"I was just-" Looking at him, she felt her eyes grow a little wider. 'Good gracious, he's hot.' She gulped some, trying to relax her tensed muscles and warming face. She dropped her gaze to the floor, in attempt to relax. "Just coming to see if I could get you anything." She said, loud as she could without making her voice crack.
Mostly because she wasn't expecting it, she felt really fluttery about him shirtless. And his hair down as well, only added to his dramatically appealing looks. Though admitting he looked good didn't count as liking him, right? I mean, she had thought a lot of people "looked hot" but didn't ever gain sexual attractions to them. This was just one of those right? Where she just wanted to gain his attention, but not really be with him. That had to be what was going on.
He smirked weakly when he noticed her slight stumble, then obviously look down at the floor so she wouldn't have to look at him. 'Cute.' He had been debating for a while now about his hair, mostly because his brother, too, kept his long and he wanted to be as distinguished from him as possible. There was also the issue of it not really being practical, taking up too much of his attention that he was starting to wane on giving.
"No, thank you," he said, saving her from having to deal with him much longer. "Is the bed made?" he asked, tipping his head to the side to look past her and towards the bedroom she had pointed out to him. He assumed that she slept in a different room, as she had to get the sheets for that one, which he was fine with. Honestly, he had been expecting to be assigned to the couch, so having his own bedroom was a pleasant surprise.
Nodding, she sucked in a deep breath looking up to him. "Mhm, ready whenever you are." She chirped, crossing her own arms. She avoiding looking anywhere but his face, to try and stay calm. "If I can't get you anything, I'm going to go ahead and get ready for bed myself, sleep well." Nodding curtly, she span on her heel and skipped off up the set of stairs to her own room.
Joanna pushed the door open, and immediately started to unbutton her rather uncomfortable work shirt. Letting her thoughts consume her as she changed into her pajamas. 'Goodness gracious, I need to stop thinking about him.' Her thoughts sighed, as images of him merely a minute ago flashed through her brain like the lightening outside.
Kasiya tracked her with his eyes, then pushed off of the doorframe and went back into the bathroom to clean up what he had left out. Once all of that was cleaned up, he shut the bathroom door behind him and went over to the guest bedroom. He's had a long day, and all he wanted to do was flop into bed and call it lights out. So that's what he did.
He kicked the door shut, then kicked off his shoes, and groaned as he fell into the bed, sprawling out on top of the covers with his eyes sealed shut. He didn't bother with slipping under the covers, finding that too much of an effort to bother with. He grabbed a pillow—none of which he was actually using for their intended purpose—and hugged it to his chest as he released a long breath, finally relaxing for the first time all day.
Joanna had changed into her PJs, a simple tank top and a pair of shorts, and flopped on the bed. She groaned out a satisfy sigh, relaxing into the thick and fluffy sheets. Attempting to ignore the fact her room was a mess. Jo tilted her head to the side, looking out the watered down window starring out at the night sky. Sliding off the bed, she quietly padded over to the window and starred out.
The sky was beautiful, painted with storm clouds curling in the sky. A smile rested on her lips, before she turned and went to her bedroom door opening it. Slipping down the stairs, she walked into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea. Once she had finished, she brought it over to the couch and sat, curling up and setting her mug aside. "Maybe I'll sleep out here tonight." She whispered, leaning back and shutting her eyes, before falling into a light sleep only going to last for an hour or so.
(Shall we time skip until morning, or did you want to write more for your above?)
((I think we should skip. Who's start? working on hw rn, and Kas is a heavy sleeper if that effects anything))
((I can go ahead and start for the next morning not totally just because I feel Joanna would probably throw something at him to wake him up-))
((ghfjgh that works for me))
((Lol))
Joanna starred out the window, rather gloomily. She was tired, and wanted to go back to sleep. But it didn't look like that was going to happen any time soon. So she pulled herself off the couch, noting how sore she was from her choice of sleeping out here. Groaning she gathered her mug, and stumbled into the kitchen. She dumped the left over tea into the sink, starting a pot of coffee. Maybe she would leave some for Kasiya, maybe not.
The toaster was heating up two frozen waffles, and she stretched picking up two coffee mugs. Carrying them both into the guest room, she ignored his peaceful sleeping and flipped on the lights. "Wake up sunshine, it's time to get up." She hummed, setting both the mugs on a bedside table. When he didn't wake up, she climbed onto the edge of the bed, and grabbed one of the pillows he wasn't using. With this, she hit him with the pillow, not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to startle him awake.
Kasiya jumped and curled up when he was hit with a pillow, groaning obnoxiously and covering his head protectively with the pillow he was still clutching. "Ma hi allaenat?" (what the fuck?) he whined childishly, very much enjoying his sleep and not being harassed out of it. It was his only escape from his thoughts, his dreams filled with everything good and what he had hoped to be before everything turned for the worse. At least, that's what he assumed. Everything fizzled away the moment he regained consciousness every time.
Kas' Arabic accent, something he usually lost when he was awake and aware, always came back in full force first thing in the morning. He barely even noticed, his mind too groggy to pay much attention to it, so it was no surprise that he didn't try to hide it. His family were immigrants, so he had grown up speaking both English and Arabic, though he had no recollection of his home country—only knew that he was incredibly fond of Ancient Egypt.
"It's time to get up!" She repeated, sliding off the bed. Her slight curved figure was shown off with her randomly thrown together pajamas, but she wasn't really worried about his opinion. Also ignoring the fact her had just switched languages completely seemed to slip by her. Mostly assuming it was morning grogginess, she sat on the edge closest to the side table. "I brought coffee." She told him grabbing her own mug.
Sipping from it slowly, she took a moment to stare him up and down. Hoping he was too tired to care. She picked up his every scar, and bruise, though they all seemed to be healing. Barely at that though, and if they weren't cleaned properly, they were going to get infected. "What on earth did you do to yourself yesterday?" She asked softly, reaching over and tracing one of his scars delicately.
He didn't even notice anything besides her voice, as he still had the pillow over his head and refused to remove it. He was in denial about the morning, as always, because he didn't want to get up and do things. That also meant that he barely moved when he felt her fingertips skimming along his skin, tracing over what he presumed was the injuries he got last night. He only movement he made was a slight flinch, but that was it.
Perhaps it was the grogginess, or maybe it was because she seemed genuinely concerned and he needed to talk to someone about this monster in his head, but he told her. "My magic backfired," he murmured, voice husky and accent thick as his tongue struggled to form the English words. "I–I wasn't born with it. It was forced on me. I could've died. I should've died. But I didn't. So I'm stuck with something I never wanted, something I need to control before it either kills me or someone else." His words tapered off into a whisper, muffled by the pillow over his head.
She was hooked on every word after he had said magic. That word was foreign between the two, they never spoke of that mystic force. "You mean to tell me, you have magic now? And you just dropped the bomb just like that?" She asked, completely aghast at his story. "This isn't OK, you have to let me at least clean you up." Joanna's voice trailed, as she focused on his torso.
Feeling overly sensitive at the moment, she got up and quickly ran into the bathroom. Pulling out a severe medical kit, she checked to make sure it had all what she assumed she needed and nodded when it did. It wasn't completely perfect, but nothing was. She scurried back into his room, and sat down on the edge of the bed. "You need to either fix yourself up, or let me do it." She told him, putting her cool hand back onto his back.
(Gtg to bed, night!)
(night!)
Kasiya sighed and cursed himself out after realizing what he did, his mind finally catching up with his mouth. This always happenes. He speaks before thinking and has to deal with the consequences. But what's done was done, and there was no turning back. Joanna knew about his magic now, knew that he had hurt himself using it, and now he had to brush it off like he always did. But the thing was, he was so tired of running away. That wasn't what he did. He ran into the fire, ran into the fight, ran into the danger. He didn't cower and flee like some pathetic doe-eyed deer.
When he heard her come back, then felt that cool hand on his back, he sighed heavily and removed the pillow from over his head, dropping it to the floor. "I'm too tired for this," he grumbled, situating himself so he could push his upper half up with his arms and sit next to Joanna, his head bowed and eyes averted sleepily. "Just get it over with. I know you're not going to let me leave without it, so there's no point in arguing," he grumbled.
((Morning~))
Her face cringed some at his words, knowing he was right. She didn't like feeling like the hangover mother, but when you were in pain she felt she needed to be. "I'm sorry if it burns." Jo mumbled, opening a bottle of neosporin and squeezing the cream onto her finger. Gently, but purposely she ran her fingers over the scars to keep them from getting infected.
Honestly, Joanna didn't like thinking of him having to suffer. Unless it was under her teasing, or her picking on him, then it was OK. Otherwise, it was painful for her to just see the after effects. Imagine what it would do to her seeing him injure himself in person. The thought and image flashed across her mind, and she shook her head to clear them. "S-so, what kind of magic do you have?" Her voice was broken, and dry, as if she may have been crying.
((morning! or afternoon, as it's closer to that than morning))
He hissed softly when he felt her putting the cream over his injuries, shoulders tensing some, before he forced himself to relax and sit still. He remained silent, not in the mood for idle chit chat or teasing her. He just wanted to officially check out of his hotel, get his stuff, and take a nap for the rest of the day. He doubted Joanna would let him to the last thing, but it was worth a shot. He didn't have anything else to do.
His jaw clenched some when she asked her question, very much considering ignoring her and leaving it as what he stupidly said. But, again, he felt compelled to tell her, to let her know what she was getting into with him. "Lightning," he finally mumbled, shifting slightly awkwardly and running his uninjured hand through his hair. "I need to cut this…" he then murmured under his breath with a huff.
(Eheheheheheh, evening I guess,because like stuff in life happens and phones and that jazz are banned.)
The answer was short and sweet (not much unlike Joanna, just cut out the sweet) and she wasn't going to ask more. Hearing his second comment she nodded some, in slight agreement. "I know a guy." She mentioned casually, before pulling out medical tape and bandages. "If you want, you just have to know how you want it cut."
Joanna did actually know a guy. A pretty good one at that, for hair cuts at least. His name was Danti, and Joanna totally had a crush on him. She would never admit it to anyone though, especially not to Kasiya here. He would tease her none stop, always on her neck about it. Eventually it would get old, and she wouldn't have a crush on him anymore, but she was more concerned about the fact that he could have blackmail.
((mine aren't exactly banned in the morning, I just have a 2-hour-long class in the morning so I can't respond, then some classes that are iffy with phones/free-time))
Kasiya hadn't expected her to answer his thrown-out statement. He twisted around some to look at her with an arched brow, then took that moment to study her some. He was good at telling certain things about people. It was what he did a lot growing up. Because of this learned skill, he could tell she hadn't slept much, or at least hadn't slept well, from the look in her eyes. He could also tell that she was worried about him, for some reason, as she tended to his wounds.
"Why?" he finally got out, eyes still on hers, "Why are you helping me?" He gestured around vaguely. "You could easily leave me to my own devices and avoid me as much as you can." Really, he was just confused that someone, in general, was going out of their way to help him. It was such an odd thing to him, as he wasn't used to it. He's been fending for himself for so long he didn't know people were even capable of helping him out.
((Eheh, yeah electronics in general aren't allowed for me. Everything is pen, paper, and text books.))
She didn't know why actually. So she sat there, attempting to find an answer to his simple question. "I- I mean… yeah, we aren't really friends, but you know…" She rambled some, unable to come up with a reply. Joanna shook her head and went quiet for a minute to actually come up with a feasible answer. It shouldn't be so hard, just a couple words to fill the void. But her words were leaving her to fend for herself.
Sucking in a deep breath, she pulled away from his half bandaged self to just speak. "Maybe because I care for you, even if we don't get along. I've known you for years, and after awhile you kinda grew on me. Enough for me to care at least. I don't like you much, but I don't despise you. You mean more than you think, giving me the truth and part attention I crave. Simple as that I guess." She shrugged, going back to her bandaging of his back. "If that doesn't answer your question, I don't know what will."
He hummed in thought, taking in her words and turning them over and over again. I care for you. Four words he has never heard directed towards him. His black eyes slid off to the side as he mulled over that, trying to figure out if she meant it or not. Of course she did, because he didn't detect any sort of lie or mockery in her tone. She hadn't struggled for words like a liar struggled for words, she struggled to come up with a suitable answer to his question while sorting through her thoughts. 'Now what am I supposed to do with that?'
With his thoughts spinning around like a tumbleweed, he attempted to figure out how his own feelings towards her fit while he mindlessly offered his arm to her to bandage as well. She was right, they've known each other for years and it was hard to not have some sort of fondness for someone you've known for so long—as long as you didn't completely loath them. It took him a bit to begrudgingly accept it, but he also cared about Joanna on some level. It unsettled him, mostly because he never allowed himself to get attached to anyone after his only friend had bailed on him long ago. Yet here they were. "I suppose," he grumbled, then sighed, shifting again and rolling his eyes dramatically, " I suppose I also care about you somewhat… though I don't like you, so don't go around thinking I do." He shot her a glare, though there was a playful gleam in his eyes that softened the words and look.
Careful to be gentle, she bandaged his arm as well. Once settled in place, she heard his words and half frowned. They sounded a little cold, and forced. Though she looked to his face, and relaxed at his lighthearted glare. "I wouldn't dream of it princess." She teased back, leaning forward just slightly. "Breakfast is probably burning, and your coffee is on the bedside table." Her voice seemed a little more formal as she stood and went to grab her mug.
Guzzling down the last sip, Jo strutted out of the room. Maybe purposely swaying her hips some to attempt to gain attention. Quickly as she dared she slipped into the kitchen and set her mug on the counter. She tipped the coffee pot over her glass to fill it up once more, and set it aside before busying herself with the other things trying to get her attention. The waffles were sitting there, ready to be eaten, and two plates ready to hold the food.
He muttered a noncommittal response as she left, waving at her before eyeballing the coffee on the table. When he was sure she left, he took a moment to just flop back onto the bed and stare up at the ceiling. Breakfast. He had been planning on just leaving when he bothered to get up, but it'd seem she had other plans in place. Then there was the other issue of them supposed to be acting like a couple. He scrunched his nose in thought as his eyes scanned the ceiling, thinking that one through.
"Better yet, I just don't think. I'm better at that than thinking." He sat up and grabbed his coffee, taking a drink from it before he got out of bed. He pulled on his shirt, moving carefully due to the bandages, and tied his hair back up. Once dressed, he took his coffee and came out into the kitchen, spotting Joanna. He came up behind her—something he seemed to do often—and dipped his head down so he was speaking right next to her ear. "Mornin' shortcake," he murmured with a soft smile, "And thank you, for the help."
It was a balancing act for sure. Jo was carrying plates, her coffee, silverware, and syrup over to the table. Once in place, she quickly turned back, catching sight of the guest room door on her way into the kitchen. So he didn't just go back to sleep. A light smile rested on her lips, as she poured the leftover coffee into a to-go mug for later.
Then she felt his hot breath on her neck and shuddered some. The sound of his cool tone was enough to chill her spine. "Morning to you to." Her own voice was stiff, and a little squeaky as she pushed the thoughts of him from her mind. "I never asked you, but I hope you slept well." She murmed, ignoring his appreciation to her fixing him up.
"I did." Barely a thought crossed his mind as he dipped his head down some more and planted a quick kiss to the crook of her neck then backed away to check out the kitchen like a curious cat. 'See? Better when I don't think.' When he wasn't thinking, he didn't hesitate. He just moved, acted accordingly without care. He could flirt with Joanna to make her fall for him without worrying about how he felt about the whole thing or if he even felt like it. Not thinking was the best thing he could do.
He knocked his knuckles against the table as he sipped his coffee, absentmindedly looking around the room and curiously examining what Joanna had set up for breakfast. "I'm headed to my hotel to grab my things and check out," he told her, deciding to let her know before she found him gone without an explanation. "After eating, of course."
Her face flared a bright red, and she would probably ring his neck if he wasn't so much taller than her. She wasn't going to tell him, or give him the satisfaction of knowing, but that was one of her many little turn-ons. Her nails were digging into her hand, as her heart beat a little faster. To cool herself down, she splashed her face with icy cold water, attempting to subside the flittery feeling. Her face relaxed to it's normal color and she patted it dry with a fresh towel.
"Oh, alright, are you walking or do you want me to drive you?" She called out, setting the towel aside and coming towards the table. She slid into her seat and leaned on her palms starring up at him. "What do you want?" Joanna hummed, picking up her fork and twirling it around aiming it towards him.
He didn't notice her struggle to calm herself down, too busy with looking around and sinking into his thoughts once more. He was debating on if he wanted to go to other places as well after dropping his stuff off here, perhaps to look for a place to work for the time being until he had enough to move out of Joanna's place. When she talked, he looked over at her and shrugged, sinking into a seat.
"Depends on how long you want to be stuck with me," he said simply, "I might look for a job afterwards to keep myself busy. Might not. I'm fine with walking." He shrugged again, then tipped his head to the side as he thought about her second question. "What's available?"
Joanna furrowed her brow, trying to figure out what he meant. "Well, I was offering you a ride, so do you want me to drive you or are you walking? I really don't care either way, but if you're job hunting you can use my laptop or something to look up jobs online." She noted, eating her breakfast slowly. She wasn't really hungry, but mostly just forcing herself to eat something for the day.
She yawned a bit, trying not to look excessively tired because of not really sleeping the night before. She had gotten 2- maybe 3 hours of sleep last night at most. But Kasiya didn't know that, she assumed at least, because he hadn't made fun of her about any of it. Though, what was there to make fun of her sleeping disorder? That was just cruel, honestly. He wouldn't do something like that.
Kas rolled his eyes. "I was asking what food is available," he clarified, then propped his head up on a fist and stared at a random spot on the wall for a few seconds. "I'll probably just walk. I don't really know what I'll be doing, and I don't want to make you suffer with my presence more than you have to." He flicked his gaze over to Joanna with a slight uptilt of his lip, then back to the spot on the wall. "It's not that far."
It certainly wasn't a short walking distance away from where Joanna lived, but he wasn't going to tell her that. It'd be nothing to him, anyway, as he's been walking for a while. But that wasn't what he was thinking about. He was afraid of who he might run into while he was out. His brother had a nasty habit of showing up out of nowhere for no good, and Kasiya didn't want to put Joanna into more danger than she possibly already was in by practically handing her to Redore. It wasn't safe for her just yet.
"Oh, well if you're so sure." Jo shrugged, taking another bite of her half cold waffle. "I have bread for toast, and eggs. I think I might have bagels too.And clearly waffles." She mumbled, sipping her coffee to wash it down. "I can make you whatever I have, I need to go to the store today. You picked a bad to spend the night." She snickered pushing her mug aside.
She glanced up to him, and her smile fell some. Jo starred him up and down in his strange stare off state. He seemed so distracted, but she wasn't going to say anything more. So she finished off her breakfast, and carried her plate back to the sink. Once put away, she walked back to the table, coming up behind him. She stepped up onto a chair and leaned over resting her chin on his shoulder. "Whatcha thinking handsome?" She purred, her voice low.
He'd probably just grab a bagel before heading out, then. Kasiya was so consumed with thoughts about his brother that he barely even noticed Joanna moving until he could feel her breath on his neck and her voice next to his ear. He blinked, then looked over at her. "Stuff," he said simply, lowering his voice some automatically from her closeness.
Kas momentarily let himself forget about everything about his brother and just focused on the woman he had made a bet with. Sure, she was pretty and almost cute with her short stature, oval face, and wide eyes. But he wasn't attracted to her, at least not in the sense that most people would expect him to be. He never was. Someone could flirt all they wanted; he'd never give them the reaction they craved. But he would always give Joanna the attention she wanted, if only because he felt obligated to from how long they've known each other and because he just couldn't help himself. His attention came with the price of teasing, so it was a win-win type thing.
