Introduction
As I am sure you have all heard by now, there was a slight mishap on level 17 yesterday after normal work hours. Thus, any access to level 17 will be restricted until order has been restored.
Surely, there is no point in sugarcoating any of this now that the cat is out of the bag. What happened to Dr. Harding was a tragedy, but we hope it serves to remind all of the dangerous nature of our work. Though a period of grieving is certainly in order, management would like to remind all employees that this tragedy ought not to get in the way of regular duties. Deadlines will not be extended in compensation.
Regards,
Adrian Mason
Plumeria Research Facility, Director
In February 1990, a team of geneticists, biologists, medical doctors, and God-knows who else banded together to create one of the largest, most successful biological laboratories in the world. Under the direction of Dr. Alfred Mason, his wife Laura, and with a copious supply of federal grant money, the scientists set to work revolutionizing life as we knew it. It began as a few petri dishes of bacteria in a university basement. By 1996, Plumeria had found a place 
A horrific lab accident in 2013, resulting in the deaths of Alfred and Laura Mason, nearly ended all of the facility’s work. Had it not been for his only son, Adrian, Dr. Mason’s work would certainly have gone unrecognized. Under the younger Dr. Mason, Plumeria was catapulted into the modern age, becoming something of a household name. His visage has graced Smithsonian and Time magazines. In one article, he was likened to Einstein, Salk, Newton. The next week, a modern Frankenstein. With this new publicity, it was imperative to move the company to a more secluded region, and so it now functions out of a 26 level underground complex on the Hawaiian island of Kaho’olawe.
Our story here begins in the not-so-distant year of 2020. Plumeria is at its peak, and thus, it can only fall from here. And fall it shall. In the modern age, it’s near impossible to cover up the number of recent, mysterious deaths. It’s only a matter of time now before people begin to notice.
A horrific lab accident in 2013, resulting in the deaths of Alfred and Laura Mason, nearly ended all of the facility’s work. Had it not been for his only son, Adrian, Dr. Mason’s work would certainly have gone unrecognized. Under the younger Dr. Mason, Plumeria was catapulted into the modern age, becoming something of a household name. His visage has graced Smithsonian and Time magazines. In one article, he was likened to Einstein, Salk, Newton. The next week, a modern Frankenstein. With this new publicity, it was imperative to move the company to a more secluded region, and so it now functions out of a 26 level underground complex on the Hawaiian island of Kaho’olawe.
Our story here begins in the not-so-distant year of 2020. Plumeria is at its peak, and thus, it can only fall from here. And fall it shall. In the modern age, it’s near impossible to cover up the number of recent, mysterious deaths. It’s only a matter of time now before people begin to notice.
Dr. Adrian Mason || Twenty-nine || Director || Level 5 || Cold, sarcastic, detached, brilliant || FC: Adam Driver || TAKEN: Scarlet Loup
Dr. Charlotte "Lottie" Reid || Twenty-six || Psychologist || Level 4 || Chill, motherly, brilliant, observant || FC: Scarlett Johansson || TAKEN: Demai
Dr. David Graham || Forty || Head of Psychology || Level 3 || Witty, empathetic, bothersome, exuberant || FC: Ewan McGregor || TAKEN: Scarlet Loup
Dr. Victoria Enders || Thirty-seven || Head of Genetics || Level 5 || Sarcastic, intelligent, logical, sympathetic, protective|| FC: Lena Headey || TAKEN: SuperfluousBuns
Dr. Declan Harmer || Thirty-four || Head of Anthropology || Level 4 || Curious, aggressive, insecure, well-meaning || FC: Aidan Turner || TAKEN: supertoastgirl
Dr. Blaire Harmer || Twenty-six || Biologist || Level 2 || Manipulative, charismatic, vain, insecure || FC: Phoebe Tonkin || TAKEN: supertoastgirl
Dr. Frederick Atkins || Fifty-four || Head Surgeon || Level 5 || Manipulative, clumsy, socially inept, psychopathic || FC: Colin Firth || TAKEN: AthaNielsen
Dr. Allison Montgomery || Twenty-four || Head of Biology || Level 3 || Personality || FC: Elizabeth Henstridge || TAKEN: Sunshine and Whiskey
Charles Grayson Reid III || Twenty-three || Data Analyst || Level 4 || Personality || FC: Chris Evans || TAKEN: Demai
Celeste Estrada || Thirty-one || Nurse || Level 3 || Geuine, bubbly, fun-loving, hopeful || FC: Oscar Isaac || TAKEN: AthaNielsen
Name || Age || Occupation || Clearance Level || Personality || Face Claim || OPEN
Meadow || Nineteen || L-12 || Bubbly, naive, fragile || FC: Lily James || TAKEN: AthaNielsen
Desmond Shepard || Twenty-three || L-12 || Dangerous, honest, sensitive, gentle, unintentionally threatening || FC: Sebastian Stan || TAKEN: Demai
Guinevere Woods || Twenty-one || L-10 || Silent, stubborn, intelligent, obsessive || FC: Milla Jovovich || TAKEN: AthaNielsen
Caspian || Twenty-four || L-11 || Protective, blunt, passionate, clever || FC: Chadwick Boseman || TAKEN: Demai
Pandora || Twenty-five || L-22 || Cunning, quick-witted, animalistic, brutal || FC: Daisy Ridley || TAKEN: Scarlet Loup
Name || Age || Level of Residence || Personality || Face Claim || OPEN
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- 14 posts here • Page 1 of 1
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 5 authors
A collab between Demai and Inuiri
If there was one thing that Des had noticed about sharing a room with Meadow, it was that he slept far better than he did alone. He actually had time to dream in between the night terrors and the insomnia that hit him hard on the worst possible days. He’d had wonderful dreams that night, and he wasn’t used to waking up smiling.
“Dezzy..” The little voice beside him mewled, shifting and getting on her knees, bouncing and shaking the bed, making it thump over and over. “Wake up!” Meadow chirped, hugging him tight as she kept it up. “Wake up wake up wake up!”
That was the second thing that he had noticed. He tended to wake up plenty earlier than he normally did. “Meadoooow,” He complained in a mumble, his voice made hoarse from sleep. “‘M busy.” He protested, wrapping the tiny woman up in his arms and rolling over to trap her in them, effectively preventing her from escaping and continuing to disturb his slow awakening. The little girl squealed delightfully in reply as he moved, hugging his neck tight and grinning from ear to ear, yelping in pain when she laid on her back, the weight agitating her wings. She gasped and clung tight to him like a cat that had been thrown in water, keeping her back off the bed.
Alright, not busy any more. Worry immediately struck at his chest, a flood of guilt immediately filling the hole it left. He gasped a soft apology, gently lifting her off it a little, keeping her off the sheets easily. She was light as a feather in his arms, and perhaps that was an apt comparison.
“I’m ok.” She assured him quietly, calmed by his arms around her despite the constant ache in her shoulder blades. “See? Promise.” Meadow assured brightly, nuzzling his shoulder.
Des mumbled another apology in response, careful to move his hands just so, hoping to avoid hurting her further. He knew she wasn’t alright, she was in pain, she was... She was likely going to need surgery at some point, and he couldn’t even hug her tighter, because he would crush her. He put on a brave face, smiling and nudging at her gently in response. “So I can go back to sleep?” He teased softly.
“Noo!” She squeaked indignantly, squeezing him tight to compensate for how he couldn’t. “You have to be up! Up up up!!” The girl cheered gleefully.
“Down down down.” Des grumbled good-naturedly, shifting to place her atop him with gentle hands. “Better?” He asked quietly.
Meadow giggled brightly, kissing his nose when she was in place. “Uh huh.” She hummed, hugging him tight and hiding away in his chest. “But up!” She insisted once more, tugging him towards the edge of the bed.
Des gave her a terribly amused look, sighing at last and then letting her tug him along, slowly sitting up. He yawned, reaching up to scrub at his eyes with mismatched hands. He mentally told the computer that attempted to analyze his current state of sleep deprivation to shut up, and dragged one hand down his face. “‘M tired.” He mumbled, pillowing his head on her shoulder.
She grinned and hugged him tight still, “But it’s morning!” She whined with a grin, just as much of a bird like this as in every other way, with the need to wake up everyone.
“And I’m Des.” The cyborg teased a little, dropping a kiss onto her hair and then curling up, small as he could get with his size, pillowing his head on her lap. “Five more minutes?” He pled, peering up at her and giving her a pair of pathetic puppy dog eyes.
Meadow pouted and laid across him too, hugging his waist and nuzzling his metal shoulder. “But it’s time to be up!” She cried again.
Des was losing this battle, and finally, he surrendered, gently picking her up and setting her on his shoulders. “What are we doing today?” He asked, tapping his metal fingers on her knee. So far as he knew, they were just going to be meeting with Lottie--Dr. Reid, he reminded himself.
“I dunno!” She hummed with a grin, resting her chin on his head and hugging his neck tight, petting his locks back into place, still crazy from sleep. “Can we go outside?” She asked innocently, just like every day.
“We can ask,” Des answered softly, a gentle answer that came most days around this time in the morning. But the answer was always no, no, the director says no, the doctors say no... He didn’t blame them, really. Not for him and Cas, anyway. But Meadow deserved better.
Meadow grinned brightly at the prospect, hugging him tighter and squealing his name happily. “Ask!” She repeated gleefully. “When we see Lottie.”
“What time is she coming here?” Des asked. He considered amending his sentence, adding an over right before the word here, but it was really all one giant compound. They were an elevator away from her, but getting to that elevator, well... He’d rather not risk it.
“3.” She hummed in reply, kicking her legs as she sat on his shoulders, repeating the number a few times with a smile, playing with his hair once it was all fixed.
“And what time is it now?” Des nuzzled into her hands gently, tipping his head back to look at her. Time for you to get a watch, he thought, but there were no watches to be found easily accessible around there.
“9!” The girl answered happily, crawling her way to his front, hugging to him like a koala and gazing up at him with her excited golden eyes.
Des was relatively confident that he could feel his heart melting at her response and then at her embrace. He hugged her carefully, humming softly to her. “Six hours is a long time to practice dancing.” He teased a little, swaying in a circle with her.
She gasped at the idea. “We can dance! And then do other stuff too!” Meadow chirped hurriedly, slipping from his arms and landing silently on her toes, grabbing his hands.
Des couldn't help but smile at her excitement. He leaned down, gently setting her on her feet. “Like what?” He prompted gently, raising his hands to let her have them.
The ginger squeezed his hands and released one to twirl, hugging him when she returned to his chest. “Like stuff with you.” She cooed in earnest, gazing up at him with a soft smile.
“Like drawing, or singing? We could make frosting,” Des hugged her gently, dropping a kiss onto her head. He loved frosting. “And something to eat with the frosting.” He teased a little. But of course, that was second on the list of priorities when it came to that.
“Sing!” She gasped immediately, jumping and hugging his hands to her chest. “We should sing.” She murmured quieter, smiling brightly. She didn’t get to hear his voice a lot… He thought she was asleep. But she never really was.
Des hesitated at that, biting his bottom lip out of habit. His brain was moving a mile a minute, though, apparently determined to inform him of all the bad things that could happen. “I--” He started, and nervousness made his vocal chords scrape together. His cheeks flushed, and he ducked his head down, as if he were a turtle and could hide in his shell, earning a gasp from Meadow at the metallic grating. Assuming he was hurt like he normally was from such a sound, she leaned up on her tiptoes and pet his throat in a soothing motion, trying to fix it. Des’ cheeks only got darker at her actions, and he leaned down a little to accommodate her better, not wanting her to have to strain herself.
“Better?” She inquired in a small voice, hugging him tight, seemingly never getting off her toes as she stroked his hair. “We don’t have to sing that’s ok, we can do other stuff.” Meadow assured him gently.
“You wanted to sing,” Des whispered, trying to get the frustrating pieces of metal that let him speak to work. He hesitated a little, giving them another few moments to soothe themselves. “You’re awake when I sing to you?” He asked, a little shyly, as soon as they felt well enough to work.
Her already pink cheeks burned bright red as her eyes widened. “I.. Y-Yeah..” She mumbled bashfully, ducking her head down and kicking the ground with her toe. “‘M sorry I can stop.” She whispered, peeking up beneath her curls.
Des quickly shook his head, squeezing her hands gently, hoping to comfort her somewhat. “It’s okay,” He promised softly. “Does it help you sleep at all?” He asked after a moment of hesitancy, afraid that the scraping would keep her awake rather than help her fall asleep.
Her cheerful grin returned in a millisecond at his question, nodding hurriedly and hugging him tight. “Lots.” she mused, rocking on the balls of her feet, unable to be sad for more than a moment.
The cyborg was rather relieved that he hadn’t caused any lasting damage, and he smiled. He hugged her back in a moment, careful as always. “Lots and lots?” He teased, nudging at her curls gently.
“Yeah!” Meadow chirped in reply, kissing his cheek and becoming distracted quickly as her stomach growled, her insatiable metabolism rearing it's ugly head. “Do we have more animal crackers?” She inquired sweetly, pulling from his embrace and wandering about their room on her tiptoes, heading for the cabinets too high for her. The snacks were one of the easy things for Lottie to sneak in for her.
Des went after her, resting his metal hand on the doorway briefly, just gazing at her with a soft little smile on his face. He was just happy to know her, to be able to spend his time with her. “I think we do,” He answered, reaching down to gently lift her up so that she could reach. “We should still have the ones with icing too.” He added with a bright smile.
“Yay!” She giggled, clapping and hugging to his arm as she was lifted, kissing his cheek and reaching up. Almost falling from his arms as she reached for the door, she pulled it open and grabbing the tiny box, hugging it to her chest and swinging her legs.
He breathed in sharply when she just about fell, gathering her back to him with gentle fingers in moments, making sure that she was safe and secure. Then, he set her down on the counter. “You okay?” He asked softly. She nodded firmly and opened the box like nothing was wrong, humming quietly as she worked on it, pulling one out and kneeling up, putting the cracker in front of his mouth. Des took the spare moment to try to still his flyaway heart, soothing it with reassurances that she was okay and he hadn't yet dropped her. He came back to himself a moment later, and then he purposely crossed his eyes to look at the cracker, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
Meadow giggled and poked him in the mouth with it, “Eat!” She ordered happily. “Breakfast time,” She clarified further.
“I like breakfast,” Des teased a little, and then nudged at her hand playfully before delicately taking the cracker from her hand, thanking her as soon as he swallowed.
A grin split across her features as she hugged his neck, “Go get breakfast!” She suggested. “With everyone else. Down in the cafeteria.” The ginger hummed as she crawled onto his back again, voice muffled by the crackers in her mouth.
“As you wish,” He answered with a soft little smile, shifting to help support her as she climbed over again. His whole chest felt warm just being around her, and he resisted the urge to turn his head and gaze after her. “Cas might be down there.” He hummed in thought, smiling a little at the remembrance of their friend.
She pouted a little but nodded. “Ok.” She grumbled, her voice too soft and sweet to convey any real negative emotion. “Go!” She chirped, pointing to the door and kissing a metal spot on his shoulder as they headed out.
“Dezzy..” The little voice beside him mewled, shifting and getting on her knees, bouncing and shaking the bed, making it thump over and over. “Wake up!” Meadow chirped, hugging him tight as she kept it up. “Wake up wake up wake up!”
That was the second thing that he had noticed. He tended to wake up plenty earlier than he normally did. “Meadoooow,” He complained in a mumble, his voice made hoarse from sleep. “‘M busy.” He protested, wrapping the tiny woman up in his arms and rolling over to trap her in them, effectively preventing her from escaping and continuing to disturb his slow awakening. The little girl squealed delightfully in reply as he moved, hugging his neck tight and grinning from ear to ear, yelping in pain when she laid on her back, the weight agitating her wings. She gasped and clung tight to him like a cat that had been thrown in water, keeping her back off the bed.
Alright, not busy any more. Worry immediately struck at his chest, a flood of guilt immediately filling the hole it left. He gasped a soft apology, gently lifting her off it a little, keeping her off the sheets easily. She was light as a feather in his arms, and perhaps that was an apt comparison.
“I’m ok.” She assured him quietly, calmed by his arms around her despite the constant ache in her shoulder blades. “See? Promise.” Meadow assured brightly, nuzzling his shoulder.
Des mumbled another apology in response, careful to move his hands just so, hoping to avoid hurting her further. He knew she wasn’t alright, she was in pain, she was... She was likely going to need surgery at some point, and he couldn’t even hug her tighter, because he would crush her. He put on a brave face, smiling and nudging at her gently in response. “So I can go back to sleep?” He teased softly.
“Noo!” She squeaked indignantly, squeezing him tight to compensate for how he couldn’t. “You have to be up! Up up up!!” The girl cheered gleefully.
“Down down down.” Des grumbled good-naturedly, shifting to place her atop him with gentle hands. “Better?” He asked quietly.
Meadow giggled brightly, kissing his nose when she was in place. “Uh huh.” She hummed, hugging him tight and hiding away in his chest. “But up!” She insisted once more, tugging him towards the edge of the bed.
Des gave her a terribly amused look, sighing at last and then letting her tug him along, slowly sitting up. He yawned, reaching up to scrub at his eyes with mismatched hands. He mentally told the computer that attempted to analyze his current state of sleep deprivation to shut up, and dragged one hand down his face. “‘M tired.” He mumbled, pillowing his head on her shoulder.
She grinned and hugged him tight still, “But it’s morning!” She whined with a grin, just as much of a bird like this as in every other way, with the need to wake up everyone.
“And I’m Des.” The cyborg teased a little, dropping a kiss onto her hair and then curling up, small as he could get with his size, pillowing his head on her lap. “Five more minutes?” He pled, peering up at her and giving her a pair of pathetic puppy dog eyes.
Meadow pouted and laid across him too, hugging his waist and nuzzling his metal shoulder. “But it’s time to be up!” She cried again.
Des was losing this battle, and finally, he surrendered, gently picking her up and setting her on his shoulders. “What are we doing today?” He asked, tapping his metal fingers on her knee. So far as he knew, they were just going to be meeting with Lottie--Dr. Reid, he reminded himself.
“I dunno!” She hummed with a grin, resting her chin on his head and hugging his neck tight, petting his locks back into place, still crazy from sleep. “Can we go outside?” She asked innocently, just like every day.
“We can ask,” Des answered softly, a gentle answer that came most days around this time in the morning. But the answer was always no, no, the director says no, the doctors say no... He didn’t blame them, really. Not for him and Cas, anyway. But Meadow deserved better.
Meadow grinned brightly at the prospect, hugging him tighter and squealing his name happily. “Ask!” She repeated gleefully. “When we see Lottie.”
“What time is she coming here?” Des asked. He considered amending his sentence, adding an over right before the word here, but it was really all one giant compound. They were an elevator away from her, but getting to that elevator, well... He’d rather not risk it.
“3.” She hummed in reply, kicking her legs as she sat on his shoulders, repeating the number a few times with a smile, playing with his hair once it was all fixed.
“And what time is it now?” Des nuzzled into her hands gently, tipping his head back to look at her. Time for you to get a watch, he thought, but there were no watches to be found easily accessible around there.
“9!” The girl answered happily, crawling her way to his front, hugging to him like a koala and gazing up at him with her excited golden eyes.
Des was relatively confident that he could feel his heart melting at her response and then at her embrace. He hugged her carefully, humming softly to her. “Six hours is a long time to practice dancing.” He teased a little, swaying in a circle with her.
She gasped at the idea. “We can dance! And then do other stuff too!” Meadow chirped hurriedly, slipping from his arms and landing silently on her toes, grabbing his hands.
Des couldn't help but smile at her excitement. He leaned down, gently setting her on her feet. “Like what?” He prompted gently, raising his hands to let her have them.
The ginger squeezed his hands and released one to twirl, hugging him when she returned to his chest. “Like stuff with you.” She cooed in earnest, gazing up at him with a soft smile.
“Like drawing, or singing? We could make frosting,” Des hugged her gently, dropping a kiss onto her head. He loved frosting. “And something to eat with the frosting.” He teased a little. But of course, that was second on the list of priorities when it came to that.
“Sing!” She gasped immediately, jumping and hugging his hands to her chest. “We should sing.” She murmured quieter, smiling brightly. She didn’t get to hear his voice a lot… He thought she was asleep. But she never really was.
Des hesitated at that, biting his bottom lip out of habit. His brain was moving a mile a minute, though, apparently determined to inform him of all the bad things that could happen. “I--” He started, and nervousness made his vocal chords scrape together. His cheeks flushed, and he ducked his head down, as if he were a turtle and could hide in his shell, earning a gasp from Meadow at the metallic grating. Assuming he was hurt like he normally was from such a sound, she leaned up on her tiptoes and pet his throat in a soothing motion, trying to fix it. Des’ cheeks only got darker at her actions, and he leaned down a little to accommodate her better, not wanting her to have to strain herself.
“Better?” She inquired in a small voice, hugging him tight, seemingly never getting off her toes as she stroked his hair. “We don’t have to sing that’s ok, we can do other stuff.” Meadow assured him gently.
“You wanted to sing,” Des whispered, trying to get the frustrating pieces of metal that let him speak to work. He hesitated a little, giving them another few moments to soothe themselves. “You’re awake when I sing to you?” He asked, a little shyly, as soon as they felt well enough to work.
Her already pink cheeks burned bright red as her eyes widened. “I.. Y-Yeah..” She mumbled bashfully, ducking her head down and kicking the ground with her toe. “‘M sorry I can stop.” She whispered, peeking up beneath her curls.
Des quickly shook his head, squeezing her hands gently, hoping to comfort her somewhat. “It’s okay,” He promised softly. “Does it help you sleep at all?” He asked after a moment of hesitancy, afraid that the scraping would keep her awake rather than help her fall asleep.
Her cheerful grin returned in a millisecond at his question, nodding hurriedly and hugging him tight. “Lots.” she mused, rocking on the balls of her feet, unable to be sad for more than a moment.
The cyborg was rather relieved that he hadn’t caused any lasting damage, and he smiled. He hugged her back in a moment, careful as always. “Lots and lots?” He teased, nudging at her curls gently.
“Yeah!” Meadow chirped in reply, kissing his cheek and becoming distracted quickly as her stomach growled, her insatiable metabolism rearing it's ugly head. “Do we have more animal crackers?” She inquired sweetly, pulling from his embrace and wandering about their room on her tiptoes, heading for the cabinets too high for her. The snacks were one of the easy things for Lottie to sneak in for her.
Des went after her, resting his metal hand on the doorway briefly, just gazing at her with a soft little smile on his face. He was just happy to know her, to be able to spend his time with her. “I think we do,” He answered, reaching down to gently lift her up so that she could reach. “We should still have the ones with icing too.” He added with a bright smile.
“Yay!” She giggled, clapping and hugging to his arm as she was lifted, kissing his cheek and reaching up. Almost falling from his arms as she reached for the door, she pulled it open and grabbing the tiny box, hugging it to her chest and swinging her legs.
He breathed in sharply when she just about fell, gathering her back to him with gentle fingers in moments, making sure that she was safe and secure. Then, he set her down on the counter. “You okay?” He asked softly. She nodded firmly and opened the box like nothing was wrong, humming quietly as she worked on it, pulling one out and kneeling up, putting the cracker in front of his mouth. Des took the spare moment to try to still his flyaway heart, soothing it with reassurances that she was okay and he hadn't yet dropped her. He came back to himself a moment later, and then he purposely crossed his eyes to look at the cracker, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
Meadow giggled and poked him in the mouth with it, “Eat!” She ordered happily. “Breakfast time,” She clarified further.
“I like breakfast,” Des teased a little, and then nudged at her hand playfully before delicately taking the cracker from her hand, thanking her as soon as he swallowed.
A grin split across her features as she hugged his neck, “Go get breakfast!” She suggested. “With everyone else. Down in the cafeteria.” The ginger hummed as she crawled onto his back again, voice muffled by the crackers in her mouth.
“As you wish,” He answered with a soft little smile, shifting to help support her as she climbed over again. His whole chest felt warm just being around her, and he resisted the urge to turn his head and gaze after her. “Cas might be down there.” He hummed in thought, smiling a little at the remembrance of their friend.
She pouted a little but nodded. “Ok.” She grumbled, her voice too soft and sweet to convey any real negative emotion. “Go!” She chirped, pointing to the door and kissing a metal spot on his shoulder as they headed out.
Sunday June 7 2020 ... 13:00
Adrian Mason knew exactly what he hated. He hated the way the new research facility was either too hot or too cold for his liking. He hated that he always squinted when he looked at something - a side effect of myopia he hadn't had diagnosed for years as a child. He hated standing in the queue at the airport, seated beside a man who coughed sporadically into his ear. He hated the feigned interest of the woman who interviewed him at Stanford. He hated the blinding lights of the stage, the way the crowd murmured between each and every word he spoke. He hated the way this helicopter swung back and forth, threatening to spill its passengers into the Pacific.
"Miss Graham-Bengston." It was not clear whether Adrian meant this as a greeting or a mere statement of fact, for he was still occupied with the wall of the helicopter, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of making eye contact.
"Dr. Mason," she returned just as curtly and objectively, as if she'd been waiting for that moment the entire trip. Which she had. Goodness, how boring it became when the only other person in the middle of the ocean refused such a common courtesy. But, then again, had he ever extended her that gesture?
He failed to gauge if she had been mocking his tone or merely mimicking his mannerisms. That was the trouble with children. Or, rather, one of many troubles. He turned finally to face her, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. She wore the cheeky smile of her father, the sign that had given away her identity. Adrian hadn't seen the girl in quite some time. David had a good habit of planning his daughter's visits when Adrian was off on business. It was for the best really.
Adrian considered attempting - and subsequently failing - to generate small-talk, but the pilot came over the helicopter's speakers then, announcing their imminent descent. He gathered up his bags quickly before fishing around for his ID badge which he promptly fastened to his lapel. With one final push of his glasses, he stood to prepare himself. The more quickly he got away from father and daughter, the better. So caught up was he, he hardly processed the pilot's orders for him to remain seated as per the sign he'd previously eyed up.
This morning had been the same as any morning before it. Well, perhaps the same as any morning before the accident. But he didn't like to think of it that way. Because then he would have begun to recall what it felt like to wake up beside his wife, to feel her in his arms, to kiss her neck until she couldn't hold back her laughter. This morning was just about as close as he had come to that in a while. And by that, he meant that he woke to her requesting a video chat with him.
He took a moment to straighten himself, toy with his hair a bit and wipe the sleep from his eyes as he sat up and grabbed the phone.
"Good morning, sunshine," he greeted, his voice cracking from overnight disuse.
"David," Adele returned, lips pursed as she contemplated her ex-husband as objectively as possible. Her eyes slowly narrowed and she cocked her head almost comically. "Are you...did you just wake up, David?"
"Oh, you devil." His voice came to him now, a boisterous sort of sound with a still-thick Scottish accent, a smirk quickly spreading on his lips. "You would want to know, wouldn't you? Not even a good morning first? I'm not some sorta cheap who-"
"You're repulsive. Wake the hell up. Margot and I are going to the airport now." The phone buzzed in his hand as she terminated the call.
And now he sat in his wheelchair at the designated distance from the helipad within Plumeria's walls. If he could, he would have paced, but now, he wheeled himself a pace forward and a pace backward until a guard shouted at him and he had to resort to twiddling his thumbs.
Soon enough, the helicopter descended. He could see Adrian disembarking first, practically throwing himself out of the door as he moved off toward the facility entrance, likely making his way to his personal laboratory to check on projects.
"Morning, Dr. Mason," Dave called, offering a quick wave. A sharp, "David," was returned without eye contact.
Behind Adrian, Margot followed almost exactly in suit, clutching her carry-on while the pilot brought her suitcase. David couldn't help himself but give a laugh of disbelief at first. He kept in touch with his daughter throughout the year, but those conversations were nothing compared to seeing her in person. He started wheeling himself over to her, slowly at first, but then more quickly. They met at a point, and she ran up alongside his wheelchair as he grabbed her in a sort of headlock, pulling her close to him so that he could place a kiss on the top of her head.
"How are ya, sweetheart?" he asked, letting her pull away while letting his hand fall away just enough that he could push a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Tired." Margot followed Adrian with her eyes before looking back at her father. "He's a terrible travel companion." Dave smirked to himself as he laid her suit case across his lap and started inside the facility.
"Well, he's a terrible anything companion," he admitted, watching as Adrian, across the lobby, pressed the elevator button more times than was honestly necessary, as if hoping to avoid as much human contact as he could before locking himself away once more.
Declan stopped himself trying to find the right words. Words that would inspire her? Unlikely. Words that would at least fizzle out the flame. Plausible.
“I can’t just what?” Blaire asked, her voice was tender and soft but Declan sensed the subtle mockery. Declan was good with speaking but he had never been as gracious as Blaire. They both knew that to be a fact, but Blaire found a certain joy in reminding him of it. After a moment of tension, or rather a moment of Declan convincing himself that her tone wasn’t worth getting upset about, he continued. “This,” Declan gestured to the walls of the facility in which he lived, “this is their livelihood.” He emphasized the word ‘livelihood’ as if she didn’t understand basic human needs. Blaire’s green eyes, the same ones that their mother had, grew wide. If a stranger were to witness this scene they would assume that Blaire was growing afraid of Declan. But her eyes weren’t wide with fear; this was tactic that Blaire used often. Her eyes grew wide with expression but really she was expanding in boredom. Declan tilted his head and frowned at her. He had already lost her. “Blaire,” he said again, her eyes shifted toward him, “this is my life. You can’t waltz in here and pretend to be something you’re not.”
There was a pause. He had expected her to say something. Her body language shifted into a more guarded position, Declan took note of this. “Don’t you care about anyone?” he asked. His mood had shifted, soon the calm would start to heat up and then it would boil. Blaire pressed her lips together. For once in her life, Declan thought, she was too quiet. “What about David or Victoria? What about Adrian? Or me?” Each name was laced with more gunpowder and he was growing tired of her games.
“I like Adrian,” Blaire said with a crooked smile.
There were defined ideas that she had for the people who worked at Plumeria. Declan didn’t know how Blaire would, or could, get all the information she needed out of them, but she would no doubt be successful. Adrian was of course her main target, and what Blaire wants Blaire gets.
“That’s it!” he shouted, smacking his hand against the countertop. The steady boiling inside of Declan had turned into a sudden explosion. Blaire jumped in her seat, it was the first real sign of emotion that she had during this entire conversation. “I trusted you and you lied to me,” he said, lowering his voice. “You came to me, and I willingly- no, lovingly provided for you.” The bored look that had previously smothered Blaire’s features were washed away, just like the rest of the blood in her face. Instead of yelling, per Declan’s usual way of addressing such stress, his voice was low and intense. “There were no jobs for you here. Plumeria doesn’t have job openings. They don’t just hire people.” Declan threw his hands up into the air and let them drop, needing some physical way to express his frustration. “They have a specific mission and they hire very specific people.” An aggressive hand ran through his greasy black curls after he spoke.
“I wanted you here, you’re my little sister for God’s sake… And I thought you wanted to be here for the good of these experiments and for my companionship.” Declan stopped, hoping that she would finally say something. Blaire was so difficult this way; she didn’t like to speak until she had the upper hand. Declan took a deep sigh and shook her head.
“You write a gossip column,” Declan accused. Blaire rolled her eyes at him, crossing her arms over her chest. “Universal Science is a harmful magazine and you know it Blaire,” he said with urgency. Her eyes began to fade again. “I know many a people who have lost their jobs or lost their projects to the government because of Universal Science.” Anxiety was settling into his voice, realizing the mass destruction that Blaire could cause Plumeria. Another spark of raw emotion ran through Declan as he spoke, “you alone have ended entire corporations as whoever fucking Nova!”
“Okay, stop.” Blaire said calmly as she gestured with her right hand, it was as if she had been in control of the conversation this entire time. “I’m not the grim reaper of science experiments,” she said with a dash of humor behind her lips. “I’m not here to ruin anything. I’m simply here to get the whole truth from sources that are reliable.”
“Who don’t know they’re sources,” Declan butted in. Blaire looked sideways and then returned her gaze back to her big brother. Perspiration was beginning to collect on Declan's brow and the veins in his neck were bulging with distress. He had never been very good at hiding his emotions.
“This story is going to take me at least six months to finish,” Blaire began her defense. She had already been here a year and a half without detection. Now it was only a matter of finishing the story before her brother cracked under the pressure. “You cannot say anything, Declan. If you even hint at something it’ll be over.” Declan shook his head, he was tired of protecting his sister for all the wrong reasons.
“I can’t,” he said, standing up straight and owning up to the responsibility of his position. Before he could go on Blaire interrupted him, “you can, and you will.” Blaire stood up from her seat, taking advantage of the space between them. “Remember that you recommended me for this job, and as far as I remember you don’t have the strongest track record with Plumeria.” Declan furrowed his brow, sensing where this was going. “If I get caught, you get caught,” she said simply. The love that Declan usually felt for his sister even the most disagreeable times had vanished. Blaire would frame him and Adrian would think the story was a joint decision. Some act of resentment against the establishment on Declan's part.
Something clicked inside of Blaire and it was as if this conversation they were having had never happened.
“Well I’ve got to run, big brother. Thanks for the coffee.” Blaire took one large gulp of what was now cold coffee and bolted for the door. “Toodles!” she chirped before closing the door behind her. Declan stared at the empty seat in front of him. It was moments like these when Declan, despite his years of study, would never understand how he and Blaire were related.
God, it was far too early. Victoria wakes up to the alarm on her phone, the final alarm and the only one she ever actually wakes up to, if at all, singing Louis Armstrong directly into her left ear. Her head is pounding, but of course when isn't it, and making "It's a Wonderful Life" seem almost cruel, like one of those cheerful songs played in the battle scene of a movie. It could be worse, of course. Once upon a time she had not gotten quite used to the headaches that come with a terrible drinking problem, and they had prevented her from so much as opening her eyes the next morning. By now, they are relatively mild and easily cured with an aspirin and a stiff cup of coffee- black. Victoria loves sweet things, but she has never been able to stomach them early in the morning, even as a child, and prefers her morning Joe as bitter as humanly possible. Perhaps she likes her beverage to reflect the fact that she isn't a morning person. Well, it could be two in the afternoon and she'd groan waking up. So perhaps she simply isn't a waking up person. Today, in fact, it is already one when she wakes up craving coffee and relief. Perhaps a cool glass of bleach would get the job done just as well, she muses with some strange twist of joking cheer. There is no genuine risk there- Victoria is far too invested in her work, and far too terrified of whatever comes after death, to stare down a barrel willingly. Besides, if she wants the same experience she may as well glare directly into the eyes of Dr. Mason. She likes the kid, sure, but she swears that on occasion his eyes have done what scientists have thus far failed to do: achieved absolute zero.
"Sunday breakfast," she reminds herself brightly, using that and the still present desire for coffee to motivate getting out of the bed, taking a quick shower at the highest possible temperature (she likes her skin to be burning red from the heat), and shrugging on jeans and a lightweight cotton button up.
Victoria is completely convinced that breakfast on Sundays is always the most delicious, even when it is the exact same thing that is prepared on Tuesday or Friday. There is something distinctly Sunday-y about Sunday breakfast that simply warrants dragging yourself out of bed. The Enders family of three had not been particularly religious, and instead on Sundays would go and get breakfast before the post-church rush. That breakfast was always genuinely the best, as no one in the household cooked and the typical breakfast was a banana and a handful of pretzels on the way out the door.
She is on her way down the hall to the elevator when she spots the fairer Harmer sibling leaving her brother's room. "Giving your brother more things to brood over, Blaire?"
The biologist had just about darted out of the room, suggesting that some sort of disagreement or taunt may have taken place. Half the time the Harmers inspire that only-child longing for a sibling, the other half they make her thank her stars she had been the only progeny of her parents.
Victoria winces at a sudden new pulse in her headache. She had forgotten to grab an aspirin from her cabinet, damn it. Well, she'll have to grab one upstairs. Perhaps it had been indeed a few drinks too many last night. She can hardly remember how much it had been, though. It really is always a few drinks too many with Victoria, as anyone who joins her can attest. She always ends up either draping herself over people affectionately or trying to start a fight. It would be much better for the woman if she were the sort to just fall asleep.
"Sunday breakfast," she reminds herself brightly, using that and the still present desire for coffee to motivate getting out of the bed, taking a quick shower at the highest possible temperature (she likes her skin to be burning red from the heat), and shrugging on jeans and a lightweight cotton button up.
Victoria is completely convinced that breakfast on Sundays is always the most delicious, even when it is the exact same thing that is prepared on Tuesday or Friday. There is something distinctly Sunday-y about Sunday breakfast that simply warrants dragging yourself out of bed. The Enders family of three had not been particularly religious, and instead on Sundays would go and get breakfast before the post-church rush. That breakfast was always genuinely the best, as no one in the household cooked and the typical breakfast was a banana and a handful of pretzels on the way out the door.
She is on her way down the hall to the elevator when she spots the fairer Harmer sibling leaving her brother's room. "Giving your brother more things to brood over, Blaire?"
The biologist had just about darted out of the room, suggesting that some sort of disagreement or taunt may have taken place. Half the time the Harmers inspire that only-child longing for a sibling, the other half they make her thank her stars she had been the only progeny of her parents.
Victoria winces at a sudden new pulse in her headache. She had forgotten to grab an aspirin from her cabinet, damn it. Well, she'll have to grab one upstairs. Perhaps it had been indeed a few drinks too many last night. She can hardly remember how much it had been, though. It really is always a few drinks too many with Victoria, as anyone who joins her can attest. She always ends up either draping herself over people affectionately or trying to start a fight. It would be much better for the woman if she were the sort to just fall asleep.
Celeste hummed softly as he pushed his cart about, full to the brim of medication and supplements. No wonder he looked so good, really. This thing weighed a ton. He just started towards the elevator, thankful for his morning routine, just like always. It gave him a good hour or so to get away from Frederick. Maybe he’d be lucky enough to find a subject not feeling well, a nice distraction.
Unfortunately for Adrian, despite his best efforts to avoid people, he still managed to almost slam into Celeste as the elevator opened. Instantly, he scrambled back and gasped an apology, setting the cart aside to rush forward.
“Are you alright Dr. Mason?” He asked gently, making sure to not touch him as he looked over him. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I should have looked where I was going.” The smaller man mumbled shamefully.
Celeste straightened suddenly when he thought he was fine, eyes lighting up again. “Welcome back, by the way!” He greeted with a grin and a soft chuckle. “How was the flight?” He knew he was probably only being a bother, but even Adrian couldn’t stop him from being so polite.
Little did he know he couldn't be more wrong. Dr. Mason was not personable in the slightest, so much that the words personable and Dr. Mason didn't seem like they should be anywhere near one another. But Celeste was anything but. He loved people. Talk talk talk and make new friends, that was all he wanted to do, and he was certainly good at it. Yet somehow he still got stabbed in the back often... Maybe he was too trusting, he mused silently. Whatever. That was for another time. He turned his mental focus back to Adrian, though he had been smiling at him the whole time.
A collab between Demai and Inuiri
Lottie’s morning had started out normally. She’d awoken to her brother banging on her door, having made some brand new breakthrough that required her presence Right Then. After gently pushing him from her room, she dressed, showered, pointed out a couple flaws in his code, received an affectionate whack on the back, and then went to visit her Guinevere. She had the key to her room, but she was reluctant to simply barge in for a multitude of reasons. She didn’t want to wake her, for one, and she didn’t want to cause too much suspicion, for another. Slipping in and out whenever she wanted... Well. Their relationship was already dangerous. She had to protect the woman she loved, in any way she could.
Of course, though, because she was stupidly in love, she couldn’t be away from her. She knocked on Guinevere’s door with a gentle hand.
The young woman stirred from within, lavender eyes blinking open as she whined a bit. Too early. But she knew that knock. Slowly, she forced herself up, diamond flowing over her palm as she scrubbed her eyes and slipped out of bed, too-big shirt hanging off one shoulder as she shuffled over in silence and opened the door. Guinevere’s eyes said everything her vocal chords wouldn’t, gazing at the redhead before her in awe as she blinked slowly at her. Stepping back, she pulled the door open more and let her in. She shut it behind her and moved to the bed again to sit on the edge, looking at the floor as she let her legs dangle.
Lottie’s cheeks had flushed at how Guinevere looked at her, and she couldn't help but smile. For a moment, she let herself be what felt like daring, gazing back at her as if she were the sun and the stars and everything else in between. Then, she stepped in, thanking her softly. She wasted little time in joining her beloved, standing before her and wrapping her arms around her, gathering her near. “I didn't mean to wake you.” She said softly, pressing her lips to her hair.
She gasped a tiny bit, hugging her tight and nuzzling into her chest like she could hide away, giving a little shake of her head in reply. She wouldn't have wanted to wake up any other way. The brunette lifted her head, blinking slowly at her like a cat to show her love, leaning up to press their lips together.
Lottie felt a rush of warm affection fill her chest, leaking down to her fingertips and toes. She'd never thought that she could love someone like this, and yet, there she was. She let her hide away against her, gently tracing her fingers down her spine. Then, she smiled, and kissed her back. “I love you too.” She whispered. “How did you sleep?”
Guinevere smiled softly at her words, nuzzling her shoulder and nodding to supply a “good” as she laced their fingers together, watching the diamond morph across her skin. She shifted, moving aside and patting the bed, tugging her the tiniest bit. The psychologist squeezed her hand gently, raising it to her lips to kiss each of her fingertips, smiling against her. Goodness, she probably looked like a giant dork, unable to keep from smiling around her. She felt like a blushing schoolgirl. Lottie went when she was tugged, settling beside the love of her life and tugging her gently in reply, hoping to have her put her head in her lap.
The younger woman gave a little giggle in reply, covering her face with her other hand as her cheeks burned red. She went happily, laying back down and curling up in the fetal position with her head on her thigh. Guinevere could lay here forever really.. Just watching Lottie, never saying anything. Lottie shifted gently, so that she could get more comfortable. Gently, she started to braid a few of her beloved’s long locks, pressing a kiss to the strands that wrapped around her fingers. She could probably spend the rest of her life kissing this woman, she reflected. "I shouldn't have too much to do today.”
Guinevere’s eyes lit up at her actions, nodding in reply and shifting, hugging her waist and nuzzling her abdomen. “Ok.” She breathed, her voice a tiny, hoarse little thing, hardly audible even in the dead air of her room.
Lottie felt that warmth fill her chest once more at the sound of her beloved’s voice, and she leaned down, kissing her forehead and then her lips gently. Not quite a reward, but a thank you. “I’m all yours.” She teased gently, pressing her near. She let her hands slip into her hair, gently massaging her scalp.
She gasped and tensed up for a mere moment only to melt instantly, draping herself across her lap entirely as she fell limp. It was so rare to see such a visceral reaction from the woman, still so used to keeping up appearances from her family. She knew why she was doing this though. “They’re coming soon..” She mumbled breathlessly. Her family was visiting in a few days.
Lottie chuckled at her reaction, kissing her shoulder and then keeping up her ministrations, reluctant to pull away at any point in the near future. She loved these reactions, whenever she could catch them. She didn’t want to miss a single one. And then that... frustrating reminder came. Ah, yes. Lottie’s least favorite people on the entire planet. Which, really, was saying something. “They won’t stay long, amore.” She murmured. She wouldn’t let them, honestly. As Guinevere’s psychologist, she had quite a lot of sway, and it was terribly convenient for both of them. Still, Guinevere's smile faded and she simply gave a silent nod in reply, tracing a little pattern on the sheets with her dainty, well manicured fingernail. But they would still be here...
Lottie shifted a little, finding her hand and then kissing it before tugging her beloved into her arms, laying down so that she could wrap the taller woman up better. She pressed a kiss to the part in her hair. “It’s because it’s Father's’ Day.” She murmured. “I’m so sorry, Gwen.” That earned a tiny huff of air resembling a scoff. Some father. He left raising her to her mother, hardly acknowledging her. And then she’d have to deal with her brother on top of it all. The fucking brat. She didn’t even realize how much she had tensed up until Lottie took her hands, gripping tight to the sheets, and smoothed her fingers out.
Lottie cooed her nickname once more, soft and gentle, hoping to soothe her somewhat. “I can try to reschedule.” She offered softly. Guinevere shook her head firmly, glaring at the floor as she laced their fingers together gently. The faster this happened, the more of a gap there was between the next visit.
The redhead hesitated for a bare moment, and then nodded briefly. She considered making a mother-in-law joke briefly, and decided that her brother was wearing off on her. She squeezed her hand gently. “We’ll be okay. And you won’t be alone.”
A sigh escaped her Guinevere's lips as she nodded and let herself fall limp again, chest to chest with her head pillowed on her love's shoulder, chest rising and falling slowly.
Lottie moved to accommodate her Gwen, resting her head on hers and exhaling slowly. She kissed her hair, and then just kept her near. “I love you.” She murmured. “Are you hungry?”
“Love you too..” The taller woman cooed quietly, kissing her cheek and smiling against her, every action soft and sweet as she let her eyes flutter shut with a nod.
As many treats as Lottie snuck to Des and Meadow and Cas, her beloved got the most of them all. She deserved the whole world and everything in it. “We don’t have to go down to the cafe if you don’t want to.” She promised gently, pressing a gentle kiss to her jaw. “I’ll be right back.”
She gave a short hum of thought in reply, tensing at her next words but loosening her hold on her regardless. Guinevere shifted, getting off her lap and sitting beside her, staring at her hands in her lap.
Lottie reached out, finding her hands, pressing kisses to the backs of both of her hands. “Could kiss you forever.” She murmured, aware of how cheesy that sounded and so teasing gently. “Would you like to come?”
Her cheeks lit up, though it quickly disappeared as diamond chose to reveal the muscles beneath instead. The brunette nodded a bit hurriedly and stood, kissing her gently and clutching her close, loathe to be apart for even a moment.
Lottie’s expression brightened a little. She hated to be apart from her Gwen as well, and she leaned up on her tiptoes, gently kissing the diamond that swam lazily over her cheek. She wrapped her arms around her, giving her a big, real hug. Guinevere smiled faintly at her touch, following her out and squeezing her hand as they walked, unable to tear her eyes off her for even a moment. Every time she was away, all she did was think of her, aching to be near her again.
Lottie paused before they exited entirely, tipping her head back to kiss her softly. “I love you.” She told her softly, just wanting to remind her, promise her that there was no one else in the world that she loved as much as Guinevere. Then, she opened the door, leading her towards the elevator.
Of course, though, because she was stupidly in love, she couldn’t be away from her. She knocked on Guinevere’s door with a gentle hand.
The young woman stirred from within, lavender eyes blinking open as she whined a bit. Too early. But she knew that knock. Slowly, she forced herself up, diamond flowing over her palm as she scrubbed her eyes and slipped out of bed, too-big shirt hanging off one shoulder as she shuffled over in silence and opened the door. Guinevere’s eyes said everything her vocal chords wouldn’t, gazing at the redhead before her in awe as she blinked slowly at her. Stepping back, she pulled the door open more and let her in. She shut it behind her and moved to the bed again to sit on the edge, looking at the floor as she let her legs dangle.
Lottie’s cheeks had flushed at how Guinevere looked at her, and she couldn't help but smile. For a moment, she let herself be what felt like daring, gazing back at her as if she were the sun and the stars and everything else in between. Then, she stepped in, thanking her softly. She wasted little time in joining her beloved, standing before her and wrapping her arms around her, gathering her near. “I didn't mean to wake you.” She said softly, pressing her lips to her hair.
She gasped a tiny bit, hugging her tight and nuzzling into her chest like she could hide away, giving a little shake of her head in reply. She wouldn't have wanted to wake up any other way. The brunette lifted her head, blinking slowly at her like a cat to show her love, leaning up to press their lips together.
Lottie felt a rush of warm affection fill her chest, leaking down to her fingertips and toes. She'd never thought that she could love someone like this, and yet, there she was. She let her hide away against her, gently tracing her fingers down her spine. Then, she smiled, and kissed her back. “I love you too.” She whispered. “How did you sleep?”
Guinevere smiled softly at her words, nuzzling her shoulder and nodding to supply a “good” as she laced their fingers together, watching the diamond morph across her skin. She shifted, moving aside and patting the bed, tugging her the tiniest bit. The psychologist squeezed her hand gently, raising it to her lips to kiss each of her fingertips, smiling against her. Goodness, she probably looked like a giant dork, unable to keep from smiling around her. She felt like a blushing schoolgirl. Lottie went when she was tugged, settling beside the love of her life and tugging her gently in reply, hoping to have her put her head in her lap.
The younger woman gave a little giggle in reply, covering her face with her other hand as her cheeks burned red. She went happily, laying back down and curling up in the fetal position with her head on her thigh. Guinevere could lay here forever really.. Just watching Lottie, never saying anything. Lottie shifted gently, so that she could get more comfortable. Gently, she started to braid a few of her beloved’s long locks, pressing a kiss to the strands that wrapped around her fingers. She could probably spend the rest of her life kissing this woman, she reflected. "I shouldn't have too much to do today.”
Guinevere’s eyes lit up at her actions, nodding in reply and shifting, hugging her waist and nuzzling her abdomen. “Ok.” She breathed, her voice a tiny, hoarse little thing, hardly audible even in the dead air of her room.
Lottie felt that warmth fill her chest once more at the sound of her beloved’s voice, and she leaned down, kissing her forehead and then her lips gently. Not quite a reward, but a thank you. “I’m all yours.” She teased gently, pressing her near. She let her hands slip into her hair, gently massaging her scalp.
She gasped and tensed up for a mere moment only to melt instantly, draping herself across her lap entirely as she fell limp. It was so rare to see such a visceral reaction from the woman, still so used to keeping up appearances from her family. She knew why she was doing this though. “They’re coming soon..” She mumbled breathlessly. Her family was visiting in a few days.
Lottie chuckled at her reaction, kissing her shoulder and then keeping up her ministrations, reluctant to pull away at any point in the near future. She loved these reactions, whenever she could catch them. She didn’t want to miss a single one. And then that... frustrating reminder came. Ah, yes. Lottie’s least favorite people on the entire planet. Which, really, was saying something. “They won’t stay long, amore.” She murmured. She wouldn’t let them, honestly. As Guinevere’s psychologist, she had quite a lot of sway, and it was terribly convenient for both of them. Still, Guinevere's smile faded and she simply gave a silent nod in reply, tracing a little pattern on the sheets with her dainty, well manicured fingernail. But they would still be here...
Lottie shifted a little, finding her hand and then kissing it before tugging her beloved into her arms, laying down so that she could wrap the taller woman up better. She pressed a kiss to the part in her hair. “It’s because it’s Father's’ Day.” She murmured. “I’m so sorry, Gwen.” That earned a tiny huff of air resembling a scoff. Some father. He left raising her to her mother, hardly acknowledging her. And then she’d have to deal with her brother on top of it all. The fucking brat. She didn’t even realize how much she had tensed up until Lottie took her hands, gripping tight to the sheets, and smoothed her fingers out.
Lottie cooed her nickname once more, soft and gentle, hoping to soothe her somewhat. “I can try to reschedule.” She offered softly. Guinevere shook her head firmly, glaring at the floor as she laced their fingers together gently. The faster this happened, the more of a gap there was between the next visit.
The redhead hesitated for a bare moment, and then nodded briefly. She considered making a mother-in-law joke briefly, and decided that her brother was wearing off on her. She squeezed her hand gently. “We’ll be okay. And you won’t be alone.”
A sigh escaped her Guinevere's lips as she nodded and let herself fall limp again, chest to chest with her head pillowed on her love's shoulder, chest rising and falling slowly.
Lottie moved to accommodate her Gwen, resting her head on hers and exhaling slowly. She kissed her hair, and then just kept her near. “I love you.” She murmured. “Are you hungry?”
“Love you too..” The taller woman cooed quietly, kissing her cheek and smiling against her, every action soft and sweet as she let her eyes flutter shut with a nod.
As many treats as Lottie snuck to Des and Meadow and Cas, her beloved got the most of them all. She deserved the whole world and everything in it. “We don’t have to go down to the cafe if you don’t want to.” She promised gently, pressing a gentle kiss to her jaw. “I’ll be right back.”
She gave a short hum of thought in reply, tensing at her next words but loosening her hold on her regardless. Guinevere shifted, getting off her lap and sitting beside her, staring at her hands in her lap.
Lottie reached out, finding her hands, pressing kisses to the backs of both of her hands. “Could kiss you forever.” She murmured, aware of how cheesy that sounded and so teasing gently. “Would you like to come?”
Her cheeks lit up, though it quickly disappeared as diamond chose to reveal the muscles beneath instead. The brunette nodded a bit hurriedly and stood, kissing her gently and clutching her close, loathe to be apart for even a moment.
Lottie’s expression brightened a little. She hated to be apart from her Gwen as well, and she leaned up on her tiptoes, gently kissing the diamond that swam lazily over her cheek. She wrapped her arms around her, giving her a big, real hug. Guinevere smiled faintly at her touch, following her out and squeezing her hand as they walked, unable to tear her eyes off her for even a moment. Every time she was away, all she did was think of her, aching to be near her again.
Lottie paused before they exited entirely, tipping her head back to kiss her softly. “I love you.” She told her softly, just wanting to remind her, promise her that there was no one else in the world that she loved as much as Guinevere. Then, she opened the door, leading her towards the elevator.
"Who me?" Blaire asked playfully. "Declan hardly needs my presence to brood over something. You know him," she continued lightly, "if he isn't brooding than he isn't Declan." Blaire let out another soft laugh and smiled at Victoria. Blaire was now following her, assuming that Victoria was going to cafeteria. Despite being in Declan's cozy living area where he usually cooked for himself, he had not been hospitable enough to cook Blaire breakfast. Noticing a wince, Blaire looked Victoria over carefully. A Hangover. Victoria had hidden it well enough until then, Blaire was even a little impressed. "Here," she said while digging into her jacket pocket. Soon she revealed a couple of Aspirins and handed them to Victoria. "Ma taught me well," she remarked with another smile. "Next time though," she said in a playful voice, "take me with you." Blaire wasn't entirely sure if Victoria was the type of woman to go out and drink or if she preferred to wallow alone. Either way, Blaire wouldn't mind an invitation.
Suddenly, she remembered that Dr. Mason would be returning today. Or perhaps he already had. "Do you know when Dr. Mason is supposed to be in?" Blaire inquired gracefully. "I have a couple of theories I wanted to discuss with him." Adrian was a hard cookie to crumble, but Blaire was determined to get something out of him. Even after a good year and a half Blaire still ain't sure if Dr. Mason had even the slightest bit fondness for her. Most people found Adrian Mason to be off-putting and rude, but his major lack in social skills was something Blaire found to be out right charming about the man. However, with the task at hand, she didn't need him to like her, she just need him to trust her.
Blaire arrived at the cafeteria in leisure and the hall was nearly empty. Perhaps it was still too early for many of the scientists to get out of bed on what she knew as the day of rest. Miss Harmer got her usual: two subside up eggs, a piece of toast, a slice of bacon, and a small bowl of cereal with dried cranberries in it. Not being ever present to whatever Victoria might or might not have been saying to her, Blaire sat down at a little table in the middle of the hall and began to eat.
A collab between Demai and Inuiri
As the two continued down the hall, Meadow sang quietly to her beloved, giant, bodyguard. Des didn’t wanna sing. That was ok. She would do it for him. She kissed his locks, though there was more behind the affectionate gesture. TV said when someone makes your heart feel all funny that’s what love was. And that’s what Desmond felt like… So she loved him then. But she didn’t get the difference between the way they said I love you, things that were and weren’t ok. They always said I love you. But Dezzy couldn’t always have loved her. It made her head hurt thinking about it. So she pushed it aside and leaned over, kissing his nose and hugging his neck tight.
Des’ mind was on the same general topic, though a slightly different branch of it. Hearing her sing made every atom in his body, flesh and metal, want to stand up and twirl around. He felt so, so happy... Meadow was the light of his life, to be entirely honest, and he wished he could give her the world, despite knowing that that wasn’t a possibility right then. Someday. He hummed softly along with her, smiling at the song that he recognized. He chuckled softly, and gently squeezed her calves, nuzzling at her knee gently.
She squeaked a little at the feeling and giggled, “Hey~” She scolded gently, kissing his metal palm and hugging it to her chest, crawling to his chest and curling up there. “Don’t squishy me!”
Des tipped his head up at that, offering her an entirely innocent look as he surrendered his hand to her. He couldn’t help but smile, helping to keep her steady as she migrated down to his chest. He cradled her there, letting her listen to his metallic heart. “Why would I do that?” He teased gently.
She giggled, kissing his nose as she leaned up. “You’re a meanie.” She cooed lovingly, nuzzling his chest and squeezing him tight. “Meanie Des.” She hummed.
There had to be some reasonable combination of the words Meanie and Des, but he couldn’t easily think of one. He laughed softly, and pressed a kiss to her hair in response. “Am not.”
“Yeah.” She chirped softly, grabbing his hand with both of hers, nuzzling his wrist and smiling. “I love you.” The little birdie hummed, peering up at him with her bright golden eyes, full of nothing but love.
Des felt his whole chest light up at her words, as if her voice had turned on a light switch inside of him. He attempted to quiet the butterflies that appeared along with it, and it was a practiced act by then. If only your heart was supposed to do funny things when you were in love, he was in trouble, because loving Meadow was a full body experience. “I love you too,” he whispered affectionately, condensing the light in his chest and the butterflies in his stomach and the warmth everywhere else into three words that he meant, and hoped that she might eventually.
Her eyes lit up at that, giggling gleefully and hugging him tight, kissing his cheek as she latched onto his neck. “Yay!!” She cheered, kicking her feathered feet happily as she ran her talons over his scalp.
The cyborg couldn’t help but laugh, finding her joy contagious and needing an outlet for all the warmth that had welled up inside of him. He hugged her gently, cradling her to him and rocking her gently in his arms. Then, as if another switch had been pulled in him, all the tension went straight out of his shoulders when she touched his hair, his eyes closing briefly. If a man could purr, he certainly was as he nuzzled into her hands.
The tiny experiment giggled at his reaction, keeping it up and continuing her singing as she swung her legs. “Don’t fall asleep.” She cooed playfully.
“Meadooow, you’re gonna make me melt.” Des protested softly, smiling a little. He gave her a petulant look, peering up at her through his lashes before she hit a particularly sensitive spot and there he went again.
She bit her lip to suppress a grin and pulled her hands away with a little laugh. “Ok, no more.” Meadow vowed playfully, tucking her hands behind her back and smiling smugly.
It took him a moment to get his center of gravity back in the right place, and he successfully found one of her hands afterwards. Out of habit, he gently ran his thumb over the feathers on her wrist, and ached to kiss them. But he gazed at her instead, with a soft look in his eyes and a little smile. “Once we sit down?” He suggested softly.
Meadow nodded firmly in reply and hugged his neck again. “Uh huh.” She hummed softly, nuzzling her nose against his jaw, too naive to understand the intimacy of it as she let her eyes flutter shut.
Des’ cheeks flushed softly at her actions, and he ducked his head down a little, unable to keep from leaning into her touch. Guilt soon stabbed at his chest, though, because he knew she didn’t know. And he himself only had some vague idea... What a pair they were, really. He dropped a kiss onto her temple in response as they came up to the elevator doors.
The girl giggled in reply and squished her burning cheeks with glee, feathers puffing out a bit as she poked his nose with her talon, opening her mouth the speak only for them to almost slam into David and Margot as they stepped from the elevator.
Des’ mind was on the same general topic, though a slightly different branch of it. Hearing her sing made every atom in his body, flesh and metal, want to stand up and twirl around. He felt so, so happy... Meadow was the light of his life, to be entirely honest, and he wished he could give her the world, despite knowing that that wasn’t a possibility right then. Someday. He hummed softly along with her, smiling at the song that he recognized. He chuckled softly, and gently squeezed her calves, nuzzling at her knee gently.
She squeaked a little at the feeling and giggled, “Hey~” She scolded gently, kissing his metal palm and hugging it to her chest, crawling to his chest and curling up there. “Don’t squishy me!”
Des tipped his head up at that, offering her an entirely innocent look as he surrendered his hand to her. He couldn’t help but smile, helping to keep her steady as she migrated down to his chest. He cradled her there, letting her listen to his metallic heart. “Why would I do that?” He teased gently.
She giggled, kissing his nose as she leaned up. “You’re a meanie.” She cooed lovingly, nuzzling his chest and squeezing him tight. “Meanie Des.” She hummed.
There had to be some reasonable combination of the words Meanie and Des, but he couldn’t easily think of one. He laughed softly, and pressed a kiss to her hair in response. “Am not.”
“Yeah.” She chirped softly, grabbing his hand with both of hers, nuzzling his wrist and smiling. “I love you.” The little birdie hummed, peering up at him with her bright golden eyes, full of nothing but love.
Des felt his whole chest light up at her words, as if her voice had turned on a light switch inside of him. He attempted to quiet the butterflies that appeared along with it, and it was a practiced act by then. If only your heart was supposed to do funny things when you were in love, he was in trouble, because loving Meadow was a full body experience. “I love you too,” he whispered affectionately, condensing the light in his chest and the butterflies in his stomach and the warmth everywhere else into three words that he meant, and hoped that she might eventually.
Her eyes lit up at that, giggling gleefully and hugging him tight, kissing his cheek as she latched onto his neck. “Yay!!” She cheered, kicking her feathered feet happily as she ran her talons over his scalp.
The cyborg couldn’t help but laugh, finding her joy contagious and needing an outlet for all the warmth that had welled up inside of him. He hugged her gently, cradling her to him and rocking her gently in his arms. Then, as if another switch had been pulled in him, all the tension went straight out of his shoulders when she touched his hair, his eyes closing briefly. If a man could purr, he certainly was as he nuzzled into her hands.
The tiny experiment giggled at his reaction, keeping it up and continuing her singing as she swung her legs. “Don’t fall asleep.” She cooed playfully.
“Meadooow, you’re gonna make me melt.” Des protested softly, smiling a little. He gave her a petulant look, peering up at her through his lashes before she hit a particularly sensitive spot and there he went again.
She bit her lip to suppress a grin and pulled her hands away with a little laugh. “Ok, no more.” Meadow vowed playfully, tucking her hands behind her back and smiling smugly.
It took him a moment to get his center of gravity back in the right place, and he successfully found one of her hands afterwards. Out of habit, he gently ran his thumb over the feathers on her wrist, and ached to kiss them. But he gazed at her instead, with a soft look in his eyes and a little smile. “Once we sit down?” He suggested softly.
Meadow nodded firmly in reply and hugged his neck again. “Uh huh.” She hummed softly, nuzzling her nose against his jaw, too naive to understand the intimacy of it as she let her eyes flutter shut.
Des’ cheeks flushed softly at her actions, and he ducked his head down a little, unable to keep from leaning into her touch. Guilt soon stabbed at his chest, though, because he knew she didn’t know. And he himself only had some vague idea... What a pair they were, really. He dropped a kiss onto her temple in response as they came up to the elevator doors.
The girl giggled in reply and squished her burning cheeks with glee, feathers puffing out a bit as she poked his nose with her talon, opening her mouth the speak only for them to almost slam into David and Margot as they stepped from the elevator.
Victoria smiles at the quip about the brooding nature of the elder Harmer sibling, as it touches on a trait not unnoticed by many of his coworkers, the geneticist included. Of course, she is more interested in the little white pills passed to her by Blaire, little acts of grace smaller than the pads of her fingers. Thank god. "Bless," she is swallowing them now, the knowledge that the relief will be coming soon already comforting her mind despite not having felt the actual effects yet. With the amount of these tiny pills she pops, one would think she has another addiction beyond the bottle. Now she just needs food in her empty stomach, and a scorching cup of coffee running down her still raw throat.
"Next time though, take me with you," she winks in response, rolling back her shoulders to try and stretch out bones locked from her bizarre sleeping positions. No matter how she falls asleep, the woman always wakes up as compact as possible, rolled up or pressed against the wall her bed sits against. As though there is something wrong with the rest of her queen sized bed such that to rest on it would be a transgression.
"I'll keep that in mind- I'll never refuse the offer of a drinking buddy," Victoria looks up at the ceiling, a wry sort of smile twisting still at her lips. "I feel I've read somewhere that it's become unfashionable to drink alone too often- mustn't fall out of style."
"He should be by now- rest is not in the young director's vocabulary," Victoria responds before the two briefly part ways. Blaire moves towards the food, Victoria prioritizes mud. After getting her mug, the woman picks up three slices of bacon and a mushroom omelet. Her fondness for alcohol and coffee is almost exceeded by her love of mushrooms in any form. Almost.
She wonders at Blaire's frequent attempts to nab the attentions of Dr. Mason. Victoria finds him agreeable in the same way one might a porcupine- cute in a prickly, don't come hither sort of way. He gets the job done and, for the most part, greenlights most of her proposals for projects. That's all she can really ask- and he's likely the only boss one could have that wouldn't bother trying to send a card or flowers when Aron died, something that she deeply appreciates. Besides, she sort of feels that he is what the head of a strange research facility like Plumeria ought to be- just enough Shelley to keep things interesting, but not so much that it disturbs any reporters or supporters. It's a balance she finds deeply amusing.
Victoria sits across from Blaire and takes a long drink, enjoying the warmth that immediately fills her stomach. "I'd check the lab. He may be working through meals- if you find him, give him a granola bar or something, will you?"
Adrian moved quickly through the lobby, his duffel bag slamming into his hip with each step as it swung on the strap he wore on his shoulder. His other hand carried his messenger bag, which threatened to take out his right knee with each step. To say he was on edge would have been a grievous understatement. He had only been gone a day or two, but now he began to worry for the projects he'd left in his lab over the weekend. He hadn't even begun to consider any of his older projects.
"Dr. Mason!" He heard the call somewhere to his side, causing him to practically screech to a halt. "Your...um...your badge, sir." A woman behind the front desk pointed feebly at a scanner, wincing subtly. He fumbled for the badge, dropping his carry-on in the meantime as his duffel bag slid down and caught sharply on his elbow.
He scanned with a bit of a pained huff and readjusted himself as he continued to the elevator, resuming his long, hurried strides. Adrian scanned his ID once more to unlock the elevator and promptly pounded his index and middle fingers into the elevator button.
"Come on..." he groaned until the door finally opened up and he could slid in. From inside, he pressed the floor of his office - level 3. And now the doors closed, and he could finally...breathe. Adrian gathered himself, began to plan his first jobs, and left the elevator when it dinged open. He had figured it all out - how to best avoid people, their questioning stares. Dr. Harding had died the night he left, and people were begging for answers.
He might have made it to his office without being intercepted. And then he ran into Celeste - quite literally.
"Uh...y-yeah, yeah I'm fine," he stammered, drawing away under Celeste's intense gaze, pressing into the archway of the elevator before the door closed and he was forced to step forward, back into Celeste. He rubbed at the back of his neck quickly, clearing his throat as he looked to the side.
"It's fine, you're fine," Adrian assured quickly, a bit more sharply than may have been appropriate. But Celeste kept talking, going off more quickly than Adrian supposed anyone had ever spoken to him. Except for maybe himself when he needed to leave a situation. Like now.
"Terrible." He had to cut his statement short, however, as he tossed his head to the side and coughed. As he turned back to Celeste, he sniffled lightly. "Never...really liked public transportation." Wait a minute. What was he doing? Generating small talk wasn't something he did. Not when he had somewhere to be, damn it. But something about that smile, that way that Celeste watched him eagerly. Had anyone ever watched him so intently - or, rather, so genuinely?
Again, he coughed and rubbed at his eyes now. "Not much time to sleep either." God, something about that grin. He could feel blood rising in his face now as he tried to edge out from his position against the elevator. "Well - uh - I should...go...see my things."
Brilliant, you idiot. Absolutely brilliant.
"Do you suppose we could visit Meadow first?"
David looked up from the clipboard on his lap, which he'd balanced on the suitcase that rested on his thighs. He'd checked Margot into the facility multiple times, and each time, he had another stack of paperwork to file. He knew it was only a matter of time before he could no longer get his daughter below the lobby, but until that day, he'd continue filing as many medical forms as he had to.
"Yeah...uh...are you on any new medicines?" he asked, looking up briefly from his form and looking around for Margot. The young girl had taken to walking in a slow circle around his wheelchair, swinging her arms back and forth impatiently.
"Dunno," she mumbled, coming to a stop now as she looked at David in exasperation. This happened every time. Why couldn't he do this before she got here? He was wasting the time she got to spend exploring. "You could ask Mom." David made a face, tapping the pen against his packet of papers.
"Let's not bring your mother into this, got it?" He filled in "unknown" for now, telling himself he'd go back and fix that when he knew. With that, he slammed his pen down on the paper and smiled down at Margot. ”Come on then, you. We’ve got to turn this in.”
David wheeled himself over to the front desk and dropped the papers off before any questions could be asked. Margot trailed behind, slinging her backpack onto her shoulders as her father continued making his way towards the elevator. Truly, she loved these visits here - even if she could never speak of it when she went back home. Long ago, her father had fabricated stories she'd be able to tell when her mother asked. And, boy, did she ask.
But Margot wouldn't tell, she couldn't tell. Then she wouldn't be able to come back, and God knew when she'd next see her father. She'd asked her mother once why Dad didn't visit them, and Adele had just laughed to herself before cutting off. She wouldn't sink so low as to insult David in front of her daughter. And yet sometimes she couldn't help herself.
"Well, we'll drop your bags off and then-" David began to speak as they entered the elevator, after he'd scanned his ID.
"You said I could see Meadow," Margot shot back, crossing her arms over her chest now.
"I did?" Oh God, what else did I agree to? "Uh, yeah, I did. Let's go drop off-" But Margot had already pressed the button to Meadow's floor, determined to reclaim as much of her visit as he'd stolen while completing the paperwork. David sighed and rubbed at his temple. "You can't do this, Margot. Things are different here now - I'm in charge of you, damn it." His Scottish accent grew more intense as his voice raised in pitch slightly, sounding more like a complaint than scolding.
When the doors opened, she started to step out, but he wheeled in front of her, sliding out an arm to push her slightly back behind him. But she stopped moving without his guidance and, instead, David rolled himself into Des.
"Ah, good morning, you two," he greeted, grinning up at the pair as Margot watched from behind the wheelchair. He moved back slightly and turned in his seat to look at Margot. "Margot, this is Desmond." Now, he looked back up at the metallic man. "And this is Margot, my daughter."
"Uh...hi," the young girl said quickly, slowly stepping out front behind the wheelchair. "Nice to...meet you." She held out a hand for a moment and then pulled it back, not entirely sure she wanted to shake his metallic hand.
A collab between Demai and Inuiri
As soon as the elevator doors opened, Des had taken a step forward--only to quickly take three back, not wanting to accidentally crush the staffmember and the child he assumed was his daughter. An apology immediately slipped out, and he shifted Meadow a little. She was better with people than he was, and on instinct, he did his best to make himself a little smaller. That want was exacerbated by how the little girl looked at him.
Meadow, on the other hand, had the exact opposite reaction, lurching forward at the sight of them. “Margot!” She squealed gleefully, slipping from Des’ arms and holding his hand, leading him forward with a smile, bumping his arm with her forehead to get him to shake her hand.
Des was terribly torn, between the fact that Margot was literally sidling behind the wheelchair to avoid him and Meadow’s exuberance. The girl did not want to shake his hand, and Meadow was now nudging him. He looked at the latter with a helpless expression, and then hesitated before offering his normal hand as Margot reached forward, a little hope rising up in his chest. She took her hand back quickly, and that hope fizzled out promptly. He drew his back before he could touch her, whispering an apology. “Nice to meet you too.” He said softly, smiling a little at her. And for once, his voice didn’t scrape or anything
Meadow frowned a tiny bit at the awkwardness, hugging his metal arm tight to show him how much she loved it if Margot didn’t. She reached forward a little so she didn’t have to release Des, hugging Margot with one arm and grinning. “I missed you!” The ginger chirped happily. “Dezzy is the best in the world and he’s the sweetest.” She declared.
Des’ chest warmed at Meadow’s actions, and he was terribly grateful for her. He leaned down, resting his head on hers for a moment before straightening a little once more, blushing at Meadow’s response. She thought he was the sweetest? He curled his metal fingers a little, squeezing her hand gently. His actions earned a little giggle from the hybrid, leaning up to bump her forehead to his, nuzzling their noses together and tucking herself into his side as she looked back to David and Margot expectantly.
Meadow, on the other hand, had the exact opposite reaction, lurching forward at the sight of them. “Margot!” She squealed gleefully, slipping from Des’ arms and holding his hand, leading him forward with a smile, bumping his arm with her forehead to get him to shake her hand.
Des was terribly torn, between the fact that Margot was literally sidling behind the wheelchair to avoid him and Meadow’s exuberance. The girl did not want to shake his hand, and Meadow was now nudging him. He looked at the latter with a helpless expression, and then hesitated before offering his normal hand as Margot reached forward, a little hope rising up in his chest. She took her hand back quickly, and that hope fizzled out promptly. He drew his back before he could touch her, whispering an apology. “Nice to meet you too.” He said softly, smiling a little at her. And for once, his voice didn’t scrape or anything
Meadow frowned a tiny bit at the awkwardness, hugging his metal arm tight to show him how much she loved it if Margot didn’t. She reached forward a little so she didn’t have to release Des, hugging Margot with one arm and grinning. “I missed you!” The ginger chirped happily. “Dezzy is the best in the world and he’s the sweetest.” She declared.
Des’ chest warmed at Meadow’s actions, and he was terribly grateful for her. He leaned down, resting his head on hers for a moment before straightening a little once more, blushing at Meadow’s response. She thought he was the sweetest? He curled his metal fingers a little, squeezing her hand gently. His actions earned a little giggle from the hybrid, leaning up to bump her forehead to his, nuzzling their noses together and tucking herself into his side as she looked back to David and Margot expectantly.
Dr. harmer hated dealing with the social repercussions of such sticky situations. He was sure that the next Harmer christmas would not be the same. He loved Blaire dearly, but there came a limit. Putting his work and his friends in danger was something that Declan couldn’t deal with. Perhaps the best method was to face the problem head on and confront Adrian about it. Surely if he spoke with the boss, before Blaire did anything unforgivable, Declan might be pardoned. It wasn’t a solid plan, especially since Declan had no idea how Adrian would react. Declan had no problem with the man, but he wasn't exactly on friendly terms with the pompous genius.
A crack of stressed out knuckles popped through the hallway as Declan paced through the facility. He just needed to walk around a little bit before continuing with his studies... Or his life, really. And Blaire. God forbid that Declan stumbleupon Blaire, who would undoubtedly be chirping away with one of his co-workers, pretending to be their friend.
Declan swiftly turned and took the stairs to the floor where his personal office was. Perhaps he would find solace in the work he had there. Reaching his hologram projector Declan decided to continue with Project U.
A couple of weeks ago, while Declan was going through the 3D scans of the
Declan shuffled through his desk, trying to find a collection of felt tip markers. Once they were located he stripped the plastic covers, leaving them with just a rubber wrapping around the ink soaked felt. Dr. Harmer wasn’t afraid that Pandora would kill herself, but he always tried to err on the side of caution. The markers were a bit flimsy, but it was better than nothing. He also decided to bring some printer paper. Markers weren’t the best medium, as far as Declan could tell, but he didn’t have anything else. For himself, he grabbed his water bottle, a couple of pens, and his paperwork on a clipboard.
Taking the stairs, Declan descended into the depths of Plumeria. This would only be his third time visiting Pandora, and he had yet to actually enter her room. He spoke with her through a large glass wall, observing her, and making notes. Declan’s goal was to comprise a study of how patient treatment effects their disease, or in this case, their mutation. He wanted to prove to the facility that these patients were more than science experiments, that they were people and needed to treated as such.
Showing his badge to the security guards Declan approached the glass. Only the sound of the fading guard's footsteps were present when Dr. Harmer clicked the microphone on. “Pandora,” he lulled in his soft Irish accent, “I’ve something for you.”
“It’s a wonder that man is still breathing, the way he endlessly works.” Blaire commented. It was a silly thing for her to say, considering that she was actually pursuing two full time jobs. She was working and living in a world renowned facility while chipping away at all the dirty little secrets. Just thinking about her mission sent a shiver down her spine. Her cause and the way she was literally in the field for her writing was a triumphant feeling. Starting to eat her single (and regrettable) slice of bacon she fantasised about the day her Plumeria story would be published. All of her hard work would come to light and thousands of people would know her name. The fame and glory really were what kept her moving forward. If Blaire was writing for a cause that wouldn’t give her a name, she would have quit out of boredom by now.
“Say,” Blaire began cautiously, “what have you been working on lately, Victoria?” It wasn’t uncommon for the staff to converse about projects they were working on, especially if they were small and seemingly insignificant. Even so, Blaire thought that since they were under the same oath of confidentiality it wouldn’t harm them if they shared a couple stories here and there. “That is,” she took a casual drink of the water she had before continuing her sentence. “That is if you can tell me.”
A quirky smile grew on her face as her ears opened in anticipation.
Celeste frowned, murmuring another apology when he made him miss the elevator, smacking his forehead and smiling nervously. God why was Adrian so damn cute when he was awkward? That was all the time though…
His eyes lit up horribly so when he actually responded. God he couldn’t remember the last time he actually had small talk with the man. He grinned and chuckled softly, ducking his head down as he laughed. “I wish I could travel.” He said softly, “Too busy.” And not enough money… But that really wasn’t ok to bring up to your boss. "Flying has to be better than the bus at least." He went on playfully, leaning on the cart now and resting his chin on his hand, watching him almost like a schoolgirl with a crush. Like he wasn't exactly that anyway...
"Right, of course. Sorry." A frown graced his lips as Celeste murmured the little apology. He really did look out of it… His eyes widened a little as he pulled back, moving the cart back and nodding. “Have a nice day Dr. Mason.” He told him gently, chocolate eyes gazing at the man in adoration before he headed off down the hall towards one of the other elevators, not wanting to bother him further. He glanced back once more, unable to help himself as he grinned and waved, "And get some sleep too! You work too hard!" Celeste called just before he reached the corner, laughing softly to himself when he turned and disappeared from sight.
His eyes lit up horribly so when he actually responded. God he couldn’t remember the last time he actually had small talk with the man. He grinned and chuckled softly, ducking his head down as he laughed. “I wish I could travel.” He said softly, “Too busy.” And not enough money… But that really wasn’t ok to bring up to your boss. "Flying has to be better than the bus at least." He went on playfully, leaning on the cart now and resting his chin on his hand, watching him almost like a schoolgirl with a crush. Like he wasn't exactly that anyway...
"Right, of course. Sorry." A frown graced his lips as Celeste murmured the little apology. He really did look out of it… His eyes widened a little as he pulled back, moving the cart back and nodding. “Have a nice day Dr. Mason.” He told him gently, chocolate eyes gazing at the man in adoration before he headed off down the hall towards one of the other elevators, not wanting to bother him further. He glanced back once more, unable to help himself as he grinned and waved, "And get some sleep too! You work too hard!" Celeste called just before he reached the corner, laughing softly to himself when he turned and disappeared from sight.
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Collectibles
By creating Collectibles, you can reward your players with unique items that accentuate their character sheets.
Once an Item has been created, it can be spawned in the IC using /spawn Item Name (case-sensitive, as usual) — this can be followed with /take Item Name to retrieve the item into the current character's inventory.
Mobs
Give your Universe life by adding a Mob, which are auto-replenishing NPCs your players can interact with. Useful for some quick hack-and-slash fun!
Mobs can be automated spawns, like rats and bats, or full-on NPCs complete with conversation menus. Use them to enhance your player experience!
Current Mobs
No mobs have been created yet.
Spawns
Locations where Mobs and Items might appear.
Events
You can schedule events for your players to create notifications and schedule times for everyone to plan around.
The Forge
Use your INK to craft new artifacts in Plumeria Research Facility. Once created, Items cannot be changed, but they can be bought and sold in the marketplace.
Notable Items
No items have been created yet!
The Market
Buy, sell, and even craft your own items in this universe.
Market DataMarket conditions are Quick Buy (Items Most Recently Listed for Sale) |
Open Stores
View All » Add Character » 16 Characters to follow in this universe
Newest
Celeste Estrada
"Just keep swimming."
Charles Grayson Reid III
"How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it!"
Pandora
"Lest affection spoil the child."
Frederick Atkins
"It's what your parents would have wanted."
Caspian "Cas"
"I'm patient. I can wait."
Blaire Harmer
"Manipulative is a silly way of thinking about it..."
Declan Harmer
"People are just people."
David Graham
"No use crying over spilled milk...or blood?"
Victoria Enders
"It does not steal away my brain. I give it willingly."
Guinevere Woods
A girl who signed up willingly, an attempt at creating organic armor
Trending
Frederick Atkins
"It's what your parents would have wanted."
Celeste Estrada
"Just keep swimming."
Victoria Enders
"It does not steal away my brain. I give it willingly."
Guinevere Woods
A girl who signed up willingly, an attempt at creating organic armor
David Graham
"No use crying over spilled milk...or blood?"
Meadow
Result of genetic splicing with avian DNA
Declan Harmer
"People are just people."
Adrian Mason
"'One is always alone' - and, frankly, it's better that way"
Caspian "Cas"
"I'm patient. I can wait."
Blaire Harmer
"Manipulative is a silly way of thinking about it..."
Most Followed
Desmond "Des" Shepard
The sweetest cyborg you will ever meet.
Meadow
Result of genetic splicing with avian DNA
Blaire Harmer
"Manipulative is a silly way of thinking about it..."
Celeste Estrada
"Just keep swimming."
Victoria Enders
"It does not steal away my brain. I give it willingly."
Adrian Mason
"'One is always alone' - and, frankly, it's better that way"
Charles Grayson Reid III
"How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it!"
David Graham
"No use crying over spilled milk...or blood?"
Caspian "Cas"
"I'm patient. I can wait."
Guinevere Woods
A girl who signed up willingly, an attempt at creating organic armor
Fullscreen Chat » Create Topic » Plumeria Research Facility: Out of Character
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Plumeria Research Facility
by Scarlet Loup on Thu Jun 09, 2016 4:45 pm
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- Last post by Vilzzex
on Sat Jul 02, 2016 6:27 am
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Plumeria Research Facility
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by Scarlet Loup on Thu Jun 09, 2016 5:09 pm
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- Last post by Scarlet Loup
on Thu Jun 09, 2016 5:09 pm
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