Twila@M3 - Sunday, August 29, 1999, 9:34 PM -------------------------------------------

Medical Bay <Hunter HQ>

This room is kept immaculately clean and organized, from the polished tile floor to the bright exam lights and walls painted with soothing colors. Several repair and medical beds for robot and human patients line the walls, monitors above them indicating the status of the patient's vital signs. There are no windows here, as this is in the center of the floor and heavily reinforced against possible attack. It is here that the Maverick Hunter medics patch up the wounded.

Rock is sitting on the medtable, swinging his legs slowly as if working out some kinks, he's also rubbing his arms and moving them around as well.

Twila Peterson re-enters the medical facility after visiting having some dinner of her own as well as tending to one or two things...before accidently stepping on the bug (J/K!). She directs herself towards a medtable in paricular.

Twila Peterson tilts her head as she approaches. "Feeling better?"

Rock looks up with a bright smile, as he hops off the table, taking a cautious first step towards her and says, "Much."

Twila Peterson just hopes he's not trying to rush anything too soon, but she doesn't say anything. She's certain he's been through this countless times before. Offering a small, hug she's careful not to position himself in a way which would force him off balance. "Maybe try to keep it that way for a little while?" she smiles.

Rock smiles as he comes out of the small hug, running his hands down Twila's arms and taking her hands, looking at her, "I'll do my best."

Twila Peterson quirks a brow, looking up at him. "You have to stay in here a little while still?"

Rock shakes his head, "Nah, I oughta be alright to leave now. I still need to take it easy tho."

Twila Peterson gives him a look up and down. "I'm still amazed at how much more quickly you can start healing up," she says before adding, "although...I suppose I shouldn't be." Twila Peterson asks, "Anyplace you want to go in patricular? Need anything from your room? Um..." he did just say he has to take it easy. Sheesh, his injuries nearly killed him last night.

Rock smiles, and shakes his head slightly, "Don't worry about it." he squeezes her hands gently, "C'mon, let's get out of here, this medbay is sorta depressing after you've counted the tiles on the ceiling 20 thousand times before.

Rhythm just sits there, eyeing both of them curiously. <What're they up to?>

Twila Peterson nods. "Alright. Where?" ready to follow where he leads.

Rhythm blinks at his com-link. "Aroo?" <Oh boy, what'd I do now?>

Rock turns to look at at Rhythm, and looks back at Twila, "Let's just get out of here now... we'll decide on a place later.'

Rhythm whines slightly. <I'm sorry. But Blues said to keep an eye on you...>

Twila Peterson follows Rock's gaze briefly...wondering what *that's* about, and then starts tenderly leading him towards the door. "Didn't know what they served in hear tasted that bad."

You paged Rock with 'What your big bro say? :)' Rock pages: (Ch. A) Blues transmits: 'What the hell is going on there Rock?'. (Ch. A) Rock transmits: 'I'm rehabilitating myself. Why?'. (Ch. A) Magma Dragoon transmits: 'Going on?..... I ask this as well.....'. (Ch. A) Blues transmits: 'Well could ya do so with some training excercises... fondeling a human ain't gonna help your combat readyness.'. (Ch. A) Rock transmits: 'Blues, I don't get into your personal business, so - don't- get into mine.'. (Ch. A) Rock transmits: 'And furthermore, I don't know what your dog is reporting back to you, but I am -not- fondeling her.'. (Ch. A) Magma Dragoon transmits: '........'. (Ch. A) Blues transmits: 'Who 'getting into' your litteraly brodcasting.'.

Rock pauses, clenching his fist, and griting his teeth, he takes a few deep breaths and switches his radio off.

Twila notes his discomfort easily enough. "Something wrong...?"

Rock looks over at her, "I'll tell you about it later... apparently I can't even have a shred of privacy in my own home." Rock shoots a look at Rhythym again.

Rhythm whines and lays down on the floor, placing his paws over his eyes.

Twila Peterson casts glance towards both of them, confused...but knowing something went on. "Uh, door's this way," she offers, stating the obvious. Whee!

Corridor - Level 3 <Hunter HQ> In contrast to most of the other levels, this corridor is fairly quiet and those passing through do so quickly and with purpose. The blue-carpeted floor is a non-distracting neutral constrast to the beige walls, mostly because the scientists and medics who rush around have no use for hanging around to admire the decor. The medical suites occupy the north and east walls, while the research labs occupy the rest. Few people come around here unless they work here or need something.

Rock steps out with Twila, sighing, "Maybe Dr. Cossack was right..."

Twila Peterson casts a glance over her shoulder, still mulling over what could have happened. "About what?"

Rock begins walking towards the grav lift, "Blues just cut into me over being with you. Apparently not only is he to not care about me, but I guess no one else is either."

Twila Peterson furrows his brow and then shrugs, not knowing the full situation other than what she was told. "Maybe he's jelious."

Rock nods, "Maybe so..." he sighs, "It just frustrates me that he has to be that way..."

Twila Peterson offers his hand a squeeze. "With him being your brother and all especially, I guess I can understand that. But Cassock is wrong. if your not the one being antagonizing, why would *you* have to be the one to seek treatment?"

Rock shakes his head, "I didn't mean about that, I meant about us turning into Romulus and Remus."

Twila Peterson shakes her head as they arrive at the lift and wait for the doors to open. "I'm afraid...I don't recall that particular myth..." Rock nods, "If you want, I can give you a quick rundown." he says, brigthening up a bit.

Grav Lift <Hunter HQ> A more or less common elevator with an advanced suspension system, large enough to allow all but the largest Reploids elbow room. A small control panel lists destinations.

Twila Peterson nods as she leans against the siding. "Sure."

Rock presses the button for floor two, apparently he wishes to go to his room, since that's probably the only place he's going to get any sort of privacy around here. Soon after the button is depressed the door closes and the decent of one level begins. He rubs his chin and folds his arms, "Romulus and Remus were two abondoned twins, and raised by a she-wolf... when they grew up, the founded the city of Rome, according to myth." Rock unfolds his arms as the doors slide open as it arrives on the second floor, "As the city grew and prospered, Remus grew jealous of Romulus..."

Twila Peterson makes her way out of the lift and waits for Rock in the hallway.

Corridor - Level 2 <Hunter HQ> The business atmosphere that dominates the lower level is absent here. The walls are still steel, with large glass windows, but the marble floor has given way to an attractive carpeted pattern, and the entire area is decorated with cool, relaxing colors. Doors dot the hallway, each leading to a different room, and the chatter of off-duty Maverick Hunters fills the air, especially near the two most prominent doors, one leading to the mess room, the other to the recreation room. At night, warm light fills the halls, and the noise is greatly subdued as humans and reploids both rest. Doors at either end of the hall lead to the elevator and barracks.

Rock lowers his arms, "... and he slew his brother out of envy." Rock blinks his eyes as he looks off at nothing in particular, "I hope it never comes to that... with me and Blues..."

Twila Peterson ohs quietly as they proceed down the hall. "And that's where the Doc thinks both of you are headed?"

Rock shrugs, "I don't know where he thinks we're headed, but if that's what he's thinking, then I'm begining to worry. I can't imagine fighting my own brother, but if I'm just blind to it... then I'm afraid..."

Twila Peterson questions, "There any reason why the animosity is there? I remember you commenting after the Mav base that Blues usually always comes to make sure your gotten out of any...entanglements."

Rock nods, "He usually does..." he shakes his head, "I just don't know... I hate being in the dark about things... especially when he's my own brother, and I don't even -know- him." he closes his eyes for a bit as he stops in front of the barracks doors, "It hurts Twila... it hurts a lot..."

Twila Peterson places a hand on his armored forearm. "I know. I...can tell." She trails off, trying to find a way of offering some comfort...but not knowing how. "What...do you know of him?"

Rock opens the door to the barracks hall, and allows Twila to step inside first before following, "Not much to be honest... Dad doesn't really talk to me much about him either, mostly because I'm afraid to bring up the subject."

Barracks <Hunter HQ> The hallway to the barracks of Light Labs is wide, the corridor lit by warm glowing overheads as it stretches towards the windowed far wall. Doors line the hallway, each the home of one of the Maverick Hunters. Small nametags line each door, showing which rooms are occupied, and which are not. The floor is covered with actual carpeting, giving this place a homey feel and somewhat cancelling the laboratory feel that dominates the labs. The hall is mostly empty however, being merely a transitory point between the Hunters' rooms and the rest of the world.

Twila Peterson heads into the nect section while questioning, "You've never approached him about it?"

Rock shakes his head, "No... Dad always seems to be either upset or sad when he sees Blues... I don't want to upset him myself by bringing it up."

Twila Peterson ohs haltingly. "I take it you've never approached Blues either? Or that he's never really allowed you to approach him."

Rock nods, "Precisely, he won't let me get close to him, he has this barrier that he places between us... I've tried to talk to him, but he just won't."

Twila Peterson sighs quietly. "You can't make a person listen if they won't hear. What...will you do?"

Rock shrugs, "There's not much I can do, I'll just have to accept it, and move on. If he ever wants to open up, he knows I'm always there for him. It's just up to him whether or not it'll happen or not."

Twila Peterson nods to herself and swips the lock with the keypad was given her after the two approach the room. The door to Rock's quarters hisses open, allowing the two passage. "Suppose not. Still, he can't really *hate* you...not if he keeps sparing you as he has..." she states as she walks into the room.

Rock's Quarters <RQ> ================================Rock's Quarters================================

Rock's Quarters is a well done mix of official and casual, the walls are plain white, in the small spots where you can actually -see- the walls. Awards, certificates, pictures, and posters adorn the walls, all in a mesh of Rock the hero and Rock the fun loving guy. In the corner lies his desk, next to it, a small wastepaper basket. His bed is quite large, and lies in the center of the room against the far wall. The headboard serves as a shelf as well, and on them, several pictures and small toys and models. An entertainment center sits opposite the bed, containing a television (or at least the equivalent of which in this day and age) as well as some game systems and a stereo. A bookshelf takes up nearly all of the free wall, showing Rock's secret love of reading, as well as his love for toys and models, which occupy some of the shelves as well. A large window lies above the bed, allowing light to shine down upon it during the day, and giving him a good look at the night sky after hours. A door leading to the bathroom is located next to the bed opposite the desk, which is also where his closet is located. All in all, a fine meshing of Rock's personality, giving off the same cheerful aura that he himself does.

===============================================================================

Rock nods as he moves to go sit on his bed, "I dunno, I know you're right, and I know he cares, but I just wish he'd -tell- me. He's so concerned with my fighting ability, but nothing more it seems.

The door slides closed behind the two young people. Nothing has changed within the room twila has been occupying these last few days...save some items moved off of a small table to make room for some of Twila's personal items from her dufflebag. Among the assortment is a picture of a man and a woman, the man being large and dark skinned (almost as if he were from the middle east) while the woman was fair skinned and blond, both looking to be within somewhere within their 40s. Before them stands a 14 yr old girl with braided red hair, who looks nothing like the couple.

Twila Peterson sits beside Rock, listening to him quietly. "Maybe he just has his own way of caring. He knows what your occupation is abd what it entails. Maybe to him that's enough." Twila Peterson doesn't exactly know what to say however. "I know it hurts. And...I know whatever reason there may be for his enstragment isn't going help that."

Rock nods and smiles somewhat, "Yeah, you're right... I probably shouldn't get too worked up about it."

Twila Peterson looks towards the floor only to return back to the reploid. "I can understand how it would be easy to," she offers slowly. Twila Peterson offers a sympathetic smile of her own. "If you ever need someone to talk to..."

Rock nods and pats her on the leg, "I know where to turn." he says with a warm smile, "Thanks Twila."

Twila Peterson nods and places her hand on his. Something nags her at the back of her mind. "How did Blues know to radio you anyway? I know his dog Rhythm was in the medbay with us, but..."

Rock nods, "Rhythm was sending information back to him."

Twila Peterson facepalms with her freehand. "First an Elite Master, then a Repliforce Coyote, and now a mechanical mutt. I feel like this is some B-rated spy movie."

Rock nods and sighs, squeezing her hand slightly, "I'm sorry you have to go through all this..."

Twila Peterson lowers her arm. "Me to," she begins, "but I'm sorry for you too. You prolly have more eyes/optics on you than I ever will." Twila Peterson adds then, "Besides...if I wasn't involved in this in any way...we most likely wouldn't have met."

Rock nods softly and sighs, "Bittersweet victory I guess, huh?" he says with a half-smile.

"Gotta admit," Twila quips, "very interesting way to meet up with someone. Who'd have thought it was Enker with the pick-up lines."

Rock nods with a slight smile, "The world works in mysterious ways I guess." he gives her hand a slight squeeze, "I'll admit the circumstances could've been a lot better, but I don't regret that it happened, I just regret I couldn't have gotten here earlier."

Twila Peterson returns is smile as she has done so often in the past and pauses for a moment before asking, "Mind if I ask you if...you had any girlfriends before?" . o O(And if he has...I doubt this his his usual way of meeting them...)O o .

Rock shakes his head, "There was one girl who liked me, but I wasn't really very receptive of it. I just didn't have any feelings for her, so nothing really came of it."

Well...would reveal why Rock blushes alot or seems rather nervous around her at times at least. "So, I'm your first one," she asks gently.

Rock nods slowly, "Yeah... and as far as I'm concerned, and hope, the only one I'll ever have..." he says as he turns to look at her, a tad nervous of how she'll react.

And saying that must mean alot. Realistically speaking, Rock could outlive her by centuries provided his sytems were kept up to pare and he was allowed to expire of natural causes. Due to his way of life, Twila isn't sure the later would be likely after she thought this over later. But at this exact moment, she finds herself returning the reploid's gaze with an odd mixture of elation as well as fear, since much of her is still trying to sort through her own catalog of emotions. She does love him and rather strongly, she knows this much. Just what she's to do with that she's not certain yet. After a period of silence she moves her hand to carress his cheek. "No one's ever said that to me before."

Rock smiles, blushing slightly, and looks down a bit for a moment, as if searching for words, he looks up, "I mean every word of it as well... Dad told me, that when he recreated me as a reploid, that i would have the ability to do anything a human could do... I didn't belive it until now. I knew how to love, I've loved my father, sister, and even my brother... but never anything like I feel for you... it's like you've opened up this whole new world to me, and I want to explore it with you, and only you, because you were the one who gave me the precious key to the door that kept it away from me."

Twila Peterson strokes his synthetic skin, not mindful as much of her previous 'conditioning' as she had been only a few days ago. Last night's activities may have nearly caused her heart to stop beating, but it also made her realize that any and every moment that is to be taken with Rock should be cherished...since one never knows when it could be the last. But then, isn't that true of anyone - - human or reploid. "Then," she finds herself saying," I want to be the oen to explore it with you."

Rock nods, as a single tear forms and streaks down his face, he smiles, "I don't think, there could've been anything you could've said to me right now, that would've made me happier than what you just said..." another tear forms, followed by a few more, they aren't tears of sadness, but of joy, something he has never done before... it confuses him quite a bit... wondering why he's doing it, but not knowing anything else he can do, with this much emotion, it's like he has to do it, he has to get it out somehow.

Twila Peterson's own eye moist over. However, unlike Rock, she has a little bit more experiance in holding tears in check...for the most part anyway. One manages to streak down her face. She fingers his now wet cheek and, although he's certainly not as embraceable within his armor, she reaches out her arms to embrace him anyway...nuzzling up against him, not speaking for the moment where words would certainly fail.

Rock returns the embrace as well, as suddenly you feel yourself hovering up, he whispers, "Don't be afraid..." suddenly you're surrounded in a flash of bright blue light, and within moments, it's gone, and your sitting back on the bed once more, although now, Rock is in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, he squeezes a bit tighter, "I thought I might change into something a bit less constricting..."

Twila Peterson widens her eyes as the two begin hovering off the bed from pure intinct. But the transformation into fabrics completes itself in less time that it takes to tell. She buries her face within his chest, grip tightening somewhat further. "What will happen after...the problem with Enker is dealt with? I can't just stay keeping you from your own room." More to the point, even though the labs are new and a little intimidating, she doesn't want to leave if only to be able to be close to Rock.

Rock leans his head down and runs a hand through Twila's hair, holding her tightly, "You won't have to leave... you can stay here as long as you want... I... I don't want you to leave..."

Twila Peterson rests the side of her head against the reploid's chest. If he had been human she would have been able to hear his heart beating. "There maybe a way I can stay...legitimately somehow?"

Rock shrugs, "We'll think of something... besides, as long as Enker is alive... you can possibly be in danger... and wether or not my brother likes it or not, you are an important part of my life, and I am completely certain that I can do my job, and give you as much time as I possibly can."

Twila Peterson sighs in content within his arms. "I would never ask you neglect your job. It's part of who you are.

Rock nods, leaning his head down and placing a kiss on the top of her head, "I know, and I can't ignore that responsibility. It is a part of me... just as you are as well..."

Twila Peterson quietly nods, already understanding his other responsibilities -- from what she knows of them and can guess at. There's a part of her that begins showing the "warning flags" per say of where these promises will eventually lead. But that's far too soon to even consider that possibbility isn't it? So, she pushes it away and shoves it down to where it's out of reach. Eventually it will again emerge. But for now... "I'll give my all to safeguard that part of you as well." Whether she she'll watchcare over his physical and his emotional wellbeing as well as hold him accountable for his various responsibilities remains unclear. Perhaps she means both."

Rock nods silently, as he pulls away slightly, lifting up her chin gently with his hand and gazing into her eyes, he pauses for a moment, and then says softly, "I love you Twila, now and forever."

Twila Peterson blinks back a tear, overcome with emotion for the time being. She somply looks up at his eyes, those eyes which are so much like an actual human beings. "And I love you Rock, always."

Rock nods, lifting up his hand from her chin to her cheek, wiping away the tear gently. He pauses, gazing into her eyes for a bit longer, and leans forward, kissing her on the cheek lightly, at a loss for words once again.

Twila Peterson begins to return the gesture in kind, but then slightly turns her head, lowering it slightly, and brushes her own lips gently against Rock's softly, gently, and delicately, within silent response, allowing the kiss to speak for her as well. When she pulls back she regards him with a smile, and is perhaps felt as slightly trembling with emotion.

Rock blinkblinks, as he closes his eyes for a moment, his face turning redder than Twila's hair. He opens his eyes up and gazes at Twila and smiles as well, now definately at a loss for words. He feels her trembling, and pulls her in closely again, holding his embrace gently, not knowing what else to really do. The reploid suddenly gets a bit weak in the knees, as it finally hits him, what just happened, he gets a tad lightheaded, but fights against it, not wanting to miss a mere second of this moment.

The woman is not actually picking up on whatever overwhelming sensations the repolid may now be experiancing. Instead, she's blissfully unaware. As it is she's would be content to remain there within his arms for however long she would be allowed. However, her body jerks slightly forward as she lets out a small cough.

Rock blinks as the cough snaps him into full awareness, he pulls back slightly, "Are you alright?" he says with sincere concern, the look in his eyes matching his tone.

Twila Peterson glances upwards at him shyly. "I'm fine," she assures him readily. not understanding his sudden concern. "Humans get their intakes a lil clogged to sometimes."

Rock nods, and shakes his head, "I'm sorry." he chuckles embarrassed, as closes his eyes, "I'm just a little jumpy right now..." he opens his eyes and smiles, "You never can be too careful..."

Twila Peterson rests herself against Rock again, unable to fight the weariness she's accululated from last night's events...as well as some of the other stress she's been dealing with. "Don't apologize. It just shows you care," she states softly, her frame once more relaxing. There is a lengthy silence as Twila closes her eyes, snuggling up against him once more. In a few minutes her breathing starts to evening out. Finally, her small frame seems to slump as she finally falls asleep...right there...against Rock.

Rock continues to hold onto Twila for a few minutes gently, wishing he could stay there and be her pillow, but knows it wouldn't be proper. He gently lays her down on the bed, pulling the covers over her, and making sure she's tucked in well. He leans over and places a light kiss on her cheek and says softly, despite knowing she can't hear them, "Sleep well Twila, Sweet Dreams..." he walks over to his door and pauses to look at her lovingly for a moment, before opening the door and shutting off the lights, stepping outside.