Rotation and Relaxation (Tag Felix, Open)

[Freya Aino]

Freya got to the magazine lickety split because Jacob was a stickler for taking care of your weapons and explosives. She saw the gathering and walked past them without a comment. She noted Jacob being his meticulous self when it came checking weapons and gear. It was odd because usually Jacob was grumpy about people gathering in areas he had seemed off limits unless you were performing work there. There was work going on there so he was probably letting it slide. He didn’t even glance up as she passed. She was sure he would have a conversation with her and Sakuya later but right now his focus was elsewhere. She entered the access code in the Magazine door and entered. She would get started as the door slid closed behind her sealing out the rest. She sighed as she looked around and settled down. She pulled up the list as she looked at how long it was and realized that eight grenades were missing. She growled.

“Who the hell took those?!?”

She stopped and waited for the count to correct itself because either Jallia or Annika would have monitored the withdrawal.

[Felix Hino]

Felix walked past a hurrying Hayate. Several seconds later William came rushing by. Judging from their loadout, they were going on a mission. He wished them well. He had to report to the armory.

Felix strolled by Sakuya, Alex, Ryuusei and Jacob on his way into the magazine. He walked by without saying a word. They were busy preparing for the mission and they did not need unnecessary interruptions. He noticed Sakuya's tight black pleather outfit and wondered how she got away with wearing that.

Felix keyed in the access code to the magazine. The door slid open and he stepped through. It shut behind him. They had to rotate out and dispose of any old explosives. The presence of Freya indicated that might not be all that he was doing here.

"Hi Freya." Felix said to her.

[Freya Aino]

Freya turned at the sound of the door as she was already pulling down explosives that had been marked as old ordinance and need to checked for stability and then disposed of if they were unstable. When he said hi she smiled at him and put down old plastique the still used since scanners didn’t detect it.

“Morning.”

She turned and grabbed more explosive and when the door slid closed she decided she was going to ask him something.

“Does your sister think you can’t take care of yourself?”

She grabbed more explosives and put them down on the counter and looked back at him. She was a bit curious as it really wasn’t her business but she could help but ask and then she took a deep breath for her next question.

“Felix....I was wondering how you felt about us?”

She hadn’t planned on going here yet but her hand was sort of forced by the altercation this morning at breakfast.

[Felix Hino]

"Who knows about Sakuya? She's always wondering what I'm up to. She's afraid that I might become more powerful than her. Her ego won't allow that. You know the old saying... there's no room for two suns in the sky." Felix commented about Sakuya.

"Her head was always filled with flattery about how she could equal Queen Mars in spiritual power. Some fawning courtiers looking for favor suggested that Sakuya could one day surpass the queen. She's clearly bought into her own hype. She prances around like she owns the place." Felix continued. He was not afraid of word getting back to his sister. He would gladly repeat every word to her face.

He was about to continue when Freya asked the question about their relationship. Felix paused. How could he put this?

"I don't regret any of it." Felix bluntly told Freya.

"It was something I wanted to do. It was something I wasn't ordered into. I chose it." Felix continued. He could feel Queen Mars' disapproval from the afterlife. She would just have to disapprove. So would those crusty old priests. So would Sakuya.

[Freya Aino]

Freya was a bit surprised by his answer but she concealed it well behind a smile as she turned to pull down more of the the old explosive for examination.

“Why would you want to compare yourself to someone else? You’re Felix. The Felix I know that others don’t is passionate and caring. I know a lot of people wouldn’t see it but I do.”

She couldn’t really feign surprise about her having a bit of a big head but she seemed to have been told a lot about how great she was during her life. Her mother told her pursue something worthwhile. She did and that happened to be finding love and happiness even if she didn’t get to become Sailor Venus. That had been her dream. She was now thrust into the situation where she was going to be Sailor Venus anyway.

“You don’t? Any of it?”

She could help but put down the grenade she was holding and hug him. He just made her so happy. He continued on and said it wasn’t an order.

“Felix that’s evident. You can’t fact that kind of passion. I’m glad we at least found each other and however long we have together....which I hope is forever.”

She was basically telling him that she wanted him forever and that meant even after this was done. She wanted him to stay with her forever but she didn’t want to scare him off by telling him right yet.

“You know we can finish this up and go watch a movie. If you want.”

[Felix Hino]

"Force of habit, really. Everyone in the court fawned over Sakuya. She was the next Queen Mars. Me? I was just Plan B, a guardian for the real chosen one." Felix said to Freya. Comparisons were inevitable. Sakuya was happy and full of life. Felix was... dour. Being raised by religious ascetics and stern military men could easily do that to someone.

"I'm glad you see that, Freya. Everyone else sees me as short-tempered and quick to use violence to solve every problem. But you, you're different." Felix continued. This whole conversation was a bit awkward. No one had ever seriously asked him about his feelings before. It was nice to know that someone cared about Felix for reasons other than his connection to the Martian throne, his powers, or his military skills.

"I meant what I said when I claimed I didn't regret it. I mean every word." Felix assured her. The sudden hug only made things more awkward. Still, part of Felix appreciated it, and not just because she was shapely and attractive. Someone actually cared about him. That was strange.

"I doubt we'll live forever, but we should have pretty long lifespans. As long as it's with you, that's good enough for me." Felix said, trying to sound somewhat romantic and optimistic.

"Um, sure. After we finish this we can watch a movie. Your choice." Felix said to Freya.

Freya and Felix.

Love and War.

What an unlikely couple. Felix himself never expected it to happen. It was a union that even the mighty Sakuya could not have seen coming. It was a welcome surprise.

[Freya Aino]

She hadn’t thought about how hard his life had been with a sister who was put first and he came second. She was given free reign and her mother only stopped her when she was going to do something stupid. She had an inkling from their conversations. Those being while they laid there under sheets naked and talked. That right there was something she hadn’t ever thought he was going to do. Talk to her after sex. He surprised her at almost every turn.

“Well you’re not Plan Bravo to me. You’re more than that to me. There are so many reasons. The main one being that while others see what you call being violence prone and short tempered I call it prudent action taken while options were limited.”

She laughed and scanned yet another set of explosives. She had left the claymores and plastique to him while she handled the grenades, both EMP and Pulse, and then her own explosive. Which it was rather stable and only set off by a certain harmonic resonance that she could tune it to before you used it. She snapped back when he said he meant every word of it.

“I know that you meant it. It means a lot to me to know it. It is nice to hear it every now and again.”

She was not ever going to let him go. She found his presence comforting and just knowing he would be with her for as long as they had was enough for her. She was going to ensure that whatever happened they were thick as thieves.

“I know that living forever is impossible but it’s the thought that counts. We have a long time if this job doesn’t kill us. After we have our planets back you are coming home with me to Venus and we will make it our planet.”

She was elated to hear that and wanted to know what movie he wanted see and she wondered if he had ever seen ‘Heartbreak Ridge’ because she had a copy of it and would take him to watch it after this.

“I have a movie in mind that you might not have seen. Let’s finish this off and go watch. I checked our schedules and they have been cleared for the day after this work. I think you’ll like it.”

She was full of energy and happiness. Her friends always said she wouldn’t have kids but unicorns. Although that thought there made her smile because now with Felix those would be the mythological Nightmare and they would be their kids. She wrinkled her nose thinking about that and it scrunched her glasses up her nose on her face.

[Felix Hino]

Felix liked Freya. One immediately knew where they stood with her. She was honest, unlike his own mother. Queen Mars acted like she was allergic to the truth except when it suited her to be truthful. She never gave a straight answer to any of his questions, instead preferring to speak in riddles or foist him onto someone else.

Felix was surprised when Freya suggested that they go to Venus together if they ever succeeded in liberating their planets. He did not expect that. He did not think that the people of Venus would welcome a Martian as their king. He might be a royal consort at best, but never king.

"Us, go to Venus? That might work. If we ever succeed, Sakuya won't need me." Felix started.

"Sakuya can rule Mars without me. If peace is restored, Mars won't need me. I'll be a reminder of something people will want to forget. They'll also think that I'm hanging around and waiting for a chance to seize the throne." Felix concluded. Maybe it would be for the best if he went away. The throne of Mars did not interest him. Sakuya had the people skills, the public presence, and the knowledge to rule Mars.

"Heartbreak Ridge? Uh... sure, OK." Felix agreed to Freya's choice of movie.

[Freya Aino]

She gave him a smile as set another canister of her explosives on the counter, scanned it and set it aside as being accounted for, he had just made her extremely happy. She could barely contain her happiness as he gave his agreement. Well sort of agreement as he it might work. Well it was going to work because she wasn't going to let him go and languish on Mars when he could be happy on Venus.

"Of course it will work. She seems to not need you but you are her brother but I have better things in mind for you. You know you don't have to do anything or you can do whatever you want. I want you on Venus and that is more than enough for anyone concerned."

When he said that Sakuya could rule Mars without him. Well that was her choice but not hers. She didn't want to rule alone and she had made a choice to rule with someone she had become more than acquainted with. That was horrible to think that people were that petty that he would actually try that against his own sister. She frowned a bit but quickly returned to the smile. Him and her on the thrones of Venus and how that would look. It would be great.

"Well let's keep people from thinking that and have you come to Venus. I would rather have you there anyways. After all I will need you there with me. It's settled then."

When he asked about the movie with a little trepidation she smiled and decided to give him a quick rundown of the movie.

"Have you never seen it? Its a movie that will remind you a lot of our captain. You will like as it will remind you a lot of us too. Please don't worry its a good one from ancient Earth Hollywod. You'll like it and I find that I enjoyed it myself. Once we are done here we will go watch it."

Annika appeared to them.

"There is a holiday celebration in the galley and everyone is invited. You two are more than welcome to join."

Freya looked at Felix and smiled at him. That was fun and she could wear something nice and be on Felix's arm. That would be a lot of fun.

"Let's do that then the movie. I will be your date and well that will be nice. A public appearance together. That will be great."

She scanned another three cans and set them to the side. She was just getting all giddy about this.

[Felix Hino]

Felix listened to Freya's growing enthusiasm. She seemed to have everything planned out. That was both reassuring and slightly concerning. Just how far along did she have everything planned out?

"It's from Ancient Hollywood, huh? And it'll remind me of the captain? It doesn't sound like a romance movie. I'll go for it." Felix offered. Even though they were more than friends, he still had to be careful when giving opinions about love. She was the daughter of the late Queen Venus and inherited quite a few of her mother's personality quirks. Felix did not have much room to cast stones... he could be as dour as the late Queen Mars. The arrival of Annika was a welcome relief.

"A holiday celebration?" Felix asked with a puzzled look on his face. What holiday was being celebrated? He had no idea. Holidays were not normally celebrated on board the Dark Echoes. Freya's intent to show up as a couple added to his consternation. However, rather than ruin her happiness, he decided to roll with it.

"Sure, Freya. We'll go to the gathering. Then we'll watch the movie." Felix concurred with her plan.

[Freya Aino]

Freya seemed to sense a slight bit of concern from Felix but then again why wouldn't he be concerned? She had just fought with his sister openly and didn't seem any the worse for wear. It would have concerned most people she thought but she brushed it aside when he started to talk about the movie. He seemed to like the idea of the movie. That pleased her more than she could say. Romance movie...well maybe she had shanghaied him into one or two more than he liked to see and hung all over him while they watched them. It may have been that she knew all the lines to them as well. She was a bit zealous at the beginning.

"I thought I should pick one that you would enjoy instead of another romance or romantic comedy. I mean I was being selfish and that was very unfair of me. I did want you to pick one as well, you know for next movie night."

When Felix agreed to the celebration, which she as kind of being pushy again toward him she smiled and scanned the last can of her explosive and then started on the 40mm HE grenades. The ones Felix used in his launcher. They were all quite stable and well she didn't understand why they had to be scanned every armory cycle. They were quick and easy and well that was always nice.

" I will put on something nice and well we can just go and have some fun. Felix I want you to have some fun. I mean besides the fun we already have together. I just want you to know that you can be yourself and do whatever you feel comfortable doing. I don't want you to feel forced into doing something."

She was going to have to go out on a limb and see if he really wanted to go the holiday party.

"Are you sure you want to go to the holiday party? If you don't I won't go. OK?"

[Felix Hino]

"No, the party's a good idea. I like that idea. Really." Felix assured her. Or at least he tried to. It had been a long time since he had been to a party. Not since the birthday party that ended in... well, everyone on the station knew how that one ended.

"It's not just about me or what I want. It's about you. It's about... it's about us." Felix stated to Freya. He was tired of being afraid. They could be seen together in public. Sakuya already suspected that something more was going on between the heirs of Venus and Mars. Sakuya could suspect all she wanted.

"In short, we're going to the party. To Hell what everyone else thinks about our relationship." Felix asserted. He would worry about the movie choice later. Right now he was focused on the party.

[Freya Aino]

Felix was a man who usually hid his emotions behind a mask of broodiness or anger. This was the first time she had seen the uncertainty in that mask. It was refreshing and she smiled gently at him to let him know it was ok if he didn't want to do something. Yes she was one to take control of things and push people to have fun. This though was the two of them stepping out into public and being seen as a couple. While everyone else may have known or thought they knew this would confirm it for everyone.

"I have been selfish at time Felix with your time and what we do. I want to apologize for being like that. I know a lot of people don't even understand you and that if fine they don't have to. I understand you and well that makes my day worth it."

She wanted him to know she understood some of what he felt and that perhaps public events such as a party may not be his favorite. That was find and she would have to relent at times. When he said that it was a good idea she nearly jump onto him in happiness but contain herself and smiled like a fool at him.

"You're right it isn't about anything other than us. I want you to be happy as well and if you said he didn't feel like the party we wouldn't have went. We would have went off to do whatever you felt like doing. I realize that I monopolize a large amount of your time and take control of situations which leaves you on the end of not being able to choose. Which isn't what an relationship is about."

He made her feel so good and right now that feeling was elation and she was ready to go to a party, their first party, with Felix.

"Alright let's go and have some fun as couple!"

She reshelved all her explosives that were scanned and smiled at Felix. He was pretty much done and extended her hand.

"Shall we?"

[Felix Hino]

"Uh, yeah. Sure. Let's get going." Felix said to Freya. He was not a social person. Freya was. William was likely to wonder how such polar opposites ever came together. It was a long story and one not suitable for people under eighteen years of age.

Felix himself wondered how he managed to get with Freya. Sharing a fondness for explosive weapons certainly helped. There was also the element of physical attraction. The son of Mars and the daughter of Venus were both considered easy on the eyes by their peers. The two met somewhere down the road. Things happened and the rest was history.

"Don't worry about monopolizing my time, Freya." Felix said to her. He liked her. Besides, maybe there was some merit to this "party" thing.