Shape winces as she plants into the grass, and he helps her off the ground with both arms, keeping the coat tucked around her. He wipes off the grass and dirt from her face with his hands and a bit of his shirt, and he admits, "This would be a bit easier if I had warm water. I think maybe we could... Find some warm water for us too?" He wraps his arm around the fairy's back and walks him with him, at this point feeling the larger responsibility in getting them now both to a safe place. Sure, the fairy wouldn't die, but it would be very unpleasant otherwise to walk alone. And, yes, he recognizes that he literally feels warmer when she feels warmer, in an exaggerated symbiosis of things. Even if the warmth is, in some ways, a flavor of something Shape has experienced many times himself and herself in their life, and at this point they wonder would ever persist more than a few evenings in a row. Several minutes pass, and shadows stretch far in front of them. "Have you lived here your whole life, Anya, or are fairies like you pretty nomadic?"
"It's fine, don't worry about it. I do get a bit grimy from time to time. Such is being a mostly nakey fairy in the woods!" He's not wrong, too, now that she's no longer sitting in the grass it's instead the oversized jacket keeping him not too indecent. Warm water... There are springs and rivers but best of luck finding any with good temperature to it at this time of day. She dismisses the thought to herself, unless Shape somehow offers a better idea.
"I have been here for a very long time, though I didn't settle here originally. I had some places earlier but none of them were quite as wonderful and homely as the grove. There's good people and life in these woods, this area. Much of magical potency to make use of for my abilities. The easier access I have to these things, the less people I have to disappoint and the more people I can cheat for their firstborn!" She giggles, but then adds. "Sorry, just a joke. There's so many rumors of fairies being the greediest bastards and having unreasonable demands, I've talked to people prepared to part with the most unnecessary things before. What am I meant to do with a baby? Weird lil' skin objects, they are."
"Must be nice to be naked whenever you want, though. Sometimes I just want to be naked, but I also have to go out in public often, so what can I really do you know?" He pauses thoughtfully, continuing to lead the both of them to the car with a kind intimacy. There's off in the distance some artificial light they can make out briefly pass by, and another dimmer, more persistent one. "The grove, eh? If they're friends with you, they're friends with me... Unless you're serious about the firstborn thing." He returns a laugh too, and bites his lip. "Yeah, no worries. I heard all of those rumors. I also actually met fairies who were like that, but I mean so far I don't have much reason to doubt you, and the moment you do something kinda weird I think I'll be all right now. Actually, it maybe would be funny, when all things were well, that you show me a bit more about the sort of funny full 'magical potency' things you'd be capable of. I am awfully curious." He pushes a finger on her tummy, before resuming a regular hold. The dim light in the distance is clearly part of the gas station Shape parked at, and the grove behind them is darker, denser, and more lifeless from the outside, especially at this time of falling night, than from the inside.
"Well, my strategy of being a mythical woodland creature that is above regular human standards has worked well for me but it's not something others can just adapt for themselves, I suppose. The people here aren't too excited to your average outsider but if you're nice enough I can put in a good word for you~" She wiggles slightly at the poke of the tummy, seeming just a little startled but flattered by his curiosity.
Anya stops a bit, as she surveys the increasingly visible outside of the area. She doesn't venture out too often any more, and as time passes things always end up... different. There's a timeless peace to the grove in comparison, as if it intentionally rejects those who seek to make it adapt to modernity, rather than adapt themselves. Oh, and she almost completely forgot. Can't leave home without a note! In her hands she conjures a light orb similar to the one that originally greeted Shape, but this time a pulsating orange instead. He lets it go and it drifts away the direction they came from.
"Okay. Gas station. Cars. Cool human technology. Let's go."
"Yeah, even with my ability it's not like I can pretend to be a woodland druid for long before I'm expected to, I dunno, grow flowers from a rock or something. I'd appreciate a good word though, aw." He smiles, watching the fairy's expression whenever he's not making sure the ground immediately in front of them doesn't dip into a crevice. The light orb is curious, and Shape watches it as well. And then he, finally, walks up a small hill into the parking lot of the gas station with Anya and digs in his pocket for his keys, which are thankfully clipped on. He unlocks the doors and they climb inside, and he turns on the vehicle to a low setting for heater while keeping the engine shut off. He lowers the music immediately, and slouches in the driver's seat. "I never thought I'd be so happy to hear country music again. You saved my life." He reaches for the scented air freshener dangling from the mirror, and he hands it to Anya. It says "Pine-scented." He shrugs, and breathes slowly with the warmth of the car and the piece of Anya inside him.
Anya, having very little awareness of the general usage of a car up close, takes a few curious laps around the odd can of metal before finally, with some effort, managing to take up seat on the other side of the car and closing the door after himself. For the warmth. She accepts the funny little caricature tree and gives it a curious sniff. It sure smells like the vague idea of a tree. "So, Shape, why do humans decide to put real tree inside a fake tree? Isn't that what real trees are for? I'd generally prefer a pine over pine imitation cardboard." She does feel a bit more comfortable in the slowly heating car, but still wiggling a bit since she's just not... used to being cold.
He taps his fingers on the steering wheel. He checks the phone he, in a frenzy, left in the car much prior. Nobody, not even from the person that inflicted the hex or something. He says, "I have never really thought of that before, but I guess it's because bugs exist, so like maybe there would be termites or ants trapped in the car if I tried to grow a small pine tree in the car instead. Also there might be space issues." He reaches a hand back to Anya again, and sighs. "Yeah. Sorry, I know this isn't the most comfortable thing you've sat in. So I guess we're just going to be here all night, or maybe we should drive somewhere together if you prefer. I worry about taking us too far from your forest, though." He looks in the side mirror, and continues, "I guess the gas station is also open? They'll have running warm water. And snacks. And a sad college student."
"I tend to have the experience that the gas station kicks me out for being nakey if I don't impress them with my magics, but I suppose I can pass off as dressed with just the jacket with some hope." She ponders a bit, then smiles happily at Shape. "I want one of those tasty chocolate things. Snickles, I think they are. Something like that. You'll get me one of those, if you can. Since you owe me."
Shape blinks a lot. "What? Why were you... That's just pretty silly, I guess, but must have been for a chocolate bar, I guess, yeah. I'll grab you one here. Come." He climbs out of the vehicle with Anya, closing his door for him and wrapping up the jacket a bit lower on their figure. It's low enough to work, and when they enter the small building its evident the cashier is really not going to put a fuzz. She is young, true to Shape's prediction, with dark lipstick and eyes only supported from Monster. Shape nods at her and leads Anya to the bathrooms, where he hesitates to place Anya in either bathroom briefly before choosing the men's room. Shape is presenting male, after all. "If you turn the faucet there you'll get a running stream of cold water with a bit of fluoride, the other faucet can warm it up."
The fairy eyes the wares quite curiously, now that she actually has the chance to do so mostly unhindered. He doesn't give any mind to the bathroom signs, not aware of this whole hassle of society in any way. He gives his attention to the curious knobs, and slowly manages to figure out how they're supposed to be operated. With some efforts and one displeased beep at some too warm water at some point, it settles at a moderate stream of good temperature. "Weird object. But I like it."
"Nice. I'll be right back, I think I'll grab you your chocolate bar." He winks and leaves the bathroom. He makes quick work of finding the chocolate bars, but he spends an awkward amount of time figuring out which one is the regular one. No thanks to cookies and cream or peanut butter or dark. He takes the regular chocolate bar to the cashier, and during the purchase exchange of cash, Shape says, "You know, I was a little worried about that person in the bathroom earlier, but I'm starting to think they're kind of hot. They sort of saved my life and have a killer figure. I'm thinking I should get closer to them?" The cashier is apathetic, and says, "Sure, yeah."
Anya spends some time fascinated by the mirror. She's more used to ponds and smooth reflective crystals and shards of polished metal or such. Seeing his face so clearly is almost eerie. But also very flattering! He does get started wiping off as much dirt and the likes he can, but. Also take a whole lot of time observing their own reflection. An untreated vanity being sated. Some very minor details being shapeshifted into place, nothing really noticeable but if she's already at a mirror, she might as well take the chance. Soon enough, he's clean and fresh and decides to just run his slightly cool hands under a reasonably toasty stream of water, to soak in the warmth.
Shape walks into the bathroom once more, and Anya's reflection in the mirror seems somehow more pristine than when he left. He chalks this up subconsciously to his increasing appreciation and sexual desire for the pink woodland creature. The chocolate plops beside the sink, and then his arms wrap around her mid-back. Shape squeezes lightly, and he leans more into and over her. The warmth of the orb increases once more, and Shape ducks his eyes from the reflection and smiles. "Did the water and I warm you? I got your chocolate bar, a small token of my appreciation for the fairy who helps me."
Anya smiles warmly at Shape's reflection, and she nods appreciatively at the choice of chocolate. It's the one! She recognizes the color.
As his figure gets enveloped in warm and caring arms, she lets her body lean back into Shape. The warmth is clear and mutual, and she hums delightedly. "Thank you for the treat! You did warm me, yes. I think... I think we both know what this added warmth is. And it'll make the time until we get you fixed much more comfortable." She rubs the back of her head into Shape's chest.
Shape has never quite curbed the almighty unwanted erection. He ends up awkwardly pulling back his lower body during their moment of cuddly affection. And the enthusiasm in her voice and in her trust physically with Shape leaves him enchanted. It's not magic—it's just trust.
He says to him, "I think I know what the warmth is too; it's your delight for your chocolate bar. Just kidding." Shape laughs, and Anya can feel his chest shift. "Speaking of making our time until then more comfortable, I think we should head back to the car. I'm worried I'll get sick if I stand in here too long." He gestures at the toilet with the wad of toilet paper. "We could just hang out back there."
Anya nods. Car is warm and toasty. Just like shape is being right now, if you discount the biting cold that refuses to back down too much. "Yeah. We should. Some quiet and warmth and comfy is good for the soul." She picks up the chocolate bar and stuffs it into a jacket pocket.
"You have such a particular vocabulary. It's like warm itself, if that makes sense." He walks with him out of the bathroom, and separates them from the hug midway. He holds Anya's hand, though, and keeps his side brushed to him. "But yeah, that was a good success. You got some warm water and chocolate." Shape smiles at the cashier, once more, and Anya and him settle in the car again with the ignition turned on and heater running, although this time Shape keeps the gap between their seats bridged with the hand holding.
"I don't really care much if things make sense in the way most people would. It comes with being a fairy, you live to break with expectations. hehe." Anya cozies into his seat, warming his rear after having it mostly bare and out in the cold for a bit. She produces the chocolate bar, unwraps it a bit in the end, and takes a surprisingly small nibble out of it before setting it aside on the dashboard. "Tasty. Just like I remembered."
Shape nods, and stares at the tiny bite. "You have defied many expectations today, I have to admit. I was pessimistic going into this, mostly, so that was... where I was." He slides some of his fingers between Anya's own fingers, locking up their held hands. "Tell me a bit about the last time you were out here buying chocolate. How did you get legal tender? I have a bit of a sweet tooth as well. Sometimes I can indulge it, like I used to love these milkshakes they'd sell in some diners..."
"Well I'm glad you turned around on that, I do like making it worth the time for people to bother me because honestly that doesn't happen quite as often! Seeing as the forest only really likes to accommodate people who have the spirit for it."
He licks his lips, seeming to savor every bit of the chocolate nibble before even considering going back for more. "Nono. It wasn't like that. I was bored and people watching from one of the treetops when I spotted someone drop a weird object as they left. People rarely ever come back here soon once they go away so swooped in and took it! It was one of these. Fully clothed and all." She points at the chocolate bar, specifically the side that's still wrapped. "If it was something that seemed more special or important I'd have left it, don't worry."
"I'm glad too, Anya, dear," Shape says, with a polite inflection. "You'd think a ShapeShifter like me would have become pretty attuned to forests, live as a bear or something for a while, but I have always been rather indoors, and I just always found being human the best choice for me." The flicker of memory about the house a child Shape briefly formed family bonds to comes to mind. He sighs, and rubs his chest. "Yeah, I suspect that the person didn't miss it. I'm glad you got to try one of these. You'll be delighted to know the human world is full of sugary delights, artificial and more, well, natural-aligned. Like, yeah, those milkshakes." He stares into the pink eyes, and he says, "Oh well, no more human treats for you for a while, I suppose..."
"Maybe it's just in your nature! I hope this isn't rude or uncomfortable to ask. Are you. Are you a human-shapeshifter or a shapeshifter-shapeshifter? If you get what I mean." He carefully shifts some pink hair off his forehead. "I'm a fairy, after all, so it's natural I end up doing fairy things despite being able to shift into whatever, really."
Her eyes latch on in return, and she seems temporarily captivated by this exchange of gaze. She's slightly flushed, slightly warmer. Despite a few blinks, he maintains for however long Shape intends to. "I suppose... Unless I magically, contractually bind you into being my supplier foreeever~"
"I'm a human-shapeshifter. Like, yeah, I was born a human. Much like you came to as a fairy, maybe, yeah." He leans more on the divider between the two seats, maintaining the gaze with more smiling. "I suppose it's normal to have your tendencies, then. Like how you would trick me to give you chocolate every so often, sure. How would I fall for something like that, pink creature? I'm very curious how such a deception works, if you'd so kindly give me an example." Shape blinks slowly, and he lowers his chair back. He still maintains holding Anya's hand.
Anya leans in as well, smiling and giggling softly. Especially leant forward instead of sitting upright he seems so very petite of a figure next to Shape. "I don't think you'd need to fall for it, I'd simply state it as a binding clause for when I am to finally dispel your ailment. No monthly candy, and you'll pay the price for defying a fairy's demands~"
Her eyes fall down Shape's face a bit, and... There's another spark of warmth in them both. She turns her face away, blushing.
"Yeah, you're absolutely right. It's only fair, my most generous and pretty fairy Anya, that I return you the favor with monthly payments of candy." Shape, though, suspects he'd visit more than that. He tugs on Anya's arm lightly, and he stays put in his laying position on the lowered head rest. Her giggle and smile are images that stick in his mind, even when his eyes are closed. And, catching her admiring his face in return, Shape teases him. "I think there's another way you can fall for something, or someone. Is your chair comfortable, hmm?"
Anya responds by taking the chocolate bar and securing herself another small gnaw on it, about the same as the last time. "Do make sure to add some good variation to the mix, then. I think only having... Snickers all the time will ruin a bit of the magic~ And yes, I'm quite comfortable. Passably. Not like I have many other places to sit in this car, hehe." Her glance passes over most of Shape as she says so. "Falling for people is surprisingly easy to do, yes. And it doesn't have to involve trickery and deceit."
"We'd never run out of different chocolate bars for you to try, let alone other treats, or sodas, or maybe even desserts." Shape says. He then yawns, and tugs on Anya once more. "Passable... Yeah, that won't do, I'll remind you you saved my life. I bet you're still just a bit cold, and could use a little extra warmth. Is that right?" Honestly, the car is quite warm enough. The fairy isn't going to really need it. At least, not because he is physically chilly. Shape mumbles, "Yeah, trickery is just for making things happen one of the people doesn't want, I think... That's what trickery is."
"Some extra warmth, you say? I would love that, certainly. What can you offer me, hmm?" She could very much manage as is, but whatever Shape may have in mind sounds very much delightful. He once again licks his lips to find any stray chocolate spots that may have eluded him. "Trickery is so many things, really, sometimes it's actually for the better too. But if you can achieve everything you desire without, then... There's no real reason to."
Shape leans forward from his cozy position in his reclined seat, and he drapes his arms around Anya's shoulders, and he then clasps his back with this. Now, once more, the human shapeshifter tugs on the fairy. He keeps his sleepy eyes open, and he says, "I offer you my arms, and my chest. I'd be honored if you'd lay with me, my—sexy savior." He tries not to giggle, thinking the compliment to be awkward. Anya's lick is another one of those pleasant images that doesn't leave the mind. "Yeah," he adds.
Anya does not object or resist one bit, and with a single fluid motion he's made the way across the car and is sat in Shape's lap as best as the space of the car allows. "I accept, Shape. I've heard the phrase 'sexy' thrown about a few times my way but it feels... Different when you say it now, hehe. It's warmer. And I mean, I do try after all, I want to get my money's worth out of being a shapeshifter." His head rests against the chest, and they both are indeed warmer now. For various reasons.
Shape, in the burst of excitement brought forth from the acceptance, rubs Anya's back and rustles his hair over and over, and Shape lays back down on his head rest at a low angle once more. Anya's brought down with him, pressed to his low incline chest. He says, "Thank you so much, you amazing fairy Anya, you're so cute and wonderful and fun so far I can't help but to have asked." He continues, "I'm glad I have a warmness to when I say 'sexy.' As a fellow ShapeShifter, I suppose I know all too well that you don't want to be seen as an object of beauty, you know, so the sexiness I'm describing is more than appearances, you know? You're sexy on the inside. You saved my life, and make me smile, and now I even want to hold you close." As he squeezes the fairy against his chest, it's abundant how bright the orb gets.
Anya can't help but be amused over how gushy the poor other has become in her proximity. "You're impressively adorable. I do mean that I put effort into a being a sexy and beautiful creature since I'm able to do so! And if people think I'm sexy that's just confirmation of my talents! But. I can't shapeshift myself into an internally sexy person as easily so. It's a different kind of flattering to hear that. You're quite like that too, honestly? It's been a very cozy and warm time despite today being the coldest I've felt in so long."
She makes herself more comfortable in his lap. She's... still bare under the jacket and with how leant back Shape is she's properly settled in close to him. She knows. And she's very warm too.
Shape nuzzles Anya, and his eyes start to close once more. He keeps the fairy and jacket over his chest when seeking the warmth of both for the night. He says to him with a more leveled air, "You are, in fact, quite talented. I've never seen someone do that thing with the orb, and have it be comfortable even." The orb has been quite warm. "I'm very flattered you'd think of me as so sexy on the inside as well. I really try to be the best person I can be, but sometimes I'm not sure if I have." And sometimes he's on a more selfish streak. But this was a mutual feeling. This orb was, always, warm. "I'm glad to keep you warm... That was a long day."
Anya slowly settles in as well, starting to become quite snoozy. It's surprisingly comfortable, all in all, and while the warmth is still strong it seems a good time to fall asleep and hope it carries on through the night. "I hope you accounted for me sleeping here. It will happen now."
Shape nods. "Wasn't letting you sleep cold," He says. Shape is able to drift into a comfortable state of sleep. Anya manages to not only aid in that, like so much else today, but transcend everything Shape disliked about fairies. Maybe he just didn't give them a fair chance until now. More likely, Anya was a bit different.