Adam "Fausto" Smith: so Adam's up late on the night of the 11th in a private convo
with Ingvar. When Ing leaves, Adam's too drunk to really stand
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She knocks on the door and opens it, looking in and smiling a little.
"Hey, you."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He looks up from the couch, where he's lounging, brooding into the
fire. He smiles at her, but it's a bit sad in the eyes. "Hey."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She slips in, shutting the door and walking over to the couch. "How're
you doin'? Cabin fever driving you nuts yet?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Not yet," He grins. "Booze is good for curbing ambition."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She chuckles a little, and takes a seat next to him. "And for pickling, I
hear."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: His gaze moves away from the fire, looking her over speculatively.
There's a bit of a smoulder there, her good looks stirring something in him. He
locks gazes with her for a moment, his glance both playful, and with a dark edge
of mystery. He looks back at the fire.
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She leans back, watching him. "Penny for your thoughts. Hell, I'll even
make it an Indian nickle."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He pulls her onto his lap, careful not to spill his scotch as he
embraces her, kissing the top of her head. "I was just wondering how you were
doing."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She sldies on over without resistance, leaning against him comfortably.
"I'm doing...good, actually. I'm glad you're out...I'm feeling pretty peachy
about the sentai." She scrunches her forehead, smiling a little oddly. "That's
still a little wierd for me, though. I was just getting used to having friends
and loved ones again. Now I'm part of a...unit." She can't seem to find any
other word for it.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He takes a deep inhalation of her hair, squeezing her slightly, as
if giving her an attaboy. "You do not wish to be so?"
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She shakes her head. "Didn't say that...it's not a bad wierd. Just a
wierd that I'm still getting used to. I see several medical procedures in my
future... as in, getting my my foot surgically removed from my mouth."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He chuckles and massages her flank with his free hand, taking a
sip of scotch with the other. "Are you happy?"
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She thinks about it a moment, sliding an arm around his shoulder, then
smiles. "Yeah, I am. It's...good to finally belong somewhere." She takes the
scotch from him and takes a drink, then passes it back. "Not that I was looking
for it when I came here...but it's a good feeling, regardless." She looks down
at him. "What about you? How are you doing?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: That tightness comes to his cheeks. It's not quite a wince, since
he slams that control back down. He doesn't answer the question, but simply
kisses her again.
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She kisses him back, then sighs a little. "I see. And you obviously don't
want to talk about it...which is fine, I'm cool with that, and I won't push your
boundaries if you don't want me to. I'm worried about you, is all." She smiles
at him, reaching out and stroking his cheek. "All repression and no release
makes Adam a candidate for a nervous breakdown."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: he studies her face for a long moment, then snorts and kisses her
again, stroking his hand along her flank again.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He pulls back, giving a rueful shake of his head. "For a coyote,
you're certainly tied up in rational thinking."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She chuckles a little at that. "Define rational, hon. I guess that I'm
not quite as nutso as I was at the beginning of the year, but..." She shrugs,
her hand running lightly over his chest. "I wouldn't say I'm Doctor Spock quite
yet. 'sides, I still gotta keep Ingvar on his toes. So I''m not going anywhere near Spock-ified for the foreseeable future."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "You know, when you spout off that long litany of psycho-babble, I
think you're trying to manipulate me into talking?"
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She looks at him a moment, then shrugs. "I can understand that. But
remember, if you wanna talk, I'm here. And I will ask you how you are. But I
can't force you to talk, and I won't try to trick you into it, 'cause I know how
you'll take that. I'm just...expressing my feelings on the matter."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Have you considered that everything that needed to be said about
how I'm doing, doesn't need words?"
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She bites the inner side of her lip a little, and nods. "I have, yeah,
Adam. But I don't want to...misread things. I've done that from time to time,
and the results can be disastrous."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: he sighs and rests his forehead against hers, his hand moving down
to her hip. The alcohol on his breath is pretty potent, mingling with the smell
of woodsmoke. "Everything I've worked toward. Fausto dying, the bloody trip to
Los, the....punishment. Every sacrifice I've made has been...for nothing. I've
failed quite spectacularly, and I may have endangered every one that I love.
That's how I'm doing."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: The hand around his shoulders moves to his neck, lightly massaging it. "I
see. What could you have done differently?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: his jaw pulses, and he shakes his head. "It doesn't matter. It's
over."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She raises her head to kiss him on the temple, her fingers finding a kink
and working on it. "So now what? What's the plan, if there is one?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Well, I was wondering with all the entertainment I've given your
father, he might see his way to help me hide my umbral reflection."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Either that, or to make the wolves I'm a purebred Silver Fang."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((make the wolves believe I'm a))
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She blinks at that second option. "If you can pull that second one off,
Father Coyote will be very entertained, I'm sure. Either way, I can try to talk
to him, see what I can pull for you in respect to Option #1..."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He nods, pulling away from her to give himself enough room to sip
the scotch before setting it down on the floor beside the couch. "I'd appreciate
it."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She nods. "Of course, hon. I'll get on it Ay-sap." She frowns a little as
she works on the kink in his neck. "Damn, man...you've got some serious knots
back here. Not too surprising, I guess, but still..."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He closes his eyes as she works on him, drawing in a deep breath
and forcing himself to relax. "I'm glad I'm here with you."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She smiles a little as she feels tension leave his body, and nods.
"Ditto." She leans into another kiss to his temple.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: His hands move down her flanks, his eyes remain closed, head
bowed. "I'm not sure what I'll look like when you see me next."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She nods. "I'm used to that by now. Personally, I'm hoping for Melvin."
Chuckling lightly, resting against him as she moves her hands to another kink.
Her head rests lightly against his.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He snickers at that, raising his gaze to look at her, hand
reaching up to stroke along her cheek. "I thought you'd come alone."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She raises an eyebrow at that, smirking a little. "As opposed to what,
bringing the Wu-Tang Clan with me?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Yes. As Wu as they are, at present, anyway."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: That draws a laugh from her. "I'm more of a D-12 girl, myself, but naah,
no rap-slash-hip-hop groups in tow, no."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I was referring to your non-asian group of asians."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She grins. "I know, but it was more fun to go along with the rap
euphemisms." She winks at him. "The sentai's all cool, and I'm down with them.
But I still need my...'me' time. And you need your 'you' time."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "There'll be time enough for that, I suppose."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She smiles a little. "Damn skippy there will be." She runs a hand along
his jawline affectionately.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He studies her for a moment, then kisses her, once again with that
sadness behind it. "I'm sorry I...couldn't last."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She shakes her head, putting a finger against his lips. "Don't apologize.
You know that was done specifically so you couldn't succeed. You lasted as long
as you did, and I'm proud of you for sticking it out as long as you did."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Reyna you don't understand the consequences of my...failing."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: "You're right, I don't. I'm sure they're severe. But I know that whatever
they are, we'll do our best to deal with it." She looks at him. "They knew what
they were doing, Adam. They knew it would be impossible for you to last. And the
fact that you stuck it out as long as you did is a testament in and of itself.
Even if no one else recognizes it, I do."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He frowns, but nods to her, reaching up and caressing her
shoulder. "I appreciate that."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She smiles at him, and shrugs. "Just my opinion. Take it for what it is."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "It's...appreciated. But if I was truly meant to...do this...I
would have succeeded."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She considers that a moment, then looks at him, her expression that
inscrutable calm she gets during these kinds of talks. "All right...so let's say
that you weren't meant do to this. You weren't meant to be Zi Teng. How do you
feel about that?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He draws in a deep breath, then shrugs. "What am I supposed to
feel? I didn't want it, but I took it because you and Angelia told Los I was
worthy."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She purses her lips and looks down, guilt shadowing her features.
"I'm...sorry about that. I thought you were. I still think you are, regardless
of failing an impossible task, but I can accept the result. I..." She sighs, and
shakes her head. "I never wanted all this to happen to you. Leapt without
looking. My bad."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I'm not blaming you, Reyna. I'm apologizing."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: "And I'm doing the same. There's nothing for you to apologize for, Adam.
You did what you could with the situation we put you in."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I..." He sighs. "I guess...nevermind." He pulls her into an
embrace, and just holds her.
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She leans into the embrace, squeezing him gently. "I love you, Adam. I
never would have let this happen if I'd known."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Reyna, you did what you thought was right. And maybe...it was the
right thing. Who am I to second guess Los?"
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: "I know, but still. Hindsight 20/20, foresight 5/2 billion, right?" She
sighs deeply, squeezing again.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He squeezes her back. "Maybe I've just been...fighting for
nothing.
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: Her brow furrows. "Meaning...?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He shrugs again. "Ever since I can remember I've been fighting.
Fighting my mother, fighting my father, fighting my tribe. Fighting...my status.
Maybe I should just...accept it."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She leans back, watching him, that curious look on her face, head tilted
to the right at a slight angle.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "If Manhattan wanted me to be Zi Teng he wouldn't have let
me...fail this way. Instead he let me fall into the clutches of the Union.
And...I mean I could salvage it. I could...but I don't think I'd...survive it.
Not physically. But...I don't think...without Lady White Snake...I don't think I
can face Schondorf and win."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((Not physicaly=and I don't mean physically.))
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: "Schondorf, I'm sure we can handle. But Adam...realize something.
Accepting something doesn't mean giving up. Don't confuse the two." She watches
him, her face even, calm. Searching his eyes.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Reyna, I'm a fucking kinfolk. And no matter how many Garou cubs
piss themselves with fright when I stare them down, at the end of the
day....that's all I fucking am."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "The Spirals won't back down from me. They know what I really am."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She nods. "I understand that...you're kinfolk. And?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I never wanted to accept I had limits. I never acted as if I did.
I refused to allow any one to make me less than I wanted to be. But now..." he
shrugs, looking into her face, infinitely sad. "After Los and Firesnake
and....Manhattan...maybe it's time for me to simply accept that."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She smiles a little. "Yes, Adam, you have limits. Join the club, hon...we
all do. You can't do everything. But that doesn't make you less of a person, or
unable to do great things. FDR was just a normal human...a cripple, at that. But
look what he did. And despite the fact that you're 'just a fucking kinfolk'..."
She does the quotation gesture with her hands at that. "...doesn't mean that
you're any less important, or capable, then anyone else. Hell, look at the
little wolf den in Central Park. They're all high-and-mighty Garou, and they
can't find their asses with both hands, a spotlight, and an ass-detection
machine. You, on the other hand, are more then capable of finding your ass...or
anything else, for that matter."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Don't mistake the idiot cliaths for the elders, Reyna. They'd not
be able to hold that caern if they weren't competent."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "And don't delude yourself that Schondorf will be easy. Out of all
of the De Witt group of infernalists, he's the one who's lasted, because he's
fucking wily. And he knows how to disappear at even the slightest whiff of a set
up."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: "Not the point, hon. I know they're not total idiots. But I'm just trying
to say...there's nothing wrong with being 'just a kinfolk.' And being more then
that doesn't automatically make you better."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She nods at that. "Point made, there. Still, we can handle it. We just
need to come up with a plan."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Yes, Reyna. There ~is~ something wrong with being just a kinfolk,
but I wouldn't expect you to fucking understand that.
Just like you don't have fucking clue why it was so important for Ingvar and I
do have our little paintball exercise."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: ((gah sorry for the typos))
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She raises an eyebrow. "All right, so explain it, then. Maybe you're
right...Nuwisha don't have kinfolk, so the concept is one that's kind of foreign
to me. We consider all humans and coyote our kin. So please...I'm all ears."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "How do you explain color to a blind man?" He shakes his head,
then slumps back, closing his eyes. "There's no frame of reference there,
Reyna."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She considers the question. "You explain it as best you can. In your
example, you explain that it's a quality that objects carry that makes them easy
to distinguish. It fills in the monotony of things...gives things depth. It
gives variety, spirit, and vibrancy. You make the blind man feel the answer,
rather then think about it."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He hitches up one corner of his mouth in a sneer, sucking air in
through one nostril, his eyes going hot and angry at her. It seems an odd thing
to set him off, until she realizes he's doing his best not to weep.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "Do you recall what you were like before your change?
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She purses her lips, and opens her mouth to say something, then stops as
he asks his question. She nods. "Yeah, I do. I was a mischevious little
slacker."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "No," he shakes his head. "No...how...dead you were that
way...before...you became alive to everything?"
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She frowns, considering, and something catches in her eyes. She looks at
him, empathy for him obvious in her face. "Ahh." She brushes his cheek with the
back of her hand lightly.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He just barely manages not to cry at her touch, but his cheeks do
twitch, his mouth curling into one of those hateful snarls again, tho it doesn't
seem directed at her. "That's how I feel every fucking day."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: "I'm sorry, Adam. I wish I could help you with that."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "It's not your fault, Reyna. I've felt that...ever since I can
remember."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "And even when I had it, I felt...something missing..." He shakes
his head, shrugging slightly. "I don't know...maybe that fucking vampire ruined
me forever."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She looks at him, smiling a little. "I like to think that nothing lasts
forever...even ruin. You deserve better then that...feeling. Maybe one day,
we'll figure out how to give you better."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He draws in a deep breath, closing his eyes as he exhales. "I
think I'm just broken, Reyna. I think it's time for me to stop looking for what
I know...I'll never find."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She starts rubbing his neck again, lightly. "What next, then?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "I don't know. I haven't gotten that far."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She nods. "Time for that later, right?"
Adam "Fausto" Smith: "One would hope." He doesn't sound too convinced. Or maybe he's
tired.
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: "There will be. No matter who's ass I have to kick to get it." She smiles
a little, leaning back against him.
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He holds her closer, almost like a kid with a teddy bear. "I care
you, Reyna."
Reyna Varinia Reiruno: She smiles, curling her legs up a little, resting her forehead against
his. "Good, 'cause I kinda like ya, too."
Adam "Fausto" Smith: He doesn't seem to know how to respond to that, and simply
continues to hold her.