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Post by Ventia on Nov 3, 2017 16:07:58 GMT -5
(( Orfeo)) The first week after Reaver left was quite honestly, the longest week Katie had ever endured. She always knew that Reaver had become a big part of her life, but it wasnt until he left for school like they talked about that she truly understood. The night she constantly texted him, tracking him if she was being honest, as he moved farther and farther away from her. Hell, she went to his house multiple times despite the fact that she technically wasnt allowed to now that he was gone. She went to the lake, to the cliffs they hiked on, to the gun range, to the little hidden treasures that laid on New Dawn Territory-to their spots. She stayed there for hours as if she was just waiting for him. As if he would randomly pop up and be himself and it'd feel like nothing had changed. She held her breath for the first week, as if waiting. Then a month passed and she began to visualize his life at the school-little tidbits here and there that he told her-started to paint a picture in her mind. She could see him walking in the middle of the nights when he should have asleep. She could see his classrooms, his mutuals, his teachers, the schoolwork, she could see what he did. She was always proud of Reaver, Katie loved that he was trying his best-to better himself for his family. To get a degree. Katie herself didnt really have a degree, she was home school like most of the wolves. The fact that we matured faster than regular humans made public schooling harder. She had a few certificates but nothing that went above highschool. She didnt bother with University or College. Her life was here, on New Dawn. She was a Warrior, no longer a pup, and she planned on getting higher in the Pack Structure once the older retired. She was going to be a Beta like her mother, take care of the pups and the land, and have her Pack stay one of the strongest in the lands. The Deadlands were getting better because of the pressure of the Pack, people were learning more and alliances were forming, making areas more peaceful than hostile. She had influence here. Already she was making a name for herself, not just in her own Pack but in the Deadlands where rogues traveled and traded and where matches were held-bets were placed-ties were made. She was making money, her network now finally reaching in the high hundreds. She was training the young ones, putting more effort into the Infirmary, and helping The Nighhtstar Pack as much as possible. Katie didnt have value out of this city. This was her city. This was her land to roam and protect. These were her rogues that she needed to deal with. This was her place in the world. She couldnt do anything with a degree. She couldnt get a regular job, her personality was too dominate for others. She had tried-tried getting jobs even in the Town but her personality had scared them off. They knew something was off about her. It was why she worked with her mother, becoming almost a owner because of all that she did there. Maybe it was because Reaver left that she immersed herself into the Pack. Into her role. She spent hours working, if she wasnt in Town, at Suck Them Dry, she was in the Deadlands, making deals and trades and meeting new people all while protecting her own. She saved people-lost souls that happened to end up in the wrong hands, she kept the territories as safe as possible. When she wasnt in the Deadlands, she was with the Outsiders and the Warriors, forming friendships with both as they roamed The New Dawn, if she wasnt in the land, she was in the Pack House, helping her mother with pack related work-with all the papers and money issues, and if Aunt Jewel needed help at the Infirmary, she put in work there too. The months soon started to pass by faster, holidays passed them and Katie built a routine. She was working, not letting a day be wasted, as Reaver worked on his end. She found hard to sleep these days and her hair had grew longer again, coming way past her ass. She knew she had to cut it, but it felt soft and it was pretty, and Katie had started braiding it tight to her skull in the way that all Warriors did, so that she could keep it both safe and not have anyone use it for their advantage. The last person who pulled at her hair was now six feet under. It was for their safety too-Katie was pretty anal about people touching her hair. She lost herself for a little bit here and there. Katie was proud of herself, for truly taking her place as a Pack Member in the months after Reaver left. It was as though, she needed to prove to him when he came back in a few months, that she too had changed. That she too was doing something better. That she wasnt just doing the mere minimum. She didnt like falling short-she never did and now that Reaver was gone-she didnt have anyone acknowledging her efforts which only made her push harder. But she did have to cut her hair, it really had been too long. The last time she cut it, she had been with Reaver. It was that thought that made her slowly take off the band that held her hair together. With swift fingers, she undid the tight braid, letting the black curtain of hair slowly depart and lengthen. She shook her head like a rag dog, getting the last twirls of a braid out, and glanced at the mirror at the other corner of her room. Long straight black hair reached the back of her thighs. She ran a brush through it, looking it in the mirror at the ridicioulsy long hair. It looked almost animated, how long it was and how it moved against her body. She jumped twice and watched as her hair bounced around her, dancing whenever she moved. It was strangely pretty and Katie for a second, didnt want to cut it. But braiding it took so long these days and she wanted more time to be out there... She sighed, fixing her hair into a high ponytail, not that it changed the length all that much. Her hair still dangles inches after her ass. She dressed simply for a visit to the Town, just shorts, her combat boots, some knee high socks that had cute pictures of some of the most adorable kittens ever, and a sweater. One of Reaver's. It was her sweater though now. Because she claimed as hers the moment he made the mistake of leaving one night in her room. It was plain black, no logos, no artwork, just warm and black, with two functional pockets, and a hoddie. It was one of his favorites and now it was hers. His scent had washed off long ago now-she could only smell herself but the knowledge that he had wore it before was enough for Katie. She grabbed her keys, felt her hair brush against the back of her legs, and grabbed her wallet-stuffing it in the pocket. Taking the stairs by two, Katie stopped briefly by the kitchen where Ventia and Lucrezia stood over a pan of bacon. "Mmmm, smells yummy." Katie tippy toed, pressing a kiss onto her mother's cheek, and then did the same to Lue. "Where you going, little wolf?" Lucrezia asked, innocent curiosity in her voice. "You usually dont dress up these days, I take it, the Town?" Katie stole one of the bacon strips before moving onto the fruit bowl, "Yep. Haircut." Lucrezia hissed. "Oh no, keep your hair long. It looks so beautiful. Ve, darling, tell her." Ventia glanced at her daughter and shrugged, "It's been getting in her way lately." Lucrezia slapped Ventia's shoulder before going to Katie who was now eating blueberries. "Dont listen to that women, it looks wonderful." She picked up a few strands, "well if you must, then go to Sarah on 14th street and only get your ends cut. Only the ends and only from Sarah. She has magic in those hands of hers. If she thinks you need a haircut, then she'll give you one. But I think she'll just do a little clipping and then show you more ways to style your hair-" "Okaaaaayyyy," Katie grabbed another handful of berries and made her escape. "I'll talk to Sarah, I still need to go over to the office and get my bookbag that I left the other night. Plus check the crates again and maybe the soundsystem. Also, there was something bothering me last night with one of the cameras on the south side of the building-I think someone was messing with it, so I want to check in on that as well. If i'm not in by lunch, I'll see you guys tonight. Love ya." Katie spoke as she moved out of the kitchen until she was soon by the front door. The next few hours came and went. She had stopped by the club first, found the messed up camera and found that there were scratches on its surface. It wasnt hard to change the camera-she had done it countless times by now that it was just routine. She fixed it, found her bag in her own office, did a look-over of the materials that had been shipped in a couple days ago, cleaned up a bit, both in the offices and around the bars. She stayed in the club for a good four hours and then made her way back outside where the truck was waiting for her. It was her first car and it was used. She didnt mind that it was used when she bought it-no, it drove well enough on Pack Territory and it was acceptable around Town and if she needed to make a quick getaway on the Deadlands, the tires had enough hold on them to go through rocky terrain. Shit, Katie had done just that a couple times and the truck purred the entire way. She was driving to Sarah on 14th street when her phone vibrated. She glanced down at it at a red light a few minuties later, and saw it was from Reaver. Like always, her chest tightened at just the sight of his name but when she quickly read what he said before the screen black again, her heart was now hammering. He was here? Now? How long had it been? Five months? No, more towards it being six now. Five more days and it would be six months. Her mouth went dry. Was he joking around with her? She turned her blinkers on and made for the turning lane, needing to backtrack and get on a different avenue than the one she was on. She didnt text him back-no. It felt strange. Like she couldnt. Not that she should while driving but no. He told her all she needed to know. Where he was at. She parked in the little parking lot behind the diner, feeling suddenly little and strange as she got out. She had been here a couple times by herself when Reaver left, and yes everyone was still friendly and the food was still amazing and yet...they knew Reaver was gone and honestly, it hurt going back to their first dating place by herself. This was where their relationship had evolved from just being friends to being more. This was where they had that stupid bet-and then became a couple-even pretending-they both knew it was true. She swallowed, kind of happy she didnt cut her hair yet, because she wanted Reaver's opinion. Should she cut her hair? Did he like long? Why was she stalling? Did she not want to meet him? Hell she hadnt even messaged him back when she knew that he was waiting for anything from her-a "kk" or something. But she left it unread, and it had taken her a little over twenty minutes to get to this side of the Town. Katie didnt know why she was waiting, as if she were afraid of confronting him. It been so long and yet, it was too soon. She hadnt really done-accomplished anything. There wasnt anything big that had happened that she could talk about. She didnt have anything to say. Nothing that he'd be proud of. She was doing exactly what she was always doing since he left. Her hair tickled her skin and Katie moved forward and somehow didnt stop. There was no one on the sidewalk by the diner, and she walked slowly, looking into the windows of the building as she moved. Trying to look for him, trying to smell him. What if she didnt remember-oh stop. She forced her mind to cease it all, and pushed forwards. There was no one standing in front of the diner, the heat of the sun hit her and she knew he was probably inside. Logic told her he was. Just beyond this door. She stared at it-could see her reflection in the glass. She opened the door, heard that familiar chine from the doorbell, and felt the cool air cling around, making her shiver in the sweater. Blue eyes glanced over the occupants but she didnt have to look far, because he sat right there. On one of the stools on the counter, his backpacks surrounding him, sweat clung to his skin and cooled, letting his hair curl naturally. He had to shave, she thought, not because she didnt like the scruff that covered half his face but because, she knew he liked being clean shaven. Knew it was bothering him. When she finally looked into his eyes, her breath left her softly because he was already looking straight at her. She couldnt move towards him. Didnt know what to say. After months of living without him-having only messages and occasional Face Time, now seeing him in real life was...too much. She felt ambushed and felt her control slipping, she hated not knowing what to do-she knew once he talked that she'd be able to breathe finally and everything would feel like normal-like months hadn't separated them. So she stood there and waited for him to come to her.
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Post by Orfeo on Nov 3, 2017 17:43:04 GMT -5
It hadn't been easy for Reaver the moment he left. The decision in itself haunted his nights, took away from his sleep. There was a lot to earn but there was also plenty that he would be leaving behind. Katie didn't really make it easy either, and while she was supportive of him he could tell how she felt. It was easy for Reaver to read her sometimes. Try as she might to hide it away. A side effect of being around her for so long, he guessed. He read her as openly as she did him. It hurt knowing that she didn't want him to go because, likewise, he was having doubts about him leaving as well. It took one last sleepless night and a stiff drink stolen from the liquor cabinet for Reaver to finally make up his mind. And when he did he made sure he spent any waking moment in the pack lands as well as he possibly could.
New Dawn hadn't always been his home, but it was his home now. Leaving home was tough. Leaving to go so far away was tough. Reaver was heading down south and to the East Coast. Hundreds of miles away. He didn't want to ride a plane because he'd never ridden on a train before and he wanted to see what it was like. So he did. He still remembered easing back into his seat as the train pulled away from the station. The whole ride was two days and two nights long, with some stops along the way. Prairies, rolling hills, mountains, bogs, cliffs, small towns, big cities. He saw it all through the small portal to the world that was his window. His phone was constantly buzzing with text messages and Reaver, smiling, kept taking pictures of the interesting things he saw along the way and sending them to Katie - a chicken he found wandering around at a station; the time that a group of ducks decided to follow him around; a picturesque sunset framed by the ridge of a rocky mountain range in the far horizon; the most incredibly blueberry pie he'd ever had in his life at a little cafe just some ways away from the next train station.
It was like an adventure. It brought him back to when he was younger, exploring caves with the wild imagination of a child; remembering himself creating epic fantasies in his mind of being a heroic knight clad in black armour fighting off a fire-breathing, golden-scaled dragon, or acting out the life of a rouge skeeving through the shadows on the hunt for treasure from the rich. It took him back to finding those nice little spots in the New Dawn territories, hidden gems nobody really knew about because nobody would dare take the routes he took. Off the ledge, through a cave, to pop out on the other side of a cliff, or an underground lake, or maybe a hidden clearing so deep in the forest not even the Pack had some influence over it. Thoughts like that made him smile sadly as the train pulled in to the final stop, and Reaver found himself messaging Katie, already reminiscing their activities as if they had been done years in the past.
He just wanted to make a life out for himself. He knew that life in the pack, as much as he would have wanted to be a part of it, just didn't really work out. Not now at least. He wasn't a strategic thinker and there was no way he'd be able to act as a warrior - he'd never keep up with the rest, and his conflicting morals would just hinder the rest of the group. Reaver didn't have an eye for the medical and was afeared he'd end up hurting anyone by mistake while trying to help them in the infirmary. Coming out here was an opportunity to do just that - become someone that would be useful to the pack. Sure, he had his conflicting views on that group of people, but they were family and he wished to help... somehow. Even now as he sat on the bed of his dorm room for the first night, Reaver didn't know what he wanted to be. He wished to help people and he really didn't know how. Thoughts came to mind, but...
Why come so far? What did he wish to escape?
Those moments he spent speaking with Katie were the ones he found himself able to breath easy. The thought never really crossed his mind the first two months he was gone. It was just relaxing to be himself a little. They spoke like they always did, and that was good. He told her stories of life at school, some boring and others outlandish. He told her of the crazy people that he met along the way. He spoke of the times he got lost in the city for hours and hours as he aimlessly walked along the sidewalks trying to find his way back to campus (and lord did she berate him for that one). He showed her his room. He even went as far as to take a couple of pictures around campus simply so she'd have a better understanding of where he was and what it was like. There was a beach he enjoyed going to from time to time, mostly when it was empty, to sit and think.
Reaver didn't hate it. Lord, no. To say that would be a massive misunderstanding. An affront to his character. But he... He didn't find it to be what he wanted either. He knew these things took time, but Reaver always prided himself in being able to have an accurate outlook at what his future was going to turn out like. What he saw whenever he reflected wasn't anything that was going to make him happy. He saw himself finding some use in something, yes, but a use for the pack? He didn't see it.
Then came the fight.
He knew he shouldn't have gotten involved. He knew it would only lead to trouble. He knew he should have turned around and walked the fuck away. But no. He had to get involved. Reaver couldn't live with himself standing idly by as he watched a man twice the size and twice the age of a girl around his own age harass the hell out of her. Reaver saw very easily where it would have gone had he not done anything. So, yes, he got involved. Reaver wasn't sure why he didn't use words. Truth be told, he probably could have diffused the whole situation with a simple conversation. Instead he went with a straight punch, exactly how Katie had taught him, using the weight of his body to add power to the throw. It hurt like fucking hell, but he didn't let up either. Reaver threw another punch as soon as the first connected with the man's jaw, though through the clumsy way he punched, Reaver missed. This was the first time he actually used anything Katie taught him on anyone that wasn't part of a sparring scenario. The whole thing happened in such a quick second that it left him stunned. At the very least it got the guy out of the girl's way, and in the heat of the moment, remembering her, he turned his head to make sure she was okay. Because why wouldn't he?
He felt a kick to his gut that knocked the air out of him, and then he felt something sharp pierce at his side. The entire fight, from the first punch that Reaver threw to that last stinging moment, took no longer than ten seconds. He saw the man run, he looked down at himself, and screamed at the sight of a knife lodged firmly in his abdomen. Reaver felt himself slipping away.
"I'm going to die."
The man was found and he was arrested. Reaver didn't face any charges, not from the laws that governed every citizen of the nation, but it did not exempt him from the laws that governed the students of that campus. He was called in to the Dean's office four weeks after being released from the hospital. He'd been waiting for it. He could still feel the pain every once in a while. The scar on his abdomen was never going to heal, always looking as grisly as the moment he left the hospital, for years, until the day he died. They reviewed the footage, talked to the witnesses, made a whole case and presented it to him.
"The gentleman did not act in any way that could have been harmful to the young woman," proclaimed the Dean. "And from the investigation that has been carried out in the past two weeks since the incident, it can only be concluded that you acted under no justification and assaulted another student in campus grounds." Reaver felt a dry tightness in his throat. The only other time he'd felt that was the time his mother died. "But I've called you to ask if you have anything to say in your defense."
Arguing? He could see it right in the man's eyes. Reaver read him like an open book. His decision had already been made. This was all simply a formality. The rules were there and the rules were strict. No exceptions, no second chances. So Reaver shook his head, mouthed a "no", and proceeded to not listen as the Dean listed off the terms under which he'd have to leave the campus.
Reaver left that same night, booked a late-night train, and headed back to the only place he knew where to go.
Those two nights on that train were the worst two nights of his life, culminating, finally, in him breaking down and sobbing into his hands as the shame of it all finally hit him. It felt like his throat was closing in around him, like his lungs refused to take in air, and in that moment in the dead of night, Reaver felt like he was dying all over again.
It was high noon by the time the train got to his station, and from there he took a six hour bus ride. The last time, when Reaver was leaving, he'd been given a ride by Katie and her mother, Ms. Black, who had taken a liking to him and offered to drive him. But this time he hadn't warned anyone, and he had no money on hand to pay for a taxi. But he still remembered the route, and remembered that it was ten miles to get back to town. Reaver sighed. He had a dirty black backpack slung over his right shoulder, and on his left hand he carried a massive brown duffel bag full of clothes. He had been forced to abandon a lot of the things he once took with him or that he got while living in college. So, yes, all he had was clothes. He looked up at the sky and a frown fell on his face when he noticed the sun was beating harder still.
Ten long miles of constant walking. The scruff on his face itches and annoyed him, his black shirt clung tightly to his skin, he reeked of sweat, and all the dirt swirling around him as he walked caked him in a thin layer of grime. Reaver felt absolutely fucking disgusting when he finally reached the diner, four hours of walking later. Yet despite all that, the first thing he did when he got there was message the one person who he knew would keep his sudden appearance somewhat of a secret.
She'd show. He knew she would show. It was just a matter of patience. After that ten mile walk? Shit, he had all the patience in the world.
He was glad they still remembered him. With no money, at the very least he was treated to some cold water and allowed him to stay there as he waited for Katie to come. Reaver entertained some casual conversation with a waiter he'd known for a while before she had to leave to work on some other tables. His eyes fell on the door. Waiting. Watching.
The first thing he noticed about her was that he was wearing his sweater. No, not hers. His. She stole the damn thing. And in that sudden moment, as all those memories of him trying to get her to give it back or steal it back came flooding back, Reaver could not help the wide toothy grin that etched itself on his face. Her eyes were as blue as they had ever been, her hair was long but he kind of liked it too, and she was still as tiny as he remembered her being. But she'd also changed a little too. It wasn't easy to tell outright, to the untrained eye impossible. Reaver was 20 years old, with her being two years older than him - speaking in human terms, of course. He'd lost track of how old she was when speaking of the actual age of maturity werewolves went through. But she clearly looked that much more mature than the last time he'd seen her. Something about how she held herself, or the likeness of her visage, or... something.
She was exactly the same as when he had left her, but she had also changed. He figured she'd be coming to the same conclusion too. Reaver lost a lot of weight after leaving the hospital. Not skin and bones, but less than when he left.
"What?" he questioned, finally speaking. Just that word alone made everything feel so much better. Some unknown weight lifted off his chest and he found it easier to breathe. "Are you just going to stand there looking like you just walked in on me naked? Geez. A little hello would be nice." Reaver could not help it. Try as he might to sound serious and gruff, he couldn't help some small joy in his voice. Not waiting for a response, he stood, dropping his folded up trench coat on the stool where he sat, and then moved to pull Katie in for a hug he'd desperately needed for the longest damn time, wrapping his arms around her and refusing to let go for what felt like minutes as he mumbles, "Sorry, I know I stink like ass right now."
His fingers brushed against her hair. He liked how soft it was. It looked good. Finally, at last, he pulled back, smiling wider now, and then turned to grab his bags and his coat. He threw the backpack over his right shoulder, heaved the duffel bag with his left hand, and with how he looked he wondered if he looked like some kind of hobo to her. Unkempt. Dirty. Stinking. Sweating. "Let's go sit down over there," he said, motioning to an open booth where the two could sit across from each other. "I just walked ten miles and my feet are killing me."
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Post by Ventia on Nov 3, 2017 18:55:40 GMT -5
Her heartbeat sped up when Reaver's lips stretched into a toothy grin the moment he saw her. His scent hit her strong then and she knew he shouldnt had smelled good and yet, despite from the obvious fact that he had been walking again underneath the damn sun, he smelled good. Strong. It wrapped around her instantly, as if coming home. She took a small breath, feeling his eyes on her again. It was strange this time, as if something had changed in the way he looked at her. Something new and foreign that hadnt truly been there before or at least-not this strong. It made her spine straightened, made her chin tilt upwards just slightly, lengthing her neck, as she stared down at him.
Took him in.
He looked tired. Exhausted even. It went deeper than just the walk he probably had to take to get here. Why didnt he call her? She would have picked him up. Did he have to always do this-push himself and surprise like this. Why did she like it, like having their reunion here rather at the bus station. She liked knowing in the back of her head that he had chosen to walk that route-walk for hours probably, just to meet her here. Katie didnt like the fact that he looked sickly-what had happened? He hadnt mention anything to her but yet here he was, skinnier than she ever seen him. Sickly. Katie didnt like that and yet, when he spoke and stood, her heartbeat skipped.
Breathe.
She forced herself to do just that, smiling now at the sound of his voice ringing in her ears. The constant words that the man in front of her spoke made it all real. Reaver was really back. Katie laughed, suddenly he there, holding her. Talking about how he stank of all the damn things. "Oh shut up!" Katie mumbled into his chest, her arms wrapped around his waist, needing this hug almost as much as he did. He enveloped her with his arms and his body and even his scent. Her fingers held on to the back of his shirt, it was covered in sweat and the feeling should have grossed her out and yet...he was warm.
When he finally pulled away, Katie noticed the Owner looking at her with a smile. A blush filled her face and she turned back towards Reaver, once again letting her eyes scan him for any new changes. She couldnt see anything despite his weightloss and the unhealithy tint to his skin, or the black circles under his eyes. His cheeks too, Katie thought and followed him, still silent as he walked.
She frowned, noticing once again new stuff. Like how he was favoring one leg over the other. How he held his body differently now, as if something had happened. Sure, maybe she was overthinking it, he had just walked roughly ten miles and that was evident. His legs could just be shaky but...they walked for miles together and his balance and the way he held himself usually always stayed the same.
Or did she not know him anymore? It had been months...
His last comment returned the anger that had earlier showed. "Yeah about that, why the hell did you choose to text me after those ten miles? You should have told me two days ago that you were planning on coming home. Or hell, at least at the last bus station, I have a car now-I could have picked your ass up and then your legs wouldnt be shaking and all that crap." Katie snapped at him, walking past him, flipping her hair so that it hit his arm. If she was taller, it would have hit his face, she'd enjoy that. He did stupid shit like this all the time. Always taking the hard way. Always. She hid her grin from him, but knew he saw anyways.
She felt him follow her as she walked to the booth. It was their booth. They usually always sat here. As Katie walked, she remembered the first time he took her here. Singled the booth out and then went into a dialogue of how great the food was. Her fingers touched the table once they got near, just sliding against the smooth surface. She always sat here when he was gone. But looking across, he hadnt been there.
Katie glanced up and there he was, looking a little disheved and worse for wear, but here. Looking down at her. It was like she went back in time and she realize, how light she felt. As if, a weight had just went poof. She hadnt realize how much strain she had been taking on, how tense she had always been, how much she thought and worried and now, silence. Weightless. She was still staring up at Reaver, standing in front of their booth, in a diner where they both didnt like attracting too much attention. She should have sat right then and there, but no, she had to let the moment stretch, had to take this moment for herself-be greedy just this once.
"Hi." Katie felt her eyes water even as a smile filled her face. "Hi." She said again, laughing now as everything hit her at once. "You're so stupid," she wiped at her eyes with her sweater and found herself giggling again. Her chest felt airy and the laughter bubbled in her throat, she couldnt hold it in, and it just felt wonderful. He was...he was Reaver.
"You're an idiot." Katie dropped into the seat, sliding onto the cushion and reaching out for his trench coat. She pulled it off of his arm and on her side so he wasnt crowded by stuff. Or maybe she just wanted to steal it. After all, she was sure his scent wouldnt wash away as fast in a trench coat than a sweater. It was cute too, she'd find some cute heels to wear with it later.
"Gimmie." She made hands for his bookbag that was on his shoulder but knew he wouldnt give. "Dont make a scene and sit down already, you slowpoke. My god." Katie leaned forward on the table, on her elbows with her hands supporting her chin. Looking at him. She had a million things going through her head, and yet couldnt find the words.
Reaver was in pain and Katie wanted to help. She wanted to smooth that pain out but she knew him too much. He wouldnt tell her anything until he was ready. Especially not at a diner. Maybe later. Is that why he forgo the car ride? She would have made him talk, being alone in a car for that long, with him looking the way he did, she'd force him to spill. But here, where there were people around, she wasnt going to let anyone know he had a weakness-a vulnerability. Maybe it was her wolf instincts, but Katie never liked letting anyone know of her loved one's weaknesses.
The damn man knew that. Katie smiled then. God, Reaver was so...people didnt think he was something. Maybe he himself didnt truly know it. But he was as much of a wolf as she was. He thought for hours-came up with plans and methods and scenarios. He had all in the back of his mind like a mad genius. And it came naturally to him. She had mentioned it a few times, how in terms of strategy and plans-he outdid her. She had experience yes, but he was the real brains between the two of them.
That was why he had left. Because he had more potential than she did. So why? Why was he back so soon?
Once he sat finally, Katie leaned back, crossing her arms under her breasts, and giving him her ten yard stare. So that he knew she wanted answers. "I wont ask why you're here," she paused, lifted her eyebrow at him to let him know that eventually she demanded to know, "but since you are here, it means you're back. For good." She added in case he didnt get her drift, and yes she knew she shouldnt have hoped that to be the truth-a ugly selfish emotion she herself held-because he deserved more-but nonetheless, it was there.
Damn she was horrible. Here he was, looking broken, and she was glad. Happy even. Because it brought him back here. Back home. Back to this damn diner. Back to her. Katie was disgusted at herself-but even then, she couldnt quite hate herself all that much. Because she couldnt deny her happiness at his arrival. Couldnt lie to herself that she wished him to be back in his dorms-where god knew what happened over there. Katie couldnt pretend that she wished him to be out there bettering himself rather than by her side.
She was too selfish.
Katie didnt care though because Reaver was here. "It's my treat today, so get whatever you want." She picked up the menu that was always on the tables and held it up, making it obvious that she was hiding her face from him. Once the barrier of the menu went up, her face broke out into a nervous smile. Katie blushed, because his gaze on her was becoming too much.. That something had felt hot and she needed to hide from him.
"I havent eaten here in like two months," Katie blabbered, trying to read what was in front of her and failing.
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Post by Orfeo on Nov 3, 2017 19:53:00 GMT -5
Reaver chuckled. That low, rumbling laughter at the back of his throat that started deep in his chest. Her first two words were exactly what he had expected from her and yet it still took him by surprise. It made Reaver hold Katie just that much closer to himself, breathing. For the first time he wasn't smelling his own sweat but rather herself. Though he knew she wasn't always one for perfuming herself, masking her scent in artificial aromas, he could still make out that distinct smell that was her. There was no name to it, really. It was one of those things that happened once you got to know people, you'd just recognize the smell and immediately know it was them. This was Katie. It wasn't bland; it wasn't extravagant. Just pleasant. Sure, maybe he didn't catch scents in the same way she could. He couldn't make out those minute details. He had to be close to get a scent of her. But it was there, and it brought back memories.
He was making a little bit of a conscious effort to hold himself straight. Even today, the muscle under the wound still ached. It had healed, that much he knew. But, he guessed, it was more of a psychological thing. The pain made him shift his body just a tiny bit. He doubted Katie would catch that, but didn’t put it past her either. The girl had eyes like a hawk. Reaver knew she’d be looking at him. It put some pressure on him, but it oddly relaxed him as well. Just like old times.
“Because,” Reaver shifted his footing, turning so he was pacing backward as his eyes fell on hers, “it was supposed to be a surprise.” He grinned and stopped so that she could pass him and set his eyes on the back of her head. Her hair smacking against his arm almost made him laugh. Sassy. So fucking sassy. “Beside, driving out all that way? Na. I’m pretty sure you were busy before I even texted you anyway.” Then he followed again, his eyes wandering down her back and to her legs and to her feet. Combat boots? He squinted a bit and, sure enough, combat boots. Again, Reaver just had to shake his head. So utterly predictable that he could have called it from a mile away that she’d show up wearing combat boots, yet at the same time merely seeing it took him so much by surprise it made him wonder if he’d ever even seen Katie in person to begin with.
That queasy feeling of meeting someone for the first time. That knotty feeling in the pit of your stomach as you shared your first words. That’s exactly how he felt. As the minutes ticked by he felt himself ease up as much as he felt that knot tighten more and more. Reaver nodded approvingly when she finally said “hi”, chuckled softly when she called him an idiot, and smiled when she took his trench coat from his arms, lifting a weight and exposing little beads of sweat that had formed along the skin of his arm.
He took in that moment, that short one second, to breath in deep. That hour he spent in the diner, he didn’t really take it in again. This was Reaver’s go-to spot. When he first started working, when he earned his first paycheck, this was where he first spent it. A delicious steak dinner with french fries, a small side of onion soup, vanilla milkshake, and a slice of blueberry pie. That first meal earned with his own money, it tasted like gold. And from then on, every week at least once or twice a week, he’d show up. Always the same thing. He met people here, became known by the owner and many of the waiters. He listened to stories, retold some of his own, found it to be a safe place where he could just sit and relax as he watched the world go by. It never really was that full, a shame because the food was so good, but he was glad because he loved that quaint feel to it. Just a small roadside diner that won’t be found anywhere else in the world. His slice of heaven, of which only Katie really knew about.
“What, no.” Reaver pulled the bag closer to himself. “Nosy. You’ll dig through it Oh! Daaamn.” He turned on his heels and walked to the counter, looking at a pie on display. Blueberry pie. He felt his mouth water and, in the moment, his stomach growled like an angry wolf. “I’m not making a scene,” he complained as he reluctantly pulled away from the display case and slinked his way back to the seat, slumping hard into it across from Katie as he tossed the backpack off his shoulder and threw the duffel bag into the remaining part of the cushion to his left. He sat as he always did. Because of his height, long legs, he needed to keep his right foot outside to the outside, next to the table, with his knee pointing outward, whereas his left foot was placed firmly against an iron bar in the middle of the table that supported its weight. Honestly he was just spreading his legs, but that was about the only way he could sit comfortably. Even though he hadn’t done it in almost six months now, the position came naturally to him. His arms rested against the very edge of the table, he was hunched over just a little, and his eyes didn’t leave her for a single second.
She watched him as he watched her with what could only be described as a somewhat smug smirk on his face. He kept it, even as she spoke, because he found it impossible to drop. “For good,” he echoed just moments after she said it, as if to alleviate any doubts that would have raised up in her mind.
So many questions would come from that. So soon? Why now? College lasted longer, years. He only came back after six months. So why? He pictured it all, the barrage of questions, one after another, and even now he had a hard time trying to answer them all in his mind. Reaver knew the answer. He had the story. He had the scar. But telling it was another matter in itself. He didn’t wish to relive the thoughts. So he was glad she chose not to pick at his brain at the moment.
But she knew. Reaver knew that she knew. Something was off or wrong. She must have picked up on it from the moment he stood. It almost made him laugh, because despite it all, that was so Katie.
“Good,” he replied, leaning back a little as he took the menu in his hands. “If I remember… I paid last time for the two of us. So you still owe me.” He didn’t cover his face the way she did, the way she almost always did. “Beside I have no cash on me now so you’re going to have to cover it all anyway.” Reaver straightened his spine, pulled his shoulders back a little, and breathed out through his mouth, slowly, steady, till all the air was out of his lungs.
And he held it like that for a few seconds, listening to the beating of his heart, that quick beating that soft beating. Like soft thud against a door. Again… and again... and again. He lost track of how many times it beat. It was too fast for him to count. He couldn’t hear hers. He was sure she could hear his.
“Oh, boohoo.” His eyes peeked up at the menu between her fingers. “I haven’t eaten here in, like, five months.” Reaver rolled his eyes with a smirk and looked back down. “I love the fact that it hasn’t changed though. Literally all of it is the same. I mean, like… fuck.” He scratched at the back of his beck, shirt raising just a little, and dropped his hands again. He didn’t even really need to look at the menu, he already knew what he wanted. His tastes hadn’t changed. “But if you’re buying, I may as well get the most expensive thing,” he continued, trying to repeat the same thing she’d said when he first brought her here, back to that innocent youth.
He pushed the menu off to the side and, again, placed his arms at the edge of the table and, again, hunched over just a tiny bit so he could lean in a little closer. “It’s good to see you again, K.”
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Post by Ventia on Nov 3, 2017 20:52:30 GMT -5
"So what if I was busy." Katie blew out the air in front of her, feeling her hair brush against her back and tickle the back of her thighs. It felt strangely like a tail-not that she knew what a tail truly felt like, but she imagined it felt quite like a long ponytail. Her mind drifted back to a few seconds ago, where she felt Reaver hold her, could feel him touching her hair. She knew then that he had liked it. Liked the softness because he relaxed into her and breathed.
She had loved it. Which was why she was sitting in front of him, because she didnt trust herself sitting next to him. There was so many things left unsaid between them and yet, she gloried in the moment. Loving the nerves that fluttered in her stomach at just being around him-as if he were a stranger rather than the only person who truly made her feel settled. But that was the thing, he did make her feel relaxed. There was just that something that he carried now with her that sent her spine straight.
Maybe it was her?
Katie watched him walk to the counter, once again thinking how he shifted his weight as he walked. He was adorably himself as he looked at the blueberry pie. Blueberries. She thought back to earlier this morning and wondered what he would think about her choice for breakfast. Another thought crossed her mind-one that left her cheeks rosy. She mentally shooed the images out of her head as Reaver flopped onto the seat in front of her. She took in his face, memorizing him as if she'd never see him again.
Katie had done this the last time she had seen Reaver. Before he left. She stood by the bus and took him in, holding his hands, even as she forced the tears back. He had himself back then-the guy she knew all her life mostly. Looking at him now, she knew he grew up. Changed in some way that made him more mature and experienced. Not different-just more. It was attracting and interesting, this silent change. Also concerning. She didnt like that he had kept something this big from her. Didnt like that she hadnt been there to soften the blow.
But she liked it nonetheless. The change. That was what it was, a little change in his eyes while he looked at her, that made her feel shy. Shy. That was what she was feeling. Giving the feeling a label helped, she frowned at herself, wondering why the feeling was coming now. Because she hadnt seen him for half a year? Did those months really make this much of a difference. She could tell he was picking up on the same as she was, and maybe it did make a difference.
Not that it was bad. She realize then that Katie was also eager. Eager. For what? She knew what, could feel that heat spreading down her spine, and then she realized this was why she was shy. Katie swallowed, raising her hand towards the waitress, before turning back to Reaver.
"Just because you paid last time doesnt mean its my turn. Psh." Katie placed the menu down, her own legs curled comfortably under the booth and when she peeked down, she noticed how close her legs were to his. She had tiny legs so the bar didnt bother her. Instead, only a few inches seperated her left leg from his. She stretched out, watching as her combat boots rested in his line of sight from underneath the table. Invading his personal space. Good.
She glanced back up at him, a sly smile on her face that made him know she had been up to something. Sure enough, he'd glance down and see she had stretched out a bit more towards him.
"No duh Reav, you havent been around to visit. Me on the other hand? Just couldnt find the time. Which sucks because their mac and cheese is to die for." Katie pushed the menu to the side now, having composed herself enough to face his stare. They had been staring at each other in companion silence before he spoke to her finally, telling her he had missed her. It was almost her undoing.
Suddenly she remembered that god awful first week, where she could barely get any sleep because it felt wrong. Then she remembered the dreams she had in the weeks to come-brutal bad dreams that she woke up crying from-and that she herself hid from Reaver. Sure she told him that she had a couple bad dreams, but she didnt let him know how bad they were or that they usually centered around him. She remembered the hours she sat alone in their spots, her eyes tired, her throat aching, her hopes dying when he didnt just magically appear in front of her.
Now he was in front of her. She reached out, leaning more onto the table like he was, and soon she was holding his left hand in hers while she used her other hand to touch the beard he now wore. "How long has this been growing?" Katie asked softly, her voice low and private, as she traced the stubble that grew on his face. Reaver's beard was itchy and it tickled her fingers, but she found the feeling quite....enjoyable. She brushed her thumb against his jawline, leaning more on the table, her other fingers touching the side of his face, her pinky brushing his ear.
Katie cocked her head to the side a little, taking him in. "I've missed you too Reav," she caressed his cheek while Katie spoke and it was only at the footsteps coming their way that made her pull her hand away from his face and then straighten in the booth. It was Jane that was taking their order today and Katie already knew what she wanted-like Reaver said, everything had stayed the same.
"I'll have the special for today, and for the side, give me a salad with the steak cooked rare. For a drink, I'll have some apple juice and when dessert comes along, i'll like one of those blueberry pies. But thats for him," she nodded at Reaver, "I'll also have some cheesecake-just original, nothing fancy today. Oh and two glasses of water." She waited as Jane turned to Reaver and watched him as he gave her his order.
While he spoke, Katie bumped his stretched out leg with her own, just briefly to see what he'd do. It was something they always did-always poking each other or bumping shoulders or whatnot. And her smile? Katie did nothing to hide it, letting him see how much she enjoyed him here. Yes she was acting a little shy and weird, but deep down she wanted him to feel at home-at ease with her.
She also just wanted to touch him, Katie thought to herself. Katie wanted a constant reminder of touch that it truly was him she was seeing. That the Reaver in front of her, talking so realistically in front of her, wasnt just a cruel trick her sub-conscious was playing on her. But no, the leg bumping was quite real and the unsettling feeling in her stomach relaxed. He was truly here, for good, he had agreed.
She watched Jane leave after Reaver finished on his end and met his eyes again. "Where are you staying tonight?"
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Post by Orfeo on Nov 3, 2017 21:43:18 GMT -5
"So what if you were busy? Well... yeah. But still. I'd feel bad. You gotta think about my feelings every once in a while." He smirked, waving it off. What's done is done. In all fairness, he preferred to meet here anyway. It made their reunion all the little more special. Even if it was just a small and insignificant gesture, it mattered.
He chuckled again and nodded his head. "It absolutely means it's your turn, stupid." Yeah, that was more like it. Easing into it all. Kind of like slowly entering, little by little, into a cold pool, until the body adjusted to it and you no longer felt that cold but rather warmth. His eyes glanced downward to her boots. They were dirty with dust but still had a rather... professional look to them. Or maybe it wasn't exactly professional. It just seemed like it to Reaver. He couldn't see anyone else wearing them other than her. In his space, as always. He let out a small sigh but didn't make a fuss. He was comfy, it wasn't like she was kicking at his crotch.
Reaver snickered, realizing she probably couldn't reach anyway.
"I can't believe you still like mac and cheese." The thought itself almost made his stomach turn. "You're weird," he murmured, and but smiled all the more at her kind words. That felt good. Some days he felt like she'd no longer remember him, and those days sucked. A lot could happen in six months after all. Who was to say Katie would have wanted to come and see him once he got back. That was why he was now partly thankful that he had come earlier than expected, a lot earlier. He didn't wish to imagine, years down the line, just how much they'd change. How different it would have all been.
Katie's fingers tore him from his thoughts. He glanced at his hand and then looked at her other hand as she touched at his beard. "Oh," Reaver blushed, deeply. He couldn't help the sheepish smile on his face. He'd almost forgotten about the thing. "It's been... two weeks, I thin. Yeah. Two weeks. Maybe a little more." He shrugged. "I got curious to see what it would look like. I'm thinking of shaving soon though. It kind of itches." Her touch was soft and sweet and despite the blush on his face Reaver couldn't help look away. Almost like his gaze was locked to hers. He let out a small breath, grinning a toothy grin. Yeah, her hands were still soft. For someone who worked with her hands so much, that was a surprise.
"The tips of your fingers are still cold, you know that?" He shook his head, mocking disappointment. "What good is that sweater if you can't warm your fingers." He'd gone to reach up and touch her hand but she pulled it away at the coming of the waiter, and he listened attentively as Katie ordered. "Yeah, medium-rare stake for me. And some onion soup on the side, please. And the vanilla milkshake." He almost ordered a dessert and then paused. "And the blueberry pie, like she said."
As Reaver spoke he couldn't help the small smile as he felt her bump his leg. His reaction was instant, almost like second nature, as he moved his leg back to bump hers, a little harder than she had bumped him. That's how it always went, back and forth, constantly. He didn't even have to think about doing it. It just happened.
"Tonight?" Reaver shrugged. "I..." his voice trailed off and instead he laughed, nervously. "I didn't really give that much thought, now that you mention it." He pulled back and slumped a little against the backrest, staring at Katie with a lazy smile. "To be honest, I was hoping that I'd be able to crash over at your place for a night. Just while I got my money situation sorted out." He then scratched at the back of his head and added a little more lowly. "Just... kind of hoping to keep things a little on the down low for now. You know?" He shrugged. "I'm not really making plans to go back to the house soon."
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Post by Ventia on Nov 3, 2017 22:54:08 GMT -5
Reaver always had a way of disrupting her balance. Ever since she first met him, while they were barely in their preteens and cave hopping to say, he had tipped her balance off. In all honestly, she could work better without him around her. She had a clear head, could come up and do things if she needed to, without much conscious. With Reaver? He made her feel things, he said certain things that she caught on to and it linger in her mind. He knew she caught it, and that seemed to impact her as well.
Even now, she was glad to see how unbalanced she felt. It should have frightened her but it didnt. Because she also knew she did better things with Reaver. She worked safer and had more insights to things she hadnt thought before. It was way they spoke together, as if conversations were a dance they played over and over again, easing into things, letting feelings settle, until the calm came.
"I choose to pay-not because you paid last time dummy. But because I want to. Its your homecoming treat, nothing else." Katie stuck her nose up in the air, letting just a little sass show as she stared at him. Her face felt hot and she wondered briefly if she looked weird, but found herself relaxing under his gaze just a minute later at his snicker.
"Is that challenge?" Katie stretched out her ankles, rolling them from underneath his lap, as if in reminder that just because she had tiny legs, didnt mean she didnt know how to get the job done. Oh yeah, she saw that look cross his face. Saw the little smug look he had. Katie didnt know what it was, but she'd figure it out. She always did.
Then, because she needed to set the facts straight, Katie coughed loudly as if preparing herself for a declaration. "Also, Mac and Cheese is one of the most amazing creations ever. Add on ketchup? And you have found heaven on earth. Ahem. Thats all folks."
That little playful joking declaration was what had made her relax in her chair. A smile played on her lips and she realized, that finally, the familiarity of him closed in on her. The nerves settled and it was just Reaver in front of her. A little different but Reaver. She didnt need to act like anyone else but herself with him. With Reaver? She was just Katie. She wasnt the Warrior, or the Black Raven as they called her through the Deadlands, she wasnt a owner at her workplace, she wasnt the hardworking wolf that did countless things for her Pack-she was just Katie.
"Also, barbecue is pretty amazing too. I want some, but I'm trying this new food diet thing and seeing if it works better. But dessert always is a exception, especially my desserts. Yes, cheesecake and shut up, because it tastes amazing and your taste buds are just shit."
His blush was warm against her fingers. Katie marveled in the feel of it as Reaver spoke. She could feel his breath landing against her wrist since she was so close. It was warm and made tingles spread up her arm. Little excited goosebumps that were thankfully hidden by the sweater she wore. His sweater. She had forgotten that she had been wearing it-but she couldnt help but know that it had been his. And now he saw her wearing it. Her ears grew warm and her fingers continued touching his beard, "Two weeks huh?" she asked softly more to herself than him. It fit him in a way, but she still wanted to see him without the beard. She wanted to see the face underneath, so she could know more about what he was thinking.
She traced the hallow curve of his cheek, once more thinking he was sick. Or not well at least. She wanted to soak up the pain in both the dark brown eye and in the emerald green one. She wanted to know the secrets he held in them-new secrets that she wasnt a part of. They both had secrets, she knew now, knowing that he wasnt the only one that had changed so much in the months after his leaving.
What if he had stayed for longer? Would it had been harder for them to ease back into their old ways? She decided then that she was grateful that for whatever the reason was, he had gone back sooner rather than later. Like him, she didnt want to think about what if's. Nah, he was here. That was good.
Reaver made her blush too much today, it seemed. His words about her fingers made her cheeks burn. Yes, her hands were always cold-his was always warm. In the same way as before, she was already warming up her fingers by constantly touching him. Reaver was usually always warm and after walking for so long, his skin had been warmed by the sun and it felt smoothing. Hell, she was supposed to be smoothing him not the other way around. Yet Katie was.
"The sweater is cute, and I'm warm enough. I dont know why my fingers are cold." Katie rolled her eyes at him but stayed silent as he spoke. She giggled under her breath at the returning bump, instantly moving her leg a little to the side to bump once more, this time a little past his knee. She tapped the top of her boots together as he talked, her fingers playing with the menu until the woman left.
"Ooh," Katie leaned back as well, stretching her legs as she did, and pushing her hands into the pockets of the sweater. "So, you want me to sneak you in huh? Well luck's on you. Jareth is out with his girlfriend-yep. He has a girlfriend now-her name is Lynn. Did you know that? I'm not sure if I told you about that. Anyways, he usually crashes at their place. Also, Mom and Lue are tending to the club today, and Mom would most likely go straight to the office, so yeah. The house would be empty up until the day after tomorrow morning."
It wasnt the first time he crashed at her home. She was happy that it also wouldnt be the last. "You have money problems? I've been saving lately-yeah I know wow me saving money-I dont mind helping you. Who knows, maybe we can be roomates. But eh." Katie waved a hand in the air, knowing she was rambling but not truly minding so much. She always rambled with Reaver.
"But sure, I figured that was the case more or less. Plus if Mom sees you, she doesnt truly need to report you around. Unless she's asked to and you know Mom." Katie grinned then, remembering the talk on the way back she had with her mother on the day they went to drop Reaver off.
"Plus, she likes you, so yeah-you're safe at my place." Safe enough. Katie thought to herself. If she didnt control her need to touch him all the time. It was innocent-she just wanted to hold his hand-cuddle with him. But she knew herself as well, and knew how easy it was for her to turn something innocent into something more.
Katie was watching him again, waiting for him to do something or say something, and just enjoying his presence. "It feels a little surreal honestly Reav," Katie began, cocking her head to get a better look at him, "You look different and yet the same. It feels familiar being here with you and yet, im acting shy and waiting for something. Weird huh? But I like it, you know? I'm really happy you're back. Really. It feels longer than six months. Shit, these past few months felt like a lifetime."
"It really feels good." Katie ended lamely, tapping short nails on the table, and crossing and uncrossing her ankles underneath him. Her stomach growled a little and she realized how hungry she was once the smells of the diner started to penetrate her awareness. Jane had came by and deposited the drinks, so Katie took one of the water's and took a sip.
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Post by Orfeo on Nov 3, 2017 23:46:13 GMT -5
He rolled his eyes. Katie was silly. Reaver couldn't really come up with a better word to describe what he thought as he listened to her ramble about how she didn't really owe him anything. He made a face when she mentioned mac and cheese with ketchup. He smirked when she brought up a challenge - of course she'd catch on to his challenges. He had forgotten in those six months just how much they had come to know each other for the years they had spent together. It wasn't an everyday thing, not always, but they were always there, in each other's presence. But as she bumped his leg, and as he bumped hers back for the second time, he realized that they were back to the same old safe. He knew she was feeling the same way too. Some small changes, changes that either one of them didn't really know about for the other person.
Secrets.
It made Reaver gulp just thinking about it. Yeah, he had a lot more secrets then simply getting stabbed or being expelled. It was six months - a half a year - but those must have been some of the longest six months of his life. Again, not all of it had been terribly bad. He really did enjoy his time there, for the most part. But all the little things would add up. Unnecessary arguments, disruptive behavior, fights, and that was beside all the emotional and psychological shit he thought he was going through.
Katie was going to get it out of him sooner or later. She always did. That was her trademark. They'd each learned enough about the other that in just a couple questions the truth would be out. They'd come to trust each other, deeply so. Reaver knew things about Katie that not even her mother would know - her mother, who was the Beta of the Pack, right hand to the Alpha. In the same manner, Reaver himself shared with Katie secrets of his own that he'd never let anyone else know. When it came to trust, she was his go-to. He knew she'd never tell anyone, and all the same, he wouldn't ever tell anyone anything she told him in confidence.
"You're trying out a new diet?" he murmured in disbelief, raising an eyebrow slightly, clear mocking doubt in his eyes. "Right. Nice juicy rare steak. That's perfect for your diet." He licked his dry lower lip slightly and continued. "You can't do a diet with desserts. That's not how life works!" But he couldn't help his laughter either. The more he thought of it the sillier it got. "Hah! Diet. I can see it now:" Reaver raised his fingers to create a frame, on which her face was centered. "Katie, a live specimen. She'd hunched over in a dark and damp corner of the room, her skin sticking to her ribs, pale as a sheet of paper. Her hands are clasping tightly, dangerously, to a whole bunch of wet, sloppy, spoppy, kale. Kale! Who would have ever guessed? Aye, yes, and she's eating the kale as she hunches over in that corner. And, gasp! What is this! A cheesecake. A very yucky, disgusting, cheesecake. She's eating the cheesecake AND the kale. Wow. Incredible. What a specimen." Reaver laughed. "Such a shame it's such an endangered species."
But it was all well and fun. It's not like he could change her, add to that he didn't want her to change.
Reaver breathed out in relief at how gracefully she took his request. "Yeah, I need to sneak in. Who better anyone than the master of sneaking herself? Oh- wait, legit? Jareth has a girlfriend?" He leaned back, a happy smile on his face. "Good for him. You never told me." His smile only grew a little more. "Day after tomorrow? That'll be perfect. In and out without anyone noticing." Reaver closed his eyes for a couple seconds and listened more, relaxing against his seat. "I do know your mom. So when she does catch my scent in your house, by the time I'm out, well..." He shrugged, eyes open again, "you've come up with worse lies before that she's bought. I'm sure you'll figure something out." She would. Katie was a smart girl. Clever enough to pull one over her mother every once in a blue moon. Explaining his scent would be a little difficult, sure, but it wasn't impossible. Katie was wearing his damn sweater to begin with.
Yeah, she'd come up with something. "Thanks," he replied. "It's either crashing with you or being homeless. Don't much feel like getting shanked out in the street."
"I get you," he replied after she was finished talking. She took the words out of his mouth and used them as her own. It did in fact feel a little different. "A lot happens in six months, right?" he murmured, leaning in a little more as he grabbed his milkshake and took a refreshing sip that cooled his head. "But it's still the same too, and I'm glad." He tapped his fingers against the side of the table. "And I'm so glad to be back again. Who would have thought I'd miss this town out in the middle of nowhere, huh?" He smiled, "And who would have thought I'd miss people in that damn town so damn much."
His eyes said what his words didn't as they locked themselves with her gaze, his smirk small and devilish. The food arrived not a moment sooner, but his eyes still locked themselves on her. He didn't want to look away. Reaver didn't want to look away only to glance back and find she was gone. He didn't want to blink because he thought he'd wake up back in his dorm - so he did just that, he didn't blink for as long as he could until he had to, and then, she was still there along with him, with food in front of the two of them. Good food. Good food with good company.
It all just... worked. Stuffing his face from the moment the plate landed on the table, he really did betray just how hungry he was. Two days. Two days without eating. Not since he boarded the train, with his thoughts having preoccupied him so much that the thought of feeding himself had left completely. Taking care of himself didn't cross his mind till after he saw Katie again. He felt like a fool, but also knew why it had happened.
Reaver ate like an animal as his stomach growled like a beast.
"Oooh my fucking god," he moaned, each word spoken between bites of steak and spoonfuls of onion soup. "Kate, you have no god damn clue how good this is." Like the first taste of water after being lost in the scorching sun of a desert. "Perfect. Simply perfect." He was smiling like a child, he felt like a child, and in that one tiny moment, it all went back to years ago, when the two of them were still barely getting to know each other, while being aware that they'd end up becoming a hell of a lot closer as time went by.
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Post by Ventia on Nov 4, 2017 0:42:31 GMT -5
Katie smacked the silly finger-made frame out of the middle of the air as he jested. Talking while he spoke, as if trying to speak over him. "I would not!" Katie slapped his knee next, the leg that was stretched at the side of the table. Her touch was gentle, definitely not as rough as the smack to his fingers, because in the back of her head, something still nagged at her that something was wrong. A leg wound? She couldnt slap him too hard now if it was.
Not that he'd show it that much. Reaver always tried to hide a lot of emotions-it didnt quite work with her because she knew him like the back of her palm but the man always tried. "It's not even a real diet-just me cutting certain foods. I still eat whatever I want but not as often." Katie shrugged, she didnt see a problem in it. Katie wasnt about to starve herself and become anorexic. She frowned, wondering where that had come from.
"Yup." She played with the hem of the sweater as she spoke now, thinking of Lynn. "She's pretty cool, you'd like her. Though she's a little shy at the start." Katie mindlessly kept bumping her knee into his throughout the whole conversation. She liked it, that constant reminder. "Of course, this is me we're talking about. I know how to mask a scent or explain it. Ooooh, I know." She grabbed the trench coat by her side and hugged it near her, making a show of smelling it.
"Yup, thats what i'll say. That you sent me your trench coat. It'll explain any lasting scent around the house. See. Now you have to let me keep it." Katie stuck her tongue out at him and hugged the coat tighter against her chest. It did smell like him, and it was warm. Her cold fingers sank into the material and even now, she could still make out the heat that radiated off of it.
She held on to his coat as he spoke, taking in what he said and what was left unsaid. She knew and in that moment, she felt her heart soar high. Katie wanted to reach out and touch his cheek again but alas, the food came. So she folded his coat and laid it neatly next to her as Jane fixed the plating.
They were both hungry and familiar with each other that conversation was on pause as they ate. The salad was all leafy and yummy-along with the sliced clunks of steak she added into there, mixing in the cesar salad dressing and eating it all together.
"Stop I need to swallow," Katie forced herself to stop giggling-hell she didnt want to choke on her food now, but it was hard when she had Reaver in front of her, acting as if this was the best meal of his whole life. She swallowed, drank some apple juice, and fished through the salad for a slice of steak. They were both fast eaters and the Owner knew that, which was why they came and put both desserts on the table as well-instead of waiting for them to finish.
"Thank you Jane," Katie mumbled as nicely as she could while chewing. The waitress just smiled knowingly and went on her way. Katie immediately took the cheesecake and scooped a forkful of it and then placed it in her mouth. She knew Reaver was watching-just because it was cheesecake and he still couldnt comprehend the goodness of it. So when the delicate texture met her tongue, she didnt hide the little moan of delight that left her lips.
She hummed, chewing just slightly before swallowing. "Ah, heaven." She told him, because he was staring. "Want a bite? How about this, if you take a bite of my cheesecake, I got to do one thing for you. Come on, you cant back out-this is the first bet since you came back-you need to take a bite. Just one bite Reav, its really not that bad. You just need to more open to it. Come on," Katie scooped another forkful, leaning up now and around the plates, so that she was half laying half leaning over the table near him.
"Come on, one bite. One swallow." She wiggled the fork in front of him, her blue eyes dancing with delight, the challenge set in stone between them.
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Post by Orfeo on Nov 4, 2017 1:19:00 GMT -5
He laughed heartily as she smacked his finger frame from the air and stifled a chuckle when she bumped his right knee. So that made her tick, huh? "Oh, well, if you still eat whatever you want then what you previously said was bullshit. Cutting foods is not eating whatever you want." He nodded, as if proud of himself for pointing out that little flaw in her argument, and smirked with a satisfied "hmph."
Of course, though, she'd try to steal away his trench coat as well. He fought the urge to tell her a flat out no, but still listened. "Ah," he said, thinking for a second. "Clever." It made him smile. Little genius already figured it all out in her head. The idea would work, there wasn't a doubt about it. It wasn't beyond the realm of possibility that Reaver would send Katie a package, even if a used trench coat was a little strange as gifts went. Nobody was ever going to question it. Her mother would be clueless to his appearance, and Katie would have a new coat to wear whenever she wanted. It was a win-win situation that, for the most part, Reaver fully considered.
It was just... a little sad that he had to be pulling this. As much as he loved that Katie was tagging along for the ride. It wasn't that he didn't want to see Ms. Black. On the contrary, beside Katie there probably wasn't anyone in the world alive that he wanted to see more than Ms. Black. He laughed at himself. Still calling her that, long after she told him to just call her Ventia. He couldn't help it. Katie's mother was... an incredible person. He, in a ways, felt indebted to her. When his mother died, she was supportive beyond anyone else. She let him stay at her home when he didn't feel like being in his house for a few days, so he could clear his head. Treated him like one of her own, never really looked down on him. In the back of his head, he felt like she had some expectations for him. He wasn't her son, they weren't related in any way, but still, him going off to college, talking big, she must have thought something - anything.
Reaver didn't wish to disappoint her too.
His expression, for a second, became distant as the thought flashed through his mind. Would Kate be disappointed as well? No... she wasn't like that. She'd understand. It would be a long story, but she'd understand better than anyone. He didn't have to worry about her. Thank god. But it was for this reason he preferred to stay on the down low for now, at least while he gathered his thoughts. It was all too recent. He hit luck, reaching Katie when she would have the house for herself for two nights. It was perfect. Like a well-calculated plan.
Dessert pulled him out of his train of thought and a broad smile broached his lips. "Yess," he murmured, pushing aside what little food was left on his plate as he took a fork and slowly cleaved a hot piece of pie unto it. His mouth watered all over again, eyes sparking. The diner had the best pie he'd ever had in his life, hands down. But, of course, the distraction came, and as he chewed and swallowed one bite, he couldn't keep his eyes off of Katie's... abomination.
"That," he said, pointing with the end of his fork, "has got to be the most disgusting thing I have seen the last six months." Reaver shook his head, scrunched up his nose. "No, I don't want a bite. No- no!" Reaver huffed, setting the fork down. God did he try to stop this bet from happening. Fuck, he really did try. But, alas, the bet was in the air.
He couldn't refuse.
"I hate you," he murmured as he swiped the fork away from Katie's hands, pressing his finger against her forehead to push her back down on her seat. "Sit still, you're gonna fall and I'm gonna have to take you to the hospital. My driving sucks. It'll get us both killed in a car accident. All because of stupid cheesecake." He looked down at it, between his fingers. It didn't even look appetizing to him. "You do one thing for me," he said, seriously. "Anything I say."
Reaver didn't bother waiting for a reply. One moment the cheesecake was there, the next it was gone. He ate it like a man would throw himself off a diving board - suddenly and without warning so he didn't have to think about it. And he chewed, tried to chew - there was nothing to chew. What kind of cake couldn't be chewed! Reaver made an act of scrunching up his nose as he handed Katie back her fork, still savoring as he swallowed. "It..." he paused and thought for a second. "It leaves this... taste in your mouth." He paused again, thought for a second, his tongue slowly slipping between his lips, licking ever so slowly over his bottom lip before slipping back in. "Like, it doesn't taste like anything at first. But then," he groaned lowly and reached for his milkshake, taking a quick sip, trying to wash that after taste away, "suddenly, a few seconds later, you get this weird taste... This cheesy taste. And just.... Ugh."
A hard shiver coursed through his body. He visibly shuddered and once more went back to digging into his pie. "Out of all things I've ever known about you, K, your love of cheesecake will forever remain a mystery to my eyes." He glanced up at her, but the seriousness in his voice was gone. Now he smirked once more and, slowly, he rubbed the side of his foot against her leg. Just for a couple seconds. Even though he was wearing jeans, dusty old jeans that looked ready to fall apart, he could still feel some warmth coming from her legs. It was nice. He did that, again, rub her leg with his, and then bumped it softly away from his own. A smile played at his lips as he spoke.
"Now, for what you owe me," he straightened out his back, puffing out his chest a bit, thinking as his eyes gazed at her. Though, really, he wasn't much looking at her as he was looking through her. Both staring at Katie and not staring at her. He was carefully aware of what she did, but he also found himself surprised every once in a while. "I don't know." He shrugged his shoulders playfully. "I guess I'm just going to have to think about it and tell you tonight, huh?"
He winked at her immediately after that sentence, obviously suggestively, but also in a playful manner, just to see what kind of reaction he was going to get out of her. For curiosity's sake.
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Post by Ventia on Nov 4, 2017 8:58:54 GMT -5
"Oh dont exaggerate." Katie scolded, still leaning on the table. Of course, it was her legs that were supporting her, so she didnt really have the same fear of falling like Reaver did. "I'm not going to fall, Reav. Yesh, I'm not the clumsy one between the two of us. That's on you." But when he pushed her back down onto her seat, Katie sat back down, a little grin on her face.
Ah, sweet victory. Katie thought as she watched Reaver. She didnt understand why he detested the damn thing so much but lord and behold, he stared at the forkful as if it had fangs and could bite him. "Oh come on Reaver!" Katie urged, just because the look in his face was just that hilarious. How many times had she done this? Forced him into taking just a bite-whenever they were here. It was almost like a guaranteed thing that they always did together. She caught sight of his tattoo on his wrist as he examined the cheesecake and glanced briefly at her own.
"Hmm, yes anything." She said distracted, even though Katie knew that she should have been worried about making such a bet now-when there was something different between them. It laid there-silent and understanding-just waiting to be called upon. But for now, it was all about the cheesecake. Katie liked watching him eat-it was strange. She liked it the best when she got him to try out certain foods-foods that either he never tried before or tried and didnt like.
Katie couldnt help it. His face...just priceless. She could see exactly what he was thinking the second the fork left his lips. Silently, she took the fork he offered, her attention on his face and his words. "Its cheesecake, its supposed to have that melting feeling on your tongue." She took another bite, because watching him eat it made her want more-but unlike his scrunching of the face, Katie tasted a delight.
She was humming while he drank his milkshake, shaking her head at him. "You have shit for tastebuds. Seriously." Katie took another bite, leaning a little back, her body seemingly relax as Reaver continued his pie. It was a sight-that was to say the least. Having Reaver here, fooling around like always, and just seeing him munching on a blueberry pie. She had missed him a lot. These little moments where everything faded into background noises, was what Katie always liked.
Reaver's leg brought her out of the daze that she was in while she watched him. The touch was stragely intimate-or at least different than the earlier bumping. This was a new territory that they had only barely breached before he had left. Suddenly, Katie was aware of that something that had been in his gaze this entire time. It lurked there in his mismatched gaze, eager but content for now-but a promise. That was what it was-a promise.
For what was to come? Katie heard her heartbeat skip up and felt a thrill run down her spine. It made her sit up straighter without even meaning to. Her eyes had dilated-just a little. Barely enough to the untrained eye to notice. But Reaver? He probably saw-there were only a few reasons why her eyes dialted. She knew that whenever her emotions got to crazy, it did the same thing. But before had usually always been out of anger or stress or similar emotions. Right now, with the feel of his foot rubbing against her legs, it was a entirely different emotion.
She knew what it was-Katie was no angel after all. She just hadnt expected it to be coming from Reaver. It had always been innocent with Reaver but now that certain something was there between them and it was getting kind of hard to ignore. Especially with Reaver looking at her like that.
Katie did her best though, leaning on the table, placing her forgotten fork on the table, and reaching back to curl her fingers around the top of her ponytail, bringing the mass of hair around her shoulder to lay, all black and shinning, in front of her chest. She cocked her head, parted her lips just a little, and slanted her eyes downward, slowly, as if checking him out.
When she finally met his eyes again, he winked at her. Her stomach warmed at the sight of him and she hummed, low and under her breath, barely audible for anyone else. "You do that," Katie finally said, letting her fingers dance on top of the table's surface until it reached the edge. She smiled, kept her eyes on her fingers, and then let them fall down to where his knee rested. Really, he was invading her personal bubble as well. It was as if he was holding her prisoner with how he stretched out his legs-one on either side of her.
Now that she had acknowledged the fact that there was indeed something in the air between them, Katie couldnt help but realize that he felt bigger. Had his legs always been this long? Sure he was a bit skinnier than usual, but under those clothes she could tell that there was changes too. His chest had expanded, making his shoulder look longer and more inviting. His scent had matured as well, now that they had been relaxing for a little more than half a hour, she could smell the faint changes that made the femininity in her at attention.
Katie brushed her fingers against his knee, pressing firm enough to actually feel the bone underneath. At first, it was all professional-a trick or two she had picked up on Jewel. Because damn, she still wanted to know what was wrong with him. His knee? Katie checked, but the bones felt normal underneath her touch. Once she felt that, her touch soften and she allowed herself to recognize the warmth that was warming her fingers.
Katie spread out her fingers, spilling over onto his lower thigh just briefly before she pulled her hand back. She met his eyes, having felt their weight on her as she explored his outstretched leg. She raised an eyebrow at his expression and forced the blush that threatened to show on her face back.
"What?" Katie asked, innocently.
She glanced down at her food, realized she was full and then flagged Jane towards them once the blonde looked at their direction. She made the universal sign for a check with her fingers, which was her just pretending to write on her hand, and Jane nodded, changing in her course towards the front where the computer was-and therefore the checks.
"Ah," Katie turned back to Reaver, "Do you wanna buy anything before we head back to my place? Or are you good?" She had the basics of course, but still. Jareth liked having his own 'manly' stuff so why wouldnt Reaver? Plus, the more she pretended that she wasnt looking forward to spending the night alone with him, the better. She didnt need Reaver knowing about the little eagerness that was slowly filling her.
Yep, it was just like the old days. Nothing to get all eager about, Katie scolded herself.
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Post by Orfeo on Nov 4, 2017 15:00:28 GMT -5
Reaver wasn't going to take any of her shit. The cheesecake was just as bad as he had made it out to seem, if not even worse. It wouldn't have been so bad if the aftertaste that lingered on his tongue didn't taste so much like cheese. He hated that flavour. It's why he could tolerate pizza; pizza did not leave that feeling in his tongue that made him want to gag. It didn't make him wish for some water or soda so he could wash away the taste. It came, and it went. Cheesecake overstayed its welcome for far too long. This was, what, god he'd lost track of how many times she had made him try the thing out. Every time it was always the same. He could no longer tell if Katie was doing because she honestly wanted him to like the food or if she was just getting a guilty pleasure out of watching him suffer.
He did see the way her eyes reacted but withheld the comment that dared to form in his mind. He just ate, silently, watching. What else was there to look at? As much as the window was there right next to them, it was the same view he'd seen for years already. Nothing had changed. As much as he liked the fact that everything was the same as when he had left it, Reaver just wanted to look at something that actually had changed, even if just a little. The lobes of his ears burned dangerously but he easily ignored the feeling, simply watching.
"I like your hair by the way," he commented, finally broaching the topic of it, but he figured she already knew how he felt about it. "Soft. Looks nice, all long like that." He thought for a moment. "I'm guessing you braid it when you head out with the warriors, right?" She'd never told him, and whenever they had video chatted, she always had her hair out in the same way that she had it now. But it made sense. Long hair like that would just get in the way. If she didn't cut it, then she at least did something to keep it in check when she had to. When she felt her fingers pressing against his knee he smiled but acted as if he didn't feel anything, even when he had moved his knee just a few degrees closer to her so she didn't have to reach so much. "Unless you're running around out there like a damn fool just waiting for someone to grab you by the hair." He chuckled. Again, it was that low rumbling chuckle that sometimes came from him as his eyes eagerly took in the length and texture of her hair. Match it with how good it smelled and, well, Reaver may as well had been fawning over it. "Though to be honest I never expected you to grow it out so long - it wasn't ever that long when I was here. But I like it. It's a cool look." Reaver reclined back as he bit into the very last bit of his blueberry pie, taking a deep breath as he settled his hands over his satisfied stomach. "Kinda suits ya. Damn I'm full."
Reaver shook his shook his head lightly from side to side and waved ah and off dismissively. "If I have one more bite of anything I'll explode," he explained, stretching out his arms, as he added apologetically, "I really wish I could help pay. Even if its a welcome gift." He paused, then grinned, his face twisting into a devious grin as he almost let go of the little surprise he had for her, but at the very last second he stopped himself short.
"Right then, let's go, yeah? I fucking stink and I'm covered in," he frowned, passed a finger over his cheek and stared at the dust and grime that stuck to his skin, "crap. Could go for a warm shower." As he spoke he'd swung his dirty old black backpack over his right shoulder and was already gripping his duffel bag. "Hurry up, slow-poke." His left knee hit her leg hard as he tried to squirm his way from out of the table, in the same manner that it hit hers every single time the two of them got out. That's how it always was, anyway. He got out first, hit her knee, and was usually already out the door by the time Katie was still getting up. For some inexplicable reason, Reaver enjoyed being outside before she was. Checking things out. Looking left to right. Pointing out obvious little things. "And feel free to keep the coat! It's old anyway!" he exclaimed as he exited out the door.
Fresh air. Hot air. Cool air. It was a lot different now that he had a nice hour of rest and a good meal in his stomach. Though his legs hurt, now more than ever, he found it easy to ignore. His eyes looked over the parking lot until, finally, they settled on Katie's truck. He'd seen it only once, a picture she had sent him when she first bought it, and he remembered making fun of it for days and days afterward. It was an old thing, but a reliable one from what he'd heard. He didn't know much about cars so he couldn't really tell what was good or bad about it, even if he opened the hood and took a look at the engine. But if it managed to get her from one place to another quick and easy, then it was good enough for him. Reaver didn't wait. He bounded down the steps, his footsteps hard against the concrete and pavement, and then lazily swung one leg in front of the other as he made his way over, turning and sitting his ass against the hood of her truck ass he waited for the girl to catch up. "Finally," he murmured when she got to him, but there was a wide smile on his face.
His eyes gazed here and there for the short while it took to get to the border of New Dawn. The two of them held up a casual conversation on that drive, one that was aimed at her and her alone. Reaver was successful in keeping the discussion on her. For one, he didn't want to broach his own subject. It would have been easy with the two of them on a long car trip with nothing but the silence between them. On the other hand, he was genuinely curious. He'd only got small snapshots of her life as she told him over text or when they talked on FaceTime. This was the first real time he'd ever gotten it straight from her mouth and continuously too. And... well, she'd done a lot. Even if he didn't say it, there was pride in his face. The way he stared at Katie as she told him of the things she'd done - in the infirmary, with the warriors, practically managing the club herself - and he smiled wide as ever when she spoke of her desire to become a Beta, like her mother. He could see it. "You'd be great," he mindlessly commented when she told him that, and he meant it.
Katie had done a lot. So much, so many incredible things. He saw her, in his mind, quickly rising through the ranks. Being a leader. People would easily follow her. Charismatic, kind, tough when she needed to be, and a hell of an excellent fighter. She'd be awesome. Reaver felt nothing but pride for her. She'd made herself, finally. A clear goal in sight. An incredible future. No envy, no regret - just pride.
He trembled, hard, when they crossed the border. Though his senses were dulled, crossing the border was about the one thing he was sure was exactly like how she felt it. She was, obviously, used to the feeling. He wasn't. It wasn't exactly that good sensation either, and that worried Reaver. He couldn't help the frown that played on his face, a slight frown which really was just the edge of his lips turned slightly downward, as he lazily cast his gaze outside.
Back home, at last. New Dawn. The hair on his arms stood on end, goosebumps pockmarked his skin. Reaver casually rubbed at his arms, fighting that dangerous feeling in the back of his mind, and shifted his thoughts back on her. At how thankful he was that she was doing well.
Reaver knew that crossing the border they still had a while more to go. The Blacks didn't live within the gated community that mostly everyone had lived in. Which was good. His scent would have caught the attention of everyone within the community the moment he stepped foot in, and all of them would be asking questions. Questions he didn't feel like answering. "Home," he murmured, lowly, empty-like, and as it slipped through his lips, Reaver closed his eyes, and for the first time in two days, since he got on the train, Reaver slept.
Her poking his ribs pulled him out of the void. He groaned, frowning at her, till he looked up and ahead. "Ah," he murmured. "It's big!" Of course it was big. Just like he remembered, but he couldn't help the thought. Reaver followed her from behind, up to her room, where he just dropped all of his things and exclaimed, excitedly, with a grin, "Okay so where's your sex toys?"
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Post by Ventia on Nov 4, 2017 16:38:58 GMT -5
It was only when Reaver fell asleep that Katie finally let her mind wander. She still remembered the way he had been looking at her back at the diner, and how he had been complimenting her hair. It had come out of nowhere and left Katie feeling a little stunned. He did that to her a lot-make her speechless. Katie glanced at him, taking her eyes off the road for only a few seconds at a time, and watched him sleep. He was exhuasted-Katie had knew that the moment she got into the diner.
Sleep deprived-Reaver slept hard. Throughout the entire ride, he had been relaxing more and more into the seat-as if her voice was a lullaby. She probably did just that-talked so much that he fell asleep. Which Katie was happy about, because he needed to sleep. Needed to rest and have his body recuperate. But from what? She hadnt wanted to talk about it because Reaver looked so tired-as if all he could do was just listen to her-as if remembering brought him pain.
It was the first time, Katie realized, how strong her protective instincts were acting up. She felt a little like her mother and remembered the insane way she herself was brought up because Mom was so paranoid. Because Mom wanted her and Jareth to be as safe as they both could be. It was why she had started training since the time she could crawl. To be able to live in this world-to protect herself and her loved ones.
Having Reaver drop his guard around her and actually fall asleep-made him under her care. This was hers to protect-Katie realized. The truth of it hit her hard and she could see it already-the beast that prowled within her could as well. She wouldnt-if she had her way-allow any more pain to come upon him. Reaver wanted shelther and a safe place-Katie was going to provide that-to ensure it.
"Wow." Katie breathed out uneasy, her knuckles white on the steeling wheel. She caught sight of her eyes in the review mirror and could barely see the bright blue color-no, her eyes had dilated again. The darkness consumed her iris and she forced herself to relax-glancing at Reaver's sleeping form every now and then and finding it easier to breathe. His body was relaxed-deep in a well needed rest.
Katie cracked opened a window just a little-enough to let the wind ruffle her cheek and let the scents of New Dawn filter in through the truck. Winter was around the corner and already she could feel a cooler breeze that made her cheeks almost rosy. Katie loved the cold-even if she did complain a lot about it. She couldnt wait for the season to truly come-and cast everything in its cold embrace.
Snow.
She'd need to get some special tires for it...
Katie killed the engine once they got to her home. It was the only home she'd ever know-and couldnt quite picture anything else as it. Home. Yes, New Dawn was home-but she grew up in this house. She cried, bled, unleashed her rage relentlessly at the dummies whenever her brother or mother pissed her off, this was where she had all of her firsts-or the majority of them. She trained here. She made memories here. Home. It was home.
The house was built a few feet up from the ground, there was three steps that led to a porch and then the two story house. It was standard built but had little tweaks here and there that only the Black's knew about. All the bedrooms were on the second floor, and the first floor gave visitors the illusion of it being bigger than usual since there were no walls crowding it. A kitchen was tucked in the corner of the first floor, which hid a garage as well, out of sight from the front door. The living room was on the left side of the house, and there was a long couch along with chairs and a love-seat. Add on the tv, the bookshelf, and the game area, well that was the living room.
To the right, stood the dining room. A simple wooden table surrounded by chairs on all sides over looking the other side of the house-and the kitchen. Right in front of the door, just a few feet away, was the stairs that led upstairs. Of course, Katie didnt waste no time. The sooner Reaver showered, the better. His scent was too strong now-since the poor man had walked for ten miles. But after a shower, his scent would mix with hers (since he was using her bathroom) and it'd be easier to carry on the ruse that he had send over a coat.
So Katie rushed him up the stairs, taking time to make sure the door was locked before following. He was already in her room-which was the first room to the left, and she closed the door behind her, as if that could keep his prescence here more secret.
"M-my what?" Katie stuttered, her back to the door, looking at Reaver as if he just started stripping. Her ears burned and she found herself clearing her throat. "I dont-get the fuck in the shower, for crying out loud." She pushed him then, her hands warm against the middle of his back, as she walked him to the door that was tucked in a corner. It was half open, so she just pushed him in there and then flipped the switch.
Katie-despite what he thought-wasnt a messy person. Especially not with bathrooms. Bathrooms were...a safe spot for her, she guessed. She spent hours in here sometimes, whether it was doing her makeup to get it just right, or to make sure her braid was tight enough to guarnteed no one could pull it, or just looking at herself in the mirror before a mission. Sometimes she sat back on the bottom of the floor, her back to the wall, her feet playing with the baby pink rug that laid in wait, just next to the tub.
Katie wrote in here too-yes she had a diary. She didnt know why-but bathrooms were always comforting for her. Clean. Pleasant. Refreshing. A place where she could catch her breath and mentally prepare herself to do something. Sometimes it was her only salvation on the bad nights, where she stood silent in the darkness, barely seeing herself in the mirror, thinking horrible thoughts all while trying to prove to herself that no, she wasnt that horrible.
Her bathroom had very light blue walls-almost white but not quite. She had two shower curtains, one that was plastic and stayed inside the tub, and a decorative one that stayed out. It was black, with pink decorations. She didnt know what it was, just pretty swirls that Katie had enjoyed. All her stuff laid on the tub, perfumed shampoo and conditioner-Katie wasnt sure what flavor it was-they always changed seeing as how Katie hated wasting money to buy a higher price one. There was body wash-also scented and that one she knew it to be lavender. There was also a bar of soap-seemingly unused that was Irish Spring. Her mother had mentioned once that it had been her father's choice of soap and Katie had just kept buying it.
She only used it after a trip from the Deadlands, because it cleaned the blood off and dirt off better than her lavender one. This one was new-she had just put it there what? Two days ago? She hadnt had a trip to the Deadlands for two days which was why she had left it untouched. Katie pointed at it, "I havent used that yet so dont worry, no cooties." She crouched in front one of the drawers of the sink's counter, opening it and fishing out a new shaver.
"I know its not one of those fancy thirteen buck ones but as long as your careful, you shouldnt cut yourself." Katie glanced at his beard again and bent down to get another one-spying a packaged toothbrush that she had gotten from a dentist visit a few months back, she grabbed it and straightened again. "You brush your teeth too, and keep the toothbrush if you dont have one." She pointed to the tower rack, "Those are all unused too-I have a pink one and I'm too lazy to bring it back in here."
"I would assume you have clothes but if not I can always get some of Jareth's or..."
Katie realized she was rambling-Reaver could figure it out on his own. It wasnt like this would be the first time he'd taken a shower here. Hell-with what she put him through, Reaver probably took more showers in her bathroom than his own. Nah, that was pushing it too far but still. She didnt need to give him a razor or a new toothbrush or tell him that mostly everything here was cootie-free. Shit, if she wasnt careful, Katie would start reminding him with knob was hot or cold and that yes, there was a showerhead and yes, he could use anything he wanted.
She blamed him, of course. It was that damn comment about sex toys. "Now, you stay in here and shower. Don't be trying to hurry it up on me. If you wanna take a hour long shower. Go for it. Showers are amazing. You hear me? You are not allowed out of this bathroom until you feel better. If not, i'll throw your ass back in here and wont let you out until its done." Katie gave him a look, "and you know I'm not joking."
She then moved back towards the door but before leaving, she twisted and made eye contact. "In the meanwhile, I'll be making sure to hide all those sex toys." With that-because Katie enjoyed having the last word and being dramatic, she closed the door, locking it from the inside before it finally locked.
With Katie's back towards the door, she looked out onto her bedroom. It was a regular size bedroom-despite it having a bathroom adjoined to it. The walls were the same blue white as it was in the bathroom and with the lamps she had on either side of the bedroom, it made the room feel welcoming. Mellow. Soft. Katie eased off of the door, moving towards one of the counters. They were green-of all colors. But not a bright green nor a light one-it wasnt even anything fancy such as teal. No, they were a dull green color, not bright, nor dark, just green. She had a dresser, a counter, and two bedside tables that were all the same color. Her bed? A twin size, sideways that leaned against one wall.
The bed was new. She used to have a queen size, but Katie always slept alone and she wanted more room in her bedroom and so she had replaced it with a twin. She had a wooden desk, along with a computer chair, and her laptop laid on top of it, another light just to the side, with a few books and files covering the remaining surface of the desk. The computer chair was left in the middle of the room, a few jackets or coat's laid on the back of the seat, and there was a blanket folded on the seat. Katie pushed the chair in to the desk and almost made a sound when she heard the water being turned on.
Just like that, her attention of her bedroom was forgo and she listened to the sounds coming from her bathroom. To Reaver. She stood there-Katie actually stood there, hands on top of a leather jacket, as she listened to Reaver find his desired temperature of the water. She could tell because each knob sounded differently. A little cold water-no too much. Some more hot. A little more. No too much.
Every sound grabbed at her senses and Katie caught sight of herself in a full length mirror that hanged on one of the walls. "Creeper." Katie mouthed at herself-not even daring to say it aloud. Reaver always said his hearing wasnt as good as hers and yet, Katie felt as if he would know. So she snatched the headphones that hanged in a big mirror in front of her counter, pulled her phone out of the pockets, and then found something to watch.
By the time Reaver came out of the bathroom, Katie had taken off her boots and had curled underneath her blanket. Her attention clearly on the phone in front of her, as a movie played.
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Post by Orfeo on Nov 4, 2017 17:29:19 GMT -5
Reaver could only chuckle as her hands pushed him hard into the bathroom. That reaction, it was just what he had been hoping for. No, he wasn't going to play it off as just her being flustered by that unexpected comment, because he knew deep down that Katie was not the innocent girl she could just make herself out to be. Oh, she definitely had something hidden away, tucked into some obscure corner of the room where nobody would find it, and he really wanted to find it. To frustrate her, piss her off, make her stumble into her own words as he grinned and laughed and then immediately went on to forget about it because there were better things to do than tease her with her own toys.
The thought made him blush slightly, a burn on his cheeks and his ears and his neck, but that was gone the moment she started rambling. "I knoow," he spoke over her as she pretty much explained to him how to use a bathroom. "I know. I know. I knoooow." He bumped her shoulder lightly and laughed. "It's not the first time I'm here."
And then silence. He felt at ease and alone for the first time since they met, even if he knew in the back of his mind that he really wasn't all that much alone. But privacy. He checked the lock once more, carefully, and with a nod moved to stand in front of the mirror, gazing into his eyes, and the finally peeled away the shirt clinging to his skin.
He really had lost a lot of weight, hadn't he? With the tip of his finger he poked at his chest and then at his ribs. She must have definitely felt it when she woke him up in the car. That prod against his ribs almost felt like there was just skin between his finger and the bone, and nothing else. The skin of his chest was paler compared to that of his face, always hidden away from the sun with a shirt and a coat. It had looked worse, a whole lot worse, when he got out of the hospital. There was color, life. Hell, it just looked like his own skin before the attack and -
His eyes then fell on the scar. It was the only scar Reaver had across his body. It was big. It was angry. It was annoying to look at. It was, looking down at himself, to the right of his stomach, just below his ribs. It was about the length of his outstretched hand, from tip of the middle finger to the very beginning of his wrist. Maybe just a tiny bit shorter. When he was stabbed, he was also slashed up a bit from side to side. And he had been too scared to pull it out before the paramedics came. So it sat there, lodged into his body, and... Reaver gulped, hard, letting out a shaky breath of air as he rested his hands against the vanity and forced his eyes away from that scar and up at his face.
The shower was now running in the background. A little cold, a little hot. Just perfect, really. He stripped off those dirty old pants he was wearing and laughed softly at how fallen apart they were, but he wasn't about to get rid of them yet. He kind of liked that look anyway. Then he jumped in the water and sighed as that tension around his arms and his legs finally gave way.
For a solid twenty minutes he did just that. Just stand under the water to let it rinse him off. He looked down between his feet and watched as the dirt swirled like angry bees down the drain, watched until no more dirt was being rinsed off his body. Then he began scrubbing himself, slowly, using that bar of soap she just had sitting there. Taking his time, feeling no real rush. Finally he took the body wash, because it was scented lavender and he enjoyed the smell of it. He only took a little though. It was merely so that the scent would tickle at his nose, so he brushed his hands up against his chest and around his neck, let it stand for a couple of minutes, and then washed it off.
And then he just... sat. Reaver didn't know why. But it was a little comfortable too. He sat as the water poured over his head and his back and rested his face against his hands and just sat there for... twenty more minutes? Ten minutes? He'd been trying to keep a track of time but he quickly lost track of it all. It all melded. He knew what was coming now. Katie wasn't one to just sit there and let unsaid things be unsaid, especially when they were secrets she already knew existed. Reaver, fruitlessly, did his best to come up with a dialogue. A script, per say, to retell when the questions came. It was hard. Impossible.
There was no script. There was just the truth. It wasn't a hard truth. It wasn't a particularly dramatic truth. But it was there, and he hated it.
An hour later he shut off the water, and it took him another half hour to shave. He only cut himself once this time, a record! He then grabbed bathroom paper and wet it with tap water, and then used that to gather up all the hair that had fallen into the sink, threw that into the toilet, and did it once more to make sure the sink was a hundred percent clean of all his hair, not willing to repeat the same mistake of washing it all down the drain and then clogging it. He flushed that away and then looked at himself once more. He looked better, a hell of a lot more like himself, and he smiled as he wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped out of the bathroom, hair still dripping wet.
No, he didn't really care that he had just walked out on Katie with only a towel between her eyes and his nakedness. He had, after all, forgotten to bring his clothes in to the bathroom as well and he wasn't about to put on his dirty clothes again. It also didn't cross his mind that his scar was there now, visible for her to see. But he moved quick, opening the duffel bag to fish out some old boxers, jeans, and a plain blue shirt whose color had began to fade and that fit him one size too big. He threw all that over his shoulder, turned, and began rummaging through his backpack, surprised that Katie hadn't done so already.
A frown played at his lips, then a smile as he found what he had been looking for. He stood straight, pulling back his shoulders a bit, and stared at a small simple ring he held between his fingers. It was just a simple band. There wasn't anything exactly special about it. Gold plated - real gold - and forged out of stainless steel. Absolutely no silver. Unlike him, she was deadly to that. He didn't wish to harm her. A little slip of paper was wrapped around that simple band, with the words "To: K" scribbled into that tight space with his handwriting. Reaver glanced over to where Katie was sitting and with a smile he tossed the ring at her, knowing she'd catch it. "Sorry I missed your birthday a few months ago," he spoke, before moving back into the bathroom and locking the door behind him.
A wide grin was spread across his face. He dried his hair, put his clothes on, and then minutes later he was back out of the bathroom. Feeling refreshed. Better. A hell of a lot better. He took a deep breath of air and moved to a corner of the room, sliding back where the two walls connected, and sat on the floor, bring one knee up to himself. "That feels much better," he groaned, rubbing his eyes, smiling.
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Post by Ventia on Nov 4, 2017 18:14:08 GMT -5
Her attention was on the movie. Or at least for the most part. Katie had seen this movie before-The Last Unicorn-countless times since she was a child. The unicorn was always beautiful-and when she transformed into a woman and fell in love with the prince-she was even more beautiful. Katie didnt know why she picked it, she had just been scrolling down Netflix and noticed it.
It was familiar, so she left the headphones on loud and her mind started to wander. Again. She tuned back in, look at the door, watch a few minutes of the movie, and then tune back out. Glancing every now and then at the door to see if it was open. But she wasnt sure if she wanted him to ever finish with his shower or if she didnt. That was just that-Katie wasnt sure.
He left her feeling unsettled and yet, relaxed. Relaxed enough that she would put headphones on which not only blocked Reaver out of her hearing but the outside world too. She was in a vulnerability right now-not being able to listen in to the sounds surrounding the house. But-she felt safe. Katie knew she would be fine because Reaver was here. He might not looked that capable of providing such a feeling-but Katie always felt safe with him.
But when the door opened, Katie's eyes glanced up. After all-she had to make sure he wasnt rushing. She should have been shocked at seeing him walking around her room, clad in only one of her towels, and bending down-as if they've done this a thousand times. Once again, that comfortable feeling surrounded her at the same time as a sudden eagerness filled her.
Katie's eyes went to his face first-like always. She wasnt one to shy away from looking-never was. She had given him his privacy in the bathroom. He could have chosen to grab his clothes before he showered. Sure, it would have ruined her dramatic exit but Reaver wasnt one to let that get in his way. No. He'd might use it as a excuse, but Katie knew he wanted her to see him.
She paused the movie but besides from that, stayed really still on her bed. Now that the movie was paused, she could hear again. The sounds of her home hit her-if not a little dull because her ears were still filled. She could hear the trees from outside, could hear the drops of water dripping against the tub, the sound of Reaver's heart-relaxed now.
Katie's eyes went down, unable to stop it. Not that she tried that hard, and instantly she saw the cause to his pain. Instincts made her body tense as her eyes zeroed on the injury. It was bigger than her hand, Katie thought numbly to herself. It was ugly. Whatever blade that went through Reaver hadnt been pretty. It cut at his skin from side to side, making the mark look life threathening.
Katie bit her lip, to keep quiet, while Reaver dug through his bookbag. As he dug, Katie could taste blood in her mouth. She swallowed as he was standing up. Her gaze followed his hand, at what he had brought out, and then at his face. Katie knew Reaver could see the conflicting emotions on her face-knew that she had questions that almost bubbled out of her, and knew it best to stay quiet until she could control herself.
She caught it, his words snuffing her anger out like blowing out a candle. It felt warm in her hand but Katie didnt look at it, just at his back until once again, he disappeared into the bathroom. Once the door closed, Katie breathed in deep, suddenly sitting up straight on her bed. She plucked the ear phones off and finally looked down at the warm object in her hands.
A ring.
She breathed. Hard. Cocking her head to the side to look at his handwriting. Gently, not wanting the paper to rip, she eased it away from the band and then placed it on her bedside table just as Reaver was exiting the bathroom once more. Katie glanced once at him and then rolled her eyes.
"Oh get up and come over here." She patted the bed in front of her and stayed quiet until he did it. A few minutes of silence and finally, the stubborn man got up and sat promptly in front of her. Katie looked down at the ring then.
"It's pretty." Katie's voice soften, as it usually did whenever he did sweet things like this. She had a love and hate relationship with jewerly and besides from the occasional bracelet-didnt really wear them. But this, it seemed to fit her just right. She eased it on her ring finger because that felt natural and like she assumed, he had gotten her size right.
Katie lifted her arm between us, her fingers dancing and showing off the pretty band. "I like it." Katie grinned then and then finally, she went and hugged her best friend.
It was a big hug, almost like the one he had given her back at the diner-but this time, Katie needed to hug him more than he needed to hug her. His wound played at the back of her mind and she was already thinking up dozens of scenarios of what had happened for him to had gotten such a mark. And the consenquences. Or the hospital. So yes, Katie hugged Reaver, pressing herself into him, squeezing his back, hiding her face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his rich scent that smelled now so much of himself that it only made Katie hug him harder.
She felt her eyes getting hot, could feel how skinny he was under her hands, and once again, Katie could only see that scar. Her mouth parted and a shuddering breath escaped her. She realize then, her body was shaking. It was starting to hit her-that she had almost lost him.
"What happened?" She whispered, hiding her face from him because damn if she looked into his eyes now, all her control would slip. Katie couldnt have that. Couldnt become a sobbing mess each time she was with him. But that wound...
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