts off slowly, well more like achingly slowly; but she refrained, unfastened the button to her shorts and slipped them off with easy…very deceiving on how snug they seemed to fit her. She threw the pair of shorts to the building pile of clothing on top the poolside chair. The flip flops that were on her feet soon found a home next to his shoes…she hesitated a moment before deciding she was ready to enjoy herself.
<o></o>
She moved fluidly to the edge of the pool, letting her toes be lathered by the warm water much like she had done early that day. It was perfect; not at all cold. The dim pool lights underneath the water on the pool’s floor cast an unusual glow around the near area. She acknowledged Mel’s floating form, admiring his unique aura as it blended strangely with the liquid around him.
<o></o>
However, she soon began to shake randomly with soft laughter.
<o></o>
“It’s been so long since I’ve had a chance to enjoy myself.” She smiled and turned around, her back facing the pool. Quickly, she positioned her arms straight above her head; taking a deep breath, she smiled to herself. Anja began to fall backwards, the tips of her toes pushing off the pool’s edge to give her the extra momentum to bend her back in a flawless arc, just the way her step sister had taught her a few years back.
<o></o>
The water parted smoothly as her finger tips entered the water; the feeling was so incredible. Her life had always been full of caution, but as of a few seconds ago, Anja let go of worry and just fell back into a pool of not just water but of complete blithe.
<o></o>
She emerge for the water; her hair clinging to her head and shoulder in a mess. She didn’t care, though. Tonight was her time to be free.
<o></o>
At this moment, Anja Drake was truly happy. What made it all the better, was that Mel was there to spend her free night with.
<o></o>
She let herself drift in the settling water, floating much like Mel was. Her mind was alive and peaceful; her soul, itself, was smiling. Again, the Italian’s attention was back on the young man.
<o></o>
“This is a perfect way to end the day.” She said in a distant, distracted voice.<o>
</o>

[RiffWrath]

Mel blinked, trying to keep the stunned look off of his face, though he found himself failing miserably. Her figure looked stunning by itself, and coupled with the string-like bikini, and the way the moonlight seemed to outline her features, it only made her seem even more captivating. And seeing her so happy, so carefree, it made Mel's smile widen even more. As she emerged, he wanted to say something cool, but could only get out two words.

"Nice form."

He heard her speak twice, but his inital reaction of being stunned seemed to carry over to his ability to communicate. Finally, after what seemed forever, words came. Hopefully better ones.

"You said it! An excellent way to end the day! And with good company, if I might add. Not so sure if I'm your good company, but you certainly are mine."

Mel instantly thought that his words sounded plain dumb, but she never seemed to criticize him before. In fact, she seemed just fine with the way he was. He finally decided to ease his mind, and just let it flow. Anja liked him just the way he was. The feeling was mutual.

"And did I mention that you look....stunning tonight?"

[Anja Drake]

“You’re so sweet.” She grinned, trying to hide her blush (he always seemed to make her blush) and came up right in the warm pool; some her hair once again clinging to her head and shoulders while the rest floated around the surface of the water. “I’m sure you look just as stunning.”
<o></o>
The compliment was casually tossed his way, hoping that it would come out more that natural. She held her breath and ducked under the surface; air bubbles floated around her form as she waited until all had cleared. It was just something she used to do as a child…it had been so long since she had done it last.
<o></o>
Her holding-of-breath game was short-lived for she wasn’t used to her senses being beneath water. She surfaced and kicked herself slowly back toward the wall of the pool.
<o></o>
“I hope your day went well.” Anja curled her fingers around the edge of the pool’s ledge to hold herself in place as she bobbed next to Mel. “Anything interesting happen? Or was it just as boring as my day?”

[RiffWrath]

Mel smiled, the compliment sucking away any of his uneasieness.

"Nah, it was pretty uneventful. Just a nice afternoon jog before a dip in the pool."

His floating seemed to bob more as the momentum of her wake played out in the water.

"But as for boring, this school seems anything but boring. I mean, it seems to have everything!"

[Anja Drake]

"Yes, this place has everything...or so it would seem." The girl said her mind focused on the slurping coming from the pool drain in the gutter.

She spun enthusiastically from her spot, casting the water around her in a wide swirl, the ends of the twisting water turned into tiny whirlpools. A mischievous grin attacked her ends of her lips as she cupped her hands and shoved them into the water, causing a lovely curved wave to go crashing down on Mel.

Completely soaking the poor guy.

Through the rustling water, her laughter could be heard and when the liquid had subsided some, Anja could be seen with her face half submerge in water...her nose and eyes hovering about the water; while a smug smile remained beneath the surface.<o></o>

[RiffWrath]

Mel blew the water from his lips, a fine spray hanging in the air in front of him. He grinned.

"Oh yeah?"

Mel knew all too well how to create the perfect splashing wave. With his hands expertly cupped, a small wave launched itself at Anja's head, splattering itself on her forehead.

A laugh escaped from his lips.

"Oh, tryin' to hide, huh?"

Mel leapt foreward, propelled by his legs. He easily caught up to her, wrapping his arms around her sides, lifting her and himself to the surface.

"Gotya! Whatcha gonna do now?"

[Anja Drake]

The bemused smile that had formed on her lips after her second soaking quickly sobered back into seriousness when Mel’s arms came to encircle around her sides. They surfaced and still Anja felt as if she couldn’t breathe, she didn’t breathe. The two merely watched each other; there was a tingling feeling in her stomach at the closeness.
<o></o>

"Gotya! Whatcha gonna do now?"<o></o>
It wasn’t until then, that she finally breathed; her chest hurting while the air escaped from her oxygen deprived lungs. Her wit slowly began to return as the time seemed to inch by.
<o></o>
Suddenly, she had the extreme urge to kiss him…right there, in the middle of the dimly lit pool. But…she held herself back…not yet; still she leaned in close, a seductive smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.
<o></o>
“Now…I’m going to make you fall for me.” Her face was merely centimeters from his and as she felt his arms loosen around her, she took advantage of his weakness and placed her hands sturdily on his shoulders before pushing him down hard, into a full out dunk.
<o></o>
She laughed merrily and picked her way through the water to the edge of the pool where she quickly lifted herself out; their game was just beginning and Anja was already ahead by two points.
<o></o>
“Catch me if you can, Mel.” She purred from her spot at the edge of the pool, making sure he could hear her before taking off…she wouldn’t go far away from the pool, but still, she knew a few secret area’s.

[RiffWrath]

As Mel heard those nine, small words, his grip loosened. The smile on his face seemed to droop a bit, as shock began to set in.

"It's a bit late for..."

Mel's words were cut off, turned into escaped air bubbles by her powerful shove into the pool. He realized just how strong she was for her build when his body thudded hard against the bottom of the pool. Fortunately, she was playing, and it didn't hurt too badly. The stinging sensation would subside. He pushed himself up, surfacing slowly, taking in a deep breath.


“Catch me if you can, Mel.”

Mel watched her disappear from view, her words lingering with him. The bluish hues of light that reflected from the pool's lighting, coming from inside the body of water, cast a surreal shimmer to the air. But it left the areas around the pool, save for where the patio lighting dimly lit the walkways, darkened. And just coming out of the pool and being spiked into the water, Mel's eyes were not up to par yet. He rubbed the chlorinated water from his eyes, letting them adjust.

Instead, he found himself somehow in tune with the vibrations around him. It was as if he were somehow connected to the sources, able to receive the movements and the sounds from them. Like some really weird form of echolocation, Mel thought to himself. It, combined with the memory of where she was, allowed him to pinpoint her former location at the poolside. Mel walked to it.

"I hope you aren't gonna make me fall again....at least, not literally....that hurt. Now, like I was tryin' to say earlier, if you meant romantically....well..."

He waited her return, ready to dodge should she try to launch herself at him to knock him back into the pool. Seconds later, as his senses told him of movement way before she came out for the shove, Mel stepped to the side, not even attempting to trip her. On the other hand, as she toppled at the edge of the pool, he did try to stop her, but to no avail, even at the sake of his own leverage and balance. He slipped into the pool, landing on his feet. Anja, on the other hand, found herself toppling into the pool.

He waded out to her splash zone, and helped her to the surface.

"See how ya fell into the pool? It wasn't expected but turned out to be great? Well, that's exactly how I felt when I fell into you. And I can't say that I regret a single moment of it."

He smiled, his face framed by hair plastered to his face by chlorinated water. Ugh, you sound like an advertisement for Cheetos, Mel scolded himself. Sooooo dangerously cheesy. And yet, the majority of Mel didn't care. He wanted her to know the truth. Even thought it may have sounded stupid.

[Anja Drake]

It was miraculous how such simple words could flare feelings so incredible.
<o></o>
She placed her hands gently on either side of his face, there was no trace light…only that of the moon and the pool. The surreal glow highlighted them both as they stood silently in the warm water. There were butterflies in her stomach again, Mel was making it extremely hard for her….de was doing exactly what she said she was going to do.
<o></o>
He was making her fall for him.
<o></o>
With one hand she let her soft fingers trace down his cheek, then delicately across his smooth lips. The scene was a replica of a few nights before; the moon, the senses, the feeling she had running through her.
<o></o>
“I really hope you mean that.” Her voice was soft and her touch was even softer. Before he could say anything, her fingers slipped away and were replace as she pressed her lips to his in a short, yet lingering kiss. She pulled away slightly and hesitated where she was…practically standing on her tip toes.
<o></o>
“I think my plan backfired.” She whispered with complete sincerity before, again, pulling his lips into slow, sweet kiss.

[RiffWrath]

The world seemed to stop for a moment. A moment that seemed to blissfully stretch on into eternity. And that was with the first, all-too-brief kiss. When Anja leaned forward, kissing him again, Mel found himself relaxing, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her close to him. Despite his ease, Mel found himself giddy with energy. His hands came to rest on her lower back. The flow of energy seemed to emanate from him, from his arms that wrapped around her sides, and to the hands that rested on her back. Mel was so enraptured in the moment that he didn't even realize that his hands were actually vibrating, giving Anja's back the feeling of it being massaged. Perhaps it was his nervousness coming to a physical manifestation. Perhaps it was the energy he felt, that spark of life, when their lips met. Either way, Mel was in paradise.

And as he slowly found his focus, he realized that his hands were, in fact, vibrating. He pulled them to her hips, holding her at an arms' length, making his mind shut down the flow of kinetic and sonic energy from his hands.

"Don't hope. Know. Know that you mean so much to me. You being here, in my arms. It's like.....what I think heaven would be like. Or should be like. You are amazing."

[Anja Drake]

Anja bit her lip, trying to suppress the mewl that slipped through her composure; the sensation his hands sent through her was unexpected…but definitely enjoyable. She took comfort in his arms and she felt so right.
<o></o>
“That’s so nice. You make me feel so much different, not that that is a bad thing.” She smiled and gathered his hands in hers; pressing her lips to his fingers. “Mel…you just brighten my day when I’m around you. Ever since I met you, you have never left my mind. I always wonder what you are doing…like I want to be there with you.”
<o></o>
She closed her eyes as her lips brushed across his knuckles. They stood there…in a perfect setting.
<o></o>
It was too surreal to end.

[RiffWrath]

Shock set in. It was like she was taking exactly how he felt, and putting into her own words. And Mel was sure that it could only be done two ways: one was if she was some sort of telepath, which she would've caught on to his attraction sooner; the other was if she actually felt the same way. And all clues seemed to point Mel to the second choice.

And of the two choices, the second was the far more incredible one. Mel's mind was blown away. His hands opened, fingers tracing the outline of her fine-featured face.

"I feel the same way..."

Mel's breath seemed to be taken away. He took a breath, yet it seemed to do so little to take away the winded feeling from him. The tingling nervousness.

"....I've never felt this way before. Not this....connected. This close. It just makes me wonder just where you've been all my life. And how I've gone without someone like you in my life. I mean, I've always thought I'd find someone that I'd feel this way for....but after all this....I just....wow."

Words failed him.

[Anja Drake]

"...you have spoken for me as well...I don't understand it, but there is no other place that I can think of, I would rather be then right here..."

The moment was romantic…
<o></o>
Though she felt as if she were on fire with new emotion; her body was just the opposite. Even in the lukewarm water, Anja shivered spontaneously; her air exposed wet flesh was causing a cold chill to run across her skin. She didn’t want to move from her spot; Mel’s presence was nothing short of amazing and Anja wanted nothing more than to just stay where she was.
<o></o>
Reluctantly, she brought her hands to her face to cover his. Despite their small hint of warm, her body still shook, ever so slightly from the slightly cool breeze.
<o></o>
She smiled at him, her expression telling him her intention…she pulled him along with her; there wasn’t really a doubt that he had notice her current state of chill. Releasing his hand, Anja climbed the steps at the shallow end of the pool before hurrying over to her towel; which she wrapped around her shoulders, allowing it to fall just above her upper thigh.
<o></o>
Anja must have been a sight; sopping hair that twisted in long, wet waves around her shoulders and back, water droplets streaming down her still exposed body, teeth slightly chatter…but all the while with a fine grin on her lips.

[RiffWrath]

The young man remained at the shallow end's stairs, tattooed arms folded in front of his face, resting on the edge of the pool. His head rested upon the inked skin, black hair slightly curled and wet, cascading down his arms, neck, and shoulders. Mel sighed, watching Anja go. How he hated to let her go. Then again, it was nice to watch her leave.

"Maybe we should warm up inside..."

Mel pulled himself out of the pool, water dripping down his form, leaving prints as he walked to his body-length towel, meticulously drying himself off. All the while, he watched as Anja did the same. He smiled, noting that her towel barely even covered her torso. He made sure his towel was dry enough, then placed it upon her shoulders, wrapping her up snugly in it.

"That should do it 'til we get inside."

A peck of a kiss on her cheek, and Mel pulled his shirt back on, stepping into his shoes. He walked back to her, arm easily and almost perfectly fitting across her lower back and around her hips.

"Want me to walk you back to your room?"

[Anja Drake]

“Thank you, I’d really like that.”
<o></o>
She slipped her sandals on and gathered her things from her seat before putting her own arm around him; an equal fit, it seemed almost too ironic. It didn’t bother her though, she was extremely content with where she was…the only thing she regretted was the fact that she waited so long to tell him how she felt; even though, it hadn’t been that long to begin with. Mel and her…were…quite possibly soul mates.
<o></o>
Her heart skipped a beat at the thought; she had had crushes before, every girl has…but she never really engaged in the thought of true affection. The highlights of her day had just dimmed as a new winning thought took over…she thought she could love him, she really could…however…it was still too early to tell. She was getting ahead of herself, it was just that she couldn’t help it; she was falling for this guy like crazy.
<o></o>
It didn’t take every long to get back to the school, much less the dorms, which kind of dampened her mood; she didn’t want to leave his side. And it was a rule of the Institute that boys were no allowed inside the girls dorm rooms and visa versa.
<o></o>
She sighed to herself as the entered the dormitories; this was just too good to end…she held herself close to Mel.
<o></o>
It was still too good to let it end.
<o></o>
Maybe she would break the rules…just this once. They reached her dorm door and paused. She had a room to herself, having a roommate was too dangerous; Anja could easily endanger another persons life if she wasn’t careful.
<o></o>
“Uh…um, would you like to come inside?” Her voice was hushed, to make sure she didn’t raise the attention of the other dorm mates…should they be awake.

[RiffWrath]

Mel blinked. Hopefully, the dim lighting would help hide his disbelief. Holy crap, she wants me to come into her room.... He stood there a second, in absolute silence. Perhaps he didn't hear. Perhaps he had heard, but was in such shock that it stunned him into silence. And perhaps he was trying to figure out just why she was keeping her voice quiet, almost a whisper. Mel knew everyone was trying to sleep, but was it some sort of taboo to have a guy in a girl's dorm? Hell, she's eighteen. That's not only legal, but an adult. She can do what she wants. And I'm not exactly a student, per se, so why shouldn't I be here? The words, just as quiet as hers, expressed his confusion.

"Are we breakin' a rule or somethin'? If so, I think I got it covered."

After a moment or two of closing his eyes, he concentrated, feeling the vibrations of the various noises around them. Mel felt them continue to vibrate, but could almost see and hear the vibrations being suppressed, silencing everything around them. Mel smiled, and held his hands up, as if to clap them really loud, cupping them. He slammed them together as hard as he could, and there wasn't so much as a single sound that came from them.

Mel smiled. He was getting good at this whole control-your-mutant-powers thing. As he spoke, the words left his mouth, the waves continuing on their path. The sound waves reached her ears, and she heard him, yet anyone else outside of the sphere of silence could hear and feel absolutely nothing.

"Like the silence? I learned it when we were playin' piano this mornin'."

He gestured toward the door.

"After you, Anja."

Mel found himself revelling in how her name rolled off his tongue. So exotic, yet it felt so....casual, so normal.

[Anja Drake]

Anja nodded in approval. “That’s interesting and I suppose it’ll come in handy.”
<o></o>
She led him into her respectively size room; the decor wasn’t much; after all what was the point if she couldn’t see it. There were Braille books scattered across a fine, wooden desk that was pushed into the far right corner of the room, next to which, was a door leading into an adjoining bathroom of moderate size. Two chairs were located next to the sitting edge of her large window; there was also a mahogany dresser which was strategically place next to the doors to a small closet…where nearly half her belongings were still packed away in her suitcase.
<o></o>
In between the dresser and the large curtain covered bay-ish window was a large double bed. To be honest, it was probably more comfortable than the one she had back home. The sheets were a faded pink with a rich red comforter and a plentiful amount of pillows were arranged that the head to the bed.
<o></o>
Next to the bathroom door was a confined refrigerator, no more than three feet high and filled with minor snacks, fruit drinks, and water.
<o></o>
Anja approached her neatly made bed, retrieving her sleeping attire, which consisted of a wife beater and sport shorts, from their folded state on the covers before heading to the bathroom.
<o></o>
“Make yourself comfortable. Feel free to have something to drink.” She motioned to the small fridge. “It will only take me a moment. I'll be right out."

[RiffWrath]

The bathroom door shut quietly, leaving Mel to his own devices. In Anja's room. Make myself comfortable? Mel thought instantly, as a guy in a woman's room after hours, of stripping down, and sliding into bed. But then a second thought came to his mind, one consisting of letting things come as they may. After all, the night could and would be more interesting if things came about naturally. Scoring ain't everything.

Mel took a look around the room. He noted that it all seemed bland, almost tasteless, save for the sagging books. He picked one up. It was in Braille. Hmm. A textbook? Upon weighing the book, he found it to be far too small for a textbook. Romance/smut novella? Nah, she ain't the type. He thumbed through it and was unable to find any normal words, or some sort of copyright page. Shakespeare, maybe? Now, that sounded more Anja's cup of tea, based on her personality. She didn't seem a Poe fan.

He heard some movement from the bathroom, and almost panicked, thinking her coming out while he was snooping. He then laughed silently to himself. It's not like she can SEE you, idiot. But another thought crossed his mind. What if she's fakin' the blindness? A quick glance around the room allowed Mel to completely dismiss the idea. A woman would have something pleasing to the eye, something decorative around her room, if she could see. This room seemed bland, almost devoid of personality. Yet Anja herself seemed rich, rife with the stuff. And strikingly beautiful in body and mind, to boot. It more than compensates.

After another moment of silence, Mel figured she was still dressing or something. Hell, it's probably difficult to dress without vision. I do it all the time, but I'm a guy. I could care less what I look like. Mel then thought back to the snooping. She SAID to make myself comfortable. I am comfortable. Somewhat. He shook his head, his own thoughts betraying his nervousness. He hadn't felt this way about a girl. Sure, there had be others. After all, he was a former rock star, a guitarist for a previously double-platium rock band. Groupies went, and groupies came. "And all too soon." Mel remembered the words to be from one of the guys, but who? It all seemed so long ago, so far away. And yet, it was a little over a month ago. So much had changed. But noting his surroundings, and the girl who seemed to be falling for him as much as he was for her, it all seemed to have changed for the better. He had given it up, that life of fame. He ran away from it, owning up enough to liquidate most of what he owned to pay for those injured. And now here he was, at Mutant High, as one of the students quoted it as, in wonderful company, potentially taking up a job as a teacher of music soon. He smiled to himself, before sitting back down on the larger sill of the bay-like window, Braille book still in hand.

Mel heard the bathroom door open. He looked up, attention drawn to Anja's re-entry.

[Anja Drake]

It wasn’t so much they dressing the was difficult but more so that it took a very long time to peel her suction cupped swim apparel off her body. After the task was done, she slipped on her nightwear and returned to her guest.
<o></o>
The restroom door closed with a click behind her and she knew that the two of them were the only ones who would hear it. Through her senses, she felt his presence across the room…sitting by on the ledge of the bay window. His aura was emitting vibrations that she felt even before she approached him. It was very interesting how his powers seemed to just radiate off his body.
<o></o>
Anja took a seat next to him on the ledge, her attention on him but her physical being was directed toward the window…she had a view of the forest and some of the west garden. There were dimly lit lights in the distance, though it made no difference to her.
<o></o>
There was a calm silence that overcame them both; it wasn’t awkward in the least, just a satisfying quiet moment for them to share. She reached out to take his hand and instead of finding it she brushed up against a familiar hard cover. Gently, she urged the object out of Mel’s hand, a soft smile on her lips as she realized it was on of her books; to be more specific, her one of many classical poem books.
<o></o>
She turned the book and set it in her lap; turning the hard front cover, her fingers brushed the finely raised bumps on the table of contents page. A questioning expression came to her and her attention was back on Mel beside her.
<o></o>
“This is one of my oldest books…a present from my grandmother before she past away.” Anja smiled and gingerly ran her hand over the book. “I never learned how to read it until I was fourteen.”
<o></o>
The book closed and she held it, remembering its value to her. “I know a lot of people don’t enjoy poetry, but it has found a weakness in me. Tell me, Mel, do you enjoy the romantic notions of William Shakespeare?”

[RiffWrath]

Mel smiled, beginning a line that he had to memorize in high school, from Shakespeare's Hamlet.

"To be, or not to be: that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the thousand slings and arrows of misfortune...."

And he trailed off, realizing that he had forgotten the rest. Well, time, drinkin', and druggin'll do that to ya.

"....and somethin', somethin', so-on, so forth. Yadayadayada. I forgot the rest. One play I just loved was Archibald MacLeish's J.B. It was a modernized depiction of the biblical Book of Job. I read the part of Nickles aloud to the class, as if acting it. He's more of a personification of the Devil. Funny, huh?"

Mel found himself continuing on his literary likes.

"I like a bit of Poe, myself. Though he's a morbid bastard. And let's not forget the several sonnets by Shakespeare. Especially the one comparing young lust and true love. Very...."

Mel found himself looking up at Anja's form. She looked incredible, even in just a tank-top and sport shorts. Even in this light, the quarter moon barely casting a glow on her outline, she looked nothing short of stunning. He found the words coming out of his mouth slowly, as if stunned or drugged. His statement changed in annunciation and meaning, forming into a slow question.

".....stimulating?"

And then he realized just how cold he was, how damp his swimming trunks were. And that he was sitting down on the cushion on the window sill, the water soaking into it. He instantly stood up, using his towel to dry up the wet spots.

"God, I completely forgot to put down the towel. I am sooo sorry."

[Anja Drake]

She stood, waving away the matter of the soaked cushions; it really wasn’t that big of a deal, the red fabric would dry soon anyway. The Italian proceeded to grab two clean towels from the bathroom, one for Mel and then other to soak some of the dampness from the cushions.
<o></o>
“In the literary words of Poe, ‘this is it, and nothing more’. Don't worry about it, it's just water.” She smiled and handed him the fluffy new towel, then placed the other dry towel over the damp spot. Her book became a weight as to make the soaking process speed up; she had no worry about the book becoming wet, the towel was thick enough. “Now, my dear Lenore, I think I have a pair so sweatpants from one of the guys down the hall. So you can change out of those.”
<o></o>
She went to her closet door and when she opened it she was on a mission; digging through a few articles of clothing she had piled at the bottom of her closet set of shelves. The girl stopped however, remembering what she had said…it never occurred to her how weird her last statement was. She turned her head quickly. “I’m sorry. I borrowed a pair of sweatpants from on the others down the hall until I found some of my own. That wasn’t as it sounded like.”
<o></o>
Her face had reddened but she continued her work. Without much time spent, she found the borrowed pair of black sweatpants. She stood and brought them to Mel.
<o></o>
“Uh, here you go.” She smiled nervously; she had put herself in an awkward situation. “I, uh, don’t have any shirts that would fit you though.”

[RiffWrath]

Mel found himself smirking at her discomfort. Despite the way it sounded, he hadn't pegged her for the type to have someone's sweats lying about. Now, borrowed for personal use, he could see, having done that himself. There was the not-so-glamourous side to the rock-and-roll lifestyle, and being somewhere without an entire wardrobe, or even a backup set of clothing sometimes happened. And that's what the rolling was for.

"Oh, the shirt's just a bit damp at the tail. I'll just take it off and let it dry somewhere around here, if ya don't mind..."

Mel pulled his shirt off, noting where she pointed him to a nearby vent, where he could hang it to dry. The black sweats in hand, he reached for the waistband of his trunks and almost took them off then and there. After all, she was blind. But then, Mel remembered just how well she got along without it, and she probably had some form of echolocation or something. And to boot, he was probably humming with the vibrating force again. So if she did....see....she would see everything. He chuckled aloud.

"Where are my manners? Mind if I use your restroom to change?"

Part of Mel found himself hoping she would say yes, that she did indeed mind. He wouldn't mind stripping down in front of her, so long as she did the same. A mental laugh spread into nothing more than a telltale grin on his face.

[Anja Drake]

She smiled or rather blushed all in one.
<o></o>
“No, go right ahead. Take your time.” She waved him to the restroom door; having no doubt he knew where it was. “The lights are on the inside of the door on the right.”
<o></o>
He left the room and Anja was able to sigh; almost too grateful to have a moment to herself. Not that she didn’t enjoy Mel’s company; she really wanted him to be around, very, very much so but the night had been so…action packed and full of confessions.
<o></o>
Anja flopped down upon her bed, one arm landing above her head, the other spread out across the soft mattress; a wave of air caused the crimson duvet to poof out momentarily around her figure. Her legs were extended and lay weightlessly on the velvet-like fabric; she couldn’t help but smile…
<o></o>
And she couldn’t help but recall the night…
<o></o>
Or rather…their kiss.
<o></o>
Anja brought her one hand to touch her lips, caressing them gently; she swore she could still feel Mel’s on hers. She really felt like a love sick puppy, butterflies began to fly around in her stomach at the realization that he was in her room. She hoped he didn’t get the wrong idea about her.
<o></o>
The Italian focused herself; no, he wouldn’t think that about her. A beaming grin formed at her lips…

‘Be still my beating heart.’ She thought her herself.

[RiffWrath]

In the quiet of the bathroom, Mel ran his hands over his face, letting go a deep sigh. She's just awesome. He simply couldn't believe that there was someone out there that made him feel like this. He felt like he should have been winded, but instead found himself energized, feeling stronger than ever. It felt as if the natural vibrations and kinetic energy within him was charging him, giving him a giddiness that he hadn't felt in some time. Tonight, after his time with Anja, he'd have to cool off, let off some of this energy. Who knows? Maybe I'll get an even better grip of my powers tonight. If that's the case, then this night will have been nothing short of incredible.

Mel undressed, hanging his trunks in her shower, to let them dry. After towelling himself off, and pulling on the black sweatpants, he took a look at himself in the mirror. The pants were actually a little too tight in the crotch, but Mel didn't fret. Things were just going far too well for him to even worry. He hung the towel neatly next to the swimming trunks, so that it too would get dry without mildewing.

He stepped out of the bathroom, noting that Anja was on the bed, laying back, looking rather.....Content. That's the word. She's content. Her hands were still at her lips, her breathing shallow, as if there wasn't enough air here. She's feelin' the same way. Mel smiled, and walked over to the bed, easing himself onto it, so as not to dislodge her from her reverie. He stopped only to take her hand away from her lips, to place his lips on hers, in a light kiss. Mel then pulled away, laying his head upon her pillow.

"You okay?"

[Anja Drake]

A small whimper escaped her when he pulled away; it was all too fast. She found herself yearning for him to kiss her again; it was almost like a need…
<o></o>

“You okay?” His presence was intoxicating, she couldn’t help but feel like he belonged with her.
<o></o>
“Mhm.” Her voice was muffled behind closed lips as she turned into him, wrapping her arm around him and ran her hand through his hair. “I was just thinking.”
<o></o>
She settled into her covers and searched him face to face.
<o></o>
After a while she couldn’t help but grin childishly. “How are those pants fitting?”

[RiffWrath]

Mel noted the quiet whimper when he pulled away from her, after the kiss. That meant she wanted more, at least in the kissing department. So he gave her a small peck on the lips.

"Well, truth be told, they're a little tight in the crotch. But otherwise, they're fine. I'm not one to complain. I could be out a pair of pants......which, considering where I'm at, might not be a bad thing."

Mel grinned in spite of himself.

"But then again, I could also be back, alone in my room, conked out instead of enjoyin' your company. So, I count myself lucky. Beggars can't and shouldn't be choosers."

Mel found his right hand running through her hair. It was still damp. Long hair stayed wet for a time. But despite that, it was like running his hand through silk. She had such incredible hair. It only accentuated the total package.

"So, what were you thinking about? 'Cause I was wonderin' if you were a fan of Othello."

Mel even went so far as to pronounce Othello properly, dropping the h, as the English did, making it sound like O-tello.

[Anja Drake]

“I was just thinking about you.” She said casually.
<o></o>
Anja couldn’t help but giggle at his comment about the pants; it really didn’t help her in putting together a “clean” mental image. Regardless, he would look good in anything, she was sure.
<o></o>
“Ah. Othello…” She mimicked him; her Italian nature returning, making the word come out as more of a purr than an articulate noise. “The Moor of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1>Venice</st1></st1:city>. A tale of betrayal, romance, and jealously.”
<o></o>
Her eyebrows pulled together to form a questioning expression. She really hadn’t taken him for a tragedy reader, she shrugged it away though; Mel seemed to surprise her more and more as the continued to talk. “When I first read it I felt sorry for Desdemona and Othello; however, when I read it again, I couldn’t find it in my heart to feel sorry for any one of the characters.”
<o></o>
“Not even in the end when Othello kills himself or when lago is taken away to be executed. I found it a bitter-sweet tale; a story of true treachery and seduction.”
<o></o>
Her hand slipped away from his soft hair, across his defined jaw bone, over his lips (where she lingered lightly), down his neck to his collar bone. Her lithe fingers brushed across his skin, creating small intricate designs before her nails racked softly down his chest and eventually came to rest between his body and hers, not quite contacting either him or her.
<o></o>
“What about you?” Her voice fell hushed again; completely taken in by her own ministrations she had done. “Othello brought out so many emotions and it always seems to affect people differently.”

[RiffWrath]

"What? No pity for Othello? The guy overcomes all odds, becomes a favorite even by the father of his girl, and even gets an awesome girl, and falls because of a greedy and jealous man? What's not to take pity on? I merely thought he should've just had Iago killed from the beginning. Such a douchebag."

Mel found himself shuddering with pleasure as she ran her nails down his tattooed chest.

"And it made for an excellent movie. Lawrence Fishburne played Othello, and Kenneth Branaugh played Iago. Branaugh also plays an excellent Hamlet. Very wonderful movie adaptations, line for line."

Mel found his hands wandering down her back, pulling her closer to him.

"So, what exactly were you thinkin' about me? I'm intrigued."

[Anja Drake]

“I guess, Othello reminds a lot about someone I know and that person isn’t….very kind, I suppose you could say.” She bit her lip. “After he grew up and got to be ‘on top’ he forgot where he came from. He abuses his power and takes it out on lesser people…”
<o></o>
She didn’t say much more about the subject but continued on another track. “lago was an horrible man, wasn’t h-…..he?”
<o></o>
The smooth hands running down her back made her stutter suddenly and caused her to shift closer to him. She chuckled at herself, and her sudden giddiness; the feeling was amazingly soothing…a lulling sensation. His voice was soft when he spoke and it slowly brought her back to reality…which felt more like a fantasy world.
<o></o>
“Well…” She smiled coyly. “I was thinking about how much I love being around you. Your personality is something to be admired and you seem to understand everything. You make me feeling undeniably amazing…”
<o></o>
Anja leaned into him ever so slightly, lips touching briefly before whispering…
<o></o>
“Amazing in every sense of the word.”

[RiffWrath]

"I just try to do what I think is right. Like tryin' to get American Girl to stay. Or, payin' the money and sending my own personal condolences to those that I hurt. I don't know or understand everything; I just try to be understanding. That way, people do the same for me by default. Too many people who judge first in this world."

Then her words registered. Mel was flattered. Completely flattered by her words, said so kindly. With so much feeling.

"You make me feel the same way. I just....have a hard time saying it. I've not felt this way ever. You're so kind. So understanding. Not quick to judge. I've not met any that can hold a candle to what I've seen, heard, felt with you."

His breath seemed to stretch on forever as Mel came forward, kissing those lips near his. After what seemed like an eternity, he pulled away, whispering softly in her ear.

"This feels like it's too fast, too sudden, but so right....I love you."

[Anja Drake]

If it could have been physically possibly; there was no doubt that Anja’s heart stopped. Everything stopped; his hand on the small of her back, her wandering senses, everything in the room seemed to slow down. The essence of time was ripped from her and there was nothing to replace it; her mind reached out desperately for something to grab onto…but she began to fall into a true surreal world.
<o></o>
“I…I..” The words just weren’t there; what was she suppose to say? That she loved him back? How could she….she didn’t even no what love was. Sure, she loved her mother, other family, and friends but that was a different kind of love. Anja searched frantically for something to say, there was a silence that over took the room.
<o></o>
Sounds that weren’t heard before began to flood the soundless room; the wind dusting over the glass window pane, water trickling from the faucet of the bathroom sink, her pulse could have easily been heard thumping, and her shallow breathing seemed to be the loudest thing she had ever heard in her life.
<o></o>
Minute after minute seemed to pass by so very slowly…after what seemed like centuries, Anja was able to think rationally, her mind came out of its shocked state.
<o></o>
“N-no one has ever said that to me.” She assumed he would understand that of course her mother told Anja she loved her and that this was something totally foreign. “I…I don’t know what to say…”
<o></o>
Love? What was the definition of love?
<o></o>
Her mind raced; she felt horrible that she hadn’t said anything back to him. But did she love him? She couldn’t be sure and she more so didn’t want to lie to him and say she did when it could be a lie.
<o></o>
All of a sudden she felt like crying; whether it was in overwhelmed happiness or complete confusion, it was hard to decide which one was better. Her gut instinct was to curl away from him but she didn’t; she just lay there, staring a hole into his soul…
<o></o>
She was looking for an answer in him and there was just nothing coming to her.
<o></o>
Anja finally closed her eyes; facing the fact that tears were building at the edges of her sightless, veiled eyes.
<o></o>
“…Mel…” She spoke his name softly and paused, letting a long breath fill her silence. “I’ve never felt this way. I can’t think of anything to say…I don’t want to say something and not mean it.”
<o></o>
She paused again.
<o></o>
“Don’t get me wrong. I really, really care for you…for all I know it could be love, but I don’t know for sure.” Her gut contorted, he probably thought she didn’t feel the same way…but she did! She really did, but she needed to learn what love was…so she asked him…
<o></o>
“I think I could love you…I need time to know for sure. Mel, I want to know what I'm feeling..will you show…teach me what love is?”
<o></o>
She wiped tears that had leaked from her eyes…
<o></o>
“Please.”

[RiffWrath]

Despite what could have been a devastating message, what Anja said was very clear; she felt that it could be love, but didn't want to be wrong. And she wanted to know, for him to show her, what love was.

Mel took a moment to focus himself, to make sure that he had down all he felt he needed to say, all he felt. That way, there was no confusion, only communication.

"Take all the time you need, Anj. As for teach, I can't teach love. Love can't be taught. It can only be shown, whether it be through what we say, what we do, or how we feel and how we express just what we feel. That, I can do, but that will only show you how Ifeel, and what I do to show it. That might help ya define it, but ultimately, how you show love and what you do with it is up to you. That I can't help ya with. But I'll do all I can, provided you do all you can to show me the same."

Mel found himself settling in closer to her, slowly pulling Anja closer to him. As he did so, he wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks.

"Don't feel bad; I'm new to this, too. I've been with other girls before, but none of them have made me feel just the way you make me feel. And you ain't a girl. You, Anj, are a woman, plain and simple."

Mel found himself smoothing the hair from her face, keeping it away from her teary eyes.

"Now, as for what you're feeling, I can't help there either. I can only tell you what I feel. And being that you feel amazing around me, that pretty much sums up just how I feel in one word. Love isn't as complicated as you think; it's only as complicated as you make it. Just feel what you feel. If you don't understand it, give it time. You may never understand it, but then again, it may just unravel, and quickly. Either way, I'm not goin' anywhere. I'm gonna be right here, right by your side, whether as a friend, or as more. Though, truth be told, I would say that we've already become more. After all, I don't exactly kiss the girls that are my friends. What kind of guy would I be if I did?"

Mel accentuated this point with a slow, sweet kiss, that lasted for about thirty seconds or so. But those thirty seconds lasted forever to him, and when he pulled away slowly, he found himself wanting to gasp for air.

"Now, to me, I feel winded, like I can't breathe. It's taking all of my will not to be gasping for air. And trust me, I can circular breathe, so the air supply ain't an issue. You leave me.....breathless. And sometimes speechless. Sometimes I have trouble forming a sentence around you. I've never been that way around anyone else....."

Mel felt like he was rambling. He sat up from the bed, the red covers rustling as he did so. His throat felt dry, parched. He wasn't used to talking so much, not at one time. And this emotional rollercoaster he was on didn't seem to be helping his rehydration process much, either.

"Would you like a drink? I could go for one..."

[Anja Drake]

His warmth left her, making her shudder; everything he said was true. Love couldn’t be taught…it was something defined by only emotions and she would have to define it herself. The turmoil of not knowing was killing her, she didn’t want to wait…she didn’t want to make him wait.
<o></o>
She just wanted to know.
<o></o>
She sat up shortly after him and rubbed her eyes; regardless that she couldn’t see, her eyes were hurting her and she was beginning to get a headache. Anja moved up from the bed and across the room to the restroom; the light came on and she turned in the doorway.
<o></o>
“I have a water and juice in here…but nothing too thrilling.” She said softly; making sure her voice wouldn’t betray her but cracking.
<o></o>
She grabbed a hand towel and soaked it in hot water, she wrung it out, and pressed it to her face…a good face washing always seemed to calm her down, no matter what the circumstances were. She finished and hung in the shower rod before appearing in the doorway again.
<o></o>
“I’m sure there is soda, tea or coffee downstairs in the kitchen. If you want something stronger?”

[RiffWrath]

“I have a water and juice in here…but nothing too thrilling. I’m sure there is soda, tea or coffee downstairs in the kitchen. If you want something stronger?”<!-- / message -->

Mel shook his head passively.

"Water's fine. After all, if I get thirsty again, I can just refill it at the tap."

Upon looking around, better taking in the scenery, Mel found a bottle of Excedrin on the dresser. He scooped it up, and walked to the bathroom. As he went to enter, she appeared in the door way, and he handed her the medicine bottle.

"I assume you have a headache? I get 'em after cryin'."

Upon exchanging the bottle to her hands, his free hand found its way to her back, resting upon it. Little did Mel know, it was humming slightly, giving her a massaging sensation, easing the tension in her body.

"I hope that I haven't overstepped my bounds or anything. I just....I feel how I feel. I can't change that."

[Anja Drake]

Anja took the bottle from Mel, she would take something but probably later, when she had food in her stomach…she had always had a sensitive stomach when it came to medicine. The bottle made a soft noise as it tip the counter top in her bathroom; it would stay there until later…when and if she really needed it.

“I’ll take something later. I feel a little better, already.” She murmured, even half convincing herself; his hand did more than any medication probably ever would have done; it soothed her, but their conversation still lingered in her mind…she didn’t know why she was so bothered by it. Well, partly anyway…
<o></o>
She wrapped her arms around Mel’s neck and buried her face into the crook of his neck; she liked being close to him, she really did. It was like a safe area for her. He was right when he had said that they had to be more than friends. Or rather they had evolved into that way; she couldn’t deny that.
<o></o>
“Please, don’t ever keep how you are feeling from me. I want to know everything; don’t think that I will turn away from your feelings.” She whispered and hugged him tighter but still leaving him plenty of room to breathe. “You mean too much, for me not to know what is on your mind.”
<o></o>
The two of them stayed like that for a moment; before Anja reluctantly let him go.
<o></o>
“Water is in here.” She tapped on the refrigerator top and slipped past him. “Take anything you want.”

[RiffWrath]

Mel moved aside, allowing her to walk past. He watched her curvacious form slide past, walking away. His eyes were glued to her form. He still found himself awed, that someone like her, the "total package", felt the same way about him. He found himself talking to himself, his words only above a whisper, as he admired her beauty.

"If only..."

And instantly, he realized that he had slipped, and spoke it aloud. His mouth snapped shut quickly, hoping that she hadn't heard him. Meanwhile, a corner of his mind hope that she had heard him, and would act on it.

Busying himself quickly, Mel pulled a bottle of water from the refrigerator. A cold draft blew across his naked chest as he shut the small door. It had about the same sensation as Anja's presence had to his mind; cooling, shocking, refreshing in a different way. He shuddered slightly as he opened the bottle with a slight pop and a crack. The cold water quenched his thirst.

Keeping the bottle of water in his hand, he sat down upon the bed. He found the bed incredibly comfortable, and lay on his back, looking over at Anja.

"You're too tense. Come lay down and relax. I've been told I give an excellent massage. Besides, I'd like to try out my powers a bit. I feel like I just might be able to work the vibrations into my hands, like a massage chair. Do ya trust me enough to let me try?"

[Anja Drake]

Her standing figure moved from her spot and found herself moving toward the bed again, she enjoyed the effect she apparently had on him. She didn’t take it for granted, nor would she ever; Anja like Mel too much to toy with his mind…she wasn’t that kind of girl. She did, however, take advantage of the actions she could do because their feelings were so strong for each other.
<o></o>
The bed dipped a little bit extra on the side Mel was on as she placed both of her hands on either side of his torso; she moved in slow, calculated movements; both making sure she didn’t over step her bounds and making sure she wouldn’t fall. She could have easily walked around the bed, but there was no pleasure in that.
<o></o>
The shift was quick but Mel soon found himself pinned to the bed, Anja’s long legs straddling his hips; she smiled and leaned down to whisper in his ear.
<o></o>
“Of course I trust you.” The statement was simple and as soon as the invading moment started it was over, Anja smoothly rolled to the side and ended up lying on her stomach next to Mel, her arms folded neatly under her chin. She had felt his ‘massaging hands’ early; he may no have been aware of that but she was definitely up to having them work on her again.
<o></o>
He prepared himself and she thought she’d start a new conversation.
<o></o>
“Are there any other mutants in your family?” She asked cautiously as to not provoke any sour emotions.

[RiffWrath]

For a second, Mel thought that things were going to change. Drastically. And quickly. But as she plopped down beside him, he noted that it wasn't so. She is tricky.

Mel brought his hands forward, slowly placing them on her shoulders. They started to tremble, but not out of nervousness. Soon, the humming sensation was pulsating through his hands, and into the muscular tissue on her shoulders, while his hands stopped moving, other than to rub out the knots and air pockets that the vibrations brought to the surface. He felt them pop ever so slightly underneath his fingertips, and knew that he was doing it. That he was actually doing it! He kept his cool, his calm, feeding on Anja's calm demeanor, working his hands down to the upper portions of her back, around where a bra strap should've been. He only stopped for a second, trying not to dwell on the piece of clothing that held the swell of her bosom, instead focusing on the muscles beneath his hands, working out the tension.


“Are there any other mutants in your family?”

Mel shook his head, continuing to work his magic upon her upper back.

"Nope, not to my knowledge. Then again, I had to get the gene from somewhere. So most likely, either one of them is hidin' a secret, or the gene's inactive. Who knows?"

Mel took a deep breath, dismissing the musings of just where he got the X-gene from his mind. His mind was on Anja, and her alone.

"So, how'm I doin'?"

[Anja Drake]

“Mmm…” She couldn’t form the words to express how amazing it actually felt. “Excellent.”
<o></o>
His hands rolled over the knots in her back…it hurt some, but massages always hurt a little. But the pain was overwhelmed by the pleasure that followed, the more he moved down her back the less pain there was and more relief. It felt wonderful, whether or not it hurt, every tension seemed to melt away under the skill of his abilities.
<o></o>
Her mind seemed to slowly focus on nothing…her problems left her and thoughts flowed away from her conscious.
<o></o>
Every once in a while, her features would contort when he hit an especially tender spot; it had been a long time since anyone had done this for her. The fact that Mel was doing it only seemed to make the whole experience even more delightful.
<o></o>
Any trace of her logical thinking was gone and only mindless wanderings were in its place.
<o></o>
“If you keep going…” Anja slurred out, dazed from how good it felt. “I might not let you stop.”

[RiffWrath]

Mel grinned, letting his hands do most of the talking, as he continued, only intensifying the waves that rolled through her back when he hit a particularly tough knot. His hands proceeded down her back, and he closed his eyes, focusing on the vibrations coming from him, regulating them. So far, no hiccups, but the minute that he thought, even remotely thought something was coming, he would move his hands away, and let them play out the kinetic energy that came from him.

And only, after a good squeeze, feeling a deposit of muscle, supplanted by fat, did he just realize that his hands were actually on her butt. Mel almost drew them away, but thought better of it. He wasn't in Kindergarten. He just kept the pace up, moving his hands slowly down, to each thigh, working each one individually, first her left, then her right. He travelled down the length of her legs, rubbing out the stress pockets here and there, stopping at her feet for a bit, before moving upward, rubbing down the length of both of her arms, her left first, then her right. His hands traced her skin, massaging even her hands. Only then did he speak.

"And I wouldn't mind that. Now roll over. Gotta get the front too, or the whole thing's a waste."

Was it entirely necessary to get the front? No, Mel thought, but what would be the point of not doing a full-body massage at this point? Sure, there are "other" benefits, and that is a BIG plus, but that's not the reason for it.

[Anja Drake]

The Italianess followed his orders and flipped onto her back; his hands went to work on her arms again. Her senses followed his every move as he moved his way from the very tips of her fingers to the joint of her shoulder and arm. She hoped she wasn’t distracting him as she watched but his aura functioned as a part of his entire being….it was distracting to her.
<o></o>
His hands came to her shoulders and hesitated; she didn’t even no if he was going to keep going.
<o></o>
Before he continue, she wrapped her hands around his wrists, pulling him down to her. She gave him a kiss like nothing she had ever given before. She smiled as she pulled away. “I could get used to this.”

[RiffWrath]

To say that Mel was in Heaven at that very moment was an understatement. His shock kept him from kissing her back, even from keeping his balance. He fell forward, fortunately to her side. He finally kissed her back when he landed awkwardly.

"Well you could, if I could continue. But you know what would make the massage better? If the clothing weren't in the way. You could actually get the full vibrations, I think. Along with other benefits."

Mel grinned hugely in spite of himself, before continuing his massage, focusing the vibrations into his hands, and into the muscles across the top of Anja's feet. He moved his hands upwards, the hum of the vibrations almost audible. He worked her skin easily, stopping short of the top of her thighs, just where they met at her torso.

"May I continue?"

[Anja Drake]

Despite how she felt about Mel; the idea of her clothes coming off was a bit surprising. Too forward? Maybe.
<o></o>
It probably wasn’t much different than wearing a swim suit in from of him…but she couldn’t help but feel differently about the whole situation. She was, after all, only wear underwear under her clothing…which did reveal a bit more than a bathing suit…
<o></o>
Still…she really had a hard time choosing what she wanted to do. This entire experience was incredible and Anja wanted nothing more than to continue it; regardless of the conditions. Her mind seemed to think at an incredible rate; spilling out questions like nothing else…what should she do? Was it okay if she said no? What would he think? Did she trust him enough?
<o></o>
Her thoughts swarmed and her facial feature probably showed her conflict.
<o></o>

“May I continue?” <o>
</o> Anja made a noise in the back of her throat that sounded like a muffled squeak. The fact that his hands were at her hips made her instantly shy up; kissing she could handle…but she wasn’t sure about everything.
<o></o>
Her hands gently touched his; keeping them on top of her short sport shorts.
<o></o>
“You may.” She said softly, but then let his fingers slip slightly under the hem of her tank top. “But, you’re not going to get anything on a first date.”
<o></o>
She smiled, but only slightly…she was hesitant to let him touch her. Outside it had been alright, it had been dark and there was very little lighting to accent the long thin scars scattered across her sides and lower back. Inside was different, she was a different person all of a sudden…nervous what he would think. The oblong (some jagged) scars were slightly discolored against her skin and she felt as if they should always be covered.
<o></o>
It was one of the many horrors that came with her mutation; she did the most physical damage to herself…although she had no control over it.

[RiffWrath]

Mel merely smiled.

"I didn't expect anything. I'm just glad to be here."

He continued his massage, barely tracing over her stomach and torso. He finally eased the vibrations in his hands. They ended without any presedence. He took his fingertips and traced the outline of her face, brushing her skin only slightly.

"This is part of the massage. It's a nice way to end it."

Mel then remembered something he needed to at least ask about. What he noted while giving the massage.

"I....uh, noticed some.....unusual markings on your skin. They felt like scars, I think. Mind if I take a look?"

Upon hearing his words, he realized that they sounded strange, maybe even ridiculous.

"I, uh, have a strange facination of sorts with scars. It's like this song I heard..."

Mel actually sang the next words, in tone and melody with the song.

"And the scars remind us that the past is real. I tear my heart open just to feel."

He smiled, looking up at her.

"Papa Roach. Great stuff. Anyhow, I like scars. They tell stories in themselves, about our past and the injuries that we've sustained and survived. Almost like tattoos, but more natural. More....I dunno, down to earth. I'd love to see 'em."

Mel's voice sounded positive, almost giddy at the sound.

[Anja Drake]

Anja wasn’t sure if she had heard him right; it took her a moment to realize that he was completely serious. Her shocked took a while to wear off…she was overwhelmed and her hands instantly covered herself; she was self conscious about this certain subject.
<o></o>
Even with her hands covering herself, Anja couldn’t help but turn red…
<o></o>
“I, um…."
<o></o>
She didn’t know what to say; it seemed like she was at a loss for words a lot this night. Her finger tips touched one of the scars through the fabric of her tank top…her breath was shaky, she felt as if the blood in her veins was going to turn cold…for once in her life.
<o></o>
“I’m…not used to this.” She stretched out, slowly; slipping her tank top up until the hem just touched her sternum. It was instinct to turn away, she didn’t want to watch him…and know he was looking at her scars.
<o></o>
The scars were worn; some old and some new…some more healed than others. The majority were shallow…but the deepest ones were stretched across her back; from her upper ribs to her opposite hip…long sharp scars. It wasn’t very difficult to see that these were created by claws…talons of a sort.
<o></o>
She closed her eyes and hoped for the best.

[RiffWrath]

The moment he saw the scars across her body, Mel was intrigued. She had turned away, a look across her face that seemed to tell him everything. This was unusual to her; her scars were a shame to her.

His hands traced the scars gently, his fingertips following their path. They were made in a strange way, as if there were portions hard to rake a certain way. Indication that they were self-inflicted. And with claws.

"You needn't be ashamed of these. They are who you are. And inside and out, you are beautiful."

He leaned down, and kissed the scars carefully, his lips barely brushing them.

"Your other did these. Why would it? Why would it hurt itself?"

[Anja Drake]

A flood of unexplainable emotions and sensations crashed into her reality; what was something so simple became something so sore of a subject that she wanted to bury. Bury and have never uncovered again. It was the only thing in her life that she wished she could put behind her; but it was so much a part of her that she couldn’t leave it behind…it explained everything about her.
<o></o>
She swallowed loudly before speaking.
<o></o>
“My other…did do these to me.” She repeated after him, still not looking at him. “I suppose one could say I do these to myself; but, really the Angel is a more powerful creature…and she used to be very infuriated with me.”
<o></o>
She couldn’t explain very well; she had a hard enough time explaining herself to Mr. Rhee during their private sessions. It was like describing another person’s life and personality without even knowing them completely. The Angel was her, but in her right mind, Anja wasn’t angry with herself…she had no reason to be.
<o></o>
“When she couldn’t hurt others, she took pride in injuring me; knowing well that I wouldn’t stop her. I couldn’t stop her…” She sounded sorrowful. “That was until we made an agreement only a few months back. We’ve both held up our ends of the bargain since then…”
<o></o>
His lips brushed her scar and she retracted some…she was sensitive even to such a touch…

[RiffWrath]

She drew herself away from him. Mel's smile faded, leaving only a look of sadness. He wasn't sad because she drew away from him; he was sad because she was drawing away from herself.

"I hope I didn't go too far. And I'm glad that you two have made your arrangements together. Should you ever need me to intervene on your behalf, Anj, I'll gladly do so, to even the playin' field. I'm here for ya."

Mel settled in beside her on the bed, reclining back. He felt a yawn come forth, but stifled it.

"Man, this bed is cosy. Real nice. And with you in it? It's a big bonus. I feel like I could just sleep for days here, right beside you."

Mel found himself changing the subject, in case Anja became overwhelmed or emotional. The former rocker didn't want the person he cared about to hurt any more than she needed to. And especially on his behalf.

[Anja Drake]

Her shirt fell snuggly back into its original place and she turned to curl into his side; her arm came to rest on his chest…she was tired and was willing to sleep for once. The warmth she needed was right next to her and it was a more than welcome feeling. Her scars were something she wasn’t proud of, but she had come to terms with her past…more or less.
<o></o>
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly; letting it graze across his shoulder without any bound.
<o></o>

“ Man, this bed is cosy. Real nice. And with you in it? It's a big bonus. I feel like I could just sleep for days here, right beside you." <o>

</o> A small smile spread across her lips and the dark haired girl looked up from her companion’s shoulder. Her eyes were on him, but her senses looked deeper into him; he was sincere and that was all she wanted. She…felt strongly for him and his honesty was more than appreciated.
<o></o>
“Then stay here tonight. I think it would be better to stay than to go back to your room; you’ll have a less likely chance of getting caught if you’re here.”
<o></o>
“But, moreover, I would like you to stay.” She kissed his tattooed shoulder. “Although, I don’t know how much longer I can stay awake.”

[RiffWrath]

With the lights turned off, the moon was the only source of light, and it cast a slight glow upon Anja's form, as she lay beside Mel, curled up against his chest, head on his tattooed shoulder.

"I don't think they'd be overly worried about us bein' together in the same room. After all, we're the older.....I guess you could call us students. I believe that that rule ends when you turn eightteen, and become a legally consenting adult. So, relax. Besides, if worse comes to worse, I'll take the blame."

Mel pulled Anja a little closer to his bare chest.

"If we are bound to get caught, then you could simply scream, and chase me outta the room. I'll take the heat for sneakin' in to your room. After all, I'm a bit of a "rocker" type; sneakin' into a woman's room wouldn't be too outta my character."

He found his hand wandering to the smooth silk that was the tip of her hair. His fingers found their way into the dark strands, running through them, enjoying their texture and her company.

"As for sleep, feel free. I'm a bit tired myself. And since you're so set on me stayin' here, I'll stay."

His playful grin would've said it all, but his jovial tone of voice would have to do to illustrate his humor. His words were then eclipsed with a kiss, slow, soft, and sweet, their mouths meeting for minutes. When he drew away, he took a small breath, finding his taken by her.

"G'night, Anj. Sweet dreams."

The two settled in for the night, both drifting off to blissful sleep moments later. It had been a long day, and an even longer, albeit wonderful night, for the couple.