Medicinal Reality (Adrael & Rebe)

[Carhilwen]

It was a big city.

The lights, like the wind and flickers of snow, were sharp and cold against Rebe's senses, so she kept her eyes squinted, her caramel wolf ears pinned tightly against her strawberry blonde hair, her mouth open to reveal a sliver of white, pointed teeth which each cold breath.

She finally stopped her painful trudge against the elements, more specifically that of ice, snow and wind, then pushed open the heavy door that led to a small, just as bright, convenient store.

The soft noise of a small bell attached to the door sounded as Rebe stepped inside, unwinding her thick woolly scarf just enough to unzip the top of her jacket. While the city's winters could always be expected to be freezing, and the residents were never disappointed, Rebe wore thin layers, and instead just wore gloves, scarves, boots and hats.

She offered the cashier a thin smile, before starting towards the back of the store, her bright eyes looking over the coolers stacked full of different bottles and cases of drinks. Her tail flickered as she glanced over her shoulder towards the front of the store, then turned back to stare at the shelves of canned food beside her. Her ears were still flattened against her now messy hair, beads of melted snow and ice glinting on her hair and tail.

Rebe knelt down, trying to avoid the boring gaze of the man behind the counter, running her fingers lightly over a couple boxes of freeze-dried side dishes. She couldn't quite remember why she had left her cozy apartment, but now that she was there, she may as well pick up a couple things.

After selecting a can of pineapple slices, a 2 liter of .5% milk, a bag of gummy worms and a bunch of unripe bananas, she still wandered around the store, not wanting to return to the cold, dark streets quite yet.

[ElliBleu]

Adrael didn't eat much despite his knack for cooking, but when hunger struck he could hardly ignore it.

Even if it was past dark, cold, and windy.

Soup was his intention, and he wouldn't settle for any of that condensed junk. An array of vegetables and spices waited at home, the realization that he lacked chicken stock and appropriate soup noodles sending the male oput into the chilly night.

His impressive ears jutted awkwardly out the bottom of a paperboy hat crammed over neon-striped hair haphazardly pulled into a loose ponytail, fur of his long striped tail poofed out against the cold. A fitted black pea coat, suede gloves and long blue-gray-and-white scarf joined his standard boots and dark jeans before he'd departed.

Despite the extra layers Ad kept his head bowed against the wind-driven snow, feet automatically making the familiar trip to the cornerstore and hopping around slush puddles. Stepping into the warmth of the cheerily lit building to the tinkling of the bell overhead, Ad grabbed the bill of his cap and tugged it off his head, using it to brush lingering snowflakes from his shoulders.

The tall, foxlike black ears twitched as he moved towards the canned goods, readjusting to the no-longer muffled noises their freedom brought. Short, sharp fangs could be glimpsed for a moment as the boy used his teeth to pull off his gloves. A quick survey of the choices brought two cans of stock into the crook of his arm, wet shoes squeaking as he turned.

And abruptly stumbled into a young woman.

His free hand automatically shot out to her shoulder to steady the girl, making sure she wouldn't loose her footing on the slippery tile. Tilting his head in concern and giving a small apologetic smile along with an embarrassed blush, Adrael hoped he hadn't startled her too badly.

"Ah...S-Sorry about that, I wasn't paying attention. Wasn't really expecting anyone else here at this hour, either. Are you all right?"

[Carhilwen]

Rebe let out a soft 'Oof' noise as she was bumped into, then looked to the taller male, a pale blush painting itself about her freckles as she took a half step back. Her ears flickered a couple times, as if contemplating between perking with curiosity or flattening with insecurity, her bright eyes glancing over him before returning to his face. He seemed to be similar to herself, with animal ears and a matching tail, but it was obvious he was a different species, something definitely not as canine as she was.

"I'm fine... I really should of paid more attention to where I was going." Rebe ran one hand awkwardly through her pale ginger hair, brushing her stringy bangs back to their place along her fragile jawline. She couldn't help but let her fingers wander to her piercings on one ear and give them each a slight, nervous tug before returning her arm to her side. Her glance strayed to the cans in his arm, then back his face with a slight smile, "Soup's a good choice on cold like this." She chuckled lightly, shifting her few groceries to her other arm, "I just wish I could cook![/color]"

[ElliBleu]

She was fidgety. More so then Bel. And he could be pretty fidgety. Adrael frowned lightly, rather upset with himself for seeing the girl so clearly nervous. He supposed that maybe his weird eyes and flamboyantly striped hair and tail could maybe be a little intimidating, but not enough to elicit such extensive.... fidgetyness.

Blinking stupidly he stared at the furred ears poking out of her hair, wondering how he'd missed them even for a moment. Or that tail.... His lips parted the slightest bit in surprise, his own ears swiveling forward in interest. "Y-you..." It had been a long time since he'd seen anyone else like himself. An automatic smile found his expression, tail swaying pleasantly.

Bowing his head in a quick gesture of politeness he offered a hand, tilting his head to get a better look at the girl through his bangs. "I'm Adrael." Pushing down that little bit of shyness, Addie let the smile on his face soften into a gentler grin. "And at the risk of sounding like a creeper, you can join me for some soup if you'd like. And I really know how spooky that sounds so feel free to decline and know you won't hurt any feelings."

[Carhilwen]

Rebe's own ears tipped forward as he spoke a second time, her tail rustling behind her. "Oh, I'm Rebe, nice to meet you Adrael." She tugged off her wet, soggy mittens and took the others warm hand in her own frigid one. After a slight squeeze, she took it back, a more relaxed smile flickering across her freckled features.

At his offer of food, she heard her stomach let out a growl of interest at the promise of real food, rather then the instant 'food' she was forever eating since she herself had no proper mind for matters concerning the kitchen and sorts. Rebe had been taught time and time again that while some strangers could be dangerous, few really were, as her adoptive guardians had been such a case of harmless, but helpful, people. "That'd be," A second hesitant, but considerably calmer smile, "Nice."

She wasn't sure on whether or not to still purchase what she had picked out, but after a moment of consideration, Rebe returned the tins of fruit to their shelf, along with the bananas, and replaced the carton of milk with a tin of it. A third, and the warmest to far, smile lit up her face as she looked to the hot chocolate tins, picked one out, then turned her gaze back to Adrael, "I could make some yummy hot chocolate to make up for the soup?"

[ElliBleu]

Though rather surprised and happy at having his invitation accepted, Addie couldn't help but frown a bit when Rebe replaced her items, worried his sudden intrusion had interrupted some grocery shopping plans. He'd have to make sure to send some of the soup home with her so he'd be able to rest easier knowing she'd have something to eat. The grin returned to his face a moment later when the tall girl plucked a tin of cocoa powder from the shelf.

"I haven't had cocoa since I was a little kid. I'd be really happy if you wanted to make some." With his tail swaying cheerfully, Adrael tilted his head towards the checkout and let his eerie blue-and-black eyes settle on this company luck had tossed him into. She was cute, and Addie was fairly certain it wasn't just the positive bias the demonic accents of the ears and tail passed onto him. Rebe seemed genuinely friendly, too. A rarity, and Adrael was immensely pleased he'd managed to push aside his bashfulness and reach out.

"D'you need anything else then, Rebe? I'm happy to pay, so get something for yourself if you want."

Starting to walk towards the clerk to purchase his items, Addie felt himself still smiling. New company. It was much more exciting than it should have been.

[Carhilwen]

Rebe trailed after the other, unable to keep her eyes off of his tall, dark ears, her own still tipped forward in interest. She couldn't help the small, excited smile that played over her lips each time she looked at Adrael, not only for the fact that she had made a new friend (Something she found rather difficult), but the fact that he was like her.

Well, not the same species... Crossed her mind as she looked back at her own bushy, long tail. But more then close enough! Her smile widened yet again, her bright eyes moving from her tail to Adrael's back which was a lot closer then she remembered-

"Ngh!" Rebe bumped into the shorter male's back, nearly dropping the tin of drink mix. Another blush colored her freckled cheeks as she stepped back, letting out a nervous giggle. "I guess I got you back, then!" She laughed again, one hand flitting up to toy unsurely with her hair again.

[ElliBleu]

Had they not spoken and formed a tentative friendship moments before Adrael knew the unexpected contact would have made him jump, high strung as he was. When he felt Rebe lightly return his previous favor of collision, he took a little step forward to turn around with a small amused grin. "Quite literally, at that." he agreed, tail swaying pleasantly.

Seeing the girl toying nervously with her hair made Ad's hand twitch in urge to do the same, distracting himself with gesturing once again to the check-out counter. He snagged a jar of peanut-butter, very much a favprite, as he passed, setting the various items on the counter and nodding in mute reply to the rather lackluster greeting the cashier offered.

Ears pricking forward again the male shifted his attention back onto Rebe. "D'you want anything else? Some coffee or candy?" His wallet was fished form a deep coat pocket, distractedly fingering the worn leather as he waited for Rebe.

The little grin persisted despite his effort to stop looking like a child on Christmas. The prospect of a friend was a rare one, and he couldn't help the excited swaying of his tail and angle of his ears. How lucky a sudden want for soup had sent him out.

[Carhilwen]

Rebe shook her head, the smile still lighting up her dainty features. "No, I'm alright!" She reached into her own jeans' pocket, then tugged out a couple crumpled bills. With her thin fingers, she pulled out a five dollar bill, then returned one hand to her pocket to find more change. The girl dropped a few coins and the bill on the counter, then set down the tin along side what Adrael was buying.

"So do you live far away from here?" She hoped it wasn't too weird of a question, but she had only dressed light enough to run literally around the corner from her cozy apartment. A long trek in the cold weather could be quite enjoyable, but only if it wouldn't result in a cold, which with the thin jacket, already wet gloves and scarf Rebe had on, it would. She could always just run to her place, grab another coat, then continue to the others place.

With another smile, she was finding it easier to smile and laugh around Adrael then most others, Rebe decided she'd wait until he answered to figure out whether or not to stop at her apartment.

[ElliBleu]

A package of Starburst joined the little pile of goods before Adrael paid the rest of the tab, knowing arguing with Rebe about covering it himself would likely be pointless. Shifting everything into a flimsy plastic bag he moved towards the door, glancing speculatively outside at he still-snowing night.

"Not too far. Maybe a ten minute walk. It's a big old house on the other side of the neighbourhood." Squashing his hat over his ears once again, Addie slipped the bag onto his arm and turned yet another tentative grin at Rebe. He was still surprised with himself for being bold enough to take the first step. After all, he was much better at being shy and reserved. Much, much better.

Adjusting his scarf, he moved to he door and paused for Rebe to catch up. Blue-and-black eyes were exceptionally bright as he turned to his new companion. "Ready?"

[Carhilwen]

Once Rebe re-zippered her coat, and tugged her still soggy gloves on, she nodded and smiled, "Yepp!" She carefully tugged her hood up over her ears, then leaned past Adrael to hold the door open for him. A smile tugged at her lips, and she shivered slightly as a swirl of wind and icy flakes blew into the store.

"Lead the way, Adrael!" She smiled again, taking a half step out of the way.

(Sorry, a touch of writers block! )

[ElliBleu]

Pushing down a bit of surprise at having the door held open for him, Adrael stepped outside into the chilly night. Following Rebe's example he quickly pulled his gloves back onto his hands, politely grabbing the handle on the outside of the door to hold it from closing on her as she stepped away. With a nod in their intended direction he set off at a pace brisk enough to keep them warm but easy enough that any hidden ice patches wouldn't bode painful falls.

With his long tail held aloft out of the way of any potential splashes of slush, Ad poked his chin out over his scarf and glanced over to his new companion. It all felt rather surreal still. He'd reached out on his own without any prodding. Or alcohol. And a female no less. Since he was little the fairer sex had always increased his wary shyness.

But there she was, following him willingly back to his big empty house lacking any of the near-holiday cheerfulness that enveloped the surrounding residences. It made his ears twitch in a way that was both happy and a bit confused.

Pushing the nagging thoughts back he decided to simply enjoy the fortune. With another fleeting smile he turned his attention back to where he was walking.

"D'you live around here, Rebe?"