[It's hard to say for sure how any of this happened, but one moment you're minding your own business, the next moment you're in a strange room with Millium. You know. Perfectly normal occurrences, no big deal.
The room itself looks like it could be one of the bedrooms inside the Lodge -- worn down and in dire need of a good cleaning. The bed's untouched, the desk is cluttered with pieces of paper with arcane jargon scribbled on them and the bookshelf is piled with books that are written in an undecipherable language.
Most pertinently, however? There are no windows, no vents and the door appears to be sealed shut. Where there ought to be a handle on the door, there is instead a note that reads:
[Everything is going exactly as it should here, there is nothing wrong!!
Though even Keith has to blink back some minor surprise when Millium just summons Lammy out of nowhere and suddenly there's a robot occupying space in his vicinity. When the punch proves ineffective, he stares first at the door, then Lammy before eventually shaking his head at Millium.]
Okay, I guess I don't get any warnings that you're gonna try something.
[IT'S FINE, it's not like he would have liked one or both of them to duck just in case the door splintered and sent pieces of wooden shrapnel flying everywhere or anything?? But quip aside, he doesn't seem pissed off]
No bombs. Got Bakugou's quirk though.
[A quick he only kinda-sorta knows how to work here. Something about leaving sweat on things and detonating it -- Bakugou why does your quirk work like this.... He breathes out moving closer to the door to give it a proper check.
Which is when he first lays eyes on that note. You can practically tell the instant the words register in his head because that's the same instant he makes a face.]
[Millium just turns and blinks owlishly at Keith before that quip registers.]
...Ohhh, right. People like to be warned about that sorta thing. Whoops.
[Okay, no, the more pressing question is why is she like this.]
Whaaat? How'd that happen? Why didn't you guys give me any cool explodey powers?
[Because you absolutely cannot be trusted with any of those powers, Millium, that's why. But oh, that sure is a face, and so she trots on over to examine the note.]
A kiss on the head, huh? ...Well, that's one weird way to solve a puzzle, but okay.
[If he'd been more focused and not slightly preoccupied wth the bizarre clue/instructions, he might've thought better than to let out a bit of a snort at Millium's outburst, but alas...]
What, so you can be even more of a menace and a handful? You're the last person who needs explosion powers added to their arsenal.
[This may or may not be rich coming from Keith, all things considered but it's clear enough from his tone that the irony is completely lost on him here. He waves a hand somewhat dismissively.]
Anyway, that's not important right now. ]He glances at her, then very quickly glances away again and busies himself with pulling off one of his gloves.]
This is messed up and we're not kissing anything. Go duck behind Lammy for cover. Let's try it this way.
[What he's learned: Bakugou must have crazy sweaty hands at all times and he does not envy Nine at all. Keith gives his palms a rub, then places his hand on the door. Once that's said and done, he'll also go duck for cover.]
[Well now he realizes this was a mistake, and he pauses briefly to glance over his shoulder at Lammy and Millium to say....
Or okay, maybe he shouldn't say anything. Maybe he should let silence be the response she gets to her first assertion. For all the good that it's going to do....]
I just wanna make sure we exhausted all the other options first, okay?
[Because apparently this kissing on the head thing is the Worst Possible Ordeal?? Thanks, Keith. He'll lay his palm flat against the door, hope that's enough cuz it's not like he sweats profusely from his hands or whatever, and then take a few steps back to retreat behind the bookshelf.]
In 3... 2... 1
[The boom that results makes more of an impact on his ears than it does on the door which remains cheekily unscathed. Might've been a pretty predictable result, but.... he's loud sighing anyway.]
[Millium, please. He's already trying real hard not to make a face like he's been forced to suck on a lemon over this conclusion, do we have to rub it in? He'd comment to that effect as he peers out at the door from behind the bookshelf, but...]
Huh?
[Incredulity's out of his mouth before everything comes together.]
I'm not getting on my knees, we're not going along with --
[Christ, it's like her weird phrasing is only just hitting him now and it's building up to a dumb mixture of embarrassment and being way too stubborn to be embarrassed right now. He cuts himself off mid sentence then attempts to sound more authoritative.]
[Y'know what? Sparring with Jolyne is usually a bad idea for everyone involved, mostly because she goes fucking hard and rolls with all the damn punches. And won't stop until either forced to or the other person becomes absolutely boring. Which, for her, tends to end up with a lot of bruising or busted lips and the like.
Hopefully Keith's not much better on that front, because the adrenaline is all that she cares about anymore, chest heaving and fists clenched as she tries to keep herself still standing. She can give as good as she can get, after all.]
[Jolyne's no pushover. Keith's already learned that lesson the hard way before, and he's not keen to let his guard down just in case she decides to screw their truce and start going ham with her familiar. So far though, it's been going good -- great even, because she's a damn good sparring partner.
Fortunately or unfortunately for them, they're both stubborn little shits who don't know exactly when to call it quits. They've both landed some good hits and by the time Keith's gotten back into a fighting stance for another go, he can taste dried blood on his lips. But what he's focused on is Jolyne. His body feels heavy, but his heart's going a mile a minute.]
You're staying down this tiem, Strings!
[And then he's coming right at her hoping to get a good enough grip on her arm and waist to go for a judo style throwdown.[
[Too bad for him that she learns from time to time, especially when it comes to fighting. Hell, that's where most of her tactics and clever stuff tends to come into play. And why she's grinning and licking her lips before pulling her arms back and using the balls of her feet to push herself back out of the way.
But it's put her a little more vulnerable in the chest area, since there's only so many ways the body can move and, unfortunately, you move your waist away and your upper body moves closer instead.]
You'd be better off keeping your damn mouth shut! [So she can't bust his teeth out, of course. He certainly wouldn't be the first person she's broken teeth on in the school alone.]
[Aaaand that evasive maneuver on Jolyne's part really just makes things hecka awkward ans Keith finds himself grabbing a fistful of boob instead of his initial target. Where he'd been smirking just seconds ago, he just blinks having lost all mental footing on the situation.]
Uh.. shit.
[He says this and yet he hasn't thought to move his hand off her chest because he hasn't worked out if this mishap means they should stop fighting or if she's going to pursue some kind of advantage while he's figuring this out.]
[She... also didn't expect that, if her being still as hell is any indication. It's taking a moment as she's looking between his face and where his damn hand is and back again, because of course that's exactly how she's going to handle this.]
Whaaaat the fuck. [So much for fighting.
Or, well. It would be, if she wasn't moving a hand to grab his wrist none-too-gently. But not pulling it away.
[She grabs his wrist and Keith's still too "wtf is happening" to do the sensible thing and try and yank his hand free. He catches her eyes darting up and down between his face adn his hand, which only gets his heart pounding harder.]
Look, I can't exactly let go if you keep my hand there you know.
[He should definitely be apologizing rather than accusing her of shit, but y'know.]
[But they're idiots, so of course they don't do the reasonable thing.
Of course she's awful and is still a little too much in shock to let go of his wrist, even while he's calling it out. Give her another minute before her brain properly processes and she lets go. Also ignore the red climbing her cheeks, that's not remotely something that's important. Not at all.]
[The flustered feeling is absolutely mutual as even after Keith gets his hand back, he continues to hold it up in the air, palm facing towards him instead of relaxing. Lingering treasonous thoughts about her body refuse to be shaken off easily, especially when he can see the color dusting her cheeks.]
I... sorry. Really sorry. I was just trying to pin you do- [He trails off, abruptly ducking eye contact because yeah that explanation makes nothing better.] Not like that.
[Oh that's lovely. She's taking a deep breath to try and calm her racing heart down and carefully adjusting her top to be presentable again. This is so damn weird, why is this getting to this level? It should have just been a sparring session...
And then he says that and the slowly fading pink turns into a deep shade of red instead and she's just burying her face into her hands with a bitten back groan. Why the fuck did he have to say that?
She also is an idiot and her mouth is moving before her brain can stop it.]
Why not like that? [Oh. GODDAMMIT. Those hands are immediately going for her mouth instead.]
[ The coronation of the high priestess of Niar is a rare occasion that only occurs once every hundred years and the kingdom is notorious for its insular, isolating nature. The invitation to attend the coronation is therefore an opportunity to enjoy an evening amidst high soceiety, but also a rare chance to do some reconaiisance for the Allied Nations.
The catch? The Niarian's have a rich tradition in only allowing foreign couples who are in love to enter their borders. The claim is that only those who know love will know respect of others, though it's been long suspected that this is really just a means of having instant leverage over individuals who choose to misbehave.
One way or another, Keith's been assigned to work with Felix and that's... really only a problem because neither of them are particularly good at acting like a couple. After getting a look from one of the natives at the party, Keith represses a deep sigh then nudges Felix's side.]
[ this is absolutely ridiculous. felix hates this tradition, he hates that he was chosen for this, and he kind of hates that keith was the other person chosen for this mission. he supposes it could be worse (could've been sylvain!!) but this is the kind of mission he is absolutely going to botch. he's not entirely fond of keith, but he's even less fond of public displays of affection, especially given that they're false.
holding hands puts a bad taste in his mouth. he looks over at keith, scowling. ]
You have to be kidding me.
[ well, the native looking at them sure isn't joking around. felix represses a deep sigh before reluctantly reaching for keith's hand. ]
[ Keith would say something in response, but he's busy putting on what is quite possibly the universe's most forced smile as Felix takes his gloved hand. That smile is staying in place for as long as the native is looking in their direction, but eventually they seem mollified enough that they turn their attention to elsewhere in the crowd of guests.
Instantly Keith's face snaps back into a scowl, though he keeps his grip on Felix's hand tight for now. It seems like the minimum amount of effort required. ]
Do you think you could stop looking at me like you want to strangle me in my sleep. We're supposed to be dating, you know.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
????
The room itself looks like it could be one of the bedrooms inside the Lodge -- worn down and in dire need of a good cleaning. The bed's untouched, the desk is cluttered with pieces of paper with arcane jargon scribbled on them and the bookshelf is piled with books that are written in an undecipherable language.
Most pertinently, however? There are no windows, no vents and the door appears to be sealed shut. Where there ought to be a handle on the door, there is instead a note that reads:What do?
Well Keith has an idea. He turns to Millium.]
You think blowing up the door will work?
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But okay. This sure is a thing that's happening now! For her part, Millium blinks and looks around confusedly.]
Well... one way t'find out, right?
[Naturally, Millium does not read a single damn word on that paper, instead immediately thrusting a hand into the air to call for–]
Lammy!
[Please forgive her for summoning a 7-foot tall robot in the middle of this room. And for immediately trying to smash the door with it.
Airgetlam beeps affirmatively as it materializes before swinging at the door with all its strength.
It bounces uselessly off, then makes a slightly sad beedle-boop at Keith and Millium. It tried, okay?]
...Welp. I'm gonna go with "no," unless you brought bombs.
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Though even Keith has to blink back some minor surprise when Millium just summons Lammy out of nowhere and suddenly there's a robot occupying space in his vicinity. When the punch proves ineffective, he stares first at the door, then Lammy before eventually shaking his head at Millium.]
Okay, I guess I don't get any warnings that you're gonna try something.
[IT'S FINE, it's not like he would have liked one or both of them to duck just in case the door splintered and sent pieces of wooden shrapnel flying everywhere or anything?? But quip aside, he doesn't seem pissed off]
No bombs. Got Bakugou's quirk though.
[A quick he only kinda-sorta knows how to work here. Something about leaving sweat on things and detonating it -- Bakugou why does your quirk work like this.... He breathes out moving closer to the door to give it a proper check.
Which is when he first lays eyes on that note. You can practically tell the instant the words register in his head because that's the same instant he makes a face.]
..the hell? Millium come read this.
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...Ohhh, right. People like to be warned about that sorta thing. Whoops.
[Okay, no, the more pressing question is why is she like this.]
Whaaat? How'd that happen? Why didn't you guys give me any cool explodey powers?
[Because you absolutely cannot be trusted with any of those powers, Millium, that's why. But oh, that sure is a face, and so she trots on over to examine the note.]
A kiss on the head, huh? ...Well, that's one weird way to solve a puzzle, but okay.
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What, so you can be even more of a menace and a handful? You're the last person who needs explosion powers added to their arsenal.
[This may or may not be rich coming from Keith, all things considered but it's clear enough from his tone that the irony is completely lost on him here. He waves a hand somewhat dismissively.]
Anyway, that's not important right now. ]He glances at her, then very quickly glances away again and busies himself with pulling off one of his gloves.]
This is messed up and we're not kissing anything. Go duck behind Lammy for cover. Let's try it this way.
[What he's learned: Bakugou must have crazy sweaty hands at all times and he does not envy Nine at all. Keith gives his palms a rub, then places his hand on the door. Once that's said and done, he'll also go duck for cover.]
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Whaaat? No way! I'd be awesome with explodey powers! Me n' Lammy could wreck so much stuff!
[Millium, that's precisely why they didn't give you cool explodey powers.]
Mgghh... fine, fine. But if it doesn't work, I totally told you so!
[Thankfully, with having Lammy back at full power, that means she gets a full-blown shield now. Neato.
Good luck with the sweaty palms, buddy.]
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Or okay, maybe he shouldn't say anything. Maybe he should let silence be the response she gets to her first assertion. For all the good that it's going to do....]
I just wanna make sure we exhausted all the other options first, okay?
[Because apparently this kissing on the head thing is the Worst Possible Ordeal?? Thanks, Keith. He'll lay his palm flat against the door, hope that's enough cuz it's not like he sweats profusely from his hands or whatever, and then take a few steps back to retreat behind the bookshelf.]
In 3... 2... 1
[The boom that results makes more of an impact on his ears than it does on the door which remains cheekily unscathed. Might've been a pretty predictable result, but.... he's loud sighing anyway.]
...Great.
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Told ya so.
[Thanks, Millium. She lets down Airgetlam's shield before wandering over to the door and note again.]
Well, I think we're all out of breaking it options. And I don't see any other potential exits. So... hmmm. A kiss on the head, huh...
[She pauses, tapping her lips in thought before turning to Keith.]
Come over here and get on your knees so I can reach you.
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Huh?
[Incredulity's out of his mouth before everything comes together.]
I'm not getting on my knees, we're not going along with --
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Stop making this weird!
i continue to be so very sorry about her
she is so GOOD
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tfln overflow - natalie
i'm in touch with my emotions
don't know why you'd think otherwise
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what do you think i'm repressing?
I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I'M DOING
Hopefully Keith's not much better on that front, because the adrenaline is all that she cares about anymore, chest heaving and fists clenched as she tries to keep herself still standing. She can give as good as she can get, after all.]
YOLO INTO THE WIND
Fortunately or unfortunately for them, they're both stubborn little shits who don't know exactly when to call it quits. They've both landed some good hits and by the time Keith's gotten back into a fighting stance for another go, he can taste dried blood on his lips. But what he's focused on is Jolyne. His body feels heavy, but his heart's going a mile a minute.]
You're staying down this tiem, Strings!
[And then he's coming right at her hoping to get a good enough grip on her arm and waist to go for a judo style throwdown.[
YOLOOOOO
But it's put her a little more vulnerable in the chest area, since there's only so many ways the body can move and, unfortunately, you move your waist away and your upper body moves closer instead.]
You'd be better off keeping your damn mouth shut! [So she can't bust his teeth out, of course. He certainly wouldn't be the first person she's broken teeth on in the school alone.]
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[Aaaand that evasive maneuver on Jolyne's part really just makes things hecka awkward ans Keith finds himself grabbing a fistful of boob instead of his initial target. Where he'd been smirking just seconds ago, he just blinks having lost all mental footing on the situation.]
Uh.. shit.
[He says this and yet he hasn't thought to move his hand off her chest because he hasn't worked out if this mishap means they should stop fighting or if she's going to pursue some kind of advantage while he's figuring this out.]
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Whaaaat the fuck. [So much for fighting.
Or, well. It would be, if she wasn't moving a hand to grab his wrist none-too-gently. But not pulling it away.
Jolyne, what are you even doing.]
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Look, I can't exactly let go if you keep my hand there you know.
[He should definitely be apologizing rather than accusing her of shit, but y'know.]
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Of course she's awful and is still a little too much in shock to let go of his wrist, even while he's calling it out. Give her another minute before her brain properly processes and she lets go. Also ignore the red climbing her cheeks, that's not remotely something that's important. Not at all.]
R-right, of course not... [Why is she flustered?]
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I... sorry. Really sorry. I was just trying to pin you do- [He trails off, abruptly ducking eye contact because yeah that explanation makes nothing better.] Not like that.
[Though now THAT thought's in his head, too.]
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And then he says that and the slowly fading pink turns into a deep shade of red instead and she's just burying her face into her hands with a bitten back groan. Why the fuck did he have to say that?
She also is an idiot and her mouth is moving before her brain can stop it.]
Why not like that? [Oh. GODDAMMIT. Those hands are immediately going for her mouth instead.]
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fake dates with felix
The catch? The Niarian's have a rich tradition in only allowing foreign couples who are in love to enter their borders. The claim is that only those who know love will know respect of others, though it's been long suspected that this is really just a means of having instant leverage over individuals who choose to misbehave.
One way or another, Keith's been assigned to work with Felix and that's... really only a problem because neither of them are particularly good at acting like a couple. After getting a look from one of the natives at the party, Keith represses a deep sigh then nudges Felix's side.]
Gimme your hand.
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holding hands puts a bad taste in his mouth. he looks over at keith, scowling. ]
You have to be kidding me.
[ well, the native looking at them sure isn't joking around. felix represses a deep sigh before reluctantly reaching for keith's hand. ]
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Instantly Keith's face snaps back into a scowl, though he keeps his grip on Felix's hand tight for now. It seems like the minimum amount of effort required. ]
Do you think you could stop looking at me like you want to strangle me in my sleep. We're supposed to be dating, you know.
[ That's hissed a little under his breath. ]