13921/Interlude: Hot pools

Interlude: Hot pools
Date of Scene:	01 November 2021
Location:	Volcanic springs - Savage Lands, Antarctica
Synopsis:	Conversation in a hot spring, can we say 'premonition'? yes we can. And mystical science. This might end up with a lot of poking things and observing the results, which isn't so much different than regular science when you come down to it.
Cast of Characters:	Sinister, Lucifer

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Sinister has posed:
Essex has been a busy bee, the last several days. No sleep, no time for anyone really, he's been in the labs with cell cultures and a CRISPR and his own gadgets that do even more than the best of mankind's technology, when it comes to genetics. All to try and culture a modicum of the genetic material of life that came from geode snot. He'd put the sequences in a bacteriophage, inserted it into specific bacteria to make them culture more of the same, so that he could create enough for a viable ovum of whatever it was and set it to bake, so to speak.

But that means he's slightly burned out of that right now, as all he can do is wait and unwinding is important. Besides which, he has a Lucifer to attend to. They're very delicate things you know. Once you catch one, you have to treat it right. And treat it wrong. THey tend to like being treated wrong sometimes. But anyway... spa days are for civilization. Hot springs are for 'expedition into the jungle' with all the scrubs, products, loofas, big-ass towels, mimosas and music players. The volcanic springs are mercifully at a DIFFERENT volcanic outlet and are quite lovely, surrounded by blooms and creepers and the occasional insect, but not really animal life. Can't drink that water after all, so most of them leave it alone.

Lucifer has posed:
When an Essex gets into something, and really are putting their everything into it, then one is prone to simply leave it alone. That whole idea of letting go of the thing you love, and if it comes back, it was meant to be. An Essex will always come back so long as you continue to give it the time it needs to be itself and put all their time and energy into work for a time. The coming back part is when it's finally time for them to unwind. Decompress. Then it's your time to shine. Only, sometimes, they shine for you. It's a very delicate balance, being a Lucifer for an Essex and likely vice versa.

Never the less, a spa day at the local jungle hot springs that isn't a part of the possibly mystical and alien-fied volcano is a good idea. Neck deep in hot steamy waters, finding that perfect rock formation in the water to lean against so you're comfortable, and this is just... chefs kiss. None the less, Lucifer does ensure that not only is this treat-Lucifer day is special but also, "You've been hard at work yourself. I'm glad you're taking some time to relax with me. These springs were a wonderful idea."

Sinister has posed:
Essexes are loyal, in that manner at any rate. They're only quick to betray in business or when a better deal comes along. Emotions are completely different kitties and herding them is a matter of throwing very specific catnip. Nathaniel floats, because the waters have that bouyant quality, all spread eagled and just hanging there, with his head on a concave area of the springs wall, looking relaxed but goofy at the same time, owing to a very blissful state of muscle relaxation that's happening right now.

"There should be more of these in the world. Unfortunately, there's not enough where they built things around them -- you ever been to Bath? Sadly they don't let you in any more. Turkey has a few though..." he sighs, rolls his head a little to the side to look, eyes half lidded, at the Lightbringer. "I'm sorry I've been... doing that thing I do. Have you been keeping yourself entertained at least?"

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer gently swims over, intent on reaching an Essex and leaning in to give him a quick but proper kiss. "Please do not apologize for such things. It is a part of you, and I love all of you, so I love and accept that as well. None the less, you're forgiven. And yes, I have been keeping myself entertained. Watching the dinosaurs has become a decent past time, as well as watching the stars at night." Course, that's not likely all he does. As there were likely times when food would just show up for Sinister, and a gentle reminder in the head that he should - at the very least - eat. Always something out of Nathaniel's box of favorite foods to entice him to actually eat.

Sinister has posed:
Appreciated reminders, no less. Even though you don't have to eat, it is helpful when you're using your brain a lot. He will not deny that, at all. And nor will he deny the kiss, will return it in kind, which results in a long gentle exhale and a firm stroke of palm down the nearest flank. "It's like you're in the vivarium, isn't it? The institute that is. I tried to make it a little like a giant hide, so observation can be done without... interfering. The observer effect has to be minimized as much as possible." He drifts, lets his legs lower in the water, so that he might slip into arms for the tenderest of cuddles and a pepper of three little kisses to shoulder and neck.

"One day, I think I would like to travel to the stars, see other worlds. But that would be a strange vacation."

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer wraps arms gently around the man who comes in for cuddles, giving them willingly of course. A smile at those peppered kisses while he nuzzles for a moment. "It's a nice way to observe without interfering, yes. Just watching them live their lives. A step back in time without all the horror they show in the movies." He offers these words with a chuckle while remaining near and holding Nathaniel. Relaxed and just enjoying the moment. "The stars and other worlds would likely be a strange vacation, but I don't see why it couldn't be done. Could even charter a ship that could take us and enjoy space flight that way."

Sinister has posed:
"Do you know any cosmonauts?" Sinister asks after an interlude of silence, where he simply lounges. Finding the perfect rock promontary to lean is good, but finding the perfect body to lean against is better. And they both float, so weightlessly. His forehead and the ruby, rests against five o'clock shadow, his arms beneath the water encircle loosely, interlaced fingers at the waist. "I'm not sure if I do or not in the strictest sense. I know a blue lantern, but I don't know if she has any starship access. I'm not entirely sure the lantern core actually need them."

Lucifer has posed:
"Not that I know of... but I might have a few contacts who could get in touch with one maybe." Lucifer offers, and then shrugs. "Maybe put an ad out in the paper or something.." A chuckle then before nuzzling against that ruby with his stubbled cheek. "This was a very nice idea. To come out here and just relax, have idle conversations...mmn..I am enjoying this a lot." A kiss offered and then he just floats and holds the man for a lingering moment or few. "Anything important on your mind?"

Sinister has posed:
"It is life affirming. Nobody here but us inhumans, the birds and the bees. I can forget about the pesky populations out there," Sinister chuckles, eyes closing at the nuzzle, though his nose twitches as does an eyelid at the nuzzle to the ruby. "Your whiskers tickle," he informs under his breath, with a soft, voiceless laugh. "I like that. It's almost jokeworthy though. A craig's list add for a spaceship willing to take on a passenger or two..." there's a pause as he considers further.

"You ever get one of those feelings like you know something is about to happen, but you don't know what it is? I've had that since we cracked the geodes. That occasionally happens with me, since I'm psychic -- I get these moments were my mind picks up on things that my consciousness hasn't quite figured out how to manage yet. Fleeting moments where I'll pick something up on an object, or have a sense of precognitive ... foreshadowing? I don't know that that's right. But they're not sustainable."

Lucifer has posed:
"Do they? Hmmn. Should I shave them off then?" Lucifer inquires with a grin before hearing the last bit and chuckles. "A bit jokeworthy, but also, not that far fetched. I do know that we're visited by people not of this world, so why not ask them to return the favor to us." He offers this gently and then kisses his forehead.

The next thing that Nathaniel talks about has Lucifer pausing and thinking for a moment. "I don't think I'm really that psychic...but I can have a few premonitions I suppose?" He offers this and then shifts to watch Nathaniel for a moment. "Does this feeling come with an emotion on the good or bad scale? Do you think we stumbled onto something bigger than we originally anticipated?"

Sinister has posed:
"I don't think you'd look quite right, without that well-groomed scruff," Sinister replies, lifting his head enough to beam just as his forehead's blessed by celestial affections. The ruby glows, as if pleased for a moment, then is back to its usual self. There's a crooked grin for the 'favour returned' comment. Sweet sand is levitated over and floated in an inflatable raven on the surface of the water and Sinister shifts about then, in order to cup the water and drizzle it over his lover's head, intent it seems on some bath product intimacy. It smells vaguely of citrus and some herbs.

"I'm not sure that it's good /or/ bad. It's like... ohhh, going to the shops with a list in your head and leaving and having to pause in the parking lot because your brain won't shut up at you, that you've forgotten something. And that something might be -really- important. A niggling sense of impending... something."

Lucifer has posed:
"Maybe you're right. I could just shape it up again. Or maybe I'll just enjoy all the moments you say it tickles." Lucifer quips with a grin before finding himself at the receiving end of Nathaniel's affections. The scents are further relaxing in nature and for a moment he enjoys himself. "I know you have this thing about me being your guest, but you know i'm going to return such a favor here, yes?"

As Nathaniel explains the concept around the feeling, he seems to understand and nods his head. "I guess we'll just have to be careful but also see this one through. Hopefully whatever it is reveals itself sooner rather than later so you're not getting the nagging sensation all the time." A pause. "I think the whole of what we've found is important and actually cannot wait to find out what secrets we've uncovered. Is that a weird thing to want?"

Sinister has posed:
"Oh, I am hoping so. I do love my scalp being massaged and scritched," Sinister replies, working the gentle soap and exfoliant over the short black hair. He trails from temples to nape, scratching down over the shoulders before repeating the motion. Suds float from their vicinity toward the underwater vents that flow the spring from below to down the hillsides. "I actually have a question; do you prefer my hair long or short? Generally speaking, that is."

And that left there, he cups water to rinse, smooooooooothing palms over the black to flow the suds away from forehead and eyes. "Not so weird to want that, no. And I too, rather hope that we reach the eureka moment, reasonably promptly. I can be a prickly fellow when I'm being niggled by something, unintentionally. I swear when I was still young and my wife actually cared, she knew well enough to leave me to my studies of anatomy and zoology when something had seized me." He pauses, rinses gain, each rinse coming cleaner. "And honestly, for you, nothing is new under the sun, but the mystery. You've done the interacting with humans, with the police department in Haven. I think you just enjoy sussing things out."

Lucifer has posed:
"It is a delightful feeling, isn't it? Having your scalp worked over in such a way..." Lucifer offers, letting his eyes close and simply enjoying the moment of intimacy for all that it's worth in the quiet. When Nathaniel offers that question, Lucifer seems to actually think on it for a moment more. "Long. I think. Shoulder length seems to suit you and that thing you sometimes do with the layering of it. I like how it feels in my fingers as well.." He answers, genuinely of course. "Not that short is a bad look on you, but preference wise as you asked, that's what I enjoy."

The next bit of rinsing and smoothing palms has him actually give a bit of a shiver despite the heat of the water. Listening further as Nathaniel agrees with the desire to have that moment of truth sooner rather than later. "Ah, spot on I think. I do like a mystery and connecting the dots of everything. Mmn.. I haven't helped the Haven Police Department in a hot minute, but I think figuring things out with you in times such as these fills that desire quite well."

Sinister has posed:
"Motivations, I suppose..." Sinister grins, which can be felt in the mind rather than seen. He's happily satisfied with his deduction and the reaction he is getting. Once the hair is clean of suds, he smooths it flat to Lucifer's scalp in a double-handed, slow cupping from hairline to nape, then places the palms upon shoulders and smooths the residue off into the water with a deep, breath. "My turn." He slides down under the water, surfacing up infront of Lucifer, facing him so he can SEE the grin for a moment or two, before he turns his back and sinks up to the neck in the waters.

"Is that why you seek to understand the processes of my artforms? How I get from a to z in understanding and experimentation?" He asks. "We have had quite a number of mysteries in our time, haven't we? Which reminds me, I should actually finish what I started with Giles and his companions, see if there are threads I can snip in the Apophis stone... web."

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer enjoys the last moments of his hair being flattened and the smoothing of soap off his shoulders before Nathaniel announces it's his turn. That grin he gets when the man is facing him has him chuckling before he's returning the favor as promised. A bit of that soapy mixture sprinkled into wet hair and then he works his fingers into the tressles, scraping them genty against the scalp to wash and massage.

"Probably is one reason why, yeah. Though I am also genuinely interested in the work you do and how you do it. But if I'm going to be of any help, I should learn as much as I can as a third point. So it all comes together in this nice little package of enjoying watching you work." He offers. "Except for the times where I feel like I would more be in the way, like lately. Letting you just do your...well fretting and extensive work, getting lost in it and such. A time and place for everything, you see?" He offers this and then titls his head. "Mmn.. perhaps. Been a bit quiet on their front hasn't it?"

Sinister has posed:
Sinister nods to that. But as Lucifer works, when he puts fingers through hair, it seems almost like taffy, in that it lengthens with each scratch and lather, until he's working with shoulder length shaggy mop. It's thick, is that hair, but it always is and ravenwing black. There's a little rolls of the shoulders when it's got to the desired length, even! "It was probably wise in the last little while. When I'm in tunnel vision, I don't want distractions and although it isn't true of most individuals that observe me working, I do occasionally feel the urge to try and explain. And some of the techniques I use are exceptionally advanced, beyond most top scientists in the field. Two hundred years in the field will do that, I suppose and designing processes and devices to assist in said processes..." he sighs "...I have a little egg of whatever living matter was in the geode, that is growing. Hopefully, it will give us a little forewarning of what we might encounter, hunting for the source. It wasn't dinosaur, I compared it to my database and it came up entirely absent in any matches. The closest genetic match was a kind of chaemovoric bacteria that lives in subaquatic volcanic flumes, but there were significant differences, enough in the genome that it was to one of those bacteria, what a man is to a marmoset."

After a bit of quiet after this, he leans into the rubs, offering "...I'm a little worried. But not terribly so, as there haven't been any catastrophic events out of sunnydale, so."

Lucifer has posed:
"Normally you're able to go away, do your tunnel vision work away from the same place as I am. Which makes sense as none of your work is really ever in the Penthouse aside from personal experiments." Lucifer offers as he notices hair getting longer until it's just at that suggested, likened length. He smiles and continues to work fingers against scalp and brushes them through hair strands to feel and work every bit. "So it's easier to not be a distraction. Here, we're in the same spot. Luckily, there are plenty of things to keep me distracted from distracting you." He finalizes his point and gives the hair he plays with a little tug here and there, just because he can. "...I did have a thought to go back to the caves one more time... perhaps with Vlad...see if either of us with the more mystic touch could figure something out while you worked in the lab."

Then he listens, and lets things sink in. "Well that's fair. But that could also be the quiet before the storm...and the next one might be a rager. So it'd be good to check in I think."

Sinister has posed:
"That might be a notion. Unless of course, I want to smoke that weed Constantine provided and see all the colours," he says that last in a stoned hippy tone. "Or wear my rings. I think I may have to accept that I will only perceive magic via machine, which is fine for me really. I just don't like the notion of being blindsided by something not precisely measurable or even commonly perceivable." Nathaniel stretches his neck out, at the tugs, gives a pleased sound and mmmms softly. "I am just happy that I have not been a bad host, even in the midst of that. Vlad had professed a fascination with science and you have been swatting up, so it felt... well, I hoped perhaps I could share a little, whilst also providing a setting where there were things to do other than lots of boring slide work and titration."

He pauses again, considering. "I suspect you are right. I should not neglect a visit. And you do need more dragon's teeth. The order ought to be collectable. WHich is a good excuse for dropping in. I wouldn't want them to think I was you know..." caring.

Lucifer has posed:
"You haven't been a bad host at all. We've spent time together, and we've also done our own things. It's been wonderful, Nathaniel, all of it." Lucifer decidedly reaffirms this notion while soon rinsing out Nathaniel's hair. Working away all the suds from front to back. Swishing fingers through hair to help that along as well. "Not to mention, anything we find we'd report to you and so you shouldn't be blindsided. We're here to help as much as we are to enjoy this time away from the normal world." For what it's worth about Giles and friends, Lucifer only nods but doesn't say much more about it.

Sinister has posed:
Good, no commentary on his recent emotional nascence. Mister Sinister, Doctor Nathaniel Essex, really doesn't need the world knowing that he actually does care about some people, beyond how interesting their potential is. He melts metaphorically at the rinsing. That's when fingertips and palms do the most tortion on the scalp and it feels so very good. "You are so very gracious," he informs and when fully rinsed out, sighs and sinks to the surface of the water, to lay for a moment in sublime relaxation. Then however, he turns about to face his partner to take in the whole of the thing, the soul and centre of the feels. There's a smile, a small thing that bespeaks of that Grace he spoke of moments before, then to descend upon the archangel. These things, they are not for prying eyes to what of, but none but the insignificance of multifacets and avian transience will pay it any mind.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer didn't really think there was much more commentary to give. Besides, their conversing was coming all around to a closing point, especially since Nathaniel doesn't say much else aside from commenting on Lucifer's gracefullness. Watching as the man sinks only to float on the water a moment, so he joins in the notion. Though what happens after, is enjoyed by himself and the man who descends upon him. Nature taking its course as two lovers continue to enjoy their moment in water that's heated not only by natural causes but of the lovers themselves.