ROLEPLAY HQ - just-one-more-thing

Black desk organizers held neon post it notes, bright pens, and rubber bands. A small black cube spit out green paper clips when she needed them. Any splash of color helped in the sea of gray cubicles. Five minutes left until she could leave. Her start menu had been up and the mouse had been hovering over shut down for almost a minute. Tyler looked around for something to do to kill time. As a co-worker eyed her stapler she remembered how many sets of sticky finger she worked with. Putting all but her keyboard in a drawer that locked would take a minute or two. Her mouse pad, desk organizers, and small desk lamp barely fit in the bottom drawer. She opened the taller cabinet where her jacket and purse hung. Time left: four minutes. She hung her jacket over her chair and tossed her purse next to her desk after grabbing the wad of keys out of an outside pocket. All of the cabinets were closed. What she intended to take with her at the end of the day was out, so she could lock everything up. The pile of manila folders on the edge of her desk hid work left to be done. Even with three minutes left her cubicle phone was still ringing with demands. Figures, the last day before vacation everyone was out to ruin her mood. Managers were yelling and demeaning everyone, co-workers were snippy and rude to one another. Even Tyler couldn't help but be upset. The difference was she was just upset at the situation, not anyone in particular. A few deep breaths. Two minutes. Finally the desk phone stopped ringing and gave her headache a break. She rubbed the edges of her face and closed her eyes to hide the fluorescent lights. Having to pull every little strand of wavy dark hair up into a tight bun very early in the morning left her with headaches. That's it, one minute and the shutdown button was clicked. Tyler pulled her three quarter lengths jacket on and buttoned it. November was very windy and she had parked on street level today. After pulling her purse over her shoulder the last checklist: keys and cell phone in hand. Her black coat hid the bright magenta blouse and allowed her to blend in with the office. The wood framed elevator doors had a typed note let her know stairs were her only option. Oh well, even in heels and with stairs, her day was done. For two weeks she did not have to come back. First paid vacation, and in time for her twenty first birthday. It would be chilly, but she was going to the summer house with Lexa and that was always fun. As the door slammed to the stairwell she was finally alone. For a moment Tyler leaned against the wall trying to hold her tears of frustration back. With her free hand she pulled the hair band out and shook her head until all of her hair fell mid back and part of her headache disappeared. A deep breath and she started down the stairs slowly. Walking in heels was a work in progress and the last thing she needed to do was fall down the cement stairs and spend her vacation in the hospital. The street level of the parking garage wasn't sunny. Somehow it had never occurred to Tyler that the weather wouldn't work with her. Instead of paying attention to walking she looked outside and tripped. The contents of her purse slid under the car next to her. At least it was an SUV and she could get under it easily to collect everything. She kicked off her heels and shoved her keys into her pocket. It only took a few minutes to collect everything and shove it back into her purse. Tyler scooped her shoes up into her arm and rushed to her car in the next bay. Naturally her keys were no longer in her hands. She knew she shoved them into her purse, and after digging through it, she dumped in on her hood. Still no keys and now in tears she threw everything back in her bag and grabbed the spare key in the magnetic box under her passenger side. At least without the heels on she could move quicker. After throwing her purse and heels into the passenger seat she got in and started the car.

09:07

The last gas station was about twenty minutes from the summer house, but Tyler liked having more than half a tank, especially out in the middle of nowhere. The skies passed through the shades of gray to black. High winds and a swift chill in the air all pointed to rain, and most likely flooding the roads. Tyler paid her bill, sipped her soda, and called Lexa. She was in charge of getting food and stuff. Four rings gave her time to move her car away from one of the two pumps the station had. “Chick!” Lexa sounded out of breath. “I'm not even out of work yet.” She continued counting the register. “What does the weather look like there?” Tyler was checking Jordan on her smart phone. “Uh... Maybe a little rain?” The bay windows of the store still let small rays on sun in through the thick dark clouds. “Yeah, flood warning here until early A.M.” Tyler knew she had to be quick in getting to the house before she lost the back roads in a flash flood. “I haven't packed yet. Probably won’t get outta here for another hour... So I guess I could leave early morning and get up there by eight.” Lexa had planned to be on the road by now. “Looks like hell of a storm tonight. That works.” She agreed. “You know where the spare key is.” “I gotta go before it down pours.” Tyler put the car in drive and looked around. “See ya in the morning.” “Bye” Lexa hung up apologetically. Tyler sped toward the summer house in attempt to beat the rain. That was one of the problems with a summer house a mile from the east coast, large storms were something to get used to. The nice part was that it wasn't very developed. There were still at least five to six hundred yards between houses, trees still grew right to the cracked old roads. Some roads weren't paved and had only been beaten down tire trails. After the first dirt road the trees got taller and branched over the road. Ten minutes from the summer house and droplets started to fall. The Oak trees reached each other over the road and shielded the first few minutes of the storm. Her dashboard lights shut off and the car slowed from her standard fifty miles per hour. All Tyler could do was pull to the side of the road as her Kia came to a stop. “No!” She slammed on the steering wheel as the trees started to give way to the rain. The tall trees that sheltered the road and acted as a net to catch the small droplets of rain that couldn't wait until dusk. The quiet roads listened to the thickening forest sing. As she reached the worst place to get stuck, Tyler's car slowed to a stop and would not turn on again. The droplets turned into streaks of water as Tyler popped the hood. Her door creaked on its hinge and the slam echoed. She had already had a bad day, and it was not getting any better. After staring at what she thought was the engine she threw her hands up in frustration.

09:08

"I know nothing about this!" She screeched. The trees gave way to the buckets of ice water. She stomped back to her diver side door, jerked up on the handle and the door didn't move. Tyler leaned against her car as the rain rolled off of the trees a little harder. "This is not fair!" She yelled to the empty road as she stuck her hand in her pockets. Her nails clicked on her phone and she took a deep breath. Lexa would be able to save her by calling someone nearby. "Does it look horrible out? I'm watching the news" Lexa asked picking up her phone. "I locked my keys out of my broken car, it’s raining wet ice, I'm too far from the summer house to walk and I'm sad," Tyler whined into the phone. Lexa readjusted her phone and looked out the bay window at the front of the store. Streaks of people ran for cover from the icy rain. "I'm sorry, I can ask Your character to pick you up… He should be passing you soon anyway." Lexa suggested. "Your character?" Tyler momentarily forgot about the issues in her life. Lexa stared out the bay window as two cars slide into each other. "Sorry I'll call him I gotta go." "No don't call-" She hung up and ran out to help. Tyler closed her phone and looked up the road. A few yards up the road turned into a watery blur that encompassed her. "Great. Just great! I go to escape my crazy life and relax, and what happens? Mother Nature decides that I must be punished, and I realize that I'm talking to myself but I don't care! This sucks a lot! My car is broken! My keys are locked in the broken car! My clothes are in the locked broken car!" She paused and turned around to look at the current trouble in her life. "Stupid freakin' car!" She yelled and kicked the tire halfheartedly then jumped around holding her foot. "Smart move Tyler, kicking the car with your bare foot. Surely it must have learned its’ lesson by now!" She yelled. Two hours later she sat against the side of her car soaked to the bone. Her jeans hung heavy on her bright colored toes, and her sweatshirt no longer kept her warm. In fact it was making her colder because all it was doing was soaking up water. A few minutes later her phone rang with a happy bouncy song in the wheel well she shielded from the rain. She contemplated not answering in spite of its’ cheery ring. "Hey," She answered to Lexa. "He'll pick you up on his way through." She reassured her. "I won't be here! I will not be anywhere near him." Tyler complained. "Come on Tyler he's the only one who's anywhere near you." Lexa tried to bargain with her.

09:08

"I choose to drown first" Tyler crossed her arms and looked up at the trees. "To be realistic you'll probably freeze first. I'm pretty sure you can swim." Lexa answered. "I'll see you tomorrow." Tyler sighed and they both hung up. What seemed like the only thing she could do so she didn't have to see Your character was walk. By now night had taken over and there was no source of light anywhere. The only issue was she was sure she had waited too long to walk, she could no longer feel her hands or feet. Most of her arms and legs were almost numb as well. Even after her eyes had adjusted she still could at best, feel the pavement with a mud film over it. She started walking along the edge of the road, one foot on the pavement and one foot off. The ground dissipated from under her feet and she landed face down in flooded gravel and thorns. Tyler felt a few thorns pierce each hand as she frantically pushed her face out of the water so she could breathe. She was less than twenty feet from the car and already she could taste blood. Pulling herself back up to the road she felt more thorns in different places. She crawled back to her car so there was no chance of going off the side of the road again. Her forehead hit her bumper and she just laid down. Finally she could no longer hold back the tears. Tyler pulled her arms under her head so she wouldn't have her face in the water again. At the very least she could tell Lexa that she did practically drown trying not to be anywhere near her car when Your character arrived. She was in front of her car so she didn't have to worry about getting hit. She didn't worry about much anymore. An eternity (and several tears) later a black sedan pulled through the rain and stopped alongside of her car.

He had just been finishing up in his office when his phone rang. It was the standard type of ringtone, he had never bothered to change it. He saw Lexa’s number on his screen and sighed. “What?” He said picking up. “Well, aren’t you a ray of sunshine today.” He heard on the other side of the phone. He scoffed. “You looked outside? There is no reason for me to be a ray of sunshine today. What do you need?” He asked, not in a mood to waste time. “I need you to pick up Tyler.” She cut right to the chase. He felt his jaw clench together. “Lexa..” he started. “I know I know! But you guys need to get the fuck over yourself. She is stranded in the storm with a broken car. I can’t get out of here for a bit more because someone called in sick. I need you to get her.” She said through the other side of the phone. He rubbed his hand over his face. There was a reason he had never seen her again. A reason nobody knew about. It wasn’t something he could talk about in the open. But he also knew that whatever stroke of bad luck had led her to be stranded on the road had been caused by his actions. “Well?” It sounded impatient from the other side as he had taken too long to answer. “Fine, yes. I will get her.” He answered then and hung up his phone. It didn’t take long before he was driving in the pouring rain. He would have driven faster had he been given the chance, but the vision was terrible and he wasn’t about to crash. The whole time he could feel the tension in his body. There was that fight inside of him that knew he was not supposed to see her, but at the same time longed to lay his eyes on her again. “Get yourself together Jason..” he simply told himself out loud. “You can’t cause her any more harm than you have.” He knew exactly where she was. The moment he concentrated on her he could feel her energy pulling him towards her. He didn’t even need to spot the broken car to know she was there. He pulled up to it and saw the little wet figure that was huddled to

22:44

the front of that car. He reached over and threw open the car door. “Get in.” He simply said to her. His face was not unfriendly, but it wasn’t entirely inviting either as he struggled with himself to just get out and touch her. If she accepted his invitation he would grab a blanket from the back and throw it her way so she could warm herself up and turn on the heating in the car. But other then that he said nothing.

( @Quinn Fox Hey! I wanna take you up on this one bongo_cat

Dm me if you wanna discuss)

The interior light from the car glossed over the raindrops and slick road. Her tyedye hoodie now caked in mud and muted with water, she heard him just fine through the rain. Shouldn’t a life changing storm drown out her problems? Not leave clear echos? As she shifted to stand, numbness turned to sharp pain across her arm, a thorn shifted and pushed past her hoodie into the thick of her forearm. A frozen half hearted attempt to get up fumbled and stopped all too quickly. Come on, don’t do this in front of him. Tyler internally chanted but her body wouldn’t comply. Cold, scrunched up and bleeding she sat against the car bumper. Her pile of messy chocolate hair was soaked and tangled in her hood. Split lip still bleeding, but the cold keeping it from swelling. She was no longer shivering, and still trying to will herself to get up and pretend it was alright.“No thank you.” She stuttered. Her voice barely a frosted whisper. The one thing she was sure of, was he could only make it worse. She had already put her trust in him once before… and look what that got her. Not even an explanation and a goodbye. With the rain beating down over the road and cars, it was highly unlikely he would have heard her, but she had no interest in saying it again.

@Naka in Wonderland

He simply stared at her as she attempted to get up and failed to do so. He saw how soaked she was, covered in mud. He could even see the blood that seeped to have drenched into the wetness of the hoodie. It made him only feel worse for what he had done to her. He had hoped that the bad luck she had gotten had been something the Father had thought off to punish him. That leaving her be would five her the fulfilling life he had hoped to give her. But it had not mattered. Neither of them had gotten what they wanted the day he had twisted fate. Eventually he couldn’t watch it anymore and pulled his hood over his over head and grabbed the blanket from the back seat. He moved out into the pouring rain and easily scooped her up from the ground as if she weighted less then a feather. His hand brushed against the bare skin of her arm and he could feel how cold she was. He needed to get her warmed up. She was a mere mortal, he didn’t know how long she had been in the rain. He placed her into the car and wrapped the blanket around her as much as he could manage. If she struggled against him he would simply tell her to stop acting stubborn. Once he got into the drivers side he just sighed. “Look Tyler. Just ignore me if that is what you need to do. But you can’t stay in the rain. Lexa will kill me.” @Quinn Fox

"My car is broken. My keys are locked in my broken car. My clothes are in my locked broken car. My spare key is in my locked broken car." She paused to feel around her pockets. "I lost my cell phone. I almost drown." Tyler babbled through her tears. Jason was probably the only on in the world who knew so much about her. There was no point in trying to hide anything. She lacked the energy to shiver, shake, or even stand herself up. "I'm bleeding." She continued after he swiped her up. A wince and whimper at shifting thorns. "I'm covered in mud even though the rain should have washed it away. I-" She was going to go back through the earlier part of the day until he stopped her. The warm air in the car stung her face as he situated her. “I don’t want to get the car dirty.” Tyler mumbled and looked over the leather interior. Eyes glossing and tearing as they warmed up. She didn’t want to look at him, that might be it and she’s just sob. Right now she could still find anything else to focus on.

@Naka in Wonderland

“Don’t worry about that.” He instantly told her when she was worried about the car becoming dirty. He didn’t care about that in the slightest. He needed her warm and safe. Even from just being that close to her for the duration of bringing her to the car had made his skin buzz. He had never understood why she did that to him, yet even after three years that effect had never stopped. He looked over his shoulder towards her car. He could break it open, he knew he could. But the problem was that he shouldn’t be able to. “We will get your car later. I know a guy who can fix it.” He simply said to her as he looked down at his phone and looked at the adres that Lexa had texted him. He entered it into the navigation system and then started to drive down that dark road that she had been on alone before him. “What were you thinking Tyler, going out in a storm like this with..” your luck he had wanted to say but he bit down the words. “That old car.” He said instead. @Quinn Fox

“My car isn’t that old” She muttered. Her frozen fingertips traced the palms of her hands for thorns. “Rough day.” There were three right in the thick of her left palm. The rest of the ten-minute drive was in silence. A bridge over the ditch split the trees and hid the driveway to Lexa’s summerhouse. The two tire trails were compacted with gravel as the trees inched in closer. Lexa had always preferred the cabin in the woods feel. She didn’t care to pave or landscape. Nature was quite nice the way it was. A small log cabin less than a mile from the lake was heaven in their eyes. He used to live about a quarter mile through the paths behind the cabin. A road accessible from the other direction. The house was still for sale, and Tyler had to work to keep herself from walking past it when she was here. Lexa’s cabin had a screened in front porch. The old rocking couch against the house was still dry, and the glass table was misted thoroughly… being as close to the corner as it was. Tyler’s wide tired eyes looked through the water blurred window. All the lights were off, and the fireplace was sure to be cold. But it was dry… a few achy attempts to unwrap herself only added to aggravation as she was wrapped so thoroughly. She huffed and gave up, just frowning at the blanket crossed over her chest and tucked. At least she had started shivering. Wet hair stuck to her face and hands tucked under her armpits. Now what? Say thank you and pretend that him leaving didn’t shift her whole life? Didn’t give her class A trust issues and mark the start of her life spiraling?

@Naka in Wonderland

So many things went through his head during that drive. He had not planned to see her again. Even if Lexa and him had always stayed friends, he had not planned to be here with her. He knew it had been a dumb choice.. he even knew that the only reason he had not turned on Lexa as well was because he knew it would create the option to get back to her, to always know a way to know how she was. He had pretended otherwise, but whenever Lexa talked about her he was just happy to know the Father had not claimed her just yet. His hands both grasped into the steering wheel simply to not let them wander towards her. This undeniable pull he felt for her, it was another reason he had stayed away. They finally pulled up into the driveway of the cabin and he stopped the car. His eyes watched her as she struggled to get out of that blanket, yet she seemed to refuse to ask for his help. He should be glad she hated him, but he was not. Eventually he could not watch it anymore and reached over to help her out of the grasps of it. “Let’s get you warmed up inside.” He said, glad to at least see her shivering now. He got himself out of the car and opened the door on her side to let her out as well. @Quinn Fox

Tyler shifted as he helped unwrap her arm. A wince at her shoulder as she helped get rid of the blanket. For a moment, his knuckles brushed the back of her hand and she closed her eyes dragging in a deep breath to steady herself. He’s a douchebag, and she is mad. That is what this is. She reminded herself. It didn’t take her very long to shuffle through the rain and grab the fake rock near the door. A spare key tucked away. This would be so much easier if that was true. If she could hate him with all the energy she had. All the hurt she tucked away… but so much of her life had changed, and made her reevaluate. The creak of the heavy front door offered shelter from wind and rain. Her small steps stopping on the mat by the door. That’s it. He could go. Right? She wouldn’t have to keep herself from crying, like she wanted. From just letting it all go to hell… and he could go back to wherever he went before. Lexa would back her. She hadn’t told him about the big things in the past. She had chosen Tylers side and never told her she had any contact with Jason. (As far as Tyler knew) All she had to do was wait for her to get here and her best friend would fight him for her. Cause she really didn’t want to. Like every day on the way back from the lake, she stripped off her top layers and tossed them in the basket. She hadn’t heard him follow… and was hoping he just wouldn’t. She didn’t have her clothes, or her bag. There was probably wood already near the fireplace… as it was the main source of heat. An interesting construction of a Russian masonry heater the girls had tried some years before. It wasn’t perfect… but it worked well. The front of her shoulder was still dripping from the thorns her hoodie had dragged across and out. Yeah it was blood, but that wasn’t a whole reason to panic. The mud in her hair was ticking her off more. It would take time for the water to heat once she turned on the power… and getting her long hair clean would be a pain in the ass

07:02

@Naka in Wonderland

She might have thought he would just drive off and perhaps he should have. But seeing her in that state, he could not leave her alone. She was hurt, shivering and dirty. How could he just turn around and pretend once again that he did not need her. So instead he followed her up to the door and watched as she opened the door up with the spare key that was near te entrance. He was wet from the rain, yet it had been so short it had not even drenched his coat and he took it off and placed it on a hook near the door. He knew this cabin, he had been here before, even if had been a while. He wiped his wet dark brown hair away from his face before he noticed that she had already started to peel off the wet clothing from her body. He instantly turned away wondering if she even knew he was still behind her, the rain after all was quite loud of the roof. He cleared his throat then, making her aware he was still there though he kept his eyes averted, unable to see the cuts on her body caused by the thorns. He knew she needed something dry if she was going to warm up. He took of the sweater he was wearing, leaving him in a simple tight white t-shirt that he wore underneath. “Here, wear this.” He offered her before he moved over to the heater and starting to stack wood into it in a matter that would light up. @Quinn Fox

Tyler glanced over her shoulder as he cleared his throat. “What like you’ve never seen me naked before?” Her teeth chattered between words filled with exhaustion and defeat. Her hand brushed his as she took the sweater. It was that or stay naked wrapped in a blanket… So. Sweater it was. Thankful he headed into the Livingroom to start the fire, she stripped the last bit of wet clothing off. The thick blue knit sweater hung well past her hips. The iciness of her arm across her chest made her shudder as she tried to push the sleaves up as she walked. The electrical box was beside the washer under the stairs. Turning it on would do nothing more than start the hot water heater. The switches and outlets in the house were an addition, running along the base of the wall and up to their places in black insulated tubing. While she hoped to just go hide in the bathroom, or one of the bedrooms… the room that would heat the fastest was the living room. She stopped in the doorway just to look him over. He seemed healthy. The thick scent of winter pine in the sweater was exactly how she remembered it. The well-stocked fire dripped warm light across old furniture. The couch was mustard colored and well made. Oversized pillows fluffed along the high back and a throw blanket was folded neatly across it. The claw foot wooden side tables held knickknacks and pictures of the two girls growing up together. She wrapped the blanket over her legs and sat in the middle of the couch. Tired amber eyes just quietly watching him build the fire and move around the familiar house. How many times had she wished for this? Wished for more… now all she wanted was to shower enough to wash everything away and tend to her cuts and scrapes and damaged ego.

@Naka in Wonderland

He would look exactly as she had remembered him. Because of what he was he didn’t age much. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular chest, something that showed off wel in the white t-shirt that he was wearing. His dark almost black hair was short and would hang messily around his face with how wet it was. His eyes a piercing grey green. It didn’t take him long to get the fire going and soon the heat of it started to fill the room. H tended it for just a little while longer, making sure it would keep going and not die out as quick as it had started. He turned around to find her curled up on the couch. He wanted nothing more but to sit down next to her, but he knew that would be a bad idea. So instead he grabbed one of the wooden chairs from the dining table and turned it around near the fire. He sat on it backwards, leaning his arms over the backrest as he looked at her. He wanted to ask her so many questions. Seeing her dressed in his sweater brought back so many memories that it almost pained him. He didn’t regret saving her.. but he regretted what it had brought her. “I will only stay till Lexa comes back. Then I will out of your way again.” He told her as his eyes never seemed to leave her. A weird mix of longing, regret and hurt written in his eyes as he took her in. He thought she was beautiful, even with all the mud clinging to her. @Quinn Fox

Tyler's gaze dropped, tears betraying her before she could wipe them away. "Youre good at that. just. going." Anger did very little to hide the hurt. Lexa wouldnt be able to get in until tomorrow evening... so it was going to be a very long 24 hours. She cleared her throat. "Can you check the rooms and see if we left any clothes behind?" Tyler asked without looking at him. Anything to create distance. To let her cling to al the anger she had over how he left. Cause those emerald orbs always showed care, even when he was being a jerk.

@Naka in Wonderland

Her words only hurt him more and her tears made him ache to hold him. He wanted to say so many things back to her. If only she knew the truth. If only she knew how much he had sacrificed to keep her alive. But she would never know, could never know even. “Alright..” he said simply, a hint of defeat in his voice. He knew she did not want him here, but he could not bear to leave her alone in that cabin. Not while Fate was after her life. Knowing the string of events she had described that had let her to be stranded on that road. Something was going on with her and he could not leave her to handle that on her own. He moved up the hallway of the cabin and started to check the room, opening wardrobes and closets to see if there were any clothes left behind. He didn’t find much to start with, but eventually he found some. He hung them over his arm and leaned in the door frame for just a second as he looked back towards the bed that was covered in a small layer of dust. They had spend the night together so many times in that bed. He could still remember the feel and warmth of her body against him. It made knowing she hated him even more unbearable. “I found you some.” He said then as he eventually made his way back and placed them on the couch with her. @Quinn Fox

Tyler sighed and flopped back as he left. Finally alone she took a deep shakey breath. The sweater pulled and tugged as she shifted and started to close her eyes. She was too cold and too tired to stay conscious. The heavy scent of winter pine just felt like home. The metallic taste in her mouth easy to ignore. Maybe she’d wake up and he’d be gone, and she wouldn’t have to stop herself from asking him to hold her. To just let the world turn without them for a few minutes. It sounded perfect, but the idea of it disappearing from under her kept her from blurting it out. Her face tucked into his collar she was out cold when he returned. The clothes falling on her bare feet still icy at the other end of the couch.

@Naka in Wonderland

When no responds came from her he walked around the couch only to find her out cold on that couch. He couldn’t help but feel a smile tugging at his lips as he watched her. She looked so peaceful in that moment. He pulled the blanket further over her, tugging her in so she wouldn’t be cold before he sat down near her head on the couch. He couldn’t help himself as he gently brushed his hand over her cheek and moved his fingers towards her lip. His finger tips glowed faintly as he healed the split in it just far enough that it would no longer be uncomfortable for her. He did the same for any other wounds he might have found. They would still be there, they would just be more healed then they should have been. But even after that his hand stayed to rest along her jaw, his knuckled brushing along her cheek. The fire roared at them as it heated the room, the only sound that was heard the crackling of the wood as it got burned up. This was Lexa’s fault.. could she not have called anybody else but him. @Quinn Fox

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Don’t you tell me what to do!

She leaned into the warmth of his hand. A calmer sigh as his hand moved. Each bit of shifting met with sleepy compliance. The dip of the couch replaced by a warmer familiar pillow. Her hear rested on his lap and a quiet hum faded back into sleep. The shower would be hot soon enough, and when she woke she would definitely race for it. The simple comfort let her sleep peacefully. Something that had evaded her for a long while. Settling for broken rest and nightmares over the past year or so was understandable given everything that had happened. At least that was what her therapist said. That didn’t weigh her down now. Feeling of home snuggled against her and warmth finally winning out over stinging cold. Though it wouldn’t take long for her to wake.

@Naka in Wonderland

The way she leaned into him and had soon shifted herself into his lap made his heart ache only more for her. He had convinced himself he could be without her, yet even after three years the simply feeling of her skin against his send shivers through him. She as made for him. He had once believed Fate herself had created her just to be with him. But that believe had soon been broken when he had learned she had been fated to die. He sloughed down just a bit, pulling her gently towards him so her head was resting on his stomach. How could a human be as perfect as she was? @Quinn Fox

That was the problem with being unconscious... She wasn’t there to argue with herself or stand in her own way. As she shifted on him her palm rested in the center of his chest. Steady heartbeat offering more peace. She curled into him with her face tilted toward his. Warm breath across her ear making her other hand rub the wet hair off her earring. These last three years were an exercise in growth. In rolling with the punches. So much had happened, at one point Lexa had pulled her out of a bar, set on making awful decisions. If it wasn’t for her friend… her life would be extremely different now. Comfort and fun was no longer her goal, it was straight survival and going unnoticed. Losing her parents, her business… almost her life. It all spiraled so quickly her long term boyfriend didn’t even rate top five in things that had almost broke her. Snuggled up warn to the sensation of home, rest and comfort allowed for at least a few hours of quiet. Her hand never leaving his heartbeat. The fire cracked and burned until the light from it started dimming. Embers were still plenty warm and the house was now a reasonable temperature. With the damp mud now drying on her skin, she was starting to shift uncomfortably.

@Naka in Wonderland

Those few hours that she was asleep were bliss for Jason. For a bit he could simply forget about everything that had happend between them. About how he had made her hate him on purpose in an attempt to keep her safe from Fate. Learning now that it had helped nothing at all to keep her comfortable only added to the heartbroken feeling he had felt for her. He had left her to face those things all alone and for what? For her to be miserable anyway. He felt her slowly stir, knowing she was close to waking up. He would have pulled himself away from her, had she not laid herself on top of him the way she had. He was stuck unless her completely picked up her front. So he just stayed there, wondering what she would do. @Quinn Fox

Tyler rubbed her eyes and grumbled. Tired gold orbs looked at the white shirt she was laying on in confusion. Why is it warm? Her fingers slid over his chest for a moment before the green orbs above caught her attention. Confused golden gaze holding relief for a flash of a moment before dull anger pushed up off his chest. She couldn’t really yell at him. She was on top of him. Tyler fumbled as she stood quickly. A turn so he couldn’t see her face blush, nervous hands tugged the hem of his sweater as far down as it would go. “Uh. I’m. Going-“ she pointed to the front door before fully gaining her bearings. “To shower.” Tyler scurried away to the bathroom. The clothes left on the couch and frankly not noticed when she woke up snuggling her ex. The shower running to let the pipes warm, she picked leaves from her hair and got rid of as much dirt as possible before getting in. The rain still thumping on the tin roof and thunder threatening a much longer storm than anticipated… hot water ran over aches and scrapes, brown water swirled with rose down to the drain as she finally looked herself over. Her arms must have hurt so bad because of the cold. Tiny cuts pink and far less deep than they had felt. Her shoulder rotated a few times, ache fading with the heat. After half a bottle of Apple Vanilla shampoo… her hair was free of mud and sticking to her back. Conditioner and a razor helped her clean away the day… and avoid thinking about the conundrum in the living room. What if she called Lexa? Could she get here any faster? Kick him out now? The warm fluffy towel dried away the shower. A blow-dryer she usually didn’t bother with, but she had been soaked to the bone and any water was just too much. Thick lotion helped with the dry skin.. and antibiotics for the cuts across her collar bone. They were the deepest and still bleeding. (Having been hid by the sweater) Still with a few band aids they were fine. Dry, wrapped in a towel, and out of things to do in the bathroo

09:40

m… now what? She asked her reflection in the mirror. Still as lost and confused as when she started.

@Naka in Wonderland

He watched as she jumped up from his chest. He could see that slight blush on her face before she turned around and simply stormed off, announcing she was going to shower. “Wait Ty!” He shouted after her but she was already off. “I found clothes..” he said as he sighed at the same time. She was never going to forgive him for what he had done. He couldn’t blame her. He grumbled softly underneath his breath before moving to the fire, reviving it by placing more wood on top. By then the room was nice and warm and inviting. He took the wet clothes she had taken of herself and hung them out over the chair so they could dry by the fire. He simply needed something to do with his hands while he knew she was in that shower. She had crawled into him in her sleep. Surely she didn’t hate with all she had like she made it out to be. His eyes stared towards the bathroom door, knowing she was in there. He took the clothes from the side of the couch and moved towards the bathroom knocking softly on the door. “I have clothes for you. Surely you wouldn’t want to wear my sweater the whole night.” He said to her, holding them out so if she opened the door she could grab them. @Quinn Fox

Long done with the shower, his soft knock made her jump. His sweater? Yeah, she would want to, but it was wet, muddy, and had a little of her blood on it. The door cracked letting steam pour out as her manicured square nails extended waiting for the clothes. A handful of folded clothes met her palm and she pulled them in. “Thank you.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat as she closed the door. A thin pair of pajama pants, underwear, and a matching tanktop. So that’s where her most comfy jammies disappeared to. A sports bra was better than nothing… though a real bra would have been preferable. She tugged the clothes on quickly. Bra strap and tanktop sitting over the few bandaids on her collar. Good enough. After tying the draw string on the pants, she pulled her hair over one shoulder and glanced at herself in the mirror. Not the bad bitch look she would have hoped for running into her ex. But things rarely worked out like they should. Tyler cracked to door and peeked out, hoping he had returned to the livingroom or something and she could sneak past and go upstairs. If she locked herself in a room. There would be no way for her to get closer without admitting it to him… which was something she refused to do. He hurt her, and then left. There is no going back to someone who hurt you. Tyler demanded more self respect than that.

@Naka in Wonderland

He felt her grab the clothing, the door only opening a crack as she dragged them towards her. He wanted to grab the door handle and pull the door open, yet he didn’t. His mind so conflicted. He liked to wish she wanted him as much as he needed her. Helping her had been such a mistake, the pull to her to strong. He had wanted to go back to the living room after she closed the door on him again, yet he couldn’t pull himself away from there. So when she opened the door once more, this time dressed and clean, he was right there waiting for him. As she tried to just walk past him he took her arm. His grip wasn’t painful, but it was enough to keep her there as he brought his face close to her. “Do you really hate me this much Ty?” @Quinn Fox

Tyler was surprised when his grip didn’t let go as she tried to pass. She spun on her heel to be met with the same mesmerizing gaze she had dreamt about. Her eyes flicking from him to his lips a few times. he'd said it a few times now. the musical 'Ty' that she had wanted to hear for so long. Right! Stand your ground. She cheered herself on. “I wasn’t the one who was hateful.” She cleared her throat trying to find any kind of reason over the last three years left her with nothing. “You did this. You decided I wasn’t enough, and left. No explanation, no courtesy. Just gone!” Her voice raised as she explained. Being able to finally say it to his face left her words thick with hurt. Realizing she laid her cards out on the table she jerked her arm away. “It would be so much easier if I hated you.” A quiet desperation as she returned to the livingroom. If he followed her to the bedroom, they would end up in bed. That comfort still heavy on her mind... So the fire, and the warmth that was still more appreciated after the storm.

@Naka in Wonderland

I did it to safe you. It laid so heavy on his tongue that it took everything inside him to not say it, his jaw clenching together painfully as she shouted those words at him. He had no excuse for what he had done. He had thought he had done right by her. She pulled her arm away from him, his grip releasing her as she stormed of towards the living room. “I never said you weren’t enough!” He shouted after her. He soon followed, the angry sway of her body feeling like such a giant distraction. He came up behind the couch, his hands gripping into the leather till his fingers turned white. “Are you not even at least a little bit grateful that I came to get you out of the rain?” He said frustrated. “That I put my own feelings aside to not let you freeze in the cold?” He turned then with a scoff. He didn’t know how to go about this. He didn’t want to fight her, yet her hostility was to much for him to handle. “You never even asked me why I left!” Is was the wrong thing to say. @Quinn Fox

"Your number is still disconnected and your house still has a for sale sign in the yard. I called you everyday for a year." She didnt look away from the fire and spoke quietly. It was true. after the shock of their breakup, she'd gone to his house to ask questions... to get answers... but it was empty and he was gone. just as he said he would be. He didnt get to be the victim because he was feeling like an asshole.

10:30

"Here." She slid her phone off the sidetable and chucked at him halfheartedly. "Check the log if you dont believe me." Tyler suggested and wondered if it was best she just leave. It would do her no good to rehash a goodbye that still stung when she sat with it. To admit that Lexa held her for the rest of the summer cause she wasnt used to sleeping without him. that there was a bout with vodka there for a minute after her business was ripped out from underneath her. and she had called his number and left him voicemail after voicemail. Nervous shifting of her weight kept her closer to the fire, and she wished like hell she didnt have to face him. She could lie to herself. Tell herself he had found someone else and long forgotten about her. She shouldnt care about him cause he probably barely remembered her. Tell herself he moved to a different country. got a new job and changed his name. Tell herself anything at made trying to move on easier.

10:31

"Thank you, for not being so hateful as to leave me on the side of the road." She twisted his complaint. They had their hateful goodbye on that very road (Further toward the lake) and that was the last she had saw of him. Put his feelings aside? what was he smoking?

@Naka in Wonderland

His eyes moved to the table and watched her put her phone there. He had done those things. But it had not been for the purpose of her not contacting him, it had been the other way around. He had done it to keep himself away from her. He had been so convinced he was her problem, that she was going through terrible things because it would hurt him to see her that way. Fate loved playing games, it was one of her talents. Always surprising in the ways she could torture a person. “Fine.. Tyler, you win.” He said, throwing his hands up into the air. “I don’t deserve you. That is exactly what I told you that day and I still stand by it.” He said into the air as his eyes stared into hers. He swallowed away his tears, feeling that lump in his throat. He moved towards the door, on his way to grab his jacket. “I will leave you alone..” @Quinn Fox

"I didnt want dramatics. I just." Was she really trying to find reasons for him to stay? Did she expect him to stay after all his hatefulness? "Im right to feel hurt over that." Questioning in her voice as she tried to asure herself. She figured he was long gone with that eerily quiet walk and out of sight. "Should have just left me at my car." She mumbled the knot in her chest making it hard to breathe. Her nose stung and tears threatened. No, remain tough. Remain angry. A few moments of silence... Maybe he was already gone and this was just a dream to remind her of the hurt that comes with the comfort she woke with.

@Naka in Wonderland

He paused right after he had already opened the door. A gust of cold air running past them and disturbing the warmth of the living room, making the fire roar to life once again. He stared at the soaked ground before he turned around towards again. She was right, he could’t blame her for being hurt. He let her words sink in before he shut the door again, but he remained inside. He turned and walked towards her, only stopped once he was right in front of her. Her hand came up to her chin, gently tilting her head up so she was forced to look at him. “Do you really believe I could just leave you at that car?” @Quinn Fox

Wide eyes watched his feet come back into view like a deer in the headlights. His warm hand was still a welcome sensation on her chin. She drew in a shallow shakey breath, staying as close as he dared to get... Unwilling to move. She was not wrong to be hurt. Damn it. Yes? Was that her answer? No. She thought him too good of a person to let someone go out like that. Alone and slowly leaving this world on some back road. "You said it yourself. Had to put your feelings aside to come to get me." She still couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze. A worried explanation and more tears. She felt childish explaining it to him. How much did he have to hate her to have to put them aside...? Why even bother at that point?

@Naka in Wonderland

“Yes.. because I know what I did to you. I am painfully aware of it every single day.” He whispered to her with the rain still pounding on the roof of the cabin. “I didn’t want to bring you discomfort, I didn’t want you to feel like you had to defend yourself like you are now.” He told her, only moving in closer to her, one hand landing gently on her waist. “I didn’t want to open a wound that might have finally healed over just a bit..” he admitted. He wanted to kiss her, wanted to know for sure he would reject her. If she did perhaps he could leave her alone, knowing she no longer wanted him. He would not force himself on her. It was her choice. “So why do I feel like you don’t want me to leave either?” @Quinn Fox

Of course he had a caring answer. That was the type of person he was. Tylers lips trembled. Well aware of how close they were and how easily she wanted to be in his arms. She had to do better than that. Stay angry. But something he said tugged at her chest. Tyler pulled her chin from his hand even though she didnt want to. Kissing him would be wrong. Wonderful and warm. And wrong. Her forehead against his chest she inched closer. "Why did you have to leave, Jason?" The honest desperation in her voice scared her. What if he doubled down. Was just as hateful? Could she survive it a second time? But her nose was thick with winter pine, and his delicate touch offered hope she had tried to fight off for so long.

@Naka in Wonderland

He wished he could give her the straight answer. That he left thinking he was keeping her safe. That he had angered Fate the day he choose to safe her life. The same Fate that had cursed her with misfortune. If only knew a way to take that back, a way that would still let her live. “I wasn’t in a good place when I left you..” he half lied. It wasn’t entirely untrue. He had never wanted to leave her, it had left him in darkness for a while. “I truly believed you were better off without me.” @Quinn Fox

Her arms snaked around him as he tried to explain. Not that the answer was good enough... Sniffles and tears ran freely because he couldn't see them. Not that he couldn't feel them. Better off without him? She was never happier, felt safer than when he was there. "Everything fell apart after you left." She cried into his shoulder.

@Naka in Wonderland

He breathed out deep through his nose. He wrapped his arms around her small body, feeling the sobs going through her as her tears soaked into his white t-shirt. “I know.. I’m sorry Ty.” He said and he meant it. The worst part of it all was that he had left for no reason at all. Her life had still been shit. Misfortune following her. He needed to find a way to appease Father, to find a way for him to forgive her. Or a way to soothe Fate. He kissed the top of her head, unable to keep himself from doing so. “You should go sleep.. I will sleep on the couch.” He offered her. @Quinn Fox

She nodded in agreement but didnt let go. She wasnt ready to face the fact that she still wanted him, despite everything... Or that she willingly admitted so much to him. The comfort wrapped around her made it okay. She took her time calming against his chest while he waited patiently. This didnt make everything alright... But it was a start. Would it be rude to ask if he would still be here in the morning? tyler nodded and lifted her head to wipe her tears. Sleeping was probably a really good plan. "Ok." Her raspy voice agreed as she looked to the stairs. Still unwilling to move away.

11:27

Eventually she shuffled to the bedroom, trying her best not to find a reason to stay downstairs with him. Exhaustion eon out beforr she could even get under the covers... Light snoring moving her fluffy hair

@Naka in Wonderland

He let go of her when she moved away. There was no use in keeping her there with him. In the morning she would probably have enough energy again to me angry at him. If she did.. he would have to be prepared to leave. He watched her climb the stairs. “Good night Ty.” He said to her softly as she simply disappeared. Jason didn’t need much sleep, one of the nice things about being a celestial. Normally he had enjoyed it. Watching her sleep, hearing her small snores had been a favorite pastime for him. But this time it made the night long and unbearable. Eventually the storm died down and the raining stopped. By morning fall the sun came out bright and inviting. There were branches and leaves everywhere on the property. @Quinn Fox

Tyler woke not long after the sun. One of the habits she found hard to break... Even in the city. Wide away and staring at the warm wood rafters she mulled over the whole last day. Maybe he'd be gone... And that would be it. The longer she laid still the harder she listened for movement. In fact she was sure of it. Some nondescript issue of his would make him think he should leave, and she'd be back at square one. She steeled herself for the idea of an empty living room as she shuffled down the stairs. It would be okay. Lexa would get here in time to go to the lake party... They would still have a vacation. She hit the bottom stair and with trepidation glanced into the living room... Unsure of what would be worse. Him leaving... And her starting to heal all over. Or him staying.

11:43

"Mornin." She waved awkwardly from the bottom of the stairs.

@Naka in Wonderland

He looked up from the couch, over his shoulder as he saw her at the bottom of those steps in those comfy pyjamas. Her hair still a mess from sleeping. He couldn't keep the smile from his face. "Morning." He said, getting up. He had the same clothes on as she day before, he didn't bring a change of clothing to his work after all. In his hand was a mug with piping hot coffee. "Want some?" He asked, walking to the kitchen to show she freshly brewed pot. "You still drink if with one sugar? I am afraid there is no cream at the moment." He said remembering she used to take it with both. If she said yes, he would fill a mug and hand it to her. @Quinn Fox

"Yeah, in my head I was gonna go shopping before Lexa came in." She explain sliding into a seat at the counter. He was already in the small kitchen nook and she wasnt sure how close was acceptable. Awkwardness thick in the air her hands wrapped around the mug and she enjoyed small sips. "So. How long you been talking to Lexa?" She asked her cup more than him. Tyler couldnt get answers if she didnt ask the questions. It was such an easy call to make for her. How close had he really been all these years? How out-of-the-loop was she? Sure a little annoyance at the idea... But at least she could get answers this time. She could find some kind of peace in whatever was going on. It wasnt just... Ripped away from her.

@Naka in Wonderland

He stayed near the kitchen counter, leaning on it with his arms stretched out. Getting to close now would only bring them back in their old routine. This whole situation feeling so familiar. "Probably two years now." He admitted. He had left for the first year. He had made his way to Florida and stayed there. Yet even after a year he couldn't shake the need to know how she was doing. Once he got back he got in contact with Lexa, knowing he would keep her in check about Tyler even if she didn't mean to. Talking came easy to Lexa. @Quinn Fox

She sipped her coffee and nodded absently. Lexa had never told her they were talking... Or why. Calculating glances across the counter as she kept herself in check. "Where have you been? Sold the house and everything?" She asked stealing a glance. He was neutral... And giving her answers, even if he didnt want to. She was admittedly greatful.

@Naka in Wonderland

"Florida." He said as he took a sip of his coffee. He didn't want to dwell on it. He had gone there, but never enjoyed it. He had always wanted to go back, be with her. He always wondered why it was her that did that to him. It was not even love that he felt for her. It was primal need. Going without it had seemed impossible. "The house never sold. It is still on sale to this day. I still own it technically. Nobody wants a cabin in the woods now a days." @Quinn Fox

Another large swallow of coffee, she tucked her hair behind her ears and drew in a deep breath. "Dated anybody?" She blurted awkwardly. Lexa still heavy on her mind.it would be completely reasonable for her to have left out any talking to Jason. Given two years ago she was knee deep in tragedy. Lexa wouldnt add to it. How would she say that anyway? 'Hey remember the love of your life? Yea. We talk about getting Starbees and my new apartment' she chuckled and shook her head at the thought. She'd have to talk to Lexa later.

@Naka in Wonderland

He could still feel the hostility coming from her. He knew he shouldn’t blame her for that, yet he wished she would act different. She took a deep breath through his nose as he asked if he dated someone. He wondered if she thought that was why he had left. “No.” He said, no hesitation in his voice. He took a last swallow of his coffee. The liquid barely did anything for him. He simply drank it since it was something most people did. “You?” He asked curiosity in his eyes as he watched her. @Quinn Fox

It was hard to hide the relief. So he didnt leave for someone else. It left more curiosity than anything else. All he'd said was he had been in a bad place... Which she didnt really believe because he'd always seemed perfect to her. (Though you never question mental health) Her eyes dropped guiltily/as he asked. "Couple of blind dates Lexa set up." Tyler answered honestly. Defeated sigh as she drew in another deep breath. Worried eyes glanced up for his reaction. Sure she'd be a little annoyed she cared that much... But she'd damn near ruined herself pretending not to.

@Naka in Wonderland

He did find himself biting down on his lip as she said she had been on a couple of dates. Goddamn Lexa.. of course she did though. Even Lexa thought that he had wanted nothing to do with Tyler anymore. He had been convincing.. to convincing. Eventually Lexa had accepted that he left because he needed space. The reason why? He had never cared to say. Eventually she had stopped asking. “I see.” Was all he could say to that. He poured himself another cup of coffee, needing to do something with his hands. Her eyes then went back to hers, meeting those golden orbs. “I just hope you will believe me when I say I never wanted to hurt you.” He said. He had done everything to protect her, even if she didn’t know that. @Quinn Fox

"The last was was really weird and I judt kind of stopped all together." She cleared her throat and babbled... Trying like hell not to tell him she believed him. How stupid did she have to be to believe him like she did. If he didnt want to. Then he shouldnt have. But the remorseful gaze killed most of her anger at the situation. "All he wanted to do was talk about exs and where they were now." She explained. It didnt sit right with her, and Lexa wrote it off far too quick. "Not the best move when I was trying not to think about you." She let her chin dip. This was what she missed. The absolute honesty they always seemed to have. It was just easy to be around him. Comfortable even when she didnt want it to be. "After that ahe couldnt talk me into any more.'

@Naka in Wonderland

He couldn’t keep the smile from his face with that. He finally walked forward, taking the chair across from her. He was sick of staying away from her. He had done that for three years.. he couldn’t do it anymore. He moved one hand, placing it a bit more to the middle of the table. Giving her the option to take it if she wanted to, even if she doubted it. “Dating has never been my thing either.” He chuckled softly. It had felt so natural between them. They had not needed to date, they simply knew they needed one another. At least he did. He studied her face. She was babbling from talking about anything else but what was between them. “Penny for your thoughts?” He offered her. “You know you can yell at me if you want to.” @Quinn Fox

"Im still surprised you're here." She admitted. Gaze locked on his hand between them. "There were so many other times I wished you were there..." Another long sip of her coffee and she set her hands closer to his. It took self to restrain not to hold his hand. Logically she shouldn't be forgiven this quickly. But she had her friend back... And things all felt like nothing had ever changed. "Why did you come back from Florida?" She perked up. Was it when she hit rock bottom two months ago. Did Lexa tell him? He had to already be in town to come get her. Maybe something to do with the house?

He frowned a bit as she asked that question. He came back for her.. unable to bear the long distance. “I wanted to be closer..” he admitted. His hand moved forward, his fingers just touching hers. It instantly send a shiver down his arm. Sh was right there, in front of him. “I left my life behind here, it was wishful thinking of me to think I could just leave.” @Quinn Fox

Her hand rested against his touch. Mug inching closer for more contact. "I thought about just leaving. Kinda like you did. Go somewhere no one knew my name or story. Just... Start over." She liked the sound of it. Being the broken friend got old... And every time she made progress her first thought was to tell Jason. The longer the quiet lingered the more her hand intertwined with his. Trepidation in her eyes as she watched (and enjoyed) every small touch like it might be her last with him. That was something that she never expected. To get to engrave his touch before he dissapeared. At least this time... The care enveloped in his small guestures would be etched in her memory.

@Naka in Wonderland

“I promise it is not as great as it sounds.” He said, a small grin on his face as he watched their hands, how her fingers intertwined with his. Her hand into her tighter. Bringing her hand closer to him and planting a soft kiss on her knuckled. “I can’t explain to you why I left or why I did what I did to you..” he spoke in almost a whisper against her fingers. “But I did everything for you.. It did what I believed to be best.” He met her eyes again. “I am sorry I wasn’t better for you. I should have been.” He spoke to her. He wished he could just tell her, but how could he explain? How could he say she was only alive because he choose to prevent her death? That he was an angel, a protector send to earth by the Father. These were not things you could just blurt out. @Quinn Fox

At least them shed believe his mental health issue. Wasnt in the best place

"Youre not wrong." She agreed. He should have been. "Still dont quite know how you got there."

03:55

"Can I ask a favor?" She cleared her throat. Her eyes were still fixed on their hands together. "If you leave again. Please dont leave without an explanation..." Tyler closed her eyes. The brush of care and touch in his fingertips meant the world to her... And she wasnt sure she could be without it again. "I can do that again. Even if we never pass this part." Her hand squeezes his. "Dont just vanish on me."

@Naka in Wonderland

He smile at her gently. He grabbed her hand with both of his then, holding it in his. “I promise.” He said in a hushed whisper. He could feel her energy seeping into him softly. It wasn’t that he was taking it. He could just feel it radiating of her. He forgot how it felt when she was part of him like that. Her touch a soft addiction that had been hard to quit when he left her. It was one of the reasons he had went so far. “I missed you Ty..” @Quinn Fox

"Ive missed you too." Tyler's voice cracked and she cleared her throat. "What now?" Glossy amber eyes finally met his. She knew what she wanted. To curl up on him and just be... Would that be too desperate? To just forgive it all and have one pleasant piece of her life back?

04:13

There was plenty of stuff she needed to do. Clear the drive for Lexa. Go get groceries for the few weeks they were there... But the idea of the couch with him was foremost in her mind.

@Naka in Wonderland

He chuckled softly as she asked him what now. His eyes watched her, the green of them decorated with playfulness and wonder. He wanted to do so many things with her, but he knew that all of those would be inappropriate right then. It was to soon. Yet Lexa would come here tonight and he knew that he might not get the chance then either. He owed it to her to let her take the first step, not him. “Now we get you something to eat.” He said. He let go of her hand and walked over to the clothes that were drying on the chair by the fire. They had dried just fine, but were covered in mud and thorns. God her luck really was horrible. “If we find something strong we can even try and break into your car so we can get your things out.” He suggested. She couldn’t wear those though and her pyjama pants were not the most impressive thing to go to the store with. @Quinn Fox

"Or we just smash the window..." She shrugged and drew in a deep breath as he let go. The her hand feeling empty, she stood and atarted putting her hair up. Her stomach grumbled at the mention of food. It had been a while since her gas station snacks the day before. "I'll follow your lead." She shrugged and wandered with him toward the door. Maybe he was still struggling... And the couch wasnt on his mind just yet. He was just relieved to see him.

@Naka in Wonderland

“That could work.” He said as she suggested smashing the window. He took both their cups and put them away in the sink before he went over towards his jacket and took it from the hook by the door. “You can wear my sweater again if you want to.” He offered, knowing the weather outside was still chilly. He put the jacket and zipped it up, waiting to see if she would follow his lead. @Quinn Fox

Tyler shrugged as she stood next to him. Cold or not, she didnt want him leaving without her. "I kinda got blood on it." She explained apologetically. "We're going to get my bags anyway. I'll be okay." Tyler reasoned and opened the door for him. The ride back to her car took even less time. The debris scattered across the road was still damp. Drain ditch flowing toward the lake higher than usual. Tyler watched the road and the trees. Nothing had changed since the last time she'd been here... But her hand in his between them. What should she say? Im still scared? You're not entirely forgiven...? Everytime his hand warmed hers most of her fears settled. A flutter in her stomach she'd only felt with him.

@Naka in Wonderland

The ride back to her car almost seemed identical to the one they had made the day before. Neither of them said a word. The only difference was that this time they were holding hands. A small gesture or love that was between them. A sign that something had changed since he dragged her from the soaked road, so cold she couldn’t even shiver. Once they got there he parked his car close to hers and got out from the driver’s side. He walked over to the drivers said and looked at her one more time. “You sure?” If she confirmed that she indeed wanted him to break the window he would take his elbow and give it a hard swing. The glass broke easily, shattering into a thousand pieces as it fell apart and he reached in to manually open the door. “There we go.” He said to her, making way for her to find the keys that she had lost. “Watch the glass.” He said, hoping it would be enough to prevent her from cutting herself. @Quinn Fox

Tyler jumped when he swung his arm into the glass. Hands out and eyes wide with worry. She grabbed his arm to look it over. That kind of thing was done with a window breaker... Not your arm. "Are you okay?" She asked incredulously. Sure the clothes were important, but not break your arm important.

@Naka in Wonderland

He looked up at her, half surprised by her concern about him. "Don't worry Ty." He said and there was nothing to worry about. He had not a single cut on his arm. Even if there had been a small one it would have already healed by then. Another plus of being a celestial. He didn't really get hurt. "I am stronger then I look." He chuckled trying to distract her from the obvious thing that had just happened. "Go get your clothes." @Quinn Fox

"Most people use a tool." She scrunched her face at him. Strong has nothing to do with high-velocity glass. Still the amusement in his gaze caught her off guard. She turned for the car door and reached through to unlock it. Stupid blushy cheeks hard to hide. After climbing around and grabbing an oversized duffle, she collected all her belongings from the car.

@Naka in Wonderland

He followed her with his gaze. Perhaps she was right. Sometime he forgot he was stronger then he should be. He didn’t tend to show it, but some a situation like that he had simply not considered it. “Hey, it worked.” He shrugged putting his hands into the air a bit. He watched as she got the oversized duffle out that was obviously filled with all kind of things. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes a bit. “You sure you got enough to last you a week?” He teased her. “You want to get changed? I can watch the road for you.” He offered. @Quinn Fox

"To be completely honest... I was thinking about quitting." She shoved the bag into the back of his car. "I can change on the way... Grocery shopping is getting higher on my list of importance." She tapped his shoulder playfully and dug through her bags. Jeans and a hoodie tossed upfront with her. (Much like the set she kept for after work)

@Naka in Wonderland

he couldn’t help but frown at her slightly. “Quitting what?” He asked. He had meant if she had brought enough clothing. Because of that it took him a while to understand what she meant. “Your work?” He asked curiously. He watched her take some clothing out of that bag and tossing it into the car. Knowing he was going to be changing right next to him in the car.. It made him clear his throat. “Is it that bad?” He asked, changing the subject back. “So you might be staying here a while then?” He couldn’t help but let that small bit of hope invade his voice. He could move back into his own cabin.. he still owned it. He could be close to her. @Quinn Fox

"Office job... And yeah. Its not great." She spoke over the car before getting in. The slinky pants slid off easy enough and she had to unfold and turn the jeans right side out. "Was gonna stay up here for a bit. Didnt really have a plan." Tyler explained, eyes focused on tucking in pockets and bot putting her pants on backward.

He got back into the car as well and she wasted no time at all with getting herself undressed. It made him swallow, trying to keep his eyes away from her. He starting to drive, knowing she had chosen to put it on in the car so they could get to the store earlier. Yet his eyes kept wandering to that perfect pale skin that had been hiding under those pyjama pants. In the end he couldn’t resist it anymore and his hand landed on her bare leg, instantly feeling those tingled running through him that only she could make him feel. “You can probably find something better.” He said, still not looking at her. “Do you have enough savings to last for a bit if you quit?” He asked. “I can try and help you find something new.” He offered.. not sure if that was a good idea. He probably shouldn’t twist Fate more then he already had. @Quinn Fox

Tyler shimmied her jeans up. She had to lift her hips to get them on and the warmth of his palm startled her for just a moment. It had been a few years since being around someone with that kind of touch. "I really dont know. Was gonna talk to Lexa before I made any decisions." She shrugged. Her jeans buttoning before she yanked her shirt over her head. Tyler pulled her hair over her shoulder and adjusted her new bra in her lap before quickly switching them. It didnt take long, and like she said... He'd seen it before. She tugged the hoodie on and adjusted her hair. "Thank you for offering though." Her hand found his on her leg.

@Naka in Wonderland

It had been so long since he had seen her like that. He couldn’t keep his eyes from straying away. At some point even needing to adjust the steering wheel as he had starting to drive slightly of his line. Luckily it wasn’t busy on the road at that moment. “You are welcome.” He said as she had kept the conversation going the entire time as she was dressing herself. “You are beautiful, you know that Ty?” @Quinn Fox

Tyler's hand hit the roof as she fumbled at the compliment. Trying to put on a hoodie and not be a clutz only worked for so long. She tugged her head through the hole and glanced over at him. Bright pink cheeks and nervous chuckle. He'd said it before. She just didnt think he'd jump back into a routine ao quick.

@Naka in Wonderland

He couldn’t keep the chuckle from his mouth as he saw her jump from the corner of his eyes. She never changed, never knew how to respond to him saying that. He wished she could see it from herself. The hand that rested on his leg simply squeezed her a small bit before he had to move it over to shift the gears of the car as they got to traffic light. “So you got a list of things we need from the store?” He asked her. “We should be there soon.” He said to her as the light turned green and he could go ahead and get on the road once more. At least no more dirt roads for them at that point. “I know we need cream, breakfast..” he mumbled to himself. Trying to give her time to restore from the pinkness on her cheeks. “Are you making dinner?” He asked then, remembering how great her homecooked meals were. @Quinn Fox

"Im not letting Lexa burn it down." She chuckled and nodded yes. It was a rather large list and most of it was memorized. "Again" a small reminder of the pancakes incident.

@Naka in Wonderland

“Hey now, that was.. what? Four years ago?” He chuckled at her. “You can’t keep that over her head forever.” Man they had made so many memories in that cabin. He was glad it didn’t actually burn down that day, but it had taught them to always make sure they had a fire extimquisher near the cabin. “Unless she did it again since Ieft, then yeah. Don’t let her cook.” He chuckled. He could already see the store in the distance and they soon pulled up into the parking lot. “Would you..” he paused, perhaps he shouldn’t.. but she could always say no. “Mind if I stayed for dinner as well?” He asked. @Quinn Fox

She laughed with him. The fond memories chipping away at her uncertainty about him. The small town grocery store had the basics... More than what she'd need for stress baking... And Drinking. She grabbed a cart and wandered the isles with him. "Not tonight? Depending on when she gets in I'll probably just microwave something." She explained. "Or we can do big breakfast in the morning." Tyler suggested. The idea of him just disappearing in the day tomorrow crossed her mind. Maybe just separation for the night?

“Yeah, of course.” He said. Was he pushing his luck? He knew he shouldn’t be around her that much. He needed to give her space after what he did to her. He just couldn’t help but feel like he never wanted to be without her again. But that as a selfish thought and he needed to push it away. “I can come by tomorrow.” He said. “I am not staying at the cabin at the moment, but if I grab some stuff from my place today I could stay till Monday.” He said. He still had work to go to. He still needed money if he was to fit in on the mortal plains. “If you would have me of course.” @Quinn Fox

"Where are you staying now?" She turned the corner into junk food. Her tone a little more worried. It was a delicate balance. She didnt want to just... Be as in love with him as she was.... Fall back into the all-consuming relationship she had mourned for years... Not that it was untrue. She was just scared. Asking too many questions might be the wrong call too. "If Lexa's cool with it so am I." Tyler tossed pretzels in the cart.

(I never saw you replied.. cuz u didn’t tag me xD lol IM SORRY)

08:15

Jason: “I am staying in an apartment closer to my job.” He said, keeping it vague with her. It had been easier.. and being in the cabin meant having the chance to run into her. He had not been able to ear that. “If Lexa’s cool with it so am I.” She said and he couldn’t help but feel a small smile grow on his face. “We will wait for Lexa’s opinion then.” He said. As they walked past a few isle’s he tossed some things in of his own. Keeping them to the side of the cart so he would know what he would need to pay later on. Why not do his own shopping when he as here. “Ooh..” he suddenly said as he walked over to a side basket that had some glazed cookies in them. “You still like these?” He asked, ready to toss them in the basket if she said yes. @Quinn Fox (edited)

"Grab two?" She grinned. Of course he remembered the little things... He always did. Lexa probably wouldn't take issue with him staying... And when they were together... It was almost like they'd never separated

“Two it is.” He smiled at her and grabbed two of them and placed them in the cart at the side where his stuff was. He knew this wasn’t making up for everything, but at least for now he was getting her attention. He was showing her she had never let his mind, that he still wanted her. That was all she could do. “Anything else you need? Or are you ready to check out?” he asked. @Quinn Fox

"Nope, all set." A smile at a very simple exchange. It was so easy to hover close enough to him. She didnt even realize she'd laced her fingers in his while they were waiting in line. Maybe it was just fear he'd leave? Or residual confusion and hurt? Things had seemed to turn around so fast ahe was having trouble keeping up.... But his thumb across the back of her hand definitely made it easier.

@Naka in Wonderland

It was impossible to not simply stay close to her. To want to feel that tingling that she caused on his skin. He wanted to never leave her again and he would try his hardest to make up for the hurt that he had brought her. His hand soon found hers again and did not want to let go. He paid for his part of the groceries and she paid for hers. He helped to pack everything up. “Don’t worry, I got it.” He said to her as he got all the bags in his hands and carried them back to the car. “You want to attempt to get your car to the cabin? You probably can’t just leave it at the side of the road.” @Quinn Fox

After attempting to to help with the bags (and not getting far) she stayed by the cart to chat with him and put it away when it was empty. "Probably should move it." She agreed. "Maybe get it towed out?"

05:24

She rushed the cart back slid into the passenger seat. Her hand finding his again. This was. Better than she had been for a while.

@Naka in Wonderland

“Let’s see if we can get it to work first.” He suggested as she came back into the car. He turned the keys and let the engine roar to life before letting her wrap her fingers in his hand again. “I can take a look at it. I won’t claim to know a lot about cars, but maybe I get lucky. If that doesn’t do it we can call a tow.” He said. He pulled out of the parking lot and it didn’t take long for them to find their way back to that dirt road. The car hobbling along the uneven surface. “So..” He said, trying to make small talk with her. “Tell me more about your life.” He asked. @Quinn Fox

"I thought we were going with a happy hangout?" She joked. A pang of truth in the question... She didnt want to tell him just how bad the few years had been. He'd undoutedly feel some kind of way. "I opened that cafe I wanted to. Borrow a pet and some wifi...." She had always wanted to help pets get adopted... And everyone needed coffee and wifi these days. She'd told him about it alot. Tyler's little project. Complete with sketches, lists, and how she'd make it work... No need to mention how she'd gotten the start up funds

@Naka in Wonderland

He felt himself swallow the moment she spoke about the cafe. His hand grabbing into hers more tightly. He had ruined her dream.. He had to remind himself the only reason it could have been ruined was because she was still alive. He had learned to never question the choices of the Father, but the more he heard her talk the more he felt anger towards everything. No wonder he could not return anymore. “I take it that didn’t go as you wanted it to…” he spoke softly. @Quinn Fox

"Thankfully... By no fault of my own... But. Had to let it go." She frowned at the drivers side door as they pulled up. See? No one is happy talking about it. "Lets figure this mess out." She nodded toward her car and squeezed his hand back.

@Naka in Wonderland

He watched her get out and for a moment he just wanted to tell her all of it. Wanted to explain to her why everything seemed to happen the way it did. But how could he? She would never understand. He brushed it from his mind and got out of the car with her. He walked over to the front of the car. “Pop the hood for me.” He said to her and if she did he would lift it up and put it on the hook to keep it open. “Let’s see..” he said looking around it. The engine looked old, but didn’t seem to be the problem. He checked over everything else, looking over the wiring and cables. “Aaah, this would be your problem.” He said with a smile. One of the cables has been almost bitten through my some kind of rodent. The bumpy rode had given it the final push to disconnect and blow out. @Quinn Fox

"Absolutely." Tyler flopped into the front seat and popped the hood. A little distance from the mention of the cafe. Robbed with quite a few injured... and she shut down. She drew in a deep breath and reminded herself. This was vacation. Get the car off the road and maybe... Go swimming? Set up a hammock in the sun? Something. Vactation-y. "Can you fix it?" She called after he told her the issue.

@Naka in Wonderland

“Uhm.. probably. But not without supplies.” He admitted. He could strip the wires and bind them back together with electrical tape. But he had neither a wirestripper or tape. He walked back towards his car, opening the back and looking for anything that would be made of rubber that he could put around there temporary, but came up with nothing. “Damn.. Yeah sorry Ty. Not going to happen I am afraid. Should have looked at it on the way here.” He said. @Quinn Fox

"I still vote we just have it towed. Lexa will be here and then the shop can fix it while we use hers." She wasnt at all fazed by the answer. It was kind of on par for the day before. "If we head back now I can make us dinner?" She offered as she closed up the car.

he looked back over his shoulder and saw her closing the cap of the car. Almost surprised she didn’t catch her fingers in it along the way. He walked up to behind her, placing a hand gently along her stomach, his own body mere centimeters away from hers. “I thought it was up to Lexa if I could have dinner with you or not.” He teased her. He was so close to her he could smell the scent of the shampoo she had used the night before. @Quinn Fox

Right! Being cautious. Taking things slow. Tyler had already leaned back into his arms. Ball of nerves quieted by the familiar warmth. "Uh. Yeah. Lemme call her?" She cleared her throat and took just a moment too long to move away. He just felt like home.

@Naka in Wonderland

She moved back into him and he couldn’t help but wrap that arm around her closer, pressing her shoulders against his chest as he pressed her chin into her hair. “Yeah, give her a call.” He said. When she pulled away he let her go, not keeping her there against her will. He would never force her. @Quinn Fox

Tyler cleared her throat and leveled her voice as she called her friend. Sure... Lexa would give her crap and worry for her... But she was also friends with him. Tylers voice was low as she wandered away to talk where she figured he couldnt overhear. "I know. But it feels like he never left." She confided in her friend. "No Im not just forgetting it all." Her tone more and more annoyed. "Listen. Im not selling my sob story or begging him to stay. It was his idea." Tyler explained. A long pause and her toes pushed gravel arpund listening to her friend worry for her. If she was the best damily she had... This wouldnt mean so much. "I love you. We'll see you when you get here." She hung up and glanced back at Jason.

@Naka in Wonderland

She might believe she had been out of sight, but Jason had no trouble overhearing the conversation that was happening. He knew Lexa had never forgiven him for what he had done to Tyler. How he had simply left her without a word. Lexa didn’t know either what had happened that day. He had told her the same story, he had been in a dark place. Lexa had let him back into her life, but only on the premise that he would not get anywhere near Tyler. Lexa had purposefully kept them apart.. until her car broke down. He looked up again once she walked back down. Even if he had not overheard the conversation, her face would be enough to tell him it did not go well. “Should I drop you off and head home?” He asked, a small half smile on his lips. @Quinn Fox

"Pasta or pizza?" Tyler wasn't ready to let him go. He'd only just come back into her life. She stood by his passenger side door and offered a (fake) reassuring smile.

@Naka in Wonderland

“Hmm…” he said, like he was in full thought about the question she had just asked. “Definitely pizza.” He eventually decided. He was glad that Lexa seemed alright with, though he was sure he would get a mouth full from her the moment he found himself alone with her. “Now let’s call a tow for that car of yours. @Quinn Fox

"Cool." She couldnt help but grin stupidly as she called around for a tow. She found herself watching him absently. It was nice. Having a partner in crime just going along with whatever they were doing. Her mind wandered to the comfort of curling up on him on the couch. He felt like home... And she didnt realize how much she'd missed feeling that safe. "Theyre all set to pick it up. You chop veggies and I'll work on dough?" She suggested. Open and playful posturing facing him.

@Naka in Wonderland

“Trusting me with a knife? How bold of you.” He teased her. “Let’s get to the cabin first. You gave them the adress so they know where to tow it?” He asked her. He had not been listening to much to her as she had called around for the tows. If he confirmed they knew he would get back into the car and drive them to the cabin. @Quinn Fox

Her hand found his on the way back. The dreary trees from the day before remewed with hope after the rain. Sun cut through the trees... Diffused light spilling over the roAd and drying up any moisture left on the road. Her fingers shifted between his... Just a little more contact.

He couldn’t help but notice how her hand was intertwining with his. He wanted to take things slow with her, to give her a chance to recover from him. He didn’t want to hurt her and he didn’t know what would happen if he stayed with her. Fate was cruel.. she doubted they would like it if he was back together with the person who had been supposed to die. Yet she was pulling him in more then she knew. So once they came back to the cabin he got out of the car and walked her back inside together with the groceries and placed them on the table as he looked back up at her. “Are you sure you want me here Ty? I can still leave if you would rather have that.” @Quinn Fox

Tyler shuffled through plastic bags, filling cabinets and getting rid of extra packaging. The question catching her off guard. Had she given in too quickly? Wanted him too badly? Nervous fingers tucked her hair behind her ear as she studied his body language. "Uh. Yeah?" She answered... "Unless you dont want to be here. You dont have to. I appreciate the save but." What if he never wanted to come back? And she was milking him keeping her from dying...? "You dont have to stay." She assured him.

He walked over to her and gently took her arm to turn her towards him before wrapping it around her waist. “That isn’t what I asked Ty.” He said with a gentle smile as he pulled her in further. He wiped a strand of hair out of her face and behind her ear as he looked into her amber colored eyes. “Do you want me to stay?” @Quinn Fox

oh. Did she? Really want to lose herself again? "I dont want you to dissapear." She admitted, her chin dipping as she admitted quietly. Eyes fixed on his chest. Admitting it made it feel real... and she knew she was already in too deep.

His face softened as she said that. His hand came down to cup under her chin as he lifted it gently so her eyes would meet his. “I don’t want to disappear either.” He said to her. He moved closer into her then, the hand on her waist moving to the small of her back to pull her closer into him. His lips found hers, pressing against her gentle. Yet she was still given the chance to reject him if she wanted. @Quinn Fox

Her chest against his. Heart racing and eyes glued to his hovering soft lips. There it was. Everything she missed. Her strawberry-flavored lips brush his. Hands scrunching in the hem of his shirt lost in breathless kisses... In this moment she doesnt care how mad Lexa will be... Or how ling he was gone... Butterflies in her stomach and warmth flooding her chest. She stole as many kisses as she she could. Enjoying each to their fullest.

She accepted his kisses and it didn’t take long for him to become entangled with her again. His hand disappeared into her hair and pulled her in even closer with him, the one around her back still keeping her stuck against him. He missed this so much.. for so long. This was the reason he saved her. It was in that moment that the door of the cabin opened and almost instantly a scoff was heard from the door. “Really?!” The female voice shouted at them. It was Lexa. He instantly broke the kiss and looked up at the blond girl now in the opening of the door. “Very classy, Jason.” She was obviously pissed. @Quinn Fox

Her hands twisted up in the hem of his shirt, she melted in his palms. Lips following his as readily as she needed air. This... Was the reason dating never held appeal. Until she met someone who made her feel half of what Jason did... There was no conversation to be had. Only kisses missed over the last few years. She didnt hear Lexa come in. Her attention solely on finally feeling whole. The angry screech however. That was another thing entirely. She let her head fall against his chest as he looked over her to her very pissed best friend.

He could not help the hearty chuckle. “Outside.. Now!” Lexa shouted at him. “Just give me a second Ty.” He said as he peeled himself away from her and followed Lexa’s angry footsteps outside. “You were supposed to pick her up and go the hell home!” She shouted at him instantly as he found himself outside. “Now she is calling me have you staying over for dinner?!” She added, clearly not done shouting at him. “Lexa, calm down..” he tired. “Ooh shut the hell up Jason! I asked you to get her because there as nobody else I could call, that was the only reason. You should have stayed away from her.” An angry finger was pointing his way. He was trying to keep his calm, but he couldn’t help but start to feel slightly annoyed now. “And do what? Just leave her alone in a cabin in the middle of a storm? We both know the luck she has, she would have gotten herself killed somehow.” He defended himself. “And this is better somehow? Jason, you left her! I don’t care what kind of mental state you were in when you did, you freaking left her. You don’t get to come back and make her fall for you all over again.” Her arms crossed each other in front of her chest. “You don’t know the whole story Lexa..” he tried. “I don’t care! I care about how she was after you left!” For a moment they just stared each other, both angry at one another. “It was my fault Lexa..” he suddenly said. Lexa’s face softening. “It was my fault she almost died that day.. I cant’ explain to you how, but it was. That is why I left..” he admitted. “Fuck.. Jason..” she said. Lexa had been there, even if Tyler didn’t remember the whole thing, Lexa did. “Fine.. you can stay for dinner. But no kissing!” @Quinn Fox

Eavesdropping would be an understatement. Tyler sat right next to the open window to figure out just how fiercely Lexa would be against this. Not that she ever doubted her friend... But. Jasons admission came as a surprise. She scratched her head looking around like she might be caught. It wasn't his fault. Sure he suggested the boat ride... But they didnt see the other boat around the bend. Everyone ended up okay. Sure she was in rougher shape than the other... Nothing a few days in the hospital couldn't fix. She heard the door opening and couldn't act more unnatural if she tried. Leg dramatically crossed over the other... Posing looking longing off in the distance.

He was not in the happy mood that he had went outside in, a frown edged in his face as he let Lexa in first. Her caught Tyler’s eyes and wondered what was going on. Did she hear them shouting? They had been loud. As long as she didn’t hear the last bit.. “Right.. So pizza!” He said trying to change the subject. “I will chop the vegetables. You want mushrooms Lexa? Or still not a fan?” @Quinn Fox

"Yeah pizza." She bounced up from her seat. A moment of eye contact with Lexa she mouthed 'are we fighting?' As she worked around the kitchen. "Black olives pleaseeee." She told Jason as she grabbed ingredients from the cabinet next to him. Maybe later she could talk to him about the boating thing. He really ahouldnt feel bad.

Lexa quickly shook her head at her friend. It was both to answer her question and telling her she didn’t agree with her friends choices. Yet she went about to get the table set while they went about making the actual dinner. She also turned on the oven. “Yes, mushrooms please.” Jason made quick work to grab the vegetables that everyone wanted and started to cutting them in small pieces to go on the pizza. He looked over to Tyler from time to time. He knew Lexa’s stand on this. She wasn’t going to just let him come back and act like nothing happened. He had left her to deal with Tyler while she believed he should have. But he had truly believed that if he had stayed Fate would have found a way to kill her anyway. “Hey Lex, can you grate some cheese?” He asked, tossing it to her. @Quinn Fox

Tylers face scrunched at her friend. She understood. Lexa wasnt wrong... Him just reappeared like nothing ever happened. She worked the dough and stayed quiet for as long as possible.... Marinating in the awkwardness. "Okay can we not?." She guestured vaguely between the three of them And begged. It was weird. And not great.

He looked up half surprised when Tyler suddenly spoke up. He agreed the tension in the room was not great, but he hadn’t though her to be the one to speak. He looked over towards Lexa then. “Tyler..” Lexa said softly. “What do you want me to do girl? That bastard hurt you and the moment I allow him to even get close to you he has his lips all over your face.” She defended herself, crossing her arms. “You make it sound like I was forcing her.” Jason said annoyed, to which Lexa shot him a look. “All I am saying is that it ain’t okay! Let him prove he should be back in your life.” Lexa said over him. @Quinn Fox

"I agree." She pointed at Lexa. "I really do. And all is not forgiven." Tyler tried to assure her friend. "But you and I could be not okay cause you were in co tact with him all the while I had no idea if he was even still alive." She reminxed her, open palm on the counter. "So lets call a truce on the whole thing." A frown and suggestion. "The kissing was absolutely evenly both of us. And was dumb." She agreed with Jason and then turned the last bit to Lexa. "How would you like this to go?" It was her house. If she didnt want him here... They could always meet up later... Or somewhere else.

“Yeah because his sorry ass came back here to the cabin!” Lexa defended herself. “Couldn’t just not walk up to him and shout at him for a while once I knew he was back. After that I helped him set some stuff up. I didn’t tell you because..” she paused. “Well, because of this!” She said pointing to the both of them. “The moment you would know he was back you would be all over him.” She frowned. She paused then, letting Tyler continue. She sighed as she finished. “Great, so I have to be the one to send him away.. marvelous.” She rolled her eyes. She looked over towards Jason who had his arms crossed over each other. Ready to defend himself if she shot him more. “Whatever, just pop in the damn pizzas.” @Quinn Fox

"Okie." She sighed and got back to making food. Honestly... She wished she was still with Lexa on the whole... Fight him thing. She kept looking over at Jason hoping he might weight in.

How could he possibly weight in? He could not explain himself, could not tell them what was truly going on. Couldn’t just pop out his wings and say Hey! I am an angel by the way! It just didn’t work that way. He could never explain himself without needing to tell her the truth. That he should have stayed away from her the moment he had fallen.. He made it go to long. He finished up chopping the vegetables and helped Tyler to dress up the pizza’s before they went into the oven. The room had sort of gone quiet again during it, it just wasn’t something you could avoid. It was Lexa who eventually broke that silence. “So how is work going Tyler? Still shitheads?” @Quinn Fox

"Its mind-numbing." She gratefully started chattering with her about it. "Every jerk at a cubicle has an opinion and the job is really not worth the heels everyday." She rounded the corner and plopped down next to her frie d where she could hear the oven ding.

09:41

She leaned in on ber friend and drew in a deep breath. "I was thinking about quitting. Not sure I want to be there. Should probably line something up though."

@Naka in Wonderland

He let the girls do their own thing, keeping his distance from them for now. Let them catch up, let them forget that they were fighting. He was not ready to have awkward silence back in the room, so if they could fill it he was more the happy to let them. “Yeah girl! Don’t quit your job without having something else Tyler!” She said. “With your luck you are going to fucking homeless for months.” She half joked. She wanted to protect her friend from going through that shit again. @Quinn Fox

#just-one-more-thing has been archived.