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.