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 Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:02 pm
The sun was just reaching its peak in the sky when Rivka awoke from her shaded thicket near the shore of Meadow Lake. A quiet yawn escaped her mouth and she blinked sleepy at the shimmering lake, taking in the view with a soft smile before looking around the whole area. The smile quickly turned into a frown as the one thing, well, herla, she was looking for was nowhere to be seen. "I thought I told him to meet me here before it got hot out," she grumbled as she stood up and stretched her long legs.
A few days before, Rivka's travelling itch had grown too intense to not scratch. Being a Delta herla there was nothing exciting about the marshlands, as they were her home. The only place that was mysterious enough to pique her interest was the Dead City. Not to mention she was envious of all the wonderful artifacts the adult herla manage to obtain from the place. Of course she had received many offers to be taken to the Dead City to explore. (Offers that she now realized she should have taken). However, given her newfound grip on him, there was only one herla she wished to take her to the dangerous grounds.
"Oh Lucio!" she mentally growled to herself. "How dare you leave me waiting like this!"
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:51 pm
Meadow Lake. Lucio didn't like Meadow Lake ever since what happened here not too long ago. It's not like he felt bad or anything, no! He just...
Shaking his head and ridding himself of his troubled thoughts, Lucio slowed to a calm walk. He wasn't about to let Rivka see he was rushing, and he certainly hoped she wouldn't ask why he was late. Truth be told, he had considered ditching the plan and leaving Rivka waiting for him. He even began to wander away until he turned back out of cowardice.
That's what this was about. Cowardice. Lucio didn't want to go to the Dead City, but he knew he'd catch hell if he didn't show up. Once again, his head buzzed with troubled thoughts, but he approached Rivka with a cool certainty, ignoring the butterflies that had suddenly appeared in his stomach.
"Rivka," he practically swaggered, head held high, eyes scanning her in a bored fashion, "I do hope you're ready."
There. Maybe if he got right down to it she wouldn't ask. But that would mean actually going... And Lucio could only keep up this facade for so long.
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Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:45 pm
Rivka began to pace a bit and shook her head restlessly. "That ******** p***k. If he doesn't get here in the next five sec-" Her thought was cut short as she spotted the gleam of his red visor. "Ah, there he is." The delta herla's mood brightened a bit, but as she stood there and realized just how damn slow he was walking her eyes flashed with irritation. "Oh. He's gonna get a lashing for being such an a*****e." She continued to stare at him for a few seconds before diverting her attention to a quacking family of water fowl on the lake.
Even as Lucio approached her she continued to stare at the cute baby ducklings wading about. "Ah, Lucio," she said lightly with a smile, as though she had just noticed him. "I thought you might have gotten lost." There was a terseness to her words, but Rivka giggled to try and cover up the mild irritation, her smile unflinching as she greeted him with her trademarked nose bump. "I'm ready if you are my tough bodyguard~" Rivka said with a smirk.
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:46 pm
If it wasn't one thing with Rivka, it was another. So she didn't ask about why he was late, but Lucio didn't much like that getting lost comment, either. Figuring she was annoyed with him, Lucio was about to pipe up with a quip when she bumped her nose against his. He looked away, trying not to grin like an idiot.
"Ready. Right. Hm," now he was frowning, nervous again, "...But are you sure you want to go?" Lucio looked at Rivka, feigning the utmost concern for her. "Not that I would want to, but maybe we should have gone with a group, Rivka. And, and- Not that it would ever happen, but if I did get hurt, what happens to you?" He put on the most serious face he could muster, speaking with confidence. "I think we're ill-prepared. We can't go."
He hoped that would convince her, last thing Lucio wanted was to set hoof in the Dead City. And she could go with a group idiots, so long as he wasn't dragged along. How did he even get roped into this anyway? Probably trying to show off. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Lucio gritted his teeth, but still looked at Rivka expectantly.
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:14 pm
The yearling tilted her head curiously as Lucio spoke, wondering just why he would want to delay their trip together. "Is it because he has other plans? With who? Another girl? I'll kill the b***h!" She lightly shook her head free of the thoughts, making the gesture seem more like she was fixing her hair and carefully observed Lucio's posture as he spoke, keeping a stern, thoughtful look on her face even as she realized just what was going on.
"Of course I want to go," Rivka stated with a pout, blinking big, sweet eyes up at him. "And I don't want to go with anyone else!" She stomped a hoof hard on the ground, leaving a rather deep indent. "I want," her face flushed and she nuzzled up against the front of him, "I want to go with just you..." She let her touch linger for a moment and then moved back with a sigh. "But...if you're scared I guess we can just stay here for the day..." Rivka turned about, giving her back to Lucio as she slowly headed to the shore of the lake. Normally she wouldn't give her back to him, especially not after their fight, but there was no way she could suppress the wicked grin growing on her lips. "Let's see you not want to go now~"
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 9:34 pm
Lucio felt his heart sink at Rivka's response, though he couldn't help find her pout adorable. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again as he stared down at the indent. That was a little concerning. Great, she's mad and we're still going.
His eyes, which had narrowed into a glare when Rivka stomped, now widened in surprise as she nuzzled him. And for the quickest moment, Lucio felt warm. More than that, he felt genuine affection towards Rivka. He knew her true nature now, ever since she had, well, beaten the crap out of him. She was stringing him along, and things had changed.
But it was true what she said. Rivka was the only one that cared about him, faked or otherwise. Even if their crazy little relationship was a lie, he wanted to cling to it for as long as he could. He thought he was only staying with Rivka out of fear, but at that moment, Lucio just wished it wasn't a lie. He wished it could be real, normal.
Unfortunately, things are never easy for Lucio. He felt himself closing up again as Rivka moved away, and his usual frown and glare returned. "Scared?" his voice was harsh as he followed after her, but he paused and rethought his response.
Now he moved to her side, nuzzling her, voice low, "Of course I'm scared. I'm terrified of something happening to you. I'm just afraid I won't be good enough to protect you."
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 10:56 pm
Rivka braced herself for one of Lucio's little tantrums, mentally preparing a comeback for whatever was said. She was ready to turn around and glare at him, yell and scream at him, and maybe even headbutt him again to put him back in his place. But to shiver at the nuzzle and look up at him with such open, vulnerable eyes? It surprised her so much that she turned away to hide the very real flush of her face.
"M-me? He's scared for...me? Does that mean he thinks me a weakling? Some prissy little girl that needs to be helped with everything?!...n-no. No that's not it. He still winces when I press the one bruise on his chest. He knows I'm not weak. So does that...does that mean...he...even though I...and...n-no. Oh who am I kidding?! He's not capable of THAT."
"Heh...that's a good one Lucio. You've...you've become such a good liar...haha..." Rivka continued to laugh, staring down at her hooves, too ashamed to look up at him while her face was still warm. She went silent for a few potent seconds before laughing again, finally smiling up at him. "I have some pretty decent armor don't you think? I can hold my own pretty decently hm?" Rivka grinned and gently butted up against his chin.
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:37 am
Lucio was taken aback by the way Rivka looked at him, and even more taken aback by what she said, her words hitting him with an ice cold jolt. Lying? She thinks I'm lying? Lucio resisted the urge to shrink away from her touch, the mention of her armor making him uncomfortable. ...Yeah, of course I'm lying.
Lucio was silent now, looking away from Rivka, a thoughtful frown on his face. He was tempted to remark that he was learning to be such a good liar thanks to her, but... She could hold her own, he didn't need her to answer her own question now.
Apparently making up his mind, Lucio slipped away from her, stepping back to glare at her. He spoke, taking care to not let his annoyance seep in too much for fear she might bite back. "I'm not lying, Rivka. And if you can hold your own so well, then tell me, why do you want me to come along?"
He stared her down, ears pulled back, hoping this would show what she really felt for him. Plus, he realized, this stalled pretty damn well.
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:41 pm
The silence made Rivka shift uneasily, and when Lucio stepped away from her the frown that had been twitching at the edge of her lips finally showed. The glare made her a bit defensive and she sturdied her stance, returning it for a few seconds before his words drained away all emotion in her face and replaced it with cautious curiosity and confusion.
"Is he saying he's not lying because he really is and he's trying to play ME now? Or maybe he really isn't lying. But then what does that mean? What should I do? And when did he get this deep? Hmph. It's not as fun when he's not being so simple-minded and easy......but then again...if he is serious..."
Rivka took a few cautious steps toward Lucio, eyeing him carefully as she did so. "Okay, so you're not lying. So now, the big question is: why is it that you're so concerned about something happening to me? Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you say this was just an alliance and it was always going to be yourself that you put first?" The yearling closed the gap between them, staring up at him with intense eyes but speaking softly. "Unless something has...changed now?"
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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 8:45 pm
Lucio lifted his head and darted his eyes away, swallowing nervously. "You didn't answer my question," he muttered. Damn it, why am I suddenly in the spotlight? I wanted her to tell me! <******** sighed, then looked down at Rivka, looking, for once in his life, sincere. "I guess, for some stupid reason I can't understand, things have changed. On my side, anyway." He looked away for a moment, feeling like he was about to collapse and absolutely hating himself for that.
"I don't know how you feel about me. That's what I wanted to know. But now I'm ******** spilling my guts to you instead," he looked down, not at Rivka, but at his hoof digging a little trench in the ground, "You're the only herla I talk to on a regular basis. Pretty much the only one that can stand me. That I can stand."
Lucio glanced at her, "More than just tolerating you, really." He abruptly stopped there, letting the statement hang for a moment, trying to compose himself. This was taking all his courage, hell if he would have enough left for the Dead City after this.
"You were the only one on my side, when we met. When I was a yearling. You were against Zeta, too," he gave a weak smile, looking pained, "We've known each other for a while. I guess, if I'm going to use such a stupid word-" here we go "I guess I might love you, Rivka."
He tried to say that casually. He hated that word, he didn't think it had a meaning. People threw it around too much, it was overrated, it was stupid. Lucio didn't understand the obsession, why falling in love was so great. He doubted what he felt for Rivka was love. He wanted to doubt it. She was just a yearling, he was an a*****e no one liked. As if he could fall in love. That ******** word. That's all it was, a word to him.
And yet he felt himself burning, embarrassed, afraid, relieved, all these horrible emotions and he hated it. He stared at Rivka, feeling as though his heart would stop, that he might burst. Growing enraged and terrified. I should have never ******** come here why didn't I just ******** run and never look back she's going to laugh at me I know it
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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 11:11 pm
Lucio's nervousness made her own emerge and the yearling shifted uneasily again. "Something has changed. Either that or he didn't expect the reversal..." Rivka kept a careful eye on him, knowing that his moods could change as fast as the flash of his knife. The soft, sincere look on his face was not something she expected...though Lucio had surprised her enough already that this one she took in stride, remaining neutral and thoughtful as he spoke.
...on the outside that is. On the inside Rivka's brain was madly chattering away, her thoughts a blizzard of paranoia and confusion, the shards slicing away at her careful facadé. "How I feel about...him? What does he think I feel towards him?! I kicked his a**, does he not remember? It means I won't take his s**t!...but is that a feeling? No. No it's not, that's just a stance. And it's true, he only talks to me but that's 'cause all those other losers are scared of him! Except for that tie wearing skank. And that yellow-red slut. Hmph. And of course he would do more than tolerate me! I'm ******** amazing and anyone who doesn't is just jealous~ And Zeta. UGH. That ******** a*****e. How dare he ignore me in favor of that pink prissy pansy Wina. Oooh I hate her so much! But not as much as Zeta for just WALKING AWAY FROM ME LIKE THAT. AND-"
The mad whirlwind of words halted as Lucio uttered the three little words just about every female wanted to hear from that special someone once in their life. But Rivka had never been one of those females. She'd never once imagined or dreamt of falling in love and spending the rest of her life in a hazy, blissful state filled with cooing and fawns. But yet...for some reason...her face cherried and her heart thudded hard against her ribcage. She opened her mouth to speak but suddenly her mouth went dry and all she could do was close it and stare steadfastly at the ground.
"L-love? He...loves me...? Well. Maybe. He did say he GUESSED. But...who guesses with these sort of things?! He has to believe it or he wouldn't have said it. Or maybe he's trying to play me?! If he even dared...!" Rivka looked over his posture and up at his face, half-hoping that there'd be a sign he wasn't telling the truth so she wouldn't have to dig deep and confront her own truth. "N-no. He's not lying. That face...he can't fake expressions that well. I know him too...well...oh my...I know him so well. B-but that's...that's just because they're easier to manipulate that way! Y-yeah..." The yearling opened her mouth again to tell Lucio she was too young, too confused, too...something. Too anything! Anything to get out of this situation.
But the moment her tongue hit her teeth she couldn't do it. She choked on her words and lowered her head, her thoughts suddenly twice as loud and brash after their period of silence. "DON'T!" the voice cried. "Those bitches will swarm him if you send him away! They'll take him away from you! And he's ours."
Rivka's face scrunched up in confusion. This was just like the voice she heard when they had been fighting. The one that had her say such strange things. "Ours?" she questioned. "Yes. Ours. He is ours. He's perfect for you. Fiery yet pliable, misunderstood but...sweet. He'll do anything and everything for you. That's the type of...male you want."
Rivka looked at Lucio, carefully taking in everything from his hooves to the top of his visor, her heart fluttering wildly. "Nerves," she told the voice. "Just nerves." The voice laughed in replied, cold but amused. "Not nerves. That's pure, unbridled attraction. You like the bad boy image, even if he is a coward on the inside. Not to mention you know as well as I do you would actually commit homicide should any other female so much as brush up against him. There's more than just possessiveness there little Rivi~" A fierce blush overtook her face like a rash and, after steeling up all her courage and nerves, she stared Lucio straight in the eyes and showed off the color.
"Lucio..." The yearling trotted up to him and fiercely nuzzled underneath his chin and against his chest. "I knew it~ I knew I was more than just someone to be tolerated. I knew you watched me when I would turn my back, smiled when I wasn't looking..." Rivka laughed, but it certainly wasn't the type that Lucio had been expecting. No, this was a happy laugh, not a mocking one. "Do you still want an answer from me?" She looked up at him a wide, cheeky grin and licked the side of his face before he could answer.
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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:25 am
Lucio felt himself tensing up at seeing Rivka hesitate, feeling ready to bolt. <******** I've gone too far this is it I've screwed it up ******** she'll be mad or disgusted or both The silence felt suffocating to Lucio, heavy, if he had to endure it any longer he would snap. Growing more enraged and panicked, he began to tremble, clenching his teeth. How he loathed when he shook, he felt weak, but it was all so overwhelming. Just ********> say something, do something please
Finally, she did. She looked up, blushing. Lucio inhaled quickly, almost a gasp, as his heart turned in his chest. Her nuzzling only came as more of a relief, as he now exhaled, shaky. The things this yearling made him feel, it was almost infuriating. In fact, her laughter sent a spike of defensiveness through him, though he felt more embarrassed than anything. Instead, he gave a strained laugh in return, still trembling a bit as she licked him.
"Thank you," Lucio muttered, astonished, though it suddenly sent a pang through him. He rested his cheek against hers, closing his eyes. He felt emotionally spent, but if he was being honest he might as well get it all out. He felt.. liberated, in a way. Like he could finally be more honest, with her and himself. His anger began to fade as he spoke.
"Yeah, I want an answer. Why me? You're beautiful, Rivka, you can have anyone," Lucio nuzzled into her hair, loving her scent. "I'm just an angry buck with no friends, no life, nothing to do but cause trouble. You're so much more. I thought you'd be... appalled when I said I... I loved you. I don't think I deserve you."
There. I said it. ******** me I'm tired. He pulled back, looking at Rivka, frowning. He had angered her many times, he knew. His chest was still tender from... last time, but her nuzzling was a comfort. And he himself sometimes felt afraid of her. Afraid! It was pathetic. He felt pathetic. And yet, he hoped this would change things. Maybe they would be equals now. More understanding.
...At least, he hoped Rivka wouldn't get jealous if he spoke to Kiraki about ties now.
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Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:10 am
Rivka giggled at Lucio's thanks, like she had complimented on his hair having nice volume or his visor being extra shiny. She sighed softly as they pressed their cheeks together, a tension in her muscles that she didn't even know was there being released...only to return seconds later as Lucio asked for an answer. "That was supposed to be a rhetorical question...damnit." Rivka sighed again and shook her head, the gesture mildly patronizing, but made up for with a sweet smile.
"I could get anyone, you're right..." Rivka stared down at her hooves, summoning up the previous blush and shyness to stall as he nuzzles her and she tried to consult her guardian. "He is right. I could get anyone! I AM so much more! Why am I choosing him, the violent trouble causing loner, again?" The voice laughed, the sound still cold but not so much as before as a bit of affection warmed it up just a bit. "Think about everyone else. Are they worth it? They're either too ugly, too boring, or too stupid." "Or taken." "HAH! Like that would stop us." "Alright. Too...perceptive then." "Yes. Some of them were definitely too bright for our tastes. Trust me little Rivi, this is the one you want. With a bit of manipulation and smacking around he'll be just what your wee heart desires."
The yearling looked over at Lucio and smiled softly. "I could choose anyone...but I don't want just anyone." She closed the distance between them again, refusing to let him out of her reach. "I want you..." She pressed their noses together for a few, long seconds before licking his nose. "I...don't know exactly why," she glanced down at the ground, letting the grass alone see the flicker of worry in her eyes at putting so much trust in her guardian. "But I do know that it's you." At those words she looked back up at Lucio, worry and doubt gone and in its place, that bright, disarming smile.
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Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 5:35 pm
Ears pricked to her voice, Lucio felt somewhat reassured by her smile. That did it, the frown on Lucio's face disappeared, replaced with mild surprise as Rivka closed in. He felt his face warm with a blush as she licked his nose. Blushing! He was probably as pink as his legs!
Lucio looked away again, both to hide his blush and because he felt somewhat disappointed with her answer. No, why should he be disappointed? Did it matter? All that mattered was that he had someone now. It could've been worse. Lucio turned to Rivka, just as she looked up at him, and couldn't resist this time. She was too cute when she smiled, and he gave a small but warm smile right back.
"I'm glad, Rivka," he murmured, pulling her into a sort of hug with his neck, "I wouldn't want anyone else but you." In the back of his mind, Lucio remembered why he was here in the first place. Maybe going with her wouldn't be so bad now.
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:06 am
Thanks to Lucio's visor Rivka didn't notice the blush...but the smile, well, that she saw. Rivka blushed brightly at the look he gave her and as she looked down to feign shyness she enjoyed a private grin to herself for being able to turn that permanent scowl into a cute smile. Her guardian chuckled haughtily and Rivka couldn't help but take part in the laughter.
"You'd better be glad," she said with a playful nudge to his chin before nuzzling underneath it. She took several quiet moments in his embrace before sighing happily and looking up at him. "So. Are we going to the Dead City~?"
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