antietam | day 2 (morning)

[His stomach's sore and he's trying not to show it as they walk, but he's curious where Adam's taking him and why. He follows quietly and it's only when Adam shows him the sauna that he gives a lopsided smile.]

Are we ever going to have a normal conversation that doesn't end with me not wearing a shirt? [Not that he minds but. He's still giving Adam a questioning look.]

I think that's up to you. [ Look. He's not going to stop Luke from taking off his shirt. He seems kind of amused though. ] I wasn't going to turn it on. It's just one of the few private rooms available. Plus we have a history here.

[ He goes to sit down on one of the benches, watching Luke closely. ] Why do you think I brought you?

[He rolls his eyes and follows Adam into the sauna, shutting the door behind them and settling on an opposite bench. He's giving him another once-over, unsure of how to respond for a moment.]

To the sauna specifically? Furtherest point from the murder scene, probably. Either that or you like the way I look. [An appropriate pause.] That last one's a joke, by the way. I have no idea. So...what is it?

[ He raises his eyebrows. ] If you have to specify that it's a joke, it's not very funny.

Anyway, you know I don't think this is going to be the only one. I think they want this to happen. Some of the things in the commissary? The weapons people have? It's not a good sign. [ He crosses his arms. ]

I mentioned how people who have weapons and people who have experience should work together for safety. So what do you think?

Sorry I'm not very amused right now. [He's incredibly unamused as he waits for Adam to make his point. Perhaps this won't be the last murder. Maybe this will happen again. The weapons people have...that's also a fair point. Adam himself has a gun. Luke has...shoes. He finds himself wishing he'd been provided with Backbiter. He had only owned the sword for a short while before waking up here. His hands feel empty without it.

Despite this, Adam's offer is intriguing.]

I think I have no idea how to shoot a gun. You're asking for my help anyway?

[ That gets a curious look. He seemed plenty amused before, but fine. ]

I know how to shoot a gun. Why wouldn't I? I think that'd be more incentive for you for our partnership.

[That was before he was gutpunched okay.]

...and what exactly is in it for you since you're the one with the weapon and the experience with it?

[ Adam gives him an expectant look like Luke should know this. ]

Because people don't expect anything from me. You thought I didn't know how to handle a gun despite owning it. I get it, I look weak and like an easy target. You— [ There's a once-over. ] you don't. Your skills all point to you being physically strong. And it's not like bladed weapons are hard to come by.

[ He pulls out a kitchen knife he's been keeping, opposite his gun. ]

[Adam's not wrong. He does look like a weak link and he leans against the wall, chewing his lip thoughtfully. He knows he looks strong enough, athletic and capable of holding his own.

He eyes the knife casually, only partially impressed.]

So...you want me to make sure you don't get killed because somebody decided you're an easy target. And you think most people would be smart to leave me alone, so I'm a good bodyguard. That right?

[ He eyes him seriously, watching his expressions to try to figure out what he's thinking and what Adam can say next to encourage this along. ]

You're the looks. [ He smirks. ] They're not going to go after you and therefore me. But if they do, then I have the firepower. And it'd be two against one, right? Hopefully.

So it is because you like the way I look. [He gestures for Adam to hand him the knife.]

...you're normally a strategist in battle, aren't you? [He seems to be considering the offer, slowly being swayed toward the idea but not entirely sold just yet.] The other important thing is we still don't know why Charles was targeted at all. We find that out, we have a better chance avoiding being next.

[ Adam stands up with the knife. He doesn't trust Luke and Luke doesn't trust him. They don't need that right now. It's about survival for both of them and he knows for sure Luke has something he wants to get back to. So he walks over and hands him the knife casually, then continues standing in front of him. ]

If the killer confesses to that. [ But Luke is saying 'we' which is good progress. ] I looked as close as I could at the body. I think they went for his knees first, or at least his legs. They got him down and then attacked. It was about proximity—a knife is going to let people get too close, it's a last resort. My gun can handle that problem.

[He takes the knife, more impressed now that Adam actually listened to him. He nods again and twirls the blade in his fingers with some complicated movement like it's a switchblade, somehow avoiding cutting himself and making the movement fluid.]

So not only is our killer a coward, they fight dirty. [He looks up though when Adam mentions his gun.]

...you remember that seven year old I told you about? The one who almost brained me with a hammer?

[ He watches him, eyes a little wide. It's impressive and he wants Luke on his side for this reason. Adam doesn't have skill. ]

They killed a twelve year old. [ So obviously they fight dirty. ] But yeah, I do. What, do you want a hammer to sweeten the deal?

[There's a snort. No, he doesn't want a hammer.]

When I met that kid, I gave her her first weapon. Little bronze dagger, real powerful. [He looks at the blade almost fondly.] Knives are reserved for only the quickest and most clever fighters. [There's another flick of his wrist as the knife twirls and slips into his pocket in the blink of an eye.] Sometimes you want 'em close. I'm nobody's last resort.

[ He raises his eyebrows. He gave a weapon to a kid? The knife disappears but he laughs at the point Luke is trying to make. ]

Alright. You fight however you choose. That's why I want you. I'd like to keep them away from me. [ He licks his lips, concerned. ] Do we have a deal?

[He's still not sure. But then again, Adam didn't stab him and he hasn't felt the need to stab Adam either so...]

Yeah, whatever. I'll be your guard dog for a while. [There's a sharp little smile.] Don't worry, Parrish. Nobody will touch you while I'm around.

[ There's a quick smile, pleased that this somehow worked. He hopes he's not making a huge mistake but everyone needs alliances, right? It would be stupid of him to think he could survive against most of the people here. It's not help since he's doing the same for Luke. ]

I'm not exactly useless, you know. Suspicion is going to be flying, if not in this trial then the days after. [ He takes a step closer. ] You want someone in your corner and I don't care what you've done here or in the past.

[Adam takes a step closer but Luke doesn't pull back, holding his ground and staring at him with watchful eyes. The words absolutely make sense, though he seems to be pondering how, precisely, Adam's word will protect him. Still it's better than not having the protection at all.]

So that's how you operate. [Now he sounds amused again, but his face is more open to his thoughts. He's conceding. This, he thinks, could in fact be a great deal.] I think you might have a deal. What else is in it for me though?

[ There's a raise of his eyebrows, wondering if Luke really thinks he knows him. Well, they'll certainly get to know each other like this. ]

What else do you want? It's an equal exchange. I have a powerful weapon, you have skill. We say good things about each other when it comes down to it.

[He folds his arms over his chest, drumming his fingers on his elbow patiently.]

I don't really like being locked in solid verbal contracts, Parrish. I want the ability to negotiate if something else comes up that I want.

You mean you can't think of anything right now but you want the option later. [ He scoffs, looking amused. ] Sure, as long as I get the same benefit.

We're going to need something to say, by the way. Why we're vouching for each other that isn't because we have a deal.

That's exactly what I mean. [He tries again for a winning smile. Surely Adam will flag a little under that.] But fine. You and I can both have a little negotiating power in this deal, but you and I both have the ability to say no.

[He looks up at Adam again, tilting his head to examine him closely.] Well...that depends. How good of a liar are you?

[ He narrows his eyes but his posture seems to be relaxing a little so maybe that smile did do something. ] How gracious of you to give me the power to say no.

[ There's a pause like he's considering what to tell Luke. It's an automatic reaction but he guesses he can be somewhat honest with the guy he's meant to be lying with. ] I've been doing it my whole life so I have some practice. What are you thinking?

I'm thinking...[He seems to change his tone then, scooting in a little closer to allow his hand to move and tilt Adam's jaw up so he can examine his face. You'd think he'd learn his lesson about invading personal space after some things earlier in their stay, but he seems to be watching Adam out of a different kind of interest now.]

You and I could build a history together. Who's going to know the difference? We've all lost memories. Maybe you and me just happened to lose memories of each other but we're drawn together anyway. It wouldn't seem to strange to be defending someone you're gravitating toward, would it?

[That smile becomes a little more flirty, fingers trailing Adam's jawline. It's a risk, sure, but he's not an idiot. He's noticed the way Adam reacts to him. All he has to do is tap into that.] Besides...would it really be so odd for two kids to take an interest in each other?

[ The touch makes Adam tense up, hands clenching into fists. It isn't fear but distaste from being touched by someone who's practically a stranger without his permission.

There's another sensation building up inside him though and he doesn't focus on that. His breath comes out a little faster when Luke's fingers start moving. ] You think they wouldn't notice how different we are? How could we know each other?

[ But it's not like he's forgotten the things Luke has said to him before, the cute comment. He grabs his wrist to stop his fingers but then leans down to put their faces close together. ] We're not kids. I think we can do better than innocent crushes.

We're both from earth aren't we? Both of our lives tied up in magic and other strange happenings. It's not impossible for mortals to get tangled up in the business of demigods. It's just rare. All it would take is a little talking, a little interweaving. Even if we never met back home, we could come up with a believable story that we're from the same world. [The smile turns more into a smirk and the coy act drops shortly after. The message got through loud and clear. He doesn't have to keep pretending right now. Adam has control issues. That he already figured out so he lets him hold his wrist and holds his ground so that they're nose to nose again.]

I was talking in comparison of everyone else. But of course we can do better...any bright ideas?

[ Luke does have a point. It's not like anyone could say otherwise. He hasn't told people much about himself though he doesn't know if it's the same for Luke. He seems talkative.

But he's letting Adam handle this in his own way, so that's something. He doesn't know how to be this close to someone but he's not backing off. Luke won't win. ] Interest doesn't account for much. But attraction makes people stupid. No one would think it's weird that in a few days we've grown close because of that. And then attraction turns into more and our story is set. Who's going to call us out? As long as you play your role right.

[This wasn't exactly what he had in mind when he followed Adam into the spa, but the longer they talk the more this plan makes sense to him. It's hardly any different than the things he's done back home. The difference, of course, is that back home there was real attraction involved, a girl who thought him to be nice and handsome and willing to do anything he asked.

As far as he's concerned this is just about Adam being more upfront and in on the plan. It almost seems easier.]

Attraction makes people incredibly stupid. [A shrug.] We're locked up in a building with no idea how we got here, we're about the same age...we're from the same world, you're cute, I'm me...it makes sense. [He lifts his eyebrows though.] Just what role are you thinking? Because I can play the part of being attracted to you just fine.

[ This is definitely not what he was expecting but it's something. It's a good excuse. Who's going to tell them they're faking?

There's a twitch in his features when Luke calls him cute again, but he makes a hmph noise in the back of his throat at Luke's ego. But no, it won't be hard to pretend to be attracted to him especially now that he can't really concentrate when their faces are so close together. ] It can't just be that. There have to be feelings involved. Can you pretend you have feelings? [ He smirks. ] Which also means you can't do the same thing with other people.

[He doesn't seem to notice (or care) the way Adam reacts to the word but he doesn't bother pulling back. It's easier to read Adam this way and if they're going through with this, well, they'll have to be used to being this close. However, he blinks in surprise when Adam ups the ante and he chuckles to himself.]

That might be the harder part. [He's. Probably joking.] You realize you're asking me to pretend to be monogamous with you. Isn't that a relationship? That might be a little bit of a harder sell.

[ He raises his eyebrows like he really doesn't care that any of this might be harder. ]

That's the point. If you start going around with other people, no one's going to take this seriously. [ This apparently being them. ] How would a relationship be harder to sell? It starts off with attraction and it goes from there. People start dating for lesser reasons all the time.

[He rolls his eyes.] And just how many people have you actually dated in your life? [But okay, this is fair and he seems to think about that.]

...if the situation was reversed and somebody else was doing this, what would they have to do to convince you they were dating? [A pause.] You know the other thing is that we have to be careful this doesn't bite is later for being too biased toward each other. It's a balancing act.

[ That makes him frown and he pulls away, crossing his arms. ] I've dated.

[ And that's all that comes from him on that subject. His girlfriend broke up with him like, a few days ago. It's sore. ] I don't know, act like it in public? Do what couples do. Are you going to have a problem with that? [ Pretending like he doesn't have a problem with it... ]

I don't think that'll be an issue. Innocent kids would want to see killers come to justice. If we thought our sweetheart could really be a murderer, we wouldn't defend them.

[His lip curls into a smile like he doesn't quite believe it, but sure Adam.]

"What couples do." If you're asking me if I'm going to have a problem pretending I'm swapping spit with you on a regular basis...[A shrug. That's not an answer and he knows it.]

That's a good point. If you actually killed somebody I'd out you immediately to stop it no matter how much I liked you. It's just about convincing everybody else that that would be the case. For the most part though...sounds like we're on the same page.

[ He flusters a little at Luke's lovely description. Even his last girlfriend didn't want to kiss him... ] Well? Might as well air all your grievances now. Is it going to bother you?

[ Mostly he just wants to know. He raises his eyebrow when Luke says he would out him if he killed someone. Adam, personally, doesn't care as long as Luke doesn't kill him. ] We're going to have to prove ourselves in the trial, then. Make it look like we really care about justice being done.

[Aw, that's cute.] The only way it's going to bother me is if you're a bad kisser. Is that something I'm gonna have to worry about? [It's still not really an answer, but it's Luke goading him anyway.]

As for the rest...I absolutely care about justice or whatever. [That's reassuring.] Or, at least, I care about not getting myself killed and that's probably close to the same thing. Trust me. I can prove myself just fine.

I haven't had any complaints before. [ Well. It's true. He seems even more nervous about it. What if Luke is unimpressed? Why does he care? ]

That's why I think you're a good pick, anyway. You have something to get back to, don't you? You're going to do whatever you have to in order to get back.

I've also got some high standards. [He's teasing most, not bothering to take this seriously for now.]

...but I do. I've got a job to do and I'm not letting something like this get in my way. Don't you? You have things to get back to and your magical trees to protect, right?

Yeah? I bet you're not that much of an expert yourself. [ He's not sure but stop poking at his insecurities. ]

I'm sure they'd like me to get back. [ He's not sure if it's something he actively wants. Still, he wants to be alive. ] Whatever you have to do to get that, I'll help. Least I could do, right?

You'll find out soon enough, I'm sure. [He even lifts a hand to wave him off.]

...okay. [He considers again before nodding slowly, getting to his feet.] I think we've got a deal. We shouldn't stay in here for much longer though. We can work out the rest of the details later.

Guess we'll see if we're compatible enough to be a good fake match. [ He gives him a quick smile and it's somewhat appreciative because this is kind of a lot. But it'll probably work out.

Then he steps away from Luke to leave the sauna. ]

day 2 (morning)

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omg why didn't you tell me I wrote furtherest THATS NOT EVEN A WORD.../phonetags for now

I... DIDN'T NOTICE.........

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