Alyssa ran up the steps, taking a moment to breathe at the top, looking out over the traffic that she had narrowly escaped; she had thought her roommate crazy when she had mentioned getting a bike to get to campus. They were right on the campus bus route, after all! It had only taken a week of what should have been fifteen minute rides that turned into nearly an 45 minute long rides to convince her it wasn't too crazy an idea. She had went out and gotten the cheapest bike she could get to put beside her roommates much nicer bike. Her roomate had to teach her how to properly lock it up, but that was a story for another time.
She noticed the little windowbox charcoal grill had some coals glowing, nearly ready to cook if the semester spent watching her roommate cook on it taught her anything. 'Maybe she'll be making those burgers?” Alyssa wondered, mouth filling with saliva as she thought of the delicious meal. It had taken a good month to weasel even a hint of the recipe out of the girl, and she still didn't know half the ingredients. All she knew was there was worchestershire sauce, her signature hamburger spice – also propietary – and that the meat was not beef which was what Alyssa had expected, but venison, though the girl admitted to experimenting with other meats occasionally.
She opened the door finally, to be greeted by a burst of warmth and the slight smell of fish. Sitting on the living room floor, smiling unapologetically, was her roommate. The girl had brought her kayak up – no idea how she had managed to haul the twelve foot plus kayak up the narrow stairs, let alone get it through the door without scuffing. All the furniture had been pushed against the far wall to accommodate the thing, and the girl had claimed all the free floor space, covering it with the menagerie of equipment that she needed to keep her precious in good condition. 'At least she put a tarp down.' Alyssa consoled herself, before sighing “What is it this time, Alex? A small scuff, a fraying bungee cord?” she asked teasingly, a far cry from her initail reaction to having the living room invaded.
Alex relaxed slightly, seeing that Alyssa wasn't upset “Nah, adding a new rod holder, applying more sunscreen, thats all.” she stated cheerfully, and sure enough, her hands were covered in the goop that she had smeared over the kayak.
“Are you even going to get out? It's supposed to snow in like a week, and you have papers due, don't you?” she asked, ignoring the face Alex made at the reminder. “Yeah I do but... I've been working on them in class.” she looked slightly wary, expecting a rebuke as she wiped the gunk off her hands and sidled around the kayak to the kitchen. Alyssa shook her head, but didn't say anything about it “I saw the charcoal burning. Are you making the burgers?” she asked, trying not to look too pitifully hopeful. Alex laughed slightly at the look, before awkwardly smiling “Nah, just going to set some meat to smoke. I can make them tomorrow, though. I made some barbaque duck though.” she gestured to where a hot slowcooker sat, full of the shredded duck.
It was a new recipe, like what happened at least once a week, especially since she had gotten her new gun and expanded the species she could hunt to encompass every legal game animal. Alex looked hopeful about it though, and didn't warn her about it not being very good like she had the past few times, so it was probably delicious. Even if it wasn't, she wasn't going to hurt her roomie's feelings like that; she'd seen the way Alex's face had crumpled when someone told her that her cooking wasn't good, and she had no desire to repeat that. Her eyes drifted to the kayak, balanced on two sawhorses “You never answered my question.” she reminded the scatterbrained girl, and when she looked confused, elaborated “It's getting cold. Are you really going to be on the water any more this year?”
Alex made a small noise of recognition, before shrugging her shoulders “Iunno. I wanted to do one more fishing trip, test out the new rod holder at least, but if not, its now winterized!” She grinned widely, and Alyssa opened the door to the spare bedroom, eyeing the shelf “It seems like you've gotten enough fish anyway.” she called out, noticing that there literally was no more room for 'Catfish – blackened' and precious little for 'Crappie'. The only ones with copious amounts of space left were 'Walleye' and 'pike'.
“Yeah, but I think Lulu will take some back with her.” Alex's voice got quieter as she got closer, eyeing the shelf for herself “Though you're right. Maybe I should start being pickier with the fish I keep.” she mused, tugging a lock of her shoulder-length black hair pensievely.
She thought she was being plenty picky enough, abiding by all creel limits – of course – but also imposing a strict slot limit for each species, bar the invasives, of course, or stunted species. Still, it wasn't a surprize that bluegill and crappy filled her stringer more often than the more elusive walleye or pike. Alyssa laughed as if Alex had told the funniest joke in the world, nearly keeling over as she couldn't stop the spontaneous laughter, not even when – or perhaps, because – Alex started pouting. “You have what, a five foot stringer?” Alyssa asked, once she had caught her breath.
“seven foot. Though I've been looking at getting a ten footer.” Alex corrected automatically, before wincing and apologizing. “No, no, you're fine.” Alyssa assured her, before continuing “But you have a seven foot stringer. And there hasn't been a single time you've come home wihtout it at least half full.”
She meant home in the metaphorical sense; by the time the fish made it home, they were already dispatched and in the cooler. “They make it too easy though!” was Alex's protest, though she had a huge grin on her face, though it soon was marred by a scowl “Especially those damn carp.” she grumbled, giving the half of the shelf reserved for carp, that was currently stacked two high and infringing on the other shelves, a withering look.
Alyssa spoke hurriedly, trying to avoid a not aimed at her rant “But what I'm saying is maybe try keeping less? Like, I don't know, a quarter of the stringer?” she suggested, to an incredibly sad look from Alex “I'm not saying don't fish but just don't keep them.” Alex perked up slightly, even as she argued “But that's a waste! If I'm out there fishing already, why shouldn't I keep them?” she asked, hands on her hips as she watched her roomate organize her papers.
Alyssa fought the urge to roll her eyes; typical Alex statement. Just like 'the eggs were on sale – why shouldn't I buy them?' argument, that led to having five dozen in the fridge, or the three bags of rice taking up space in their pantry. Alex just seemed unable to do anything in moderation. “You're right Alex. Might as well. Might want to hurry and clean up though, or you'll miss your date.” she said with a smirk, drawing the normal irritated reaction from Alex, even as she scampered around, cleaning the kayak mess and rearranging the furniture to some form of function “It has to stay in for tonight, or the holder might not set right. Will it be a problem?” Alex asked nervously, and Alyssa passed a critical eye over the living room. The sawhorses were short enough that the TV could be watched unobstructed, and the couch was still in a position to be functional. The coffee table was the only thing completely obstructed “It'll be fine.” she assured Alex, before walking into their shared bedroom and opening the door to the closet.
“There's a party tonight. You coming?” she asked, even as she began thinking of an outfit for Alex. Just because she didn't wear stylish clothes didn't mean she had nothing to show off; a year or more of running religiously had trimmed any fat that the girl might have had off, with her main hobby of kayaking leaving her with wonderfully sculpted arms – if you were into that kind of thing. She wouldn't look half bad in skinny jeans and one of the plaid shirts, open over a cami...Cuffs up and buttoned, of course, though her biceps might make that hard...
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Alex gave Alyssa a nervous glance, noticing how glossy her eyes seemed as she stared at the same shirt without blinking “Ah, maybe?” she hazarded, before shrugging “I'd have to shower, and shave and that seems like too much work.” she grumbled. Alyssa shot her an amused look, and Alex shrugged unabashedly, even as she neatened up her desk area, and by that she meant shoved all her crap to one side and made sure that the area that would show on her webcam was neat. It always tickled Alyssa to see her fuss so; if she had really spent so much time with her friend – over a dozen years, she claimed – than there was no way they didn't know that Alex wasn't as organized as she made herself seem.
The facetime request arrived right as Alex had finished, and she eagerly accepted it. Alyssa really busied herself with her clothes then, hiding a frown as Alex's best friend filled the screen. 'Lulu' as Alex lovingly called her, had a bit of a reputation among Alyssa's friends, and it wasn't as angelic as Alex would hope. See, Alyssa and her friends had their own name for Lucy; Lucifer. Where Alex was concerned, the girl was a cuddly teddy bear. If Alex was nearby, she'd tone it down. When she was gone, however, sparks flew. It was only one occasion that it happened, really, but it was enough to cement her nickname forever.
“Maybe when I come up you can show me that new reasteraunt that opened up, yeah? Maybe see that movie you've been dying to see?” Lulu suggested, voice sugar sweet, even as Alex shifted a bit in her chair. Alyssa could imagine the face she was making; she had seen it enough times. Her desire to do so nearly drowned out by the discomfort.
The muffled denials that could be heard off-screen didn't help matters either “I'll have to ask Alyssa if she'd go with us.” Alex stated, and Alyssa grimanced, tugging on a shirt a bit too forcefully; it would be great if her roommate stopped trying to get her to third-wheel every time. At least Lucifer dropped it though, with a loud, disappointed sigh. “Nevermind. How'd your meet-up go?” Lulu asked, and Alyssa's ears perked at the tone she used. Alex picked up on it too, if the slight sound of a leg jiggling was any indication of her mood “Pretty good, honestly. He seems to know his stuff. Nice. Taught me some things. Best of all, he said he'd show me a new spot! Semi-private or sommat. I've never been, and he claims the shad/predator/panfish ratio is perfect. I'll have to see about that. He said he caught an 19” crappie, which I think is a load of bull.”
She got a bit animated as she talked on, gesturing with her hands. Alyssa couldn't help but sneak a peek at Lucifer's face and saw how displeased she looked “But what about you?” Alex asked, cutting herself off after she realized how carried away she'd gotten. “Nothing much. Finished that hat you wanted. Just counting down the days till you're back here, honestly.” Alex stilled at that, and not for the first time, Alyssa wished she could see the look on her face then, because Alex was never still, but Alex was already moving again by the time Alyssa had moved to see
“Oh, Alyssa's there?” Lucifer asked, a sour note in her voice. “Yeah. She's getting ready for the party. Going to be a bit wild, me thinks.” Alex nodded for emphasis, “Oh, Are you going?” Lucifer casually asked, though her gaze seemed intent, hazel eyes unwavering. Before Alex could answer, Lulu was shoved to the side as an older woman appeared on screen “You really should go. Maybe you'll meet a nice boy.” she suggested, before Lulu could dislodge her. Alex's snort seemed involuntary, judging by the surprized look on her own face before she spoke “Please. I had to peel two of them off girls last week, and the way they act...No thanks.” Alex stated with a shudder.
“Katie's going to be there.” Alyssa called out, from where she was preparing for the shower. “Really?” Alex called back, having twisted in her chair to face her. “Yep. Either celebrating or having a pity party. She found out if she got accepted today.” Alex hummed, rubbing her hair. “ahhh...Then yeah, I'm going.” she told them both, twisting back to see Lulu, and completely missing Alyssa's fistpump.
For all of her complaints, Alex moved quickly to get ready, not even complaining about the low neck of the undershirt Alyssa wanted her to wear, or when Alyssa moved the part in her hair. Alex had even, amazingly enough, managed to apply makeup on her own, even the mascara despite her rapid eye blinks. “You ready?” Alex called, from where she stood scarfing down a last BBQ slider before they left, and instead of answering, Alyssa swaggered out from the bedroom. “You look good.” Alex complimented, taking in her outfit, a tasteful dress with a jean jacket over it, before her shoes, high heels that Alex had nearly broken her neck in before adapting the one time she wore them. She still didn't walk in heels right persay, but she didn't die, so it was almost the same thing, right? She certainly thought so.
Alex didn't look half bad herself, though her lipstick was already a little smudged from eating. “You better pop a mint.” Alyssa warned her, and got an eye roll in response. “You say that like I'm going to be making out with someone.” Alex scoffed, before disappearing to brush her teeth anyway. It was a bit chilly as they walked to the party, and it would only get colder, but Alex had a feeling that the cold wouldn't be bothering them on the way home.
Alyssa was afraid that Alex was going to hug a wall like she had the first dozen or so parties, but her fears were proven to be unfounded, as Alex immediately spotted Katie from across the room and started making her way through the crowd, slipping through unnoticed. Alyssa's attention was soon dragged to her own friends, and she smiled as they handed her a drink. The night wore on, as Alex comforted a distraught Katie, before nursing her into a better mood with a judicious application of alcohol and horrible jokes. The button on her cuffs decided to give out at some point, which they had a good laugh about, as Katie began comparing her muscles, the captain/ co captain rivalry still very real, if not heated. Alyssa downed more drinks, took more selfies, kissed more guys, though a thought of what Alex would think of her stopped it from going too far, and eventually, found herself being helped out of the party by Alex. “If Lulu could see me now, a girl on each arm.” Alex muttered to herself, rolling her eyes, before growing alarmed as she nearly fell as Alyssa moved oddly, tripping. “No you don't.” she muttered, as she stopped the fall and hauled her back to her feet. Keeping two sleepy drunks moving the same direction was difficult, keeping them both upright nearly impossible.
Alex would have welcomed the guy's help with open arms, if it was actually help he was offering. “My place is just around the corner.” he suggested, face seemingly honest “Nope.” Alex grunted, intercepting a particularly impressive stagger on Katie's part, before giving him a strained smile “We're only a block over.”
Katie and Alyssa were being pretty quiet, all things considered. Alex supposed they just hadn't been quiet enough, as two other guys steathily, to them, approached. Alex stopped adruptly, leaning Katie against the wall of the alley and letting Alyssa slide down next to her. The first guy tried a frontal attack, arms reaching out to grab her, but was too slow, as Alex slammed her fist into his sternum, stunning him. The second was smarter, coming from the back in a bear hug, which he soon regretted as Alex smashed the back of her head into his nose, elbowing him with all she had as soon as she was free, making him crumple.
'Wow' Alyssa thought feebly, as she watched with wide eyes 'Alex is a badass'. Her roomate had nagged her about self-defense courses for the entire semester, and Alyssa had assumed she was being paranoid, but now...this showed it in a new light. The third guy was smarter, as he brought up a canister, but Alex simply kicked him brutally in the ankle, taking advantage of a slick spot to make him fall, as his foot slid out from under him. He squirted the canister reflexively, and the spray painted a harmless arc in the air, that slowly dispersed as it drifted down, right into his eyes. Alex reeled backwards as her hair was brutally yanked; sternum guy had recovered, it seemed, and wanted revenge. One hand was trying to minimize the pressure on her scalp, even as tears started down her face, the other came up to soften her impact against the brick.
The hand in her hair was gone, and she spun to face him, a second too late, as pain blossomed in her eye. She hissed, bringing both arms up in a classic guard as she brought a leg up, not to kick him in his groin, as he assumed and was guarding, but in a quick but solid blow to his already-sore chest. As he stepped back, unbalanced, his arms came away, letting her flutter-kick him in the junk, before she turned to her friends, satisfied. Pepperspray guy was getting up, but appeared to be blind. Ankle-kick was favoring said ankle, and all flinched away from her as she once more collected her friends and went on her way.
First things first, she forced water down Alyssa's throat, since she was concious, and tucked them both into bed, making sure they were comfortable before calling in the assualt and giving a rather detailed description, if she did say so herself. Then it was off with the blood-stained shirt, and a diligent attempt to get the blood out of the back. With the amount of blood he shed, she expected his nose to be broken. And finally into the bathroom where she pulled out the small first aid kit. Water to clean the scrapes, the small ice pack held to her eye, even as she stared tiredly at her reflection, wondering what she could have done differently.
Could she have avoided the confrontation somehow? Maybe dodged the punch? She could have avoided the hair-grapple for sure; she should have known a single punch wouldn't have kept him out of the fight. At least all she had to show for it was a bruised eye, a sore scalp, and a few scrapes. It was a sobering thought to think it could have turned out much worse, but even those thoughts couldn't keep her from snuggling up to sleep, taking a spare pillow and blanket onto the couch, staring at her kayak as she fell asleep, her dreams an odd amalglam of fights in dark alleys and catching unrealistically massive crappie.