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[scionofhispower]

[Clearly, redheads have never been in short supply here.

As a result of this fact, seeing Asch sitting at a table with that smug "I'm better than you" look of his shouldn't really take too many people by surprise. Oh, sure, the lack of any discernible agitation is probably a little disconcerting as is the presence of a deck of playing cards set upon the table within easy reach of his right hand. Of course, this Asch is a little different from most, missing anger notwithstanding; it isn't too hard to tell he is a fair bit older, somewhere within his early-to-mid twenties.

Regardless, he is Asch. And he? He is challenging you to a game of poker.

Ready to try your luck?]


[ooc; Unlike swallowfury, Asch here is definitely not reset, so he retains any CR he had from the last time I was around a couple years back. Of course, he's not going to come out and just let you know who he is; he feels like being a bit of a jerk, so even if you do know him, he's going to leave you guessing. Especially. If you're a certain replica. Why? Because he can. And, no, he's not going to deal cards to kids. But he might go into papa mode on them.]

Comments

[fononfailure]

[ It's because she misses fleeting moments like these that she thinks Asch is always stoic. She could feel the pause, but there's no sign of tension by the time she sits up and fixes him with a curious stare.

"...I know. That's why I don't want anyone else. Why I've kept you close even during your absence." ]

[scionofhispower]

[There is another quizzical hum in Luke's head, but Asch does not respond beyond that. He won't say it, but the 'I don't see how anyone else could put up with you' kind of touched on his old insecurities and everything he went through in the past.]

[fononfailure]

[ Well somebody's too dense to figure that out on her own, Asch. But nor will Luke push for an explanation if he doesn't want to go into it. Instead, she offers a slight, devious playful smile. "Aren't you the least bit curious where my ring is?" ]

[scionofhispower]

[Asch is silent for a bit before... "I figure, if I wait long enough, you'll end up explaining all on your own, anyway."]

[fononfailure]

[ That deflates her enthusiasm for the game a bit, mostly due to concern. She scoots closer on his lap to cup his face with both hands. "Asch..." ]

[scionofhispower]

[He just closes his eyes. "Hm?"]

[fononfailure]

[ "I'm sorry. I don't know what I've screwed up this time, but I'm sorry." ]

[scionofhispower]

["Just... drop it."]

[fononfailure]

[ She can't help flinching just a hint. "...right. Sorry." ]

[scionofhispower]

[Damn him, he's thinking about all the things he shouldn't be.]

Trillian sucks, just so you know.

[fononfailure]

[ While Luke huddles awkwardly in his lap, head ducked. Always had to screw things up, didn't she. No wonder Asch got snippy at times. ]

[scionofhispower]

[He's just going to keep his eyes closed and try to calm himself with even breaths, so, yeah.]

[fononfailure]

[ The fact that Asch's breathing is even a bit erratic is reason enough for her to try abruptly jumping up. Stupidstupidstupidstupid--! ]

[scionofhispower]

Don't...

[fononfailure]

But I keep hurting you...

[scionofhispower]

Don't.

[fononfailure]

[ Ever so gradually she sinks back down, wrapping both arms around his neck. ]

[scionofhispower]

[He wraps his arms around her waist, eyes still closed; his breaths have evened out now and he seems less disturbed.]

[fononfailure]

[ For a few minutes she just threads her fingers through his hair before asking quietly. "...so you took a ride on the ferry...?" ]

[scionofhispower]

["Mm... it's the easiest way to get around, after all." The Albiore would take too many fonons and he really wasn't up to letting anyone there realize he's alive, so going to Sheridan would have been right out, anyway.]

[fononfailure]

[ The ferry just seemed so much slower after zipping all over Auldrant in the sky. "Where did you go? What'd you do?" The unspoken question being did he see any of their friends or return to Baticul. ]

[scionofhispower]

["Around. I was trying to find a way back." Yes, he went to Baticul, but he stayed out of sight.]

[fononfailure]

[ "Really..? Wouldn't it have been a better idea to check on how things were there?" So she says, though there's a pink tinge to her face. ]

[scionofhispower]

["That's not my home anymore."]

[fononfailure]

That's not true! You'll always be welcomed with open arms!