Prometheus 5B

Ok so you’d stuck in there for a bit after the end of the class, kinda just hanging back as you did in order to talk to the cute redhead. Not the naked one... though she was the one who otherwise peaked your interest the most within this set, even as you watched her get up and tip toe with perfect balance on the seat back before spreading her wings and flying off.

The redhead on the other hand was just hanging about with a small gathering of other students, merrily engaging them in small talk as he chattered in friendly tones with everyone involved. Actually, it was a bit surprising as to just how long he spent cycling around between people trying to hold his attention even as he tried again and again to politely disengage from the company keeping him there.

Ok so extremely sociable, but likely not as socially trained as you might have expected.

... just really nice.

You kinda blink at that thought, as it stirred… something... in you.

“... yeah I know they are pretty nice this time of year, but I really should get to…” The redheaded young man tried politely to once again disengage from the conversation.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll cover you on it.” The other boy said as he gently took the books which the redhead had picked up in trying to leave. “But like I was saying, the far gardens are pretty nice this time of year, and hardly anyone ever goes there. And it’s not like you won’t have a bit of time next week to sort that stuff out extra.”

“...but...” The redhead bit his lip, a little frustrated looking as he did.

Ok… ok you saw enough of this particular shit show. That kid was just too nice for his own dammed good, so it looked like you needed to be putting on the big boy pants here.

“Oy! Red! Come on kiddo we’re going to be late!” You matched up to the small grouping, looking the ringleader straight in the eyes as you called to your ‘friend’. “God dammit red… why are we still here? I always tell you you’re too bloody nice for your own good. Geez… come on, the next one is gonna go before we get there.”

You grab the somewhat puzzled young man’s writs as you step between everyone in a showcase of bravado and style.

“Well? Come on Red.” You tug at his arm, hoping he’d get the message or at least be too shocked to react with anything other than the compliance which had been taken advantage of to keep him from moving off by the guy who’d been trying to convince him to come along to whatever secluded spot he was preaching his sell about.

“But...” The red-head stammered lightly, though you could see the calculation in his eyes as he realized your intent.

“But nothing. We’re late. You were just saying so yourself... I swear I thought you were already out the door.” You fake roll your eyes even as you tried to make away with him quickly.

“Hey, you’re cute too… but why in hell are you butting in here. Big people are talking here.” The guy spoke up, grabbing at your arm as you pulled the redhead away, you dealt with that in a casual concentration of turbulent forces where contact was made. “… ouch… Mutherfucker…”

“You know, pushy people like you are the worst. Go away, we got to get going.” You sneered haughtily, then tugged the other somewhat shellshocked redhead along. “Good lord we’re going to be late…”

You were actually surprised at how easily they let it go, and how quickly the redheaded cutie had gone along with the ruse.

“Um... I don’t know you. But thanks.” He smiled, looking cute and a bit pathetic all at once.

“Some people just don’t know how to take no for an answer. You just have to be firm about it and keep moving. Besides cutie-pies like you and me have gotta stick together, of someone might come and gobble us up.” You announce confidently as you set to stride beside him and grin. “Anywho… you know here I am playing brave rescuer and I don’t even know your name. I’m Marshal.”

So what if you’re trying to sound a bit extra dignified? Marshal was your preferred name even if all the damned hotties in your team liked the way Thorley sounded.

“Arson, Arson Wills.” The red head replied with a smile which told you he completely expected the look you gave him. “Yeah that’s my real name. Father always tells me it’s cause I looked like a cute little house on fire.”

You giggle along with him even as you both continue lock step together. By now he’d started to lead the way.

“You don’t seem like you burn very well… just saying. I saw your magic touch.” You grinned widely, taking his hand for a moment in yours. You were actually shorter than he was, but he blushed a nice colour reminiscent of his hair. “Seems you’re the type to kiss booboos and make them all better.”

He laughed, scrubbing his fingers in his brilliant hair as he looked at you. “Are you recruiting or flirting? Cause this sounds like a sales pitch. Did coming to my rescue have some ulterior motives behind it?”

“Well you know what they say. Do no one thing for any less than two reasons...” You reply cheekily. “Cute and talented to boot. I saw you being friendly for the entire class… figured why not put out a line and see if you’d give a little ‘tug tug’.”

His eyes rolled even as he blushed lightly once again, but you weren’t sure if it was the compliments, the suggestion, or maybe the little gesture you made with you index finger and thumb ringed together as the other fingers splayed out and you waved your hand back and forth suggestively.

… it might have been a bit of the last part.

“You move way too fast.” The blushing boy managed to stammer out even as you giggled.

“I’m only quick on the draw… My firing rate is terribly slow.” You tease a bit more, sticking out your tongue as you did.

“… and terrible. I shouldn’t stick around you. You’re probably a bad influence even if you did rescue me.” Arson deliberated cheerfully. “And I’m not a first date kind of boy either.”

He was possibly quite marvelously accustomed to being wooed.

“That’s me, good ole Marshal, worst influence in the west.” You clasped his hand in your own, he didn’t tug away. “I’m serious about the recruiting though. My teams all formed up, and we’ve got a final slot open. Could use a dedicated healer to kiss the booboos away. I’m playing recruiter here for us. And you look like a possible fit.”

“You know, I’ve been getting proposal’s all week… what do you bring to the table for me?” He spoke with a hint of savvy, clearly interested even if playing coy. “After all when it comes to teams… I’ve got the pick of the litter.”

“Heh, well me and my group are heavy hitters. All of us are fairly strong damage types... though I’m more the guys who takes a beating and gets back up for more.” You grin as his eyebrow raises. “What thought delicate ole me was as fragile as most guys egos? Not at all, I’m made of sturdy stuff… even did the Anti-material round exam for my Matric.”

Arson whistled. “Oh, impressive.”

“Yep, yep, and my team mates are just as awesome.” You grin widely even as you practically bounce beside him. “So what do you say? Gimme a chance? Come with and check them out later or something?”

Your grin flops as he lowered his head and started to shake it as well.

“I’m sorry… but no. I shouldn’t be leading you on. I already have most of a team myself. Was looking out for partners… kinda were hoping you’d be a good fit so I could poach you myself...” Well... you blink at that bit of bad news delivered. He’d been sizing you up. “I mean once we started moving I figured I’d play along and vet you out, then try to lure you out from your team… you made a pretty good impression. But we already have your role filled up… need something a lot more offensive.”

“… aw… bugger it… You were really cute too.” Dammit Thorley. “I guess it was a bit over optimistic for the both of us to assume the other was unattached.”

A sad smile crept across his face even as the final steps to his destination fell. “Yeah...