Warring Thoughts [open]

[devon]

Devon stepped out onto the mat in the middle of the room. No one had arrived to use the room. He didn't think there was a class today and no one seemed to want to train themselves. Honestly, that was perfect. The red head was looking for real peace and quiet at the moment. His mind was buzzing with varying thoughts over a wide range of things. He couldn't let his mind wander on its own as he would like in his dorm. There was always something distracting going on there.

He obviously couldn't use any of the class rooms. That was just asking for trouble. Either there would be a class in session or a teacher would walk in and demand answers; ones he didn't want to give. Everywhere else also seemed to have some sort of activity going on today so he needed to find the least occupied place. Oddly, this was the only place he could find. He was unwilling to go outside. There was plenty of room to be alone there, but why would he want to bother with that? One never know what was out side, student or other wise.

The Naga folded on himself, sitting gracefully before laying out on the wide mat. Not the most comfortable place ever. It could so use a pillow at the very least. He might be able to sleep if his thoughts stopped whirling around. He couldn't settle on a single train. It jumped from Dalia, to his old school, to this new school, to people he was running from. There were no real solutions that he could think of for two of those issues. There was nothing he could do about one, and the last ... Well, the jury was still out. He didn't know what to do about this place.

Devon was unaccustomed to being surrounded purely by others like him. Not specifically his species, but others that were so different. His last school had plenty of humans and he made sure to hide his true nature. Now he didn't have to. That wasn't a serious problem, but it was unusual for him. He knew there would be issues though. This wouldn't be a school if there wasn't going to end up being some kind of conflict with at least one person that would end up having it out for him. What a fun prospect that was.

[konstantine]

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_{If I were} ^{s♥t♥r♥o♥n♥g} _enough



^{To be} _{s♥o♥m♥e♥o♥n♥e} ^{like you}

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It was't particularly typical of Konstantine to show up around the Kurai Dojo unless she had a class here, but today, she'd decided she would check and see if there was anyone else there. If there wasn't, she'd go ahead and practice her skills and hope she wouldn't be bothered. Just as gracefully unsteady as always, she walked up tot he door, and pulled it open. Stepping inside, she looked around with her distant, focusing gaze. It didn't take long to spot a young man, around her age, lying on the floor. She blinked.

Something like horror fluttered in Konstantine's stomach. Stepping into a room full of monsters was one thing. She probably could have walked straight back out unnoticed. But walking into a room with one person? There was little chance he would have noticed her the moment she'd stepped inside. What now? she wondered. Konstantine gazed at the man, honestly frozen in fear, but none if it showed in her distant, focusing as if she was staring through him instead of at him.

buthump

What if he hurts me for interrupting him? Suddenly, Konstatnine was frozen with fear. She felt like she couldn't move at all. Her wide, distant eyes stared blankly at the man, and honestly, she didn't really look afraid at all. If anything she looked more like she was sleep walking, or like she was unaware she was anywhere.

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character●mood ;; Afraid
word●count ;; 234
muse ;; Decent
music ;; None
o●o●c ;; Sorry this sucked o__o first post is always usually the most difficult.

[devon]

Devon was so lost in thought that for a moment he didn't register that he wasn't alone anymore. His thoughts had moved onto his sister. He was hoping that she was doing fine on her own. He didn't want his parents trying to turn her, a clearly non-human girl, into a Betty Crocker Jr. Dalia needed to learn who she was, what she wanted for herself.

Then he got that creepy crawling sensation. The one that lets you know that you're being watched. Intently. Instinctively, his tongue snaked out, tasting the air. His head snapped to the side so brilliant green eyes could see the door. A girl with nearly white hair was just standing there. She was watching him, looking like a deer in headlights. She looked almost terrified at first glance. Could he blame her?

Devon had chosen dark clothes to suit his mood. Black jeans, a deep blue shirt, and a long leather jacket that currently spread out around him. The only true color on his person were his eyes and his hair. Some might find that intimidating. He mentally shrugged it off and just gave the girl a devilish smirk. Just going to stand there, honey, or are you coming in? He asked in a silky baritone. He rose a little, propping himself up on his elbows. Promise I won't bite.

Well, it seemed like he wasn't going to get much time alone. He might as well accept that fact and try to put his best face on. This Naga was not known for being a brooding mass sulking in the corner. He chose to be the flirting joker that was so off putting.

[konstantine]

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_{If I were} ^{s♥t♥r♥o♥n♥g} _enough



^{To be} _{s♥o♥m♥e♥o♥n♥e} ^{like you}

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Konstantine had the urge to look around, hoping there might be someone else behind her or something that she was talking to. But she knew that it would have been stupid because she knew that there was nobody behind her. What now? she fretted in her mind. Inside, she felt like she was shaking in fear, frozen where she stood. When he looked at her, it took quite a lot to suppress a shiver. It wasn't so much his threatening look (though that didn't help). It was the fact that...well...he was there.

When he spoke to her, she wanted to cry, but she didn't. None of her struggle even showed. She opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out. She closed her mouth and thought for a few second, then decided to try again. "I...I'm sorry," she replied in a soft, gentle voice. "I...I didn't mean to intrude. I should just go." She said it, but she honestly couldn't get her body to move. She tried to take a step back, but her body didn't move. She put some fingers to her mouth, a physical sign of her withholding a little cry of fear.

Her hand dropped to her side again, and she tried once more to turn and leave. She was so unsteady though, she seemed to be tipping over to one side as if she was going to fall instead. Generally, it was typical for her to seem unsteady, but for once, Konstantine actually fell. She fell back, looking rather like she was tripping over her own feet as she tried to turn. So Konstatnine fell, landing heavily on her rear. She let out a soft squeak as she fell. Her eyes closed tight, and there she froze. Suddenly, she was having something of a 'flashback' to the alley she'd been assulted in. "Oh no...."

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character●mood ;; Terrified
word●count ;; 309
muse ;; What a tease my muse is...
music ;; n/a
o●o●c ;; n/a

[devon]

The red head watched the young girl, waiting for her to speak, to move. He would have liked for her to look anything but scared. He raised a brow at her, calmly waiting. If he truly wanted to, if he was more serpentine, he could wait for quite a while if he needed to. Unfortunately, he would end up getting irritated well before that and need to find a way to get her motor running figuratively. Also, not in the fun kind of way. She simply looked like a statue at the moment.

He let out a small sigh, about to move more when she finally attempted to speak. The attempt was followed by actual words! Well good for her, she had a voice. A very soft one, in fact. He wasn't sure he would have caught every word if he hadn't been giving the girl his full attention. There's room enough for two. No need to run off, He said, gesturing to the amount of space around him. To take up a little less of the mat, Devon began to slowly push himself to try not to scare her more.

Sadly, that didn't seem to be working. He got up faster as she began to sway. That didn't look like a good sign to him. Hardly a heartless being, Devon wasn't going to let her get hurt. As quick as he was, he didn't move fast enough to save her the pain of falling. He frowned, brow furrowing as he stepped closer, kneeling beside her. Hey, you okay there, honey? He asked, mildly concerned. He knew that he could be scary at times, but he had hardly tried. The tall teen began reaching out a hand to help steady her, not wanting to have her pass out and hitting her head. As his hand neared her shoulder, he wondered if that was a smart thing. This girl had been terrified at the sight of him; she might react poorly to any contact. Still, his hand hovered there, ready to keep her from further pain.

[konstantine]

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_{If I were} ^{s♥t♥r♥o♥n♥g} _enough



^{To be} _{s♥o♥m♥e♥o♥n♥e} ^{like you}

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The young lady chanced a peek, and her eyes flew open in surprise to see the stranger sitting right beside her. She shrunk away slightly, staring at him with her wide gaze. "I..I'm fine!" she stuttered in something of a rush, voice as quiet as ever. She leaned on one arm and drew the other up to her chest in a fist as she gazed up at the young man. For a seconds, she thought her heart had stopped, then she realized it was beating so fast she could hardly breathe.

Immediately, Konstantine tore her gaze from the man to look at the floor. "I'm s..sorry," she blurted out again, unsure of what to say or do. She could hardly think at all now. At a lack of what to do, she ended up reaching to adjust the bow on the top of her head. Her lips parted again, and she nearly stuttered out the question on her mind. Are you going to hurt me? she wondered, but she clamped her mouth shut again and shoved back the question. That was stupid. And weak. Even weaker than she must have already seemed.

"Y..you're awfully close," she murmured breathlessly stuttering. She glanced at the hand near her should that wasn't quite touching her. It was almost like she could feel his presence weighing heavily over her. Or maybe that was her inability to catch her breath. "I..I..uh..." She lifted some fingers to her lips again, quieting herself. She really didn't have anything to say, except for maybe, "please back away sir because I think I'm going to pass out from terror," which she couldn't quite manage to say.

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character●mood ;; Fearful
word●count ;; 277
muse ;; Good : D
music ;; White Collar : D (TV, not music)
o●o●c ;; n/a

[devon]

Devon watched the few shifts in the girl's expression. There wasn't much change. She still tasted scared. She still looked terrified. She looked about ready to have her heart explode the way her hand went to her chest. He didn't believe her in the least when she said that she was fine. This looked nothing like fine in fact. He didn't need his snake-ish senses to tell him that. Anyone could tell that this girl needed to lighten up a great deal. Being this scared at simply seeing another person was ridiculous. How could she function in any school?

He didn't remark on her apology as he didn't find it necessary. He didn't see a reason for her to be sorry as he wasn't supposed to be in the training room in the first place. He had wandered in simply looking for silence and still couldn't get it. It just wasn't meant to be that he had a few moments to think things over. He was meant to be tending to this timid little thing. First thing, take his hand away from her person. He lifted it slowly, even going so far as to shift his position away from her a little as well. Fine, won't touch you, but you need to chill, hon, He stated, watching for further signs that she was going to freak out more.

Try some deep breaths. Count to ten. To emphasis what he meant, he inhaled deeply, counted, then exhaled slowly. He made a small gesture as if to say "Now you." He was silent for a few more seconds, trying to think of what would make her feel better, try to loosen her up a little before she had a heart attack. Introductions might help. I'm Devon. I'm non-violent. The Naga offered the blond a charming grin, attempting to make himself look more friendly.

[konstantine]

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_{If I were} ^{s♥t♥r♥o♥n♥g} _enough



^{To be} _{s♥o♥m♥e♥o♥n♥e} ^{like you}

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As he backed away somewhat, Konstantine pulled herself into a sitting position where she could be more comfortable. Her knees curled up against her chest and she wrapped her arms around them. He was right, she needed to take a moment to relax. Slowly, she inhaled for a few seconds, the let the breath out in something of a sigh. Okay, so he hadn't hurt her. He'd even backed off when she'd expressed her fear. Maybe there wasn't any reason to be so frightened of him. Or he's just lulling me into a false sense of security... she added as an after thought. A slight shiver ran down her spine. N...no, that's stupid. Why would he do that?"

Slowly, Konstantine lifted her gaze to stare at the boy with her wide, distant gaze. She rather looked more like she was staring through him truthfully. ...Devon... his name echoed somewhat in her head. Of course, he could be lying that he wouldn't hurt her, but Konstantine very much wanted to believe him. Her eyes moved down to his charming grin, and she couldn't help but let a small smile touch her lips, though it lacked the enthusiasm of his smile. "I...I'm Konstantine," she replied very softly, blinking slowly as she looked back at the ground.

Her position loosed a bit, and she let one hand drop to the floor to help support herself. Again, she took a deep breath, and her exhale was more of a sigh. Still, it seemed her heart was beating insanely fast with fear, no matter how she tried to let go of it. "I'm sorry," she whispered softly. "I...I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I didn't think there would be anybody in here." She blushed a little bit, and her finger traced a circle on the ground next to her.

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character●mood ;; Unsure
word●count ;; 304
muse ;; Wonderful~
music ;; Panic! at the Disco
o●o●c ;; n/a

[devon]

All right! Progress! The girl was sitting up and not looking like she was going to pass out cold. This was a big improvement brought on by the fact that he had backed off a little if his observation was correct. Note made, do not invade her territorial bubble. He would say perhaps at least a foot of space might be needed for her to be mildly comfortable. More than that and she would feel even better. But he was unwilling to move that far away just in case. He didn't know this girl but he was compassionate enough to not want her to get hurt. He had been the one to scare the hell out of her, however unintentional it may have been.

He let his smile become easy rather than purposefully trying to look nice. He relaxed more against the wall. As she offered her name in return, he felt like they might actually get somewhere. It's nice to meet you. May I shake your hand? He asked, holding his hand out slightly. It was out just enough that she might reach out and touch him, but it wasn't close enough to her that she should worry about immediate personal harm. He knew he stood a good chance of not getting a hand shake, but he felt compelled to uphold the social convention.

Devon shifted, letting his long legs stretch into the hall. That was a little better. He could sit with his legs curled but it got uncomfortable quickly. Such long limbs were not meant to be restricted to a small space. Being able to lay out had been a nice perk of what he thought would be an empty training room. Had that same idea, He said with a small chuckle. I was just thinking, letting my mind wander. He waved that off, focusing on her need of the room. Guessing that you actually wanted to train, hm? The red head asked. If she said yes, he would be a little surprised. Such a meek, easily frightened girl doing this kind of training? That didn't jive in his mind.

[konstantine]

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_{If I were} ^{s♥t♥r♥o♥n♥g} _enough



^{To be} _{s♥o♥m♥e♥o♥n♥e} ^{like you}

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Devon's real smile was much nicer than his forced one, Konstantine noticed. Now, he really did seem friendly. When he relaxed completely, she felt she could relax some more herself. Her legs stretched out slightly, and her hand she'd still had wrapped around her legs instead moved to play with the tips of her hair. Her body language still said nervous, but the fear seemed to have leaked from her mostly. After a few seconds, she even glanced at Devon again, as he had begun speaking once more.

A pleasure to meet me? The phrase almost made her want to laugh. She doubted it fully. Konstantine wasn't particularly interesting or fun. She kept to herself. She was quiet. Frankly, she figured she was incredibly boring or awful to be around. Devon was probably just being polite. Too bad... she sighed inwardly. Her distant gaze focused on his hand as he offered it. For a few seconds, she simply stared through it. Then, hesitantly, she lifted her own slender hand and put it in Devon's. Her eyes moved back up to his face and she tilted her head slightly. His touch was warm, something she wasn't used to anymore. Of course, she'd had contact with people, but that didn't mean she was used to it.

Blushing, Konstantine returned her gaze to her knees as she pulled her hand away after a few silent seconds. She begins playing with the fabric at the bottom of her shirt bashfully, heart beating swiftly with the remainder of her fear. "Sort of," she agreed with a slight nod. "I haven't changed forms in a long time. I...wanted to. So I thought I'd practice." A slight smile touched her lips. She hadn't changed forms in quite a while. She honestly missed running around as a wolf. Even more so, she wished that she still lived in a pack where she could shape shift all the time.

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character●mood ;; Nervous
word●count ;; 320
muse ;; AWESOMESAUCE
music ;; Lots
o●o●c ;; n/a

[devon]

Devon was silent as he waited, hand extended. This girl was something fragile, something that really needed someone to look after her almost constantly it seemed. If she could be so afraid simply looking at a person, then she shouldn't be alone. Why had she been sent here if she was this easily frightened? Actually, here could have been anywhere. A boarding school where she would be surrounded by strangers with nothing familiar couldn't be good for her. The best thing she could probably do to make sure that she didn't have a heart attack was try to befriend someone stronger than her. At least then she would have one ally at the school she knew she could count on.

He was almost shocked when she finally took his hand. It was a light touch. Clearly she was uncomfortable with such an act. Given the fact that she still looked a little put off by all this, he guessed she wasn't a girl that touched many people by choice often. He didn't try to hold onto her hand, just pleased that she allowed for such an innocent thing as a hand shake. Her posture was easing, she was allowing him to touch her. Maybe all she needed was a little careful coaxing and some time and she would be fine here.

He let his head fall against the wall, letting his eyes close a little as he watched Konstantine. He gave a small nod, understanding the feeling of not shifting. He used to keep his true form hidden plenty at his old school. He would have caused a great deal more trouble if he allowed anyone to see that. Well, I think that trumps my use of the room, He said, slowly pushing himself to his feet. He held his hand out to her once more, silently offering to help her up.

It'll make you feel better to shift, I'm sure. Hiding constantly can't be that good for anyone. Devon gave her a soft smile. What he said was true, more than anyone knew. He didn't it every moment of the day. He rarely let anyone see his softer side, the side that Konstantine was seeing now, actually. He didn't often let anyone but Dalia see this. So few knew the true him but he wasn't willing to allow anyone that close to him. But he could help others to open up a little.

[konstantine]

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_{If I were} ^{s♥t♥r♥o♥n♥g} _enough



^{To be} _{s♥o♥m♥e♥o♥n♥e} ^{like you}

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Curiosity was getting the best of Konstantine. That wasn't something she'd generally allow to happen, or maybe it just didn't happen much because she was so afraid of everything. Even Konstantine wasn't sure. But the truth was, now she was more curious about this stranger than afraid of him, even if it was only right here she felt that way. At the offer to help her up though, fear once more flickered across Konstantine's eyes. He was asking her to have contact with her again, and Konstantine was quite sure she could handle it. Taking a deep breath, she hesitantly reached out her hand and let him help her back to her feet.

That wasn't so bad she thought, pulling her hand back, hovering it near her chest before letting it fall to her side. Her gaze dropped to the floor bashfully, and she tugged at her shirt to adjust it. It didn't do much since she was wearing a bodice. "T..thanks," she murmured softly. Her skin still felt hot where they'd last touched. It was...weird.

She didn't know what to say about his intended use of the room. It made enough sense to her. Go somewhere quiet to think. Maybe it's because that's what Konstantine spent so much time doing herself. Usually the auditorium, or some place near the forest. Sometimes, Hisakata Pond, or someplace like that if there's nobody around. Usually, she just plays her violin, or reads, or sometimes draws. Maybe Konstantine was just good at being on her own because she was so afraid of people though.

When Devon suggested she shifted, or at least seemed to, Konstantine looked at him with wide, surprised eyes. Honestly, as soon as she'd found someone in here, she'd forgotten the possibility. Maybe she would feel better if she did shift. Her fingers rose to her mouth absentmindedly. "H...hiding?" she repeated softly. That was what she did, wasn't it? Hide. "B...but I couldn't," she said hurriedly, blushing, waving her hand slightly as if to wave away the option. Truthfully, she was afraid to. What if she tried and couldn't? She already looked weak.

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[devon]

Devon gave a small nod as Konstantine thanked him for helping her up. It was a small thing for him. He had no issues with touching others in general. He had no issues offering most kinds of help. Typically he demanded something in return but the mere fact that she even accepted his help was plenty. Honestly, he would be fine if this was simply a very small step to her getting less skittish. There were some truly fearsome creatures roaming the halls, he was sure. And that had nothing to do with the true forms hiding behind the human facades.

He leaned on the door leading into the empty training room, tucking his hands into his pockets. Konstantine had probably had enough of that for the week. He had little reason to continue trying to touch her for any reason. It was just them so what was the point? She was easily scared and could probably use a little distance between them for her to feel more herself. He nodded for her to enter the room, ready to convince her into shifting.

Not shifting for a long time is hiding. You're not comfortable in your own skin, The Naga said with a shrug. The tall boy knew what he was talking about considering all his secrets. There were things that he didn't want anyone finding out about him. It was a different kind of hiding than the blond, but it the principle of the thing was the same.

He went to sit on a corner of the mat, preferring the slight cushion than sitting on bare floor. Just give it a shot. I'll keep any other nasty students away. He gave her a playful wink. He positioned himself so he could keep an eye on the door, making good on what he just said. He didn't know what she shifted into, so she might very well need the protection. He wasn't sure he was much good in that role physically, but the illusion was nice for now.

[konstantine]

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_{If I were} ^{s♥t♥r♥o♥n♥g} _enough



^{To be} _{s♥o♥m♥e♥o♥n♥e} ^{like you}

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Konstantine's eyes widened slightly and she looked around as if looking for someone else in the room. He wanted her to shift? Now? Hesitantly, she stepped forward slowly walking into the room with her usual unsteady stride. Not comfortable in her own skin? Maybe that was because to an extent, she didn't have an "own skin". Sure, Konstantine had a usual appearance, which might technically have been considered her true form, but as a shapeshifter, she in a way, had no true form. Did that mean she could never be comfortable in her own skin?

She blushed and simply stood there for a few seconds, then glanced awkwardly back at Devon in time to catch his playful wink. For some reason, it actually made her feel better. A small, weak smile graced her face. She turned back around and took a deep breath. For a few moments, she simply stood and though, focusing on what she was going to do. After slight nod to make herself feel better, Konstantine inhaled deeply, and her shape shifted.

From a human form, Konstantine's form changed into that of a white wolf, small for a wolf, but big for a dog. She shook her body like an animal shaking off water after getting splashed. Slowly at first, she took a few steps, and trotted in a small circle, then a bit faster she jogged in a slightly larger circle. Panting slightly, she leaped into the air.

In the air, her boy once more shifted, this time into the form of a smallish, palely colored bird. Honestly, Konstantine didn't know what kind of bird it was, but she'd seen one at a zoo when Damien had taken her years ago. It'd been her twelfth birthday. Her wings fluttered quickly, fluttering feathers colored with pale blues and greens, like a pastel version of the actual bird she'd seen. She quickly sped around in a few circles and loops around the room.

When she shifted back, she first shifted into the form of a wolf, landing on the ground delicately as it fell from the shift as if it had been the end of the lead she'd made earlier in the same form. But as her paws hit the ground, her body shifted back into that of a human, exactly as she had been before. The shift had thrown off her balance, and she stumbled forward and landed on her knees.

At first, a bright smile had been visible on Konstantine's face, brimming with happiness. Quickly though, the smile faded from one of joy to one of bashfulness. Her hands raised to cup her cheeks in an attempt to hide her blush. "Oh. I..." she didn't quite know where to go from there. Slowly her scarlet gaze raised to meet Devon's, which only made her blush even more. Konstantine couldn't remember the last time she'd shifted in front of anyone.

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[devon]

Devon was silent as Konstantine seemed to need to gear herself up for a shift. He could understand her reservations. She felt weird changing form in general perhaps. It would be all the more difficult with a stranger sitting there waiting. He had to assume that given her dislike of being around people, she wouldn't want to show off in front of anyone. He felt mildly honored that she would willingly allow him to see her shift. They had just met after all and she was a skittish little thing.

For a moment, he looked away entirely, watching the door while the blond got herself ready. A few seconds later he looked back to see a white wolf. It wasn't your typical size for a traditional wolf but it was still a formidable animal. He didn't understand why she was so afraid. If she could easily change into something with such teeth, then why not feel comfortable using them? Those canines should give anyone confidence.

Then the wolf disappeared, shrinking, changing color. A bird circled. He gave a small thoughtful noise. A true shape shifter. He actually hadn't run into one of her kind yet. He only knew that they could change form into anything. So, was her true form the being that she felt most comfortable as, or was it nothing? He watched pensively for a moment before returning his eyes to the door briefly. The bird and become the wolf once more, only to resume her human figure. How interesting. Was it better that she could choose any form, or worse for it?

He let the thoughts go for now, grinning at her once more. Feel better? He offered with a small chuckle. Devon didn't understand why she would be bashful for enjoying the shift. It was a type of freedom. She could express herself so many ways depending on what shape she took. Why would she keep herself from that? Listen to Devon, Konstantine. I'm actually pretty smart, The Naga advised her. He wouldn't let many know outright that he was as intelligent as he was. It did him well to be so off putting. Or it had in the past for the most part.

And, ever the academic, he wanted to learn. Why don't you like to shift? He asked. Devon was quite aware that it was a very personal question. He was sure she had her reasons. Seeing the look on her face after she had was worth a little self-introspection on her part though. Why deny herself the elation when there was no reason for it?