--- Fate had a habit of always being twisted. Digging her cruel sharp claws into everyone's business without prejudice, much like karma. One could almost say they were sisters. When the venture had embarked no one had expected it to be so thrown off coarse. A month had gone by faster than she thought it would, however it didn't make her any less irritated. She bid her time learning enough - though she could've learnt more had she opted to be more interactive. Subconsciously, she had been keeping a promise she made to a specific person about keeping an eye on his back. Whether he knew that or not, it was the least she could do. Though in the time frame that passed there was a lot going on personally with her still. She still had demons swirling inside and it had only gotten slightly worse. Cereza didn't forget the intimacy she had shared with Austin. Boozed up or not, she recalled the moment they shared. The things she said. The things he said. Things she revealed. The problem was the fact that when she sobered up she wanted to kick herself for it all. She didn't want to deal with what she helped create even though the truth was maybe it was good for her. She did like him a lot. She did care for him more than she would soberly admit. But she had crawled right back into herself, this time maybe a little further in. She hated herself for how weak she became before him that night. The way her temperament spun out of control. That lack of command over herself agitated her for she felt she was better than that. She felt she shouldn't have allowed herself to falter but she did. The armor had broke and left shattered pieces behind - hardly anything enough to create a cover. Though was it really so bad what they shared? He was offering - had offered - her a real chance. Yet within the month of their crash landing she made a point to be elusive just enough. He wasn't without knowledge of her making it. They ran into each other briefly but that was about it. Austin was mostly busy with his duties. She never bothered to truly decide what hers might've been so she kept to herself.

--- It wasn't the best of options with the things in her head. One singular message sent off a chain reaction within the beauty. Austin should he ever find out more than certainly wouldn't be pleased with her. She didn't make it easy for anyone to just outright find her. First she stayed within the confines of what was left of the Starsquall, then decided to make a little hut not completely on the outskirts of the camp but enough to make sure she had a little more solitude. But most importantly she gave mostly everyone the name Nova, which was her middle name - and former handle in the cage's back in New York. Also to add on, about a week ago she had cut her hair insanely short compared to the long chocolate locs she once had. She had her reasons for it, cause one would never think she would chop her locs. But one could never run forever right? Tonight was that time that the hidden would be found out. Cereza had had some rough nights, finding it hard to sleep especially without the nightmares. In the wreckage about a week and a half ago, she had found something, apparently someone on board mostly been a druggie and if they survived was probably missing the pills desperately. Too bad cause they had fallen into her hands, she avoided the temptation to use them at first but soon fell to the reliance. To think she had been clean for a long time since Maverick and eons away from him had fallen off the wagon. She never told Austin that tidbit, but she was sure it might've been on the video or not she wasn't looking.

--- Cereza had fallen asleep on the couch she had taken from somewhere in the ship, a sheet thrown carelessly over her. Thanks to the pills she was knocked out and hadn't heard Austin first enter her hut. Yes she did booby trap her home because it was a whole new world and she literally trusted just about no one. Suddenly his loud exclamation rang out startling her that she clumsily with a yelp fell off the couch, tangled in her sheet and hit the floor with a groan. It took a quick second but she picked up on the voice and in frustration picked up her boot and flung it towards his direction. It would either hit him in the leg or hit the frame of the door, her accuracy was off due to the fact that the sheet covered her face as was kneeling and throwing.  

"I hope that hits you in the balls."

--- She hissed, before groaning as she put her still covered head on the coach briefly. Processing what just occurred and his words. He wasn't gonna take no for an answer she knew that much. If she resisted enough he would probably just find a way to literally drag her with him. She flipped the sheet off her head, revealing though disheveled her new shorter do. She ran her left hand through her hair, as she groggily stood up still cranky while she made her way towards him in hopes of recovering her boot where ever it had landed.

"Geezus Austin, you just barge right in and make demands. Hello to you too... What made you finally seek me out? Matter fact how did you find me?"

--- She supposed he didn't really deserve that. Things were a two way street right? She had blame to play in not keeping with what they promises each other. Though he offered to help her stubborn self go through the winds of change. Still she had no longer made that easy. She didn't really mean it. Her defenses were up and high again. By this time she was just standing before him, arms folded with that lonely boot in her left hand after getting it off the floor.

"And what if I do refuse, darlin'?"

"Lady luck smiles upon you then."

--- She retorted to him noting she had missed. Next time he might not be so lucky. Truthfully she wasn't really being fair to him with her first question. In her mild irritation it happened to slip out and there was no taking it back. Her instinctive protectiveness was often on auto pilot. For someone who was a thinker, strategic and tactical when it came to safeguarding herself there was no real thought about what came out of her mouth. Rude, cruel, sarcastic to would just flow right through unfiltered. Her mood was very dependent on that as well, cause if she was irritable it was easier than being completely calm and unaffected. For had she been the latter there was a better chance at a mild filter, sometimes. It was situational. At his wink she rolled her eyes trying not to smirk but her lips betrayed her just a teeny bit as she let out a small scoff.

--- There was nothing Austin truly did wrong. It was all on her. Her pride, her stubbornness, her fear (that'd she never admit). He did everything right starting from their moment on the ship. Though maybe he had caused her blowup with his own, but even then still it wasn't truly his fault. She didn't outright say she had demons in her head but it was implied throughout some revelations of their intimacy. What was shared, especially from her side of things, wasn't just physical. It had gone deeper than that and for the past month she had been protecting herself from that. Though she could and should just let herself feel it. Embrace it. She had said she didn't want to hurt him - but if she kept walking this path wouldn't she eventually? He was so playful in nature it was hard not smirk once in awhile around him as he managed to pull another one from her. She was tempted to find out what he would do at her refusal but then he looked at her. His grin turning to a simple smile as he brushed the longer strains of her hair, complimenting her on the cut. Cereza found herself locked in his eyes like before as he nicely asked her to accompany him. There was this glint of excitement in his hazel orbs. He really wanted to take her to this place. She felt a thump in her chest and mentally cursed about his eyes. She practically felt like she couldn't say no or at least not for too long when he looked at her like that. It was worst when he put his forehead to hers. Her gray's fell to his lips and back to his eyes where she rolled them again, throwing her hands up almost smacking him in the face with the way the boot swung since she was holding it from the top.

"Alright fine. It better be, darlin'."

--- She said with a heavy sigh while she turned to walk away from him. She really didn't care that she was just in her underwear and a tank top the whole time, her attire wasn't on her mind and besides it was Austin - they already had gone far pass that point. The hut was small, quaint. She would've preferred a little more space but she was content. On the opposite side of the couch is where she scooped up single strap backpack which was just for essentials, figuring she didn't need to take much anyways. What was needed was already inside anyways. In the process of grabbing her jeans to throw on she glanced at the inside of her left forearm recalling the six scars that weren't there previously. If Austin had seen them she was sure he would scold her, harshly at that. A small hint of being ashamed crossed her causing her to hold the area for a moment but picking up her nearby black jacket and throwing it on. With a few swipes of her hand threw her hair she fixed it to the right a little more neatly than before. There was a working, but battered guitar resting on the back of the couch that she glanced towards as she walked back over to him, but choose not to bring it. Same for her white hat she left on the table - funny how she managed not to lose that. Stopping in front of him she waved a hand so she could follow.

"By your lead...By the way.."

--- She reached with her right skimming a few strains of her hair, before playfully flicking his chin. Well there she was a little bit right? It was something better than nothing.

"I guess I like it."

--- Clearly she was being impish with her words. But she did like the new color, she wished her hair had done the same maybe she wouldn't have cut it or maybe she still would've. Her lips put on another small smirk as she would follow him out, closing the door once they were both out. Or if he allowed her to go first then she would walk ahead and wait.

--- With taking their leave she found herself falling silent trailing behind him as he led them to wherever this place he was excitingly wanted to show her. It wasn't completely unusual for her as Cereza normally wasn't so chatty unless being spoken to or if there was something she felt was needed to say. She already agreed to go with him, though she could've put up a much bigger resistance to it. Even playfully she would've just to have tested the waters on what he would possibly do but she didn't, and that was a minor change in behavior. She had already impishly acknowledged his change in appearance but she did actually like it. It fit him well. The scar she thought about inquiring its origins at some point, but as she glanced at his back, more notably his shoulders, his new ink drew her attention more. A softest exhale left her lips as she turned her eyes away towards the scenery around them. If she had to admit one thing about the world was it had its beauty about it. It was nothing like the city life. If they had to make any close comparison she would say it was like going on vacation to a tropical paradise but with far more mystery.

--- Gray's shifted aimlessly, taking in the visuals as well as remaining vigil for any possible dangers. Austin seemed to be doing the same ahead of her. Caution was key in a new world after all. When noted movement from him, her eyes darted his way as he pulled out a sword and occasionally whacked away some foliage in their path. Knives, daggers, swords, she liked those sharp objects despite a knife was used to carve a claim over her. Not still he preferred them over a gun any day. Only long range projectile weapon she practiced with was a bow. Archery was another source of a distraction for her back home. Just as she was about to open her mouth, Austin broke the silence causing her to scoff and roll her eyes at what he called her. It wasn't false though.

"Tch... I'm fine. You seem to be well adjusted. New hair, new ink and your tavern and all, hm?"

--- That tidbit kinda slipped out. She meant more to ask a question rather than implicate the fact that she knew about his place. Which in turn meant that though she had been elusive she had been in some form keeping tabs on him. Keeping her promise. It showed she did care. But on another note was she really fine? Austin now knew otherwise how truly guarded she was. How much she wasn't really fine underneath it all. She played it off well for a long time but one deep crack made it all crumble and she couldn't take it back. He cared and she wasn't very good at accepting, but with what he saw from her that time they shared he understood the truth right? With another exhale, she blew some hair out of her face glancing away, stuffing her hands in her jacket pockets. The object she felt in the left pocket cause her brows to furrow briefly, mentally cursing at herself for not checking before. It was an unmarked bottle of pills she wished wasn't with her to risk him finding out. Funny how concerned she had gotten with how he thought and saw her. Conscious of what she did around him. Once upon a time she wouldn't have cared at all. She clutched it in her pocket and made a mental note that at first chance to hide it somewhere in her bag when he wasn't paying much attention of course. Can't say she wasn't tempted to indulge in one since a small hint of anxiety was stroked from its presence.

--- She probably should've responded better to his question in order to cover her tracks more, for she knew after what transpired on the Starsquall she couldn't truly hide from him now. She had let herself be bare before him - so exposed no amount of fabrication was going to truly get past him. It probably would be better if she just remained completely upfront with him, but Cereza was such a stubborn soul. But even so Austin wasn't wrong in what he said. Change was part of the reason she agreed to this venture into space. A change of pace. A change of scenery. Or maybe it was really more of an escape. Escape from her past. Escape from the person she was, but that was a hard task in itself. They say 'you are your own worst enemy' and that rang true heavily for her. She needed to escape her thoughts, but they haunted her mind like never ending darkness. If only without the help of the drink or some drug could she allow herself to be more forthcoming things might be better in that head of hers. She just might be a bit more happy in life moving forward. Once he brought up Amara's name and that fact she had to stay strong and survive, and how hiding from people wasn't helping the matter - her brows furrowed in response. She came close to just quickly verbalizing without thought, till a familiar voice spoke up in her head.

'Don't Reza. He cares. If he didn't would he even be here right now? He's not wrong and you know it.'

~Don't preach to me. It's my fault that - ~

'No it's not. Reza you are capable of living in the now. It's all you can do, sis. Just give it - give him the chance you were willing to before.'

--- She got lost in her own head briefly, attempting to shake it away. Her brothers voice as much as she wanted to hear it was starting to get annoying when he was speaking logically to her. Pushing her in directions she was stubbornly avoiding even though it was right. She was staying strong but maybe not as strong as she could've been. That was evident by the pills and the makes unseen on her left inner forearm. Hiding from people wasn't exactly helpful for it left her to the demons in her head. Too many private thoughts accumulating into toxicity. A fresh start was something she needed and this was the opportunity for it, but now that it was here she was being resistant mostly impart to that message. It threw her world in disarray and clouded her thoughts. She wasn't so sure about Amara's safety anymore and that bothered her on top of the guilt regarding her brother. Austin didn't know that much and she couldn't expect him to with her being so tight lipped. There was no real reason for the secrecy other than her own nonsensical choosing. Honestly how could they make this work if she was being distant and he was making the effort? She had to meet him half way somewhere otherwise that intimate moment of small clarity that was shared between them was lost. Subconsciously she had popped the pill bottle open in her jacket pocket while he was talking and notions ran in her mind. One couldn't hurt to sedate what was disrupting her from having a good time, right?

'You don't need that. You can be you without it, Reza. Just enjoy him. He's already concerned about you, don't add to it.'

~Please stop talking. You're giving me a headache.~

'Good.'

--- She was well aware of his concern, she caught the hint of it when he spoke. Mentally she sighed while her free hand pinched the bridge of her nose and the other in her pocket clipped the bottles lid back on. She doubted the soft muted noises would remotely be heard over the wildlife around them. To which to her surprise they were left alone for the most part so far. And maybe to his surprise he would find she didn't lash out, and she remained a little silent after he spoke rather than quickly formulating some deflective response. Though in some capacity she was going to ignore some of what he said, but it was just cause she didn't want to sink into the weight of the conversation personally. Maybe she just wasn't completely ready yet to divulge. Instead she would play coy. In her silence she fell in line directly behind him, a little out of view but it wasn't for long till he would feel her arms wrap around his waist. What he carried on his back forced her to be a little more to his left rather directly behind. Her chin and cheek would rest on his shoulder and this new position would force their walking to become an awkward waddle now - be amazing if they didn't trip.

"I think I recall saying I wouldn't be your maid. What makes you think I've changed my mind about that?"

--- He could hear the playfulness in her voice, and even if he didn't try to look he could tell there was a smirk on her lips.

"If hypothetically I was to 'come by' and 'help out' as you put it, what do I get? I could be pretty pricey."

--- Whether he was glancing a little back or not she playfully wiggled her brows, and placed an peck on his cheek. At least she lightened up a little, whether she avoided the rest or not, it wasn't exactly the same as usual.

"Hm, sounds tempting. Are we talking daily, weekly or bi-weekly? What's the bonus if I get employee of the month?"

--- She mused with a chuckle as she let go of his waist but not before giving his bottom a little pinch as she fell back in line behind him on the path. Their conversations and interactions had always been filled with back and forth quips. It was better when she was more chill and playful than when she was being overly guarded. Her brother was right. She should enjoy his company. Enjoy what everything here, including he had to offer. What was the point in dwelling in what she couldn't change? Too bad she wasn't completely there in that line of thinking, yet. At least for now, for the moment being she would try with whatever it was that he had planned. He seemed so excited about this who was she to be a killjoy right? As they trekked forward, the darkness started to melt away as light radiated through the clearing they finally had broken through. The sound and smell of cascading water caught her attention immediately. One thing that Cereza always appreciated was a view. It was one reason why she liked rooftops. The sight, the feel of the wind gusting against her skin was always refreshing. The way the rays were glistening off the water so majestically grabbed her and she found herself captivated till she was interrupted by him grabbing her hand suddenly and tugging her in a particular direction.

"This - shit!"

--- She wasn't prepared for the suddenly shift in direction and found herself taking a small stumble towards the direction he led before stabilizing. Wherever he was taking her he was anxious to do so. He seemed like a little child on Christmas morning. Cereza couldn't help finding it amusing but her focus was a little scattered between him, the path he led her down and the scenery as a whole. Once they reached the bottom her hand was finally free as he threw his own up and spun around to her. Subconsciously she found herself looking at him with his smile and returned one back, followed by what appeared to be a giggle. A giggle was certainly a rarity with this one. Probably the most girly thing she could verbally do and he managed to pull it out of her. Points to Austin. Cereza shook her head at this goofball before her unable to help speaking through her giggle.

"Really proud of yourself huh?"

--- Shaking her head again she turned a little to face the upcoming sun, letting the light kiss against her skin while she looked about the place again. This time she was able to take it in see it for its worth. For its beauty. It wasn't something one would normally see in the city, maybe on vacation to somewhere tropic but even then this was far different. There was a higher level of exotic nature to it for obvious reasons. Again her subconscious overtook her and her face softened as the sunrise cascaded on her face. Maybe it was worth it.

"It is beautiful."

--- She said softly, almost sounding like she was in a small trance. And maybe she was. It wasn't everyday you came across something like this and she had been not allowing herself to really enjoy all of this worlds surroundings prior to this point. She found herself kneeling down taking notice of the appeared to be some red flowers scattered about. Quietly she cupped one in her right hand examining it delicately. Maybe there was some similarities to their world more than she thought at least. Seeing her like this might've been a nice change of pace. She seemed comfortable, almost serene like it was the perfect setting for her to free her thoughts. He had seen a small softness from her before, but this tenderness was just slightly different. She was indeed capable of so much that she pretended was impossible. All she really needed was the guidance and so far he was a helpful one.

--- Their own little secret spot. It sounded pleasant in theory. As he said the natives more than likely knew about it, so it wasn't entirely their own. However the rest of their star fallen crew had not. It was a bit apparent by the how still well preserved everything still was. No, she didn't have much confidence that the majority of them would not desecrate a place like this. Cereza might not immediately strike people as someone who appreciated nature in its purity or fine arts even, but surprise surprise she did. It was soothing to a restless, tormented soul. The simplicity, yet complexity that nature provided was unmatched. And even in this alien world that was still able to be found. How could she not fall to its charm after the hellish time she had been having mentally.  

--- The flower she focused on made her think back to Amara. It was an innocent, pure - just undisturbed. Though the thought was nice, it was a foreign planet with foreign plant life - for all she knew she was touching something poisonous or potentially carnivorous. Ya know what if it seems cute and beautiful but suddenly turns into a monstrous person eating plant? Little Shop of Horrors was a valuable lesson if anyone cared to pay attention. Those thoughts swam into her mind, pulling herself out of that daydream she just tainted but it was far too late. A certain mischievous imp had decided he wanted to commit some foolery on the unsuspecting brunette. The shame is she should've really anticipated that he would try something in the wake of her absentmindedness. Just as she began to stand up - knees still bent - she was suddenly knocked harshly by Austin's hip sending her towards the water. Cereza stumbled and staggered with the most ungraceful attempt to catch herself, even missing the attempt to grab at him as she went splashing into the water. The only she managed to do before she met her fate was unclip her bag so it fell off onto the ground just at the edge by some luck.

"GAH!"

--- It was the only sound she could manage to get out during her downfall. Surprisingly instead of having more foot ground before reaching a deeper portion, which she would assume would be more of the middle - this sucker just caved right in. Thankfully she could swim, but going into the water with her leather jacket was not ideal for the jacket nor the swimmer. And then she had her boots on, was he just trying to drown her? She wore everything that could weigh her down, wonderful. Beneath the waters surface she wasn't frantic but she wasn't the calmest either cause boy did she wanna pay him back big time. In her short time underwater she removed her boots, and shimmied off her jacket before pushing herself back up to the surface with said items - flipping her shorten hair back as she gasped for needed air. Immediately her eyes narrowed to him, uncaring of his new ink or the particular necklace around his neck. The one she gave to him some time ago -Risk taker. Oh yeah he was certainly taking risk here with her. She didn't give up until she paid someone back for crap like that. A soaking wet shoe would be flung at him, accompanied by its partner as she exclaimed towards him.

"You're such an ass!"

--- Thing is she couldn't even really remain mad at him. It was funny in the end and she would've honestly done the same in his shoes, no denying that. She scoffed as she swam forward with her jacket over her shoulder, hoisting herself out of the water and onto the shore. She snickered as she stood and gave him a hard shove in his shoulder. Her white tank was drenched showing the black bra underneath, luckily she managed to save her backpack otherwise she'd have no dry clothes thanks to him.

"You're gonna get yours I promise that."

--- She gave him the evil eye, then took two fingers pointed to her eyes and back at him - the infamous 'I'm watching you signal'. She didn't want to get pushed again as she was retrieving her bag so she opted to walk backwards to it, keeping him in sight. Once she got it she moved it away from the edge, trying to adjust her pants that now clung to her like a bad habit.

"Ugh I hate you so much right now."

--- She protested through a light chuckle while shaking her head at the ordeal. There was no point in keeping the shirt, pants and socks really. She laid the jacket on a rock so it would dry better, while she began discarding the rest of her clothing minus her bra and underwear. There was one thing she did forget about. No, not the scars he had seen and known about but the new ones on the inner of her left forearm. Six consecutive lines craved horizontally which appeared to be self-inflicted. If he was watching while she undressed, he might've caught sight of them once she was removing her shirt. Once she was done, she walked back before him - she was never too far to begin with but her mind had her own mischievous thoughts that circulated. Standing in front of him, Cereza took grip of the rim of his pants tugging him forward a little pressing her form against his - toying with undoing the button or not. She still found it amusing and wore that on her face as she kept her lips dangerously close to his.   

"I'll give you that one. But now that you got me... well.."

--- There was an innuendo implied in there as she flicked his lips with her tongue before slithering around him to his back. Her right hand grazed against his torso in time. He would feel her wrap her arms from behind him like earlier, except this time she coyly undid his button while planting a kiss on the side of his neck. Both hands slithered to his hips, but then quickly grabbed his butt and in the same swift motion made an attempt to push him hard into the water. She figured being behind he'd have a lesser chance of taking her with. She would laugh should he fall in joining when he emerged, or if he managed to grab and take her with she would squeal and laugh on the way. Either scenario she was going into the water and once there, she joke with him.

"How's the water?"

--- Charm, seductive charm at that had its uses and as long as she could use it on him she would. To her it was entertaining to pull him off his guard, tease him just to purposely bail. It was a fun tit for tat they had between them. After the stunt he pulled it served him right. The only minor issue was that it was a never-ending cycle. One revenge led to another and another, but hey at least they weren't killing each other or others. At least it like a Mr. and Mrs. Smith thing. Though now that the thought was presented that house scene would be fun with some nerf guns. Oh wells, they weren't on Earth anymore so - whelp. The betrayal he just felt was the level of betrayal Yoshi feels when Mario discards him for that extra little leap. And Cereza loved every minute of his expression, as he went down.

--- Through her laughing she shook her head at his majestic hair flip, looking like the Little Mermaid. Well he was able to do that cause he still had his hair, unlike her who had reasons for the drastic change. But inwardly missed her locs, oh wells they would grow up eventually. But would she want it by then was the question. Why linger on that, this wasn't about hair. She wadded in the water just near him, holding onto her mischievous grin - oh so proud of herself. His words granted a little snicker from her as she was unfazed by them. If he hadn't said something like that she might've thought something was wrong with him to miss an opportunity.

"Temperature seems fine to me."

--- She coyly quipped back as he gently pushed his way towards her, and though with gentle strokes of her arms she pulled herself backwards he still was the main force being against her that guided her way. Her hues stared straight into his as his hands held her sides briefly till she felt something hit her back. Considering the smooth yet bumpy feel she assumed it was a rock she had been pinned against. Was he already trying to seek revenge? It was possible. She smirked as their lips met and he pulled back with a small bite. His little request wasn't going to go over so smoothly as he probably liked. Where would be the fun in that? Her hands were pressed against his abdomen, but he could feel a nail gently scratching the top line of his pants but only briefly as both hands crawled up, her left stopping at his chest while her right toyed with his necklace. Her head tilting left and right with a playful tick as if she was contemplating something.

"Mmm. I don't know that sounds more demanding than asking. And well you seem like a big boy. Tie your own shoes and everything right?"

--- Denial again. Cereza chuckled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, while under the water her left leg tangled a little with his right. Her lips found its mark with his briefly - giving him the same treatment he did her with the playful bit to the bottom of his own lip.

"I like this tat better by the way."