[AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp]

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Thu May 01, 2014 4:47 am

Manuel hummed unsure about how any sort of a club could help in any academic career. Games were not the pursuit of knowledge itself though many took a bit of strategizing. He shook the thought away, waving his hand dismissively. There was no reason to further carry on with that topic. Clubs like this seemed to grow common at some point until Rue's home time even if he could not fathom why and that was that.

"Instead of little clubs I would imagine that actually pursuing what one wanted academically would be more beneficial, nothing more or less," he answered when she mentioned what club she'd been a part of. It made more sense to him at least.

Moves were made again, Manuel's quicker than Rue's ever were. She seemed to take nearly three times what Manuel needed but then she seemed unsure of her moves even now. It wouldn't be long before he'd take her king at this point though he wouldn't rub it in. She was a beginner and there was no point in rubbing her nose in that.

A chuckle left him when she mentioned, not in so many words, why they were playing chess to begin with. At the very least the rain and wind were ignored. The occasional crack of thunder still caught her off guard however it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been before. Funny, what a bit of a distraction could provide for someone.

"Perhaps you might find you enjoy it more over time," Manuel pointed out.

----[x]----

Rekka wasn't sure how she felt about Il Lupo's answer. It wasn't like she was always a klutz though, like anyone, she had her moments. Really, it just so happened that dancing wasn't something that Rekka was very nimble about having never gotten around to learning. Rekka resisted grumbling in protest about his claim.

All the same at his next bit of teasing she muttered, "I'd like to think I'm not completely hopeless."

There was a beat of silence before they spoke next and even then it wasn't a long conversation. Il Lupo didn't give Rekka much time to think about his answer before he was spinning her again, an action that was much less clumsy with his lead then if she'd been asked to do it on her own. If she hadn't kept tripping over his feet Rekka might have thought it was a little fun.

Though Il Lupo seemed to have it in mind to keep going she stopped, holding up her hands as if to shield herself from any wayward questions. She was tired, had been all day, and all of this was catching up to her even if he had been keeping things low key. If nothing else she just needed a few minutes to sit and rest her feet.

"I think I've embarrassed myself enough for one night," Rekka explained. With that said she dropped her hands to her side and glanced around. There were still quite a few people dancing with one another, smiles on their faces.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Thu May 01, 2014 8:20 pm

Rue could do nothing but nod in agreement. While bigger schools might have used clubs to extend knowledge and workmanship, her own school didn't have the budget for that. In a way, he was correct on the matter.

She shifted, watching the moves he made and held out hopes she was making correct ones herself. This was a game of strategy. Rue couldn't quite say she could predict moves ahead of his own.

She eventually moved another piece, still unsure of what she was doing. Maybe in time, she'd be good at this and other things. If anything, it was an opportunity to learn.

"I'm sure I will," she answered, sitting back again. "When I have an better idea of what to do."

Rue was quiet for a brief few moments, listening to the rain pelting the windows. She tried not to focus on it and instead asked, "what's it like on your farm?"

Were they anything like the ones she was familiar with? He'd mentioned guards but other than that, she had little idea. She couldn't imagine seeing guards on corn fields but then again, they weren't under threat of pirates.

----[x]----

He offered a short chuckle at her reply. She seemed a little sour about it. He didn't mention he at least had some confidence about her ability. He hadn't seen the extent of what she might be able to do, after all.

"I am sure we will see in time," he replied easily. He had every intention of at least starting soon, given if circumstances were well.

There wasn't much said between them after that. He didn't mind, sometimes these kinds of silences were for the best. No doubt Rekka was still thinking things through carefully. Despite the brashness he knew, she was a thoughtful one as well and he respected that.

Eventually, she tugged away from him, claiming to be done for the day. Il Lupo stepped back and bowed briefly before he was straightened back up again. If anything, he at least got her out and about.

"Perhaps the little lamb would like to sit down then?" he suggested, "or are you tired?"

She looked wary but perhaps she was ignoring that in favor of staying out later. Rekka showed no desire to return to the building and could be taking advantage of the freedom she had now.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sat May 03, 2014 10:08 pm

The topic had slipped away to be forgotten about. It wasn't information that they would need to know now and it seemed rather useless to Manuel. Perhaps there was just something about those little clubs that he just didn't understand or could observe for himself, as such he pushed the thought from his mind. There was little use in brooding over it.

He chuckled as Rue pointed out her current shortcoming with chess. A moment followed after in which Manuel waved his hand dismissively and said, "If you keep on it things will be fine."

His gaze flickered back to her and back to the board at her next question. Why she seemed so fascinated with his little coffee farm he couldn't say, many people were ambivalent about farms. Besides the sugar plantations were the ones most often targeted by pirates and thieves. Coffee did not bring in nearly as much coin.

Tapping his finger along the table for a quick second Manuel made his move soon after. Only after that would he answer, his words concise. There was no need to mince words about something so simple.

"Still," a pause followed as he studied the board, attempting to predict what move Rue might make next, "there is little to see or do but to tend to the plants."

----[x]----

Rekka blinked, a little surprised at the fact that Il Lupo bowed to her. While he'd been on what seemed to be his best behavior he looked to be pulling out all the stops now. It left her caught off guard and unsure of what to say or do in return. He didn't give her much of a chance to respond to that however, already asking her something new.

It only took her a second to shake her head. If she admitted to being tired he might lead them back to the building and while she was exhausted she'd rather avoid that for as long as she could. Considering how early people ducked inside for the night in these times Rekka knew that time would be sooner rather than later. All the same she could try to prolong the time before that.

"I just want to sit for awhile, if there's nothing pressing to get around to," she said.

Il Lupo didn't seem to have any arguments to that idea and Rekka took to heading towards the nearest bench. It wouldn't be the most comfortable thing, made of stone like it was, but it was better than standing around. From here she could at least watch and see how others took their little festival of sorts. Whatever had them all gathered and partying like this must have been important for at least a handful of them to get this going.

It was nice to see so many people out and having fun, some of them dressed up like it was some special occasion. Rekka still wasn't sure why they'd all gathered for this little part of theirs but no one seemed to bother spreading the reason. Maybe it was so common everyone already knew anyways.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed May 07, 2014 12:20 am

Rue shifted in her seat, uncomfortable with the last crack of thunder that sounded out. At least she didn't flinch this time, focused on the game rather than the noise. In that sense, she was grateful for the distraction even if she wasn't good at the game.

She spared a smile when he chuckled at her again. She was finding that she liked the sound of it. That was something she kept to herself for the time being.

He took his time, perhaps trying to predict her moves. While he took that time, he answered her carefully. It wasn't a lot to go on though that was partly expected. She was merely curious however.

"Sounds nice," she finally answered. The simple life was something she always wanted to attain but never really knew how. For his part, it sounded like a very simple life, apart of the Templar business.

Rue carefully moved her knight again, taking one of his pawns. She tried not to beam at this. Even simple strides were something she was proud of.

----[x]----

Rekka seemed a little surprised but he brushed it off rather easily. He didn't often do this for everyone. In a way, he was trying to make up for the past weeks. Whether it was working or not however remained to be seen.

She took a moment to reply, eventually deciding she wanted to sit down. Il Lupo motioned toward a bench though she seemed to catch sight of it before then.

"There is not need," he answered. "If there was something urgent, someone would have been sent to find me."

He sat down beside her, leaning forward a little and propped his elbows onto his knees. She seemed content in the silence, simply watching as others enjoyed the festivities. Il Lupo didn't break her of it, only partly wondering what might be on her mind.

He spared a glance, watching her face for a long moment before his attention turned elsewhere. She simply seemed to enjoy herself in watching people go by. Il Lupo couldn't understand that and didn't try to. If this was what she found some contentment in, who was he to judge her for it?

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed May 07, 2014 8:06 pm

Her answer was a short one, perhaps she had nothing else to say on the matter of what his farm might be like to her. The conversation had drawn to a halt after that though Manuel wouldn't say that it was awkward or unwanted. Rue seemed to like the game now that she was learning the rules bit by bit and if that was the case Manuel would no force talk.

Piece by piece the board began to clear with Manuel taking more of Rue's pieces than she did of his. Still, he noted that she looked quite pleased whenever she did manage to take one of his own, a smile spreading over her lips each time. Manuel chuckled and shook his head the last time she had done it.

The time passed in this manner with Hilary occasionally mutter under his breath. It was a relatively quiet affair though eventually it grew late and the storm had yet to pass fully. At the very least it had died down enough that Manuel could safely make it back to his farm for the night though he'd have to keep a hold of his hat again out in that wind.

While Hilary was tucking the documents he'd been laboring over for hours now into a little chest for safe keeping Manuel headed towards the door, glancing back to nod at Rue. She seemed more at ease now that the storm had lessened in strength and there was no more thunder to be heard. The worst of it had passed now though he wondered if she'd have to work at this all again come the next storm.

"I should be able to come 'round again tomorrow, once things are dealt with for the day," he promised her.

----[x]----

Il Lupo seemed confident enough that he wasn't needed. Rekka would put stock into that assessment if only because he was the one who knew when he was actually needed or not. Though it had been several weeks since she'd somehow arrived in Rome Rekka still had little clue as to how the Templars ran things.

All the same she said, "If you're sure."

Il Lupo had seated himself beside her, leaning forward so his elbows rested on his knees. Rekka took the time to just observe how everyone interacted in this time. If it weren't for the clothes it might have been like any other festival she'd ever seen. People milled about while others danced and all around them she could catch snippets of conversations. On occasion she could hear someone call out over everyone else as well.

However many minutes passed didn't help with how tired she was though her feet didn't ache as much as before. Once she yawned and several times she swiped at her eyes, attempting to stop the burning in her eyes that accompanied such exhaustion. It did little to help even when she knew that if she started falling asleep here then they'd be heading back to that building again.

Eventually her eyes closed, listening still to the sounds around her but paying them no mind. Rekka wasn't sure what she was leaning on soon after, not for a long moment anyways. Only when it moved did she realize she was leaning against someone though she couldn't be bothered to care who.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Thu May 08, 2014 4:41 pm

The evening had been quiet after that. The storm having almost passed over, Rue was able to settle down. She said her goodbyes to Manuel, holding him to the promise he'd made.

Seeing him after so many weeks he'd been gone was a delight and she didn't question why. Despite her initial fears in the beginning, she'd grown attached to both him and Hilary.

Cleaning up was a simple task of washing her hands and face. The evening ran as it normally did, eating and heading off to the room Hilary provided for her for the night.

Sleep was always difficult to get after that, fleeting thoughts of home entering her head. On more then one occasion, she'd woken up upset or found she'd cried in her sleep. These were the times she had to sit up for a while before trying to get back to sleep again.

A rough night passing left her anxious to get up and moving, as it normally did. She found relief that the storm had finally passed though wondered about the damages outside of Havana. She hoped to see in time, if only to get out and about for the day.

----[x]----

Out of the corner of his eye, Il Lupo noted Rekka yawning and rubbing at her eyes. She was tired, probably more so then she was willing to admit. The days of holing herself into a room and laying about might have taken their toll. The fit a crying earlier that day could have aided in her exhaustion as well.

Il Lupo watched on occasion as she tried to stay awake. She didn't want to go back, he understood that. Still, there was little he could do about it for the time being.

Eventually, her head fell onto his shoulder. He remained as still as he could, allowing her to fall asleep there. It was a little amusing, witnessing this fiery woman in such an innocent state.

He remained there for a long while, waiting on her breathing to relax. Only when he was sure she was asleep did he carefully pick her up and head back to the building. Finding her room was an easy task and he laid her to bed.

With that done, he left for the evening, silently debating whether to use this later on down the road to tease her with. For the time being, it was fleeting thought and nothing more.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Thu May 08, 2014 11:08 pm

It was a short night for Manuel but then they usually were. With nothing much to tend to during the dark he didn't waste any oil or candles in staying up later. If he had any pressing need to stay up he usually wandered about his property or into Havana, if the weather was nice. Considering that had not been a viable option he was off to bed early and woke as was per usual.

Likewise his morning went by quickly enough, he tended to the things he always did about his farm, making sure the plants were growing as they were meant to. With no problems in sight he was free to head out into Havana for any other chores that needed doing. Though Havana was still damp from the storm that passed through Manuel didn't mind it or the scent in the air it brought with it, in fact he rather liked it all.

By the time he'd finished what needed doing and had wandered about Havana on his own for a bit noon was rolling around. With this realization Manuel made something of a beeline to Hilary's home, wondering if the man would be there or not. If he wasn't Manuel would have to do a bit of searching to find him and Rue, assuming he'd let her tag along for the day.

Approaching the porch his boots thudded hollowly over the steps and his knocking sounded only slightly more solid. With that he could only wait and see if someone was still around inside. For all Manuel knew Rue was trusted alone when assassins weren't acting out by this time.

----[x]----

The next thing Rekka became aware of was the morning light making its way into the messy room. For a long time she merely hid her face into the pillow and tried to ignore the day though try as she might to doze back off it didn't do her much good. Instead she found herself thinking about all sorts of things though most prominently of the day before.

Eventually, still a little confused about Il Lupo, Rekka pulled herself from bed. With the way things had been going someone was bound to come see if she'd gotten up yet or not. A little bitterly she was reminded of mornings before school. Pushing the thought aside she took to tugging her hair up into a messy bun of sorts. Try as she might she couldn't do anything neater, unused to not being able to use hair ties.

She found she wasn't sure what she wanted to do that day either. Sparing a glance at Chespin, sitting there where she'd left him yesterday, debating on sitting out in the gardens for a little while. If nothing else it should be quiet there and Rekka still wasn't entirely fond of any of the other women around this place. With at least that thought in mind she left that stuffy room and took to wandering the halls for the time being.

Her path wasn't a set one, merely wandering to stretch her legs. Even she got tired of sitting in one place for so long though she'd rather not have to go asking for an escort around Rome. Rekka wasn't sure what it was but something was just embarrassing to her about having to ask to go out like she was some errant child. She tried not to let that though bother her too much today.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Fri May 09, 2014 5:10 pm

The morning passed slowly for Rue. Hilary was up and off early, as he was prone to doing so as of late. She didn't ask why, just knew that she couldn't tag along. Whatever Hilary was up to must have been dangerous enough to warrant her remaining behind. At least he'd extended enough trust to realize she wasn't going to run off.

She spent the time reading books, learning what she could. Hilary had enough to keep her occupied and that often left him content as well.

Sometime passed noon she became aware of someone knocking. She closed the book she was reading and walked to the door. This wasn't uncommon but she had an idea of who it might be.

Rue opened the door and smiled finding Manuel there. He'd kept his promise, as he said he would.

"Afternoon," she greeted lightly. "How are you?"

----[x]----

The evening had gone normally for Il Lupo after that. Quiet, picking up on the latest news, and turning in after a bit of work. He'd long since gotten used to the routine though Rekka appearing here had changed it a bit. He would have normally not gone out of his way to please her, after all. Yet he was, doing what he was able to make her feel content.

The morning gray had risen and he was up with it. On occasion, he passed Rekka's room. She seemed to be asleep still and he left her to rest. Gian had spoken to him sometime later that day, seeming pleased by the turn of events.

Later on, his main concern was finding Rekka more suitable clothing for free running, like he had promised. It wasn't a difficult task, finding something in a color that she liked. With that, he'd gone back to get her up, if she wasn't wandering already.

Eventually, he found her in the halls. A grin tugged at his lips and he motioned to show off the dress.

"What do you think?" he inquired lightly. "Fit your tastes?"

Silently he hoped it would be a yes. He spent a while tracking down one that he thought would suit her well.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Fri May 09, 2014 9:18 pm

Manuel waited, glancing around at the people that passed Hilary's house. There were all sorts and at one point he saw a young child running from his mother, bawling about something that was 'mean', presumably his mother. Manuel shook his head, turning back just in time to be met with Rue opening the door and smiling up at him. He spared one in return and tipped his head in greeting.

"It's been a lovely day so far," he answered, "and you?"

A moment passed as he shifted from foot to foot for a more comfortable position. If nothing else he could escort Rue about if Hilary was gone though he wasn't sure if the man was actually home or not. For the most part he usually wasn't, busier than Manuel was many days. With the assassins Hilary was running the arms race against in Havana this was no surprise to Manuel.

"I trust your day has been easy going," Manuel said, waiting for her answer. He couldn't say he knew what her usual routine was after so many weeks away after all.

Though it was a nice day out the humidity was still high, the passing of the storm only cooling things off marginally. Manuel didn't mind this, preferring the heat over the cold. He had heard many a tale of other places which were much cooler then the West Indies and none of them sounded pleasing to him.

----[x]----

It wasn't a surprise to see Il Lupo approaching her so much as the grin on his face was surprising. Something red was tucked under his arm as he approached though it didn't take long for Rekka to figure out as it was, already he'd taken to show it to her once he was close enough. For a long moment she could only blink at him and the dress, unsure of what to say or do again.

"Well, yeah, it's-it's pretty," she spat out finally, still blinking at it and at him in surprise. She would have figured that whatever charitable mood he'd been in the night before would have faded by now. "You really didn't need to though..."

As soon as she said the latter the thought of their arranged marriage nagged at her, a strange thought even now that she worked to brush aside. She still wasn't at all comfortable with the idea of marrying in general and she had to wonder if that showed or not. If nothing else she worked to try to ignore that fact even now. Rekka was still very aware that she'd probably only be able to do that for a few weeks at most.

She reached out to take the new clothes, inspecting the little details for a moment or two before she glanced back up at Il Lupo. She wasn't sure if she was imagining it or not but with the way he was grinning and looked to be standing straighter he seemed to be proud that she liked what he'd found. It was hard to suppress the small smile that tugged at her lips at that observation.

"You look like you're peacocking again," she pointed out lightly.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Fri May 09, 2014 11:32 pm

She grinned brightly at him, a little more content now that he'd arrived. Her days were often lonesome, Hilary gone most days. If it hadn't been for the weather yesterday, no doubt he'd have been gone again.

"I've just been reading," she explained. "Hilary left early this morning. He's been doing that quite a lot lately."

Rue nodded to confirm what he had said. Her day normally was rather simple and easy. Night not so much so but she tried to push that thought aside. In time, she hoped those difficult nights would pass.

"It's been quiet aside from the occasional person wandering by," Rue replied lightly. "It's still a little hard to get used to, working so often."

She rocked on her feet a little, unsure of what to do. The humidity was already bothering her knee but she didn't want to stay inside all day either. She had enough of that as it was.

"Maybe we can take a walk?" she suggested after a moment. Hilary might not mind as long as he knew she was with Manuel. In that respect, she felt a little bit like a child.

----[x]----

She was at a loss for words for a long moment, seeming to try and figure out what he had brought this dress to her for. Eventually, she complimented it, leaving him feeling a little proud. It showed and obviously, she was aware of it.

He waved her words of easily. He didn't have to but he had and that was that. Honestly, it was in a bid to get her out and about more. Being taught how to free run might spur her into better moods.

"Nonsense," Il Lupo answered easily. "I believe this will look quite flattering on you."

A small smile tugged at her lips, something of a rare sight in these passed few weeks. He couldn't help but feel a little proud of his progress though she was quick to point that out. Il Lupo resisted a slight pout at that.

"Come now," he replied lightly, "it's merely in my nature."

It was a bit of a jest. He was confident and that showed more time then not. At least Rekka didn't seem annoyed by it this time. In fact, she was looking a little more content then she had been in weeks.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sat May 10, 2014 11:10 pm

Manuel tipped his head and said, "Hilary is a busy man."

That was an understatement, considering just what all he accomplished around Havana. His arms race against Miss Dinsmore made it much easier to navigate and gather information in the city when the assassins were so otherwise occupied. For that it was important that Hilary started early in the morning, doing what he could. Of course this was something that would not be imparted to Rue for the time being.

"Havana is a relatively peaceful city," he pointed out with a small shrug, "though something tells me that you are the type to appreciate that."

It was just a guess but Rue didn't seem like a woman who liked a fuss. If that was the case then they would accommodate as best that they could given what needed doing during the day. If nothing else there had been no mishaps with the assassins, they didn't seem to know about their advantage with Rue and what knowledge she was imparting to them.

He glanced back over his shoulder, watching a person or two as Rue suggested a walk. He saw no harm in it, so long as they left something for Hilary in case he arrived here before they returned. There wasn't any need for some alarm to pass through because they hadn't notified Hilary in some way of where his charge was at.

"I don't see why not so long as we leave a note for Hilary," he agreed.

----[x]----

Rekka scoffed softly. Then again he had a point, orange had never been a good color on her but then, on that basis, any other color would look flattering in comparison. That was left unsaid however, there wasn't any need to be so technical about it.

"I guess we'll see in a few minutes, huh?" she retorted lightly.

At her almost teasing accusation Il Lupo didn't seem to confused by the terminology but then before she'd withdrawn into herself she had accused a few people of just that. Rekka reasoned that her 'odd phrase' would have been spread around by any of the gossipers here. It wasn't like she was some obscure topic, on more the on occasion she had run into people muttering about her and her behavior and what she could possibly provide them.

Folding the clothes rather gingerly Rekka took to leading them to nearby room she could change in. Many of them were merely guest rooms, empty until someone important in their ranks needed a safe place to stay or merely to rest for a few hours. It was one of these Rekka would duck into when she found one, along the way the little conversation didn't die.

"Perhaps," she said, "I don't think that's always such a good thing though."

Coming across an empty guest room, seeing no point in trekking all the way back to her own, she turned to Il Lupo. Already he'd stopped when she had, head cocked to one side as if waiting for her to say something. He didn't have to wait long.

"You wait here, I'd rather not have an audience."

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Wed May 28, 2014 7:46 pm

Rue could only bob her head in a nod. She knew that Hilary always seemed busy. Apart from when the storm hit, he'd always leave early. Rue knew he was a Templar, was well aware of that fact, and hoped that he wouldn't be hurt.

Despite her initial fear before, she had gotten attached to the both of them rather easily. It wasn't so much of a surprise, not to her at least. For her, it was rather normal.

She spared a small smile and said, "I'm that transparent, huh?"

It was a light prod. She did prefer quite, peaceful places. Dealing with a lot of fuss just unnerved her. She felt much better when things were quiet and there wasn't anything to worry about.

Rue could only assume why he'd looked over his shoulder, who he might be looking for. She said nothing of it waited on his reply. She was pleased that the answer was positive. She nodded again before she went back inside to scrawl out a quick note. She left it on the desk he normally sat at before returning to the door.

"Let's go then," she said, stepping outside and pulling the door shut. She was a little anxious to be moving around, even if her knee ached. They'd just sit down if it got too bad.

----[x]----

Il Lupo grinned broadly in response to her expression. She still didn't appear too pleased but it was an improvement from the weeks that had passed. She was speaking to him as well. That in and of itself was a good thing.

"Perhaps we will," he answered lightly, "though I must say, I've good taste."

He ignored any look that she shot his way. Honestly, he felt it would look rather good on her. She might be a little more doubtful. Still, she seemed pleased in some regard.

Il Lupo followed after when she started off again. She was careful with the dress as if afraid touching it too much would ruin it. He chuckled at that but didn't point it out.

"You are right," he prodded, "someone as charming as myself? It would cause problems."

He halted when she did, listening to her speak up. Il Lupo snorted slight but remained outside. He wouldn't disturb her privacy. She seemed one who needed it at times, especially after he'd gone and stolen what was hers. He was a little proud to say he was figuring her out bit by bit, even if she wasn't aware of that fact.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sat May 31, 2014 8:05 pm

Manuel chuckled, a rather throaty sound really, as he gestured to her. "You're quite the open book."

If nothing else this was truthful. Since coming here there was very little about her feelings that he couldn't discern. What she liked in terms of hobbies or how she lived before hand were still a mystery to him though slowly those were being pieced together. Perhaps he would never know all of it or understand it but it was happening regardless.

Already Rue was getting fussy when they didn't start off fast enough for her liking. With a bow of his head he obliged nonetheless. He'd rather not get an earful for something like this after all. Note left for Hilary they headed out the door with Manuel in the lead. He wondered how long it would be until the humidity got to her this time around however.

"Have there been any areas that you've found you prefer while I was away?" he asked. It wasn't as if he could glean this information on his own. He'd been gone for so long that there wasn't any way that he could have merely observed it over time either.

Part of him wondered if she eve bothered to venture out with someone when Hilary was not around. From the sounds and looks of things she might not have even asked unless someone came to fetch her. Manuel brooded over that idea only briefly. It didn't seem like a very good way to make her stay in Havana more at home but then he supposed it wasn't any of his business either.

----[x]----

Il Lupo was full of quick responses as always, it seemed. He was so obviously proud of himself with the way he grinned and held his shoulders back. Rekka supposed she couldn't begrudge him that but then he wasn't being overbearing about it yet either. All the same she hummed in answer to him when he boasted about how he thought he had good tastes. Quietly she agreed if he was the one who picked out that ensemble he always wore at any rate.

It was a simple matter to find an empty room, slipping inside only after Il Lupo looked to be behaving himself and would wait for her. From there it was a matter of slipping out of the old thing that Fiora had lent her and into the new dress. It was loose in the waist but then she was a scrawny woman, always had been, and the ties on the back mostly solved that problem. All the same she had a bit of difficulty with it.

Only when she had it on properly did she peer into the nearby mirror, fussing with it still. It had a shorter skirt though a pair of leggings had gone with it. This was definitely something she was more accustomed to though she still felt a little self-conscious about it. All the same the deep red was flattering...

Feeling self-conscious about how she looked in the new dress Rekka forced herself to open the door and meet Il Lupo again. She took to fuss with the folds of fabric instead of choosing to meet Il Lupo's gaze.

"Well, how does it look?" It was a simple question and yet she was a little worried that she looked sillier than she thought she did.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:27 pm

Rue never had to worry about being a closed book of sorts. The last time she kept so many things to herself, she had a melt down. That had been a long time ago and was enough to make her want to avoid it.

They started off, Rue trotting near Manuel's side. His stride was longer but he made sure to walk at a reasonable pace. If her knee complained too much, she would make sure to let him know.

The question should have been one she expected. Still, she hadn't exactly been too many places in that time. She liked it down by the beach despite her fear of water.

"I probably would if I'd gone to more places during that extent of time," she answered, clearing her throat awkwardly.

Rue spared a glance toward him for a moment before asking, "where did you go anyways?"

It wasn't as if she had been given details other than he would be gone for an extent of time. Like with Hilary and his work, she didn't want to pry knowing she'd probably just be turned away. Still, that didn't mean the curiosity was quashed entirely.

----[x]----

Il Lupo was pleased that he hadn't been snapped at. He was fully prepared for that much. Rekka seemed to be in better mood. Lightening up on his prods and teasing seemed to have helped. That and being a little genuine.

He waited patiently outside that door, half wondering if she was able to put the dress on. Her clothing had been so strange when he first saw it. It had hardly been flattering and was less complex than the dresses he was used to seeing.

Minutes passed slowly and he leaned against the wall, tapping his finger against his side. Eventually, the door opened again, revealing a bashful looking Rekka.

His grin broadened as he lifted his arms, motioning toward her and said, "wonderful!"

A short chuckle left him. His arms swung at his sides as he took a few steps closer toward her. This bashful side was not something he was so used to seeing.

"No need to look so embarrassed," he pressed, "the dress suits you quite well."

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Mon Jun 16, 2014 6:42 pm

Rue made short work of keeping up with Manuel even if he had a longer and quicker strider than hers. He made short work of attempting to slow down a little, having to remind himself that she was not nearly as tall as he was. Nonetheless Rue hadn't outwardly complained.

Manuel hummed, glancing at Rue as she answered his question. It would seem that Hilary was so busy that they spent little time actively letting her go about to see Havana first hand. Or was it that no one else had come about to help out? This wouldn't surprise him with Hilary shooing people away though it didn't surprise him. All that fuss would have stretched anyone's nerves rather thin.

"Well, let us see if we can't change that today," Manuel offered. If nothing else it would give her something to do along their walk, giving her more reason to glance around and really see and experience Havana.

He glanced about, keeping an eye on their surroundings and the people in them. Things were calm, the day going about as it normally would in the city. All the same Manuel would not totally let his guard down, he'd learned against that long ago.

Rue's question drew his attention more fully back to her. He offered a shrug, inclining his head to one side in thought. The place he'd gone to had been a small one, barely a spec on any map.

"Nowhere of any consequence," he told her, "merely a bit of a mess to clean up away from home."

----[x]----

Il Lupo hadn't wasted much time in answer her. In fact, he sounded quick enthused about how she looked in the dress though it was hard for her to decide if he was being sincere or not. For all she knew he might have just been teasing her again. Rekka hoped that wasn't the case, she felt a little self-conscious about herself as it was.

She fussed with the edge of the skirt for something to do. It was a little easier than meeting Il Lupo's eye when he was acting so enthused about her change of clothes. Il Lupo was laughing though it didn't sound mocking, instead it was a more pleasant sound to hear even if it was still at her expense.

"You sound way too enthused," Rekka pointed out even as he neared her.

At the reassurance she glanced down at herself again, still so unused to wearing dresses like this. It was so complex compared to the simple summer dresses normally sold in her time. She was still grateful that she had something with leggings now, no doubt intentional considering she wished to learn how to free run anyways.

Tentatively she peeked up at Il Lupo, finally meeting his gaze. "I take it you've got nothing to take care of today?" she wondered. Usually if he had a mission at hand he wouldn't be seen all day.

Rekka waited for his answer, noting the way he seemed pleased about something. She figured it had something to do with the fact that she wasn't telling him to go away or anything similar. It was hard to guess with Il Lupo however when she knew so little about him even now.

Subject: Re: [AC] Counting Stars [1-on-1 rp] Sun Oct 26, 2014 7:46 pm

The humidity did little good for her knee. She appreciated the fact that Manuel slowed his pace. It hadn't been so bad that it had given out. She was a little afraid when that time came however.

Manuel looked thoughtful on what she said. She hadn't seen much of Havana. Often times, she left her window open just to hear the music that drifted around the area. She heard quite a bit from that window.

"Ah, it's been alright regardless," she pointed out conversationally. She placed her hands behind her back, comfortable with the walk, "I've seen a lot of things looking out the windows. Hilary's been rather kind as well, when he can spare the time."

The weeks that had passed left Rue time to think things through. She more or less accepted life as it was now. She still ached for home but she couldn't be sure there was even a way back.

Manuel's words were once more guarded as they always were when she asked him these things. She decided not to push for answers. She wouldn't gather anything from doing so.

"Well, I hope it wasn't anything too problematic," she replied as she spared a glance around, "It must have been rather far away."

----[x]----

Rekka was fussing with the dress. She looked a little embarrassed if he had anything to say about it. A short chuckle left him knowing that. It was nice to see her in better spirits, at least for the time being.

"Ah, but of course!" he replied lightly, "And why wouldn't when I have such a lovely woman by my side?"

She ducked her head at that. Il Lupo couldn't help but grin a little bit. He found her endearing, especially so when she actually appeared a little shy. He found nothing wrong with it.

Already, she was asking if he was busy for the day. Il Lupo shook his head in response to her words. For once, he was free.

"Not at all," he told her, "I figured I may spend a little time with you, if you'll have me."

Il Lupo was aware that Rekka was still in a vulnerable state. He was doing his best to make sure she was happy but she could slip back into a depressive state. He hoped that wasn't the case however. Il Lupo liked to think he was making some progress.

"Perhaps we might walk around Roma," he suggested, "You might see the sights!"

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