Xaviers!

It was late out which meant the grounds were clothed in pale silver from the snow reflecting the moonlight. Here and there the shadows on the snow rippled or maybe the snow itself rippled, but in this light it was hard to tell. Near the center of the strange shadows was a dome of snow, around seven feet across and nearly four feet tall, with a perfectly sculpted smooth exterior. Periodically, the dome would ripple as well and shed some snow into the area around the dome.

((Open))

There's a bundled-up figure walking across the grounds towards the dome.

A wisp of red hair might be familiar. The scent even moreso.

The snow swirls up at her as she approaches it, forming into wolves that prowl around the area. A path begins opening to the dome, snow moving out of the way starting closest to her. Tereza's definitely in the dome, but Sam can sense her presence in the constructs as well.

"...well yes, you've got a theme," Sam smiles softly as she continues her way up to the dome along the path, regarding the snow wolves.

The dome splits open, pulling apart to reveal the hollow space inside where Tereza is sitting with a small lantern turned down. Her eyes are closed and her breathing is slow and even. "You would rather they be something else?" Her voice is quiet and still, more than Sam has heard her in a while.

"I'm not complaining at all," she says, sitting down across from Tereza.

"How long have you been back?"

"Not long. Long flight with Laura means I needed some detox time."

"I can give you some space if I'm disturbing your... zen cave, and all."

"I missed you, though."

"No, it's okay. You can come in," she says, scooting back a little as the dome grows a bit.

"So, fair warning," she says as she scoots closer.

"I almost went through a pair of drumsticks while you were gone."

"So you're saying I owe you another pair of drumsticks," Tereza says as the dome closes up behind Sam, the inside as featureless as the outside except for the dim light from the lantern.

"Just some frustration to work out, aye? It was good practice, at least."

"I don't intend to frustrate you. I'm sorry that I did. If it's any consolation, this wasn't about you being fragile."

"I'm not blaming you. We've all got shite to work out now and again, aye?"

"I'm just trying to find better outlets and all."

"Beating on drums is preferable to beating on people." She gives Sam a soft smile. "Found any other outlets?"

"You weren't gone that long," she smirks. "I can't be expected to take up too many new hobbies."

"You never know," Tereza says with a small laugh. "Once you start expanding your horizons, who knows where you'll end up?"

"Pretty sure all I'm good at is hitting things," she chuckles.

"That's my line," Tereza says, opening her eyes. They glow with a white energy. "And I happen to know that you're good at other things too."

"Well after this past semester, I'm not sure 'dainty' is ever going to fit me again," she smiles, reaching out to touch Tereza's cheek.

"But I'm not going to shed any tears over that."

Tereza leans into the touch, "No arguments here." She reaches her own hand up to touch Sam's and then looks puzzled. She pulls Sam's hand back and looks at it, "Drumming's apparently been working out your hands."

"Uhm... more than my hands," she says with a faint blush, reaching to guide Tereza's arm up her arm. The padding of her coat makes it harder to tell, but it feels a bit more toned.

"Working out?" Tereza blinks, but doesn't move her hand away.

"...sort of."

"I didn't really notice it happening at first. I mean, it's just me in my skin, aye?"

"But Will spotted it, and it's... faster than it probably should be. So I guess we think it's a... subconscious thing?"

"A reaction to me treating you like glass?"

"I didn't say that," she hedges.

"But it has crossed your mind." It's just a statement of fact, not one of accusation or even self-deprecation.

"...you know, I think I'm supposed to be the telepathic one in this relationship."

"It doesn't take a telepath to guess that. You've given me several pieces of your mind on it," she grins, "Are you happy with the change?"

"I think I am. I mean, I'm not unhappy with this, since I didn't even notice it was happening. It feels... comfortable? Like I don't think I'd mind people seeing me this way."

"Then keep it. I'm happy if you're happy."

"I'll let you get a better look somewhere warmer," she smirks.

She smirks, "Now I'm sorry I didn't bring a heater out here."

"In all fairness, you had no idea your girlfriend was offering you tickets to the gunshow."

"Just tickets? What if I want the season pass?" She reaches across and pulls Sam closer.

"You realize if you encourage me like this, I'll only get worse," she chuckles as she huddles in closer, putting her arms around Tereza.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you stay grounded," she says with a smile. Despite the chill in the air, Tereza's skin is remarkably warm.

"Be a shame if you wound up with some sort of muscle-bound barbarian for a girlfriend," she smirks.

"If only for our grocery shopping."

"I already eat two army's worth of food on a good day."

"So is that a 'room for more' or a 'don't take my share'?" She chuckles.