#one time they had me (very short person) ride a medium sized horse and he randomly decided to stop so I almost fell off

[strawberry-seal77]

You’re scared of dogs? :O

yeah! :D

Mildly cats too if they're close to my face, but I'm familiar with cats' warning signs and they're generally chiller so I'm comfortable to be around them :3

[punkrockmads]

I Need You Now

Unspoken Words part 2

It's been a week since Sarah left her room. A week since anybody but Ellie has heard a word from her. They've tried. Jesse tried, Dina, Joel, Tommy... Hell, even Maria tried. But nothing can convince the girl to speak to them or leave her room to do anything other than use the bathroom or shower. After many failed attempts, Joel decided it was best to give her space.

So, she hides in her room, wondering what she did wrong. Wondering why Joel didn't want to be her dad. If only she'd given him a chance to explain himself. She's angry, but beyond that, she's hurt. The only person she talks to is Ellie. Ellie's the only one who doesn't try to force her to talk or leave her bedroom. She simply sits with her, makes sure she's feeling okay and that she's eating, and does everything she can to keep her from shutting down completely. If she's lucky, Sarah will comment on the stories about patrol or Boston that Ellie tells her. Usually, she just stays quiet, cracking a small smile at the funny things Ellie says to try and get her to laugh. It hurts Ellie to see Sarah so distant, but she knows the girl just needs time. She understands how it feels to realize someone lied to you about something important for years.

Today is no different. Ellie enters Sarah's room with two small bowls of soup. Sarah's asleep at her desk, right cheek smushed against the wood, a pen and a notebook beside her. Ellie sets the bowls on the desk, nudging Sarah lightly to wake her up. Sarah's eyes flicker as she allows herself to be pulled away from sleep. She sits up, rubbing at her eyes to hide any obvious signs of crying that Ellie has already seen.

"Hey." Ellie says, offering Sarah a small smile. She leans against the desk. "I, uh... thought I'd eat with you today. Keep you company."

"Okay." Sarah responds, the tiniest hint of a smile on her face. Ellie nods, grabbing the bowls once more and moving to sit by the window. Sarah watches, only moving when Ellie waves her over. She takes a seat in front of Ellie, taking the soup she's handed.

"Maria asked about you today." Ellie eats a bit of her soup, glancing at Sarah. "Wanted to know how you were doing."

"Oh." Sara says, quietly.

"Yeah. She wanted me to ask if you were wanting to go on patrols again. Get out of the house for a bit." Ellie continues. Sarah thinks it over. "She can assign you with Jesse."

"Why would that matter?" Sarah asks. Ellie finds a bit of comfort in the fact that she's talking more.

"Cause everyone knows you two like each other." Ellie says, a teasing smile on her face as she shoves Sarah with her foot.

Sarah shoves her back, rolling her eyes. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Yeah, sure." Ellie says sarcastically. "But seriously, it'd be good for you to get back out there. That way you're not cooped up in here all day."

Sarah bites her lip, contemplating what Ellie said. "I think that's a good idea." She concludes. "Just... I don't think I'm ready to speak to Joel yet."

"Did he tell you why he lied?" Ellie asks. Sarah shakes her head. "When he lost your mom, he didn't wanna get close to you and possibly lose you, too. He knew he wouldn't be able to handle it. When he told me he wanted to tell you, I said it was a good idea."

"Still wish he wouldn't have lied." Sarah mumbles. "Or screamed at me when I called him dad."

"Yeah, that was kinda dumb." Ellie admits. "He's crushed, y'know? He really didn't wanna hurt you, he just couldn't hide it anymore." She puts a hand on Sarah's knee. "He loves you, Sarah. He kinda sucks at showing it, but it's true. Every day, he asks me how you're doing, if you're eating... he worries about you."

"Yeah." Sarah says. "I know."

A month passes and Sarah still hasn't spoken a word to Joel. He leaves notes on her bedroom door or the kitchen table for her to read before patrol. Simple notes that say things like 'Made you breakfast' or 'won't be back till late tonight'. He's even been watching over Gus after he was accidentally left on the couch. Sarah's spent as much time as she can going on patrol and picking up extra chores; anything to stay away from the house for as long as possible. Maria's put limits on how much she can do, though. She's afraid Sarah will overwork herself. Usually, the patrols are simple but today's would prove to be a bit more eventful.

Sarah's in her head, not really focusing on searching for infected as she rides behind Jesse to the next patrol sign in. Jesse's talking but, for some reason, Sarah can't pay attention. She keeps remembering what happened at St. Mary's two years ago. She isn't happy with how they saved Ellie but she's happy they did save her. Ellie is like a sister to her. But that's not what she's thinking about. She's thinking about being shot. The feeling of the bullet going into her torso as they were running. She didn't say a word, didn't even flinch, she just kept going. But what if she hadn't been able to? What if she had fallen and was too weak to run? Would Joel have helped her? No, there'd be no way for him to save her. He had Ellie and she clearly couldn't run. He would've left her there... right? He would've abandoned her...

"Earth to Sarah!" Jesse snaps her out of her thoughts. She looks up to see him staring back at her. "You good back there?"

"Yeah, sorry." Sarah replies quickly, tightening her grip on Ponyo's reins. Jesse looks forward again.

"What are you thinking about?" He asks, stopping in front of the next sign in; an old bar Tommy had said was shut down way before the apocalypse.

"Just... I was thinking about Joel." Sarah says, deciding not to tell him everything going on in her head.

"You still mad at him?" Jesse asks as they tie up their horses to a pipe outside the back of the building.

"A bit." Sarah admits, walking in front of Jesse into the bar through a hole in the wall that's hidden by vines. "But, I think I understand why he did it now. Why he lied, I mean." The bar smells like damp soil and rotting wood. Thankfully, the broken glass that once littered the floors has been cleaned to make it safer to walk around. That doesn't mean they don't have to watch where they walk, though. In certain areas, the wooden floor is rotten enough to break underneath them if they step on it.

"Maybe you should talk to him." Jesse says, signing the two in as Sarah peeks through the windows. "He feels really bad. I don't think I've seen him this upset since that fight he had with Ellie. Even then, it only took them a couple weeks to make up."

"Joel doesn't like fighting." Sarah says, simply. It's easier to say that than 'He lied to Ellie because he didn't want her to sacrifice herself for a possible cure for humanity.' "I was thinking about talking to him tonight, actually."

"That's good." Jesse says, a hopeful smile on his face. "I'm sure he'll be really happy about that."

"Yeah." Sarah says, looking around at all the abandoned booths and barstools. "I kinda feel like a dick for shutting him out, y'know?"

"He understands why you did it." Jesse assures Sarah, moving to stand in front of her.

"Yeah, but I... I shouldn't have done that to him. Or you and Dina. You didn't deserve that."

"Hey." Jesse puts a hand on her head. "Don't worry about it." He gives her a warm smile. "I've got something to show you. C'mon, shorty."

"I may be short but I'll kick your ass." Sarah warns, teasingly.

"I don't doubt it." Jesse chuckles, leading her through a door to the Employees Only room. Sarah follows, confused. There was never any reason to go back here.

"Where are we going?" She asks. Jesse stays quiet, moving a heavy metal filing cabinet out of the corner and revealing a hole in the wall. "Jesse?"

"Just c'mon. You're gonna like this." He says, crawling through the hole. Sarah groans, looking behind her before crawling in after Jesse. Jesse helps her stand up and she looks around. They're in a very small, very cramped bathroom.

"Wow." She laughs, tone full of sarcasm. "I love this bathroom."

"Well, then you're gonna love what's outside of this bathroom even more." Jesse grins, pulling a set of keys out of his back pocket.

"Shouldn't it lock from the inside?" Sarah asks, watching Jesse unlock the door.

"Yeah, but I switched the handle around so nobody could get in here." Jesse explains, opening the door. "You coming?" He asks, holding the door open. Sarah walks into the medium sized room. It's empty other than a few boxes, a door that's boarded up, and a desk in the far right corner with a wooden chair.

"What is this?" Sarah looks around. The room is lit only by a window on the right wall that lets in sunlight.

"It's an Employees Only room. You know that hair salon next door?" Sarah nods. "It's connected to that."

"Does anyone else know this is here?"

"If I wanted other people to know it was here, do you think I'd keep it locked up?" Jesse asks, rhetorically.

"Okay, I see your point." Sarah chuckles.

"Now, I know it's not much but I was thinking we could fix it up a bit, make it look cool, and turn it into our own private hangout. Just you and me. Whaddya say?" Jesse gives her a hopeful look, silently pleading for her to say yes.

"I think I can get behind that." Sarah decides, smiling at him.

"Yes!" Jesse yells, raising a fist in the air. "Oh... Hey, Sarah?"

"Yeah?"

"Look up." Sarah does so, eyes going wide and smile growing bigger.

"Stars?" She chuckles in disbelief. The ceiling had been painted to look like the night sky. Blends of dark blues and blacks, tiny white dots to look like twinkling stars.

"You like it?" Jesse asks, hands on his hips. Sarah turns to look at him.

"Did you...?" She can't seem to form a sentence, completely in awe. Jesse just nods, his heart fluttering at her reaction. "How did you paint this?"

"My mom found a bunch of old paints in storage and gave them to me." Jesse explains. "I wasn't sure what to do with them at first but, when I saw this place... it just clicked." Sarah lunges at him, making him take a step back at the force as she hugs him.

"Thank you, Jesse." Sarah mumbles into his shirt. "This is amazing."

"Aww, you're welcome, shorty." Jesse says, hugging her. Sarah pinches his side and he flinches. "Ow! Okay, I guess I deserved that."

"You did." Sarah chuckles, pulling away. She looks around the room, noticing the boarded up door. "Think we can get this open?" She points to the door.

"Actually..." Jesse walks over to the wooden desk, opening one of the drawers. "I know we can." He takes out a hammer, grinning.

"You just conveniently have a hammer laying around?" Sarah asks.

"I meant to take these boards off last time I was here. So, yes. I conveniently have a hammer laying around." With some effort and assistance from Sarah, Jesse manages to pry the boards off the wall. He turns the handle of the door, walking into the salon.

"Well, this place is a wreck." Sarah comments, looking around at all of the misplaced items. Spray bottles, hair dryers, shampoo... there were even a few cracked mirrors.

"Front door's boarded up." Jesse says, walking to the middle of the room. The floor creaks loudly underneath him and, before either of them can react, it collapses and he falls through onto the cement floor of the basement with a loud crash.

"Jesse!" Sarah yells, running towards the hole.

"Fuck! I- I'm fine! I'm okay!" Jesse calls, slowly trying to stand up. "Just fell onto a pile of glass..." He pushes himself up, looking at a panicked Sarah.

"You scared the shit out of me!" Sarah exclaims. She's about to yell more but notices blood soaking through Jesse's jeans. "Jesse... your leg." Jesse looks down at his right thigh. "You got cut."

"That's a lot of blood." Jesse mumbles. He looks around. "Okay, there's a staircase over here. I think I can get upstairs."

"Just be careful." Sarah says. "Toss me your keys. I'll open the door." Jesse throws his keys to Sarah and hobbles in the direction of the staircase. Sarah goes to the basement door, fumbling with the set of keys to see which one fits. Finally, she finds the right key, opening the door to find Jesse leaning against the wall. "Jesus." She whispers, seeing the blood dripping down his leg.

"It's just a cut." Jesse assures. "I'll be fine."

"At least let me wrap it." Sarah insists.

"Alright." Jesse says. "Guess I don't wanna bleed out before we get home. Let's get back to that Employee room."

Jesse sits in the chair as Sarah pulls a roll of bandages out of her backpack. She wraps the bandages around the gash tightly, trying to be as gentle as possible. When she's finished, she leans and places a small kiss on the bandaged wound before standing and holding out her hand for Jesse to take. He takes it, letting her help him stand.

"Man, these stitches are gonna hurt like a bitch." Jesse groans, following Sarah out to the horses.

"Probably. Hey, you gonna be able to ride?" Sarah asks, flashing him a concerned look.

"Yeah, I..." Jesse wants to say yes but he knows he's losing a lot of blood and the bandages can only do so much. He's already a bit dizzy. "Maybe not."

Sarah thinks for a moment before coming up with an idea. "Okay, you're gonna ride with me. I'll tie Cobalt up inside and get our secret spot locked up. You stay here."

"Yes, ma'am." Jesse says, mocking her bossiness as he leans against the building. Sarah takes Cobalt inside. She's only gone for a few minutes, returning to Jesse who greets her with a smile.

"Here, let me help you up." Sarah guides Jesse onto Ponyo, making sure he isn't going to fall off before getting on in front of him. Jesse's arms wrap around her waist securely. She can't help but feel better with him close to her. She can't deny, it makes her feel safer. As they ride, Jesse leans forward, resting his forehead on Sarah's left shoulder. "You alright?"

"Yeah." Jesse mumbles. "Think I hit my head when I fell."

"We're almost home." Sarah says, silently hoping they'll make it back without any issues. "Just hang on a bit longer."

When the two make it back, it's around 4:00pm. Sarah dismounts Ponyo, handing the reins to a stable worker so she can help Jesse down.

"He's got a cut on his right leg and he might've hit his head. He fell pretty far. Cobalt is tied up in the bar." Sarah explains to a few people who agree to take Jesse to the infirmary. She stops them, putting a hand on Jesse's chest. "You want me to come with you?"

"I'll be fine." Jesse assures. "Go talk to Joel. I'll come find you after I get patched up." Hesitantly, Sarah nods, going home. When she gets there, Joel isn't back, yet. She sighs, setting her bag down and searching for one of Joel's usual notes that would explain where he went. She finds it on the kitchen counter by the coffee pot.

'Girls, Tommy and I are headed out

to clear out a group of infected.

Won't be back 'till later tonight.'

"Great." Sarah sighs. "There goes that plan." She decides to see what Ellie and Dina are up to. She heads out to the garage, knocking on the door. Ellie opens it, smiling when she sees Sarah.

"Hey! Come on in!" Ellie says, holding the door for Sarah. Sarah walks in, seeing Dina on the couch searching through DVDs.

"Hey, Sarah." Dina greets with a grin. "We're gonna watch a horror movie. You in?" Sarah completely forgot tonight's movie night.

"Definitely." Sarah says, unzipping her jacket and tossing it on Ellie's desk before sitting on the floor in front of Dina.

"Where's Jesse?" Ellie asks. She picks up a DVD and puts it into the player, starting the movie.

"He's at the infirmary. He fell on some glass but he's okay." Sarah explains. "I wanted to go with him."

"He's a big boy." Ellie says, sitting beside her girlfriend. "He can take care of himself."

"I know." Sarah shrugs, watching the beginning of the movie. "Is this Carrie?"

"Yep." Dina confirms, smiling.

"How? The DVD got destroyed when Tommy borrowed it."

"We found a DVD rental place on our last supply run." Ellie answers. We also found a movie called "Blue is the Warmest Colour."

"Oh, I think I saw that one with Evelyn." Sarah recalls.

"You mean back when you had a huge crush on her?" Ellie teases.

"Oh my God." Sarah rolls her eyes. "She was cute but she turned out to be such a bitch! All I did was reccomend the movie! I still can't believe she punched me in the face."

"Yeah, after she called you a faggot." Dina reminds her. "She was an asshole. I'm glad you came to your senses, though. Finally gave in to your crush of two years. Now, one of you just has to make the first move."

"What are you talking about?" Sarah asks, feigning confusion.

"Uh, you and Jesse. Duh!" Dina grins. "You two are so fucking in love-"

"Okay, no more talking during the movie." Sarah cuts her off, quickly.

"...You never denied it." Ellie says after a few minutes.

"Shut up." Sarah snorts, making the couple laugh.

Twenty minutes into the movie, there's a knock on the garage door. Ellie stands up, opening the door.

"Hey, Jesse." She says, inviting him in. Sarah smiles, glad to see him patched up. "Sarah told us you got hurt." Jesse chuckles, smiling down at Sarah.

"Ah, just a few stitches in my thigh." Jesse explains. "Be good as new in no time. Anyways, what are we watchin'?"

"Carrie." Sarah responds as Jesse tosses his jacket and backpack to the side and sits beside her on the floor. "Careful of your stitches." She warns.

"I'm fine." Jesse assures. "Doesn't even hurt that much." He stretches his legs out to make his point. Ellie flops back down on the couch, her head laying on Dina's shoulder as the four of them watch the movie. Sarah lays down on her side, resting her head in Jesse's lap. About halfway into Carrie, she manages to fall asleep, unknowingly clinging to Jesse's pant leg as she drifts off, completely forgetting about her plan to speak with Joel.

Jesse doesn't notice Sarah's fallen asleep until he looks down and finds her laying there, curled up, lips slightly parted, and fist holding onto his jeans with all of her sleepy strength. He chuckles quietly, brushing hair out of her face and smiling at her with adoration.

"What is it?" Dina asks, both her and Ellie growing curious as to why Jesse is laughing during a horror movie. Jesse turns back to look at them, a wide smile on his face.

"She's asleep." Jesse explains, nodding towards Sarah. The two girls lean over to see her, confirming what Jesse said.

"That's fucking adorable." Ellie chuckles. "She must be exhausted. All that extra work she's been picking up..." Ellie sighs, kind of glad to see Sarah finally resting and not working her ass off.

"I'm gonna take her to bed." Jesse says, standing and lifting Sarah up bridal style. Sarah hums i9n her sleep, shifting a bit before settling again. "Jesus, she needs to eat more." He points out, feeling how light she is.

"You okay carrying her with your leg?" Ellie asks. "She's not gonna be happy if you tear your stitches."

"I got it." Jesse nods. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He carefully opens the door, carrying Sarah out to the house. When he gets inside, Joel is in the living room. He looks over when he hears the back door open, offering Jesse a tired smile.

"Hey." Joel says, voice gruff. "Patrol go okay?"

"Yeah. No infected." Jesse says. "How about you? Heard you and Tommy were sent to clear out a group of infected."

"Whoever said it was a herd overreacted." Joel laughs a bit. "It was maybe four or five hiding out in an old motel. But, I guess it was worth it. Found some good supplies." He looks down at Sarah. "Alright. You should go put her in bed."

Jesse nods, walking up the stairs. He stops at the fourth step. "Hey, Joel?" Joel turns around, looking at Jesse. "It may not seem like it, but... I'm pretty sure she forgives you." At that, Joel lights up, turning and walking away with a smile. Jesse carries Sarah to her bedroom, laying her down on the bed gently and pulling the blankets up to her chin. He places a kiss to her forehead and lets out a small sigh before turning and heading back to the garage. As Sarah lays there in the dark, she begins to shift, mumbling incoherently. Her sleep will prove to be anything but peaceful.

St. Mary's Hospital. A place that would remind Joel, Ellie, and Sarah of the Fireflies and the lie Joel told Ellie to protect her. For Sarah, it's also a reminder of the time she was shot during the escape. What if she had been too weak to keep going? All she could rely on was her own strength and the hope that she'd be able to keep running. What if she hadn't?

She's back in the hospital, running beside Joel who's carrying an unconscious Ellie. The adrenaline, the rapid heartbeat, the fear, all of it returns. The same feeling of dread mixed with determination floods through Sarah. The three round a corner and that's when Sarah's shot, the familiar sensation of the bullet piercing through her skin and spilling her blood. But, this time, the pain is too much and she falls to the ground with a cry. No... She fights to get up; to keep going. But the fight is useless. She can't move.

"Joel!!" Sarah screams, reaching out for him. He's only a few feet ahead of her. He stops dead in his tracks, turning around slowly. She calls for him again and he only smiles. He stares at her, watching her bleed out and scream for him, laying there, helplessly waiting for something to happen. Sarah feels sick to her stomach at the way he grins. Joel turns away from her again, walking off with Ellie.

"Joel!! Dad, please!!" Sarah sobs, trying to stand only to fall back again. "Dad!! Help!!" Her cries are ineffective, her father walking out of sight... leaving her behind... "Dad!!"

In Joel's bedroom, he's sitting in bed reading a crappy novel he found in the motel earlier that day. He hears Sarah's desperate screaming and wastes no time throwing the book to the side and rushing out of the room. He practically trips over his own feet running into Sarah's bedroom to find her laying stiff in her bed, sobbing and screaming for her father... for Joel. He sits next to her, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her lightly.

"Sarah...Sarah!" Joel calls her name, trying to pull her out of her dream. "Sarah, wake up!" She jolts awake, sitting up so quickly she almost smacks her forehead against Joel's. She sobs, rapidly searching the room, trying to remember where she is. "It's okay. It was only a dream." Joel says, rubbing her arms. Sarah looks at Joel and sobs louder.

At first, Joel thinks she's mad at him for being there but she scrambles into his arms, clinging to the back of his shirt. "Dad..." Sarah cries. "Please don't leave me..."

"Shh, I've got you, baby girl." Joel coos, holding Sarah tight against him as her tears create a damp spot on his shirt. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll never leave you." He's extremely happy to finally hear Sarah call him dad but hides his excitement so he can focus on comforting her. His daughter needs him. "You're okay." Joel rocks her side to side, patiently waiting for her to calm down. "You're okay." When Sarah's nearly asleep, he lays her back down, moving to cover her up.

"Dad?" She mumbles, eyes half open.

"Yeah?" Joel responds, feeling another spark of joy at the title. Sarah reaches for his forearm, tugging at it.

"Stay with me?" Sarah asks, almost pleading.

Joel finally lets himself smile, overjoyed with Sarah's forgiveness. "Okay."

[songofseraphine]

Words Shared

Part Eight of The Song of Seraphine

Part One     Part Two      Part Three       Part Four      Part Five 

Part Six       Part Seven

A/N:  It took forever but here we are!  Thanks for reading!

“I’m going to live forever!” said a young Seraphine as she dangled from a branch of a tree by her legs. Her father was looking up at her from the ground below.  

           “Is that so?  I don’t think you’ll live forever if you continue carelessly walking into danger every chance you get,” he said.  He was joking but it was somewhat true.  Seraphine had a knack for getting herself into trouble.  But she seemed to be luckier than a feline and escaped that trouble rather easily.  “And what of your sister?  Will she live forever as well?”

           Sera nodded.  “I will protect her and make sure she does, Papa.  We will both live forever!” she said with a large grin. She climbed down from the tree and stood in front of her father.

           “Oh, Seraphine,” her father said as he crouched down to her level.  As she looked to him his face changed to Ferdand’s.  “No one can live forever,” he said then swiftly unsheathed a hidden blade and plunged it into Sera’s stomach.

           Sera’s eyes shot open and she took a deep breath of air to calm herself.  She quietly got up from the makeshift bed of furs she shared with Geralt.  The sun had not started to rise yet and it was very cold outside, cold enough that she could see her breath.  She and Geralt had been making camps and falling to sleep under the same furs beside dying embers for two weeks now.  To stay warm at night they had to stay close.  She quietly began the morning routine of gathering branches and straw for a new fire.  She thought about warming some water to wash with but that seemed complicated.  What she really wanted was warmer weather or a nice warm bath at an inn. But it was winter in Redanian territory so the warm weather was out of the question and they were trying to save their coin and make it last as long as they could.  Sera grabbed her flint rocks from her saddle bags that sat in a pile with their things.  She got a spark easily and soon it started a flame.  In a short amount of time she was sitting in front of a medium sized fire warming her hands through her thin gloves.

           Geralt stirred and after sniffing the air he opened his eyes.  He sat up, making the furs pool in his lap and looked to Sera.  “Bad dreams again?” he asked and she nodded without looking at him. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

           She shook her head while pulling her knees to her chest.  “You were sleeping, I didn’t want to bother you,” she said. To this he only grunted. Time and time again he had told her that she was no bother to him and that she could wake him when the dreams were too much.  Still, she would look to him and decide that he looked too peaceful as he slept and she couldn’t disturb that rare moment for him.

           Geralt stood and began to fold the furs while still looking at her.  “What was it about his time?” he asked.  His question surprised her.  While his overall demeanor had changed towards her after the bandit encounter he still was a very quiet and reserved man that liked to keep most of his thoughts to himself.

           Sera shrugged her shoulders and looked at the flames of the fire.  “It was a memory that turned into a nightmare,” she said.  Her voice was soft, as if she was trying not to be heard by herself for fear she would have to go through the dream again.  “I was just a child and I was telling my father that I was going to live forever and that I would make sure Faye did as well. Then his face… it twisted and changed into Ferdand and he killed me.”

           Geralt grinned despite what she just told him. “You wanted to live forever?” he asked. She knew what he was doing and knew that he was trying to pull her thoughts away from the rest of the dream and she appreciated that.

           She smiled and looked up at him through her dark lashes.  “Not wanted… No… I was convinced I would,” she said. When he raised a brow she continued. “When we were children Faye had this horrible fever more than once, I never would get it… I have never been sick. And while I have been severely injured many times I seem to escape death when others see it as inescapable,” she said and wrapped her arms around herself, running her hands over her clothing where just beneath lie several scars.  “My mother… when she was alive, she would tell me that I would outlive many. She probably only said that because of how lucky I was.  In reality I was probably just taking what my mother said too seriously.”

           Geralt grinned in amusement and walked over to where she sat.  He then held out a hand to her to help her to her feet and she took it.  “Most children probably take their mothers too seriously,” he said as he gave her a swift pull.  She lost her balance and stumbled into him.

           Sera smirked, supposing he was right, then regained her balance, his hand still on hers.  “What was your mother like?” she asked as her eyes landed on his.  The question had slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it.  Geralt’s gaze left hers, his hand let go of her own, and he stepped away from her then started smothering the fire.  Sera cursed under her breath.  “I am sorry, Geralt.  Just because I share most everything with you doesn’t mean I should expect the same,” she said while walking over to Vega.

           She made sure Vega’s saddle was just right before mounting her and Geralt walked over and passes the reins up to her.  “I don’t remember much about my childhood, nor my mother.  It was long ago,” he said.  

           He wasn’t looking at her instead he was looking at his hands that were still holding onto Vega’s reins.  Sera slowly placed her hand on his and he didn’t move. “Geralt, I…” she said, beginning her apology.

           He shook his head and his eyes landed on hers. “Don’t apologize, Seraphine.  I don’t remember it so I don’t have many feelings associated with it,” he said.  She nodded and watched as he removed his hand from hers a second time and then walk over to Roach.

           They began riding towards the next village where they hoped they would find an Alchemist that knew Sera’s mother.  As always they rode in mostly silence, only speaking when they heard something. Seraphine usually used this time to think about her family, her mother specifically, but this time she was thinking of Geralt.   She was staring at the back of his head while they rode.  She had seen many sides of the man she had been travelling with. He was quiet and calm but when he did speak he had a sharp tongue.  She noticed he also has a soft side which he didn’t show until after Ferdand’s death and he only showed that side to her.  He was a mystery of a man despite knowing of him for five years.

           “What are you doing?” he asked without turning to look at her.  “I can feel you looking at me, Seraphine.  Stare any longer and it will feel like daggers.”

           Sera’s cheeks grew warm but she shook it off.  “I’m just curious as to why people believe Witchers have no emotions,” she said. She heard him hum in amusement but he still didn’t turn her way.  “Oh come on, Geralt, it can’t be true can it?”

           “What do you think, Seraphine?  We have known each other for five years or more,” he said while finally glancing back at her.  She could see the mischief in his golden eyes and she knew that he was having way too much fun with this. “Do you think I have no emotions?”

           Sera thought for a moment, but shook her head. “No, Geralt, I don’t think it’s true,” she said while riding up beside him.  He grinned at her and waited for her to continue.  “I have seen you angry, annoyed, even worried,” she said with a smile. “I believe it was a rumor created by humans to give them yet another reason to not be involved with Witchers.”

           “Is that so?” he asked while raising a brow in her direction.

           “Absolutely.  In reality, you are the most human individual I have met,” she said.  This surprised him and she could see it on his face. She continued.  “You’re honest, have a great moral compass and truly, other than Pavetta and my sister, I believe you to be the kindest person I’ve known.”

           He let out a harsh laugh.  “Now I know you’re lying,” he said with a grin and a shake of his head.  

           Sera shook her own head in disagreement and locked her eyes with his own.  “I wouldn’t lie about that, Geralt,” she said with a serious tone. “You could have let me die a time or two.  In fact, the reason I am alive is proof of your kindness.  You could have left me behind long ago.  Now you’re helping me learn more about my mother.  If that’s not kindness, Geralt of Rivia, then please, do tell me what is,” she said.

           Geralt only looked at her then nodded.  His gaze was soft and Sera could feel her cheeks growing warm again.  He gave her a small, but genuine, smile this time which made her heart flutter.  He then looked away from her and they continued to ride on.  Sera shook her head and mentally cursed herself for what she knew she felt for the man before her.

 It took most of their day but as the sun was beginning to set, they finally came across the town of Denesle.  It didn’t take long for them to find the tavern and the inn to which Sera was happy to see.  She would have done anything for a steaming bath and a warm bed.  “It wouldn’t be right to barge into someone’s home at this hour, we should rest and we can go in the morning,” she said as they dismounted their horses and he nodded in agreement.  “Here,” she said while handing him a few coins.  “I’ll go get us a room at the inn and a table in the tavern, you go board these two.”

           “You got too used to ordering people around in Cintra, My Lady,” he said with a grin.  He had jokes she had to admit but she rolled her eyes anyways.  She turned away from him with a smile and made her way to the inn.  There she paid for a room and ordered a bath to be ready in an hour then took their things up before she headed to the tavern where she managed to get a table in the back corner.  She ordered two ales and two bowls of stew, which she was far too excited for, then she waited for Geralt.  By the time he entered the tavern their food and drinks had made it to the table and as soon as he sat down across from her he began to eat.

           “Did you give Vega extra oats as well, stable boy?” she joked.  He stared back at her with hard eyes but she saw the corner of his mouth crack into a small grin.  

           “You’re in a good mood.  You’ve been making even more jokes lately,” he said then took a long drink of his ale.

           Sera shrugged her shoulders and drank from her own ale before speaking.  “Just excited to learn more about my mother, I suppose,” she said.  In a way that was the truth.  There were many things that had her in a decent mood.  The fact that they were staying in a nice warm room with a hot tub was probably at the top of that list next to learning more about her mother.  And the fact that Geralt was actually speaking more than a few worded sentences with her made it all even better.  “It’s nice to feel like this, it’s been a long time since I have…” she said.

           Geralt nodded in agreement and they continued to eat their meal.  Sera tried to take her time and savor the meal but, between her hunger and the fact that the hot food was warming her up from the inside out, it was difficult. After they finished their food they took their time drinking down the rest of their ales and planned out the next day.  “The White Wolf,” said a man from across the room.  His voice nearly silenced the rest of the tavern and almost everyone watched as he stumbled over to the table they sat at.

           “I sense a dampering in my mood,” said Sera with a roll of her eyes.  She drank down the rest of her ale in one gulp and looked over at their visitor.

           “Shouldn’t you be out killing beasts?” the man asked with a slur to his voice.  She could smell the ale on his breath and it made her want to gag.  “I’ve never had the opportunity to meet a witcher before,” he said.  He was leaning on the table and he was too close to Sera for her own comfort.  She moved over on the bench seat as Geralt’s gaze settled on her.  “Tell me, Witcher, when you have killed all the other monsters do you then off yourself?”

           Sera’s jaw dropped at the stranger’s blunt statement. “That’s enough,” she said as she stood from her seat.

           The man smirked and looked Sera up and down. “And who are you?  I’ve never heard of women traveling with witchers. You his whore or somethin’?” he asked making Sera’s blood begin to boil. She attempted to take a step toward the man but a strong hand placed on her shoulder caught her.

           “Leave it,” said Geralt, his voice low and soft and surprisingly not full of anger.  She listened and instead of throttling the man she shoved past him with Geralt following behind her.  

           “Butcher!” the man said as they reached the door. “If that woman had any sense at all she’d not travel with your kind.”

           Geralt, ignoring the man, grabbed onto Sera’s forearm and led her out of the tavern.  He didn’t release his grip until they were inside their room at the inn. Once inside she tore her arm from his grasp.  “Why do you let people speak to you like that?  That man should learn how to hold his tongue,” she said but he was only grinning. “You just let them say those things, Geralt, and it drives me mad.  They aren’t true.”

           He could see that she was truly upset about the matter.  “I don’t care what they think, Seraphine, nor what they say.  There are only a select few people in this world whose thoughts about me I care about.  Strangers in taverns that I’ll most likely never visit again isn’t one of them,” he said and she looked up at him.

           “Am I in that select few then?” she raised her brow as she spoke and he grinned.

           “Are you taking a bath first or am I?  The water is getting cold,” he said, changing the subject.  

Sera’s eyes lit up, she had forgotten about the bath she had ordered for the room.  “It’s mine!  I don’t need you griming it all up!” she said then practically shoved him out of the way and rushed over to where the tub sat behind the scrim.

           Geralt smiled and shook his head at the thoughts of that woman.  “You are just as grimy as I am,” he said in a low voice and judging by the scoff that came from the other side of the scrim, she had heard him.  “I’m going down to the innkeeper to get us a drink,” he said and she only hummed in response, a reply that she was no doubt adopting from him.

 Moments later, when he returned with a bottle of wine and a jug of water he could hear her humming.  “There is wine and water,” he said and she stopped humming.

           “I don’t suppose you’d bring me some wine?” she said, he could hear the smile in her voice.  Geralt poured them both a glass and walked over to the scrim.  He kept his eyes on her own as to not make her uncomfortable by looking elsewhere.  Not that it would matter, the bath was deep enough and the room was dark enough that he would barely be able to see anything.  He handed her one of the glasses then sat down with his back against the outside of the tub and his head close to hers.

           “I’ve never seen you drink wine,” she said before taking a sip out of her own glass.  She then set it on a small table just beside the edge of the tub.

           Geralt smirked and took a drink.  “We’re not usually in places with good ale let alone decent wine,” he said and she let out a short laugh in agreement.  The air smelled sweet like vanilla and patchouli, a scent that Geralt had tied to Sera.  Even on the road with days of travel she still smelled sweet and clean. He found himself closing his eyes and nearly sighing at the delight of the smell.

           “After this is over I truly wouldn’t care to ever see a winter again,” she said with a laugh while running water up her arms to rinse them off.  

           “Five years in a nice warm palace will do that to you,” he said with a grin.

           Sera smirked.  “You like to bring up the fact that I was a member of court an awful lot, Geralt.  Are you jealous?” she asked while taking a sideways glance at him.  She watched as he smiled when she spoke but he said nothing. “I know, you’re jealous because I had nice hot baths whenever I wanted,” she said.  He hummed in response and lifted his chin.  “Well, if you pass me my robe you can have your turn.”

           Geralt nodded and grabbed her dressing robe from where it sat in a heap on the ground.  Why she insisted on still traveling with it he would never know, he only guessed it was because she didn’t want to wear actual clothes when she slept. “It’s about time, the water is getting cold,” he said.  He was joking, of course.  The water was still just as hot as it had been when she got in.  Without looking he held the robe back to her and heard the water slosh around the tub as she stood up.  

           Sera took the robe from him and wrapped it around her form then stepped out of the tub with her glass of wine in hand.  He stood from his spot and she immediately sat down with her back against the tub just as he had done.  He undressed at the other side of the tub away from her view and then got in the water, sitting down practically back to back with her. She could hear the water moving and strong scent of lavender soap filled her senses.  She thought it was interesting that a man like him would choose lavender as his scent but it was what he always smelled like to her. Lavender, the outdoors, and when he went too long without bathing a touch or Roach.  The sound of him grunting pulled her from her thoughts and she turned to see him attempting to wash his shoulders.  “What’s the matter, Geralt, are the years of killing monsters finally getting to you?” she asked with a smile.  He glanced back at her with a slightly unamused stare to which her response was to reach for the soap in his hand.  He said nothing but he dropped the soap in her hand and leaned forward making his back more accessible.  She ran the soap over his scarred shoulders and back then set it on the floor next to her. She then massaged the soap over his muscles, getting off the dirt and grime from their travelling but also attempting to release some of the tension he had built up there.  From the angle she sat she could still see his face, he had closed his eyes and she noted how relaxed his features looked.  “Why lavender?” she asked, the question escaping her lips before she knew it.

           He let out an amused chuckle and barely opened his right eye to glance at her.  “It’s calming,” he said, his voice was soft.  He grinned and she stopped massaging his back to encourage him to say more.  “Most women who see my chest and back don’t usually ask about my choice of soap.”

           She realized that what he meant was that most women, and really anyone that had the chance of seeing his chest or back, asked about his scars.  “We all have scars, Geralt, you more than some.  They aren’t something to be gawked at but they do tell stories of your life, you know,” she said, continuing to run her hands over his back.  A short hum was his reply.  “You should wash your hair, it looks like you have a year’s worth of dirt on your scalp,” she said, now running her fingers through his silver locks.  “I’ll do it for you,” she said and he complied, leaning back in the bath again. Carefully, she removed the piece of leather string that tied up half of his hair, letting down the rest of his slightly tangled hair.  She cupped handfuls of water and poured them on his head then lathered the soap in her hands before kneading them through his hair.  

           Geralt let out a deep breath, like a sigh, as she scrubbed the layers of dirt on his scalp.  He had never had another person do this for him and he began to wonder how he could live without it now.  It was as if her fingers on her scalp were massaging out any tension he had at the moment. Meanwhile, Sera smiled to herself at the thought of her washing Geralt of Rivia’s hair.  She looked at his face noting how truly relaxed he seemed. Outside of sleeping she had never seen him so calm.  The wrinkle from where his brows were almost always crinkled together was nearly invisible, his jaw wasn’t clenched in annoyance, and his mouth was set in an almost smile. She rinsed out all of the soap but continued to run her fingers through his hair, attempting to get out any tangles. She hummed softly as her hands eventually travelled back to his scalp, wanting him to have a few more moments of relaxation.  As her eyes travelled over his features and to his jawline so did her hands.  His stubble felt rough under her finder tips but she didn’t stop.  Without much thought Geralt found himself leaning into one of her hands, enjoying the feeling of something as simple as a touch.  Sera was surprised at this action but that didn’t stop her, instead it encouraged her.  Her thumb traced along his jaw and swiped over the corner of his lips as she stopped humming.  She then thought about their journey and the irony of it all.  Two people bound together in what seemed like a shared fate, one that was followed by destruction and chaos and the other that hunted it down.  Maybe that was why their lives were intertwined.  Or maybe it was simpler than that.  Maybe he was just what she needed and she… maybe for once she was what someone else needed.

           Sera’s thumb stopped tracing and began to pull away from Geralt at the thought that had struck her.  His hand was quick to catch her wrist, covering it in water making it easy for her to slip from his grasp.  But then he caught her again, but this time with his eyes.  They reminded her of drops of honey, sweet and tempting. His gaze was much softer than she had ever seen it, making her stomach flip.  She finally broke the gaze and stood up, grabbing her glass as she did. “I’m going to add some wood to the hearth,” she said then quickly disappeared to the other side of the scrim leaving Geralt in the bath.  She set her glass down on the small table near the bed and ran her hands over her face before walking to the hearth.  Shaking her head at her own stupidity, she tossed another log into the fire and took a deep breath to calm her nerves as she leaned against the wall.  Geralt was her travelling companion, her friend of sorts, and that was it.  That was all it needed to be, or so she was trying to convince herself as she thought of the complete opposite.

           She heard him clear his throat followed by the sound of water filling an empty cup.  She turned to look at him as he stood by the bed, in only his trousers, and she wondered when he had gotten out of the bath and if he had seen her having a mental fight with herself by the hearth.  His eyes were already set on her when she looked at him so it was possible that he saw her internal struggles.  They stood there staring at one another, neither one of them planning to look away. “It’s a bad idea,” was all he said.

           Sera nodded in agreement, “You’re right, it is,” she said, her eyes still locked onto his.  She watched as he took a long drink of the water he had poured himself. “You age much slower than me, it would be a disaster anyways,” she said, taking a drink of her wine.

           He hummed and gave her a nod.  “My life is too dangerous, chasing monsters,” he said.

           “Everyone I care for dies,” she said.

           “Then we agree,” he said and she nodded.

           “I guess so,” her voice was low.  Geralt set his glass on the table and watched her from across the room.  She took a deep breath before finishing off her wine.  Then she let the cup fall to the ground as she took several bounds toward him and they met in the center of the room just before their lips clashed together.  Her kiss was hungry and so was his.  They were both accepting something they had been pushing away since Pavetta’s betrothal feast, or even before.  And she was relishing in it, all of it.  From the feeling of his hands pressed gently to the sides of her face to the softness of his lips. And Geralt was thinking just the same.  They had both been dealt a shit hand in the game of life and it was about time they took something they wanted from it.  They separated and caught one another’s gaze, both looking for reassurance.  When it was granted she raised up to kiss him again, much softer this time, and they moved for the bed.  At that moment the only thing either of them wanted was the one standing before them, the one whose embrace they were in.  

Tag List: @fire-in-her-veinz​ @wastingmypotential​

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[writestufflj20]

When 27 meets 49

  Friends, old and new, describe Francis as very approachable, smart, caring, and charismatic. A slender man of medium height and caramel brown skin, Francis is always the one asking his peers deep, philosophical questions like, ‘What happens when we die’ or ‘Does it bother you that today’s education system is all about memorizing, instead of, actually engaging us and teaching us something valuable?’ His interests are anime, anything fantasy-related, PlayStation and Role Playing games, and philosophy. 

  Shortly after dropping out of the University of Phoenix in Pittsburgh, Francis and his parents and sisters returned to their hometown in Los Angeles, California, after residing in Pittsburgh for 15 years. At age 25, Francis was a supervisor at a candy shop in Hollywood and looking to make new friends at a place he once called home.  

  Until recently, Francis hadn’t had the greatest luck with women. His last relationship was his first one ever and evidently, also his first time being cheated on -- only several days later since he asked the girl out. Yet, Francis experienced another failed attempt at love with his best friend since high school, Sheila. ‘We were inseparable. I’d always hang out with her during and after school, on weekends – I even slept over at her house. Her family would joke that I was their third child,’ Francis said. They were so close that Sheila would shower with the door opened, hold hands with Francis, and even, cuddle with him. However, when Francis mustered up the courage to confess his love for Sheila and take their relationship to the next level, she kindly rejected him and said, ‘You’re like a brother/best friend to me.’ And in that moment, Francis felt confused by her unrequited response, convinced that she showed signs of attraction and courtship. The harsh reality of Francis’ failing love life cut deep into his tendered heart and friend zoned him indefinitely. But, Francis did not accept defeat. Much of Francis’ patience for love was soon to be rewarded. 

  At the stroke of midnight on January, 1, 2015, Francis, at age 27, shared a passionate, first kiss with his co-worker, Lauren, at the management’s New Year’s party at Buffalo Wild Wings. A beautiful and busty woman with freckled, ivory skin and a youthful smile grabbed the frolicking, singled Francis and pulled him into her arms for an unforgettable kiss. Lauren had successfully mended Francis’ broken heart – a feat other girls failed to accomplish. 

  In all romantically serious relationships, Francis had hoped that his parents loved her as much as he loved her and vice versa. Fortunately, Lauren and Francis’ mother shared two things in common: they were 49 years old and both married. 

  Lauren had also moved to California about 7 years ago. She was a determined accountant, juggling two jobs with her husband to support their two children. She realized she had growing martial problems about three years ago before she began working at the candy store in August of 2014. 

  Francis met Lauren while working together at the Hollywood candy store. ‘We were always flirting with each other and one thing led to another and it just kinda happened.’ At first, Francis did not think much of it, but since the party, they both noticed a newfound, undeniable attraction towards each other. The fated kiss had surely permitted them to explore this tantalizing curiosity on a proper “date.” 

  A couple days after the New Year’s kiss, Francis and Lauren had begun texting each other daily and ending the night with texts of, ‘Goodnight and sweet dreams.’ A week later, Lauren asked Francis if he would like to accompany her to the horse stables because she was shopping for new horse shoes. They would later grab lunch at a Brazilian Bossa Nova Cuisine. Afterwards, they hiked up a horseback riding trail and sat on a bench that oversaw the coastline. The sunset gleamed with a lukewarm mirage, coating the city below with memorizing oranges, reds, and purples. Francis took this precious and peaceful moment to stretch his arm over Lauren’s shoulder and rest his hand on her side. Lauren gazed into Francis’ promising eyes and kissed him. Their heads rest on each other as they watched the sunset fall. ‘I never formally asked Lauren out, but I guess this was the day that made it official – that we were a thing,’ Francis said, reminiscing.  

  About 7 months of dating, Francis and Lauren decided to move into a cozy two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles. They have the essentials: a modern, charcoal couch, a white living room rug and black coffee table, a bookshelf with a decent number of books and a couple photographs of themselves, and a 65” Samsung television set, along with Francis’ PS4, which was a Christmas gift from Lauren. They share a King size bed in one room, while the other is vacant. ‘We plan to make that room an office,’ Francis said. 

  They have been dating for a little over two years and they are coming to know each other’s flaws and weak spots. During the early stages of their relationship, Francis expressed concern over Lauren still wearing her wedding ring (in which, Lauren no longer wears). Meanwhile, Lauren accused Francis of being interested in her only for a short while. Though these problems did not hinder their love for each other, Francis is learning what it means to truly be in a loving and respectable long-term relationship. ‘We’re complete opposites and I think that’s a good thing. She’s very passive and holds all her problems inside, while I’m very persistent and straight forward. I never want to end the day with an argument, so I always try to get it out of her – whatever’s bothering her. And I’m like, “See, that wasn’t so bad,”’ Francis says. Francis believes that they are healthier because of it. Nowadays, the only problems that arise are of Francis procrastinating on things he says he will do, like getting his driver’s permit and license, and Lauren complaining that he should go back to school. Francis is adamant about not returning to school until he figures out what he wants to do with his life. ‘School is so stupid nowadays. We are taught at a very young age to go to college and get a well-paying job. We are not taught how to appreciate and live life to the fullest. I don’t want to go to school because that’s what is expected of me. I want to go when I feel like it – not because it’s what I’m supposed to do,’ Francis says. 

  About a year of dating, Lauren felt comfortable enough for Francis to introduce her to his friends. It was around February, 2016 when Francis took Lauren to meet his friends. Francis went to a friend’s condo in Culver City. When they arrived, the condo was dimly lit by scented candles. The setting was intimate and accommodating. Seven of Francis’ friends were present, who are all in their late twenties. When Francis and Lauren entered, they were greeted with welcoming handshakes, hugs, and smiles. After having dinner and enjoying some Mario Kart on Wii-U, they all retired to the couch and inquired about Francis and Lauren’s relationship.

  While Francis retold their unique story, Lauren smiled and listened to his and his friends’ responses. They shared laughs and stories about past and present relationships, which made Lauren feel very comfortable because no judgements were verbally made. Lauren gently held onto Francis’ biceps and rested her head on his shoulder as she listened to the love of her life recount their ups and downs. It was the best introduction two lovers could have ever asked for. 

  Nowadays, Lauren frequents to the Francis’ household. Francis’ parents couldn’t have love a better person for Francis. ‘Lauren really puts Francis on check,’ Francis’ sister says. Lauren is Facebook friends with Francis’ mother and sister. A typical conversation they have with each other is: Francis’ sister liked one of her photos with her brother, “Too much of his face! Not enough of yours!” Lauren gleefully responds, “Haha.. Intentionally done (Face With Stuck-Out Tongue & Winking Eye emoji) I am not the main character lol.” Francis has also met Lauren’s children and mother. They refer to Francis as ‘Mom’s co-worker friend.’ Although compared to Lauren’s visits, Francis does not frequent Lauren’s other home as much. Lauren’s two children are content with Francis’ company and appears to not have any suspicions or even any knowledge of their mother’s intimate relationship with him. ‘She will tell them when the time is right,’ Francis says.     

  I ask Francis what their plans are for the future. He responds optimistically, “Once the divorce is finalized, we’ll probably get married. She tells me she wants to make a beautiful caramel baby with me. We have to have it soon because of her age. So, I’m saving up for that and hopefully, I’ll get a promotion at work.” 

  Francis has gotten her a promise ring to prove his eternal love. Lauren has gotten him a laced necklace with her first initial in silver. “She’s the only person who gets me and puts me at ease. I can actually have intellectual conversations with her, unlike the girls my age. She’s sexy, loving, beautiful – I love everything about her.” In my last conversation with Francis, he says, “When two adults love each other why should age matter. I proudly hold her hand and kiss her in public – it doesn’t matter what people think because it doesn’t involve them. And at the end of the day, I know that I have found love.”

-- Sure Oeng