05. bang bang

[worthy]

violinist • insomniac • paper aeroplane • dandelion seed • feather • she sings • a stolen ring • fairytale gone wrong • cliche • ribbon • cadence • 3:28am • icarus • hallucination • letters to the moon • silhouette • breathless • start running • astronomer • comet in a bottle • reincarnation • mirage • filigree • everyone was dancing but me • nameless • exhale • fortuna major • vices and virtues • gunpowder and gunshots • china teacups • pinkie promises • chrysalis • piercing • north star • kerosene • dark horse • vanilla • the cat meowed • blink • text message • smirking • firefly • daisy chain • doe eyes • "where are you?" • typo • no shoes in the rain • heterochromia • swallowing silver spoons • a spoonful of sugar • mistaken identity • twisted ankle • touching the clouds • i told you so • lump in the throat • shoulders • sunburn • ambulance • talking nonsense • perfect • bare branches • pale • everyone found out • not enough • i owe you • she won't say it • russian roulette • dried flowers • actress • tattered notebook • smell the roses • justice • all that glitters • the cat and the king • grudge • apathy • all dolled up • decadence • blush • too easy • healing • then, i changed • write to me • caffeine • rumpled sheets • close your eyes • message in a bottle • morphine • fahrenheit • fighter • i lit a candle for you • after all this time • newspaper • pendulum • soundproof • skeletons in the closet • nightingale • arms crossed • prologue • epilogue • bully • i dare you • arms outstretched • woken up early • we're all made of stardust • dancers • hero • blurry • aftermath • even you • whatever you want to believe • a dance with the devil • roses are red violets are blue • lantern • they kept their promises • live fast and die young • interlaced fingers • i wish i tried harder • don't blink • envelope • congratulations • just look down • wayward • when you say nothing • as you wish • runs in the family • fight like a girl • the bright side • skyscraper • sunshine • bye, beautiful • don't mess with me • fire at will • fire and water • peek-a-boo • don't die before i do • wanderlust

pick a character + prompt (or tell me what you want &or bring your own) and get words.

Comments

[axiality]

[ Whatever he says to the contrary, he's been in her hands since they both woke up here. Messer's trust may operate as an undercurrent to everything that he does and believes, but it also carries the strength and depth of one. He accepts her movement with a watchful eye, having caught her sigh at his answer. That's how this often goes. Soothing over their wants with their duties, accepting that it might not come to more than that, for both of their sakes. This time is the first time he's felt transparent in light of it though, knowing there are no more secrets. At least not entirely.

His fingers twitch as she arranges herself under his arm, nerves alight for so many reasons. Pain, yes, but also anticipation for Kaname's sudden closeness. It is what he wants, what he's always wanted, but he'd clamped down on the urge to pursue it as if his constitution had teeth. Replaced soft things with severity, with what he was good at. Flying. Fighting.

After it all, knowing he's thought about this before, at some point that seems far so off — is this okay? ]

I've heard that what I did resembles repayment of a debt. But that's not right.

[ Mirage asked him. He couldn't refute, couldn't affirm. Messer shifts his arm, bending the crook of his elbow to draw her closer to him, to hold her as well as he's able. His threshold for pain won't betray him now, not if he can help it. His cheek remains on the pillow, watching for any sign that he can chase away the hesitation in her eyes. ]

You don't sing intending to be repaid for what you do.

[ That's never what he's heard in her voice, in the long hours of having her to focus on. ]

I don't regret this, because my duty is to protect you.

[ Anytime he used that reasoning, it was because this lied at the crux, the axis of who they are. ]

[axi]

[Recognition pierces through the hesitation, understanding his words and the meaning behind them. Her immediate response is to finally rest her head on his shoulder, though she doesn't relax, not fully, her innate fear of hurting him more still keeping hold. She reaches down to draw the blanket upwards again. It's not out of need for warmth, but the need for cover, as if she wants to keep this to just themselves, despite no other souls being present.

She lets out another sigh, this one almost assuredly amused. Fingers move over to lay on his chest, palm open across his heart to feel its steady rhythm.]

When you mention duty, it almost sounds as if I'm an obligation you have to attend to. I don't think that's what you mean. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[The tone in her voice is teasing, almost baiting him to play along, but a refutation would be most welcomed, depending on its nature. It's also a way to keep her mind off the state he's in. Of course he's out of the woods, he'll live. But any long term effects have yet to be determined. There are a number of possibilities. She heard the medical staff talking, and she left before any details were mentioned. Some information is best left unknown.]

[axiality]

Attend to...

[ When the dust finally settles, it really is just the two of them. Messer thinks — this is okay. It's okay to stay alive, to be here. Under the glare of halogen, in the cold, feeling anything but. An unlikely moment, but one he can't take for granted, not in good conscience. Not now that they've sent barrier after barrier collapsing beneath this weight that grounds him, that rests his wings. In reply, he's silent, deathly so, invoking his own callsign. Some of his former sharpness glints through, even as his opposite arm shifts, crossing over his middle. Messer catches Kaname's hand and steadies it over his heart. ]

Don't mistake me, Kaname-san.

[ His fingers tighten over her hand, willful and kind, meeting her playfulness with a piercing gaze. He's seen it, how she's content to play off her concerns and her whispers of melancholy by offering smiles, by placating. They're not so dissimilar. Except she has always been too honest, and he has always been too headstrong.

His thumb trails over the top of her hand, over the most delicate of bones, atop the sound of his heart. His gaze stays intent on her. ]

[axi]

[Excitement, anticipation, and nervousness overtake her all at once. The intensity of his gaze is hypnotic, she can't move. She can't look away. Her breath catches, suddenly even more aware of their diminished proximity. Is there any space left between them? The press of her chest to the side of his when she finally does breathe in says no.

Finally, as if any lingering doubts are pulled from her, she gives in, relaxing. The tension leaves her, and Messer should feel the weight of her head against him, like he's an anchor keeping her from retreating. She shivers more, for many reasons, yet the cold isn't among them.]

I don't... think I can. [Words escape her, much like her senses. Locked in this connection, attention focused all on her, Kaname feels knots forming inside, more intense and prevalent than anything she's felt before. Concerts, under a single spotlight, media interviews, leading auditions, or giving reports to packed rooms, even singing on the front lines-- all of those pale in comparison.

Eyes not leaving his (still unable), she takes his hand in her own, tightening as well. Quietly, gently, she guides them both towards her, movement ceasing once her lips are placed softly on his bandaged knuckles as if she's whispering to him.]

[axiality]

[ There's something reverent in the way that she moves now, careful not to disturb this fragile thing between them. A balance of two points, and all of Messer's hesitation burned away at where they intersect. Dealing death, skirting its outline time after time... Messer's prevalence of strength and skill have carried him on the wind, up until now. In this moment, he's pushed a measure of that trust into Kaname's slim hands, the fingers still captured in his own as her lips caress over the divots of his knuckles. Weight for weight.

In return, she's given him understanding to the questions he'd never thought he had long enough to ask. Something ticks in his throat, at his pulse points, floods his chest with a feeling not unlike adrenaline, even if it's softer at the corners. With a quiet grunt, Messer shifts on his elbow again, taking more care now that Kaname is fit against it. It's not the same reckless move he'd tried earlier, but a kinder version of it — pushing himself up onto his side to better wind his arm around her. Holding her is easier when he faces her, using the movement to free his hand from hers, if only to ghost his knuckles across her cheek, over the tracks her tears have made in the dust.

Messer goes forehead to forehead with her, having nothing else to say to the questions they've both had, that have slept too long under other circumstances. Right now, with one hand at the small of her back and the other gliding through the hair behind her ear, there isn't anything else for him. ]

[axi]

[Kaname inhales sharply, his sudden movements and the grunt of effort (and with what she expects is pain), catching her off guard enough to break the trance. She moves her hand the same time as his, hers pressed against his chest, fingertips resting on his clavicle. In fact, that's where both are situated, one on either shoulder. There's nothing she can do but shift with him. Luckily, it's not a big move, though she's higher up on the bed. Or he's lower down. Either way, their faces are now level, and she can see the look in his eyes.]

Messer-kun, you shouldn't be do--

[Her breath catches, and she can feel her own heart speed up. When she feels his hand on her back, she starts, a jolt of electricity so clearly to blame. She swallows, closing her eyes as his knuckles trace her across her cheek, reveling in the touch. Foreheads meets, and his fingers weaving through her hair, a happy sigh-- a very happy sigh-- escapes her.

Control ebbs, and she reaches around, arm snaking over his shoulder, around to his back, then up the back of his neck, fingers taking in every contour and muscle there. Again, she's tangled up in his hair, holding his head to her. She cracks one bright blue eye open to look at him and issue a warning.]

Just remember how scared I'll be if you hurt yourself further. [The words are meant to act as a deterrent to prevent anything else from happening. Much more would definitely serve as a setback on his road to complete recovery. Still, while there is a line, they haven't crossed it just yet.

Angles adjust, and her eye closes again. His head to moved forward so his lips will meets hers. Kaname kisses him, gently at first, then more eagerly. It's not demanding, not yet. The message is there, a promise of what's to come, if this works out. What she wants, what she imagines he wants, too, but he might never have dared imagine. It's all there, just waiting for him to get better.]

[axiality]

[ Messer leans in for her as their lips meet, encouraged by the touch she tracks up the back of his neck, through his hair. An action that leaves nothing but light shapes on the back of his eyes, and the sound of his heartbeat in his ears. It's thunderous in comparison to how softly it carries out — their first kiss is gentle, supportive, and he almost fails to restrain himself on the second. It'd be so easy to fall into more, to take this want and fly with it, but her warning sits pretty in the back of his mind. Innocuous, melodic. He tilts his jaw, leaving a lingering kiss on her bottom lip. His own quirk, just at the corners, and if she's quick, she'll catch it before he breaks it.

A small smile, meant for her. As they usually are. He exhales, a short huff, touching his brow to hers again. ]

Understood.

[ Instinctively, Messer falls into line with her, eyes opening to wisps of red on his peripherals, the shape her lashes make against her cheek. His fingers have traveled through her length of hair to settle on her neck, thumb just shy of her jawline. If this is the last thing he'll ever do, he knows that being tangled up in her like this just once would've been worth it.

But it won't be the last time.

Knowing that, he moves to settle down on his side, urging her to lay with him. He can know what unspoken promise exists between them now, but he's still not going to be quick to let go of her. ]

[axi]

[The warning is for him, to remind him of what could happen. But also, with those words, she knows he'll be able to control things so they don't go too far. It's up to him to make sure they're both okay in the end, him physically, and her emotionally, as knowing she might be the cause for his pain would be a tremendous weight on her. He'd never allow that to happen.

Manipulation isn't a skill she likes to employ at all, but sometimes it's required. She knows herself well enough to have foreseen her probable inability to take charge once things began. And she's right.

When Messer breaks the kiss, his smile, his exhale, his touch, Kaname knows she made the right call. Her breath is heavy, bordering on a pant. His thumb on her jawline, hand behind her head... She moves, she needs to. Ducking her head, she buries her face into the crook of his neck, red locks tickling his jaw, now now immersing it. Tucked against him, she regains control, steadying her breathing, closing her eyes to feel both their heartbeats. Vision clears, the darkened edges slowly abating.

She breathes in deeply, as much as she can, her chest against his, taking in his scent. Smoke, fire, sweat. There's more. The underlying scent of him. She relishes the sensation, arms slinking around him, one on either side, to hold him close, lest he vanish upon release.]

Messer. [His name escapes her, a sigh, meant for no one else. If she's aware she said it, there's no indication. Kaname is lost. In him, in them. If prompted, she'd say being found isn't an option.]

[axiality]

[ If anything can be said about him, beyond his solemnity and his silence, it's that Messer is a patient man. And not always as unaffected as he seems, despite that. Something about her shortness of breath against his mouth makes her sudden movement a hazy blur, and Messer finds himself full of her in the same instant. So full. Pressed flush to him, taking his breath away in kind. Messer knows her voice inside and out. He cherishes it. Hearing his name like that, quiet, breathlessly — a jolt races up his back, but he minds it. Its lattices only make it so far under the responsibility he feels for her. His arms circle about her, one to her shoulders, one to her waist. To steady them both.

To prove that even now, he is listening. ]

Kaname. [ He murmurs her name into her hair, no formality attached, cheek pressed to her crown. ] It's alright.

[ Those words have been Messer's mantra for so long, but there's a new light to it. For the first time that he can remember since Marienburg, Messer doesn't wonder about the merit of his own life. Even if he's carefully locked what might have been away, her effect is unmistakable: throwing open all the windows, warming the long halls of his heart. Her deep breaths resonate in his chest, and he tightens his hold on her in reassurance.

It's alright because they're both here. Tired, hurt, holding the pieces together between them. Together. ]

Smell The Roses - Yang

[ryujin_no_ken]

[Once again, the world has fallen into chaos. A single night was all it took. Well, a single night with likely weeks of planning and careful maneuvering. Whatever hairs one wanted to split, however, the result was the same. Vale's academy gone, the city standing but damaged with its people huddling in fear, seeking some semblance of security and safety.

It was all people like him could do to provide even the smallest measure of that. Resources and Huntsmen were stretched thin but it was their duty to do so. Still, when a call came out from an old ally asking for his help, Genji could not refuse.

His target tonight had been easy enough to find, the trail she left in her wake was clear as day, and it was just easy to predict where she'd appear next. So, Genji waited, up above the empty nighttime streets until he at last heard the sound of an approaching engine. Straightening slowly, he watches the lone headlight approach and then steps off from his hiding place to land on the ground without a sound.

... Directly in the approaching motorcycle's path.]

[one_for_all]

[The Symbol of Peace. That's what the people called All Might. A steady and progressive drop in crime rates could be directly linked to the debut of this ever smiling hero. It was this title and his reputation as the world's greatest hero that had brought him here today. Strange monster known as Saiark's had been on the prowl here and it was his duty to assist those that had already taken up the call to defend this land from their wicked clutches. He looked forward to the opportunity to shake hands and fight alongside these "Pretty Cure".

However, one could not fight the good fight on an empty stomach! ...Even if secretly he didn't have one anymore. Regardless the giant of a man descended from one of his great leaps to land by a picnic table in the city park. The ground shook just enough that someone lose their balance but he was happy to see that no one fell.

He let out a bellowing laugh then took a seat on the ground beside the picnic table.]

Ha-Ha-HA!

Have no fear citizens, because I am here! ...To enjoy a light snack!

[And so the world's number one here pulled out a tiny container of rice and set it down in front of him.]

[sizzles]

[ So much more had fallen into chaos than just the world. Yang is a thrill seeker. When she's not gripped by adrenaline, by the strength of her own fire in her nerves, she's not alive. At least, that's what she always thought. Live fast, and all that. That's why she tries to tighten that grip in whatever ways she can now that she's been cut adrift to an existence that's been turned on its head. No, not even that. A world that's been torn apart, thrown down, its peace shattered. It wasn't the world suffering, but the people in it too. Whatever Yang wanted to seek, it wasn't that. It wasn't this.

Her gloved hands grip the handlebars of her bike as it roars through the broken streets. It's unsafe. She's heard it. Seen exactly how it got this bad. It rings in the back of her mind as she swerves and skids past cracked pavement and debris, not yet cleared from Vale's streets or the minds of those who stayed. If anything appears, she'll take care of it. Who cares that she was told it was dangerous, or pointless. She can still fight. She promised herself that.

Up ahead, she catches it. A flicker of movement she thinks is going to just be there and gone again, like any one of the other monsters around here.

So when it doesn't, Yang's eyes narrow through her goggles. ]

You'd better move it, buddy. Or you'll be losing it.

[ She kicks the throttle, not liking the look of this at all. The motorcycle's engine blasts through the streets on acceleration towards this weird figure just hanging out right in her line of fire. With intentions of stopping clearly not on her mind, she frowns into the wind. ]

[eatery]

[ Yuko is definitely someone who wobbles a little on her feet, glancing about with a tray full of food to find the source —

...oh! What a presence. Then again, there are a lot of people here today. Her family's restaurant is holding an event where people can eat a whole bunch of their prized croquettes, on the house. There's also rice balls, candies, assorted bentos. All sorts of fun things to help promote a second location's opening. It's a big day. So it's only natural a big person might show up, right? Right? (It all makes perfect sense, to her.)

Because it's impossible to not catch the declaration, Yuko has no problems with flitting right over. Nevermind that it's not really the place for hostessing, but generosity runs in her veins! ]

Hello, sir! Your rice looks delicious. Would you like a famous Omori croquette to pair with it? It's guaranteed to fill you right up!

[ Though he might need the whole plate. ]

[praises]

I can't, either.

[ Allelujah means that, too. Up they go, from tier to tier, with the companionable sound of breathing to keep them company. Until the wind rises loud enough to mask it, anyway. Compared to their run here, the climb, while still challenging in its own right, is serene. Allelujah keeps a close eye on Lapis through every arch and foothold, just for his own peace of mind. She's come a long way with him, and he trusts her abilities.

Maybe it's just habit. Maybe it's something else. His pulse is on the upswing, no matter which way he looks at it. ]

There, up ahead. [ Reaching the most ornate level, snaked with carvings of dragons that loop against the clear, starry backdrop, Allelujah secures his place just near the top. ] Give me your hand, you should be first up.

[ He reaches aside with the intent to help boost her to their target. ]

[oneirism]

[Even as the wind starts to roar around them, Lapis only finds herself more excited to reach the top - eager to see the view, which will no doubt be incredible. And whenever her eyes catch Allelujah looking over at her, she simply gives him a bright smile, the joy and excitement clear on her face - a stark contrast to how she usually presented herself.

Her eyes flick up on the dragon cravings, shifting to climb the rest of the way - before blinking when he reaches for her hand. Pausing, and then placing her hand in his, her grip firm.]

... Alright, but I'm not gonna look at the view until you're up there with me.

[Because something like this is something she wants to share with him.]

[ryujin_no_ken]

[He can sense it in her, even from this far away. The frantic urgency with which she rides, the reckless abandon with which she throws herself into danger, it's all familiar to him. A way, perhaps, to cope with a world gone mad. Throw oneself into a thousand smaller dangers and emerge alive, even victorious, and the greatest danger of all may seem less daunting for a moment. It's a deception upon oneself, a small and welcome comfort... if a false one. It's a desire he knows well.

And one that leads only to destruction and turmoil.

He raises his head from his crouch, locking directly onto her eyes with the glowing green visor and holds that contact. Unblinking, unflinching, he straightens up slowly and then stands in place directly in the path of her oncoming bike.]

[sizzles]

[ Over the roar of the bike, she watches the figure rise. It's weird. There's something off about how calm it is. Actually, the sheer serenity of it makes anger spike in her on impulse. Everything around her is in tatters, she's in tatters, the grip of her right arm clenching on the handle, and this guy is just gonna stand around in her way? Distrustful of the metallic, phosphorus looking glow, Yang maintains her speed. ]

I'm not gonna stop, no way.

[ She gives it about fifteen seconds. ]

Not for you!

[ Not for anyone. Or so she thinks. The temptation to go straight through him just to prove she can is immense, but some smaller, more faraway instinct still alive in her takes over. With a loud frustrated grunt, Yang kicks the brakes at the last second, pivoting her whole body and sending the bike into a loud, screeching arc. It sails around the guy, leaving a burning smoke trail in its wake, and she wheels it about to face him, now behind him on the street. Yang doesn't cut the engine, but she slams one boot down on the ground, whipping off her helmet and goggles. Her eyes and hair are both glowing, but the colors are dim. Suppressed. ]

Rrgh. Hey! You got a problem?

[praises]

Together, then.

[ With her hand in his, Allelujah's fingers close around hers, soft yet strong. Anchoring his weight, he uses his upper arm strength to help boost her up and over the curved lip of the rooftop. With the flutter of her clothing out of the way, ethereal in the night, he reaches up to take hold of the ledge also, hauling himself up. It's an easy motion, even for how winded he is now, and he takes to one knee to steady himself there.

Gaze flickering up, illuminated by the crisp moonlight, he smiles. ]

Congratulations. You made it. You've come a long way since we started.

[ True to his word, he doesn't look out to the city down below, not yet. ]

[oneirism]

[Her fingers curl around his in return, her hand smaller but her grip just as strong, using his boost to help her up onto the rooftop. Gold eyes still completely focused on him as he hauls himself up next, and at his words, her smile brightens once more.]

... Only because I had a great teacher. Thank you, Allelujah.

[Her words, and her smile, are completely genuine as she looks up at him. Settling along the edge of the rooftop now, her smile turning into more of a grin, her eyes still focused on him.]

Ready to take a look?

Big Spoon, Little Spoon.

[switch_over]

[Some idiot had created a giant ice cube monster and it wasn't Alexandra.

Alexandra might have been cool with the idea, she might have even liked the thing if it hadn't managed to leave her trapped in an ice cream parlor with Harper Sutherland of all people. Everyone else had managed to escape before the frozen fiend completely covered the building in a thick sheet of ice, cutting off all the power in the process. Her and Harper had been caught up in one of those hero/villain stare downs at the time.

The monster may not have been hers but she couldn't just admit that to Harper. That would mean admitting that she was just as stuck in here as the other girl, which would seriously damage any villain cred she currently had.

So instead she decided to roll with it. She struck a dramatic pose and pointed toward Harper.]

L-looks like it's just the two of us.

[Okay. The pose was alright, but she could feel her teeth start to chatter]

[one_for_all]

[All Might was just about dig into his meal when he noticed Yuko approaching. He made a quick guess at what the young girl might be after and quickly pulled out piece of paper and a sharpie and began to jot something down.

Only she hasn't come for what he had expected. It's a pleasant surprise that he meets with a merry laugh.]

Why hello there, young miss! That sounds like a splendid idea! I've heard rumours of the Omori croquettes but I'll admit I've never tried them before.

Would you accept a trade?

[And with that he holds up the piece of paper to reveal his stylized autograph.]

[ryujin_no_ken]

[There's no change in the stranger, even as she roars toward him on her bike. He stands in place, unintimidated and fearless. That faint metallic gleam and eerie glow not moving an inch from its place as those fifteen seconds tick by.

Ten. Five.

One.

The sash hanging from the back of his head flares out, whipping in the wind as Yang veers sharply away from the impact and goes screeching around him. Still, he doesn't move. Doesn't even turn his head until Yang's come to a stop.]

I have many. [He finally turns toward her, his voice human enough but electronic and distorted, like it's coming through a speaker, and just as peaceful and calm as his motions.] But one less now that I have finally found you. Yang Xiao Long.

[He turns to face her fully and slowly draws the wakizahi on his back, settling down into a ready stance. Oh, his old friend would not be happy to see this but he has no choice. Words will not reach this girl as she is now.

He must take another approach.]

[crow]

[ Well, this is slightly a problem. A small one. Just one little wrinkle that needs sorting. Such things happen on important jobs such as being sent to kill the last surviving Ferelden Grey Wardens.

It's but a tiny detail, really, that one second Zevran was directing setup for an ambush and the next, well. He'd blinked and found himself somewhere else entirely.

Is this the Fade...? Was he killed without his notice, a marksman of exceptional caliber amongst the Wardens' number? Or a mage, perhaps, putting him to sleep before he had time to sense the heavy, chalky taste of magic on his tongue.

It certainly feels as though he is dreaming. He stands among ruins, lit brightly like lyrium. Overhead, a magic battle rages between sleek and polished beasts. Demons? They are unlike any Zevran has ever heard of in all of his travels. It's certainly a wondrous sight to behold either way. Entranced, the elf wanders closer to the battlefield. It isn't as though he has anything better to do, finding himself spirited away in the middle of a job. Here he is all dressed for an assassination with no one to kill.

Ah, well. At least this will make a grand story if he ever makes it to the other side. Taliesen will find it most interesting over a flagon, surely. ]

[axiality]

[ This is more than slightly a problem. Then again, Messer tends to take these corners at full speed and as severely as possible, so there's precious little room for idleness. (Meaning, no room.) The Fasolt ruins are burning brightly, and the skies overhead reflect that: streaked with smoke and gunfire, air cut by the roar of Siegfried and Draken aircraft. Around the ruins, a constant barrier of disrupted fold resonance accumulates. Strange things are happening. A keen eye and a pull on his sensors alert him to something extremely odd within the ruin's spires. ]

A person...! [ Civilians were have supposed to been scarce. Only an idiot would stick around in something like this. ] Even without cover...

[ Messer wheels his plane into a nosedive. Straightening it on descent after a pulse of its engine slows his fall, if only marginally. The drag in the air allows it to unfold into its battroid mode as it falls within range of his target. Rescue missions aren't his forté, but... he's here, so the cockpit hatch on the nose of the plane flips open.

Messer's face is similarly obscured by a layer of glass, until he hits the button on his helmet to lift that too. ]

You! [ Hovering, the fighter craft tilts, engines roaring. ] If you don't want to die, come this way!

[crow]

[ Now there's a loaded question, and for some reason it summons an immediate smile to Zevran's face as he glances around, shrugs to himself, and then casually jogs over to the... steel golem? That just spat out a man. At least, it appears to be a man, dressed in some bizarre suit of armor. ]

One would think it would be safe to assume any man on the street does not have a death wish, but you would actually be surprised to know how often you are wrong.

[ This is definitely not the time to be making such jokes at surly strangers trying to presumably rescue you from the jaws of death, which is precisely why Zevran is having a hard time resisting. ]

So I am not dead, then? Wishing to die or not, this comes as a relief to me because I expected there to be more pretty girls awaiting me on the other side. Not that you are not a prize, my friend! You have good eyebrows and shapely lips. Ah, and a strong yet comely jaw.