Post by Lady Munin on Sept 16, 2015 17:12:09 GMT -6
Munin tilted her head back against the rock, and allowed the hot sulfuric water to ease her pains. Long black hair fanned around her bare shoulders, and the steam swirled around her face in the cool night air. The terry cloth of her white towel can barely be seen over the water's surface.
Sat across from her in an equal state of undress is Jericho Cross, arms draped over the edge on either side to prop him up as he relaxes. His towel is wrapped around his waist to keep himself covered, while preventing it from floating off. Some mistakes are only made once, after all.
Munin: The next time you say "Hey Munin let's take a walk." remind me to ask if it's up a mountain.
Jericho: Tell me it wasn't worth it.
Munin smiled with her eyes still closed, and the look of satisfaction was unmistakable.
Munin: I would be lying if I did, this makes the climb alone well worth it.
Jericho nodded his head in agreement even though he knew that she could not see it.
Jericho: I knew it would be. Great view as well...
He said this with a smirk, as she couldn't see what (or who) he was looking at. Not that it would be difficult to figure out. Seeing her like this made him want to have a hot spring installed at home. She looked like a supernaturally beautiful creature straight out of a Japanese fairy tale...Though his thoughts as he watched the steam caress her skin were far too erotic for a children's story.
The object of his attention simply sunk a bit deeper into the water with a sensual chuckle. She might not be able to see him looking at her, but she could feel the weight of his gaze.
Munin: I don't think that most people climb a mountain to train, but I think if they knew they would get to soak in a hot spring after they would.
Jericho gave a small scoff at her words.
Jericho: I wouldn't expect most people to train at all lately.
She opened her eyes at that, with a smirk that could rival his.
Munin: Smart ass.
A pseudo-smug look took over his face, and far from denying her observation he reveled in it.
Jericho: You love it.
His eyes held her's captive in a gaze that was as demanding as it was mischievous. It was a look he typically saved for more...intimate matters, but now he seemed to be daring her to deny his claim.
She was tempted to do just that, oh so delicious tempted to challenge him, but now was not the time. Sometimes self-control sucked.
Munin: Actually...I do.
She closed her eyes before she could see his self satisfied smirk, settled herself a bit deeper in the water with a light blush. His chuckle was deep and moved over her like rough velvet.
Jericho: I knew it.
Tilting his head back, he let it rest against the edge of the spring his smug grin firmly in place. Tonight was perfect and he was immensely grateful for the fair whether so that they could enjoy it.
Munin: Sure you did...
She just couldn't resist needling him, but he knew it would set her more on edge if he didn't rise to the bait.
Jericho: Definitely.
It worked Munin almost pressed on, but instead decided to relax. It truly was a beautiful night.
The silence stretched out between them, but neither seemed uncomfortable with it.
It did however leave Munin's thoughts to wander down roads less traveled. Tamer's words that were so easily brushed aside when he said them came back to haunt her. For the first time since the fall out with Alex she found herself feeling...insecure.
Munin: Jericho can I ask you something?
Her voice revealed a bit more than she would have liked, though she tried to clear her throat to mask it. Jericho wasn't fooled for a moment, and he lifted his head to fix her with a concerned gaze before replying.
Jericho: You've never sought approval to do so before. Course you can.
Munin was only able to meet his eyes for a moment before she looked away once more.
Munin: Joshua...Tamer...said something the other day. I didn't let it bother me then, but...
She trailed off slightly, and Jericho raised an eyebrow. Munin maybe small, but despite her size she never seemed so...delicate.
Jericho: But...?
Munin: You've never thought I was trying to use or manipulate you...have you?
Ah, so the punk had been running his self righteous mouth and struck a nerve. Yet another reason to dislike the man...no not a man. He was more like a little boy that needed to be put in his place, but now was not the time for his irritation.
Jericho: No... no, I haven't.
He gave her a bemused smile in an effort to set her mind at ease, and thankfully it worked. Which he was more than a little grateful for.
Attempting to put someone at ease was the exact opposite of what he was used to doing. The fact this small woman made him even want to do so was a miracle in itself.
She returned his smile with a small grateful one of her. His words and reaction, as simple as they were, set her at ease more than she could have hoped.
Munin: You probably think me foolish to let him get to me.
Jericho: Yep.
Subtle as a brick, Jericho's agreement likely came a little quickly, even if it wasn't completely serious.
Jericho: A flake like him? He lets his hero complex get in the way of achieving anything meaningful, even beating a disheartened Kolic. I don't know why he said that, but you know the phrase about bulldog mouths and puppy dog arses.
Despite he best efforts he Began to get worked up. How dare the little shite put doubts like that in her head. Jericho sat back against the stone wall of the spring, and tried to relax.
However his words as blunt as they may have been set Munin at ease. With a sheepish smile she shrugged her small shoulders.
Munin: I can't blame him for his words entirely. I am guilty of some of what accused me of, but never would I use or manipulate you...
Seeing his agitation she grinned mischievously, and stretched one leg out enough to caress his calf with her foot.
Munin: Unless you want me to take advantage of you that is.
She never missed an opportunity to tease him. He was starting to think she considered it her mission in life, and at times like this he was glad for it.
Atleast he could always count on Munin to help him control his temper, if his smile is anything to go by. Seeing her more at ease helped as well, even if his heart rate picked up because he had to hide the true extent of his feelings.
It was amazing how much her emotions affected him. Hearing the insecurity in her usually strong voice, no matter how fleeting it may have been, had set his blood to boil.
Jericho: maybe. How long can you hold your breath?
He gave her his best leer, which sent her into a fit of giggles. She slowly let her foot drop away with a shake of her head.
Munin: Oh long enough, but I am behaving myself tonight sir. So your virtue is safe.
He couldn't help but laugh; the idea of someone maintaining his purity is a new one, as is the idea of him having any left.
Jericho: Thanks for looking out for me!
She gave him an exaggerated wink, before replying.
Munin: Any time handsome.
The small smile the curled the corners of his mouth felt like it may be permanent, and Jericho couldn't say that he minded it at all. He tilted his head back as they descended into comfortable silence once more, and this time it was his turn for wandering thoughts.
Jericho: You think Travis is doing alright in there?
Munin chuckled and shook her head at the thought of her adopted son.
Munin: Before I joined you out here he was practicing his Japanese on the Inn Keeper's daughter. They were discussing local legends about a path through the woods to a haunted shrine.
Jericho: Hmmm... I wonder where he might be going with that conversation.
The deliberate tone suggested he wondered nothing of the sort, his low chuckle showing a sort of approval. It was a bit of a relief to know that, as mature as he seemed to be for his age, Travis was still a teenage boy.
Munin merely rolled her eyes at his male approval, but there was no denying her amusement.
Munin: And of course she is fascinated that he studies archaeology at such a young age.
Jericho: Should we pack in advance, just in case dear old dad doesn't approve?
Munin: I already spoke to her father, and they are fine. Her older brother will accompany them on any adventures, and Travis knows what is acceptable. This could be considered part of his cultural training.
Jericho: Good idea.
Munin: I have had them from time to time. Though I am starting to wonder about some of them.
Jericho: Like what?
At this point he had torn his eyes away from the stars to stare at her curiously.
Munin: Like my decision to not actively pursue the World Title...
Jericho: Then do it. You've no reason not to, really.
Munin: That damn title has so many strings attached to it...
Jericho: True. So what do you intend to do?
She met his gaze across the steaming water.
Munin: Sit back and watch things play out at this upcoming show. I'll decide afterwards what choices will be made.
Jericho gave a nod, understanding her choice. Given recent events, he'd likely do the same.
Munin: Despite what Mongrel thinks I doubt the suits would want me to hold the world title again. I don't puppet well, and you remember the lengths they went to take it from me the last time I held it.
Oh yes, he remembered the night the title was taken from her all to well. It was one of the few things in his career that he regretted, and one of few fights he didn't care to remember...especially now.
Jericho: I do remember...all too well. Speaking of Mongrel though, I find it funny...How he rails against the so called machine, but he is willing to take their money.
He paused for a moment, he wanted to change the subject. Wanted to with a burning passion, but he had never been one to run away.
Jericho: If I didn't put Monarch on his arse, I doubt it would have gone the way it did. Then again, if he didn't throw in my face the fact I tried to do the right, I wouldn't have had to.
His words started out as being rather matter-of-fact, as he is known to be, but then began to show signs of irritation. After a pause, he gave Munin a slight, but weak smile. He would always regret displacing her the way he did, even if he had no choice.
She studied him carefully at the sound of the change in his voice, and felt something inside of her melt at his small smile. Many would be fooled by how little emotion he showed on the subject, but Munin could read between the lines. She also knew just how much was behind his small smiles. So it was with a small smile of her own that she made her to his side.
Munin: Things are seldom as simple as they seem, but I never blamed you. In fact I was happy that it was you, as odd as that may sound.
She leaned in to kiss him softly.
Munin: I knew it wasn't personal...
Putting an arm around her, Jericho drew her in for the kiss. Munin just seemed to get better all the time, so falling for her as he had was easier than he could have anticipated. The timing though... he would have to keep this to himself...for now.
While wrapped in his arms, and lost in the heat of his kiss, Munin was forced to admit that she would be happy...Happy to stay in this man's arms forever.
Perhaps it was crazy for things to have changed as quickly as they had, but Munin had never been one to shy away from crazy.
She pulled out of the kiss slowly, and licked her now swollen lips.
It would be best to keep her feelings to herself for the moment. She doubted that he had yet to realize the words he had spoken previously, and while he may feel the same way that she...There was no sense in risking him feeling pressured or overwhelmed.
Munin: I better get back to my side, before you lose your towel.
Jericho: Somehow, I think I could cope with that loss.
Though he was joking, he wouldn't necessarily rule it out.
Munin grew quiet for a moment. All teasing aside the thought of them doing more than kiss in the hot spring was more than a little tempting.
Munin: Maybe getting a hot tub when I get home isn't such a bad idea...
Jericho: I like that idea.
Munin: Funny I thought you might.
She laced her fingers with his under the heated water, and rested her head on his strong shoulder.
His heart swelled at the feel of her fingers laced through his. Jericho found himself in an odd place; on the one hand, he was thoroughly enjoying every minute of her company. On the other, he was trying to contain his true feelings. That part, to him, was torture.
Just when he thought he would break down tell her exactly how he felt, the sound of someone running down the gravel path could be heard.
Travis soon made his appearance next to the springs looking like the hounds of hell had chased him. He bent over and rested his hands on his knees, and gasped for breath.
Travis: Holy baby fucking Jesus.
The young teen struggled to regulate his breathing, while Munin quickly got over her shock at his words.
Munin: Travis language!
The young man gave her an exasperated look, and waited a moment for his breath to even out before he replied.
Travis: Mom I love you, but screw language. I just saw a ghost!
After a moment of confusion pieces started to fall together.
Munin: Let me guess, you thought it would be a good idea to take the path to the "haunted" shrine with a certain pretty girl...alone.
She rested her head back on Jericho's shoulder once more. Her momentary alarm turning into a barely concealed amusement.
Munin: Tell me were you surprised when her brother didn't insist on going with you? Did this ghost just happen to appear after you moved in for a kiss?
Jericho quickly caught onto her train of thought.
Jericho: What a stunning coincidence!
Travis blinked at them and blushed furiously as everything clicked together.
Travis: Son of a bitch...
He held up a hand before Munin could comment.
Travis: I know language...
Jericho lost it at that, and burst out laughing. He turned his head away from Travis, as if that would make any difference.
Travis leaned against the tree, and though he knew he should be annoyed at their amusement he couldn't find it in himself. Especially at the sound of Jericho's laughter, he couldn't remember hearing the older man laugh so hard.
Travis: Sure laugh it up you two. I don't think I've ever run that fast in my life.
Jericho: WooOOOooo!
Travis snorted at that, his lips tilted into an amused smile.
Travis: As- ehem...jerk.
He corrected himself quickly at Munin's sharp look, but the insult was said good naturedly.
Jericho: Ruh Roh. Raggy!
Munin couldn't hold back her own giggles at the Scooby Doo reference.
Travis: Oh, shove it both of you!
The teen bit back a chuckle and resigned himself to future jokes. This was likely not going away anytime soon.
Travis: Well...I might as well got back, and face the music there. It's a good thing I dropped her off there before I came here. Even better that she thinks a guy with a sense of humor is hot.
He cleared his throat suddenly uncomfortably aware that he himself may have interrupted something.
Travis: So I'm going to go now...I'll see you tomorrow.
Jericho: check under the bed before you sleep.
They couldn't make out his reply as he retreated back down the graveled path, but the tone was clear.
Munin looked up at Jericho mischievously.
Munin: Want to visit a shrine? I heard from a very trusted source that it is in fact haunted.
Jericho: Is it really? I think we might need to investigate!
And with that they made their way out of the steaming water, and headed back to the hotel. They couldn't go in their towels after all...though if they did Jericho would not have complained.
