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Post by Kelathi on Mar 13, 2019 19:09:38 GMT
Ariane made no move to shift back or away, subconsciously showing that she thought his proximity acceptable. Neither did she move to cross her arms or legs, or show any of the little defensive ques that might have suggested that she was uncomfortable. The lack of such actions, twinned with the fact that her gaze was steady, showed that Allan was clearly more ill at ease than herself at the moment. Ironic, considering the circumstances. As she met his eyes and saw the nervous way in which his gaze flickered away before returning, as if hesitant to meet her own, and she thought about the gentle way in which he had looked after her earlier, as well as asking no questions before offering his help when it came to getting Tristan… it was difficult for her to connect this person to the one she had witnessed pummelling another into the ground. This stark contrast, as well as the strange way in which Allan had spoken to the man he had been beating, as if he were watching a completely different scene in his mind’s eye; were all leading her to settle on the idea what the man before her might have an utterly different recollection as to the events that had passed.
Was this comforting? Well, it was worrying, of course, but she had to admit, less worrisome than the idea what Allan had known what he’d been doing. Better unintentional violence, surely? She stopped herself before she thought too much on why this might not always be the case...
Tristan says we can trust him. The thought came into her mind sudden and unbidden, but she knew this was part of the reason that she was inclined to think good of Allan. Her brother’s intuition of such things had seemed almost supernatural in the past, and although only five years old, she knew when his words were not to be taken lightly.
Either way, broaching the subject of Allan’s eyes seemed an easier focus than questioning him about what had happened, so that’s what she did indeed focus on. “I know.” She responded to his explanation. “I see you narrow your eyes at the light. And you rub them occasionally.” In her mind she thought back to the bar, in those times when silence pressed between them because she was busy with work, and how many times she had captured that motion. Even if she did not often look directly over to him, his actions had been noted as closely as hers had been by Allan. At his suggestion, however, she shook her head. “No… if it causes you pain or makes you uncomfortable, then I’d rather they stay off.” She responded softly. She certainly didn’t expect Allan to change things just because they were staying there. Speaking of which, she realised suddenly that they hadn’t actually discussed what would happen next- were they even welcome to stay? And if so, how long would that be for?
It was all things that needed discussing, but for now, there was something very important she had yet to say.
“Thank you for helping me… us. I’ve only just realised I haven’t actually said that yet.” She looked a little embarrassed at the revelation, but smoothed it over with a soft, albeit slightly apologetic smile.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Mar 13, 2019 20:00:50 GMT
As Ariane pointed out how he had essentially been repeating himself, that she already knew that answer, Allan’s gaze dropped again, once more at a loss at what to say. His gaze finally shifted back to her as she explained she didn’t want him to struggle with the light, his expression indicating some surprise. He knew he was probably the only one who had issues with the light, given he was the only one ever wearing sunglasses, so her insistence at keeping the lights off, to keep herself from seeing as well for his sake...
Ariane’s words of thanks brought Allan back, the glow intensifying for a moment before settling again, almost as if showing his refocus on her. Studying her for a few moments, he responded quietly but steadily, no hesitation in his offer. “You don’t have to say anything. And... you both can stay, as long as you want,” he added, as if sensing the unasked question regarding how welcome they were.
Recalling the glass of water sitting on the coffee table beside him, Allan stood, moving about easily in the darkness towards the kitchen, pouring another glass of water that he returned with, again sitting while offering the water to Ariane, the liquid intended to help refresh, but the cool liquid was not quite as invisible in the darkness as he assumed. It wasn’t glowing, per say, but it was just barely visible, even in the darkness that only highlighted the edges of the furniture.
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Post by Kelathi on Mar 14, 2019 22:56:32 GMT
He seemed to read her mind, making it clear that they could stay as long as they needed, and a slowly growing smile was her thanks rather than a verbal one, as he had dismissed the first. She wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but knowing that they wouldn’t be pitched out anytime soon was certainly comforting. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark somewhat by the time he stood, so she watched him curiously as he walked away and disappeared momentarily into the other room. When he came back in and offered her a glass of something, she could see it easily in the gloom.
“What is it?” She asked curiously, but as her eyes returned to his, despite being unable to see his expression, she could sense the perplexed look in his eyes. Eyes going back to the glass questioningly, she took it from him, and held it up, looking at the way it… well, it didn’t quite glow, but why could she see it so easily in the dark? It was as if it held it’s own kind of light, a subtle difference but noticeable nonetheless. Trusting Allan, she took a tentative sip, and her eyes widened in surprised at the familiar taste. “Did you get this from your tap?” she asked warily. For all the world, it tasted like water. If he got it from his tap, and hadn’t done anything to it,- then that was worrying.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Mar 15, 2019 0:05:27 GMT
Ariane’s hesitation about taking the water surprised Allan, wondering if she suspected he had done something to it. Surely… she didn’t think he would do something like that…? But her question about the tap seemed to answer that, his brow furrowing as he glanced at the water.
“Yes…” he began slowly, clearly not sure what she saw that was wrong with it. “The tap pulls water out of the creek, not too far from here.”
Ah. That possibly explained it, given that Allan made no mention as to the state of any filters for the water supply.
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Post by Kelathi on Mar 17, 2019 23:23:52 GMT
Ariane looked from Allan to the glass and back again, wondering how he could not see the oddness of the water. At his words, she found herself standing up, still holding the glass but her other hand reaching for Allan, finding his arm in the dark. “Can you take me to the kitchen?” She asked, her fingers brushing against his skin tentatively. Maybe it was something to do with the glass? If all the water from the tap was like this… then Allan needed to stop drinking from it straight away.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Mar 19, 2019 20:02:14 GMT
Instinctively, Allan’s hand had raised as she stood suddenly, hesitating in case he startled her but instead she reached for him. “Of… course,” he said, thoroughly and obviously confused, unable to guess now at what could possibly be wrong. What was so unusual about the water?
Not that he’d have noticed… the longer he had stayed there, the less he needed the lights in the house. Any other source of light would easily overpower the water’s appearance.
Allan stood and put a gentle hand on the small of Ariane’s back to guide her, removing it as they came to the sink. Which was identifiable in that a few splashed droplets were visible in it already, and when the tap was turned on it flowed easily enough, just enough to barely reflect against the metal tub. Allan watched Ariane rather than the sink, the blue-green shimmer in his eyes seeming to pulsate a little as his own heart rate slowly sped up.
“What’s wrong?” he finally asked directly, not sounding defensive so much as… actually concerned about what she saw beyond it simply being her concern.
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Post by Kelathi on Mar 19, 2019 23:16:07 GMT
When Allan’s hand moved to the small of her back… she couldn’t deny the tingle that ran up her spine. She managed to stop her breath hitching in excitement, a little embarrassed at the response he had provoked, and let him lead her into the kitchen. Once the shape of the sink came into view, she turned the tap on… and her eyes widened as she saw that the water here, too, had some strange subtle glow to it. For some reason, when it was running it was easier to see the difference, the glow intensifying somewhat. Twisting the faucet off, she reached for the cupboard beneath the sink, then upon realising that she could hardly check it out in the dark, she turned her light brown gaze onto Allan, finding his eyes easily in the dark. “Will you switch the light on, please? Only for a few seconds.” She asked, apologetically.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Mar 20, 2019 2:59:02 GMT
Allan’s expression remained utterly confused, but he nodded at her request. “Of course,” he repeated, and walked over to the light switch. With a steadying breath that seemed uncharacteristic of such a man, he shut his eyes and put a hand over them, while his other hand flicked the switch on.
The light wasn’t terribly good, as it wasn’t in the rest of the house, but it was enough to read by at least. It almost seemed ridiculous for Allan to have taken such precautions against it, but his expression suggested that even this was uncomfortable. “Tell me when you don’t need it,” he half asked, at least facing away from the kitchen lights, willing to withstand it until Ariane was finished with…. With whatever she was doing.
As she worked, Allan’s mind wandered a little, floating upstairs to his other house-guest. “How is the boy? Tristan?” he asked, volunteering a question for once rather than merely answering them.
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Post by Kelathi on Mar 20, 2019 21:53:25 GMT
“Thanks.” Ariane had responded, already ducking her head into the cupboard as the light flickered on. The sound of shuffling could be heard as she moved some things around in order to properly examine the pipes, such as a bottle of bleach or small bottled cleaning products with obscure names. Everything had a thick blanket of dust over it; a testament to how little this cupboard was used. At his question, an unseen smile slipped onto her lips. "He's fine, I've never seen him fall asleep so fast." She used her hands as much as her eyes, the dim light only doing so much to aid her, and eventually, she thought she could see what the issue was.
“Okay,” she spoke, pulling out. “You can switch the light back off now.” As she stood up, she patted the dust off her hands onto her trousers. “The filter’s not working, which means your getting untreated water directly from the stream. Who knows what crap it has in it?” As he switched off the light, she was again shocked by just how pitch black it managed to get in there, and she blinked blindly for a few seconds as she re-gathered her bearings. “You don’t have to listen to me, but… I really don’t think you should be drinking this water, not until the filter is replaced. I don’t want you to get sick…” she trailed off, turning and searching for his eyes again in the darkness.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Mar 21, 2019 3:56:52 GMT
“Ah… good,” Allan replied to Ariane’s reply about the boy, not at all sure why that would be. Even as she told him to turn the light off again, Allan hesitated to give her ample time to stand, unable to tell fully by listening alone if she was standing or not. When the light flicked off, he let out an unintended soft sigh of relief, blinking his eyes a little as they too readjusted, far more quickly than Ariane’s.
As she began to explain the problem, he turned to her with a similar look of confusion, his gaze dropping to the sink for a few moments before returning to her. “We can get it replaced,” he began, knowing her concerns for Tristan, “But I’ve been fine. I’ve been drinking from it for over four years, and I haven’t gotten sick once.”
Almost as if intended as an interruption, Pip chittered from the doorway, Allan’s gaze dropping to her as she seemed to berate him for something, the light most likely, thrashing her tail, which made the glowing stripes across her fur shimmer - no, they were pulsating, as if complimenting her irritation. The level of light she put off herself was bright indeed, enough to read by if it wasn’t flickering so much. Allan didn’t so much as flinch at the light show, narrowing his eyes at her. “Oh, sh… be quiet, Pip,” he finally growled, catching himself before speaking more harshly in front of Ariane. Pip merely chittered louder, but scurried as Allan took a step in her direction, slipping out through a hole in the screen of one of the covered windows, as if fully affronted by his use of the dimmer kitchen light.
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Post by Kelathi on Apr 2, 2019 22:24:29 GMT
As Allan announced he had been drinking the water for years, Ariane had looked about to say something before Pip made their sudden appearance. She watched in interest as the creature chittered, but as the colours began to glow and fade and seemed to pulsate, she took a wary step towards Allan, as if for protection. Everyone knew there were creatures in the dark, and everyone also knew it was best to stay away from them. Pip’s presence was a target of curiosity to her, helped along by the fact that Allan seemed unperturbed by the creature. But even so, she was a little wary, and felt more at ease once the creature disappeared outside. “Does it live here with you?” She found herself asking, still looking towards the gap Pip had disappeared through warily, not noticing that she had yet to move away from Allan.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on Apr 3, 2019 2:13:50 GMT
Allan watched Pip’s escape with a frown, not sure why she would suddenly be so irate about Ariane’s and Tristan’s presence. How he knew that was what she was complaining about… well, he was too distracted to question now.
His gaze jumped back to Ariane at her question, shaking his head at her wariness. “No, she doesn’t,” he tried to say reassuringly, but felt a need to elaborate. “She… just visits. She won’t hurt you.” The last was said with more certainty, a confidence intended to calm. Pip was too skittish to come too close anyway, and ferrets were not known for their aggression.
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Post by Kelathi on May 12, 2019 21:56:47 GMT
At his response, Ariane seemed to settle, her shoulders losing the momentary tension that had been caused by the strange creature’s presence. “Of course she wont, nothing can. Not whilst you’re here.” She teased with a smile, echoing his earlier words about protecting her. The phrase was uttered with a playful sway of her hips, gently nudging Allan in the side to punctuate her tease. As her gaze jumped back up to his, she finally realized just how near she was to him now, after closing the distance between them subconsciously only moments before. She was hit with a sudden and ill-timed thought, for some reason finding herself wondering if she would need to stand on her tip-toes to reach up and kiss him, the suddenness of the thought taking her aback, especially considering everything that had happened up to this point. Embarrassed at her private thoughts and how misplaced they were considering the situation, she felt the telltale heat of her cheeks reddening in response, and she was thankful for the darkness then, which she incorrectly assumed hid her strange response. Even so, she tried to redirect smoothly, looking away and focusing her gaze back towards where Pip had disappeared. “Anyway… we should probably go to bed…” her eyes widened slightly, panic flitting across her features at the insinuation, despite the fact that she was probably the only one catching a double-meaning, or ironically, would have been were she not reacting so defensively as she was now. Her scramble to correct herself only seemed to help her dig her metaphorical hole deeper… “I mean, we should both get some rest.” She added, voice steady but blushing freely now.
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Post by Red Irish Dragon on May 17, 2019 3:08:29 GMT
Allan paused at Ariane’s tease, his eyes visibly watching her with an unreadable expression. He wasn’t sure what to make of the bump of her hip, or why she seemed suddenly embarrassed just a few moments later. Then panicked.
“You and Tristan can take the upstairs,” Allan said smoothly in response to Ariane’s defensive embarrassment, letting her verbal slip-up go without comment or response. What his words also said was that he’d give them room, privacy… and he’d guard the downstairs. As Ariane finally made her way back upstairs, Allan watched her for as long as he could, given the light that came from there. Then, he moved back into the darkness of the living room, settling down on the sofa, letting his mind ponder on the evening, listening to the stillness of the house, the soft sounds of the looming forest that floated effortlessly through the air and the window.
Ironic, how the two humans thought their reactions so well hidden in the dark.
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Allan wasn’t sure when he fell asleep, but he woke to find himself awkwardly half curled on the sofa, evidently folding his legs and leaning to the side in his sleep. A quick glance at his watch said it was morning, but there was no difference in light from the evening before. Only around eleven would there be enough light for the human invaders to see by - at least, the others. Allan’s vision in the dark was perfect, unhindered by Pip’s glowing spines as she stalked out of the kitchen, licking her lips, no doubt after having once more stolen something out of the mostly empty refrigerator.
Hm, now that was a thought. Allan hadn’t exactly been expecting guests, and he was too used to finding food out on the job to be in the habit of keeping it at home. Besides, getting that disc had taken up all of his time and energy of late, which meant even less time at home.
He stood, stretching slowly as he made his way over to the bookcase against the wall, pulling out one book and opening to to let the small chip fall into his waiting hand, looking it over once more with the utmost curiosity. His employer had been remarkably patient and financially supportive of Allan’s efforts, which made him suspicious of what could be on it. He’d tried hacking it many times, talking to others who might know how to access it… or see if they simply knew what it might contain. He still didn’t know. It didn’t help that he struggled so much with the computer monitor in order to try and read the damn thing, unable to see clearly even with its light set at the absolute minimum.
For a moment, he considered asking Ariane… but immediately pushed it aside. No, he didn’t want to get her involved in anything. She was in enough trouble as was, with that man still out there, probably itching for revenge against what she had done to his nose. So, pulling out his spare glasses, he powered up the computer, closing his eyes tightly against the bright welcome screen as it flashed only moments later, dimming to his settings once it had registered them. As long as Ariane and Tristan were still asleep, Allan could look into this one more time. But he didn’t have much time left before his employer would insist on delivery…
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Post by Kelathi on May 4, 2020 0:44:43 GMT
Ariane had suffered a disturbed, patchy sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the face of her assailant. She awoke what felt like every hour throughout the night, and in every nightmare she had tried to scream but found that she couldn’t, and her body was immobile, pinned as it was beneath his bulk. In the throes of this nightmare, Allan did not come to save her, and she did not escape. She awoke each time in terror, heart beating wildly in her ribcage, feeling somehow both cold and hot all over. The soreness of her face reminding her that it had indeed happened, but the unfamiliar yet strangely comforting room reminding her that Allan had, in fact, come for her.
Eventually, she gave up trying to get some decent sleep, and carefully climbed out of bed, being sure not to disturb Tristan, whom in contrast to herself, was sleeping soundly, thankfully oblivious to and undisturbed by her fitful sleep. She wasn’t sure what time it was as she crept down the stairs, just in case Allan was still asleep. The steps creaked despite her best efforts, and she winced, hoping she hadn’t disturbed her host. Standing by the doorway, the house was still dark, and she hesitated. “Allan, you awake?” She called, but softly, not enough to wake him should he still be asleep.
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