Jin chuckled but nodded "Definitely rules and maybe a disclaimer before they begin. Just to be safe."
He was warm, comfortable and in good company; Jin fought to keep his eyes open. Smiling down at Mara and her question, he said. "This is quite cozy. I'm content." She apologized for waking him up and he laughed. "You're company is always welcome. Please, come wake me up any time."
Jin watched her flipping through the various channels on the menu and stopping on the animated film.
"Its about an evil genius? What's not to love about that?"
The beginning of the movie started with a bunch of people getting off a bus in Egypt. Jin wheezed behind Mara "Imhotep....Imhotep..." He stopped,expecting an elbow to the stomach at any moment.
Mid-day Pajama Party
Mara opened the door to her room, looked both ways although this wing of the manor was largely unoccupied and she didn't expect to see anyone, and then closed her door. She shifted and moved down the hallway, trotting softly past Amir's suite and making her way down the stairs toward the first floor and the opposite side of the Manor.
She had returned here with Jin two nights ago and hidden herself away in her usually vacant suite, but she had to admit that even here in the safety of the Manor she was jumping at shadows. She hadn't fed and she hadn't slept and she was growing desperate.
She couldn't go to Amir without giving away the fact that something was wrong, and then he would wring the whole story out of her. She had no other friends at Heolfor, save the one she had been struggling to avoid bothering. Poor Jin. He was going to regret having anything to do with her, most likely. She was trying very hard not to be needy, whiny, and clingy.
And yet, as she padded silently past the suite belonging to Elder Mai and arrived at the one next to it that was Jin's, she very much needed to relax for just a few minutes. She would leave soon if Jin seemed put out... but a break from being a nervous wreck was required.
Shifting back, Mara tapped lightly at Jin's door. When it opened quickly she immediately felt slightly worse, for it was clear she'd woken him judging by the open and hastily thrown on robe he wore over a simple pair of boxers. His hair was tied back behind him somewhere and Mara briefly wondered where it had gone before realizing that.
Glancing down she shuffled her feet a little. "I can't sleep," she mumbled, her cheeks growing red.
((ooc: description supplied by tiger-man 
))
Jin
13 years ago
Mara
13 years ago
"Be careful what you wish for," Mara cautioned Jin with a soft, slightly mischievous smile. He might want to rescind that offer, given the way she was sleeping lately, which was 'not much at all.' Besides, she reflected, given the choice she'd prefer not to have to start by waking him up. She flushed a little; she could hardly invite him to simply spend the night with her.
With the movie starting in its cartoon version of Egypt Mara was already amused. Jin's added wheeze behind her caused a spontaneous giggle to bubble forth from her lips. She turned her head, quickly, and bit him gently and playfully wherever she could reach which turned out to be the muscle of his chest. She gave a cat-like little growl, pale eyes sparkling up at him, before releasing him and saying, "I can see we're going to have to work on your vocabulary."
Meanwhile the little boy in the movie bounced off an inflatable pyramid while Mara chuckled. "I wonder if they got in trouble for giving way state secrets."
With the movie starting in its cartoon version of Egypt Mara was already amused. Jin's added wheeze behind her caused a spontaneous giggle to bubble forth from her lips. She turned her head, quickly, and bit him gently and playfully wherever she could reach which turned out to be the muscle of his chest. She gave a cat-like little growl, pale eyes sparkling up at him, before releasing him and saying, "I can see we're going to have to work on your vocabulary."
Meanwhile the little boy in the movie bounced off an inflatable pyramid while Mara chuckled. "I wonder if they got in trouble for giving way state secrets."
Jin
13 years ago
Jin sincerely hoped that the rest of that saying occurred. Lack of sleep was a small price to pay to spend time with Mara and if he could be of any help to her then it made him happy to do so. He had a job to do here and he probably could not stay up every day but at the moment he was not thinking much about how his lack of sleep might cause him problems. If there was a way to make Mara happy and do his job then he would definitely seek out that option.
"When you see new locks on the door, then worry. Otherwise I can safely say that you are welcome any time."
He laughed out loud and jerked a hand up to protect himself from further biting by the dangerous feline.
"Mercy!" Jin chuckled and gestured in surrender. "You will have to teach me then."
They got to see the child bounce off the pyramid that had been replaced by one that was inflated. "The problem with starter pyramids is that they lack durability. I am sure that plastic funerary buildings were all the rage in 2070 BC but they fell out of fashion fairly quickly for that reason."
"When you see new locks on the door, then worry. Otherwise I can safely say that you are welcome any time."
He laughed out loud and jerked a hand up to protect himself from further biting by the dangerous feline.
"Mercy!" Jin chuckled and gestured in surrender. "You will have to teach me then."
They got to see the child bounce off the pyramid that had been replaced by one that was inflated. "The problem with starter pyramids is that they lack durability. I am sure that plastic funerary buildings were all the rage in 2070 BC but they fell out of fashion fairly quickly for that reason."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara suffered momentary worry as she realized she had not noticed the current locks on Jin's door, so she couldn't make a comparison. That would be remedied on a run-by later. Only a few moments after that did it occur to her that he was joking. She looked up at him innocently and smiled. "I can pick locks," she said sweetly.
When Jin yanked his hand up for the sake of protection, Mara gently tugged it back down, kissed the spot she'd bitten (however softly), and placed his hand back in its previous spot around her. Then she wriggled her shoulders a little as if settling in again. "I somehow don't think you require further education," she said.
Mara laughed at Jin's sense of humor, which she had to admit she found slightly surprising in a good way. "They did go by the wayside very quickly once we realized how easily they melt. We tried beanbag pyramids but people just kept falling asleep on them and no one ever got any work done."
She shook her head in mock sadness. "No, it was back to good old reliable stone for us."
When Jin yanked his hand up for the sake of protection, Mara gently tugged it back down, kissed the spot she'd bitten (however softly), and placed his hand back in its previous spot around her. Then she wriggled her shoulders a little as if settling in again. "I somehow don't think you require further education," she said.
Mara laughed at Jin's sense of humor, which she had to admit she found slightly surprising in a good way. "They did go by the wayside very quickly once we realized how easily they melt. We tried beanbag pyramids but people just kept falling asleep on them and no one ever got any work done."
She shook her head in mock sadness. "No, it was back to good old reliable stone for us."
Jin
13 years ago
"I see... " Jin smiled and looked thoughtful. " I would say more drastic measures might be needed but honestly I can't imagine ever wanting to keep you out of my room."
At the tiny kiss in recompense for the playful biting, he sighed softly. "I think I might have to butcher Egyptian more often. " Nuzzling the tip of her ear with his nose he whispered, "unless you're willing to kiss me for other reasons and then I won't have to slaughter a noble language.
He would admit to not paying much attention to the television. The shouts of "freeze ray" made him look up to see a whole line of people frozen while Gru walked to the front of the line for some coffee.
"Hmm, that's handy. I want one." He knew just the guy to talk to. Jin smiled thinking Artemis needed to see this movie. A few minutes later he changed his mind when Vector came up with a piranha launcher. Never mind, the man might try to make that as well, just to see if he could.
At the tiny kiss in recompense for the playful biting, he sighed softly. "I think I might have to butcher Egyptian more often. " Nuzzling the tip of her ear with his nose he whispered, "unless you're willing to kiss me for other reasons and then I won't have to slaughter a noble language.
He would admit to not paying much attention to the television. The shouts of "freeze ray" made him look up to see a whole line of people frozen while Gru walked to the front of the line for some coffee.
"Hmm, that's handy. I want one." He knew just the guy to talk to. Jin smiled thinking Artemis needed to see this movie. A few minutes later he changed his mind when Vector came up with a piranha launcher. Never mind, the man might try to make that as well, just to see if he could.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara looked up at Jin and raised her eyebrows. She could feel her face growing warm but Jin's words weren't entirely a surprise. She would be lying if she said she clearly remembered everything that had occurred two nights previous, but she did remember that. The words weren't unwelcome either, in spite of the shock she'd felt at his sushi deal.
As he nuzzled her ear Mara smiled and shivered pleasantly at the sensation. The touch was welcome, too. Mara trusted Jin; being close to him in this manner was all right, even with what had happened recently. The ideas associated with it; love, affection, something lasting - those frightened her. Amir had said it best though and Mara remembered the lesson. If you were to do something, do it with a whole heart.
Careful not to push on Jin or knee him anywhere uncomfortable, Mara turned over. Now, instead of lying with her back against Jin's chest, she was lying stretched out on her stomach. She crossed her arms on Jin's chest and rested her chin on them, looking up at him. "You're so selfless," she said with a mischievous smile. "The things you'll do to keep my noble language intact. Egypt thanks you for your sacrifice."
She regarded Jin thoughtfully for a few moments. "What other reasons would you consider sufficient? Assuming I were willing, of course." Her expression clearly conveyed her humor; she didn't want Jin to think for a moment she was unwilling. Hesitant, yes, but she thought he understood her well enough to know why.
Mara glanced over at the TV and decided they were going to have to go back a scene or two. She had very nearly lost the thread of the movie. And, to be honest with herself, Jin was far more interesting. But she did have to laugh. "What would you freeze with it?"
As he nuzzled her ear Mara smiled and shivered pleasantly at the sensation. The touch was welcome, too. Mara trusted Jin; being close to him in this manner was all right, even with what had happened recently. The ideas associated with it; love, affection, something lasting - those frightened her. Amir had said it best though and Mara remembered the lesson. If you were to do something, do it with a whole heart.
Careful not to push on Jin or knee him anywhere uncomfortable, Mara turned over. Now, instead of lying with her back against Jin's chest, she was lying stretched out on her stomach. She crossed her arms on Jin's chest and rested her chin on them, looking up at him. "You're so selfless," she said with a mischievous smile. "The things you'll do to keep my noble language intact. Egypt thanks you for your sacrifice."
She regarded Jin thoughtfully for a few moments. "What other reasons would you consider sufficient? Assuming I were willing, of course." Her expression clearly conveyed her humor; she didn't want Jin to think for a moment she was unwilling. Hesitant, yes, but she thought he understood her well enough to know why.
Mara glanced over at the TV and decided they were going to have to go back a scene or two. She had very nearly lost the thread of the movie. And, to be honest with herself, Jin was far more interesting. But she did have to laugh. "What would you freeze with it?"
Jin
13 years ago
Jin watched as Mara turned herself over and rested on his chest once more. He was now very acutely aware of how little there was between them. That intoxicating fact, along with amused pearl coloured eyes watching him closely was enough to distract him completely.
He bit his lip and looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully in order to answer her question. "You know normally I would think you would want to set the terms of when you would be willing to kiss and bite someone...but, I think, in the spirit of the former situation, a clever turn of phrase in other languages...." Jin grinned and interjected. "At your discretion, of course, should merit a kiss or bite."
Wrapping his arms loosely around her once more he added, "Either one, if its from you then I'm not too picky on which."
Looking back at the screen, Jin shrugged awkwardly from his position. " Hmm, the DMV line comes to mind."
Returning to their earlier and much more interesting conversation, he said. "And making sushi. You have to admit that making sushi for you deserves a kiss." Jin gave her a pleased smile.
He bit his lip and looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully in order to answer her question. "You know normally I would think you would want to set the terms of when you would be willing to kiss and bite someone...but, I think, in the spirit of the former situation, a clever turn of phrase in other languages...." Jin grinned and interjected. "At your discretion, of course, should merit a kiss or bite."
Wrapping his arms loosely around her once more he added, "Either one, if its from you then I'm not too picky on which."
Looking back at the screen, Jin shrugged awkwardly from his position. " Hmm, the DMV line comes to mind."
Returning to their earlier and much more interesting conversation, he said. "And making sushi. You have to admit that making sushi for you deserves a kiss." Jin gave her a pleased smile.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara laughed softly. "I think we can come to a mutual agreement," she said. "And if the someone is you, which I should hope will always be the case, I think my terms might be... a little on the ambiguous side."
There were certainly a few fuzzy gray areas in this set of rules. Because Mara was very attracted to Jin. She couldn't think of a circumstance in which she wouldn't want to kiss him.
His comment about the DMV line drew another laugh from her and she lowered her head to rub her nose against his chest again, this time pressing her lips to his warm skin affectionately.
"You haven't made me sushi yet," she pointed out. "So by my count, Does that mean I owe you... one? For the clever turn of phrase, of course."
She was speaking softly, having raised her head slightly after kissing Jin's chest. her lips were already very close to his and it would not be difficult to cover the remaining small distance. She met his eyes though, smiling into them, and slowly moved her arms from their crossed position on his chest, to wrap them over his shoulders and around his neck. Lowering her head once more she rubbed her cheek to his.
"I have to admit, I don't like owing."
There were certainly a few fuzzy gray areas in this set of rules. Because Mara was very attracted to Jin. She couldn't think of a circumstance in which she wouldn't want to kiss him.
His comment about the DMV line drew another laugh from her and she lowered her head to rub her nose against his chest again, this time pressing her lips to his warm skin affectionately.
"You haven't made me sushi yet," she pointed out. "So by my count, Does that mean I owe you... one? For the clever turn of phrase, of course."
She was speaking softly, having raised her head slightly after kissing Jin's chest. her lips were already very close to his and it would not be difficult to cover the remaining small distance. She met his eyes though, smiling into them, and slowly moved her arms from their crossed position on his chest, to wrap them over his shoulders and around his neck. Lowering her head once more she rubbed her cheek to his.
"I have to admit, I don't like owing."
Jin
13 years ago
"Hmm, I hope its always me also." Jin smiled but didn't think he would like the thought of her being so intimate with other people. "Kissing random strangers for their clever words might get you arrested."
Giving her a little squeeze, he grinned and added "I promise to bail you out though...for a kiss, of course." He was beginning to like this barter system.
She pointed out that he had not made her sushi and he nodded slightly "Its definitely on the to do list now." He received a gentle kiss for his earlier words, which made him smile. Now, with an affectionate rub on the cheek, she was telling him that she didn't like to owe things.
Mara was slow close that he was afraid to blink lest he find that she had moved away. Regarding her carefully he replied "It is best to keep on top of these things." He leaned his head forward to place his lips within an inch of her own. "You wouldn't want to fall behind."
Giving her a little squeeze, he grinned and added "I promise to bail you out though...for a kiss, of course." He was beginning to like this barter system.
She pointed out that he had not made her sushi and he nodded slightly "Its definitely on the to do list now." He received a gentle kiss for his earlier words, which made him smile. Now, with an affectionate rub on the cheek, she was telling him that she didn't like to owe things.
Mara was slow close that he was afraid to blink lest he find that she had moved away. Regarding her carefully he replied "It is best to keep on top of these things." He leaned his head forward to place his lips within an inch of her own. "You wouldn't want to fall behind."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara shook her head vigorously at Jin. She had no desire to kiss any random strangers; in fact the idea of it made her shudder a bit. If she could have gotten closer to Jin then, she would have. As it was she was acutely aware of what wasn't currently between them. And it wasn't very much as far as fabric went.
"Oh, my," she said solemnly. "It could get expensive for you, then, because I can be pretty demanding."
She had a brief mental image of the many, many ways she could get herself arrested. The possibilities were dizzying.
"It might be easier if we just dropped the whole trade-off," she suggested. "Maybe, you can just assume that I'm all sorts of trouble. All the time. So hypothetically, I'll always need bailing out. And I might just always be in debt."
She flashed a little grin at him and nodded at the to-do list. Mara could think of many things to add to it, but it would have to happen later. Currently, she was rapidly becoming enthralled with Jin's closeness. Sure, they'd kissed before but... somehow, this was different.
Mara looked down for a moment. "I think I'm sufficiently on top of things," she remarked. When she looked back Jin was closer. Perfectly close. Mara shook her head. "No. I wouldn't want to..."
She wasn't sure if she moved first or he did, but she felt his arms tighten around her waist as their lips met and all flirtations were rendered unnecessary and impossible. Mara closed her eyes and sighed into Jin's kiss, her entire body melting on top of his, her arms wrapped around his neck supporting his head.
"Oh, my," she said solemnly. "It could get expensive for you, then, because I can be pretty demanding."
She had a brief mental image of the many, many ways she could get herself arrested. The possibilities were dizzying.
"It might be easier if we just dropped the whole trade-off," she suggested. "Maybe, you can just assume that I'm all sorts of trouble. All the time. So hypothetically, I'll always need bailing out. And I might just always be in debt."
She flashed a little grin at him and nodded at the to-do list. Mara could think of many things to add to it, but it would have to happen later. Currently, she was rapidly becoming enthralled with Jin's closeness. Sure, they'd kissed before but... somehow, this was different.
Mara looked down for a moment. "I think I'm sufficiently on top of things," she remarked. When she looked back Jin was closer. Perfectly close. Mara shook her head. "No. I wouldn't want to..."
She wasn't sure if she moved first or he did, but she felt his arms tighten around her waist as their lips met and all flirtations were rendered unnecessary and impossible. Mara closed her eyes and sighed into Jin's kiss, her entire body melting on top of his, her arms wrapped around his neck supporting his head.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin favored Mara with a wide grin and a pair of raised eyebrows. "Demanding? That makes me curious and you already know that I tend to get into trouble when seeking answers to things."
The idea of her doing random criminal acts in order to get in trouble just to be bailed out was sweet and silly all at once. The whole bartering of kisses for good deeds might not have been the height of intellectual conversation but Jin loved every second of it.
"Yes..." He muttered softly, agreeing with her assessment of the situation "You are definitely on top of things."
Their lips had been so close together; the temptation was too great. A part of him was hesitant; Mara had been through so much recently. However he could hardly help but notice that she was flirting back and she -was- very much on top of him. Jin couldn't have said whether he bridged that tiny gulf or if Mara had done it while he was agonizing about her reaction. Either way, she didn't pull back. He let himself stop worrying.
All of his concerns disappeared with the sweet taste of her lips and the feel of her arms around him. One kiss led to another and another. He brushed his lips lightly along her neck, burying one hand in her thick dark hair, the other still holding her close. He was aware that now there was definitely more between them.
The idea of her doing random criminal acts in order to get in trouble just to be bailed out was sweet and silly all at once. The whole bartering of kisses for good deeds might not have been the height of intellectual conversation but Jin loved every second of it.
"Yes..." He muttered softly, agreeing with her assessment of the situation "You are definitely on top of things."
Their lips had been so close together; the temptation was too great. A part of him was hesitant; Mara had been through so much recently. However he could hardly help but notice that she was flirting back and she -was- very much on top of him. Jin couldn't have said whether he bridged that tiny gulf or if Mara had done it while he was agonizing about her reaction. Either way, she didn't pull back. He let himself stop worrying.
All of his concerns disappeared with the sweet taste of her lips and the feel of her arms around him. One kiss led to another and another. He brushed his lips lightly along her neck, burying one hand in her thick dark hair, the other still holding her close. He was aware that now there was definitely more between them.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara quickly dashed their silly conversation aside as Jin kissed her. Or she kissed him. Or they kissed each other... repeatedly. His mouth was soft and gentle and she felt her heartbeat speed up as his lips traveled along her neck. The sensation should have frightened her. Given what had happened recently she had thought that feeling would be repulsive to her. Far from it, though; she could have cried with joy at the realization that Jin caused her to feel nothing but pleasure radiating out from every spot his lips touched. At the feel of his hand in her hair she let out a sound that was halfway between a sigh of pleasure and a soft moan.
The fact that she was pressed so intimately against him made certain things very obvious. Mara shifted her hips a little, afraid she would hurt him if she continued to lie on top of him like this, and the sensation that caused made her blush. She moved slightly, just to the side an inch or two so that her weight was on his hip rather than more vital areas, and they sank a little further down into the couch cushions, hidden from view by the back of the couch.
Leaving one arm behind Jin's head, Mara let her other hand skim softly along his neck and down to his chest. Slipping it beneath the edge of his robe she rested it on his side, content to keep it there in contact with his warmth while she ducked her head and let her lips make their own little exploration from his jaw to his ear. It left her neck exposed to him; she could not have demonstrated her trust more clearly.
While the movie continued to play off to the side, Mara felt her lips curve up into a dreamy little smile. She sighed Jin's name into his ear with pleasure, wanting to add more, very much wanting to add more, but too focused on their present course to worry about forming coherent sentences.
The fact that she was pressed so intimately against him made certain things very obvious. Mara shifted her hips a little, afraid she would hurt him if she continued to lie on top of him like this, and the sensation that caused made her blush. She moved slightly, just to the side an inch or two so that her weight was on his hip rather than more vital areas, and they sank a little further down into the couch cushions, hidden from view by the back of the couch.
Leaving one arm behind Jin's head, Mara let her other hand skim softly along his neck and down to his chest. Slipping it beneath the edge of his robe she rested it on his side, content to keep it there in contact with his warmth while she ducked her head and let her lips make their own little exploration from his jaw to his ear. It left her neck exposed to him; she could not have demonstrated her trust more clearly.
While the movie continued to play off to the side, Mara felt her lips curve up into a dreamy little smile. She sighed Jin's name into his ear with pleasure, wanting to add more, very much wanting to add more, but too focused on their present course to worry about forming coherent sentences.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin felt another brief flash of worry when Mara moved but she merely slid to the side not away. Her hand gliding gently against his skin was raised goose bumps in its wake, he shivered slightly all his senses focused on Mara and the wonderful things she was doing to him.
The light voice softly saying his name was delightfully maddening. He moaned softly in response, tilting his head as she rained feather light kisses along his jaw. Breathing seemed somehow more difficult, and it came in shallow, ragged breaths.
His freehand slid along her back, finding its way to soft skin beneath the thin material of the camisole. Jin couldn't help but notice Mara's neck, arched invitingly in front of him. There was a swell of relief and joy that she trusted him so much, followed by a brief rush of sympathy that she should ever have felt such cruel intimacy as she had in the past. Jin bent slowly, touching his lips lightly to her skin. Dragging them slowly upward towards her ear, Jin breathed softly.
"You frighten me, Xiao Mao."
The light voice softly saying his name was delightfully maddening. He moaned softly in response, tilting his head as she rained feather light kisses along his jaw. Breathing seemed somehow more difficult, and it came in shallow, ragged breaths.
His freehand slid along her back, finding its way to soft skin beneath the thin material of the camisole. Jin couldn't help but notice Mara's neck, arched invitingly in front of him. There was a swell of relief and joy that she trusted him so much, followed by a brief rush of sympathy that she should ever have felt such cruel intimacy as she had in the past. Jin bent slowly, touching his lips lightly to her skin. Dragging them slowly upward towards her ear, Jin breathed softly.
"You frighten me, Xiao Mao."
Bao
13 years ago
It was an odd awkward time of day. To late to deal with most of Europe and too early to deal with most of Asia. But Bao had contacts and responsibilities all over the world. There was always something to be done. Today he needed to get a hold of some of his people in South America.
Usually at this time of day the media room, at least he assumed one called it a media room, was empty. Something Bao appreciated, it let him deal with more casual correspondence and enjoy either a movie or catch the news or financial reports.
He entered, fully dressed, although he did leave the coat and tie in his rooms, it wasn't necessary here. His laptop was snugly tucked under one arm and he had a cup of strong coffee in the other. The first thing he noticed was the TV was on. He found that very irresponsible, but easily fixed besides he was going to turn it on any way.
What he saw, however, caused him to stop short and narrow his eyes. Mara was his sister and while he knew that she was quite capable of taking care of her self and had assumed that she'd taken lovers before this was not typical behavior for her. This of course put Bao immediately into guard dog mode. He raised an eyebrow and politely cleared his throat.
"Good afternoon. I hope I'm not interrupting.�
Although his words and toe were polite there was a bit of force and threat behind them.
Usually at this time of day the media room, at least he assumed one called it a media room, was empty. Something Bao appreciated, it let him deal with more casual correspondence and enjoy either a movie or catch the news or financial reports.
He entered, fully dressed, although he did leave the coat and tie in his rooms, it wasn't necessary here. His laptop was snugly tucked under one arm and he had a cup of strong coffee in the other. The first thing he noticed was the TV was on. He found that very irresponsible, but easily fixed besides he was going to turn it on any way.
What he saw, however, caused him to stop short and narrow his eyes. Mara was his sister and while he knew that she was quite capable of taking care of her self and had assumed that she'd taken lovers before this was not typical behavior for her. This of course put Bao immediately into guard dog mode. He raised an eyebrow and politely cleared his throat.
"Good afternoon. I hope I'm not interrupting.�
Although his words and toe were polite there was a bit of force and threat behind them.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara was lost in the sensation of Jin's touch, the sound of his harsh breathing, the feel of his body against hers. She arched her back against his hand, giving a blissful shudder of her own as he touched her bare skin. Every light touch, every caress, drove the memories she'd been trying to escape further from her mind. Jin had been there with her even then; his presence now seemed almost natural to her, definitely desirable, the beginning of something she had never dared to try before but found herself wanting now.
Jin's lips touched her neck and she made a soft noise, something between happiness and encouragement. And then he spoke, and the words froze her. Those were not the romantic, gentle words she had thought to hear him utter.
Mara turned her head toward Jin, her lips still at his ear, her hand still lightly stroking his side. "I do what?"
And then something loomed up out of the corner of her vision and Mara yelped in shock as she realized someone else had entered the room to find them entwined on the sofa. Grabbing the blanket that covered them both from the waist down Mara yanked it up and ducked beneath it, turning her head as she did so and seeing a familiar face.
"Jin," she said, her voice muffled but quite audible beneath the blanket, "please tell me that my little brother didn't just walk in."
She realized shortly after that that her new position probably looked even worse than if she'd just stayed where she was. Mara dropped her head gently onto Jin's stomach with a soft groan.
Jin's lips touched her neck and she made a soft noise, something between happiness and encouragement. And then he spoke, and the words froze her. Those were not the romantic, gentle words she had thought to hear him utter.
Mara turned her head toward Jin, her lips still at his ear, her hand still lightly stroking his side. "I do what?"
And then something loomed up out of the corner of her vision and Mara yelped in shock as she realized someone else had entered the room to find them entwined on the sofa. Grabbing the blanket that covered them both from the waist down Mara yanked it up and ducked beneath it, turning her head as she did so and seeing a familiar face.
"Jin," she said, her voice muffled but quite audible beneath the blanket, "please tell me that my little brother didn't just walk in."
She realized shortly after that that her new position probably looked even worse than if she'd just stayed where she was. Mara dropped her head gently onto Jin's stomach with a soft groan.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin knew that he needed to explain his statement. It wouldn't take long to make it very clear what he meant and why he said it. Mara would most likely understand what he was feeling. He just wanted her to know that this was something special to him and that he was somewhat frightened by the possibilities. Perhaps she felt the same; he couldn't believe that he was the only one finding himself carried along on a tide of emotion that seemed to be sweeping him up at a speed well beyond his control.
"This...us...He frowned, did he hear something? Looking down at Mara, he put the background noise out of his mind. That is until someone spoke. Jin glanced up to see Bao standing in the entrance. The man's expression gave away very little of his thoughts about the scene he just walked in upon. However, Jin was well versed in the art of the poker face and knew that it could be concealing all kinds of emotion.
For Jin's part, he was now frustrated and a bit embarrassed. He supposed they should have taken their mid day activities else where but it did not seem appropriate or necessary in the beginning.
Movement made him look down and both eyebrows rose as he regarded the top of Mara's head. The rest of her was covered by the blanket. Muffled words requested that he lie to her about her relative's appearance.
"I'm sorry, Mara. I feel that I should be honest." Looking up at Bao, he gave the man an awkward shrug. "In both cases."
Jin couldn't help but chuckle at her groan; he had to admit he felt the very same. Giving her a reassuring squeeze. he looked up at Bao.
"The answer to your question would be, yes. I don't think there is anyway to say that three would be company at the current moment. However, there is no harm done."
Ducking his head just beneath the blanket, he said softly, "And, I must confess your little brother is in the room."
"This...us...He frowned, did he hear something? Looking down at Mara, he put the background noise out of his mind. That is until someone spoke. Jin glanced up to see Bao standing in the entrance. The man's expression gave away very little of his thoughts about the scene he just walked in upon. However, Jin was well versed in the art of the poker face and knew that it could be concealing all kinds of emotion.
For Jin's part, he was now frustrated and a bit embarrassed. He supposed they should have taken their mid day activities else where but it did not seem appropriate or necessary in the beginning.
Movement made him look down and both eyebrows rose as he regarded the top of Mara's head. The rest of her was covered by the blanket. Muffled words requested that he lie to her about her relative's appearance.
"I'm sorry, Mara. I feel that I should be honest." Looking up at Bao, he gave the man an awkward shrug. "In both cases."
Jin couldn't help but chuckle at her groan; he had to admit he felt the very same. Giving her a reassuring squeeze. he looked up at Bao.
"The answer to your question would be, yes. I don't think there is anyway to say that three would be company at the current moment. However, there is no harm done."
Ducking his head just beneath the blanket, he said softly, "And, I must confess your little brother is in the room."
Bao
13 years ago
Perhaps this was a bit more consensual than he had at first suspected. Still it bothered Bao to see Mara in such a position. And that bother was directed at Jin. Not that you would ever know it he wasn't ready to tip his hand just yet, a great deal hung on Mara's reaction and not the apparently shy, modest and demure response she'd just shown him.
"I am afraid he did dear sister. Although, I must say that blanket does nothing for you."
There was almost a smile in his voice as he spoke to his sibling. Just because she was the elder didn't mean he wasn't protective of her and extremely fond of and respectful besides. He disliked the idea of anyone taking advantage of her in so public a setting.
Calmly he held Jin's gaze, without blinking. It could be a rather unsettling and was a tactic he'd use to shake additional information and opinions lose from people. He let one side of his mouth quirk up n a faint half smile. It was, however, debatable if the expression was sincere.
"I believe the expression is three is a crowd."
It was almost a dare. Bao was half taunting Jin into asking him to leave.
"Perhaps the movie is not to your liking?"
It was an innocent question.
"I am afraid he did dear sister. Although, I must say that blanket does nothing for you."
There was almost a smile in his voice as he spoke to his sibling. Just because she was the elder didn't mean he wasn't protective of her and extremely fond of and respectful besides. He disliked the idea of anyone taking advantage of her in so public a setting.
Calmly he held Jin's gaze, without blinking. It could be a rather unsettling and was a tactic he'd use to shake additional information and opinions lose from people. He let one side of his mouth quirk up n a faint half smile. It was, however, debatable if the expression was sincere.
"I believe the expression is three is a crowd."
It was almost a dare. Bao was half taunting Jin into asking him to leave.
"Perhaps the movie is not to your liking?"
It was an innocent question.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara was dying. Not only had Jin's words before Bao's inconvenient interruption worried her, but being caught in such a position by her dour little brother made her feel like her hand had been (and maybe still was, if she didn't come out) caught in the cookie jar. But what a cookie.
Mara popped her head out from under the blanket when Jin's face appeared beneath it. Shooting a little glare over to Bao she carefully slid herself back up alongside Jin, bringing the blanket with her, stubbornly refusing to look as if she had been doing something wrong.
If she'd been shapeshifted she would have wrapped her tail primly around her and washed her face with a paw. As it was she nestled up to Jin and brushed her hair from her face, rolling her eyes a little bit at Bao when he went all 'grr, argh' at Jin.
"Three isn't a crowd if three sits over there on that side of the sofa," Mara said with righteous big sister wickedness, nodding her chin to the other end of the U-shaped couch. "And maybe we could start the movie over again."
She favored Bao now with a very innocent expression. "We might have missed an important plot point or two. Have some popcorn."
Mara laid her head on Jin's shoulder, wrapping an arm around his waist and squeezing. He was too good, really. Was there any situation he didn't handle calmly? Oh yes... all right. A few. But in most things, he was a rock. Totally.
Mara popped her head out from under the blanket when Jin's face appeared beneath it. Shooting a little glare over to Bao she carefully slid herself back up alongside Jin, bringing the blanket with her, stubbornly refusing to look as if she had been doing something wrong.
If she'd been shapeshifted she would have wrapped her tail primly around her and washed her face with a paw. As it was she nestled up to Jin and brushed her hair from her face, rolling her eyes a little bit at Bao when he went all 'grr, argh' at Jin.
"Three isn't a crowd if three sits over there on that side of the sofa," Mara said with righteous big sister wickedness, nodding her chin to the other end of the U-shaped couch. "And maybe we could start the movie over again."
She favored Bao now with a very innocent expression. "We might have missed an important plot point or two. Have some popcorn."
Mara laid her head on Jin's shoulder, wrapping an arm around his waist and squeezing. He was too good, really. Was there any situation he didn't handle calmly? Oh yes... all right. A few. But in most things, he was a rock. Totally.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin looked up at Bao and said "Oh, I don't know I think she wears fuzzy couture well, but then I think Mara looks dazzling in anything."
He returned the unblinking gaze with one of his own. The serene smile that accompanied it would have fit well on any statue of Buddha. He decided that a contest of wills was not necessary, tempting though it was, and that the only opinion that mattered to him was Mara's.
She removed the blanket and scooted up to sit beside him on the sofa. He moved over slightly to give her more room. Her look at Bao was enough to make him repress a chuckle and he was amazed at how she could go from hiding under a blanket to looking dignified and above reproach in the very next moment.
Mara was a cat, even as a human. No feline ever appeared embarrassed for very long.
Jin remained silent on the matter of three being a crowd but Mara made her opinion clear on the matter. He reached over and picked up the remote, handing it to his companion.
"Oh no, the movie is very enlightening. We've learned what happens when you buy cut rate pyramids and how to cut in line at Starbucks."
The arm around his waist was comforting and Jin relaxed, favoring Bao with a genuine smile. He added.
"Please, join us. If this isn't to your liking then perhaps we can find something that is."
He returned the unblinking gaze with one of his own. The serene smile that accompanied it would have fit well on any statue of Buddha. He decided that a contest of wills was not necessary, tempting though it was, and that the only opinion that mattered to him was Mara's.
She removed the blanket and scooted up to sit beside him on the sofa. He moved over slightly to give her more room. Her look at Bao was enough to make him repress a chuckle and he was amazed at how she could go from hiding under a blanket to looking dignified and above reproach in the very next moment.
Mara was a cat, even as a human. No feline ever appeared embarrassed for very long.
Jin remained silent on the matter of three being a crowd but Mara made her opinion clear on the matter. He reached over and picked up the remote, handing it to his companion.
"Oh no, the movie is very enlightening. We've learned what happens when you buy cut rate pyramids and how to cut in line at Starbucks."
The arm around his waist was comforting and Jin relaxed, favoring Bao with a genuine smile. He added.
"Please, join us. If this isn't to your liking then perhaps we can find something that is."
Bao
13 years ago
Bao only vaugely inclined his head at Mara as she glowered at him. He wasn't intimidated or other wise abashed. But at least he knew for certain now that Jin's attentions were not unwelcome. He felt better about that, at least he thought he did.
Obligingly he sat down on the couch, but after checking his watch, did not open his laptop and just out of mischievous spite took his seat about half as far away as had been indicated.
He was simply going to have to get to know this man that was attracting the attention of his older sister much better. He turned a bit to look at Jin.
"You might be looking at her a bit differently.�
That was to say, less objectively and certainly less platonically.
He was distracted from this line of thought by the description of the movie. He glanced at the opening and frowned. It was... animated. He wasn't sure he would be able to manage this from the beginning. But he wasn't about the just throw in the towel that easy.
"What... is this?�
He asked with polite curiosity.
Obligingly he sat down on the couch, but after checking his watch, did not open his laptop and just out of mischievous spite took his seat about half as far away as had been indicated.
He was simply going to have to get to know this man that was attracting the attention of his older sister much better. He turned a bit to look at Jin.
"You might be looking at her a bit differently.�
That was to say, less objectively and certainly less platonically.
He was distracted from this line of thought by the description of the movie. He glanced at the opening and frowned. It was... animated. He wasn't sure he would be able to manage this from the beginning. But he wasn't about the just throw in the towel that easy.
"What... is this?�
He asked with polite curiosity.