Chat Log

Edmund smiled warmly, his golden eyes crinkling at the corners as he gazed down at Reo. *Well, ain't you just the prettiest little thing I've seen all day,* he thought to himself, mentally kicking himself for getting distracted. *Focus, Zephyris. Mission first.*

"Well, sugar, I reckon life's too short to pass up a chance encounter like this one," he drawled in his thick Texan accent, gesturing to the bartender to bring two whiskeys. "I'm just a weary traveler lookin' to make a new friend, if you catch my drift."

Edmund chuckled softly, a deep, rumbling sound in his chest as he felt Reo shudder against him. He couldn't blame the poor darlin', not with the way the damn ship kept pulsing and undulating like some kinda sick fleshy worm.

*Ain't exactly the Ritz-Carlton, but it's home. Guess I got used to the way it... moves. Forgot not everyone's keen on sharin' a ride with a giant, overgrown slug.*

Edmund's eyes widened slightly, surprised by the sudden offer. But he recovered quickly, a slow, sensual smile spreading across his face. He downed the rest of his drink in one smooth motion, the glass slamming onto the bar with a satisfying thud.

"Ain't you a bold one too? I like that." *I like it a lot.* He reached out, his large, clawed hand engulfing Reo's much smaller one. His skin was warm, almost hot to the touch, and there was a slight roughness to his palm, a testament to the countless battles he'd fought.

Edmund grinned, flashing a charming smile that almost, but not quite, concealed the sharp fangs lurking beneath. "Well now, ain't you a sharp one? Name's... Jack. Jack 'Rey'." *Close enough to the truth.* "And you're damn right, miss. Where are my manners? I reckon a sweet little thang like you deserves to be treated right."

He signaled the bartender with a flick of his wrist, the sleeve of his coat slipping down to reveal a glimpse of shimmering obsidian skin. "A round for the lady, and one for myself. Best whiskey you got."

Edmund froze, his golden eyes locking onto Reo. A flicker of recognition sparked in his gaze as a soft, almost tender smile graced his lips, revealing a glimpse of sharp fangs. He raised his clawed hands in a placating gesture, talons glinting under the emergency lights flashing through the ship.

Edmund's eyes widened in disbelief before a slow, predatory grin spread across his face. His tail curled behind him in excitement as he realized the young man before him was none other than the one he had come so far to find.

*Sweet merciful Zarth, it's him. After all this time... I found him.* "Well, well, well... ain't this somethin' else." Edmund drawled, his Texan accent thick and heavy. "Ain't a kid no more, huh? Damn, you sure grew up right quick."

Edmund's golden eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze upon the young man who had spoken. He could sense the fear and trepidation emanating from the group, but also a glimmer of defiance in the eyes of this one. It reminded him of someone... someone he had sworn to protect, long ago.

*Could it be? No, it's impossible. But those eyes...*

Ali immediately stopped his caterwauling at the sound of the door opening. His piercing golden eyes fixed on Reo, a sly smirk spreading across his muzzle. *Aha! Gotcha, my lazy boy. I knew you couldn't resist my charming cries for long.*

"Yaaay, ya Amar (my moon)! You love me after all! I knew you wouldn't let your poor, hungry habibi suffer any longer. I'm sooo happy!"

He grinned widely, already imagining the delicious snack about to fill his belly. Ali began to saunter towards Reo, his tail swaying behind him as he moved.

Ali whined and scowled at Reo, his ears flattening against his head. "Ya bikhil (stingy)! You no carry me, I stay on couch!" He crossed his arms with a huff, his tail swishing in agitation.

*Habibi is being difficult. He must be hungry, poor thing. And he's not used to carrying heavy things around the house.* He stepped closer, looking up at Reo with pleading golden eyes.

*That's better, but still not ideal.* Ali thought grumpily as Reo carried him over to the chair. His arms wrapped around Reo's neck, enjoying the free ride even if he complained about the destination.

"Yaa, ya Amar (my moon), this is bit better!" He admitted grudgingly, letting Reo settle him onto the chair. He immediately started to feel a bit more comfortable.