allthesame2me | [Video]

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[Alex had been as surprised as the rest of his party to hear that they'd been in the tunnels for nearly a months' time when it had only felt like a few hours while they were walking around in them.

It really shouldn't have surprised him that such a thing was possible, all things considered.

As it is, sine the Keep seems to be currently without a chef, he's been keeping himself busy in the kitchen. He's got his laptop plugged into one of the only outlets in the Keep and though he can't get online at all, it gives him full access to his iTunes collection; which is currently playing in the background.]

So .. I would recommend not trampling around in the tunnels beneath the Keep unless you're ready for a whole time flux .. thing. We were gone for what we thought was just a few hours, and apparently, according to all of you and .. well .. reality .. We were gone for nearly an entire month.

We miss anything of interest?

[All the while talking, Alex looks to be preparing something in the kitchen. His hair is pulled back into an intricate braid and he's got on an old fashioned apron.]

Have the staff shown up again, or are they still missing? Joe, specifically ..

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Alex, you're okay?

[Someone sounds a bit panicked, even though she can see him clearly through the journal's video function.]

I haven't seen anyone from staff either. I've heard nothing of where they are or when they'll be back...

[Alex's smile is soft and comforting, his tone seeking to calm his panicked sounding pal.]

Bryn, yeah, I'm good .. we honestly had no idea that that much time had passed up here. We'd have posted to our journals or something if we'd known ..

[He shakes his head, drying his hands off on a towel. Then he frowns ..]

That means they've been gone for just about a month as well .. [His brows knit together.] What the hell is going on?

[Bryn's already gotten to the point that when things don't make sense, it's easier to shrug it off as a peculiarity of the world. It's easier for her peace of mind to not linger overmuch on matters of time.]

I don't know, I'm just glad to see at least one of my friends is back safe. What happened to all of you? Is everyone back alright?

[Oh, Alex understands that all too well .. now, but then he's also going to do his best to avoid the tunnels. :|]

When they opened the tunnels during the dust storm, I took advantage and went poking around. I met up with Vie, Hawke and Jack down there and we went off together as a merry band of explorers. We found a flooded section of the halls with crocodiles ..

[He sounded rather amused until the crocodile part.]

They were stone come to life .. rather impressive in a we're going to die kind of way, but we managed to get away from them. Annnnd, I managed to nearly get myself run through by Vie, who seemed altogether unimpressed by my shifting, which I'd done on the off chance things got worse .. and because I'm faster that way.

[He shakes his head, frown knitting his brows.] Vie never said why she didn't trust me, only that she didn't and wouldn't .. forget that I did nothing to her or her's and that she was fine with me while I looked human.

[He gives a shrug, but it's pretty clear that it's bothering him that she was so upset by his appearance.]

There .. there was some weird stuff down there, Bryn. There was a hallway that seemed..[He trails off, looking uncomfortable and wary.] The hallway seemed alive .. we heard breathing and the walls and floor were definitely not stone. If you scratched of punctured either, they expelled a gas that left you kinda trippy and floaty feeling. A bit sick, really ..

We found a printing room, though .. and there were unfinished journals and books there. Gold leaf and other printing things .. Some good souvenir options, all things considered. [He wouldn't come right out and say he took a journal, but he does look at her rather meaningfully.]

[The whole thing sounds wretched and horrifying, all things considered. Walls that seemed alive? Expelling gas? Crocodiles and stone coming to life? Bryn can't help but wonder if the whole thing was just an elaborate hallucination from the trippy gas.]

The unfinished journals and such sound fascinating. I'd love to see these souvenirs when you're not busy, and I'm so glad that you're all back and alright, Alex.

[Yeah, it was really a whole lot of not fun, Bryn. :( Let's not put his words to the test, m'kay? Cause this boy ain't going near that tunnel again.

His smile never slips, though it does soften a bit as she mentions wanting to see the trinkets they picked up.]

Well .. I'm not exactly busy at all. Just finished my last batch of muffins, so I really do have all the time in the world.

[At the last there is a subtle shift in his expression and he makes a soft sound in the back of his throat.]

Thanks, Bryn .. I'm glad to be back. Wouldn't mind a bit of peace and quiet for a bit..

[Bryn ducks her head in a nod, returning Alex's smile.]

I don't blame you. Hopefully it'll be a long time before something else comes up.

[She started gathering her things to head toward the kitchens. Muffins and mysterious items, and getting to see Alex is okay in person? Yep, she's not wasting any time.]

I'll be down in the kitchens in half a second if you don't mind waiting for me?

[Alex returns each smile with one of his own, inclining his head.]

I don't mind in the slightest .. I'll be here with my boots on.

[And soon enough, Bryn is there in the kitchen and looking for Alex.]

Hello? Alex?

[Alex has just finished cleaning up his mess, good about leaving the place better than he found it; a regular boy scout, this one is! He comes out from behind the shelf he was replacing the sugar to and smiles as his gaze settles on Bryn.]

Right here, Bryn.

[He lifts a hand halfway in greeting, his expression warm and welcoming. He halfway gestures to the basket on the counter, contents steaming still.]

Muffin?

[Bryn looks at Alex, and then the muffins, and then she completely ignores them in favor of heading to Alex and wrapping her arms around him.]

In a minute...and don't mind me it's just really good to see you.

[Yes, you are getting a hug because she was worried.]

[Alex makes a soft sound of surprise in the back of his throat as Bryn's arms wrap around him. He blinks and then he smiles ever so slightly, his own arms wrapping around her trim form.

He holds her close, his nose nuzzling into her hair as he just silently breathes in her scent for several moments.]

It's good to see you too ..

[He's just going to hold onto her for a few moments and find himself incredibly blessed to have a friend such as she.]

[Bryn jolts a bit as Alex nuzzles into her hair, but she doesn't pull away and simply enjoys hugging her friend before finally, finally pulling away.]

I'm sorry I hope I wasn't...overstepping or anything. I've been worried about everyone...

[And now, a bit embarrassed, she's going to grab one of those muffins.]

[Alex holds onto her no longer than she cares to be, letting her pull back when she signals that she's had enough. He smiles, but shakes his head as she moves to claim a muffin to cover her embarrassment.]

No, not at all. Not a single overstep or hug that wasn't absolutely appreciated by you.

[His lips quirk a bit at the last and he absently plays with the end of his braid.]

Not too many that express concern for yours truly .. it's a nice change, I'll admit.

What?

[She blinked, looking back at Alex for a moment in confusion, and then a moment later it dawned on her.]

People aren't still...they're not still upset about what happened are they? Surely they understand...

[Alex smiles a bit wanly and gives half a shrug, and he does a damn fine job of covering any disappointment the subject dregs up.]

I guess the ones that matter are being cool about it .. Sollux and Isabella though .. [He shakes his head, looking upset despite his best attempt at not doing so.]

They'll get there, I think .. I just need to give them time and not push either of them. I can't do anymore about it than I have ..

[And he'd have the scars to prove it for the rest of his life.]

Well, next full moon we'll be prepared, so that it won't happen again. And I can try to help with Sollux and Isabella to help them to understand.

[Bryn sounds so earnest as she puts her free hand on Alex's, gives it a squeeze.]

You see, there's something I've...I've wanted to tell you. I don't know if it will help you any but I'd like to try.

[Okay. She could do this. She could tell him her secret and...and it would be okay. Alex was her friend and he was like her. Sort of. Enough that it would be okay. Bryn looked around the otherwise empty kitchen once before leaning in ever so slightly.]

But you...you have to keep it quiet. Just...for now. I want to tell people myself, not have it spread around. Do you understand?

[Alex can't help the smile that warms his expression at her words.]

Thanks, Bryn .. seriously. I think Sollux and Isabella will be okay, they just need time .. And I need to be able to actually talk to Isabella. We bumped into each other at the festival, but it was right after the attack and things just weren't good. [He laughs softly, and without much amusement.] And then I got stuck in the tunnels for a whole damned month ..

[He then trails off as she continues, her words making him focus on her.]

I'm here for you, Bryn .. Whatever you tell me stays between us unless you say otherwise.

[He holds up two fingers on his right hand.]

Scout's honor. [He searches her face, brows drawing in slightly.] What's wrong .. are you okay?

[Bryn gave Alex a tentative smile and shook her head.]

Nothing's wrong I'm fine, Alex. Honest. I'm just...

[A small lump grew in her throat. This was hard. This was the first time she had told anyone and Bryn couldn't help but remember the panic of the first night she'd shifted, hearing what her parents planned to do, who they planned to give her over to. It was so hard to get past it so when she spoke, the words came out quietly.]

I'm...I'm a shapeshifter.

[Alex watches her curiously, his concern abated at least a little when she assures him that she is alright. Then comes a wave of nervousness and he finds himself shifting slightly from foot to foot as he watches her.

It's her words that cause everything to fall still and silent, his eyes widening just a bit. His mouth falls open and he stands there, stunned, as several pieces seem to fall into place all at the same time.]

You? You're .. [His mouth shuts with a click and then he feels himself grinning, unable to help himself.]

You're a cat, aren't you? Of some kind .. I kept telling myself it was because you were hanging around me, but it wasn't .. it was just you.

[Bryn felt a huge wave of relief wash over her at his grin. This was good. Very good. He was smiling and--

Bryn's eyes widened as he asked if she was a cat.]

I...I am a cat. A cougar. How did you...I can't smell things nearly as well when I'm human. You could smell it on me?

[Alex's grin can only widen and he lifts a hand to scratch the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed. His eyes flit back to her and he looks pleased.]

Let's just say that the old sniffer is not the best of my enhanced senses, but it's never let me down.

But more of that later! Right now, we've things of far larger interest, mm?

[He takes a step back and looks her up and down, as if getting the first look.]

Yep .. yep .. Look like you'll get by just fine in that regard. [His gaze and grin is clearly amused, and there is no anger whatsoever in his tone when he continues.]

I don't blame you for keeping it to yourself for so long, but you must have been fit to burst over it!

[Bryn watches Alex curiously, and with some confusion as he starts looking her her over and...talking to himself.]

I'll get by fine in what regard...?

[Her lips pressed together and to the side, but they relaxed after a moment into a small smile.]

It was something I wanted to speak about but...I've...I've been in hiding the last three years, so it took some time to feel comfortable coming out with it. Even to someone who I thought would understand.

Edited 2011-08-19 03:02 (UTC)

[Alex chuckles at her question, shaking his head with a smooth grin.]

I was teasing you, love.

[His own head tilts slightly to one side as she tells him that she's been hiding this for years.]

It's okay, Bryn, honestly. I can't judge you on your decision to be careful about telling anyone .. [He winks, smile warming.] Even if that someone is me. [Then the smile fades a bit and he studies her curiously.]

If you don't mind my asking, why did you have to hide it?

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Sorry for the delay, bb .. life was hectic on my days off :\

Nooo problem, been tagging slowly anyway |D

No worries! I'm finding missed tags right now and facepalming so hard.