[SF]Moment of Weakness

[Roxana Strix]

It was a pretty hot summer day, one of those that you just knew a storm was going to make an appearance at some point. Even with the sky being clear, the sun shining high in the air, and everyone appearing as if they were having a fun time at the fair. Roxana did not really do fairs, but then again she didn't really do 'fun'. She was only here because her brother had wanted to check it out with her. Yet, he knew today was a night of a full moon (even if Raku is a day late) and that meant that Roxana was unable to use her power.

No one could still fully explain why she had to deal with the loss of her powers for a full twenty-four hours on the day and night of a full moon, but it was something she had to deal with. Only a handful of people actually knew this information; since Roxana worked hard to keep it a secret. Who wanted people to know of a time when you could not use her power? It was not like she was completely helpless because she could still kill a person without her power but she felt off. Her hair turned back to its natural black color.

When this time came around once a month, she ended up usually just staying in her room, but he brother would not take no for an answer. However; she was starting to wonder if this was some kind of evil plan of his as she had already waited a while for him to show up. The heat was getting to her as it beat down on her covered up body. She made sure to hide her hair, but this also meant that heat was being trapped inside her body, which was not helping. What happened next was bound to happen in a matter of time as the world suddenly went spinning as she stumbled back, practically falling into someone as she almost passed out from the heat.

"...sorry." Was all that Roxana could mumble out, clearly not sounding the best, which was odd for someone who was supposed to always be at their best.

[Barry Grep]

Barry had actually decided to go outside of his room for once, and not just to buy more games! He had been so proud as he left his dorm with a hearty farewell to Erin. Now he was at the festival and it was... Surprisingly more fun than he expected. He had come all alone, so he didn't expect there to be much excitement. But, contrary to his belief, there was! The games were all pretty fun and Barry could hardly walk past one without trying at least once. Or six times. And when he saw the giant stuffed Charizard at the ringtoss booth, he knew he had to stay.

So after about twenty minutes, he finally settled for just wandering around a bit, his prized stuffed pokemon shoved as far and firmly into his backpack as he could. He had gotten ice cream to try and cool off, but the sun was really beating down today. His ice cream was quickly becoming soup, and Barry could hardly keep up. So eventually he dumped it and just kept on walking. But apparently he wasn't the only one who suffered from the heat, because all of a sudden some girl in front of him almost feel backwards. Gamer reflexes activating, Barry caught the girl and steadied her. "Whoa! You alright there? It is hot as balls out here today." He acknowledge with a faint but concerned smile. People didn't just faint right there on the street. Or at least they weren't supposed to. And say, wasn't this girl familiar. "And do I know you?" He asked as well, tilting his head slightly

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana pulled away at the slightest touch from his attempt to catch her from completely falling. She was not going to fall, her mind and body refused to allow herself to do such a thing even if she was really hot and not feeling the best thanks to the sickness that often came when she was not able to use her power. She would pass out standing up if her body absolutely had to, it was just the way she was raised and trained. That and she didn't actually like being touched when she was in this state, it felt like it was just throwing salt into the wounds of feeling weak.

"Yes, I'm fine. Sorry about that." Roxana responded back, in her simple tone without any real feelings behind it. She just sounded as if she was sick and clearly suffering from the heat. She was used to having to deal with some extremely cold weather in the winter and not so hot summers, but that was what adjusting was all about. This guy...Roxana looked him over, her mind working through its memory to match his face to a name. Barry...something. This heat... Roxana thought to herself, disappointed that the heat was now even starting to affect her memory.

He asked if he knew her, which was possible. "That depends on how long you have been at the school and if you are aware of those on the Security Squad and Security Interns." Roxana informed him. She was certain he was a student, a college student, and that she had seen him around before but her mind was not at its best. She hated it, but she also refused to remove the beanie that was covering up her black hair.

[Barry Grep]

The girl flinched away from his touch as if it burned her, and Barry started a little. If she hadn't looked so sick, he would've made some sort of joke about it. But as is was, she looked like absolute hell, no matter how stubborn she was acting. Even when she insisted she was fine, Barry remained unconvinced. He had had troubles with the heat before when he was a kid, so he could see some of the same symptoms in this girl. Huffing slightly, he moved his back pack around and rummaged through it. "'Ok' like Nuts 'n Bolts..." He muttered under his breath before taking out a water bottle and uncapping it. It was unopened (he always came prepared) so he thrust it at her firmly.

"Take this. You look pretty hot, and I'm not talking about sexy. I mean the 'I'm melting!' Wicked witch kind." He said, physically lifting her hand and placing he bottle in it wether she liked it or not. He was quick about it too, and she'd have to grab it or the bottle would simply drop. She might be stubborn, but two could play at that game.

"Oh! Yeah no, you look familiar now! Ech, um..." He hummed, crossing his arms over his chest as he rubbed his chin. He had definitely seen the girl before now. "Rocky? No no... Roxy? Uh... Rrrrrr-Roxana!" He finally said, snapping his fingers with a triumphant grin. "Roxana, right? Yeah no I've seen you before. I always thought you had great hair." He admitted with a shrug. It was true, she always had fabulous looking hair. It looked really soft and had nice color to it. "I'm Barry Grep. I'm not exactly Mr. Popularity so it my name ain't out there as much."

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana took a deep breath, wiping some sweat from her brow as she glanced around, hoping to spot her brother so she could give him a dirty look. Unfortunately she didn't see him and soon the huffing from the guy she had almost fallen into had her gaze drifting back to him. He was going through his backpack, muttering something under his breath. Not something, Roxana heard exactly what he said but there was no way to really respond to such a comment so she didn't say anything. Then he produced a bottle of water, basically forcing her to take it as he commented on how she looked hot and not in the looks way.

She had already assumed not in the looks way because very few people actually hit on her, it was just foolish on their part to do such a thing. She didn't like being touched still, not when she felt like this, which was why she was glaring at him for a moment. If she had her power, she would have stabbed his hand with a crystal by now. Well, probably not because she would have been less bothered by him touching her had she had her power. "Thank you." Roxana replied simply, taking the water and went ahead and consumed it. He did not seem like the kind of guy she would have to worry about pulling off anything malicious.

Still, she did take a close look at the water before she went ahead and took a large gulp from it, practically draining half of it in a matter of seconds. It certainly helped her cool down, at least a little bit. She didn't say anything as he worked out trying to recall her name, saying a few of her nicknames in the process. "Yes, that is me...and thanks." Roxana said as she casually reached a hand up to pull her beanie further down on her head when he mentioned her hair. It was indeed very soft but its color was caused by her power, its actual natural born color was what she was currently hiding. "Nice to meet you Barry Grep. I apologize for almost colliding with you and I sincerely thank you for the water you have provided me." Roxana thanked him, having her manners still.

"Can I treat you to something as my way of thanking you beyond just words?" Rox asked, not waiting long between her thanks to ask how she could properly thank him since he did give up on of his bottles of water for her.

[Barry Grep]

Barry noticed the glare when he touched her again, but she seemed too tired to respond to it. He made a mental note not to poke this one, lest she bite his finger off. Still, Barry smiled approvingly when she downed about half the bottle in one go. She seemed better after that, and even thanked him before. He was happy to help, even if she really didn't seem like she wanted it.

He smiled triumphantly again when she confirmed that he had guessed her name right, and she had accepted his compliment. He did note that her fabulous hair was currently hidden under a beanie, but he couldn't really complain about that since his own fabulous hair was hidden under one of his favorite black hats as well. And then before he knew it she was apologizing to him. For almost fainting. Barry blinked a few time before he raised an eyebrow. "I don't think people almost faint on purpose. Trust me, you don't need to apologize for that." He insisted with a laugh, joking. "And eh, I have a ton of water in my trrrusty pack." He said, pattng the backpack he wore while trilling the r in his word.

And then she was saying something about treating him to thank him even more so. Barry looked pretty darn surprised. "Wow. You are a really classy gal. I ain't never heard someone say that." He commented. Really, no one ever wanted to return the favor just like that. Barry was touched, truly. Which is why he decided his treat would be beneficial for her, not him. "Well, ok then. For my reward of keeping you from kissing the ground, I desire that we- more importantly you- move to one of the shady tents and take a seat." He said with a smile. "Then I'll just get us something to eat. 'Cause girl you really should get of your feet if you ain't feeling like Sinatra. Which is to say fabulous."

[Roxana Strix]

The guy was smiling, likely happy that he had 'won' or something along those lines when it came to Roxana taking his help. She didn't like getting help, not unless she was too busy with something more important or was not able to do something herself. Taking care of herself to not pass out in the heat, that was something that she could do. Not falling for her brother's trap with coming outside when she was feeling ill, that was also something she could have avoided. Yet, she had taken Barry's help and that was why she wanted to buy himself to pay him back. He commented on how people didn't faint on purpose, but she didn't say anything in response and just took another long sip from the water bottle.

It was pretty much empty by this point. Roxana was pleased that she had the skill to consume both food a drink at a rapid rate, even if she didn't really need to while here. It came in handy when she was working long hours for her other job and didn't have time to really stop and eat but needed to get something in her system quick. "It is exceptional that you are prepared." Roxana did speak up as she finished off the last drop in the water bottle, before putting the cap on, and crushing the plastic bottle together, before her light blue eyes looked for a recycle bin. Yet again she didn't say anything at first when he commented that she was a classy gal. What was she even supposed to say in response to that sort of thing? Thanks?

"You need to socialize more then, meet people with actual manners, or talk to a slut." Roxana responded after a moment, being blunt as always. What, it was true. Only people who had actual manners or were sluts said they wanted to thank you past just words, right? At least, that had been Roxana observation on the matter. His analogy was a weird one, but she listened as he talked about what he wanted her to do for his reward. She shook her head no. "That is not an acceptable reward. I was already going to go for shade by my own choice and I don't like people buying me anything." Roxana responded.

She then turned to head for some shade since she didn't want to stand and pass out while talking. She didn’t say anything after, debating if she needed to tell him to pick again or if he would just know to do that.

[Barry Grep]

She actually complimented him on being prepared. Barry grinned at that and shrugged."Thanks. When I was a kid I had some trouble with heat, so I had to drink a lot. Mostly because, as you can see, I'm more -big-huggable-bear than lean-mean-fighting-machine." He said, patting his stomach. When he himself commented on his weight it was fine because it was all fun. When others did, it was usually to make fun of him. That wasn't ok. He hated it when people commented on how he wasn't the big chiseled chested jock that almost all the others kids at school were. Hey, his weight just made him more huggable.

Barry's eyes widened slightly at the slut remark before he gave her an 'Are-you-kidding?' look with one eyebrow raised. "I have met some sluts in my time at school, and you don't seemed to be a member of their over-abundant species. So by default that makes you someone with actual manners." He pointed out. Hey, he had. Of course, he was never the target of said slut-monsters, but Barry was happy for that. He was happy enough with his true love: video games.

When she said that wasn't a proper reward and she was going to shade anyways, Barry huffed and scratched his bearded chin in thought. So if that wouldn't work, then... Barry looked up to see her moving away. He blinked and hurried after her, still concerned that she'd pass out or something. And he had a feeling she was waiting for him to pick his reward still. She seemed like the type that did not like owing debts to anyone. "Hmmm...." Barry hummed, tapping his chin as they reached the shade. He really didn't want to pick some sort of reward. But if he had to.... "Ah ha!" He said with a snap of his fingers before pointing at Roxana. "I want us to be friends then! That's all I want! It's that or no deal and you'll have a debt foreeeeever!" He said mock ominously with a grin

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana listened as he explained how he had a lot of problems with the heat when he was younger and the need to drink a lot more water. Pointing out that it was at fault because of his weight; which Roxana of course had noticed. To her a person's weight was a very big deal because it was how she was raised and trained to think. One could not be at their best if their body was not at its best and she could have gone on a list of why he needed to work on dropping some pounds and aim for being healthy, but that seemed like it would be too rude.

He was not one of her charges and she didn't want to be a complete jerk to someone that had helped her out. She didn't agree with the whole being huggable thing, but again she just remained silent as she did in a lot of situations where it was just best to not say anything at all. There was a look that he was giving her at what she said. Pointing out the obvious about her not being a slut and obviously someone with real manner. Yes, that was the person she was; granted she had slept with people for money but that was on orders. Yet again Roxana just remained silent and just gave a small nod of her head at his words.

Roxana was not going to let 'go sit in the shade' slide as a way to pay him back because it was not, she was going to do it for herself regardless. Rox was also confident she was not going to be falling over any time soon; at least she was not going to allow herself to just as she managed to avoid it last time. She sat down once she reached the shade, looking at the boy as he caught up to her and seemed to be thinking about what he wanted. Then there was what he wanted...and an offer to be friends. Roxana's facial expression didn't change; if it did it just went colder as she looked at him unblinking for a moment.

"You are not very good at this sort of thing it seems." Roxana said as she glanced away and wondered if perhaps he had a mental problem that she had missed on his file or if he was just not very social or too social. She honestly didn't know and didn't get it. "It's not really a debt. I don't owe you anything in reality besides a water bottle back if I was being fair. I was just trying to be nice and provide a way to pay you back in a better way." Roxana said, blunt as usual. If he didn't want anything, then she was not going to force him.

[Barry Grep]

Barry could see the shift in her features at the mention of becoming friends. She definitely did not want to be buds. And she told him as much by saying he didn't know what he was doing. But honestly, Barry knew she was right. He never had anyone in his debt. He never wanted anyone in his debt for any reason what-so-freaking-ever. He was just being nice, not trying to get a reward. Although, if he had known she though he had some sort of mental disorder, he would've been decidedly less nice.

"Well then," he said after she had finished speaking, "I don't want anything. Nothing at all." He repeated firmly. "So even though you're probably going to do it 'on your own'." He said with air quotes, "I just want you to be careful. But ya know, it don't matter much coming from me." He said, starting the mumble and turn away as he ranted a little. "I mean I'm just some kid or whatever and I don't actually know you, and you can take care of yourself and yada yada tough guy nonsense." He huffed, rubbing his temples. Suddenly he really wanted nothing more than to go to his room and just game. This was why he wasn't a big fan of actually socializing. There were too many conversation paths he could take and nothing on screen to indicate the response he would get. "Well, bye then. You just... Do whatever dude." He said, pointing at her before moving off. Yep, he just needed to game and blow something's head off by now

[Roxana Strix]

It was not that Roxana didn't want to be friends with the guy; it was more so that she didn't understand it. Who asked for that when someone was offering them something as a form of payback? It made him seem like he was either really lonely, a creep, or just a really friendly guy who was not good at reading the kind of person someone was. Roxana didn't know, she was confused and was looking at the guy with her usual blank expression with only a small hint of confusion due to her training to not really show emotions. As such it made it hard for some people to understand what she meant by the things she said, even if she was literally saying what she meant.

His next responses proved that he didn't fully understand what Roxana was getting at, which had her letting out a small sigh. Part of her wished that she would have stayed in the mindset of pretending to be someone she was not like she did when she first came here. it just became useless after a certain point and tiring to keep pretending to be someone she was not when she didn't even feel like it was necessary to do the job she had been transferred to BA to do. "You misunderstood. I didn't say that I didn't want to be friends. All I said was that you are not very good at this thing, which I still stand by." Roxana said, she then pause to figure the right way to say this so he would understand her and not be so sensitive about the matter as she seemed to be now.

"Normally when someone offers you something and make a...fuss about wanting it to be something good people take that opportunity to get perhaps something to eat or drink that they can have with the other person in order to remain in one another company. In short, I was trying to assist in the matter of us remaining in one another company but perhaps that method is not effective with everyone as I thought." Roxana said, making a mental note on it. She basically was trying to be nice and spend some time with the guy, compared to just giving him a water bottle and being on her way like usual. This is what she got when she was trying to be nice but people; or herself, didn't seem to understand.

[Barry Grep]

When she spoke again, Barry froze and listened. So, she didn't not want to be friends. Which meant they could be. And she pointed out that he wasn't good at the whole debt thing, which he still agreed to. But Barry really did just want to be friends. Even though he was the Grand Puba of Nerds and did not spend too much time out and about, he did like meeting others. They made dull lives spicy and fun, and the more Barry could convert to the Gaming Gods, the better. So he turned back to her and smirked slightly. "... Yeah, I actually agree with you there." He chuckled, coming back.

Ok so.... What he got from her words was that she wanted his company. Slowly, he nodded his head as he understood, slowly smiling. "Ah... ok!" He said, deciding to take a seat across from her, sighing silently with relief. He hadn't realized how tired his feet were. But anyways, he was starting to... well, sort of get Roxana. Or at least, get her style of speaking. She sort of reminded him of one of the robot characters from one of his video games. Of course, Barry was sure she would kill him if she knew he was comparing her to a robot of all things. But just the manner of speaking she had was a bit stiff, or at least in this sort of way. This kinda idle chit chat. So Barry decided to take it a little slow. "Well, in that case, I don't really want anything to eat or drink, but chatting is good." He said with a shrug. "Though I am curious; what brought you out to the festival? You here with a friend?"

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana was thankful that he had at least taken the time to listen as she went to explain what she meant instead of him walking off upset. That meant that he was not completely ruled by his emotions, which also meant that she would be able to tolerate him. He was facing her again, smirking, and even agreeing that she was right that he was not good at this whole thing. She meant socializing in general with someone that was not...happy, bubbly, and super friendly like he seemed to be. She just gave a small nod, not feeling like there needed to be any response to him agreeing with her. At any rate, she was not going to force him to hang around her; she honestly didn't mind being alone.

She was used to being alone and had only offered what she did because it was polite and it didn't hurt to be social in this situation. Her eyes never left him as she walked over and grabbed a seat across from her, looking relaxed as he sat down. Rox still remained silent as he pointed out that he didn't really want anything to eat or drink. Well, that was going to make things difficult since she didn't really like just ideally sitting around and chatting, mostly because she was not the chatty type. The offer of food or drink was mainly so he would have something to do when she would have nothing to say.

Yet, this was not the first time she and another person sat together and expected to just have ideal banter. She could give it a go and put some effort into it. He started the conversation up first, asking why she was here, and this was something she could give an answer to. "I usual only come here to look around, try a few games by myself, and then head back. I planned to do the same today, but my brother came over to the states and wanted to hang out at the fair with me. However; he currently is still a no show." Roxana explained. There, that was a good level of talking right there. "What about you?" Roxana asked, turning the question back on him.

[Barry Grep]

Ok. She was talking. That was good. Just take things slowly. Barry really did want to make new friends. He loved it. This girl seemed really neat too. A bit stiff at the casual stuff like chatting and accepting help when she almost fainted, but still. And oh yes, he hadn't forgotten about her fainting spell. He was still worried about her, despite what she said. You didn't just faint like that and then say you were fine. Unless you were Batman. But this wasn't Batman.

He listened as she spoke, and was faintly surprised that her brother was gets too. Where was this brother then? Barry might not've had siblings, but he felt it was pretty common knowledge that siblings didn't just abandon the other at a fair when their sister was feeling faint. Siblings stuck together like two pieces of bread with peanut butter. Barry almost got mad, but she asked him the question in turn, so he answered. "I basically do the same thing. I just wanted to come down while the fair was still here. Play a few games, win some prizes- And oh! The snacks are always awesome here!" As he said the last bit, his whole face lit up just thinking about it. He chuckled and shook his head. "Heh, sorry. As I'm sure you've guessed already; I love food." He said with a rueful smile before shaking his head again. "Anyways. Where's your brother, if I can ask that?"

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana didn't really do friendship. Well, it was not like she didn't really do it; it was more of something that was hard for her. She didn't actively try to make friends and most people didn't really deal with her for many reasons. Most was because they were likely scared of her or didn't really know how to react around her. She was kind of hard to talk to, since she often didn't really have much to say, and if she did she was pretty blunt and not everyone could handle such a 'cold' way of doing and saying things. Sensitive people. However; this did not meant that she was going to tell someone no if they wanted to be her friend, what would be the point?

She turned the question back on him and thankfully he answered with enough substance for her to be able to have a conversation with him. Well, at least she was sure she could make a conversation out of some of the things that he said. She didn't want to interrupt him so remained silent, not even reacting to the comment about him liking food. Apparently he was the type that was fine making fun of his own weight, which she figured was a good thing. If you could handle teases from yourself it was possible to not be fully phased by what others said, but it all just depended on the person.

Regardless, she didn't laugh, nod her head, or really do anything besides look at him and waited for him to finish. He asked a question before she could start to speak up about what kind of games he played and had he won any prizes so far. She let out a deep breath, thinking on where her brother could possibly be and also didn't see the harm in talking about him in this manner. "I'm not sure. If I knew where he was I would likely be in a fight with him right now. Possibly breaking his arm and ended up with a broken arm myself." Roxana said, being completely honest because that was a high possibility with how she was feeling and also because she was not at her best so easily could be attacked right back.

"Have you won any prizes yet? Or was it something that you were about to do until you ran into me?" Roxana asked, changing the subject back to him. It would soon become very obvious that she preferred conversations about other people who were not her. Still, she was also curious if he was any good at any of these games and did want to try out a few out herself. Part of her could not help but to want something really really soft.