Lights, Camera, Orc-tion!

10: Orc's Choice

Kahdreg surprised her by pulling away and sharply turning, heading into the living room. Over their shoulder, they called back a hearty, "People that call orcs cowards are subjected to a movie of the orc's choice."

The moment was a bittersweet one, a joint victory and failure. Mentally, Avicia scored Kahdreg's retreat as a win, presuming she had flustered them she half-grinned to herself. Another part of her thoughts were slightly disappointed with the outcome. There would have been much more interesting ways for the night to develop, after all.

"A movie? Aren't you tired?" She prodded, following after them. It would have made sense to be exhausted, given the day they had. Yet, she'd be lying if she said she wanted to go to bed now. There was something buzzing in the air. Some unlabeled excitement.

"What can I say?" Kahdreg crouched down to finger through a collection of DVDs. "A captive audience has energized me."

"I'm not really captive," she taunted, thumbing in the direction of the guest room. "I could just go to bed."

"You could," they admitted, before flashing a movie in her direction. "But then you'd miss out on this beauty."

'Beauty' couldn't have been more subjective, Avicia decided as she peered at the case. Judging from the aesthetics - and the words 'Blood of the Gods' in red dripping font - it was obviously a horror flick. Though little could be discerned in the shadowy cover, it wasn't like she was well versed in the horror genre. It could've been anything from a campy horror flick to a gore-a-thon for all she knew.

With a wince, Avicia glanced back up at Kahdreg. "What if I said I already saw it?"

"Who's a coward, now?" They grinned down at her, their eyes lighting up. The movie wobbled in their grip, like they were taunting her with a fake bug.

Their words were met with Avicia's eyes narrowing and a frown pursed at her lips. Despite the fact she knew she was playing into their game, she bit out, "Fine, put it in."

"Miss Thorn," gasped Kahdreg mockingly as they turned to the DVD player. "Isn't that a bit forward? Even for you?"

"What do y-" She started to ask as she settled onto the couch, before spotting his teasing grin. The entendre suddenly smacked her in the head a moment later. Heat flared through her cheeks. "Oh. Shut up."

A cackle of a laugh boomed from Kahdreg as they set up the movie. While they busied themselves, Avicia checked her phone. There'd been a litany of messages from patrons, upset that her day job had cut into her weekend hours or concerned about her disappearance. She managed to send a few replies, smoothing the ruffled feathers with promises of new content and soothing concerns over her well-being.

As Kahdreg stood, her attention flickered from her phone to the orc and she quickly turned her phone's display off. "All set?"

"Wait a minute," they waved her question away, returning to the kitchen. "I have to set the theatrical mood."

She snorted, despite the amused grin at her lips. At the mention of theaters, Avicia's mind shifted to high school dates. Sitting at the very back of nearly empty rooms, to touch and make out. Little noises being drowned out by the surround sound as she tasted the sugar of soda and candies on her partner's lips.

Not to mention the at-home viewings. It was an easy excuse to turn the lights down. Hell, there were even people that chose horror flicks specifically to have their hopeful partner cuddle close. At that thought, Avicia's suspicions turned toward Kahdreg.

While she relived the memories, the unskippable trailers droned on. Kahdreg flitted about the apartment, setting the tone for a quiet movie-watching experience. From the corner of her eye, Avicia watched. They dimmed the lights, retrieved snacks, procured a couple bottles of water. Eventually, Kahdreg was situated on the opposite from Avicia on the rather large couch. Snacks and drinks set on the coffee table, within comfortable reach of both of them.