Bitten and Infected!

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    "Oh, uh... yeah. Maybe..." What was he even interested in anymore? A lot of things had been left behind. Most of his drives and interests forgotten. Perhaps he could do something related to his interest in history? Collecting relics or old tomes to read through. Or maybe he could do partake in gardening? It was difficult to think on, mostly due to the fact that it actually was quite sad. Forgetting dreams. Leaving behind things he loved. All in pursuit of spite. In pursuit of a much greater goal. 

    Finding that Bellamira, too, was interested in history was pleasant. This is how bonding worked, right? Finding shared interests and connecting over it? Gods, he was blushing again. Though this time just out of pure embarrassment. The guy did this to himself. Of course things felt awkward and confusing. It was fine, though. It was being rectified. Changing the subject certainly helped put the worsening blush at peace. By now it had faded into a slight pink tinge. His breathing and heart had both calmed significantly back down as well. Sure, each time he stole a glance towards the girl his heart rate sky rocketed, for obvious and unfortunate reasons, but it was fine. 

    Instinctually, Isaah wanted to run. Cast the girl aside. Give her the cold shoulder. But doing that was antithetical to everything he'd had to learn. Everything he'd worked on since apologizing to Zedd. And yet, this situation felt like it was going faster than the poor boy was prepared for. Steady. Things were alright. Yes, there was a very, extremely pretty girl talking to him. Yes, she was a sweetheart with a unique personality. But one conversation does not a crush make. Though... this... probably wasn't actually their first conversation.

    First real conversation. 

    Isaah lifted a hand and the surface of the pond roiled. Carefully, his fingers delicately glided in the air. Shifted. Twirled. With each movement, bubbles of water condensed and collected in the air above the pond's surface. From afar, the movements the boy made always looked like a dance. Graceful. Practiced. Perfect. Up close, each motion was calculated and careful, and so very delicate. "I'm sorry that your not able to enjoy most foods. One day you'll have to let me know what you can eat. Perhaps I'll make some for you in my free time." Oh that wonderful little smile was there again. Over the pond, the water bubbles drifted over towards the duo. Their shapes twisted and stretched, flowed and coiled. Isaah controlled each with a single finger. A master conductor at work.

    The doll-like smile cracked for a moment, tilting into a grin. Somehow, it still maintained a soft aura. A delicate air. "Maybe that'll be my hobby. Cooking or baking for you and Zedd." Water swirled around the duo, each bubble stretched out and moving like fish. Fiddling with his magic like this allowed the young man to think for a beat. Even at the mention of macabre interests like collecting bones or dead insects, he didn't even bat an eye. "I think that's all pretty neat. Needlework definitely takes great dexterity, and having a collection of things that catch your eye is endearing. Not to mention how adorably wholesome it is you help out your father." 

    "I think, as for my favorite gemstone, it'd have to be..." Isaah swirled his finger several times, then directed it back towards the pond. The orbs of water fallowed with it. "Sapphires. And my favorite flowers are Water Lilies." Water splashing echoed out as the bubbles dropped, causing a fish to once again to jump from the disturbed water. "Hmm... well then, Bella. If someone were to describe you as an animal, which one would you be? I'd, quite ironically, probably be labeled as a snapping turtle. Angry, aquatic. Always hiding in a shell and snapping at people who piss me off." Yeah. Accurate. Just not with Zedd and Bella.

[fluffymcsnuggles]

    Even if Isaah did decide to run away from Bellamira, that wouldn't stop her. Sure, she'd keep her distance, but one could admire and watch from afar right? She's done it before she definitely could end up doing it again. Would it upset her? Certainly, but so long as he remained as he was she could be happy. If he found someone else though. She could feel her expression darken ever so slightly with the mere thought passing her head. She shouldn't even be considering that yet. After all, she has all his attention right now and that was absolutely wonderful.

    Poor Isaah is unaware that the feelings were reciprocated long before he ever realized he had a crush. He likely wasn't aware how long she'd been watching him for. Stealing longing glances and strides down the hallway. Ever since their first brief conversation, she hasn't been able to stop thinking about him. He invades every aspect of her mind, hiding in the corners and singing a sweet siren's song she cannot deny. Isaah is definitely as beautiful and hypnotizing as a siren anyways so it makes sense.

    She's just so grateful that today the Gods smiled down upon her and gave them the chance to speak to one another. Now she was truly getting to know the person she's had her eye on. Maybe she could finally talk to him in the hallways instead of following him down the corridors like a shadow. Maybe this time things can be different.

    Or he might end up just like the last heartbreaker.

    Bellamira looked on curiously when he suddenly raised his hand up. Her eyes followed the trail of his gaze towards the pond. She gasped excitedly seeing the pond bubble up with his magical commands. She glances back at him her eyes reflecting pure wonder. The movements of his hand had her eye flicking back and forth, confused on where to focus. He was so graceful and delicate. What would his hand feel like holding her? Touching her...? She had only but a brief taste with those pats offered. She wanted to feel so much more, she wanted him to hold her and squeeze her with those hands. Maybe even-

    The sudden thought turns her face a little pink and she has the courtesy and wisdom to look back at the pond. She's glad she did, the sight of the bubbles floating towards them is miraculous to behold. She finds herself letting out a few soft breathy laughs as she reaches out for a bubble letting wanting to grace her fingers across the watery surface.

    She looks back down at Isaah and parts her lips to say something but stops when she sees him grinning. "Oh..." is all she finds herself whispering out. The bubbles swirled and condensed around them. Gods this really does feel like a romantic dream. The bubbles floating around gave a surreal but charming atmosphere and his words sent her dead heart into orbit. Gods, she doesn't know how much more she can take before she loses control of herself. She gives him an intense stare filled with a whirlpool of emotions, all mixing too quickly to discern properly. "Th-that sounds wonderful Isaah. Maybe I-I can share some of my mother's recipes w-with you," she stammers out pulling on her hair slightly and taking shallow quick breaths.

    She lets out another delighted laugh at the compliment he gave her. Though the wavering sanity seemed to slip into her laughter. She wants so bad to smother him with her lips. Have him call out her name like a prayer. Keep him by her side forever and ever. She could so easily do it...but he might hate her if she tried to do it the way the Beast was begging her to. "Really? You truly think so? Well, I-I could show you my work sometime." She cups her face in her hands again and sighs. "Thank you Isaah. You're so sweet..." She finds herself licking her lips as she says it. She really can't help thinking that he has to taste as sweet as he is.

    She is tugging hard at the fabric of her clothes now. She can even hear the gentle pluck and rip off a few seams of her skirt. Shoot, she'll need to fix that up later... The Beast and her want the same thing. It's getting harder to stop trying to argue with it. The Beast is almost beginning to make sense and that's not a good place to be. It might be best if she left soon for his safety, but she really didn't want to go. She wanted to stay for as long as she can, forever if it was possible.

    She chooses to focus now on the orbs of water drifting back to the pond. Bellamira was still playing with her skirt, the fabric continuing to tear ever so slightly here and there with each tug of intense passion. The questions and answers serve as both distraction and her mind's destruction. She really doesn't think she can win here. "I think those are both lovely. Especially water lilies. Something about them just seems so...tranquil I suppose. I like the feeling it gives me when I look at that flower. Though that's usually how I tend to judge most plants," she says. It was the way her father built up the garden after all and what a lovely place it was. She'd love to show Isaah one day... Oh if only.

    "Maybe the snapping turtle is your favorite because you can relate to it so much," she says with an air of humor. It's rare she attempts to make jokes considering her sense of humor is often far out there. "As for me? Well... I'm not sure. Perhaps a Black Widow or a bat maybe...? I've never really thought about it before. What do you think though? If you had to give me an animal what would I be?" She didn't really want to elaborate on her decisions either as Isaah did. That's perhaps oversharing information that should not be shared at all. Maybe she should have lied and just said owl or something.

    "By the way, do you like music or a certain instrument perhaps?" She would ask if he played any, but based on the lack of hobbies she already figured what the answer might be.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Another sweet smile. Isaah was delighted that Bellamira was interested in allowing him to make food for her. Perhaps he could do the same for Zedd and his new friend? It was going to be a challenge to learn how while keeping up with studies, but if he skipped a few naps then it might work out. What do you mean study less? Are you fucking insane? Get out of here with those ludicrous ideas. 

    "Gods... I don't think I've smiled this much in years." Isaah muttered. In an instant, the realization hit and the young man immediately felt more self conscious of himself. Why was he smiling so much? Was it too much? Did it look weird? What exactly was his face doing now? The boy's face scrunched up and made various expressions of confusion. As if the sudden self awareness made him judge his own features. His own smile. Certainly, things were pleasant. But were they too pleasant? It all felt like the conversation was going too fast. Developing out of his control. So careful had the boy been to keep everything close to the chest. 

    Now he was grinning and smirking like a child. Completely unbecoming of him, compared to the image Isaah did his best to project. But, if he just went back to how things were, then the boy would have been forsaking everything he'd learned. Was there a way he could find a middle ground? To slow things down without pushing Bellamira away from him? Comparatively, the girl was far more open. Far warmer and gentler than he. Not quite Zedd, but not anything like Isaah either. Even still, that one little portion that reminded him of the lightning mage was enough to frighten the honors student. Make him fearful of causing harm all over again. 

    Emotions were a fucking roller coaster. 

    His final year in the academy had been an assortment of various, strange events. His brief fight with Zedd, the weird star-person-sprite-dream-thing whatever. Message from a really annoying potential god? Apologizing to Zedd. Now this. Seemed like a lot of his character development lately was coming from other people. That being said, he was most definitely going to keep his inner circle small. Everyone else got the hard glares and backhands. 

    Wait, inner circle?

    Was he really planning that far ahead. No, wait. Really? Oh gods his head was going to split open at this rate. Questions! Yes! Perfect distraction!

    "Hm. I think... if I had to assign you an animal, it'd likely beeee. Hmm, perhaps a black cat? Seen as bad luck from the outside, but really just warm and gentle. Soft and cuddly just like any other cat." Probably the nicest things Isaah ever said to people had all been said to Bella. Funny that. "As for music and instruments, well. I guess I've taken an interest in the flute? It can have such a haunting melody. Or perhaps the pipe organ? Dramatic, imposing, with an undeniable presence. It's actually kinda weird that I like those instruments so much... cus I... kinda... ehm... well I kinda really like Lofi... eheh... weird, right? Dark, brooding guy with mean eyes likes super soft music..." 

    Isaah paused, suddenly realizing what he just admitted. "Tell anyone and I will crush you." He gave Bella a harsh gaze, but more like a scolding father would. 

    With a sigh, the boy's gaze turned thoughtful. Back on topic here. "I suppose, what are your favorite books to read? You know, the genre's and such." He was sure he already had a good idea of the types of things Bellamira was interested in, but it was at least nice to hear it come from her. 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

    She can only hope she can keep down whatever he eats. Not because it would be bad, no, nothing made by him could ever be awful. Her...restrictive diet... makes it difficult to enjoy most meals. There's a reason she typically avoids the dining halls. Her mother sends her clever homemade candies that do just fine. She just didn't want Isaah to get the wrong idea about his cooking. She's sure he'll do great and she's always happy to help if he let her.

    "Really?" Bellamira asked, disguising excitement with surprise. So, he hadn't smiled in a while. That was disheartening, but it made her body feel all the warmer knowing she was the one making him smile so much. Surely it was too good to be true right? She hid a giggle behind her hand watching his face morph into various extensions of confusion. He truly must not smile that much huh? She rests her hand in her lap and promises to herself that she would do her best to always make him smile.

    She wonders what's got him in a fuss. He's been quiet for a while now. Oh- he was just probably thinking of answers, right? She didn't dare let her mind begin to assume the worst. That would only encourage the Beast further. Admittedly it isn't entirely just the Beast's whims that give her these solutions to non-existent problems.

    She finds herself blushing at his description of her. She smiles fully at his words flashing her fangs in their full glory for just a moment. Oh does she want to cuddle up with him right now in the grass, but that might be too much too soon. A black cat though, what a wonderful animal to be compared to. But just like any cat, she has some sharp claws. "I feel honored to be compared to such an elegant and dark being," she says utterly delighted.

    She tilts her head side to side as she listens to his explanation. Hm, dark and brooding? Well, she supposed she does have a type doesn't she? Though he doesn't seem all too dark and brooding right now, it's what drew her in. Who knew he had such a soft side, how cute! "At my home we have a pipe organ. My father can play it far better than I can but I try. Knowing how to play piano helps a little..." she says. She's sure her father would love to play some songs for Isaah. Perhaps even teach him! She really is getting far ahead of herself here, isn't she? "I think it's endearing that you like that sort of music.  I don't see how it would contradict you being all dark and brooding," she replies. Her family has the dark and brooding aesthetic down after all. Musical taste does not affect that.

    She let out a single laugh at the threat. Though she has to admit she wishes it was a promise. The words beg to slip off her tongue but she restrains herself. She's been very good today and she's not willing to ruin that now.

    "Hm, I read a lot, so that's tough," she mumbles now twirling a lock of hair in thought. "I'll settle with a list I think if that's alright with you. I enjoy gothic romance, thrillers, suspense and I suppose history books." Pretty typical and one could easily guess. She's a rather open book when it comes to interests. "I guess it's my turn to ask a question right? Um..."

    She has a hard time coming up with one. She could just ask the same question back, but that felt lazy. "How about- oh! I got it. What is one thing people do you simply cannot stand? Like a pet peeve." She doesn't get why it's called that but that's the term used apparently...

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    "Exist." He stated bluntly, almost instinctually. With a hiss, the young man bit back. Sucked in a breath. Recollected. "No, I suppose that's a bit dishonest. I don't mind people that much. There's multiple things that tend to bother me, I guess. Dishonesty has always irked me. People sticking their noses into other's businesses. Prejudices and assumptions without knowing a person. Oh and by the fucking GODS do I loathe how everyone keeps gunning for the top when it comes to me." Big, flowy words mixed with casual tones. He really still was just a young man after all. 
    
    But he was honest there. With every part, but most certainly when it came to the challenges he had faced. There was a reason why he didn't sleep. Why he couldn't sleep. 

     "I'm absolutely certain it's all thanks to Damien's petty bullshit, but you wanna know something? No other top honors student has had to deal with as many challenges as I have. Damien, for his entire school career, only had three." Isaah huffed and took in a breath. He needed a moment, just one small pause. Needed to sort the words out so he didn't wind up rambling away again. "The way things are supposed to work is like this; There's an honors class, and then amongst them there's the top ten honors students. The strongest, smartest, most skilled. Number one and two are, of course, the valedictorian and salutatorian respectively. But even being ranked amongst the top ten is an honor. It's a badge, I guess. If that's how those ranks are seen, you can guess how number one is viewed."

    "Challenges from newer peers typically start from the bottom and work upwards. When a rank is defeated, they drop down. So seven to eight, eight to nine, etc. It's not unheard of that a newcomer challenges higher up in the ranks, but it's rare. At least it's supposed to be. And yet, not with me. I have had. Hundreds of challengers at this point. Bright freshman with promising futures. The only mistakes they ever made were in challenging me." Even in the beginning, Isaah was ruthless with competition. Back then, it was so he could maintain over Damien, but even still he would do his best to soften the blow with gentle words and advice. In recent times, all of that had been burnt out of him. Now the brutal treatment was out of a mixture of exhaustion and spite. A wish to simply get it over with. "You can imagine, being hopeful. Seeing yourself prepared, believing yourself skilled. Only to be- for lack of a better term- crushed in seconds. It's a motivation killer." 

    There was a reason why the top ten hadn't shifted much recently. It's name was Isaah. Or, perhaps that wasn't the whole story there. The young man had theories but no evidence to back it up. But the main one always fell down to Damien's grudge. Isaah had moved on. Stopped caring about the metal mage. Damien hadn't. It was possible that he sent these new students to Isaah on purpose. Either to finally dethrone the king, or to remove potential challengers that otherwise would have shaken up the current standings like Kimi Larris had. 

    Damien was nothing if not a slave to the status quo. 

    "I really hate having to do it." Gods, he was so tired. The poor water mage hadn't slept properly in years and it took a toll on him. He just wanted to lay down and sleep. Properly. Fuck, he started rambling again. Back on topic! "Enough of that. Anyways. Your turn. Hmm... aaah... Oh! You mentioned enjoying romance novels? This might be a good one then- Describe your ideal partner. Both their physical appearance and their personality." 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

    She let out another laugh at his blunt initial response. He must have a strong opinion about a lot of people. She feels herself bristle with pride knowing that she just might be an exception. She doesn't want to be that presumptuous but it does feel nice to think about. "It must get exhausting having to feel like you need your guard up at all times. I don't particularly like assumptions either, they lead to a lot of...complications," she says the last part delicately. She could admit she's guilty of assuming the wrong things sometimes. The consequences of incorrect assumptions got her heart broken before after all.

    Her eye narrowed ever so slightly upon hearing Damien's near-constant harassment of Isaah. Maybe she'll go ahead and do something about that so he just simply won't have to worry anymore. Would that wound his pride though? She's unsure. Still, knocking him down a peg or two wouldn't be too bad right? She wasn't going to do something drastic she swears. Besides, she doesn't even have a plan yet, but oh...she's starting to concoct some.

    She listens to his frustrated rambling. The ranking system of this school was certainly unforgiving, and sometimes, entirely random. If a challenger were to just have a lucky day, or the challenged ranking member had an off day, positions could change just like that. Bellamira wonders how many at the top took bribes to step down. Or, even more depressing, just couldn't handle the pressure of constant challenges. It sounded like the relentless stress was getting to Isaah too.

    Bellamira never quite understood why the academy bothered with a ranking system. It seemed like needless competition and unnecessary stress striving towards what was ultimately an arbitrary achievement. Not like she was going to voice that to Isaah. His being the number one student was impressive and she would never want to take that away from him. She just wishes he could see how amazing he could be without the validation of a number behind it. "It seems to me that the whole ranking system beats every down. Even those at the top. I'm sorry you've had to go through all that. It musn't have been easy..." she murmurs. Especially climbing to the top and having to kick everyone down to stay there.

    Ironically individual prowess only goes so far on a battlefield full of members. Teamwork and cohesion was a far more important skill that this school seemed to overlook. Even if it claimed to value such traits, the systems in place certainly tell a different story. Was anyone truly happy with the ranks they had at all? It didn't really seem like it to her.

    What strikes her as odd is that, if he doesn't like doing it, why doesn't he stop? Maybe it's the idea of losing the number one spot that is so daunting. She's lucky she isn't taking rankings too seriously, but it's because she has a life outside of the school. Some people don't have that luxury. She frowns a little when he suddenly dismisses the topic. She did want to ask more about it but he seemed eager to move on. The last thing she wanted to do was upset him.

    His question has her stop in her tracks. "I-... uh..." her lips open and close as she tries to form some words. She's doing her best just to not say you. She lets out a nervous string of breathy giggles and looks away, toying with the fabric of her shirt since her skirt can't take much more without more obvious damages. She bites her lower lip a little to try and calm herself down and come up with some sort of answer.

    "W-Well I suppose I should start with personality right? Haha... uh... Someone who is loyal, kind, understanding, maybe a little eccentric I suppose? A shared sense of humor is rather important. My family is fantastic and I love them, but most people don't really understand us at all. Someone who isn't afraid of the macabre, the unknown, the misunderstood. Intelligent and wonderful and-" she finds her voice rising and letting herself get carried away. "Physically though I think someone graceful, elegant, and brooding is my type," she says pointedly staring at him. Her one opal eye burns with passion and there's a soft wavering grin as she continues to pull at her school uniform.

    "I want to ask the same of you now. I'm curious. What do you find attractive in an individual? Physical or personality-wise?" She leans just a bit closer in anticipation, wondering just what it is she could do to make him hers.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Gods she had no idea how exhausting it truly was. There simply weren't enough words to convey the feeling. Constantly being watched. Constantly being studied. Constantly being judged. Waiting. Preying on him. Looking for any exploitable weakness to bring him to his knees. He felt it all. Heard it all. "I've studied you." So that means they know everything. "I watched you fight." So suddenly they have an idea of every trick in his book. And by the gods above has he heard every single variation of "you're going down." Cocky. Annoying.

    Always wrong. 

    Hearing the question back not only pulled Isaah from his thoughts, but once more made his face light up a deep red. "O-o-oh, u-u-uhm-m.... I-I u-uh...." Fuck, wow, he really didn't expect that to mess with him as much as it was. His emerald eyes lingered on her. Every little detail of her was exactly his type and that realization was going to drive him insane. Quickly, his gaze darted away, looking for a mental escape. "E-ehm... weeelll..." The boy nervously scratched at his jawline, thinking of how to explain it. "I mean, this isn't exactly something I'm typically open about... b-but I suppose emotionally I look for someone who's... kind. Gentle. Patient. A girl who's loyal and won't try to hurt me or betray me. Someone who's honest, with me and themselves, and doesn't try to keep secrets from me. A-and... I guess someone wh-who'll... ehm... c...cuddle... me..."

    Yeah, Isaah looked like a tomato given human features more than he did a young man. The last part was said so quietly, so nervously, it completely contradicted how Isaah typically held himself. How he tried to talk. Instead of a bold, calculated, brooding young gentleman, he instead seemed softer. More vulnerable. Shy. 

    "Ph-physically I suppose I... like someone who's... taller than me. Someone domineering, with pretty eyes and soft hair a-and a nice voice..." Then quietly "soft lips... sh...sharp t...teeth to b-bite m- and uuuuuhhh yeah I think I'm going to stop there." He felt like his heart was going to hammer itself out of his chest. Like each beat was powerful enough to crack open his rib cage. If he wasn't careful, his heart was going to jump out and run away and never come back. Isaah couldn't help but steal a few glances back towards Bellamira. The curves of her figure made her appear soft, and he could imagine being held by her. How gentle the touch would be. How rough it could be when he really wanted it. Isaah visibly swallowed hard.

    Oh gods what are these fantasies? Isaah thought, cupping both cheeks with a panic in his eyes. Deep breath in, Isaah. Doing just that, the boy clapped the hands to his cheeks. Back to reality. Once more the blush died down, only leaving a faint pink tinge in its place. So much that had been kept burried down in the back of his mind were being awakened and brought to the forefront. And boy oh boy was that terrifying. 

    "Next question!" Isaah exclaimed, forcefully changing the subject as much as he could. And then came the pause. Without many hobbies or interests outside of his studies, it made thinking of further questions immensely difficult. But, perhaps asking simple questions could act as a gateway to him finding new interests? This was hard. "Uuuhhm, hm. How about favorite season? Oh uh, and adding onto that- favorite weather."

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

    Poor Bellamira. She's trying really hard to be tame. To at least contain herself and her screaming emotions. The deep red that begins to paint his face has her bristling with desire. She finds herself crouching a little lower and pressing herself just a bit closer. She could practically smell the blood, or perhaps it was the Beast teasing her with an idea of a taste. His gaze felt like it could set her on fire.

    She listens closely, eagerly, to every descriptor and word. Though the description makes her think. She would never dare betray him. Bellamira, she likes to think, is as loyal as they come, too loyal even. She brightens upon hearing his shy confession of wanting cuddles. She could imagine holding him close. How warm he would feel, especially with his face all red like that. Gods, he's so fucking cute she can't take it.

    The way he seemed to soften up and let those walls melt away. He looked so beautiful and graceful like this. Had anyone ever seen him like this? She didn't want anyone else to see him like this. This view was hers and hers alone. That made her smile to herself showing the feral thrill of glee in her eyes. She could easily have him now, right? She wanted to, she really really wanted to. Nothing was really stopping her, right?

    She finds herself growing even warmer, her face flushing pink as he begins to describe well- if she's not mistaken, her. The way he spoke so softly forced her to lean in just a bit more to catch his words. Not that she minded. Her eye widens a little hearing him murmur out that last part. Did he just-? He didn't did he? Did he?! She shudders and finds herself nearly drooling.

    "Do you want me to bite you?" She asks curiously looking amused and all too eager. She's only joking. ...Not really she's not joking she would fucking love to bite him. She tries to cover up her offer with a giggle and tries to wave away the statement. Though the darkening blush on her cheeks hinted at the truth.

    Seeing him visibly swallow hard like that. She digs her fingers into the grass and lets out slow breaths. She's definitely going to need some treats after this. He was making her feel like she hadn't had a drink in days and he might be the only thing to satisfy her taste...

    She chews on her lower lip and pushes herself back slightly. She can't do this much longer. She really is gonna tear him apart at any moment. She looks up towards the sky instead of gasping softly for air. His sudden exclamation for the next question makes her jump slightly. But dear Gods the distraction is welcome.

    "Y-Yes! Right... uh... I like Fall and Winter. I can't decide between the two if I'm honest.  As for favorite weather? I do like overcast days with rain I think." Mostly because the Sun isn't as obnoxious in that weather. "What about you?"

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    As soon as those words left Bella's mouth, Isaah's face ignited red once again. Green eyes were wide as saucers. His gaze flicked down from her eyes to her lips, then back up. Before he even knew what he was saying, the young man blurted out his answer. "Yes?" Hands clapped back over his mouth. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck. Fuck shit fuck. Sheer panic dotted his expression as the boy realized what he just said. Or rather, what he just admitted. Laughing nervously, he tried his best to recover.

    "I-I m-mean- yes! Fall and Winter are great. Th-they're actually my favorite seasons, too. I love when it snows, it's always so beautiful and peaceful." Please for the love of the gods, let that recovery have been good enough. Isaah couldn't keep the blush down. It was too much, the boy's brain was going haywire. "U-uh. E-erm, a-as for my favorite weather. I-I genuinely love when it rains or snows. Well, for obvious reasons. I-I mean, ehehe, I can... control it pretty easily. You know..." Another hard swallow. No matter how hard he tried, a rock sat heavy in his throat. The young man simply couldn't force it down. 

    Isaah couldn't believe that he so carelessly admitted to wanting to be bitten. For so long, the boy had kept his guard up flawlessly. The second he lowered it for even a moment, suddenly all the things he kept bottled up inside came rushing out. This was why he never let anyone close. This was why he never told anyone anything. This was why he pushed Zedd away from him. Not just the fear of being known, but the fear of slipping up. From his spot in the grass, the young man did his best to cover up the blush. Shy was not a word commonly used to describe Isaah. And yet, in that moment, it was the one word that fit the best. 

    Should he just leave? Make a polite exit? But, he didn't want to leave Bella behind. Gods he wished that someone he knew was around. Wait he didn't know any other people. Fuck. Shit. Isaah's eyes shimmered up at Bellamira as she got closer and closer to him. Instead of fleeing or turning away, the young mage instead found himself wanting her to keep going. His heart quickened, and it felt as though each breath was not enough. 

    This wasn't love. Was it? No, no that couldn't be the case. He hadn't known the girl long enough for that to settle in. Probably. But the more it went on, the more he found himself wanting to learn as much as possible. If only just to hear her speak about the things she herself loved. Fuck. "U-uhm-m... u-uhh f-for the n-next-t que-question... u-uhm..." the honors student's voice was quiet. Distant. His brain had the consistency of a scrambled egg, and he had immense difficulty forming the right words. "D-do y-you, u-uhm... do you l-like any... m-movies?" Such a simple, stupidly common question. And it took so much effort to get out. 

    Winning. 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

    Gods, maybe she shouldn't have said it at all. But she just can't help herself. He makes it so hard not to tease. Especially when all the blood flows to his face and makes him glow like that. His answer sends her into a spiraling state of shock. Her lips part in surprise and now her pale face is turning red. He really did want her to bite him. She just might take him up on the wonderful opportunity.

    His backtracking though sends her only further into a state of confusion. His stammers help her realize that her initial instinct might have been right. She has to tease him now, she can't contain it anymore. "Are you feeling alright Isaah?" she asks innocently, even though there is a hint of a smirk and a spark in her eye hinting she was aware of what she was doing. "Your face is sort of flushed, are you perhaps feeling ill?" She uses her other hand to reach out and touch his cheek. Just for a temperature check of course! Her fingers brush onto his hot skin and she lets her brows furrow just a little in concern. Her eyes scan his face for a moment and settle on his lips a bit longer than she intended to.

    She lets her hand pull away quickly and settle back into her lap once she was done making his brain bluescreen. She's delighted hearing each syllable of the word being stumbled over in that soft sultry voice of his. "Really? That sounds amazing. What sort of stuff do the rain and snow allow your powers to do?" She was curious, admittedly she'd like to see it herself one day.

    She felt privileged to be able to see Isaah like this, to get to know him like this, to be this close... He's not even stopping her! His eyes shimmering like jewels draw her in closer and closer. She can hear how much his breath speeds up. Was he feeling this too? Was she affecting him just as much as he was affecting her? She wanted to find out so badly, but part of her begged to not throw away this chance.

    Isaah's struggle with words has her heart squeezing in her chest. The poor boy seemed to be on the verge of panicking. Bellamira did like getting him worked up like this, but soon, he could just get too overwhelmed and that's not something she wants. "I do indeed like movies. I like animations most often, but that feels rather broad. I also enjoy romance films and action-packed films." The more gratuitous violence the better. Though it did make her want a bite after watching any sort of hack and slash film.

    "What about your favorite film? Game perhaps? If this is becoming overwhelming though let me know, okay?" She says, her one visible eye flashing briefly with worry.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Before he knew what he was doing, Isaah found himself pressing into her touch. When was the last time someone had done so? Years had gone without anyone giving him a simple pat on the shoulder. This was different. More intimate. Warning signs blared in his mind, screamed at him to pull away. That this wasn't normal. Unnatural. Defenses needed to be re-erected or else the boy was at risk of losing himself. Wasted years, time spent guarding himself. Protecting himself. Keeping himself safe from harm. Even when it had left, the sensation still lingered. 

    Bellamira was doing things to him he couldn't understand or defend against. No one had ever been this bold towards him. This brazen. He wasn't an idiot either, the sultry teasing tones in her delicate voice immediately alerted him to her intentions. Yet he could not pull away. The girl was doing this to him on purpose. Which was a completely new experience. Moving from avoidance to flirtation wasn't a swap he ever expected to take place. 

    "U-um..." Isaah swallowed hard at her question. The boy's brain felt so fuzzy. Dizzier than if he'd stepped off a carrousel. "I-I suppose, I haven't watched many films in a long while. I myself enjoyed romance. Though, It's always sad that the story cuts off once they get together." Air, he needed air. Carefully, the young man staggered to his feet. The world spun around him while his head swam. So many different thoughts and feelings conflicting with one another. Different beasts and demons ripping each other apart and consuming one another. Devouring themselves in the process. Isaah's breath hitched.

    What if this was a trap?

    A new method to get at him? Prey upon the only weakness he had. No, no it couldn't be. How could anyone find that out in the first place? But what if this was all a ploy? A lie. Concocted once again to finally bring him down. Isaah held his own head as paranoia came out on top. Doubt settled itself in his gut. Bellamira had always been very sweet in the conversations they'd had prior. How could he trust that it was all genuine? Why would anyone ever take interest in him? They all hated him. Loathed him. Wanted to see him fall and plummet down. Isaah certainly couldn't put it past Damien to do something so vile, so underhanded. 

    But... then what could that say for Zedd? Those feeling were genuine too. And both Bella and Zedd could be considered underdogs in this academy. What purpose? No, perhaps Damien was using this moment to promise Bellamira status. She seemed so genuine though? Even that was a problem, though. If she genuinely liked him, it could cause problems for both of them. The young man held onto his face and swayed slightly. He had to recollect himself. Swallowing hard, Isaah sucked in a breath and straightened his tie. "Th-this-" He cleared his throat. "This was lovely, but I think you're right. I may be feeling a bit ill. I should go. We can talk later on, if you'd like." She knew too much about him. If this was an underhanded tactic then even without facing him in combat they'd already gotten what they needed from him. Isaah spun around, intent on parting from the conversation. 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

    The weight of the touch seems to hit them both quite suddenly. Her hand felt like it was burning when she had finally pulled it away. Was it from fear or a deep desire for more? She didn't know but, she was shocked he even let her touch him. How much more could she touch? How much more would he allow? She felt like she was standing on a frozen pond and didn't know if the ice would support her, or crack if she took another step forward.

    She didn't know the depths of distress she was causing in him, but she could tell that on some level he was distressed. Of course, she wasn't planning on flirting with him so brazenly. But with each action and each passing moment, it was harder and harder to hold herself back. Besides his reactions were too good to not continue right? She can still feel that anxiety trying to shackle her down to be more reasonable.

    "I do wish romance films did show more of the relationship," she laments in agreement. It always felt so strange how it focused more on the will they won't they aspect. But still, that was fun to watch as well. Seeing him stagger to his feet has alarms suddenly going off in her head. She stands up quickly as well, beginning to feel tossed to the waves of fear.
    
    Did she go too far? Did she say too much? She wanted more. She didn't want him to go. Was she making him leave? Was this all her fault? She needed to fix this. Everything was going wrong. She can't let him go. He has to stay. He has to. She can fix this. She can make him stay right?

    Bellamira of course, was unaware of the paranoid spiral Isaah was sending himself in. Her intents were, not necessarily innocent, but certainly not as malicious as he believed. She wouldn't dare deceive someone about her desires or affections. It happened to her before after all. She knows what it's like to be deceived and to be heartbroken. She could never do that to anyone else and if it happened again...

    It won't it simply won't. She needn't give herself, her family, or the school any more trouble to deal with. She could see Isaah's posture sway. Bellamira assumed he was ready to faint and reached out to steady him by the shoulders. Maybe he really was ill. Gods, now she felt horrible for teasing him about it he just might actually be sick.

    "A-Are you sure?" she stammered out, her hands squeezing his shoulders slightly. She didn't want him to leave. She wanted him to stay. Or maybe- "I could go with you to the nurse's office!" She offers quickly, the desperation slipping into her words ever so slightly. When he turns away her hands drop from his shoulders down to her side. She stares wide-eyed for a moment.

    The world suddenly felt so small and the walls were closing in. The Beast was rattling the cage, screaming to get out. He took one step away from her and the lock broke. She couldn't stop herself from surging forward and wrapping her arms around him. "Please don't leave!" She begs. Her grip tightens even more and her eye squeezes shut.

    He smells so good. So sweet...so delicious... She wants just a little bite. She wants him to stay in her arms forever, just like this. She takes in a shaky breath, which is a big mistake because all it does is fill her senses with him. She can feel her mind melting away in favor of the Beast's control.

    She used the last of her good senses to loosen up the grip enough for him to break out if he wanted. She lets out a mortified giggle and tries to step away. But her feet are glued to the spot. Unfortunate. "I-I.. I'm sorry," she mutters out trying to hide her shameful face under her long locks of hair.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Isaah's heart nearly stopped when she grabbed onto him. Why did she smell so nice? The girl was so much bigger than him, and yet incredibly soft. Against his wishes, the sensation of being embraced nearly made him melt. Something in his brain clicked. Gods, Isaah was so touch starved. Yearned for so much affection. Just like the gentle caress, the young mage couldn't remember the last time he'd been held in such a manner. Even as the young woman's grip loosened, he didn't pull away, instead pressing back against her. He wanted to feel safe. He wanted to feel comforted. He wanted to feel loved. 

    The boy just wanted to be loved. 

    Smaller than Bellamira, Isaah could easily be described as delicate. The big bad boogie man of Vyridel. The unstoppable king of the honors class. The brute, the goliath, the one everyone feared and loved to hate. And yet, in this moment, he was just a boy like any other. Almost fragile. Exhaustion gripped every part of his body. Loneliness held his heart. Years had built up a menacing and imposing reputation and yet the young man who everyone feared was so soft. The reason why he closed himself off was obvious. Why he never let anyone else see this side of him. 

    Like a cat being held by it's scruff, he found himself going lip in Bellamira's grasp. Closer, he wanted to be closer. "Hold me tighter, Bella..." he whispered. Brown locks fell over his eyes. For so long he'd wanted a moment like this. Someone to grab onto him and never let him go. Even though the two didn't know each other the best, Isaah didn't want to give up a single second of this moment. One good day was all the young mage wanted, and he was getting it. With quickened breaths, the young man swallowed hard. All strength left his legs, and he found his hands scrambling up to hold on as he slowly fell. With a gentle grip, his fingers came around her wrists. 

    She knew so much about him now. No secrets were left over. He too knew more of her, but the picture wasn't yet clear. Isaah wanted to know more. Learn more. Discover the little details about a girl so brazen and brash as to gather him up in her grasp.  

    Though no tears stained his cheeks, the mage's heart wept. 

    Gods he had been so alone. 

    And if this was a dream, he wished to never awaken. A weird, eccentric, beautiful, gentle, stunning woman was holding him in her grips. Part of the boy's brain wished things might have gone slower. Part of his brain was content with how it happened. He wished he could have become closer to Zedd first. Made more friends first. But this was fine too. While the boy fell, his grip tugged on her arms. Either to be picked up and cradled, or held against her in the grass. The boy's mind swam with the quiet yearnings and dreams that had been bottled up for so long. There was no putting them back now. 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

    Bellamira was mortified with what she was doing. Though she no longer felt truly in control of her actions. Despite her best efforts she couldn't seem to willingly let him go. The scariest part was, he didn't seem to fight back either. Why wasn't he fighting back? Did he want this? Truly? Had her wildest dreams really come true?

    She would feel the weight of his body pressing up against her own. This was real, he was real, and she was actually holding him. His presence was the one thing grounding her and making her spiral out of control. He's going to be the drug she's addicted to but needs to survive. Lest her heart breaks again and her love withers away into bitter coldness. Truly all Bellamira wanted was to love him, to love him with everything she had.

    Which, frankly, is a lot.
    
    Isaah grew heavier with each passing moment that he was trapped in her embrace. His whispered words have her take in a sharp breath. He just- oh! She doesn't waste a moment to tighten her grip and pull him closer, squishing him against her. "Of course. Anything you want," she murmurs right in his ear. She meant it. She'll do anything he said. She'll even mutilate her own body if he asked if that's what he wanted. He was hers, but that meant she was also his. Completely his. She feels a shiver of laughter tingle up her spine. She swallows it down, just focusing on holding Isaah in a soft, gentle, unescapable embrace.

    The touch around her wrist sends sparks across her whole being. She could feel his legs give out from under him. She effortlessly holds him up. She lightly readjusts her grip so that it's easier for him to steady himself should he want to. She takes a quick look around to see that they were the only ones in sight. For now. She wants this moment all to herself. She doesn't want any extra eyes trying to invade or ruin EVERYTHING she's worked towards at this moment.

    She felt so grateful that Isaah trusted her enough to be this vulnerable. To let her hold him while he crumbles and cracks and exposes himself. It was beautiful... It was wonderful and the best part of it all was that it is real.

    She was snapped out of her dazed delight feeling the soft tug on her arms. She looks down at Isaah confused for a moment and blinks once or twice. The realization strikes across her features like lightning. Her face soon melts into a soft smile as she picks him up to guide him down onto the grass again and pretty much into her lap between her legs. She lets her head rest on top of his and she hums in content. "Is this better for you?" She asks.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Was this a dream? It felt like it. "I never knew it felt this nice to be held..." barely a whisper, Isaah found it hard to place his thoughts. His mind swam. Heart fluttered. But no complaints left his lips. Instead, the boy pressed further back against Bellamira, trying to get as close as he could while her grasp tightened around him. The delicacy of it all only emphasized the prior doll-like comparison. Sensations still twisted knots in the young mage's heart. Ideas that it was all going too fast, that he didn't know enough yet. That he needed to put his walls back up and try to slow things down. But... the warmth now wrapping itself around him was too comforting. No one else would be allowed to see this.

    Only her. 

    Really, the biggest advantage Bellamira had over everyone, and why the boy wasn't fighting the pace, was her boldness. She was incredibly attractive, both in personality and in physicality. Surprise, the secret bottom had a thing for girls over a head taller than him. But her traits alone wouldn't normally be enough to send Isaah spiraling down this hard.  

    So many things lined up perfectly for her. The touch starvation, the crippling loneliness, and further events surrounding the boy's life. When smashed together, it set up the perfect moment for someone like Bellamira to break through. For better or for worse. As a cool breeze brushed through his hair, the young man found himself yearning for more. Cheeks red, eyes lidded, the boy snuggled into Bellamira's grasp and breathed out a sigh. If anyone were to stumble across them right now, he would have their head on a silver platter and paraded around the entire academy. 

    Just because he was being soft with one person didn't suddenly mean everyone else wasn't going to get the ruthless shit. Guy had a reputation to uphold and really, really, really didn't like a lot of the other students. Oh gods. If Zedd saw him now. No, if Rorsche saw this moment. Isaah would have to change his identity and leave the capital. By the gods Rorsche would never let the honors student live this moment down. 

    Still, as warm as the moment was, it left the boy's heart yearning for more. Mind wondering what came next. As soon as he began thinking that, he felt her head settle atop his own. A weird sensation, but one he refused to fight against. Finally, after a moment, the boy shifted in her grasp. Not pulling away or trying to break free, but instead attempting to turn. To face Bellamira. Isaah's expression was stern, hard, but his cheeks were as red as a strawberry. Now faced with the young woman before him, the boy... no longer knew what to do next. Hands wandered the air, unsure of where to go or what they should be doing. Where they were supposed to settle. He couldn't even glance down lest he get an eyeful of her... well... other assets. 

    Maybe turning around was a bad idea?

    Finally, the boy scooted up against Bellamira and allowed his hands to settle in his own lap. "You are allowed to hold me. But not when others are around." The boy's voice was firm, reminiscent of his usual tone. Seems the nerves had faded once he got what he wanted. The tone was strict and blunt. And then the blush darkened, emerald eyes darting away. "For now." The addition was quick, carrying a slightly lighter tone. Lips pursed, blushed darkening further, the boy continued. "But otherwise... feel free to do whatever you wish..." With puffed out cheeks, the young mage looked years younger. Fingers danced against the hem of Bellamira's uniform, balling up bits of cloth in his grasp. "Only for me. No one else." A bold play. Curious to see how it worked out for him.