10009/Sometimes it's not a matter of life or death

Sometimes it's not a matter of life or death
Date of Scene:	12 November 2019
Location:	Braddock Castle, Caernarvon
Synopsis:	The rare day where the world isn't about to end
Cast of Characters:	Captain Britain, Buffy Summers

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Captain Britain has posed:
Last week, it had been Morituri. The week before, it was Prio Motu demons. Sometimes it felt like something was always causing grief for the people of Bludhaven, and Sunnydale in particular. It was a Hellmouth, or so he had been told. All Brian Braddock knew was that he ached like crazy.

Setting into the couch after a spirited training session, he looked over at her, and wondered where she drew her strength from. He felt like he could barely move, and she was up and about as if it had been nothing. And then, he got it into his head to tease her, "hey, if you're going to be so chipper? catch!" And he gently tossed a pillow towards her, laughing.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers had been pretty busy with college, trying to track down a new group of vamps, and a few more run-ins with The Cheetah, and her latest team up with the Joker. Between exams and demon slaying and travelling between Gotham and Bludhaven, she could do with a rest, and the latest training session with Brian has her a bit winded - she's not used to such a skilled and powerful sparring partner.

"Ugh, I haven't had such a good workout in a long time. I'll bet your weren't holding back this time, were you? At least not as much as you usually do, huh." she smirks. Maybe she's just a really good faker. Either way, she stretches a bit, taking a bit of a breather and not quite prepared for when the pillow is tossed at her.

"Oof. Good thing there aren't any bricks in there!"

Captain Britain has posed:
Brian still wore his training clothes, a heather grey t-shirt that had the Team GB Olympic logo on it, and black sweatpants, with similar heather grey socks. "Hey, when I'm not wearing the suit, I lose a lot of my abilities. You know that. Where you can wake up, get out of bed, and be Slayerific. I have to accesorise." He joked, but there was truth to it.

He's glad that the pillow didn't bother her too much. "So," he stretches out on the couch, "do you want to get something to eat, maybe watch the tele, go out on patrol, or, maybe a nice soak in the hot tub?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers shrugs, "Well I dunno, you seem pretty super even without your special suit. Even now, you could probably rip my arm off if we wrestled." heaven forbid. She's not sure she wants to even try. She's dressed in her usual olive green yoga pants and matching tank top with the white stripe along the sides, which is about as comfy as it looks. Reaching to grab the pillow, Buffy tosses it back at him with a smile, walking towards the couch. "Hmm, I'm done with patrol, wouldn't mind chillaxing for a bit in front of the tv and, hey, you got a hot tub too? Of course you have a hot tub. That sounds divine.."

Captain Britain has posed:
Catching the pillow, Brian placed it back on the couch, in one of the corners, and gestured for her to come join him. It was pretty comfy on there. "We all have our gifts. And mine most certainly isn't to rip the arms out of people's sockets. I may be tall, but I am not a Wookiee." Yes, he's seen Star Wars and knew that line. Reaching for the remote with one hand, while the other went over the back of the couch, he turned it on, and began flipping through channels. Then he saw that Groundhog Day was about to start, "ever see Groundhog Day? I know it's an oldie, but it's pretty good."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles, "Nah, you're waaay too gentle for that kinda stuff. NOt that I haven't tried that before on a demon. I mean, I didn't have much choice but.." she shrugs, flopping tiredly on the couch. "Groundhog day, huh. That's the one with Bill Murray where he keeps reliving the same old day, huh? That'd be pretty cool if you could actually control the future like that. And I love Bill Murray." she grins, "Go for it! But later you gotta give me a tour of your hot tub and other secret rooms I have yet to discover." hey, his castle's huge, and Buff's only ever been able to barely find the washroom, kitchen and training room so far.

Captain Britain has posed:
Brian was a gentle giant. Unless he was given a reason to be aggressive, he was usually kind, honourable, and even sweet. He'd rather hit someone in the chest than rip their arms out. It was just sporting that way. When she flops onto the couch, Brian cuddles up against her, slipping an arm around her waist, resting it there, "yeah, wakes up at 6 o'clock if I recall." He gives her a gentle squeeze, "there are days I'd love to repeat ad infinitum." The film begins to play. It was great being able to re-wind 'live' television. "And hot tub it is. I actually made sure that one of the servants picked you up a swimsuit, just in case."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers sighs tiredly, resting her hand on his shoulder. "Mmm, I guess even a big old castle like this can get pretty cozy if you're with the right person, hmm?" she grins and winks, relaxing a little. It's been a stressful few weeks. "Oh yeah?" she arches a brow, "I guess we'd all like to slow down time at times, and speed it up other times. And gee, you got me a bathing suit too? I can't wait! You're too sweet! Is it a surprise?"

Captain Britain has posed:
Brian leans his cheek against the hand on his shoulder, "it always feels cosy with you around," he agrees, and feels so calm and content with her. The last few weeks were indeed stressful, but he had come to accept that. It was always something, "yep, two actually, a pink and a black one. My best guess on your size. I hope they fit. Maybe we could have a fashion show later on." And then he saw the part where Bill Murray pretends to be attracted to Ned, making Ned run. He laughs, "no matter how often I see this film, so many good lines or scenes."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles, "Wow, when did you buy those? Were you anticipating me dropping by? I guess it's a good thing I didn't decide to change plans like I initially intended to. i mean, it's been a busy few weeks and I was originally gonna go to my mom's and play catch up with homework and what not, but...I'm glad I came here instead." she sinks down in her seat, nuzzling against his hand as she gets all comfy and starts watching the show, chuckling at a few points in the movie. "I forgot how much fun this is...Fashion show too, huh? I wonder what other surprises you have in store for me?"

Captain Britain has posed:
"Oh, I don't know, some time when I realised how much time we had been spending together. I wanted to be prepared." He did have a pool and a hot tub, and with it being winter, they were especially relaxing as both were heated and covered by glass.

With her sinking down, he adjusts, keeping his hand on her, and wraps the other one around protectively, not that there was anything to worry about in here. "Well, that's up to you. I know I'd enjoy it." And at the talk of what other surprises, he gave her a gentle squeeze, "oh, you never know," and a playful pinch.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles softly, "Yeah, you know, I kinda missed this. When we have long breaks of not seeing each other, when we have other duties to take care of. I hope we can spend more time together, but I understand if you have other duties, both here as a Lord, and as Captain Britain..I mean, that must be a lot of work. How's Excalibur doing these days, anyway? It was nice to finally meet your sister, even if it was a bit rushed, and the other team members.."

She chuckles, "Well you know me, I like living life on the edge, surprises are just another part of life and how could I say no to that? That's what makes life more fun..As long as they are pleasant surprises. I'm still hoping to check out your birthplace in Britain one of these days too..Now that'd be cool."

With a smirk, Buff does counter the pinch with an attempted tickle.

Captain Britain has posed:
"I agree completely, well, I'm not a Lord. That's my brother Jamie. But I do love spending time with you. No matter where we go, how long it takes, so long as we find each other again, then it's all worth it. If not, then what are we doing this hero malarkey for?" As for Excalibur, he says, "I consider you to be a founding member. Yeah, it was nice, and we should spend more time together, heroically as well." He listens and nods along, "we could go tomorrow if you wanted." He's willing to drop everything, though he has school to worry about as well, just as she does. But at the attemplted tickle, he rolls a bit on the couch, giggling, and tickles back, going for her lower torso and hip area first.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles, "Coulda fooled me. I mean whatever you wanna call yourself, you sure seem like royalty, or at least nobility to me. Of course I've never met a real Lord or King or whatever, but I've never seen someone so...Well spoken, well mannered or elegant like you before. Is that the right w ay of putting you? You know what I mean.."

She sighs and nods, resting again. "I know, I know, sometimes it can be long and lonely, waiting to see you again. And I hope I can help out Excalibur more too..Seems the Scoobies are scattered lately, things aren't like they were in highschool. It's pretty lonely actually. Even Spike's suddenly scarce, although I keep running into his...Lady friend lately.." Buffy rolls her eyes.

"Of course, I'm always happy to help you out when I'm in town. You and Excalibus. I think that'd be fun. Do you guys do patrol or what? Is this castle your base of operations or...?" She laughs as he catches her off-guard, trying to make a grab for his hands as he manages to tickle her some more. "heeey!"

Captain Britain has posed:
"Is that right?" He asked, wondering if she intended the dig at Rupert Giles. He had Brian's respect. He seemed to conduct himself well whenever they met. But he doesn't bring up her Watcher, leaving it to hang. Sighing against her, he concurs, "things are brighter when you're around. That's natural. People drift apart. But lifelong relationships will endure, even if there are gaps between them... lady friend?" He asked, piquing his brow. "Excalibur hasn't done a whole lot as it is, but planning on doing patrols, see what we can do to help, and working as a team against greater threats. Kind of a Scoobies 2.0, if you'll pardon the comparison. I'm hoping that the Castle can serve as a base. I certainly have the room. Members are free to move in, if they wish, especially you, Buffy." He says the last part with some genuine warmth and even a little nervousness in his voice.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles, "Don't get me wrong, Giles is pretty british, through and through, but even he doesn't live in a castle. But you guys sure have a lot in common!" she beams, "Yes, I hope so..I've had enough short term relationships. I want something *real*, which I guess is hard for a Slayer like me but, one can always hope rigt?" her smile fades a bit on the subject of Spike. "Oh you know...Apparently they used to *date*. Except she's actually a criminal, in cahoots with the Joker.." she snorts, "Can't believe he DATED her. Ugh. Little brat.." she mutters some other things under her breath, as if the realization somehow..Bothered her. A lot. "Scoobies 2.0 eh? That's hilarious. I mean, a more buffed up Scoobies with super powers, since I was pretty much the only one with powers. Me and Spike, wherever he went." she rolls her eyes.

Captain Britain has posed:
"I guess you got me there. There can't be too many castles in America that are owned by Englishmen. One of my ancestors had it built, it was lost for a while, but my father managed to re-acquire it before he passed away, and he left it to me." When she mentions wanting something real, he gave her another squeeze, "I'm not going anywhere, are you?" But then the topic turns back to spike, and he has to ask, "so, who exactly did Spike date? What's her name?" He was a little curious about how much it bothered her who Spike was dating, but he felt reasonably confident in their relationship that he wasn't too worried about it. "Captain Britain, Wolfsbane, Shadowcat, Nightcrawler, Slayer, Psylocke, Moonstar, Marvel Girl, not a bad grouping even if I do say so myself."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers shakes her head and smiles, giving his hand a squeeze. "I'm not going anywhere, except here and Gotham. But you know where to find me at any time. Just call me and I'll come running..Barring a final exam of course!" she frowns a bit on the topic of Spike, a topic that's always made her uncomfortable. "Ugh, apparently her name is Cheetah. But I'm pretty sure she was introduced to me as Barb before than. I thought Spike had better taste than that. I mean, not that it's my business of course, he can date whoever he wants I suppose.." she laughs nervously. She nods, "Sounds like a real power team honestly. Maybe I can borrow 'em sometime if I need help on a demon case."

Captain Britain has posed:
The squeeze is appreciated. He looks down at her hand on his, and then up into her eyes, and smiles. "I like it when we're here together, but there's something to be said for chasing you as well," the twinkle in his eye and tone in his voice suggested that he meant that entirely in a playful manner.

"Cheetah, Barb, I don't know that one. But, don't you think we're talking about about Spike and his love life, or lack thereof?" And for emphasis, he gives a bit of a sideways kiss, as he was semi-behind her on the couch. "As long as we're happy, then nothing else matters. And I know that you are the kindest, sweetest, bravest, most wonderful girl I know." And then he sighed for a moment, before adding, "I love you, Buffy Summers."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers nods and sighs, trying not to think of how Spike and Cheetah somehow bothered her. It really isn't her business, is it? "You're right, time to let go of the past.." she murmurs, pulling him closer. "This is way better, I could get used to this.." her gaze softens a bit, peering deeply into his eyes, "I miss you when you're not there, how about we text more frequently? I'd like that.." Buff can't help but laugh and blush at his words, although the part at the end does catch her off-guard a bit, in more ways than one. She's not used to lowering her guard, or returning deep feelings so easily. "Huh...Are you sure? Do you really mean that, Brian?" she blinks slowly, not sure what to think.

Captain Britain has posed:
Brian doesn't resist when Buffy pulls him closer, "you could," he agrees in that she could get used to it, and he nodded, "I do as well," in that he misses her when they are apart. He liked seeing past her defences, when she lowered her guard, as he had lowered his in front of her. It was a big step, a scary one too, but one he was ready to make, and had thrown it out there. Her raction, well, he nods again in the affirmative, "yes, I'm sure, yes, with all my heart." He makes strong eye contact, trying to read her reaction. Fortune favours the bold, or so he hoped.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers blinks slowly, shifting so she's more or less sitting in his lap - which kinda makes watching the movie pretty tricky. But hey, she's kinda distracted right now too! "I mean..." she laughs a bit nervously, pulling her gaze away. "It's just...I wasn't...Prepared for that is all. I mean, I'm totally flattered, just...I'm not sure I'm ready to return those words just yet..Not that I don't want to, but, after everything I've been through..Really trusting someone again is still kinda hard." she sighs, pulling away now, hugging her arms. "You're disappointed in me, aren't you."

Captain Britain has posed:
With her or more or less sitting his lap, he really couldn't give a toss about the movie. All that he wanted was right there in front of him. Reaching out to brush a strand of hair out of her face, he nodded his head slowly and with sympathy. "Buffy, it's okay. Sorry to spring that on you. It just sort of came out. But it's okay. I know... you've had issues in the past. Take all the time you need to figure out where you are, what you want, and how you feel. I'll be here. Look, if it helps, it didn't happen. We're just sitting on a couch, watching a movie."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers shakes her head. "No, you can't just..Say something like that and pretend it didn't happen. Besides you have nothing to apologize about. I'm the one who should apologize. And I don't wanna pretend like it didnt happen anyway. Because I want to be saying those words to you some day soon..When the time's right." Buffy smiles a bit as she reaches over to touch his face, "Thank you, for being honest with me. At least you're not toying with my feelings. I think I can trust that at least."

Captain Britain has posed:
He was trying to be respectful, trying to be honest, and trying not to force or crowd her into something. It was a fine line. To care about someone, to feel that way about them, but to also give them the space and time they needed to catch up, or decide to pursue another course. His eyes look in the direction of where her hand touched his face, even if he couldn't actually see the hands, then back to her, locking eyes with her. He then gets an impish grin, asking, very much in a joking tone, "is it that day yet?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers arches a brow. "That day? Really?" she makes a face although her gaze softens a bit, pulling him closer with a smile. "Who knows? Maybe..In a bit? Geez, you're hard to resist, I'm totally not paying any attention to the movie now either. This was part of your grand master plan, wasn't it?" is she teasing?

Captain Britain has posed:
Brian winks, though struggles to contain his laughter at her reaction. "Take your time, I'll be here all week," he says, quoting some comedian he had heard once. With her in his lap, it was hard to focus on Groundhog Day. Besides, it was just showing the same things over and over again, but each time in a different way. "We can always re-wind and catch up," he offered helpfully.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers groans as she glances over her shoulder. "You know, I kinda hate these dejavu episodes. Cuz it's like, I turn around and I'm like, 'Wait, didn't I just see that? What the heck!?" she shrugs, "I mean, although it'd be nice if you could be stuck in a time loop, just until you could get the day just right. Y'know, say the right things, do the right things until everything is perfect.." Buffy turns a round to face him again, tracing his fingers with her lips. "The whole week hm? How could I say no to that?" she grins. "So what did you have planned for an entire week's staycation?"

Captain Britain has posed:
"They say that he spent a good ten or more years, learning everything he needed to learn, developing skills, relationships, timing. He became a master ice sculpture artist, played a couple of songs on the piano, learned French, or at least enough to recite some poetry in it, the timing of how and when to save a kid, steal some money, learned all about the town's inhabitants, their life stories, even slept with a few of them. Plus, all the time wasted probably adds twenty or thirty years... hey, that's cheating," he said as she began tracing his fingers with her lips. He paused, considering the situation. "I'm sure we'll think of something."