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 Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2025 7:57 pm
Quote: Characters: Michael & Xenia Prompt: What happens when these two meet on a run?
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2025 8:36 pm
   Whether it was insanity or an innate desire to soak up the last dregs of the Mother's warmth before the chill of winter overtook the school, Michael once again found himself outside. This time, however, he was at least doing something a little different.
The chill in the air had ruled out reading in the sun. Frankly, it wasn't entirely cold enough that he would need to take his unnecessary training routine inside yet. That little fact had not stopped him from taking his regular training routine inside. After all, there was no reason not to be comfortable.
The insanity theory was starting to sound more and more plausible.
Michael's greatest solace in this moment was that he was not the only person crazy enough to find themselves out in the cold. Even more amusing was the fact that they were both running. Lapping the building like each step would bring them closer to some understand of why they were out in the early days of winter. At the very least, they were both running from Mike's problems.
Running a little too hard, apparently. Something he only realized when their shoulders collided together. "My -" He wheezed, his steps coming to a slow halt. He was finally getting a good look at the woman he'd spent the better part of the last fifteen minutes running with. "- apologizes. I hope I didn't..."
Trailing off, Mike couldn't think of how to finish that thought. The shoulder he'd hit didn't feel dainty under his touch. It was unlikely he'd hurt her. All the same, he didn't want to offend.
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Outdoors ☀︎ Xenia ☀︎ outfit
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Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:44 pm
   LOCATION: Outside xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Workout Outfit
"Speaking #7900ac""Thinking #7900ac"
The cold winter mornings were her favorite time of day. It was such a sharp contrast to the Novembers in her country. The air was chilled, leaving that wonderful numb sensation in one's mouth when they breathed it in. The icy feeling it left in her lungs whenever she stepped out into it left Xena grinning like the cat that had caught the canary. It made her feel alive. Set her blood racing. And was the perfect backdrop for what she did at the start of every new day.
With her hair pulled back into a ponytail, she dressed in loose fitting cloth pants and a top that sat snuggly over her chest and ribs. Her hands were wrapped and covered in fingerless gloves, her prep work for the next part of her workout once her cardio was done. Her arms and most of her midriff was exposed to the elements, but she paid no mind to it. She knew it wasn’t the most ideal clothing choice for the weather and she didn’t care. She would be sweating in no time if she got her laps in quick enough. The less clothing she wore, the less likely she was going to start stripping away layers. The outfit ended with a pair of beat up shoes she loved most in the world, more for their comfort than looks, and she was ready to go!
After a few quick stretches, she slipped from her dorm and stepped out of the building. The chill hit her hard and had her trembling a bit in response. Yes, this was perfect. Xena jogged in place a bit to get her blood pumping before taking off. She’d contemplated taking a new route today, making it longer to get to the sparring grounds. If she upped her cardio, she’d be able to have a muffin with her breakfast. The thought of a treat tipped the scales in favor of the new choice and had her body turning in the opposite direction she’d been heading. Maybe she’d get some coffee too, the thought tugging a smile over her lips as she pumped her legs across the grounds.
What she hadn’t anticipated was to find another had been thinking the same thing she had. A man, a bit rough in the looks department, happened across her path after a few moments. Xena had hoped he would pass by, go a different way, but the Fates had no intention of giving in to her desires. The newcomer fell into step beside her and managed to keep pace, a feat she found surprising. Of course, she said none of this. She simply kept pounding the pavement and focused on her destination. The sparring grounds and her muffin. Both would make her morning all the more delicious and kept her attention off the rhythm of her unwanted running partners steps.
Unfortunately, her luck was just in the shitter today. It wasn’t long before a shift in their steps had them knocking into each other. The bump was enough to have her feet landing awkwardly, nearly upending her completely had it not been for the man’s quick maneuvering. She did her best to catch herself, her lungs burning at the sudden lack of movement. Damn it, her heart rate was going to suffer for this. Annoyed, Xena turned to face the man and found her eyes staring at an open shirt. Okay, that wasn’t a bad thing to see in the morning. The shirt didn’t leave much to the imagination, but she forced herself not to be distracted. Tipping her head back, she looked up at him and furrowed her brow in irritation.
”Dude, seriously? This place is huge. You couldn’t have…Oh wow.” Her rant was derailed as she got a good look at him. He looked like someone had used a meat tenderizer on his face. And had ******** it all up. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from snickering at the sight of it, her mood swinging like a door from exasperated to intrigued. There was definitely a story there and she just had to know!
”Okay, I have to ask. Did you run into a wall or a door or something? Or is this the result of someone’s fists?” As she asked, Xena lifted a hand and waved her fingers into his face. Even with the apparent trauma his features had gone through, he was rather good looking. In that rough and tumble, mostly broken on the inside kinda way. Her eyes moved over the rest of him as she waited for his answer, wondering if he had more of the marks underneath the odd outfit he had chosen for his run.
OOC:
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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2025 6:15 pm
Apparently offending her was the last thing that he needed to worry about. Mainly because it had been inevitable. The shift in her posture, the edge to her tone. It made Michael's mouth dry instantly, dread creeping up his shoulders. He knew that glint in a woman's eye, the same one that Nadine would offer him before telling him all the ways in which he was inadequate. It felt like time had stopped as he waited to be chewed to hell and back for a small mistake.
”Oh wow.”
Her voice caught, the ire in it fading and being replaced with amusement as she asked him about his face. It would have been less humiliating if she hadn't added the flare of swirling her fingers in his face. Then again, the new mirth that danced on the edge of her voice was preferable to the hard edge it had taken only moments before. If nothing else, it was allowing him to breath a little easier.
The only problem was that it took him a moment to realize exactly what she was talking about. Which, in turn, made him feel like a complete moron. Normally it was the scar that ran down his cheek and into his neck that people were asking about. And at first that had been exactly what he thought she was asking him about. But for once that was the least interesting thing about his face. Mirabella had made sure of that.
Now that panic wasn't seizing him, Michael was able to get his first good look at her extremely revealing clothing. The blush that scattered over his cheeks was hidden by the bruising as his eyes shifting to violet as he looked away. "Unfortunately, it was the latter." He was only able to offer her a tense laugh as he continued. It was as if he could feel her judging stare without having to look at her. "And I fear I deserved it considering I stabbed her before she punched me."
He found himself feeling awkward, not sure if he should offer her his shirt - No Michael, that's stupid. She does not want your sweaty shirt. - or his hand to shake. After a moment of grappling with himself he finally spoke again. "I am sorry, I was too careless. The fault is mine." Taking a moment to lick his lips like it would make his throat stop feeling so dry, he held out his hand as if to shake hers. "Michael, miss...?"
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Outdoors ☀︎ Xenia ☀︎ outfit
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 6:39 pm
LOCATION: Outside xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Workout Outfit
"Speaking #7900ac""Thinking #7900ac"
Though he seemed the strong, silent type, something in his face said differently. Perhaps it was the tightness in his expression, or the fascinating way his eyes changed colors. Whatever it was, Xena felt like she’d struck a nerve. Was he embarrassed about his face? Or was there more to it? The urge to poke and prod crashed into her, pushing her closer to him. He had a good bit of height on her, so she was forced to tip her head back a bit to keep her gaze on his features. It was something she was used to dealing with, so she paid it no mind as she watched him.
Ding, ding ding! We have a winner! His admission brought a bright grin to her lips and had her gaze lighting up with triumph. Yes, she loved to be right. Who didn’t? What she hadn’t expected was to have him admit that he’d stabbed his opponent. Excitement and delight raced through her, wondering if he would be a good person to play spar with. Her mind also clicked on the pronouns he’d used for the one that had hit him. She and her meant a woman. Was there another here that could meet her at her level? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? The thought had her nearly bouncing on her toes in front of him! Xena chewed on the inside of her cheek to keep from blasting him with her questions and did her best to remain calm.
”Well, I hope you did a number on her for what she left all over you. Why haven’t you gone to the nurse yet? I’m sure it would be a lot more comfortable to jog when you aren’t…Are they all over your chest, too?!” Her gaze had dropped as she spoke, catching the dark bruising along his chest that trailed off beneath his shirt. Whoa, how was this dude still walking around? Not that Xena hadn’t seen worse in her time as a soldier, but still.
Shaking her head, she returned her eyes to his face and chuckled softly at his apology. She didn’t remember asking for one, but that was beside the point. Tipping her head to the side a bit, Xena leaned around to try and catch his intriguing gaze with her own. She wanted to see if his eyes would shift to a different color. Did his mood regulate the change? And what kind of kingdom had people who could do such a thing? Her curiosity raced away from her as she tried to catch his eyes, her hand gripping his when he offered up his name.
”It’s no big, Michael. Gods, that’s a mouthful. I’m just gonna call you Mike. Though, you don’t really seem like a Mike. Michael does suit the whole ‘tortured soul’ vibe you’ve got going on.” She gave his hand a friendly squeeze before releasing it, not at all caring if she was making him even more uncomfortable with her rant. She was who she was. If people didn’t like it, they could ******** off. Simple as that. ”I’m Xenia, but you can call me Xena if you like. I’ll answer to either.” With the pleasantries out of the way, she released his hand and tucked both of hers behind her back while still trying to get his gaze back to hers.
OOC:
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 7:51 pm
Between trying not to look somewhere he shouldn’t and the way her eyes seemed to be trailing over every inch of him, it was hard to say what was more embarrassing. While he hadn’t exactly attempted to cover up the bruising Mirabella had caused, he wasn’t exactly trying to put it on display either. It was just there. Another attention-catching thing about his appearance that he couldn’t change in the moment. On some level, Michael was used to it. The stares, the snickers, the hushed words. What he wasn’t entirely used to was just how out in the open about it this woman was being. Discomfort was clawing slowly up his spine as she continued to examine him.
His purple eyes crinkled at the corners in response to how he hopefully roughed his opponent up to match. ”While she didn’t make it out unscathed, I think I got the worst of it.” His words came with a chuckle that he couldn’t help. ”Though - and she would hate me saying this - I think some of it had to do with the fact that she can heal when I cannot.” There was something conspiratorial layered in his voice, like he was telling the dark haired woman before him a secret he wasn’t meant to share.
Letting a hand sneak up to press against the bruising on his stomach, he frowned. ”Is it really still that bad? I did go to the healer, but…” Michael trailed off, not wanting to have to admit that he had been asked to return for more healing sessions because of how extensive the bruising was, but never returned after feeling well enough. Who was he to take up their time when the pain was manageable and everything was set?
He’d been about to confirm Mike was fine. Honestly, he really didn’t mind how he was addressed, but it wasn’t often that anyone called him Mike. There was something refreshingly informal about it. Even his parents called him Michael. But then she had called him a tortured soul. Attempting to clamp his lips together to trap the bark of laughter coming up his throat, all he succeeded in doing was making an undignified sound as the laugh forced its way out.
”I assure you, I’m not trying to come off in any such way.” The words were said around a peal of laughter. One that would have had him starting to double over if he wasn’t hyper aware of how close Xena was standing. ”Are you sure that it’s not just the bruising? I’ve been called many things, but ‘tortured soul’ is not one of them.” Granted, most of those things had been by Bella and none of the labels she offered him were half as amusing.
It took a minute but he managed to compose himself. Swiping a thumb along his lower lash line as if to gather an invisible tear, he grinned down at the spitfire. ”Mike is fine, Xena. A welcome change, if anything. Though if it would suit my ‘vibe’ better, I can promise I will respond to Michael as well.” He’d made a judgement call, assuming that she would not appreciate being called miss the way he usually referred to women. One that his gut was telling him was right.
Finally his red eyes darted quickly back over her form. So much skin was showing, and while it was embarrassing, there was another matter entirely that was more important. Sheepishly, he cleared his throat. “Should we continue on? Or head inside? It’s a bit chilly out and I would hate for you to catch a cold.” After all if they had both been running and he was sweating, it was likely she had been too. And if that were the case, it would be all the easier to catch a chill.
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Outdoors ☀︎ Xenia ☀︎ outfit
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Posted: Tue May 06, 2025 11:53 pm
LOCATION: Outside xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Workout Outfit
"Speaking #7900ac""Thinking #7900ac"
From the looks of him, Xena wasn’t surprised to hear that he had ended up on the more beaten end of the stick during his fight. His mention of his opponent healing, however, stirred her curiosity further and had her mind flipping through the royals she knew that had that power. Only a handful had ever voiced the power in her time, and even then it had been only to those they trusted. Either Mike was one of those trusted few and he’d broken a promise, or he was doing it with malicious intent. Either way, it fascinated her and had her itching to ask for the name of the woman he had fought. She was always in the market for a self healing, moving target.
”Yeah, that definitely tracks. I haven’t seen anyone walking around with as many bruises as you. Especially not one from my gender.” She made a mental note to look more closely the next time she was in class before his question danced through her mind. Her grin returned easily, a soft nod and an arch of her brow her only response. If he had gone to the healer, he must have looked ten times worse than he did now. Or he hadn’t stayed for the full treatment. Whichever the case was, he most certainly needed to go again. She might have enjoyed the sight of him all busted and bruised, but she had a feeling the rest of the upper crust wouldn’t.
The sound he made at her comment had her own laughter bubbling out of her before she could stop it. He sounded like he was choking on either a sneeze or a laugh of his own. Whichever the case was, it was enough to tickle her funny bone and had her arms wrapping around her bare midriff. The sound didn’t stop as his laughter finally made its way out of him, her head shaking as she tried to get her body under control. His words helped, giving her a moment of reprieve that had her gulping in cold air and wiping tears from her eyes.
”Oh man, you are something else. Thank you for that.” Another deep breath helped get her almost back to normal, though the laughter still danced in her light blue eyes as she grinned brightly up at him. ”As for the title, I mean, it could be the bruises. Or your eyes. Someone that carries the rainbow in his gaze must have seen some crazy things in his life. Either tortured or tormented, but that’s just my thoughts on it. Of course, like you said, the bruises don’t hurt the image.” As she spoke, she reached out and hooked a finger in his exposed shirt. She gave it a quick tug, the action meant to be teasing, before letting her hand fall back to where it had been.
”Mike it is, then.” Pleased that they’d come to an agreement, Xena chuckled at his ‘vibe’ comment and shook her head again. He definitely was a character, she’d give him that. ”I reserve the right to call you Michael in more…severe moments. Kind of like when you get in trouble and your parents use your full name. You know you’ve ******** up when they get to that point.” She gave a mock shudder at the thought, rubbing her arms with her hands as if she were suddenly cold. Her father had only ever used her full name three times in her life, and they had all ended badly. Of course, she kept that from him and simply kept her amused expression on her features.
At his mention of what to do next, she looked around and contemplated her options. She still had her cardio to get in. While she knew of a much more fun way to do that, he didn’t strike her as the ‘Hi, hello, let’s bow chicka wow wow’ type. Not that he didn’t look well enough to handle it, she mused as she looked over him in appreciation for the umpteenth time. As much fun as it would be, Xena figured it best to play nice. For now.
”This is nothing, but you’re sweet to be concerned. I guess I can double my run tomorrow and take today as a cheat day. Want to get some coffee and breakfast? I’m sure they have a nice spread out already, just in case someone decided to rise early. If not, we can wake up someone to get us something.” It was a solid enough plan, and appealed to her enough to keep her in his company. Plus, she really wanted to see if his eyes would change more than once when she was watching him. And if she could figure out if it was a random thing or if he had, like, mood ring eyes.
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Posted: Fri May 23, 2025 2:54 pm
For a moment, he was reveling in the fact that they had gone from something hostile to amused in just a few minutes. There was something ever so pleasant in the way that they were able to talk and laugh without having to have come into the fight he’d assumed they were getting into when he’d bumped into her and she’d stopped to rip him a new one.
It left a smile on his face, one that he didn’t mind offering to Xena. ”The pleasure is all mine.” The mirth in his voice was genuine, not needing to put on any kind of front. ”Hopefully you can assess my image another time when there are less bruises involved. Though, I suppose it could only help so much.” The laugh in his voice was fading, shifting into something more abashed. Part of him was hoping that she wouldn’t hear the self deprecation in his own tone. It was a fool’s errand to think she wouldn’t mind his scars.
But then her eyes locked on his chest again. Her hand joined her eyes, coming to pluck at the collar of his shirt. His breath caught. Warmth flooded over him, like they weren’t out in the cold. Red danced across his skin, under his bruises and down his chest. It wasn’t necessarily unwanted, but more so unbelievable that a woman would be interested in his body in such a way when he was still fairly black and blue. Even if he wasn’t black and blue it would have been unbelievable.
His orange eyes were searching her expression, trying to find disgust in it. Normally there was always disgust. All Xena was giving away was amusement and playfulness. It was enough to have him release the breath he didn’t know he was holding. While it was attractive in its own right, he wasn’t sure if it was something to be trusted or not. Still, he went right along with the playful show of fear she was giving at the idea of having her full name called. ”When you put it that way, I should hope you never have to call me Michael then. Or Sera, for that matter. Good things never come when my last name is used.” Usually because those things were coming from Mirabella, but he wasn’t about to voice that to the woman before him.
Once again he could feel her eyes roll over him, making the red already on his cheeks deepen. Still, the corners of Michael’s yellow eyes crinkled with a smile. ”Pardon my boldness, but I think I would have to be blind not to be concerned.” It still felt too bold to say out loud, forcing a fist up to his mouth to catch an awkward cough. In a fluid motion, he dropped his fist and offered his arm out to Xena. ”If you don’t mind, I’d be happy to escort you.” It was hard to decide if it would be more frightening for her to accept or decline the offer. Yet Mike was willing to find out.
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Outdoors ☀︎ Xenia ☀︎ outfit
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Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 12:35 am
LOCATION: Outside xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Workout Outfit
"Speaking #7900ac""Thinking #7900ac"
Xena couldn’t help but arch a brow and give him a wicked smile at his offer. Had he really just given her a golden opportunity to check out his bod when he was healed? Another quick scan of his features told her that he wasn’t being entirely honest, but she wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. She would simply hold onto it for later, pull out her trump card when he was a little more willing. And not all battered and bruised. Even if the look was really working for him.
”Why, Sir Mike, is that an invitation? What kind of lady do you take me for?” She laid it on thick, batting her eyes at him as she’d soon one too many courtiers do in her own kingdom. The facade only lasted a few moments before her laughter returned, unable to hold out. ”I’m sorry, I just can’t pull that one off with a straight face. You really do make it too easy to tease you, did you know that?” And he was too damn cute when he blushed. It reminded her of being a foolish kid again, back before the darkness of the war changed her.
Unable to resist, especially with the scarlet racing over his skin, Xena tugged playfully at his shirt a second time. If it looked like she was really bothering him, she’d back off. Until then, she was gonna keep watching him turn all shades of red she could get. His mention of his name, however, flipped something in her head and had her pulling her hand back. Sera….Where had she heard that name before? It was going to bug the hell out of her until she figured it out! Making a mental note to look into it more later, she pursed her lips in thought before shrugging her shoulders in response.
”At least you can say your last name. Sera is just two easy syllables. Not a mouthful like mine.” She didn’t bother giving up her last name, of course. She simply made a face and left it at that. If he asked, Xena would side step and avoid it. Her name wasn’t common in the least, and it was bound to give her away almost instantly. The last thing she wanted was to miss out on an opportunity with a yummy looking guy because her father’s name had somehow ruined his life. It had already happened enough in her lifetime, thank you very much!
As the shade of his skin fluctuated again, Xena snapped her gaze back to his own. There it was again! They had definitely been orange not a second before! And now they were yellow! Was it a sign that he was relaxing? He did seem to have a less…stiff stance to him. His comment about being blind, however, confused her and had her tipping her head to the side in question. Was he…Ah! The realization clicked and pulled a laugh from her lips, surprised that her outfit concerned him to such a degree. If he thought this was bad, he was sure to turn purple at what she ran in during the hotter months.
”You know, for someone that shows as much skin as you do, you’re awfully bashful about mine. Do women not dress like this where you are from? Or do you just play for the other team and it makes you uncomfortable?” A part of her wondered if she was being too blunt with her questions, knowing not everyone could handle her as she was. The rest of her shut it down, knowing he was basically a stranger. An interesting one, truly, but one nonetheless. What did she care if he got upset with what she had said? His offer to escort her had her leaning towards the last question she’d tossed at him, manners moving her to his sie so she could loop her arm through his.
”Of course I don’t mind. I’d be a fool to refuse such an offer, especially from a man with eyes as interesting as yours are. Seriously, you’ve got to tell me how they do that.” Grinning again, Xena relaxed and let him lead the way inside.
OOC:
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 8:24 pm
Thank the Mother that Lady Xena was extremely obvious with her sense of humor. If it had been anyone else who had asked him about their propriety, Mike would have immediately thought he had over stepped. He would be stumbling over himself to backtrack, to try to salvage the interaction as much as possible. Yet, the batting of her lashes in such an overly obvious way before dissolving into a fit of giggles left him…
Amused. Michael had decided it had left him feeling like he wanted to join in that laughter, so he allowed himself to. ”Funnily enough, I do believe that I’ve heard that before.” The words were said with a chuckle, one that had the corners of his eyes crinkling. When her hand came up to pluck at his shirt again, he had half a mind to catch it. He could still feel the heat that her gaze had caused, and knew that it was now drifting over his shoulders. It was a welcome heat, watching someone seem interested in him. In a way that felt fun. Almost natural.
Was that something he was allowed to enjoy?
His own hesitation gave Xena enough time to snatch her hand back from his chest in a way that left him wondering, for a moment, if he had done something wrong. Thankfully the shrug of her shoulders seemed to suggest otherwise.
It was not lost on him that she seemed uninterested in giving her last name. His green eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he stowed that away, wondering if her name was obvious or extremely unique. He’d been subject to some studying in the event of the worst case scenario where he may have had to ascend the throne as the 4th in line, but not enough to be intimately familiar with the family names of all of the royal families. ”I suppose so, but out of the two syllable names you could call me I still think I prefer Mike.” As he said it, Michael could feel just how true those words were.
Was… Was this the flirting that Fran had been talking about? Mother above, if it was he hoped he was doing it right.
Her next question shocked him out of his thoughts, forcing a laugh to bubble up out of his throat. Xena seemed to be content to surprise him at every turn. Even more shocking was that the question didn’t stop her from looping her arm into his. Out of habit his hand came up to rest on hers in the crook of his arm before pulling his hand away, hesitating, and letting it rest there before starting to lead her in. It took a moment to compose himself before answering her barrage of questions. ”In order, you should see my normal attire, no, and I’ve frankly never thought about it but I am leaning towards not quite. I would be less honest about the last matter, but somehow I think you value honesty if you are willing to ask in the first place.”
Holding the door open, he looked down at Xena with blue eyes as he watched her enter before him. There was one last question in her, veiled as a remark. Interesting eyes, indeed. While true, it was the first time anyone had ever said as much. A small, devious thought made the corner of his mouth tick up. Surely it would be fine, after all it wouldn’t be the first time.
”That, I’m afraid, is the one answer I cannot give you. I’m honestly not sure what makes them change. However,” He paused, fully aware that they were the only two in the hallway for now. All of the conscious dampening of his light? Yeah, he let that go. Not enough to be blinding. But enough that it was obvious that light was coming from within him. ”I have always been of the opinion that it has something to do with this.” Glancing sidelong at Xena, he offered her a conspiratorial smile. ”I am trusting that you can keep a secret.”
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Outdoors ☀︎ Xenia ☀︎ outfit
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 12:59 am
LOCATION: Outside xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Workout Outfit
"Speaking #7900ac""Thinking #7900ac"
The sound of his laughter along with her own had a bit of heat creeping along her cheeks. Wait, why should she care if he was amused by her antics? He was just some random guy, right? Yeah. Xena didn’t need him to think her funny or any of that. If he didn’t, well, that was his damage. Not hers. She kept that thought in the front of her mind and just shook her head at his words, not at all surprised that he had been accused of being easy to tease in the past.
Thankfully, they moved on from the topic easily and things shifted to something more comfortable. She didn’t miss the shift in his gaze again, tracking the green this time where yellow had been moments before. It had to be a mood thing, right? His expression had changed, which meant that his feelings had as well. Not in a bad way, it seemed, just…different than they had been. Xena made a mental note for future reference, wanting to track as many of the shifts as she could while she spoke with him.
His next words, however, threw her for a loop and had her dark brows furrowing in confusion. With her free hand, she ticked off the syllables in his first and last names. Mi-chael. That was two. Se-ra. Yeah, that was two. But Mike? No, that was definitely only one syllable. Unless he put emphasis…No, she’d heard him say the name. More than once now. And she’d said it back to him. So…was he clueless or had he been taught his own name was wrong? It was anyone’s game, but she didn’t bother pointing it out. Instead, Xena just laughed softly and shook her head once more.
”I’m fairly certain there are more than a few two syllable names I could call you, handsome, but we’ll stick with Mike. For now.” She gave him another exaggerated bat of her lashes as they walked, wanting to let him know she was, yet again, teasing him to get a rise. Xena didn’t miss the way his hand settled, moved, then returned as he fought with manners and his own inner issues. It was kinda cute, in a goofy kinda way. He was awkward, yet he rocked the battle scars of someone who gave as good as he got. What a fascinating combination this guy was!
”Wait, are you telling me that you show more skin than you are now regularly? Sir Sera, you are holding out on me. I must see what this attire looks like as soon as possible.” There was no way he strutted around with his six pack out on display, then blushed at the skin she showed. It made no sense! Then again, neither did the kaleidoscopes he called his eyeballs. Fascinated, Xena grinned at the rest of his words and nodded in response to his thoughts on her. Well, well, wasn’t he observant!
”You would be correct on that one, sweetness. Liars, or those that exaggerate their truths, aren’t worth my time. It’s a rather nice breath of fresh air to find myself in the company of someone that gets that, especially when they rock the title of nobleman.” Xena spoke the absolute truth, having met so few in her lifetime that carried a title and still spoke honestly. They were always trying to play the game. To use whatever they could do to get what they wanted. It was annoying, since she could run circles around them all. This one, though. He was keeping her on her toes, in a good way. And she was more than happy to let him, especially when she caught his eyes shift to a blue that was close to her own when he looked her way again.
His next words, once more, came at her like a curveball. Wait, he wasn’t going to tell her?! A slight pout curled her bottom lip, her features scrunching up slightly as she moved to argue with him. There was no way he didn’t know why his own body did what it did! Before she could open her mouth, however, he was looking at her in a way that had her narrowing her eyes in suspicion. He looked like he was up to something. Should she prepare…What the hell was making that light?! The sudden brightness in the hall with them pushed all other thoughts from her head, her gaze searching for the source. It was only a few moments before she realized it was coming from him. His words confirmed it and had her eyes widening, fascination and astonishment dancing within their depths.
”Holy hell! Dude, you’re a ******** nightlight! How bright can you go? Is it your entire body that does it?” The words flew from her lips as she turned to study him more closely. Xena fought the very real urge to pull open his shirt to examine him herself, knowing that would probably cross some invisible line in his manners. Her lack of coverage was already pushing it, she didn’t want to scar the poor guy with her lack of etiquette. Instead, she released his arm to move around him in a slow circle. Every inch of him radiated the light, a sight that only added to the questions she was doing her best not to throw at him.
”Why you would want to keep this a secret is beyond me. I mean, I’d…Wait.” As she returned to face him, realization dawned on him. If he was glowing, that meant one of two things. He was from Luna or he was from Alore. Since it wasn’t night, and the light didn’t strike her as a source of the moon, Xena was leaning towards the latter kingdom. A knowing look passed over her features, her smile turning wicked as she brought her light blue eyes back to his own technicolor pair. ”You’ve just outed yourself, haven’t you? Don’t worry, secrets safe with me.” As if to prove it, she put her fingers to her lips and zipped them shut. The move was followed by the return of her grin, the mischief still evident in the expression as she looked up at him.
”I feel like ‘interesting’ is no longer good enough to describe you and your rainbow eyes, Mike. I’m going to need to think of a new adjective while we get our grub on.”
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Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:58 pm
If his own error in the number of syllables in his nickname was obvious, Xena made sure he wouldn't notice by teasing him. Or was it flirting? Michael couldn't tell. Not as it left the tips of his ears to turn red. He didn't hate it though. If anything, he wouldn't mind if she continued to speak with him like that. The way it settled into his stomach and made him feel both relaxed and wound up was pleasant in a way he could not make heads or tails of. If it were up to Mike the feeling would be one that Mother Sun would have to come down and rip out of his hand herself.
Her next question had him realizing the misunderstanding. One he could not rectify before a powerful laugh ripped out of him. "Mother above, no!" His hand came up to press over his lips, like he could stop himself from laughing if he just pushed the sound back down his throat. At the very least maybe it wouldn't bounce off of the walls back to him to make it sound even louder than it truly was.
Finally, he spoke through his fingers. "Quite the opposite really. I more so meant it -" His words were laced with laughter, one that forced him to stop speaking while he attempted to compost himself."I was trying to say my everyday wear covers even more. From the sounds of it, you would prefer the opposite?" The final question had him pulling his fingers from his mouth, instead forming a fist like he was catching a cough. His eyebrow quirked up at his question.
The amusement that had laced his prior comments seemed to slip away as she mentioned getting not liking liars. All his mind could do was turn back to his wife. How she had lied to Mike upon their initial meeting to have her way. His smile turned weak, but still one he offered Xena. "No, I suppose nobility prefers it's deceptions. I've always found I'm rather poor at keeping up with it. Though it has also gotten me called soft on more than one occasion." And usually by one very specific woman now that the other was gone.
Shaking himself from the memories, he adjusted his expression. Nadine did not belong in this conversation... He hoped. "I only hope that does not bother you." His purple eyes searched her face for any sign that it might bother Xena. The only bother he could find was her looking for the source of light. Then she seemed to realize it was him.
Interest coated her features in a way he was not prepared for. After so long on the battlefield where his powers were a hindrance more than a help, having someone take a genuine interest in his powers felt nice. Foreign, but a sense of pride he'd never gotten to feel before bubbled under his skin with his light. One that he couldn’t help but appreciate even as her comments left his skin flushed with what felt like undeserved praise. For once he didn’t shrink back from scrutiny.
”If I’m honest, I’ve never tried to see how bright I can get.” For once the words weren’t a struggle. They weren’t a gilded cage of light that the Mother had created for him out of the life she’d given Michael. Maybe it was Xena’s easy manner. Whatever the cause, Mike felt like he could offer her a small piece of himself that he had never been able to offer another. Another truth so easily given. Even as the words felt blasphemous coming from his mouth. “It’s always felt like more of a curse. I can’t just turn it off. It’s always on. In the war it was less than ideal. Now? Now it just keeps me up at night.”
All he could do was laugh. Laugh at how he’d always perceived his own powers. At Xena’s new, genuine interest. At how she didn’t immediately seem to realize what he had done. At the gesture she made of zipping her lips.
Mike held his hand out to Xena before twisting his wrist, letting his light materialize enough that he could manipulate it. At first he made a rose materialize for her. “Indeed, I’ve not bent the rules yet…” With a shake of his head he twirled his wrist around again to reveal a small brooch in the center of his palm. “I am trusting you with my life. Were light less fickle and my creations more permanent, I would happily give you a token of my appreciation. I say, but here I find myself fumbling to think of something you may like.” Once again his hand twisted, this time coming up empty.
Even if it hadn’t, it was not meant to be. His light dissolved when he wasn’t actively molding it. Xena deserved better than some half baked manipulation that would fizzle back out once he was out of sight. It was something he might have to think on. For now, he dimmed himself enough to not look out of the ordinary as he pushed open the door to allow her through so they could eat.
Once they were in the dining hall proper, he gestured to let her lead the way. “I look forward to it. I would also be more than interested in hearing your process of picking out a new adjective to describe me, if you would be willing to indulge me.”
For now Mike found himself ordering a hearty breakfast, finding a table to sit with Xena, and resting hands on the table with his fingers casually laced together. “Is there anything else I could interest you in knowing? I wish to be a proper gentleman for your ladyship.” He couldn’t help the half smile that quirked up his lip at the comment, wanting to try playing along with her earlier jest.
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Outdoors ☀︎ Xenia ☀︎ outfit
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2025 2:23 pm
LOCATION: Outside xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Workout Outfit
"Speaking #7900ac""Thinking #7900ac"
The laugh that escaped him did something for his appeal. It made him look younger. More like the guy she suspected he was beneath the manners and nerves. He was…actually rather fascinating. It had her wanting to peel back the layers. To see what else lay behind the handsome face and battle scars. His attempt to shove the sound back into his mouth only added to the interest, pulling her own laughter from her lips to have it dancing through the hallway with his.
”Why would you want to cover up such an…” She paused, running her eyes unapologetically over him as she grinned. Damn, he was definitely something else. ”Intriguing body like yours? I say, if you’ve got it then you should flaunt it. If that wasn’t already obvious by my own attire.” Her free hand lifted as she waved it over her own form, flipping her ponytail back from her shoulder with a bit of flair. She was playing it up, but it was all in good fun. And if it got his cheeks to flush again, Xena would consider it a win.
At the shift in him, her brows furrowed a bit in confusion. It seemed she’d struck a nerve. The itch to pull at the weakness, to yank back the curtain to see the source, shot through her. It would be the right thing to do, considering her mission at the academy. If she could get him to confide in her, she could add it to her arsenal against the rest in his kingdom. And yet, something in her had her hesitating. Maybe he wasn’t the only one that was soft, Xena mused as she shook her head at his words.
”Nah, you’re good. Like I said, it’s a refreshing change in pace. Makes you all the more fascinating.” Every emphasis on the synonyms for ‘interesting’ she used were meant to bring back the true smile he had been wearing. To lower those shutters over his alluring eyes as they shifted to a new color. Purple this time. Was that because of his mention of being weak? Xena tucked it away for later pondering, the list of possibilities growing longer with every new minute she spent in his company.
His admission of being able to fully control his abilities had her sympathizing. She still had problems stopping her own powers from getting the better of her in high emotion moments. Granted, they never kept her up, but they kept her from enjoying life to its fullest. Which was a seriously unfair trade in her mind. Xena opened her mouth to share her thoughts on it, only to have her lips snapping shut when he lifted a hand and did something far more exciting than just telling her about his gifts.
”Heavens above! You’re a magician!” She laughed, stepping even closer to examine the creations he brought to life to share with her. Would they be warm to the touch? Or would her hand simply pass right through? Could they burn or harm her if he wanted them to? The questions raced through her head endlessly, demanding to be voiced as she listened to him. Xena did her best to tuck them away for another time, her bright blue eyes lifting to look over him in awe.
”You should be more wary of who you trust with your life, Mike. Nice is different than good, after all.” Unable to resist, she reached out to drag her fingertips lightly over the palm he had been showing off to her. The warmth of it tugged at something in her that she immediately ignored, making sure to keep the amused expression on her face from revealing the way it had affected her.
Xena bowed her head in thanks as he opened the door to the dining hall, happy to lead the way as they stepped inside. His words pulled a soft chuckle from her lips as she looked over the options they had been given for their morning meal. There really wasn’t much to the process, but she was happy to oblige him if it could earn her more information about him. Maybe she could give him back something for the little show he’d offered up to her. It would be next to nothing, and might be fun to see how he would react. The idea rolled around in her head as she loaded up a plate for herself, following along with him until they were seated.
”I suppose I can do that. I might even be able to give you back something for what you shared with me.” She scooped up a bit of egg and put it into her mouth, happily munching as she listened to his next few words. A soft snicker escaped her at his title for her, rather surprised he was willing to play along with her teasing. There was quite a lot she wanted to know about him, if she was being honest. For now, however, she could hold back. Keep it simple and easy, since they were out in public.
”What’s your favorite thing to eat?” It was a silly question, but a fun way to start them off. While she waited, she continued to eat as if there was nothing plotting in her head. Her free hand, however, reached out to brush her fingertips over the back of his own. Xena pushed her powers into him, pumping up his strength a little bit to give his normal abilities a bit of a boost. It wouldn’t be enough to send him over the edge, but it would be enough for him to feel the difference. She left her hand where it was as if she had just been moving to stay comfortable, though her eyes never left his face to see if he realized she was the source.
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Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 7:22 pm
The idea of showing off more of his body made him frown. Not out of displeasure, but in thought. As though he simply could not think of a way to explain that he did not 'have it.' Whatever 'it' may be. Especially when she was looking at him like he was something to be desired. Carefully, he considered his words. "I have found that my face is more of a... preview to the rest of me that most are uncomfortable with. Covering more is easier." It didn't stop his red eyes from dipping down her form or his cheeks from heating as he mentally agreed that she did, indeed, have it.
Her reactions to the magic that bubbled under his skin at all hours had him laughing again. A magician might have been a bit far, but he couldn't deny that it made him feel like a boy again. Like how he had felt when he was lost in what his power was and not what it could do for everyone around him. It was a nice feeling. One that he would chase to keep if he could. Even as her second comment put a wistful smile on his face. It was an effort not to reach for her fingers, to offer empty reassurances. Instead all he managed was one comment.
"I've trusted worse people with more."
Then they were seated, this almost feeling like something he understood to be like a typical date. The very idea was making his heart hammer with nerves. Michael had never dated and every ounce of this felt unfamiliar. Like he could shatter whatever had been building between him and Xena in a matter of seconds.
"I would take anything you give me." The comment had flown past his lips before his brain had the chance to have a say in the matter. It had very much not had a say in the matter, and he quickly took a bite of the spiced apple pastry on his plate to try to occupy his mouth in hopes that another stupid comment wouldn't weasel it's way out.
Her next question had him looking down at his plate and laughing. He'd taken about every apple breakfast item they'd had. Mother above, he really was awful at hiding where he was from. "I'm surprised that you need to ask." He laughed, hoping his earlier slip of the tongue was forgotten. "Though, if it wasn't obvious, I am a fan of apples. Anything with them in it I tend to gravitate towards. And y...ou?"
The sentence trailed off. Partly because her fingers were now brushing against the backs of his on the table. The small touch made his heart shudder, and wide eye orange eyes found Xena's. For a moment Michael couldn't breathe. Had a woman ever touched him so casually without being bewitched by something before now? Then he realized he was brightening. Immediately he attempted to snuff the flames of his inner light with no success. The fork in his other hand suddenly encased in light, shifting between a longer fork, a spoon, and a knife until he dropped it.
The first thought that crossed his mind was that he looked like a prepubescent boy in front of this beautiful, funny woman. Did he look like a freak? He was feeling rather like a freak. Then something in her blue eyes told him that she wasn't surprised exactly that suddenly his powers seemed to be noticeable. More powerful. Like the mere thought of something was twisting the light in front of him.
Yellow eyes narrowed curiously. Then, leaving the hand that was in connection with her fingers exactly where it was for fear she would never want to touch him again, he dropped his face into his free hand to lean into the table on his elbow in a laugh. "I would apologize, but I have a feeling you might know more of what's happening than I do." When he raised his head, amusement had pulled his mouth tight like he was trying not to laugh louder. Then his hand shifted, swallowing her smaller one under his palm before rubbing his thumb delicately over her knuckles. "Xena you should stop, I'm used to forming weapons with my light and at this rate if I'm not careful I might cut your meal for you."
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Dining Hall ☀︎ Xenia ☀︎ outfit
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Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:32 pm
LOCATION: Dining Hall xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Workout Outfit
"Speaking #7900ac""Thinking #7900ac"
”Mike, you’ve got a killer face. If that’s the preview, then I’d love to see the rest some time.” Xena simply couldn’t resist teasing him, he was too easy. She sent him a playful wink to try and get more of a response. The way his ears turned the same shade as his cheeks when he got flustered was just too much. He was battered and bruised, and still pulled off being awkwardly adorable. It was a new one for her and she was rather enjoying it.
His mention of trusting people hadn’t missed her ears, but she left it alone. They weren’t here for the dark and deep. No, that could wait until she convinced him to go out for a drink with her. A simple breakfast shared between two exercise enthusiasts wasn’t the place for skeletons. It was, however, perfect for light and playful. Two things she was always needing more of in her life.
The blurted comment had her free hand snapping up to her lips, keeping her from spitting her eggs all over him as laughter tried to escape. Xena forced herself to swallow as she fought the emotion, her eyes watching him as her features turned a soft shade of rose. Alright, he’d gotten her with that one. She couldn’t stop the noise completely, a few giggles escaping as she reached for the water a servant happened to bring their way as they were eating. Greedy gulps followed, giving her a chance to breathe as she shook her head at him.
”Handsome, you’re going to kill me over here. You gotta watch that mouth of yours. It’s going to get us both into trouble.” She shot him a heated look, one full of promises she knew would surely get a rise out of him. Her fingers on his hand moved a bit more, though this time she kept her powers to herself. Xena simply enjoyed the contact, absently tracing the lines of his knuckles as watched him.
At his answer to her question, she finally took a good look at his plate. Well now. Apples, and lots of them. And he had control over light. Yeah, he was giving himself away in the more obvious of ways. It brought a smile to her lips, and a thought to her mind. There was one another in the kingdom that matched the one he apparently belonged to. A former opponent and a long time friend. Xena wondered if he knew the woman she was thinking of, tempted to ask but not wanting to give it away that she knew his truth. Thankfully, her powers kicked in and delight raced over her features at his response.
”Whoa!” Was all she could honestly say as the fork in his hand began to morph. The look on his face told her it wasn’t of his own doing, which had her mind racing with possibilities. Her powers enhanced the strength of a person, giving them a serious boost when it came to battle. Since his body still looked the same, did that mean his strength was in his light? Fascinated, she watched the shift in his eyes from orange to yellow and simply grinned when he began to laugh.
”You would be correct in such an assumption, good sir.” She did her best to put on her most regal of voices, slipping back into her ‘lady of the court’ persona. It lasted just long enough for her to realize he had turned his hand, covering the one she’d used to link them together. The subtle shift in the dynamic had her eyes widening a bit. Her heart stumbled, her mind fuzzed, and she had to fight every urge to yank her hand free of his. He hadn’t meant it to be how she took it. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she was afraid or worried over something so small. No, this was nothing. She could handle nothing. Or so Xena told herself, anyway.
”Aww, you’re no fun. What if I needed my meal cut for me, hm? Using a plain old knife is just boring.” A soft pout curled her lips as she watched him, the expression remaining as she turned her hand beneath his to tickle his palm with her fingertips. He’d feel the sensation leave, returning him to normal before her hand moved back to her side of the table. Safe in familiar territory again, Xena put more eggs in her mouth and motioned towards the pile of apple related foods he’d chosen.
”How can you eat all of that and still look the way you do? Running around the campus can’t be the only thing you do. Unless you have some crazy metabolism to go with it, in which case we can’t be friends.” Another joke, another bite of eggs, and she was back to normal. For now.
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