From Hell to Rehab RP ( Formerly Blood is Thicker than Water )( Part Four )

Disqus

Home

Notifications

kcolled

The Role-playing Scientists

Following

From Hell to Rehab RP ( Formerly Blood is Thicker than Water )( Part Four )

48 Comments

The Fox

The Fox

@disqus_eqavLvmRDA a year ago

* drags myself through the summer heat to my laptop, melting on the way there*

I will not crumble.....I will not fall.....

* crawls into chair*

Not today B*TCH

* Cough cough* *aHEM* *hack*

Ugh...what a day...Let's get to rping and hope I can drown my summer suffering with copious amounts of water.

Onwards! To my inevitable defeat!

Recommend 2  Share

Best

Newest

Oldest

Back to Top

Comments

The Role-playing Scientists

Sort by Oldest

−

Avatar

The Fox • a year ago • edited

( Back at it again!

Jekyll1886 :

"[Ah, you're right.]

"[Forgive me--I spoke in absolutes. I was thinking of an exchange we had more recently, here in London, when I said that.]

"[In point fact, he was more honest with me that time in Paris, when we drank together. More apt to believe what I said, too, though I did have to convince him by laying out a long explanation.]"

Lewis thought back to that conversation.

"[Though he covers it over with his typical bravado, he's unhappy. Not with you, mind--he loves you, that much is plain to see. But I'm afraid his choleric or sanguine excesses merely serve to mask a deeper melancholy. It's my hope that, in the absence of substances with which to numb his feelings, he'll have the chance to not only experience but also reflect

upon them, to at last address the root cause. I don't know what precisely precipitated the initial rift between Gabriel and him, but I do know Richard hates feeling judged, and that he fears abandonment. I imagine the latter is directly tied to his childhood, but at some point

one has to take responsibility for one's own life.]"

Weir shook his head.

"[I only pray he can climb his way out of the pit of despair and realize he has choices--he has agency. That the past may have made him who he is, but he needn't be bound by it.]"

-

The dancer lapsed into a brief silence as she soaked in the information, puzzling together with her own knowledge. None of this was too unfamiliar. Some of it she had managed to pick up from being close enough to be trusted. The dislike of judgement, the showing off to fix some eternal flaw, those she knew. The fear of abandonment hadn't been so clear for her though. It had been a thought but never anything past that.

It made sense though. They were always so close together that sometimes she wondered what he would do if she ever left.

Her brow wrinkled, putting the idea back down.

" [ So that's fine as on paper, but what happens when it all comes flooding out? You've seen how he was when he was between stupors...

How is this all supposed to go down without anyone getting hurt in the process? Gabriel is going to get the brunt of it, next comes you, then the housekeeper, so on and so on. I can't step in without the possibility of him targeting me, then no one can get through to him and he goes off to god knows where. ] "

She frowned, pointing a finger at Lewis.

" [ If you want him to finally come to reality, you're going to need a few safety nets on the off chance that he gets too emotional, which I know is bound to happen. If I read his letters right, then he might reach his boiling point soon enough. ] "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"[Let him get emotional. Let him level it at me if he likes. I care enough yet am enough of an outsider that I'm likely the ideal target. If my own experience is anything to go by, he won't get through this until he feels everything--until the full brunt of years' worth of sadness and anger passes through him. It's going to get very, very ugly--I've no illusions on that front.]

"[I don't know what 'safety nets' you intend, aside from Gabriel and yourself. I am open to suggestion, mind.

"[And, Desirae...]" he added, gaze focusing briefly on the tip of her fingernail before flicking back to meet her gaze, "[kindly don't point your finger at me, please. I know you care about him. I'm doing all I know how to do.]"

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" [ Ah! Sorry! ] "

She pulled back her finger.

" [ Forgot myself there. ] "

A rub of her neck. A sigh.

" [ I just hope you know what you're doing...I couldn't stand by to let you two tear each other apart. And should Gabriel lose his last family, there would be us to blame for it...

As for safety nets, I could think of a few things. I'm sure you can get your friends at the mob to at least lend you a few things. ] "

She glanced to Lewis with a serious stare, leaning in ever so slightly. It was a like that of a vortex, keeping one from looking away.

" [ You have to promise me that you can do it though. Give me your word.

Everyone can make it out of this better. I won't lose him, Gabriel won't lose him, and you won't lose to him should it get heated between the two of you. You will be his doctor to the end. ] "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"[Tell me what you need for safety nets, and I'll do my best to get them]," Lewis agreed with a nod.

"[And, yes, everyone can make it out of this better. It's my sincere hope that we do, and I shall make every effort.]

"[Know, however, that I am neither God nor one of the Fates. I cannot see the future. I can only do the best I can from where I am. I pray Richard does, too.]"

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" [ Thank you... ] "

She let out a soft breath and leaned back. Though it wasn't a promise that all will be better, it was his dedication that mattered, and that she could live with.

Her ever familiar dedication came back full force as she went on outlining her ideas.

" [ So first thing's first, you might want to have a place where he can break things. I've told you before how he can break things when he's truly pissed before but to recap... ] "

She ran through a number of potential schemes, from getting him to go to a empty warehouse or room where he could break whatever might be there, giving him a day out to "cheat" his current situation and then try talking when he's properly exhausted, to get Utterson to simply have him sit down as he talked with him about past family.

There was plots shared with Lewis on their way back to Gabriel's but she stopped when they got to the front door. An uncomfortably heavy air hung around the usually welcoming abode. Anger and unhappiness mixed with it, creating an all to familiar feeling.

There had been a fight, and not a tame on at that.

Desirae swallowed, shaking off any hesitance and standing straight and formal. Her face adopted a flat, plain look, any worry that did show hidden masterfully.

Her eyes met Lewis's before the door was thrown open by Enfield.

2

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Weir nodded occasionally as she talked. They were good ideas, and he'd do his best to implement them.

A split-second before Richard threw open the door, Lewis stepped aside, bracing for the (he hoped only) metaphorical impact.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

An All to Happy Enfield stepped out and leaned against the doorframe, an odd cattish smile and two charged eyes greeting her. This mood only lighten slightly at the appearance of Desirae.

" ][ Ah, Desirae...How was it? ][ "

" [ Good. I got the job. I should be working within the next few days. ] "

Richard got up and took her into a weak hug, his energy having been spent in whatever spat had occurred earlier. A crumb of genuine emotion managed to make it through the coals of anger though.

" ][ I'm glad to hear... ][ "

He tried to offer a smile but his mood was too twisted to let any true joy come through. A sighed followed his effort then he rested his head on her shoulder.

" ][ I'm sorry if I seem off, me and Gabriel just had a discussion is all. ][ "

His tone proved otherwise, it's main through line a tepid trickling of remaining ire.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Weir nodded soberly.

He wondered if he ought to go in and see about Gabriel or if Richard was the more pressing concern.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Desirae gave a polite nod to all this, though it was easy to see she was not pleased with the situation, nor where it might lead.

" ][ Hey...Why don't we go off to someplace nice? I can show you around then we can settle down for a late lunch. ][ "

She looked at Richard with a very unenthused scowl.

" [ You have exactly no money to speak off. ] "

" ][ Not to worry darling, we can always ask Gabriel to help pay the bills. ][ "

Her scowl morphed into a thin, force smile as she grew increasingly cross. Of all the gambits he could've thought to do, he chose this one...

" [ So we're using Florine's money then? Her money that she's working so hard to get? ] "

He blinked.

" ][ What? No we'll be-- ][ "

Enfield looked up and blanched. If there were ever a reason to call a fire brigade, it would now. But even if they came, there was putting out the blaze that burned in his partner's soul. The air around them grew unbearably warm as Desirae practically glowed with inner rage.

Richard stepped back into the house as she whispered ever so lovingly...

" [ Come now Love...finish your statement...

WHAT are WE going to BE DOING? ] "

The tapping of her foot took precedence as her gaze bored into him. Slowly, ever so calmly, she took her first steps into the house, ever step forward a step back for Enfield, and entered the home like murder in heels.

Anyone crossing their path doubled back to where they came, the sheer aura from the dancer warding them off and making little thing suddenly choreworthy.

Utterson was not in sight but the smell of pipe smoke revealed him to be brooding heavily in the hallway, his face dark with the rare sight of true anger and his own shoe tapping unhappily. Her eyes looked to his direction then upstairs. With more than polite grace, she curled a finger at Richard.

" [ A word if we may... ] "

He looked like he wanted get a word in but one glance at his lover's thin overly pleasant smile made him slink upstairs. The dancer followed like a true executioner, silent and deadly and only gave one last nod to Weir. It was a invitation to talk with Gabriel while she had her piece with her One and Only.

see more

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Lewis nodded in understanding, his own inclination having been to take that very action.

He approached Gabriel as Richard and Desirae disappeared upstairs.

"She, ah, got the job," Weir said quietly.

He looked at Utterson with concern and sympathy.

"What's happened while we were gone?"

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" An argument. "

Utterson sighed as Lewis came up, his foot stopping and his face lightening up from ire to quiet despair. An encompassing tiredness made itself plain while the older man put down his pipe and leaned back. He rubbed his face.

" Honestly I was expecting one to happen but not quite like this... "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"What...exactly...happened?" asked Lewis. "You seem as if you've been through the bloody wringer."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

" Wouldn't you believe it... "

He closed his eyes.

" Richard was in the emotional ditch again and I let him be to see if he would lift out of it. After a little while though, I went to see if he was alright. Didn't want a repeat of last time and do nothing. "

A breath.

" So I went and asked him how he was doing and that's where it all started. I'd have handled it fine if he hadn't gotten particularly venomous about things... "

" Put simply, he decided to insult our whole line of blood. He spoke bad on them and said it wasn't worth the time trying to preserve a dying branch.

He did to pick at my nerves. I know he did.

But... "

A pause.

" I couldn't let that pass. I'm sorry...

I bit down on his trap and gave him what he wanted. "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

"Well, he can't expect you to let things pass all the time--you're only human," reasoned Lewis. "You may have answered in kind, but it's nothing he hasn't done.

"But so long as the two of you continue to be there for each other in spite of the inevitable arguments, you'll get through it in the long run.

"That said, I'm sorry you both had such unpleasantness this evening. Perhaps things will look different after a night's sleep," he suggested.

"In the meantime, is there anything I can do?" he offered.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" Some company would be nice. "

He got up with a huff.

" Maybe some tea to go with it. "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"Mm."

Lewis followed him to the kitchen and helped with the tea things.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

The lawyer want ahead and set up each person's cup and took a seat while he waited he for the water to boil.

" So you said she got the job? That's good. "

Utterson leaned his chin in one hand.

" Do you know when she'll be starting? "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

The doctor took a seat as well.

"Not specifically, but I imagine it won't be too long. Likely within the week--if not, within the fortnight."

He smiled.

"She's a rare talent, Gabriel. Sartre's as lucky to have her in his employ as she is to have him for an employer."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" I'm glad to hear.

At least one of us is having a stroke of luck. "

A happy sigh.

" With her and Florine working now, I suspect it won't be too much longer till they find an apartment. A month to two if they make decent savings together, three or more if they they aren't strict about it. "

Towards the back of the house, an audible SMACK rang out. Utterson flinched but didn't lose his train of thought.

" And they don't have to worry about rent at the moment, so I'd say they're settling in quite well. "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Weir's ears perked at the noise, but he otherwise gave no sign he'd heard it, instead continuing to listen to Utterson.

"The more patrons Desirae's performances attract, the sooner they'll find a decent flat. 'Tis a bit like a commission, I suppose. Given her talent, I'd not be surprised if they were able to find a place within the month."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

" Ah, true. "

He smiled.

" She'll do well on a bigger stage, or at least the stage to herself. More room to work with.

She might even do better with the change. Lord knows she deserves more than she was getting at Bourdin's. "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"Bourdin's a pig," Lewis agreed. "Sartre may require dedication and quality effort from his employees, but it's because he prides himself on having class and providing his customers quality experience." A chuckle. "And he's sensible enough not to, ah..." he lowered his voice, "relieve himself where he eats, if you'll pardon the expression."

The kettle finally reached a boil.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Utterson chuckled.

" I understand perfectly well. "

While Lewis handled the kettle, he went and pulled out the extras; honey, sugar, cinnamon, etc. Upstairs, a commotion was beginning to form, it's current form a firm and steady flow of a spat.

The lawyer couldn't help but shake his head.

" Looks like this tea is well timed...

I've never heard them argue before but I'd hate to be in between them. He must be really sour if he's actually fighting with her. "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Weir poured the water over the leaves and set the kettle aside.

"Truly. In all fairness, I can see her side of things--here she's come to a foreign land to be with him, and while she's out securing a job he goes and bolloxes things up with the relative in whose abode he currently resides."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" I do to honestly.

He just...I don't know sometimes...

He's just a big balled up knot of bad temper right now. I feel bad for him that he hasn't learned to see past himself yet. He's going along with the treatment but I feel he's learned nothing since he got here. "

He crossed his fingers as he turned distant.

" I haven't failed per say. I've done everything I could do...

I've given him the time, given him the space. He's more willing to be open with me.

That all just snapped today, and I can't figure out why. "

He looked up.

" Do you have any doctorly wisdom by chance? "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

"I don't know for certain," replied Lewis, "but my best guess would be that he's having to be alone with himself--with his thoughts and feelings, with nothing to numb them, nothing to distract him--for the first time in years. He's not used to it. Doesn't particularly like it, though it is necessary.

"At this rate, reality may shortly begin to dawn on him.

"In the meantime, it's easier to bait and blame someone else in order to create a distraction so he won't have to face up to the truth."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

" Hmm... "

The lawyer slowly nodded in understanding.

" And he's just going to get more worked up till he finally stops fighting it... "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"Precisely," replied Weir with a nod.

"It will likely get uglier--he'll have to really hit bottom before he can begin climbing his way out of the pit he's in now."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Gabriel pondered this for a moment. After a few beats he squeezed his eyes shut.

" I...don't know if I can keep him here then... "

He swallowed hard, thoroughly unhappy with this new suggestion.

" I don't know if I can keep him here and be able to keep taking it as is. Love him as I may, I don't know if my patience can stay with me for both my work with the court and my work with him.

If I can acquire a place for him to stay and know he will stay, I could do that. It'd be more difficult to manage our situation but I could do it.

I just..."

He let his head drop into his hands.

" I can't...I'm too old for this strife everyday... "

As if in tandem with this thought, the guest room door flew open and all sorts of hell rushed out.

" [ Richard! So help me God, you come back here and apologize!!! ] "

Desirae's voice cracked, her throat raw, as she came chasing down Enfield, a fresh hurt bleeding through without her typical protection.

" [ You cannot, will not say that to me!! ] "

She took his arm and tried to force him there but he shoved her back with a snarl.

" [ I came here for you! I got a new job! I did everything I could to f*cking get you away from THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING DOG! ] "

He swiveled back and glared right at her, matching her where she was. For the first time, it seemed like she was at a loss for how to get to him. The dancer stood eye to eye with him.

" [ Of all the people I've loved, I've done the most for you! And this is what I get?! ] "

And for the first time, Richard seemed not to know what he was doing. He just gave an ugly growl before leaving her and storming out the front, his conscious balled up with spines outstretched. His unconscious though, seemed to flinch hard, almost like it was struck.

She followed him, took the slam to the face, and threw the door back open to watch him disappear down the street. Her heart quivered, her throat burned, and her eyes grew teary.

Utterson got up and found himself with nails digging into his shoulder and Desirae biting her lip to fruitlessly hold back tears.

His heart bleed for her and he shut the door and took her into the kitchen. Letting her take his chair, he went to make another cup of tea.

see more

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

As I was saying...

Lewis left his seat, internally shaking his head at the situation as he bounded for the front door.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," he said before shutting it behind him.

Outside, he looked about for Richard.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

It turns out that there was no looking to be had.

Apparently, Enfield had doubled back and slunk back into the garden in the back.

He sat, slumped over on the little bench, hand running through his hair, murmuring aggressively to himself, misery doubling twofold among the bare trees and rosebushes, empty flower beds echoing his lack of joy.

His thoughts were like rats, madly scrambling from side to side, each seeking to escape the prison they had inhabited for so long, their teeth gnashing and grinding down the mental citadel known as denial. No matter what, he couldn't banish the internal noise as it grew louder and louder, pushing his mind to the limit, past it...

Nothing made sense, nothing felt real, nothing felt right. His heart cried, raising an alarm for the incoming collapse but it was drowned out by the feeling and din and ultimately wouldn't have helped to begin with.

He stared at the ground, trying hard to make himself whole, though he knew he couldn't, and felt himself steadily growing lightheaded.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Lewis didn't venture to the back of the house.

Though he couldn't know Enfield's thoughts, Richard's emotional state wasn't lost on Weir.

Rock bottom may well be on its way.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Back inside, Utterson consoled Desirae the best he could, listening to the woman vent and sob and berate the absent partner while her tea went cold. He offered the friendly rub and occasional nod, though it was all he could do. He was far from being truly comforting given that he's had his own confrontation.

There wasn't enough energy for everything; the potential weeks ahead of them, the more than likely rift between the lovers, temporary or not, his own patience running thin...

What could he do? For once, it seemed to finally hit an breaking point. Normally, he would hold such conclusions back until he had a clearer head, but it felt as apparent as ever. If they didn't manage through this last phase, it will have been a long and tremendous battle lost.

He blinked, finding a few tears had ran down his cheeks. For a moment he didn't wipe them away, looking to their source with a quiet terrible insight.

Maybe this was their failure...They hadn't gotten through and merely destroyed the last bit of redemption he could've had...

His thoughts were interrupted by his handkerchief being taken and used to dry his cheeks. Desirae, in all of her wreckage, swallowed his grief for just a moment to try and speak despite her voice being torn into rasp.

" [ D-don't mind me....I-i'm just...I'm just cleaning you up a b-bit...

Can't have you all...all weepy in front of the staff... ] "

see more

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Come on, Enfield, thought Weir, all too aware of the shape Gabriel and Desirae were in but afraid to leave Richard completely to his own devices. You've done enough damage as it is. Hit bottom and let's have done with it.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

Richard grit his teeth, his head feeling like it was about to burst. Tears threatened to spill but he refused to let them. It was all becoming too much, twisting and morphing and shuddering, forcibly unveiling itself by ripping through the years upon years of soil laid down atop it. It, the ever monstrous It...

He hadn't even felt It sense he was so young...Eight years old...

It, the seemingly eternal specter that hung and lurked in every lonely moment. IT. The racing towards it's release IT, the coming for him IT, the coming from him. The reaper of all sense and logic, the death of the king and the hill of excess, death to the only thing he's know for so long...

IT..IT....IT......

It was almost like a transformation, a forbidden and cursed one, the aura of hate and disgust vanishing in one feel swoop as Richard, hedonist, addict, and cruel master of his own world, fell to his knees with a sharp inhale and was suddenly Richard, youngest of the his branch, bright and starry eyed, open to everything and defended by nothing.

There on the ground wailed Richard, lost child picking himself up from the ground, his grip failing, his tears flooding, his world ending.

His wails was sharp and bleeding, their notes piercing every heart who heard, their source eternal and lost. They were like an animal lay in death and fear and crowed out again and again and again...

His tears let loose, their age and vintage undefinable, but were now in the present to be shared to all, they're taste heavy, ripe with the unfolding of the heart.

His world went dark. All surrounding places and people vanished into a heartmade void, casting away the color and steadiness of the ground and the air. No darkness could be as consuming like this darkness for Enfield knew exactly why.

It was his void. His hands and sins had carved out this putrid, unlivable place and now he was cast to it's depths, unable to escape.

-

Richard lay trembling and wailing on the hard, dry grass, his mind no longer present in its self deceit. All the remained now was a quivering mass of fear, of shock, of distress and of abandonment...

see more

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

((Dolum ipsum etc. etc.))

Lewis at last walked round to the garden.

The time has come.

He beheld Enfield on the grass there, Richard caught up in the fresh hurt of old wounds reopened.

Reopened, so that they might properly heal.

Weir squatted down beside him, unsure whether he'd be noticed.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

There was no sign of awareness from Richard, who merely mewled before wailing out again and again. His eyes were blind to the world around him, blind to the commotion he was causing, and blind to the two others that had come out to see what was happening.

Utterson and Desirae had came rushing out at the start of the cacophany from outside. What they saw broke their hurt and misery and in it's place came a fierce dedicated worry, a distress not unlike a mother's to a child. They watched in shock and agony as their closest kin and lover found himself lost and helpless against the emotional flood that only rose higher above his head every second.

3

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"It's alright," said Lewis quietly. "This is necessary."

He closed his eyes, focusing on the nuances of the tide of emotion, the subtle shifts in energy, the pace of the pitiful wailing, the depth of the despair.

A breath in...let slowly out.

Eyes opened.

Now.

"Go to him. Comfort him as best you can. Show him he is loved."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

The two froze at first. It was their natural instinct to give the man space to simply be and calm down, especially considering he had fought with them literally moments before.

However though, Utterson shook it off and took the lead, coming to his side and taking a seat on the ground with him. It was a overwhelming, seeing his cousin so torn apart and beside himself, and he wasn't even sure he could muster enough sympathy, having taken part of a spat, but this was just all circumstance. He would never leave loved ones to suffer alone, or as Richard would've put it, he was too stubborn to know when to quite.

So with a sigh, he settled himself into a proper sit and weaved his arm around Enfield's. The man shuddered with a rough gasp, his eyes wild with shock and sorrow, his form pulled up from the ground and turned to face him. A number of frightened, panicked thoughts rushed around his head as everything came back to him but he pulled out of them by a tight, impossibly warm hug, it's raw affection and regard blowing them back into their shadowy origin.

Its grip held him there, in consciousness, keeping him in a temporary state of bewilderment while Utterson spoke to him.

" Hey now Dote...

It's ok, it's ok...I'm here now. You don't have to cry.

Muintir is here... "

Richard shook, struggling to find his words, when Gabriel held him closer, tucking his head over his shoulder for greater comfort.

" Shh! Shhhh...

It's alright. You don't have to say a word...

Just keep yourself together now...Dry your eyes...

A star can't shine if it lets itself flicker. "

-

Desirae was locked where she stood.

Her heart drummed in her ears as she watched the three on the ground, a firm hesitance about her.

Who could have predicted that the day it was even mentioned that Enfield would need to hit rock bottom would be the very same day that it happened? And right after he downright blew her off and snapped? After he left her with little more than a snarl?

Her tears were still fresh on her cheeks, new ones still coming down...

The dancer blinked, swallowing a breathe she didn't know she needed.

Why was he here anyways? Why did he leave just to come back and weep here? Did he think better of himself or was the deception purposeful? If so, why?

A shiver ran through her body as she took a step back. All the fierce emotion still clung to the back of her mind, any thought kicking it up like sand in water. She wanted to be next to him now more than ever, to cradle his heart into hers, but her heart and mind simply couldn't be moved. A burn is a burn, and right now, its heat could still be felt in the tender center of her being.

Desirae huffed as another wave of sobs overtook her.

She couldn't make herself go there. She couldn't make herself forget a wound just inflicted, make herself even force it away....

In his time of need; where she promised to be there for him when he was his weakest, his most desperate, and she could barely muster the strength to consider it.

A tremendous grief wracked her chest, the icy wave of her perceived personal failure washing over her, locking her own cries in her throat for them to simply tear her apart there.

What a wife you are What a wife you are What A Wife You Are

WHAT A WIFE YOU ARE...

Worst thing about it though was that she understood why she hesitated and why it was probably better that she did...

see more

2

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Weir looked to Desirae, then to Enfield, and back, with a meaningful expression that conveyed to her the sentiment, "You do what you need to."

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

She caught with his look a threw back a sharp bitter look of her own.

Her eyes flicked from him to Richard then cast themselves down as she sucked in a thin breath.

She couldn't go over there, she couldn't! What morale could she give with her heart in a twist like this?

No she won't go and ruin everything! She'll just stand back and--

Desirae felt a jolt down her spine, her eyes looking up to catch Richard's broken ones. Their despair could be easily felt from where she stood, a quiet fear spilling in the back of their depths. They saw her private dismay just as much as they showed his own.

The world around her seemed to stop, frozen in motion as the dancer observed this. They were both absolute messes right now. Didn't that show how much they care? Why give in to their own anguish at all if not for that?

Her emotional tide started pulling back, her gaze reflecting her thoughts.

GODDAMN if they weren't catastrophes and GodDAMN if they even thought to be catastrophes away from each other!

With this thought came fierce and volcanic resolve, the world around her coming back into focus. Her gaze lay dead set on their target and her legs worked themselves into a run.

It was like a lightning strike when she came on the scene. The sheer emotion on the scene almost made it hard to focus but it was missed what happened next.

With a pounce, she took him by the collar and thrust herself upon him, a hard slap and kiss following in quick succession. Utterson fell back, letting her take the lead and give her space.

When they pulled back to breathe, she wasted no time letting her feeling be known the way she knew best.

" [ Don't you THINK you can get away from ME so easily!!!

Heaven help you if you think that YOU can hide out here and NOT have to FACE ME! WE'RE GOING TO BE AWFUL, UNHAPPY PEOPLE TOGETHER or NOT AT ALL!! You hear!?

I have LOVED you for TOO LONG for you to have to hide from me, ALRIGHT! I'll BEAT IT INTO YOU IF I HAVE TO!

F*CK!!! I'll make you know even if you DON'T WANT TOO!! ] "

All the while, as she let her heart out, Richard's own went from confusion to a weak and trembling joy, not yet strong enough to stand alone. Between Gabriel and Desirae, it was almost impossible to ignore his pain and turmoil. To his world of hurt, they had love twofold more and all sorrow was for naught.

This however was just light in his eyes. His heart still hung heavy with all that he had done and all the worry and stress he had caused them. Nothing could replace all the venom he had spit their way, how many times he had blocked his reason with ego, how he had chosen to bury himself in temporary pleasures when he had the best two people on earth to spend his days with...

Richard choked on a sob as he untangled himself from Desirae. He tried to smile, looking between all three present, but it feel apart and left him back in the same place before. He hid his face into his palms, unable to suppress any feeling in the heat of the moment.

Utterson saw this and, with a soft prod, pulled out his handkerchief that Desirae had used on him. He offered it without a word, its message clear as day.

see more

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

Weir allowed himself a small but genuine smile, unseen by Enfield.

He nodded his approval, support, and encouragement to Utterson and Charbonneau.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Richard looked up and, with a brief glance at Utterson, took the hankie with a wavering breath.

He wiped his tears away and blew his nose hard and thorough, cleaning himself up the best he could. He muttered to himself, it tone sardonic yet lighter in spirit.

" You're all goddamn fools...Fools for having done this...

You've just needed to leave me be... "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Lewis simply shook his head. They wouldn't leave him. They absolutely wouldn't.

"Every one of us is here because we choose to be. Because we want to be.

"And I, for one, am no fool," he finished with a teasing and obviously well-intentioned play at self-conceit.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago • edited

Enfield chortled unintentionally though his gloom still hung heavy.

" If you're not a fool, then I am...

You could've had a break but you decided to sit out here with me instead. "

There was some humor in this but it mostly aimed at himself. He looked around.

" You all had the opportunity finally rest... "

" And that was your first mistake. I will only rest when I know I've done my job. Leaving you here to weep would be far from responsible. "

He felt his cousin's hand tug at his ear.

" Plus you gave me a little grief earlier, so I have to repay the favor. "

A tired, playful smile.

" I wouldn't be a true lawyer otherwise. "

1

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago

"Nor would I be true to myself, if I'd merely kept my arse indoors," added Lewis with a little chortle.

1

•Share ›

Avatar

The Fox  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Though English wasn't her first language, she gathered the general tone easily. Her rebuttal came with her fingers lacing with his.

" [ You know I was going to hunt you down at some point, so no use arguing with me. ] "

Richard wanted to retort but held back. Instead, he merely slumped down against his knees.

What could he say now that would change anything? Nothing he said had dissuaded them before, why would that change now? For f*ck's sake, he just curse out the both of them and already had fight with Lewis...

He looked back up briefly, looking at his hand with Desirae's.

Enfield knew that she wasn't fine with him, not right now. Neither was Gabriel. He knew well enough that he had an absolute ass of himself and more today and he had bit the hands that feed him hard. He knew it the moment he had gone half way down the street. It was like lead had been dropped in his stomach. The sudden return on his conscience struck his mind and sent it falling into the edge of his being.

And that compelled him to come back. He didn't want to. There was a whole city he could tramp about; old sights to see again, drinks to be had, girls to be charmed. But privately, he knew it solved nothing and cause more problems than he would like. Huh...To think that he cared about how he caused problems...

" Richard... "

Utterson's voice pulled him back to the situation at hand.

" Richard... "

" Yes? "

" S-since we're all here now and being open with you, I would you tell me why. "

His blood immediately went cold while Utterson continued.

" I want to know why, fully and truly, why you did what you did... "

It was like something rotten had just been gutted. The look on Enfield's face was one of disgust, fear, and immense bleeding regret.

see more

3

•Share ›

Avatar

Jekyll1886  The Fox • a year ago • edited

Weir looked at Utterson quizzically, not knowing whether his friend meant the recent fight or whatever incident had first driven Richard and Gabriel apart some three years ago.

Given the delicate nature of the moment, however, Lewis didn't press the matter, instead supposing Enfield's answer might clear it up.

2

•Share ›

Powered by Disqus

Subscribe

Add Disqus to your siteDisqus' Privacy Policy