For Yuna! (Whereishe). Continued Cuteness

[my_belfry_of_fun]

Title:Continued Cuteness
Who:Yuna and Alex Mercer
What:Cuteness in an evolving friendship
Open/Closed:Closed
Additional Details:Originally based on a meme, set in the Explorers setting.

Comments

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna skidded to a stop and looked up at Alex with a smile. "Yeah I'm fine." She jumped down a few spaces before turning while she climbed.

"I kind of hope the ruins have some good stuff in them. Maybe even clues about who's lived there." Yuna loved finding out the history of a place though it was always harder in her own world after a thousand years of it being buried and forgotten. She didn't want anyone to ever be forgotten.

She stopped for a moment as the tunnel narrowed and had to crouch as she made her way through. "You fitting alright?" She was small and able to fit easily but she wasn't so sure about Alex.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

"I'll make it." Alex had crouched himself, and was eyeing the way the tunnel narrowed. Then tossed his backpack and head-lamp over first, in Yuna's direction. "Just gonna look silly, while I skitter through." At least he could sort of make fun-of himself?

Getting on his belly, and doing that semi-crawl thing people got trained to do in the military when they had to stay low to the ground. Not very graceful looking, true--but easier for him than trying to fit otherwise. Broader shouldered than Yuna, but once he got past the main part, it wasn't so difficult. "Shouldn't be much longer before the tunnels open out, and we get to a largeish cavern where they'd found remains of an old entry way."

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

"This is why we should carry less stuff." She smiled though taking his bag in her hand and pulling it through with her. It didn't take long for her to get to the other side and by the time Alex got there both bags were sitting on the ground and Yuna was looking at the sight of the cave.

She had glanced back a few times and watched Alex's caterpillar movements through the entry way. It was funny to see him like that though she made sure for her stare not to linger to long. It was hard enough staying focused on their mission.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

It wasn't exactly a fun way to get through, but it worked. Alex crouched at first once out, then stood and dusted himself off a bit. "Believe me, I pared it down to the bare essentials and nothing more. Food and supplies for two people though, when we don't know what resources will have, is not light though." Alex appreciated her not staring; he'd never been comfortable with people staring at him.

Even when it wasn't in disgust or fear.

Instead he moved over and hefted both bags, ready to keep moving. "It shouldn't be much further--I think as soon as we head down a bit more, then we get to the entry way." Moving to continue on, since he could stand and do so more comfortably once more.

A few more twists and turns, and one climb down of about 15 feet through an opening, and they were at a larger open space. Which is where the 'entry' to the ruins was; a set of thick stone arch at one end of the cavern. The space they were in was enough for them to comfortably move around besides. Alex estimated it was about a thirty foot diameter for their space, and not off from that around the rest.

Unfortunately the caves and caverns must have shifted at some point, as there were broken stalagmites, points of dropped off stalactites and rocks strewn against parts of the wall. And boulders and smaller rocks closing off and crowding the stone arch. The air didn't smell musty, giving them some air-flow--but their path was definitely blocked for now.

Alex confirmed the airflow, moving over to inspect the rock-fall that had blocked things and how badly it was going to impede them. It didn't seem too bad--but nothing human sized or close was getting through what cracks in the rock slide there were. The largest openings measured about the size of a hand, and it seemed like it wasn't too bad, if they could move the larger rocks out of the way.

"Huh." He commented, putting the packs down and turning to Yuna. Especially since he looked up, and turned off the head-lamp. "Hey Yuna, turn off the light?" It had been dim with the head-lamps, but it had gotten marginally brighter when he'd turned off his own. Especially since Alex was looking up now.

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna did as he said and turned of her head lamp. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust but soon the cave was filled with a soft light. She couldn't help but feel giddy at the sight and she tugged at Alex's arm even though it was obvious that he could see as well.

"It's so beautiful!" Her eyes shined in the darkness as she looked up at the glowing moss.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

He ignored his own discomfort, because Yuna was being cute as she tugged at him. Bioluminescence was always something that was neat, and he appreciated it on multiple levels. It made sense, that it'd be down here if there was appropriate air-flow and moisture.

"Well, we definitely have oxygen then. We also should figure out if we want to camp here, where we know it's safe and press on when we're rested. Or if we want to move these rocks and boulders, get IN to the ruins themselves, and then try and find a place to secure as a base."

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna walked around Alex staring up at the walls. "We can make camp here. There is no telling what we might find else were or how long it might take." Plus she really wanted to just stare up at the ceiling. It was like a sea of stares and she was giddy to be able to see such a wonderful sight with Alex by her side.

"Though I am fine with whatever." As she spoke she sat on a hard rock looking up with a smile. "This is so cool."

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

"I have to wonder what it is, specifically, that's growing up there. It looks like moss, but moss usually isn't bioluminescent. Fungus is though, but to grow on a cave-wall?" Alex was still, at his core, a scientist in some ways. "But there has to be some moisture there, if it's attached to the ceiling, and there's definitely oxygen flow, otherwise it wouldn't be glowing."

The luciferens, in most basic sense, reacted chemically when oxidized, to form the glow. Not that Alex necessarily felt Yuna would appreciate all the technical aspects. He was kind of fascinated himself, if only because this was also ALIEN biochemistry he was seeing. So who knew really how different or not it was from Earth? He was already assuming, somewhat, on the oxygen; backed up by the initial mission report which had indicated they wouldn't need breathing equipment or anything.

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna's smile widened as he rambled on about the moss. She loved to hear him talk about these things but right now he was being a kill joy. She rose from her seat and tugged on his arm again to get him to sit next to her on the rock.

"Think later. Will you just sit with me and look at it?" It was a small request but she thought it might be best to appreciate it for its glow before he spent the countless hours trying to figure out how it worked. "We can also see about taking some of it with us."

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

It made him laugh quietly, one half of his mouth quirking up in a smile. "I AM enjoying it, even if I'm thinking about how it works too, Yuna. That's part of what's so neat, and fascinating to me. Knowing HOW it works?" Explaining at least in part, why he focused on that.

Because really, biology, and chemistry, were pretty neat things. Put them together, and how living organisms functioned and created new things? It was fascinating how such small things created change, or energy, or new things. How all life could be broken down in to finite and tiny pieces.

Part of what drew him to Science was indeed making sense of things, but the part that had kept him, was figuring out how it all worked. How things were done, what were the building blocks of life, and how did they interact, and what happened with little tweaks or big tweaks.

He did come and sit down with her though, knowing she wouldn't let this go. "We'll see. It's not as if we can't come back and get samples too." He really could appreciate it, and knowing what was 'causing' it so to speak just made it more fascinating.

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna could understand what he meant about finding out about how they work. She looked up at the moss and saw it pulsing with life. Each soul connected to the plant forever connected but able to live apart should harm come to part of it. She could feel it breath around them and for a moment she let the sensation of it's life sweep her thoughts away.

"I think it's amazing to see how they work. How each organism lives it's life." Even if it was something small Yuna still found it to be wonderful.

She leaned back looking up that glowing light with a smile. "So did you want to stay here or move on?" She looked over at Alex curiously. She couldn't deny that she was getting comfortable sitting there.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

"We should at least take a short rest. Just enough to get food and drink. Besides, I want to look at how that entrance is blocked. See what the best way to unblock it might be." Alex briefly shifted his attention to the rock-slide covering the entrance to the ruins.

Sitting a moment more, before he stood and moved over to their packs. "With the air-flow, we could even build a small fire and heat up the food-stuffs." Talking out loud as he moved. But his voice was quieter, even as he knew Yuna'd hear it. "It's part of why I love biology. Figuring out how things work, and live, and what that process is."

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna was a little sad that he had gotten up so soon but she suppose it couldn’t be help. She rose from the hard rock and walked over to the packs. “I can start the fire and food if you want to inspect the block.” She had magic and her culinary skills were that of a house wife. It would be an easy task for her and she knew that Alex was the type to always want to have something to do.

She lowered herself to her knees and pulled through her own pack to see where everything was. She hadn’t packed the bag being opposed to bringing it in the first place so she really didn’t know what was inside of it. All she knew was that it was heavy and annoying. Her lips pulled into a smile at his last words.

The truth was she knew about life and death more than most. She could communicate with spirits and connect herself with the things around her. It could be dangerous but she was able to understand each world better because of it. She didn’t feel like she should still have such a skill now that Sin was gone but she still hoped to use it for good. She wondered about this planet and if she could connect herself to the flow of spirits but she was pretty sure that Alex would get mad at her. “I hope we can find out then.”

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

Well, if she wanted to...Alex wouldn't fight her too much. Pushing his pack towards her too. Inside was organized. He'd forgone a change of clothes for them both, given her spheres and his shape-shifting. In both packs, rolled tightly, were thin mattresses and two blankets each. Along with a small mundane-first-aid kid, scanner, water-purification tablets, and the food/drink kits. That was honestly what made them heavy--as the ingredients were packed tightly.

Dried fruit, some veggies and herbs, and dried jerky-meat. Along with containers of water--those were clearly what took up most of the room. Included were some basic utensils and a small bowl that would work easily for cooking or eating from. While Yuna rummaged, Alex busied himself pulling some of the larger rocks out of the pile by the entrance carefully. These were pulled over to make a small fire-circle/pit for Yuna to do what she wanted in.

After that, he moved to study the rock-pile blocking their way more fully. Trying to figure out how best to dismantle it, without causing worse. Trying to see how deep it went into blocking their way, including climbing around a bit and against the larger slabs designating the entry arch.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna took the items she needed and quickly cast fire at the circle of rocks. A flame flared up with the spark on her magic burning things she found around her as well as some wood she found in her pack. She set up the pan and started making a simple stew while Alex worked. It was tedious work but she enjoyed it. Something about the calming routine of making food calmed her. It wasn't something she was used to since her life had been so frantic.

"How's it looking?"

She peeked up from her work with a curious gaze. The stew had to simmer but it would be done in a few minutes. She placed a lid over the pot and let it finish cooking.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

"Honestly? Not too bad. Shouldn't be too hard to clear so long as it's done smartly." Alex responded, half-way up the pile of boulders, clinging to it. Not that he looked uncomfortable--he was busy examining how some of them fit together.

Some more examination, including climbing straight up along the jammed rocks, to study the top by the stone arch. This also did give him a slightly better view of the moss/fungi glowing along the roof when he was done with the jam. Looking up at that, he smiled a bit as he tried to see more detail there.

Not that there was much he could do right then--but it was neat to see. Still couldn't tell if it was moss or fungi or some alien version of both. Jumping back down, he landed and moved over to sit on the ground by the fire pit and Yuna. "I'll start moving and dismantling it after we eat. Find everything ok?"

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

She was a little jealous that he was bouncing around the rocks like that and she couldn't help but smile as he walked over. She leaned back resting her elbows against the rock. The fire dimmed the light of the moss and she couldn't wait until they could put it out and see the wonderful moss again.

"Yeah. Hopefully you like it." She lightly poked the fire with her boot before sitting back up and inspecting the stew. "It's done."

Yuna poured them both a bowl of the stew and then she sat back on the stone. "Why don't we sleep here? Just for a short while." She wasn't tired but she knew it had to be close to night. She just wanted to spend a little bit more time under the wonderful lights.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

A quiet laugh, as Alex came over and joined her by the fire. "This is not an indictment of your cooking, but I'm not picky Yuna. I'm sure it's fine." He did appreciate that she'd cooked, and the food. "We can definitely stay and rest. There's no real hurry, as far as I'm aware, to get in to the ruins. Aside from our own curiosity." Alex's voice was low, mostly because the cavern did have a slight echo to it with the acoustics, and he was hearing it faintly.

"I'll pull out the mattress pads, if you want. I was also pondering climbing up closer to the moss or fungus on the ceiling, and taking a look. I can carry you up, if you want." Spending time with Yuna was nice, and while part of him wanted to move on... There was no real urgency.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

She shook her head with a smile glancing over at him as he passed her a bowl. "At least you eat it." she stured the stew once more before making herself a bowl and covering it. "There is plenty if you want more."

Yuna sat back looking up at the moss with a smile her spoon pushing around the liquid in her bowl. "You think I can borrow your jacket or sweat shirt to sleep in?" She smiled widely looking up at him with her cutest face. She knew he didn't exactly return her feelings but she always felt comfortable sleeping next to him and while he didn't need to sleep she did and having something that smelled like him was a comfort.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

Why wouldn't Alex eat the food? It wasn't like it was badly cooked--and he'd probably still eat it if it was. He'd grown up with the idea that you did not waste food. He'd gotten about half way through his bowl, when she asked her question. Blinking, as he...hadn't expected that.

"You can use my hoodie, sure..." It wasn't like he minded. Even with the complications of feelings and him trying to figure his own out, he didn't mind. It was oddly flattering, that Yuna wanted it. Then again, he was flattered she viewed him that way, even though he wasn't sure how he felt entirely, yet. Beyond just the general liking her as friend.

"I might try and see how far away the nearest water source is, so we can save our supplies for when we head deeper in."

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

"Could you stay while I sleep?" Yuna wasn't scared though she has been having trouble sleeping as of late. She set her bowl down, not finishing her stew and walked over to grab a bedroll and lay it out. She only wondered if monsters could find there way in here while he was gone and she was asleep.

Though that was only the logical part of it. She also just enjoyed having Alex nearby. Not that she needed him or relied on him in that way. It was just nice. Something that ex. summoner looked forward to when they went on long missions like this.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

Alex watched her as she moved, and then went to collect her bowl and his. "Of course I will." Quietly, voice soft and he remembered when she'd come to him with her nightmares. Besides, it would be safer really.

"I'll take care of cleaning up. I have a bedroll in my bag too, if you wanna use 'em both for double the comfort. I'm not sure I'll sleep, so might just lean against a rock."

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

"That doesn't sound very fair. You should got to lay down too." Yuna was used to sleeping on thin mates and on a hard ground. It wouldn't bother her so much and she still selfishly wanted him to stay close to her.

She watched him collect the bowls as she laid out the bedrolls. She laid they side by side so that there was room for him to lay down if he wanted too. She could be just as stubborn as he was.

"There, space for both of us." She smiled laying down so that he eyes were staring up at the ceiling.

Re: Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[lessandmorethanhuman]

It was easy to clean up, even if he walked the bowls and dishes a bit away before rinsing/wiping them down with water and then a cloth-with-sanitizer on it. Coming back and packing them in the bags, but not tightly. "You're sure you don't want the double-thickness?" Alex asked, crouched and head tilted as he looked at her.

Then half of his mouth quirked up in a faint smirk. "Why I am even asking, you're stubborn.' A head shake of amusement, and after securing the bags but leaving the water out, he came over and sat on the bedroll. Legs stretched out, back on his elbows as he looked up at the cave ceiling too, with it's glowing moss or fungi or whatever it was.

Dungeoneering mission!--a week or 2 later

[whereishe]

Yuna watched him clean things up snuggling under the thin blanket. It was a little cold but it wasn't so bad. She let her head rest against the bed roll as her gaze shifted up at the glowing moss with a smile. "Just as stubborn as you."

She looked over at him grinning widely before closing her eyes. She didn't think that she would actually fall asleep, more so with Alex so close but she tried anyway. At least she was resting.

"So the plan" She spoke softly with her eyes closed. "Carefully remove the block. Secure a camp and then explore. Do you think water will be hard to find?"