Basic Instincts

[Max452]

With his hands wrapped up, Sam was throwing jabs and punches at one of the punching bags that were set up in the training room. He felt aggravated for their whole situation here in the world and couldn't sleep. So, he decided to just let out some steam. Wearing only his basketball shorts, Sam slammed his fist over and over again at the bag, letting out his aggression. He didn't care if he was making a lot of noise or not.

Hitting the bag was definitely therapeutic for him. The sound of the clinking chain was a steady rhythm for him. This whole scene allowed him to think. He thought mostly about random things, all ranging from his time in Afghanistan, the army, SEALS, his powers, his mom and dad, being on the run with Etta. Etta mostly occupied his thoughts.

Ever since they were in Wyoming together, he couldn't help feeling something for her. Besides that, he worried about the Resistance. How were they to survive? How could they make themselves known to the world without being attacked? These thoughts always kept him awake, and he found for the past week, he couldn't stop thinking enough for him to sleep soundly. So now, he made it a routine to just come here and hit the bag. Pretty basic really. He just relied on his instincts to take over. Basic Instincts.

[trinn]

Felicity wandered through the Resistance base, bored. Life wasn't that exciting here, not yet anyways. Everybody but her got sent to go rescue specials except for her, it seemed like. Pouting, she walked past the training room. From within came the sound of a chain shaking and soft thuds as somebody went at a punching bag with gusto. Intrigued, she opened the door softly and peered in. Her eyes lit up to find Sam. She withdrew from the door to primp up her hair and put on a soft glow. He wouldn't be able to resist her, she thought smugly. Pushing back her shoulders, she opened the door and sauntered inside.

"Oh, hey Sam." she said in her most beguiling of voices. "I didn't know anyone else would be here." She stopped next to him, where he would be able too see her even without looking. She was sure he wouldn't be able to resist looking for long. No guy ever did. "You know I've been meaning to get back into a workout routine. I could use a personal trainer..." she said, giving him a coy look.

OOC: muhahahahaha Felicity is turning out to be more boy crazy than I planned. But I like it.

[Max452]

OOC: LOL. Its Meera reincarnated! lol. Hmm, I wonder what would happen if Etta walked in...lol

Sam slammed his fist one more time into bag, letting the thud and chain resonate the quiet enviroment. It was then he noticed that Felicity was in front of him. "Hey." He said with a surprised tone; she had caught him off guard. His eyes traced her for a second, taking in the woman's...glow? He wasn't sure, but she definitely seemed radiant. "I didn't know anyone else was awake...sorry if I was a bit loud." He told her, feeling a bit uneasy. He gave her a nervous and uncertain smile, unsure how to react to the look she was giving him. He took a wrapped hand and wiped the sweat that was near his mouth. "I don't know about personal trainer, but yeah, if you need help with some combat moves...I could help out." He told her, wondering what she meant by personal trainer.

[trinn]

OOC: Omg! It is! lol! And we just might see what Etta thinks... hehe

"Combat moves? I just might have to take you up on that..." Felicity said, leaning on the punching bag. She studied Sam, wondering what his real motive for beating at the punching bag was. Sure, he was the type of guy who would need to workout to keep up with rescuing people, but at this late hour? He seemed pent up about something. Felicity surreptitiously moved closer to him. He was dripping with sweat but even so he was gorgeous. The choice in men in this place was limited, and so far, he was the only one who had caught her eye. All of her daydreams involved him. "So what's on your mind, Sam? You were going at that punching bag pretty ferociously." She eyed him up and down, before saying, "Is there anything I can be of assistance with?"

[Max452]

Sam gave Felicity a smile as she agreed to take some combat lessons, but he was still a bit unsure of what the girl really wanted. His eyes again seem to take in the girl's features. She definitely wasn't the fighting type. He shifted his weight a bit, feeling a bit odd with the girl's attention and the closing distance between them. Once Felicity asked him about his late night activity, he's mind reverted toward Etta quickly, and then he thought about the Resistance. He cleared his throat at her question, which, he felt, especially after the way she studied him, had a suggestive meaning. "Nothing really, just needed to get rid of some energy." He replied quickly, having no intention to reveal his thoughts, especially ones concerning Etta and his crazy emotions. He cleared his throat. "So, uh, did you want to like, learn now or some other time?" Sam asked, not knowing what else to talk about or what the girl's intentions were. However, despite all these thoughts, he could feel some sort of attraction toward the woman in front of him.

[trinn]

Felicity almost laughed. This guy was smooth with guns and combat, but he had no idea how to flirt. She was coming on to him and he didn't seem to have a clue. It was kind of cute. "I've got some energy I need to let out too, actually. " she said, stepping back from him a little. "What can you teach me about self defense. What would I do to get away from a guy?" She stepped close to him once more, then suddenly turned around and settled her back against him. She took his arm and put it around her shoulders. "How would I escape?" she asked in a silky voice, letting her fingers trail down and then off his arm.

[Max452]

Sam raised a curious eyebrow as Felicity backed away from him. What is she up to? He wondered. He silently watched her, feeling hot. He figured she just wanted to learn how to punch or something as she asked about self defense. Her next question, or more precisely, her next action caught him completely by surprise. His breath hot, Sam allowed Felicity to guide his arm around her shoulder and over he collarbone so that he held her in a grip. Sam's body was burning from the closeness of their bodies. He idly felt like this was wrong, but somehow, he couldn't deny that he had an attraction to Felicity. Perhaps it was her boldness or maybe Etta's lack of boldness, but their was definitely some chemisty brewing here.

Sam silently gulped as Felicity teased his arm. "Uh," His mind was going wild with mix emotions. He couldn't deny that he had feelings for Etta, but man, this woman was sending his emotions all over the place! "that depends," he kept a calm demeanor, but his insides were still going crazy, his lips drifted toward her ear, "if you want to escape." He whispered to her, as he took his free hand and grasped one of her's. Drifting their hands down, he motioned her elbow to shadow elbow him, "but if you do..." he continued to whisper, his eyes trailing her neck, "you can elbow me here," he let her elbow feel his rib cage, "or..." he gently guided her arm so that she could grip his arm again, "try to flip me to the side by side stepping and letting me roll off your shoulder." He did his best to control his breathing and racing heart rate. "Those are the best options...that, and stepping on my foot." He couldn't help but softly chuckle in her ear.

[trinn]

Now he was playing along, Felicity thought with a smirk. Her skin tingled as he explained the several tactics she could take to fend off an attacker. His breath tickled on the back of her neck, making her cheeks flush with restlessness. She never knew self defense could be so much fun. If only she could talk to her friends. They would love to hear about this. Sam chuckled at the last tactic, and she could help but laugh as well. "Well that just sounds too easy." she said. Reaching up, she grabbed Sam's arm, but instead of attempting to flip him, she flipped around and pulled his arm around her waist, her lithe body centimeters from his. "And what about now?" she asked, looking up at him from under long lashes. "What would I do to escape this... hazardous position?"
***

The Resistance base was certainly expansive. Etta wandered about, trying to remember where the green house was. Wasn't it down this hallway? She sighed, frustrated with herself. Her mind was full of whirling thoughts, and always Sam came to the fore. Perhaps she should just tell him how she felt? Wouldn't that be better than wandering around looking for a greenhouse when all she could do was think about him and continue to wander? But the hour was late. If he were to be up still, there was only one place she could think that he would be. Determined but nervous, she redirected her path towards the makeshift gym.

[Max452]

OOC: Uh oh....lol

Sam grinned as Felicity laughed. His adrenaline began to pump through him as he began to realize what Felicity was doing. She pulled his arms around her then, and Sam could feel the heat between them. "I doubt its hazardous..." He smirked at her, feeling himself lean down toward her, as he acted on his lustful instincts. He leaned down closer, desiring his lips to meet hers. He was inches away now, he could feel her breath on his lips. He wondered momentarily how Etta's lips would taste...Suddenly as he was about to kiss Felicity, he suddenly wished Etta was before him, with his arms around her. The one he wanted was Etta. Sam jerked back, separating themselves before he kissed her.

"Sorry," Sam apologized, feeling a little wobbly; he had forced himself out of his primal instincts. Feeling like he dumped cold water on himself. He looked at Felicity. "Sorry, I shouldn't have let it get that far..." He looked at her, hoping she wouldn't feel offended. "It's not you...definitely not you..." He shook his head mentally. "I just...I like someone else..." He told her, feeling a bit embarrassed. Geez this was awkward.

[trinn]

Just as Felicity leaned in to take the kiss, that she felt she her hard work had earned, Sam leaned away. She blinked and stared at him, dumbfounded. Was he rejecting her? The thought made her feel like crying, though she kept her expression calm. He wouldn't get away that easily. "I see." she said, glancing at her feet. "That's understandable. But..." she smiled coyly and close the distance a little more between them again. "Since you're clearly not with her yet, why not have a little fun?" Biting her lip, she trailed a hand up his chest. "I promise I won't tell. It will be our little secret. Come on Sam, just one little kiss? Please? That's all I want?"
**

The training room wasn't hard to find. Etta stopped outside the door, her heart racing. She placed a hand on the door, but she quickly retreated. What if Sam was inside? Maybe she should just go back to her room and go to sleep. A night of rest would clear her mind. Etta began to walk away, but she stopped after a few feet. No, she had to let Sam know. That was the only way to clear her mind. But was it? Frustrated and conflicted, she hesitated by the door, hand extended half way towards it.

[Max452]

Sam refrained from making a satisfied sigh as Felicity trailed her hands on his chest. That action nearly brought back the heat and the primal instinct. "Uh," He replied, confused and unsure about this. Felicity was definitely making it difficult for him to say no to her. True, he wasn't with anyone, but he couldn't deny the feelings he had for Etta. "Um.." He watched her as she bit her lip. He nearly lost his reserve, but his desire for Etta was also growing. What was he to do? He didn't know if Etta liked him, and Felicity was right: he wasn't with her. What was wrong with just one kiss? His brain was fuzzy and it only registered to him later that he was leaning down to kiss her...

[trinn]

Before Sam could back away again, Felicity took the window of opportunity and lifted her chin up to close the gap between them. His lips felt good against hers, though he seemed hesitant. She thrilled at her victory, at the satisfaction that she was kissing the hot loner Sergeant guy. As her kiss became more eager, the door to the gym squeaked open. Felicity leaned back from Sam to find a woman standing near the doorway, looking startled and clearly dismayed.

"Oh. Um, wrong room." she said quickly, waving her hands in front of her as if to wave away the image of them. Felicity recognized the woman, Etta. The women that Sam had recently brought back with him... Realization clicked in her head, and Felicity suddenly felt a surge of guilt. But the deed was done, and Etta was already out the door.
***
Etta stepped back into the hall way. Before she realized what she was doing, she dashed off, running away from the gym. She felt like such an idiot! Running felt somehow appropriate, though she couldn't run away from herself. She ran so that Sam couldn't catch her outside the door and so that she wouldn't have to feel awkward and stupid in front of him. Fighting back tears, she slowed her pace once she turned a corner. "Where's the greenhouse!" she asked a passing woman.

"That way," she said, pointing towards the left. "Just take that hallway, then make a right, then another left." Etta thank her and hurried to the greenhouse. The hallways were expansive, but with her quickened stride, she reached her destination in minutes. She strode into the haven, right into the middle. The plant life here was still sparse. The vegetables weren't yet abundant, and there were only a few flowers. Etta would change that. She let her hand cup the bud of a marigold, closing her eyes as the conscious of the flower awakened to her. In this there was some solace.

[Firestar]

Alicia sat in the back corner of the greenhouse. She was hiding back there for several reasons. First, because she wanted to get away from people in general. She hadn't really had a good feeding for several days and had been looking for a good excuse to get out otherwise. Second, she needed just a little time away from her brother. She loved Will dearly, of course. But lately he always seemed to be hovering nearby. He hadn't been like that before he'd found out about her vampirism. It was like he expected her to go off.
She saw Etta walk in five minutes before the door opened. She was one of the few people Alicia could stand to smell very long at this stage of her thirst. Before her powers had manifested, she'd never been much for salad or veggies. It seemed that those tastes had carried over, and Etta really reminded her of the nasty greens. Lucky for her.
She noticed when the woman walked in that she seemed to be upset about something. Curious and concerned, she moved out of her dark corner and approached Etta.
"Are you all right?" she asked.

[Max452]

OOC: Aww...poor Etta.

Sam didn't know what he was feeling as Felicity began to kiss him. His brow was a bit furrowed as he kissed her, feeling like he shouldn't be doing this - that it was wrong. He felt her kiss grow a bit more eager, but then the door to the gym opened, causing Sam to pull away from Felicity.
"Etta?" Sam froze in his spot as he recognized Henrietta. A horrifed feeling slammed against his heart and gut as he realized what he just did. A wave of guilt hit him quickly afterward. "Etta!" Sam shouted after her. Without giving a glance at Felicity, Sam ran after her.

Catching the door before it shut on him, Sam slipped outside, chasing after Etta. Oh God, I'm so stupid! He thought to himself as he tried to catch up to her. He nearly bumped into a woman as he chased after her. He didn't care. All he wanted was to see Etta, to explain his stupidity...and...and...He didn't know, but he needed to explain himself, that was for sure.

Sam passed by another man, who was shuffling his cards in the air, making fun images with it. If he wasn't so concentrated on Etta, Sam probably would have stopped to ask him how he did that.

Sam skidded right, slamming himself against the wall from the speed he was going. "Oof." He twisted himself back to running and saw Etta's back turn left. He followed her until he reached the greenroom. He slowed to a stop as he jogged inside, spotting her in the middle.
"Etta." Sam's voice was soft. His eyes looked at her, apologetic and annoyed with himself at the same time.

***
Leo nearly shouted at Sam for almost colliding with him. "Geez, I thought people would be asleep by now." He muttered, having seen a woman run by, and then that man. He shrugged. It wasn't his problem. He was used to staying up, and he was bored in this metal box of a place. He shuffled his cards again and then bending them towards him, let them spluttered out. Using his powers, he manipulated the air, causing each of the cards to dance around and form a twister like shape. The cards danced around. Leo preoccupied himself with this little game as he walked the halls of the Resistance. Exploring the place, he didn't realize he was walking toward the Training Room.

[trinn]

OOC: Indeeddd

Etta flinched as a girl seemed to appear from the shadows. She recognized Alicia. "Hey. Um, yeah. I'm fine. Just needed a break..." the door to the green house opened again, and Etta almost winced at Sam's voice. Her embarrassment was like a physical pain. "Hey, Sam. I'm sorry I barged in on you guys like that." Her voice was quiet, and she couldn't quite meet his eyes. Sam didn't have any sort of obligation towards her. He had gotten her here safely. That was that. "Really, I'm sorry."
***

Felicity stared at the now empty Gym. Her feelings seemed to be split in two. There was the part of her that was still smugly victorious, and the other part that felt horrible for beguiling Sam into kissing her only to have his crush walk in and catch them. What a night. Well, it would be best to apologize to him. Sighing, she strode over to the door and rushed outside. "Ow!" Her haste had brought her carousing into a passing man. While she was nearly knocked off her feet, he seemed to be fine. "Sorry." she said, rubbing her elbow which had been knocked back against the wall. "Uh, did you see a guy run by here?"

[Max452]

Sam's heart was racing and not from the run he just had. Guilt filled him as he stared at Etta. His eyes momentarily glanced at Alice, but he was too concerned for Etta right now. However, he didn't feel very comfortable talking about feelings in front of Alice. Etta's words caused him more pain. "No. It was my fault...that shouldn't have happened..." He paused, realizing his words weren't clear, "I mean..the kiss...I didn't want that to happen..." He felt really awkward now, especially with Alice there. "Um...can we talk in private, Etta? Please?" He really needed to apologize to her. Even though they weren't together, he still felt like he owed her an apology. An explanation. He mentally groaned. Why was this so complicated?! The memory of Etta's shocked and dismayed face came back to him. He really felt stupid and confused right now.

***
Leo was spiraling the cards in an image of a 3D star when a door to his left opened and a girl rushed into him. "Hey!" He called out in surprise as she bumped into him, causing his cards to scatter in the air. He barely heard her apology as he concentrated his powers again and brought the cards back to his hand. "Man, everyone is just running laps tonight." He muttered as he collected his thoughts and looked at Felicity. "Hey." He voice was a bit smoother. "Um, I think he ran off after some girl." He pointed down the hall. "What are you doing up?" He immediately changed the subject. "This place is sure a party." He smirked.

[trinn]

Etta glanced back at Alicia. The poor girl was probably here to escape from people and the two of them were making it hard for her. Probably best to go someplace private for now. She nodded to Sam, then said to Alicia, "I'll see you around?" Etta gave a small smile, then carefully stepped past Sam and back out into the hallway. She crossed her arms to keep her hands from fidgeting. Sam didn't really have anything to apologize for. And what did he mean he hadn't wanted to kiss Felicity? The girl was gorgeous, a model or something. A guy couldn't resist something like that.
***

Some girl? Hopefully that meant he had found Etta and was patching things up with her. But if he couldn't... well maybe Sam would come back to her. The thought was pleasing, in a guilty sort of way. Felicity glanced at the cards hovering in front of the stranger. It was a cool trick. "Insomnia." she said, laughing slightly. "My biological clock is on the fritz without seeing any daylight or moonlight for weeks. I think I might get cabin fever." she joked. "A party might actually help. Oh, um, I'm Felicity." she said, extending a hand for him to shake.

[Max452]

Sam was glad when Etta agreed to talk privately, albeit, very nervious too. He hoped Etta would forgive him. He hoped he could forgive himself for being such an idiot. He gave a hesitant smile as he turned to leave after Etta. He glanced back at Alicia. "Thanks for letting me borrow her..." He apologized to Alicia, feeling bad that he might have interrupted their conversation, but this was vital! His relationship with Etta needed to be mended. Even if she never accepted him as a lover, he was bound to make sure they would remain friends; he needed her in his life. Ever since they met, he couldn't help but feel a bit more happiness. To feel like he connected with someone. He wasn't going to let it go, not over his stupidity. He gave Alicia another nod as he walked out after Etta.

Silence seemed to occupy their conversation for a good minute before Sam could figure out what to say. They stood in the quiet hallway as Sam was filled with apprehension as he stared at Etta. "Um," He finally began, "I'm sorry, Etta..." He really felt exposed right now. What was he suppose to say? I feel guilty for kissing Felicity because I really like you? That sounded stupid, but it was the truth. He also didn't know if Etta really liked him that way, which would make it more awkward. He sighed. "I don't know how to explain this, or, how to tell you that I," He stopped. A hallway wasn't how he imagined privacy would feel like. "Felicity, well, she kinda just caught me by suprise...I shouldn't have kissed her..." He recalled again Etta's face and her reaction. Sam was beginning to become frustration with himself for not knowing how to communicate his feelings. "I feel really gulity about it." He brushed a nervous wrapped hand through his hair. "And the reason, for me feeling guilty...is because I actually like someone else..." Sam's body willed itself to step closer to Etta, "I actually like you....a lot..." There! He said it! Now his heart raced with anticipation. Would Etta understand his meaning? Would they be able to mend their friendship? For the first time in his life he wished he could read people's minds, just so he could read her thoughts and not have to wait in this infinite curse of suspense.

***
Leo let out a laugh. "Insomnia, huh? I can relate. It does feel like a bird cage." He replied. Felicity reached out to shake his hand then as he placed her name in his memory. His right hand held his deck, so he used his powers to shuffle it gracefully to his left. So what if he was showing off? It was fun. "Leo. My name is Leo." He took her hand and shook it. "So what are you in for?" He joked, referring to why she was in the Resistance.

[trinn]

Sam spoke brokenly, as if he was nervous about something. Etta listened apprehensively, meeting his eyes once in a while. For a minute she thought he was going to ask her for advice about another girl, but what he said next caught her off guard. He liked her? Yet he had still kissed Felicity... but he had come to apologize! In a sense, wasn't he choosing her? The nervous knot in her stomach twisted and wreathed, until it finally settled and she felt somehow peaceful. She looked down at her feet and laughed shakily. The situation made her feel like a school girl again, though she was enjoying the feeling. "Sam... I didn't accidentally walk into the training room. I came there to find you, because, for a while now, I've been thinking a lot about you. I think... no, I know, that I have feelings for you. I went there so I could tell you." she paused and dared to meet his eyes. "I care about you too, Sam, in so many more ways than a friend." The hallway suddenly didn't seem very private at all. Etta realized that they were standing close to each other, and her heart stuttered.
***

Felicity eyed the card tricks appreciatively. Leo was a funny guy, it turned out. In answer to his question, she drew in the energy from the lights above, causing them to flicker slightly. The base was still getting itself up and running, so the light fixtures and electrical lines were still iffy. Holding up a hand, she allowed a trickle of energy to leak out, creating a glowing pool of light in her palm. Her skin seemed to shimmer with the energy she had drawn in. "I'm an energy sucker." she said with a laugh. "I don't really know if there's an official term for it."

[Max452]

Sam held his breath as he waited for Etta response. Sam thought his heart would speed out of his heart from what Etta had revealed to him. This time, his heart rate felt different, not longer out of apprehension, but happiness. She liked him too! He couldn't help the smile that formed on his face as he let out his breath. "Really?" His relief was evident on his face. He gazed down at her and drew up a hand to stroke her cheek. "So you forgive me?" He asked her, closing the gap a but more.

Heat struck him again, but it was different from the way he had felt with Felicity. With Felicity it was more primal and instinctual, but with Etta it felt much more than that. He wasn't going to deny it, his instincts were still there, but they included a love that he never encountered before. He rather liked it. And he wanted to do something about it rather than run from it. He lowered his head so their lips would meet for the first time.

***
Leo let out a low whistle at Felicity's demonstration. "Cool." He chuckled with her, excited to be able to have this type of conversation without being chased or attacked or prejudged. "Me neither, check out what I can do!" He was eager to show off his skills. Concentrating on his core, he felt the energy that was connected with his powers, allowing him to create wind within the hallway. He created a 5 feet tall twister that funnelled along the hallway. He let it spin for about 2 minutes before ending it. "I can fly too, but I need more room for that." He smiled at her. "I really wish we could get out of this place. Its really boring and cramped. Maybe a club. What'd you think? You wanna play hookie with me?" He asked her. Maybe they could gather a small party and sneak out tonight. He was getting pretty claustrophic in this metal tin can.