Misfit Meet-up

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

Bellamira had to say things were going great so far. Her academic performance wasn't something to scoff at and she would say she is improving in her tactical skills. She tended to lose herself in fights and the result was rarely pretty. A soft smile appeared on her lips as she thought about her boyfriend. She still can't really believe it. Most days it feels too good to be true. But it is. She always makes sure.

She's typically respectful of his schedule, but she made sure to ask for time to spend with him and him alone. Makes it easier if they just plan ahead of time instead of surprising him. Though there are some times where she just wants to spring upon him and drag him aside just to be with her for a moment or two... Maybe he would like that. Something to consider for later perhaps.

Right now though she's heading towards their expected meeting spot once classes finished up and homework was done. She rests in the shade on a bench with a book in hand while she waits patiently. She wouldn't mind if he was late, she could wait here all day if that's what was needed. So long as he showed up.

She can feel a zap crawl up her spine at the thought of seeing Isaah again. Each meeting felt like a wonderful dream. If only it could last forever, but time moves forward. The book is enthralling enough to let the moments pass by as she waits. She can hardly stand not being around him all the time, but she's restraining herself so she won't smother him. Well- at least metaphorically.

She's not sure if her mind is on the book or her boyfriend. Either way, she's oblivious to anyone else passing by. She could care less now. So long as they aren't messing with Isaah or their relationship in any negative way. If someone is causing a problem she will simply take care of that problem.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    On the outside, Isaah hadn't changed much. Mysteriously enough, the two got away without getting spotted by anyone. How their relationship stayed secret was a mystery. The young man assumed there were greater forces at play, but decided against digging too deep. Days went by as normal. Studies and classes, training and bouts. Near sleepless nights and constantly running with a battery bordering on empty. But past that, Isaah felt as though he was floating on air. More confident in himself, more comfortable in his own skin. Subtle changes that few would notice, and fewer still would care about. For the first time in a long time, the young man allowed himself to be happy.

    Perhaps it was the calm before the storm?

    After classes ended, the young man drifted away from the crowds. Normal for him, but this time put in a different context. As tight as his schedule was, Isaah put forth the effort to make as much time for Bella as he could. Internally, the boy wished that she was more forceful in their day to day. Fantasy's of being snatched up from the halls and pulled into the vampire's arms. Gods, if he wasn't careful with these thoughts he'd begin blushing. 

    Dominant and ferocious on the outside, the young mage kept people back with a single glare. None would ever see the side Bella got to see. Softer. Fragile. A side that was meant for Bellamira and Bellamira alone. With a sigh, the young man kept away from the larger groups. No one paid him any mind. 

    As much as Isaah internally desired to tempt fate, the young man knew better. Better to keep the secret for as long as possible, then to make it public and draw more attention. For the time being, the boy simply wanted to test the waters. Feel how it was to be loved and cared for. What being in a relationship was like. He had plans and ideas for potential dates. Things he'd read about or seen on the big screen. Events that held a warmth the mage internally craved. Broaching those ideas, however, seemed like they were on another level. Confusing and frightening at the same time. Well, at least the young couple still had their little meet ups. 

    Moved further out of view and sat under a lovely old oak, Isaah smiled upon catching sight of Bellamira. The young man gave a slow and easy glance around. No one else in view. Thank the gods. With a hefty sigh, the young man moved over to the bench Bella was settled upon. He sat down, then fell to the side, brown locks cascading around his face as the young man rested his head upon her lap. "Enjoying your book?" A soft breeze brushed past, carrying with it a slight chill. Summer was long gone, and slowly but surely the world was being replaced with hints of Autumn. 

    There was a comfort to these little moments. Quietly sharing the presence of another person. Feeling their love and affection. Isaah didn't know if what he felt for the woman was truly love yet. So many mysteries still left unanswered, and their relationship had only just begun. The boy knew he wanted to reach that point. To learn more. See more. Experience more. He was also terrified of it going way too fast. Already things felt rushed, hurried along. 

    Those were the downsides to being so starved for affection. 

    They had time, though. The world still turned, and nothing had gone wrong yet. The young couple had every chance and opportunity to figure it all out. A secret relationship that allowed them to enjoy one another's company. In more ways than one. Isaah blushed darkly as he thought about the moment they shared under the willow tree. His hips were so sore after that. He was happy, though, that somehow they kept that secret. A mystery that no one would pick up on, and no one would notice except- "Psssst..." one man. Oh gods... "psssst, Isaaaaah..." The honors student let out a long, exasperated sigh. It was only a matter of time before he noticed. "pssssssssssssst... you two look adorable..."

    Isaah pinched the bridge of his nose. "Hi, Zedd." 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

Bellamira knew who to thank for keeping their secret. She'll talk to her Uncle about it later. She can only hope her parents have not found out. Or, if they have, they don't mind or don't worry about the situation. It's leagues better than the one that forced her to attend the academy in the first place. They've no reason to really worry about history repeating itself. She has no reason to worry, that was a nice feeling.


Though she held a lot of power Bellamira was no mind reader. She was ignorant to the fact that he shared the same fantasies as her. Perhaps one day she'll figure it out. She blinks away the thoughts and tries to refocus on the words before her. It's probably how she missed the hidden guest.


She pauses her reading feeling a sudden weight in her lap and looks down. Her opal eye shines alongside her smile seeing Isaah. She sets her book aside, slipping it into her bag, and reaches out to twirl his brown locks. Her fingers crawled down the side of his face delicately. "Yes, it was entertaining enough to pass the moments I was waiting for you. How have you been?" She asks keeping her voice soft and leaning closer so he can hear.

Moments like these were new and they were nice. It's unfortunate she has no one she can really talk about it with. Well- she does, but she sometimes doesn't want her family to know everything. Typical teen attitude... Bellamira's eye snaps up when she hears a sudden voice call for attention. Who...?

Her hand slipped Isaah's shoulder and tightened her grip. Just a little. She finds herself alert and on the defensive. Though there is a smile of pride at the whispered compliment towards the couple. She had to agree they were quite cute, well- Isaah was quite cute anyway.

She looks back down at Isaah when he sighs and mutters out his greeting. Bellamira begins to sweep her eye around now to try and spot Zedd in their nearby surroundings. "Um, H-Hello," she says blushing and her voice weighed down by a hesitant shyness.

[Sparky]

[Isaah][Zedd]

    Going this long without Zedd noticing was a miracle in its own right. But it was inevitable. The young water mage let out another exasperated sigh when the colored leaves above began to rustle. A grinning, goggled head popped out, hanging upside down as the electro-mage beamed. "Long time, no see!" The voice stated in a musical note. The honors student was honestly astounded that it had been so long since he last heard that voice. Then again, the last few interactions had been a mess. Moving from bitterly telling him to go away, then to a melancholy apology. Between those events and far after, much had changed.
    
    Especially with Zedd.

    For a beat, the other mage disappeared back in the leaves. The rustling shook free a number of golden leaves, until out he appeared again. "Hup!" Isaah watched as Zedd swung his legs down and hung from the branch like some sort of electrically-charged ape.  "Sorry if I startled you a bit." The boy apologized with a laugh and dropped down. On his face, judging by the audible 'thud.' By now, the hydro-mage had long since gotten used to the other boy's ability to appear seemingly out of thin air. From the look of things, Bellamira was very much not. Whilst the other student was hidden behind the bench, the young man took the moment to reach up and gently cup Bella's cheek. It was all he knew when it came to comforting someone. 

    "Bellamira, this is Zedd Kastan." Isaah stated, timed perfectly to the other boy popping back up. Grass and leaves were stuck in his hair and upon his face, but the smile was unmistakable. Compared to Isaah, the two young men looked like polar opposite personalities. After being introduced, the electro-mage waved a gauntleted hand. The metal was sleek, and Isaah could tell at a glance that it was a new model. Some things really had changed during their time apart. The lightning mage shifted and leaned on the back of the bench, arms crossed and chin settled on the metal. 

    "Isaah you sly dog you. I leave you alone for one season and you wind up with a girlfriend? Who knew you had it in you!" A slight blush tinged Isaah's cheeks, then quickly vanished. The boy puffed and turned his head away in mock irritation. Zedd giggled behind him, knowing full well that trying to hide the small smile wasn't going to work. "Glad you're doing ok buddy. And it's very nice to meet you. Oddem, right? I've seen you around." 

    Not like the girl was hard to miss. She was easily a head taller than most other students. Isaah wouldn't notice a small flicker across Zedd's expression. Subtle, and almost invisible. The other mage was, according to Shion, an empath. It was a fact that nearly destroyed their friendship. An ability to read deeper into a person. Probing apart some of their secrets without even trying. The hydromancer forgave the other, however. And for the most part, thought of Zedd in a more positive light than many others in the school. Hidden mind powers aside. Right now, the honors student wondered just how much the other boy could read. How much he knew about the... time they'd spent in one another's arms. As much as Isaah appreciated Zedd, having someone around who could read another's heart while not being able to do the same to them was disquieting. 

    But it wasn't like either of them had any super dark or totally terrible secrets. Just slightly... naughty. At least in Isaah's case. Not like either of them was a murderer, right?

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

She watches the surprise student gracefully pull themselves from the tree. Must be a friend of Isaah's based on their clear familiarity with one another. She gives a polite smile and waves away Zedd's apology. The sudden intrusion startled her, but since Isaah seemed fine she was also fine with this. If he was displeased it would have been an entirely different story.

On some level, she knows the annoyance Isaah displays is a facade. It's so cute, especially knowing the other side of him. She relaxed even more under Isaah's warming touch. Though now a part of her wondered why Zedd was there. Did Isaah tell him, was this his own plan, mere coincidence even? She didn't really have a desire to read far into it with Isaah commanding her attention so easily.

Bellamira gives a polite wave in return to Zedd. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance," she replies. She could feel her face turn red at Zedd calling her Isaah's girlfriend. It's true, but the mere fact still made her blush with giddiness. The blush vanishes as fast as it had appeared at Zedd's inquiry. Oh. Her reputation really did precede here huh?

"Indeed I am. My family typically tends to stand out, so I've been told," she says giving a weak and somewhat nervous laugh. She's still not really used to talking to others... She tries to think of what she could say next. Her eye catches the quick glance shared between Zedd and Isaah. What could that mean? Was it something good? Something bad? It was starting to make her nervous again.

Her gaze focused on Zedd and she narrowed her eye ever so slightly. She just wanted to try and see if she could glimpse what was going on up there in the electro-mage's brain. "Um, so um, what- what were you doing in the tree?" She asks, hesitance apparent in her soft voice.

[Sparky]

[Isaah][Zedd]

    With a puff, Isaah blew away a leaf that fell upon him. Doubtless both Zedd and Bella would spend a good slice of time talking. The electromancer was a chatterbox and a goofball, and for some reason always honed in on the quiet ones. Like some sort of lonely-seeking-missile. The blue lensed goggles shimmered over Zedd's eyes, all but masking them from view. A faint metallic taste, stuck in the back of the throat. The subtle sensation of static that emanated from the other boy. A natural effect that sometimes ebbed and flowed from his frayed dirty-blond hair.

    Nothing Isaah was unused to. 

    Unfortunately, this was not a natural case. Internally Zedd probed outwards. Feeling and grasping the electrical fields that every creature intrinsically had. A sense naturally held, now heightened through training. For the longest time, the boy had been terrifyingly good at reading the subtleties of a person. But being able to see the emotions flowing off of them, shifting with each emotional twist and turn. It was a hard ability to turn off. This time, he didn't mind it. The lightning mage could see the changing emotions bristling off of Bellamira. Unstable emotions coalescing around the woman like a hidden monster. A hungry beast. It was disquieting.

    Isaah nuzzled against Bella's thighs with a sigh, and Zedd redirected his attention back towards his apparent lover. "Oh! No, like, I mean I've seen you wandering around the school. I don't really know much about anyone's whole family situation, save for like. The big public people." Honors students like Damien were always so full of themselves when it came to their 'royal' lineage. Metal fingers drummed out a beat on the wood. "And y'know, just up on a branch taking a nap. Enjoying the warmer weather while it lasted."

    A flicker of electricity crawled down Zedd's arm and bounced into the gauntlet's gem. For a second, it glowed, and when it died the metallic tang of static died with it. Isaah waited quietly, counting the seconds of the pause. There was going to be more to this little tangent, there always was. Again, the cool breeze rustled the branches overhead, though this one wasn't strong enough to knock down any leaves. All the weakest ones already shook off during the other boy's collapse out of the tree. 

    "You knoooow." Zedd drew out the last word as long as he could, taking a teasing tone. Here we go. "I thought I picked up something different off you, Isaah. I had a feeling, but to find out you're dating someone? Woof, you know for a fact Damien would be seething if he heard about it!" That comment got another tiny grin out of the honors student. The electromage was right. Damien's hate boner was eternal and unrivaled. If the bastard discovered that his long time 'rival' was also now in a relationship, guy's head might pop like a balloon. Picturing that gave the boy some semblance of smug satisfaction. Zedd beamed between him and Bella. 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

She could feel that hidden charge in the air all around them. She had to admit she was a bit disappointed the time spent with her boyfriend was being interrupted. But, she also wasn't going to antagonize Zedd for it. He simply didn't know and it was a first-time mistake. Surely it won't happen again. So long as Zedd was friendly and kind and didn't get in her way she'd be content with his company.

Bellamira could feel the scrutinizing energy float around her being. What was Zedd looking for? What was he looking at? What did he see? She was a little worried since she can't exactly control her image, or what might pop up on a magical vibe check. The Beast twisted and writhed with anxiety that tempted to morph itself into anger. She felt herself growing tenser by the second. Isaah's gentle nuzzle into her thighs stops her run-away train of thoughts.

A soft sweet smile appears as she looks down happily at her romantic partner. Any thoughts that had nothing to do with him fade in an instant. Zedd can see it too, the writhing Beast taming itself for a moment of pure adoration. Bella lets out a tiny giggle hearing Zedd was simply just napping. What a coincidence then she and Isaah happened to meet up in his nap spot. If that excuse really was to be believed. There was still a little doubt in the back of her mind.

She takes the time to look at her surroundings and nods in agreement. The weather was pleasant. A shame she can't admire it the same as her peers normally would. Sunlight isn't exactly deadly to her, she'd just rather not deal with it if she could help it.

Bellamira finds herself beginning to blush at Zedd's teasing commentary. Though there is a smug look on her face knowing it's going to upset people Isaah doesn't like. Well good, let them writhe in their insecurities. She's just happy to be dating Isaah. "Well if anyone gives him any trouble about it I'm happy to take care of them," she says, though that sweet smile has an aura of something ominous about it as the words leave her lips.

[Sparky]

[Isaah][Zedd]

    Knots of fear twisted up into Zedd's stomach. Such a vivid emotional state. Such an immense pressure. It was completely contradictory to how subdued Isaah was. While Bella's mask played very sweet, tinges and twitched of something deeper stirred beneath the surface. As the jaws of the beast back itself into their own corner, only to cradle themselves around Isaah's very throat. It moved past normal adoration, or simple affection. This was obsession. Possession. Claiming territory and viewing outsiders as a threat. 

    Between it all, Isaah relaxed comfortably upon Bella's lap. Contented and happy. Just as he calmed the vampiress, a glance at the relaxed water mage quieted some of his concerns. The honors student was the strongest man Zedd knew. Even if there was a reason to be concerned, the hydro-mage could handle himself. Inversely, the electromancer was just allowing thoughts to run rampant. Both of them were happy together, and Isaah had never been more content. Might as well just appreciate the shift and be happy for them. 

    Isaah shifted back a bit, silently closing some of the distance while nuzzling all over again. Bella's scent hugged and comforted him. "Well, I'm glad to see you guys are all relaxed. As for me, I'm used to falling asleep in random places. I was just training earlier and, well, caught myself napping in the tree here." Nothing crazy. Training rooms were good for containing massive power surges, but nothing beat a proper wide open area. Especially for mobility training. Sure, he might have tripped on branches here and there. Maybe accidentally covered a few fellow students in leaves. But he'd count this as an absolute win. 

    Friendly thoughts snapped to a close as a hidden meaning dripped off every word Bella uttered. An ill omen. A vaguely concealed threat. Ice ran down Zedd's spine and chilled the blood in his veins. Before he could stop himself he found himself blurting out. "No!" Only to quickly recover, gauntleted hands waved in the air. "I mean, come on, it's Isaah? He can handle anything that stands in his way! Besides, its way more satisfying to take care of rivals ourselves. Isn't it Isaah?" 

    While the sudden blurt had definitely caught the other mage's attention, Zedd's careful word choice settled any concerns. The electro-mage was animated and had a vibrant personality. Sometimes he said dumb shit or reacted in mysterious ways. If someone could decipher the other boy's mannerisms, Isaah would call them a liar. "I wouldn't call Damien a rival anymore, but sure." Was there a little bit of snark there?

    Maybe. 

    Despite the attempt to play it off, the person he really had to fool wasn't Isaah. It was the woman who's personality filled Zedd's veins with ice. On the outside, her words of taking care of someone could be played as concern for a lover. But for a person who couldn't help but read those around him, Zedd could practically taste the hints of venom on each word. Smell the bloodlust. This wasn't an idle threat, this was a promise for violence. No, not just violence, this was a girl openly admitting to a willingness to take a life. Over, what, petty school rivalries? The knots in Zedd's stomach only tightened further. Bellamira on the outside was soft and friendly, but something terrifying lingered below the surface.

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

It wasn't a mask she wore persay. The beast was just as much a part of her as her sweet demeanor was. Most people would assume these traits contradict one another. It does on occasion, but both facts are true about her. There is a monster that lurks beneath, but that monster could also be gentle and kind when it wanted to be. Her family always accepted the shadows just as much as the light. What is dark and dreary and beautiful also can be hideous and malicious. Both states exist, it's just which one has more control at the time.

Lucky that Bellamira is keeping herself in check. Zedd wasn't wrong though about her feelings towards Isaah. He was hers just as much as she was his. Anyone who dared to threaten that wouldn't be able to. Not if she had anything to say about it. She would allow NOTHING to steal her bliss away from her. She leans down and presses a kiss on Isaah's cheek as he settles more into her lap. She can feel her still heart squeeze with joy seeing him relaxed and comforted in her presence.

She let one of her arms rest and wrap around Isaah's waist as she listens to Zedd. "That sounds nice. Being able to fall asleep anywhere... My mind is usually too picky to do that," she mumbles. Not like it was a good idea to sleep outside under the sun anyways. Though such a thing always sounded nice in theory, for people like her, it was awful in practice. "What were you training on earlier?
Did you train with anyone?" She asked trying to keep the pleasant small talk going.

She will admit this is making her anxious on some level. Zedd can probably see the dashes of discomfort and the slow boil of anxiety seeping out of her being. Bellamira practically jumped when Zedd shouted no after her statement. Everything in her body stilled in that one moment and she locked her intense opal eye with the electro-mage. There is a slight narrowing as the alarm bells begin to ring louder and louder in her mind.

His back-tracking does little to ease her. She can tell he's nervous. She can tell it's because of her. What rumors has he heard? She needed to know, she couldn't afford the truth to slip around. Let people talk all the want but if there's talk of murder she's going to have a larger problem on her hands. If someone took to snooping...it might be only a matter of time before they figured it out.

"Oh! Yes. Well- I wouldn't want to do so without his permission of course. Isaah's strong and capable of taking care of things himself," she says with a proud smile, though that suspicious gaze is still fixed on Zedd. "I just- I want to make things easier if I can." All of which she says with an earnest honesty. She truly did just wish to ease Isaah's burdens. It's just- unfortunate the way she interprets and executes such sentiments.

She lets out a soft giggle at Isaah's remark and gives him a soft pat on the head before running her fingers through his hair again. She can be soft and friendly. But she's also a monster, never forget. Much like the taming of an exotic animal, they can be sweet and cuddly- but it's still a wild and deadly creature capable of ripping lesser beings to shreds. She only gives Zedd a grin, not a warning one, but certainly weary. She's scared of what he might be thinking, of what he might say when she isn't here... She'd rather not hurt Zedd since that would complicate a lot of things.

But that didn't mean that if he became a threat she wouldn't hesitate for a moment to do what needed to be done. Anything for Isaah. Anything for this relationship. Anything.

[Sparky]

[Isaah][Zedd]

    Both could tell the other knew something. Neither wanted to admit it. Zedd could tell that the only thing keeping the situation from a confrontation was Isaah. That fact alone nearly seized the boy's heart when the other mage began to shift.  The honors student was all well and comfortable, but something stirred him. While he might not have the ability to read another person like Zedd could, Isaah also could tell that there was tension in the air. A small peck pressed to Bella's cheek and the young man lazily slid from the bench. 

    "I'm going to get something from the vending machine. Root beer, Zedd?" Emerald eyes met the blue-tinted lenses. Isaah knew that Bellamira would have her fill of her drink of choice later on, so he simply gave the woman a quick smile. Before Zedd could respond, the honor's student marched off. Isaah knew the other boy's drink choices well enough by now. The point was less about getting drinks. Rather, the boy just wanted the tension to ease somewhat. Whatever issues the two had with one another was for them to work out before Isaah returned. 

    Zedd's metal fingers lifted after his friend, then lowered once he was out of sight. Fuck. Casting his gaze back towards Bellamira, he felt more on edge than before. Now the boy was alone. Without the one thing that kept this all together. Maybe it was better if Zedd just left and forgot that any of this ever happened? "U-um. Hm." Metal scratched against his jawline as the boy awkwardly turned his gaze away. The cold bite didn't alleviate a damn thing. "I was just doing mobility training, I suppose..." Barely audible, but still trying to answer a question that the girl gave. 

    Being left alone with one another was purposeful. The lightning mage hated that fact. Leaving the two lovers alone would have been infinitely easier. He wasn't exactly a welcome presence in the first place. But, meeting the girlfriend of one's best friend was natural, right? It had to happen eventually. Under increasing scrutiny, the young man began to squirm. Suspicion, hostility, anxiety, muddled and sinister emotions that assailed his mind. It was almost too much to bear, especially after his training inadvertently heightened his reading capabilities. Fight or flight instincts were triggering at the same time as loud warning lights. Sirens in his mind declaring the threat. Zedd thought back to Isaah and the myriad ways things could go wrong. 

    He decided to stand his ground. 

    Inhaling deeply, Zedd's gaze snapped to Bellamira. Electricity sparked off him for a moment, then died off. "He's happy with you. Incredibly. So I'm not going to do anything to ruin that. I want you both happy and I don't want to get in the way of that happiness. Heck, I want to even be your friend if you'll allow." It was all true. Just because Bellamira was a dangerous beast didn't mean they couldn't work together. Couldn't be friends. Hell, Isaah was dangerous in his own right. But... "That being said, don't you dare hurt him. No-" He paused, sparked again, then continued. "-You won't hurt him, that's a stupid thing to say. Don't hurt anyone for him."

    Was this going to get him hurt? Zedd didn't know. With every word, his eyes watched the beast. Watched each writhing motion or snap of jaws. "The people here can be assholes, and I've had my share of run-ins with bullies. But your definition of hurting someone and my definition of hurting someone are very fucking different. You may think you'll be helping him, but you'll just make things worse." Zedd bit his tongue, holding back one final part. Then reconsidered. Bellamira was obsessed with Isaah, the boy was her world. If the mage wanted anything to get through, he couldn't hold back. "Not everyone deserves to be hurt like that, and I think you know better than I do that even if he wouldn't want to break up with you, you might be forced away anyways. Suspension, expulsion, getting arrested or being forced to flee away from him?"

    Zedd tried to put forth in his tone that he wasn't the one making threats. Rather, he wasn't making threats at all. He was just trying to state the truth and reality, some desperate attempt to break through the delusion. If she grievously hurt another student, killed another student, whether Bella wanted it or not, she'd be forced away from her obsession. Zedd had doubts that those actions could cause Isaah to separate from her willingly, but willingly was the important word there. 

    "I want you guys happy. I want to see Isaah happy. Hell, I want to be the best man at your wedding one day. So don't do anything stupid to ruin that for yourself inadvertantly." His tone softened as he tried to appeal to any sort of empathy Bella might have. This was the first time the young electro-mage saw his friend this happy. He didn't want Bellamira to unwittingly ruin the good thing they both had by letting the beast inside of her to take control. 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

Bellamira visible brightens with the soft kiss on the cheek though Isaah's sudden exit definitely had her far more on edge. Isaah knew something was up. So did Zedd. But what did they know and not know? Her one visible eye is rapidly flicking between the two figures, lingering more so on Isaah as he retreats to go get some drinks. She'll have her fill later probably.

She ever so slowly directs her gaze back to Zedd. The silence feels like it's attempting to choke her out. She is sitting stiff as a statue, the tension binds her as she sits. She wouldn't admit it out loud but socializing was intimidating. Especially now with her boyfriend's best friend. Ideally, she does want Zedd to like her or at the very least- tolerate her. She just can't quite get a read on what he's thinking other than she makes him nervous and suspicious. That in turn makes HER nervous and suspicious. She isn't sure what to say but her mind is flooding with panicked responses and a beg to move her tongue and use her words.

Even as he answered her previous question, nothing else came to mind. His words were faint, hesitant, scared. She understood she can be intimidating but it wasn't always a fun feeling in conversations knowing most people are scared of you. They have a right to be since she is a terrifying individual with a lot of power. She wished more could see beyond the shroud of terror the school has cloaked her with. She's happy Isaah does at least. She didn't think her heart could handle it if he was ultimately scared of her too.

Bellamira could feel the surge of electrical energy in the air. She could almost smell the acrid burning that zipped about, hidden to most eyes save for the few trained to track it. His sudden speech had caught her off guard. She visibly jumped when he began to speak again. Her stiff posture slouches lower and she tries to make her large intimidating figure look as meek and small as possible. She listens quietly, trying to take in and register all he says.

She closes her eyes and lets out a deep sigh. Thoughts she hadn't really considered before, but the perspective was appreciated. No, she can't afford to let her feelings get the better of her. She's already been forced away once from loved ones, she wouldn't attempt to make the same mistake again. For her family's sake and for Isaah's she would try and control herself. ...But gods was it so hard to do.

The Beast was obedient and docile for the time being. Well as docile as any monster could be. Bellamira still had her eyes shut as she spoke, her voice soft and quiet. "I see that rumors make their way around here fast..." she laments. Even if no one knew the truth, the rumors were just as bad, if not worse. She'd rather be judged for what she actually did than what she might be able to do... Not that what she's done helps her reputation much.

"I appreciate your words of wisdom Zedd. Truly I do. I- it feels nice knowing you want to be supportive. I.." she quickly darts her gaze towards where Isaah walked off, wondering if he was still listening. "I can- contain myself to the best of my abilities. But- I can't sit idly by if someone does something or something happens. I was always taught to stand up for friends and family." That doesn't justify murder Bellamira. She knows that on some level but she can't help it when her passions cause her to fly off the handle.

"I would also like to be friends with you Zedd. I'm afraid I'm not terribly good with people...um..." She looks down now at her feet unsure of what to say or how to carry on the conversation. She just feels ashamed. Much like her parents chastising her right before she had to leave for school. Her fingers begin to twist and curl into the fabric of her skirt. She just really wanted to move on from this topic but didn't know if brushing it off was a bad look. "I won't hurt anyone if he doesn't want me to. I promise." There is conviction burning in that opal eyes of hers. Even if the beast in her writhes and snarls seeing her love disrespected she would try and force it all down. For him. For them. For all they could be.

The sad thing is, the Beast cannot be fought forever... and she fears that inevitable day.

[Sparky]

[Isaah][Zedd]

    "Not rumors..." Muttered the young man, keeping his tone hushed and a little distant. With a shake of his head, the young man focused entirely on what Bellamira was saying. The gentle ebb and flow of her emotions, interrupted by sharp spikes of something harsher. Those spikes concerned Zedd deeply. Harsh emotions and threats of violence. Even when she spoke of defending those she cared about, it had a quiet promise of something worse. But mixed within it was a genuine compassion. The girl did care. Really did want the best for her loved ones. 

    Perhaps a bit to zealously. 

    Just sensing the beast made the boy shudder. Zedd would rather not see it in action. Silence fell after Bellamira finished speaking. Carefully, the lightning mage drank in the girl's words. Let them settle and stew. Her emotional state seemed calmer, less volatile. So, perhaps she really did want to be friends with him? With an awkward shift, the you mage looked away. He appreciated that  she was willing to make an attempt, and hoped that the words were genuine. That nothing bad would come out of it. Hoped that nothing would break apart what her and Isaah were building together. With a sigh, the young mage reached out and pat Bella's shoulder with a gauntleted hand. 

    "Thanks." Almost as if on cue, Isaah whistled for Zedd's attention, who jumped in surprise as a soda was tossed in his direction. While the electro mage fumbled with the bottle, the other boy slunk towards Bellamira and crawled up into her lap. No words were exchanged as he nuzzled against the vampiress's neck and kissed her cheek, then her lips. Zedd, who somehow managed to save the bottle from falling to the ground, watched as Isaah nestled himself against the larger woman. "Heh... it's so weird seeing you docile like this." He quipped. 
    
    "This was time I set aside specifically for her." Replied Isaah, voice low and dreary as he hung his arms around Bella's neck. Truth be told, there was more he wished for, but with Zedd around, it wasn't as though he could go crazy. Later they could spend more private time together. They had all the time in the world. A gentle hiss and crack popped the air as Zedd popped the cap of his drink, eliciting a small smile from the water mage. The honors student leaned up, or, rather pulled Bella's head down to his level. Sweet nothings and other promises whispered into her ear, little teases, and sultry plans. Nothing Zedd could hear, even if he tried. 

    And then right back into cuddle mode. 

    Zedd sipped upon his drink and quirked a brow at that scene. After a pause, Zedd nodded, capped the bottle, and stretched. "Whelp, I best go on 'n hit th' ol' dusty trail." Isaah picked his head up and quirked a brow in the other boy's direction. "What? I still got more training to do if I ever want to beat Damien's face into the dirt." Clanking metal rang harshly as the boy punched one gauntlet into the palm of the other. Drinking it in, the water mage studied his friend for a pause, then calmly nodded. Genuine or not, at least it gave the honors student the private time he wanted to spend with his beloved.

    "You'll get him next time. For sure." The supportive comment almost looked as though it caught Zedd off-guard. And for a pause, there was an unsteadiness in his stance. Quickly, however, the electro-mage bounced back and replied to Isaah with a grin.

    "Yeah, he won't get me twice." Then, with a wave to Bellamira. "It was nice meeting you, Bella. I look forward to being friends."

    Pressing closer to his lover, Isaah watched as his friend wandered off. Now it was back to just the two of them. A sigh of content escaped his lips. Happy that it appeared his friend and his girlfriend were going to get along just fine. Emerald eyes turned back up towards the woman, a quiet hunger deep within. "Now where were we?" He purred. 

[fluffymcsnuggles]

[Refs]

Not rumors? That made her raise a brow. Then how could he-? Was she just that obvious? That worried her... Asking aloud only felt like confirming the worst of his fears and she didn't want that. Just because she can be dangerous doesn't mean she's a constant threat. Lots of people are like that! She's quite sure even Zedd's is like that.

His outstretched hand made her tense up once more. She flinched a little upon the sudden contact but brightened at the friendly gesture. In turn, she raised her own pale hand and patted his. She gave him a gentle and soft smile that hid her teeth. He needn't know that yet if he didn't already know. The terrifying thing is she doesn't know what he knows or how much... She can only hope she can trust him and if Isaah does so will she.

"I should be thanking you," she replies in her earnest and ever-soft voice. Her one eye snapped over to the source of the whistle and her smile widened upon seeing Isaah return. She resisted the urge to stand back up and greet him already seeing he was making his way towards her. She giggles happily as he settles himself into her lap and she is welcomed with kisses. She attempts to chase after the sweet kiss that graces her lips but for company's sake restrains herself.

Bellamira as far as anyone was concerned was now lost to the world. She could hardly hear Isaah's and Zedd's conversation in favor of pulling Isaah closer and nuzzling into his hair for a moment. She let her hands travel and explore his lean and graceful figure. Her face grew warm and her eye fluttered upon being bombarded with sweet nothings and promised whispers. She bites her lower lip ever so slightly and ducks her head down, to get closer to Isaah and to hide away from Zedd.

Feeling Isaah suddenly pull away made her aware that Zedd had even said something at all. She blinked a few times to regain her senses and nodded dumbly along to Zedd's words. Her hands were now beginning to tease and lightly grip Isaah's flesh.

Bellamira raised a hand in farewell. "It was a pleasure to meet you and to hopefully be friends," she says once again with a tiny smile touching her lips. She watched Zedd wander off until his figure had fully faded. She could feel her love pressing up against her and demanding her attention. She could feel herself and the Beast fully grinning.

"Hmm... Last I recall I think we were-" She cups his face with her hands and pulls him in for a kiss. Playfully nipping and nibbling already upon his sweet delectable skin.