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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2016 20:45:15 GMT -5
UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THEY ARE SO GAY ))
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Post by нσωℓ on Aug 14, 2016 21:23:09 GMT -5
Riley had just begun recollecting her flowers into the previously knocked over basket. Clutching the flower crown carefully she meant to pick up where she left off, but gunshot interrupted it. Next thing she knew there was Quiet, standing there with his now empty sniper flung at his feet. "Quiet!" Gasped the pink haired woman, running up to embrace him. "You've healed! Good, has your head been treating you okay?" After a few short seconds Riley quickly backed away to nervously glance at Rowan as she waited on some form of reply from Quiet, perhaps a nod or a shake of the head. Anxiously as she realized her excitement to see the friend she had cared for months ago to reappear. "I- what should we do Rowan...? Arlo should be back soon right?" It seemed he would have a lot on his plate when he got back. He'd be overwhelmed for sure and she knew it. She hated that he had so much on his shoulders all the time. Sometimes they wished that she could help more but of course all they could do was take care of their "clinic". Now she had resigned to standing there idly, weaving in the final flower.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2016 21:25:17 GMT -5
Wilhelm pulled back too, worried for a moment that somehow even the gentle sort of gesture had somehow hurt him, but was relieved to find that he actually was simply being shy. That was the funny sort of thing about relationships however, as although Will would occasionally notice Ash's awkwardness with how to act in such scenarios, it rarely bothered him. Even still he found himself feeling a bit lost and confused, and moved away just enough so that he could rest his head on Ash's shoulder. The usual sort of position.
"You can't even look at me?" He was being half-humorous and friendly, but this didn't detract from the fact that he was genuinely curious over how... Diffident? His boyfriend was; and it certainly wasn't coyness, at least Will knew this. Of course he wasn't actually troubled, and was still enjoying holding his hand and laying around lazily and very near to him.
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Post by нσωℓ on Aug 14, 2016 21:36:36 GMT -5
"Take it! I-I'll take it!" Shelley stammered, eyes brimming with hope. With a few simple words these strangers had reinstated it in her. There was reason to push on, and she would; with or without her husband Saan. If he was no longer alive then she'd have to survive for them, but for now she needed to cling to the thought that he had to be alive. He couldn't just leave her alone, could he? Though, it wasn't like he'd have much choice in the matter. Once the group had started to move the woman hobbled alongside Jamal, managing along with only one foot as best she could. "My name is Shelley by the way. Shelley Kirklan." She offered to them, mainly Jamal and Alyona, as they were the ones she had initially encountered.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2016 21:46:54 GMT -5
Jamal gave her an attemptedly pleasant look as she came into step with him, but couldn't help but to cast several glances back toward Ghost, curiosité thick in his dark eyes. He didn't exactly have any opinions of the man, as he typically reserved them for after he'd gotten to know the person, but the tension in the air was practically making the atmosphere unbreathable. Turning away, Jamal cleared his throat and gave Shelley his undivided attention once again.
"Shelley?" He nodded, and smiled faintly; the name reminded him of the sea, for obvious reasons, but somehow this woman did too. He offered her a hand to shake, a formality he simply couldn't rid himself of (nor did he ever want to). "Jamal Fitzgerald." he introduced, then stumbled upon his words as he realized she was practically hobbling around with the broken prosthetic. "Not to intrude but- want a hand? We might have someone at the farm who can fix that..."
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Post by нσωℓ on Aug 14, 2016 22:01:01 GMT -5
With a sweet smile on her thick lips Shelley shook his hand, enjoying the mundane gesture. It was small things that made you miss the old days more, and smaller things still that made it easier. "Yes, I would appreciate it." She gratefully accepted the help, stuffing her foot into her bag. And sticking the harpoon between her back and the backpack to hold it in place. "I would be really grateful if someone could, or if I could at least borrow the supplies to do it myself." Kindness. How strange it was to find a group of kind people again. It'd been months since she and Saan had left the safehaven, fleeing before a group of raiders burnt it to the ground. They were lucky they escaped. This new group seemed safe enough though, aside from the paler hispanic man who gave her the chills for reason she couldn't explain.
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Post by paradox on Aug 14, 2016 22:05:38 GMT -5
“You should be glad that it’s up to him ‘cause I would have had you and your friends here thrown out without hesitation, lady,” While Rowan’s aggravation was obvious enough, it was in defense of Arlo’s leadership skills rather than just for the sake of argument. Agnes’ hissed reprimand didn’t seem to do much in the way of wavering Rowan’s stance on the matter; he felt strongly that if there were to be a leader then they should act like one by making decisions, such as accepting or turning people away, whether the rest of the group agreed or not.
His old group, his old family had started its’ own end by allowing defiance, Claudia Castillo permitting herself to be questioned and openly opposed by those under her until no one was left willing to listen to her. His old group had once been so fortunate, not a stone left unturned, everyone attaining a skill that would have promised a long and prosperous future if it hadn’t tainted by one rotten flower, Gabriel’s poison infecting and spreading those around him until there was nothing left. He had come to cherish what he had here and if it meant doing it through harshly reminding everyone of Arlo’s position or turning away other survivors, then he was willing to make that tough choice. Rowan decided to express as much: “Not your call – “ But the retort remained incomplete as Quiet approached, sharing in Agnes’ stunned by glaring at the familiar man. Even from their last encounter with him, it was instinct to grow defensive at the sight of seeing him again.
“Jeez, it’s just freakshow central here, isn’t it?” Rowan commented as he eyed Quiet’s every movement after the bullets were ejected to collect on the ground until the gun came up empty. Unarmed, but not “harmless”, as Amelia put it – he’s witnessed Quiet take people bigger than he down with his bare hands, has experienced it firsthand and he wouldn’t make the mistake of assuming that the sharpshooter was no longer dangerous simply because there wasn’t a gun in his hand. “And you don’t get any say in the matter where’s this guy’s concerned; he and his old friends have done enough to warrant a bullet in his head.” A glare followed the words directed towards Amelia before he turned his glowering gaze back on Quiet. The man was an enigma, his motives consistently unclear and his next move always a surprise and if that didn’t make him dangerous, then Rowan wasn’t sure what did.
However, the only true reasoning holding him back from ridding his group of his nuisance would be that he was just as curious as to what the silent sniper wanted as Agnes was.
--
Quiet hesitated, self-consciously rubbing at his forearm as an explanation was demanded of him. What did he want? To have his past actions forgotten, swept under the rug, deemed as mere water under the bridge so he could be welcomed into this group of survivors without the plague of guilt? To be given redemption by this ragtag group despite them having no obligation to him, no reason to offer him something he didn’t deserve? A conflicted expression overtook him, effecting his mannerisms as he tentatively withdrew from the confrontation; his face twisting up into a grimace at being asked a question he didn’t know the answer to. His thought process was derailed at the sound of a welcomed voice approaching, one that didn’t sound as hostile to his presence as the others were.
Although he stiffened immediately at the embrace, the sight of Riley again was admittedly a pleasant one but he still had a difficult time grasping the notion of someone being genuinely relieved to see him. Quiet was so used to having his presence being regarded as one to fear that anything different felt odd, but not terribly so. “If Arlo isn’t back in five, then I’ll head out to go look for him. Until then I don’t want anyone to move a muscle,” Rowan answered Riley as he retrieved Quiet’s surrendered sniper rifle from the ground, not trusting the man to pick it up again if left in reach. He remained there, glaring at the man in question, not willing to leave him be until he got an answer. If there was even a slight twitch of a muscle that seemed that it would lead somewhere bad, then Rowan would reload the sniper rifle and shoot Quiet in the head with his own gun. Seemed fitting enough as he no doubt had taken enough innocent lives with the firearm, after all.
Quiet’s eyes were in the midst of blinking owlishly but Riley had pulled away before he could get used to the hug, though her question went unanswered. While the head injury had faded along with the months, it was swarming with so many expectant eyes on him but he managed to gather himself in order to answer Agnes’ question the best he could. He stepped forward towards the woman, noting how Rowan had tensed at the taken footsteps, then extended his hand toward Agnes – the only way he could offer his full and utter compliance with their group, perhaps a request to walk alongside them.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2016 22:22:24 GMT -5
Ash blushed deeper at Wilhelm's comment. It was true though, he was too shy to make eye contact. He really hadn't dated many people before, despite being in his twenties, and he felt like some grade school child that was just learning where babies came from. He truly did enjoy it all, however, despite his awkwardness. "Sorry," he mumbled, still averting his gaze sheepishly.
"Oh please, nobody on this earth is free of blood on their hands anymore. We've all done awful things, most of us have killed before. Maybe to outsiders your group deserves bullets in their head, too," Amelia retorted. She took one last glance at the silent stranger and the scene before her, before turning on the heel of her combat boot. "If you lovely folks need me for anything, I'll be on the porch. Remember to keep on eye on me, who knows what nasty things I'll get up to!" She said sarcastically, before wordless grabbing Isaac by the collar (which earned her some rather rude words mumbled in Italian) and marched back to the farmhouse in the same manner she had marched to the edge of the woods.
She plopped down rather gracelessly on the porch in the same place she had been earlier. Sinclaire had also returned to the porch, clearly not wanting to get involved with the confrontation. Although he kept his mouth shut (for once) Amelia could tell by his fidgeting that he was exceedingly nervous. "Isaac, meet Sinclaire, yadda yadda yadda, I'm sure you two are gonna love each other," she said with a smirk. As expected, neither of her companions said anything. The atmosphere was still tense, something that Amelia honestly couldn't stand.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2016 23:05:51 GMT -5
Agnes was growing just about as frustrated as a caged animal- trapped between two very opposing walls and ideals. Seeing how little she accomplished with the small argument she gave toward Rowan, the young woman snapped her jaw shut and simply stared back at Quiet. Riley embracing him should've made her heart race with curiosité, but instead, she only grew more unsettled as she seemed to be torn between which approach was necessary to take. She raised her gun again, hoping the biting shame would be whisked away, but of course it only settled.
"Find him anyway," She suddenly requested, trying to keep her voice level to be sure he didn't mistake it for a command of some sort. "I can keep watch. This is getting a little out of hand." Her eyes trailed over to Amelia as she began to head away from them, irritation and lack of control becoming more and more apparent, though she could do little else but let them head off- Quiet was certainly more worth it to keep their weapons on. Her eyes found their way to Riley, and she shared a long look with the other woman; despite the emotion that was clear in her gaze, it was impossible to tell exactly what Agnes was thinking, only her uncertainty shining through.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2016 23:46:48 GMT -5
Wilhelm let his eyes rest on him for a while after that, though there was a humored sort of smile on his lips. He was perhaps sort of the ironic type to be good at this sort of thing, but his genuine and unfiltered sort of nature must've done the trick. "You're the one with the screwed up back-" He muttered with a short laugh, "That excuses you from apologizin or somethin, right?" He was looking so pleasant and happy, the bright sort of smile that wrinkled the ends of his eyes and lopsided his grin. He couldn't help himself, it was as simple and clear as that: he couldn't help himself but to grin and smile at Ash as if he'd just finished saying the most particular thing. Eventually the joy faded, and not in a way that foretold that Will was upset or anything even near to it, simply the look was replaced by that of serious questioning. A silent request for permission to kiss him again. When he did, it was less of the small and puppy-ish kind they usually did (while still avoiding becoming overbearing). His hand was on his cheek- it seemed like a natural sort of place to put it.
"Ash-" he said, stopping and taking a breath. "I think I love you. No- know I love you. Really and truly." He was now looking at him very intently, having pulled away somewhat again with a look of curiousness. The words had really just spilled out, but once he did as little as feel he should consider saying them, there was no stopping them from being said at all.
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Post by paradox on Aug 14, 2016 23:52:58 GMT -5
The woman – Shelley, as she introduced herself – accepting the offer came as no surprise, but Arlo was stlll glad she had as he wasn’t entirely certain whether she would have been able to make it on own her own or would have met a similar fate as her husband had. Arlo shook his head to himself as a silent reprimand for thinking so cynically for a woman he had just met – besides, if the past hour proved anything, then it was definitely that the dead could walk again. “Arlo Castillo and this is…Ghost.” The hesitation over using the name was evident enough but Arlo felt it necessary as it this definitely wasn’t Gabriel Vaquero-Castillo anymore, just someone who used to be. The unease that the others felt for Ghost wasn’t met with a blind eye as it took one to know one and Arlo felt it enough to recognize in his own group but admittedly, it was a justified feeling. While Arlo had his own reasons, he knew that it was just natural instinct to be wary of strangers but perhaps there was a particular unsettling vibe that surrounded Ghost that the others could sense whether they knew of his past actions or not. Either way, Arlo was rather grateful for it as it provided a natural caution when around Ghost and he wouldn’t have to explain why they needed to be cautious.
Ghost only hummed in acknowledgment, not exactly keen on making friends or partake in old world manners. He stuck to Arlo’s side, comforted by his presence alone but knowing full well that the feeling wasn’t exactly mutual. He was eager to prove himself, to “win” him over – he figured if he had won Arlo’s heart at one point then he could pull it off again, the only real issue standing in his way being Arlo’s “obligation” to this new group of his. It was a responsibility that had consumed Claudia Castillo and if her baby brother continued to go down the path he was going, then it would consume and overthrow him, too. “How long have you been at this camp of yours?” Ghost idly questioned, bothered by the lack of conversation but curious about how long Arlo’s been holed up with these strangers while he’s been wandering the empty Earth for years. Bitterness rose up in his throat like bile, venomous jealousy at the thought of Arlo so easily replacing what he had once had with people that barely knew him but Ghost swallowed it back down before it got overwhelming, resorting back to his apathetic nature, which has been the only factor that has kept him alive so far.
“No more than a couple of months now,” Arlo answered, feeling strange at having “casual” conversation with someone who was supposed to be dead. He couldn’t get the thought out of his mind, that he had seen Ghost die, had watched his blood collect in a nearby stream and his body empty of breath…”It’s held up pretty well so far, I think we can manage to stay there for a few more months from now, maybe even make it to a year,” Arlo added to his answer to keep himself out of his own thoughts, focusing on the approaching sight of the farm property to keep from sharing in Ghost’s gaze. Alyona’s grin was a welcomed sight, her pleasant demeanor momentarily lifting a weight off his shoulders and Arlo nodded towards the girl’s silent request.
Ghost’s paced slowed down, dropping from Arlo’s side as the farm came into view, finding people out on the yard’s expanse and the barn buildings and the farmhouse…it was all a little too reminiscent of his old camp, a camp that he had practically single-handedly torn down. He half-expected to see Claudia bound up to greet them, all toothy grin and her boxer hands grabbing out for those group hugs she had loved so much – what he wouldn’t give for one of those now…A grimace befell Ghost’s expression as he lingered around the edge of the property, indulging in the melancholic feeling a second longer. He watched with a longing sort of look as Arlo continued on, wishing he hadn’t royally screwed everything up, not just with Arlo but everything and everyone he once known. He drank in the scenery of the farm, which was quite impressive and pleasant, especially compared to the world around it. Ghost idly wondered whether history would repeat itself, whether he would tear down this place, corrupt the people inhabiting it, get another Castillo killed and rid the world of one more lasting good thing. Only time would tell…
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 0:02:10 GMT -5
Jamal smiled politely and lent his arm as soon as she expressed appreciation toward his offer. Perhaps in that way it was thanks to his intentions, always solid and well-meaning; he never came across as though he had a sort of trick up his sleeve or double standard, and truly, it was because he never really had one at all.
He took a glance back to Arlo, and gave him an agreeable sort of look. He trusted Shelley, or at least he trusted her in the way new acquaintances trusted each other: not fully but without thick metal armor to hide his every thought and action with. When he turned back, it was relief that flooded into him to find the camp there ahead of him again, especially seeing that Rowan dotted the distance along with a few other shapes he couldn't yet recognize. The open spaces and buildings were immediately known to be "home" to him, a thing that was practically inconceivable before he'd met the group on the mountainside so many months ago. He turned his attention to 'Ghost', deciding to be fair about his reaction to the other man. His own people didn't exactly trust him back when he was a stranger to them either, and adapting certainly would've been easier without that cold shoulder.
Thanks to this, Jamal cleared his throat and attempted to grab the man's attention. "It's good to meet you, Ghost. Ah- er, however long you'll be here, I'm sure everything will get along fine..?" He hadn't meant to sound so awkward in the greeting, but words were suddenly tumbling out, and he was a little too jumbled to stop them.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 0:20:05 GMT -5
Agnes stared at Quiet for a few moments, then down at his extended hand with silent apprehension. He lips curled back into a frown, not the disgusted type but rather that of sheer nervousness. Shaking Quiet's hand would be a sort of deal, wouldn't it? Even she could see that this wasn't how the sharpshooter felt, rather the gesture was more like a peace request, but surely the others would eye her reaction..? Her mouth parted, and she nearly extended her hand in response but held back. Somehow her eyes were unable to meet his, the shame still settled there, thick and dark and uncomfortable in her gut.
Agnes let out a faint sigh of relief as soon as she saw Arlo and his group approaching in the distance. For all the pressure that had managed to build up within her, letting out as much as a breath of air was enough to keep it all together. She glanced about for someone to take her position, realizing with swift irritance that interrogation from their leader was simply not an option in her current state- whatever they chose to do with the newcomers she was fine with, but as for diplomacies themselves, she wanted little to do with any of it.
"Hey! Kid!" Agnes called, using the name people usually reserved for Timothee. Poor "kid" was pretty much their constant backup, doing whatever anyone really needed of him, and Agnes did little to soften this position.
"I have a name, you know." Tim hissed, but not to the extent enough to cause any sort of fight. Honestly, that was the last thing in the world he or Agnes was in the mood for. "What is it anyway, man?"
Agnes sighed softly as soon as he seemed to be ready to comply, and went up to him stiffly and handed the kid her rifle. She still had a pistol on-hand, but the larger gun seemed to be the more reasonable choice for watching the silent sharpshooter. "You're keeping guard. Arlo's barely 400 feet away, I'm sure you can handle it. Someone needs to look after, er, Amelia and them- which is my job." She was a brusque liar. "I- are you crazy? I can't guard this- this person." Timothee shot a look Quiet's way, examining him with brusque nervousness before turning to Agnes. "Just- just. Fine. Fine." He was always agreeing to batshit things, wasn't he?
Agnes smiled faintly and muttered a thanks, turning to head off quickly again. She only made it a few steps however when she slowed beside Quiet, and gave the man an apprehensive look. For the first time, she wished someone could read her mind, and in that moment it was him she wanted to be read by in particular. The apologies and shame and confusion and distrust and curiosity- all molded into a strange and consuming silence. Regardless of such thoughts, she had still stopped before him, wavering with an intense need to say or do something. A gesture: something to release the build up inside... In the end however nothing came, and she found herself hurrying in the opposite direction toward Amelia, Sinclaire, and the strange grumpy man again.
Agnes was half-relieved to find they were on the porch after all, her eyes drooping in emotional exhaustion. Wordlessly, she plopped down on the wooden floorboards of the same porch, just a good many feet away. She didn't glance at them much nor offer any sort of explanation for her presence: she figured Amelia at least could guess why she was around, and if not, well, she was too drained to say anything anyway.
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Post by maple on Aug 15, 2016 0:42:11 GMT -5
[ i am sooooo sorry for being gone!! my friend came over and i haven't had any time at all to work on any replies. ]
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 0:46:48 GMT -5
Ash went with the motions, allowing a small smile to play across his lips between the kisses. These were certainly more fervent than their usual romantic fare, which quite honestly made Ash a bit nervous, but he did enjoy trying new things and he supposed this was no different. It was still enjoyable, and it was still Wilhelm, so everything had to be alright- didn't it?
He completely froze, however, when Wilhelm spoke. He wasn't sure how to respond- no, he wasn't sure if he could respond, or even if he should. A tremble ran down his spine. The words sounded strange to his ears, they might as well have been uttered in a foreign, long-dead language. He opened his mouth to say something, only to shut it again before any sound could escape. "Yeah... Same here," was what he ended up saying. He was still frozen in place, unsure if he had just ruined everything or perhaps made the right move. He didn't take words such as those lightly, after all.
Both Amelia and Isaac immediately turned their attention to Agnes as she sat down, the difference being that one had a sort of grin on her masked face and the other his usual scowl. Sinclaire was too busy internally panicking to notice, and instead kept fidgeting with his fingers. "Ay, come to make sure we ain't up to no good huh?" Amelia drawled. She didn't feel particularly threatened by Agnes, at least not nearly as much as she had been when they had initially crossed paths. She found herself hoping they could stay here, it was a nice place- even though its inhabitants weren't exactly charmers.
Isaac, however, felt exceedingly uncomfortable when Agnes sat down on the porch- even if she was a good ways away. It didn't make her special, though, he was uncomfortable around everyone, which was something he masked with insults and mean-spiritedness. He found himself scooting away from her without noticing it.
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Post by Tals on Aug 15, 2016 6:31:12 GMT -5
Upon given permission, Alyona said something in her mother tongue and turned- careful not to trip- and darted as fast as she could towards the home. It really was something, the little flight of blonde locks that followed her movement, added to the fact the things upon her back had given a light bounce against her spine.
Borya was quick to peek from the house- where he had been lurking- to watch his tiny sibling make her way. His eyes drifted up, catching sight of two more people. Well, this is awkward. With the new people, Arlo might be agitated even more, if he was already. He gave a soft smile however when he heard Alyona speak out, her tiny hand lifting and giving a short wave. "Okay okay," he rumbled, moving onto the porch and dropping over the railing to avoid squishing those that sat on the stairs.
Meeting her a quarter of the way onto the field, he stooped down to earn a chaste kiss of the cheek, the new bag, and her weapon. He plopped the new items onto his back, and scooped her up, making sure to take weight off of her leg. He then said a greeting to those returning, soon turning around and opting to enter through the back porch to set her down inside.
"Rowan! I found some cool stuff!" Alyona greeted with wide eyes and that grin she had given earlier, Borya setting the bag in her hands so she could open it up like a kid earning presents. Clothes popped out- fresh shirts, jeans, and other items. "Its for everyone, i have all sizes," she added, unaware of Quiet's presence at the moment
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Post by нσωℓ on Aug 15, 2016 10:12:39 GMT -5
Viv grumbled through introductions, only muttering a "Vivienne" out to the new woman. She hoped it wouldn't be taken too harshly, the turk was just worried about how Ghost will fit with their group. He didn't exactly seem friendly and Arlo had a lot of explaining to do. As the farm neared she saw several strange figures, and Quiet among them. Riley would be happy about that, she'd liked Quiet and had taken after him like you would a lost, injured puppy. Speaking of Riley... "Riley looks like she's about to explode if she doesn't get your attention. Might want to talk to her and give her the supplies." Viv commented, placing a firm hand on Arlo's shoulder before whispering in his ear "She might give you a breather before the stress has a chance to take root." ---- Sure enough there was Riley, awkwardly waving to them with a bitten lip. Fidgeting where she stood they tucked the flower crown behind their back and anxiously eyed Arlo among the arriving group. He had two strangers with him as well, but she paid little mind to them for now. Maybe she could steal his attention away for just a moment? Riley walked up to greet him as they neared, a hand still clutching the flower crown behind her back. "Welcome back you guys. I'm glad you made it back safely..." The relief in her voice was clear, as was the tension overtaking her. "I uh know there's a lot happening but I have something important to talk to you about if you would just give me a moment when you have it." Her eyes drifted to Ghost but she said nothing, not making any special note of him just yet. "Please?" She offered with her dark blue eyes shining up at him, hoping the sweetness of her plea would get him to allow her just a few minutes to say what she needed to. --- "A gentleman in the apocalypse! How rare!" Shelley teased, watching the farm come into view. "This is where you've set up camp? Smart but a little open isn't it? There's not even a fence." She didn't mean to criticize, just was surprised by the lack of physical guarding. They seemed to have capable enough people to guard it on it's own though. Maybe fences would be something she could help with while she waited for Saan to turn up. He had to eventually so she might as well pull some weight and pass the time while she waited for him to turn up. Maybe she'd make friends here. Jamal seemed nice enough, maybe they could be friends? The idea made her a little happier, not having had anyone other than her husband for a while.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 11:41:24 GMT -5
hey maple!! ;; no worries abt not being on, i totally understand life getting in the way and everyrhing! ))
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 13:38:10 GMT -5
Saying the words, really saying them and not just in passing, had been enough to make Wilhelm's head spin and blood chill in nervousness, but somehow he hadn't expected not to hear them back. The feeling was like a slap in the face, a shock in the truest sense in which he felt his skin prick and his mind scream in an emotion he couldn't put his finger on quite. He only knew that it hurt. It hurt really bad.
Half of his mind had convinced him to just carry on with what they were doing and shove it aside, though it was simply impossible to resume again as the stun set in and confused anything else he may've thought. In other words, whilst trying his best not to cause a big deal about what had happened and how hard it'd hit him, he was consequently lost in an abundance of how he "should" be acting. Wilhelm drew away somewhat from Ash, deciding to rest his head against the side of his chest and say little else about the matter, this time it was he who was avoiding his gaze. Had this happened to him before? Probably not- but most of his past relationships were silly and quick, and neither party seemed particularly pressured to say "I love you" or place much meaning onto it- but now when there was meaning, was it not returned? Or everythings fine, and you're just actin crazy. Will thought bitterly to himself, trying to shake off the feeling and somehow return to how nice things were previously.
"That's just fine, really." He found himself mumbling without any real direction.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 13:41:23 GMT -5
gonna work on other replies in incriminates bc i have a lotto schoolwork to do 2day
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 13:58:29 GMT -5
Agnes was burnt out and dull-eyed as she sat on the porch and stared out into the fields, trying to push away any thoughts of obligations or mistakes. She had little outlet- no, no outlet- to help release her stresses, and so quietly diffusing them in time spent alone was the only way the young woman knew how to regain herself.
She glanced over to Amelia, immediately irritated that she was attempting to make snarky conversation. Yes... Something like that." She muttered quickly, with all the intention to continue ignoring them and resume her blank-mind staring out into their open-landscaped home. Of course her intentions rarely went through, and she found herself trailing her faded blue gaze over to the small group again, sizing them all up with subtle curiosity. She couldn't help but to feel angry: Riley could come bounding over and offer her a hug, and she'd likely snap like her old irritable Pomeranian used to (or perhaps snap like a twig? Her mental state was reminiscent of one enough). Due to this, it was of no surprise that she reflected such feelings onto the three, and even found herself balling her fists and giving them a stressed sort of glare. It was however the "last straw" as she noticed Isaac scooting away from her, which caused the woman to shrink away and bury her hands into her face with a hissing groan. She didn't exactly care what these people saw her do- she hardly knew them anyway.
"Arlo will be around any time now, make this easy for gods' sake." Agnes mumbled as soon as she'd regained herself.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 14:44:47 GMT -5
Ash didn't say anything. He knew deep down that he had messed up, although it was hard for him to gauge how badly. He felt hollow and empty, and the happiness from earlier had all but ebbed away. He wanted to say something, even if it was just an apology, but he couldn't. He feared that anything he said would only make the situation worse, so he opted to merely roll over onto his side and curl into himself. He felt much like he had at the beginning of it all, cold and alone and volatile.
He honestly felt like crying, but he wouldn't allow his emotions to run wild like that- at least not right now. He was reverting back to his old walled-off self faster than the speed of light, and he didn't particularly care to stop it.
Amelia huffed a little, finding Agnes' standoffishness annoying at best. She was of the opinion that everybody needed to lighten up, even if the world was ending. There was no use infighting and being angry all the time, although she wasn't the best example of her own beliefs as she was rude at best and mean-spirited at worst.
She sighed, glancing over at her companions. Her entire crew was ramshackle at best, seeing as it included her, a walking doormat, and Isaac who was so prickly and defensive he made everyone want to chase him- and everyone associated with him- away. She glanced towards the horizon, frowning slightly when she noticed the dark, rolling clouds that hadn't been there a few minutes ago. "There's a storm rolling in, and fast. Looks like a doozy of one too," she commented.
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Post by paradox on Aug 15, 2016 15:20:58 GMT -5
Ghost blinked away the thoughts and memories upon realizing someone was speaking to him, someone who wasn’t Arlo. Everyone he had met so far had so blatantly avoided talking to him, much less look him directly in the eye (aside from Vivienne, of course, but he felt that their interaction hardly counted as it had only consisted of threats). Admittedly, Ghost wasn’t too interested in interacting with them either, after all he was only here for Arlo. He begrudgingly turned to Jamal, confused by the polite words and his behavior in general but gave a slight nod of his head at the offered words. “I do hope so…for your sake.” Allowing those words to hang in the air and for Jamal to make that of what he will, Ghost walked off, following suit after Arlo again but stopped in his tracks as the other abruptly turned to face him, startled by the sudden action but Ghost forced himself to relax and gave a thin smile as though nothing was awry. He felt a bit jumpy, especially now that he was in the presence of complete and utter strangers who seemed to rely on Arlo.
“Listen, I’m more than likely going to need to straighten a few things out, figure out what’s happened and how to work from there. So for now, I need you to just…stay out of trouble, try not to start anything with anyone, okay? I’ll get around to ‘introducing’ you to everyone as soon as everything is settled but for now I’d prefer if you wait in the sidelines.” Arlo was apprehensive of what he could say to ease in the idea of Ghost joining them on the property, anxious of what would be the collective reaction from people who had come to trust him. He didn’t even want to think of how Rowan would react, that in itself was an entirely different dilemma. But one problem at a time…
“What – you embarrassed of me?” Ghost gave a light laugh, a sound that almost bordered genuine and relaxed but he then swallowed it upon being met with a glowering, unamused glare from Arlo so he simply settled for a frustrated sigh than a bad joke. “Roger dodger.” He had prepared to wander off, planning on simply exploring the unoccupied grounds of the farmland to eat up the extra time that he was given but paused at the sight of someone practically aching for attention from Arlo; the unfamiliar girl approaching and Ghost couldn’t help but eye her suspiciously from the few steps he stood away. So far, he’s seen people act around Arlo as they would a typical leader, which was still stranger, but somehow this seemed different.
Arlo gave a relieved sigh as Riley stepped forward, somehow always relieved whenever he saw her again but the relief eventually dissolved into hesitation and reluctant consideration. There was still much to do and from what he could see, it appeared that Ghost and Shelley weren’t the only new presence on the farm, which prompted an anxious feeling to find someone to report what exactly had happened during the few hours he was absent. “Of course, Riles. What’s the problem?” Arlo resigned to giving Riley a carefully constructed smile, stashing away all his worries and muddled thoughts in order to humor her. If what Alyona had recounted was true, then it was no doubt Riley had spent the last moments patching up Ash from whatever injury he had sustained and who knows how long that had taken. The least Arlo could do to repay her for her hard work would be to give her the time of day when she asked for it.
--
Quiet hesitantly withdrew his fingers, following Agnes’ movements with his catlike eyes but dropping his gaze to his worn out boots when she simply walked away without much explanation or answer. Had that been the wrong move? He felt so estranged from other people, couldn’t even remember the last interaction he’s had that didn’t end with him shooting someone in the head or just mindlessly following orders from another person. The forlorn demeanor immediately hardened into an abrasive and coarse air as Timothee approached, the sudden presence of someone he didn’t recognize unsettling him like it would an untamed animal. He could see the reasoning behind assigning someone to guard him, welcomed it if it would put the others at ease but it was difficult not just turn up his nose at Timothee simply for sake of not remembering the man being present the last time Quiet had seen the survivors. Fortunately, there was no genuine hostility there, just simple childish stubbornness. At Agnes’ mention of Arlo, Quiet’s eyes immediately darted around until he found the mention leader followed by a smaller group, seemingly arriving from a trip into town. Quiet then instinctively glanced over his shoulders to the woodlands behind him, suddenly itching to retreat as he wouldn’t exactly be met with open arms by the man. Then, for a second or two, he looked Timothee up and down to assess the man and how long it would take to dislocate his shoulder, steal the firearm and make a break for it. Not long, perhaps.
Where would he go, though? There was nothing left for him out there. The notion of endlessly wandering the empty world, alone up until death kept him rooted to the spot despite his instincts screaming to retreat or act before action could be taken against him. Quiet fidgeted with his own hands, caught between his own wishes and his own instinct, two opposing forces – mind racing, muscles stiffened as he was conflicted between what to do and what not to do until he decided he couldn’t stand still any longer and so resorted to sitting on the ground, crossing his legs and briefly gazing up at Timothee as though wondering whether this would be acceptable. He placed his hands in his lap, a show that he wouldn’t try anything fishy for the time being. Quiet was willing to cooperate in hopes of it winning over the favor of this group.
Rowan seemed to share in Agnes’ relief at Arlo’s return for more or less of the same reasons. It was no secret that Rowan wasn’t cut out for a leadership role, his too easily irritated attitude only allowing for more problems than it would fixing it and it hadn’t taken long before he grew aggravated with the strangers and his own colleagues. He had started to walk in the direction of the arriving group, slowing down as soon as he noticed Riley already taking up Arlo’s attention but Rowan’s face fell into exasperation and confusion when he found that the supply run group had grown by two extra strangers. People were just popping up all over the place, weren’t they? Rowan scoffed to himself, nearly settling to wander off again until Alyona bounded up to him with a grin that washed his aggravation.
“Hey, nice find!” He gave a grin, one that didn’t even feel entirely forced but it seemed to waver slightly at the thought of something. “Oh, uh…Sorry for just ditching you like that. Ash got gored and was bleeding out all over the place, then I thought Wilhelm was gonna have a breakdown. And now this,” Rowan glanced over his shoulder to where Quiet had settled down. “Probably shouldn’t have ditched you and Jamal like that.” There was genuine guilt in his tone, especially since he had come to quite like and admire both Alyona and Jamal. He’d rather not think what could have become of them if Arlo hadn’t found them first, didn’t want to entertain the thought of what Arlo would think or say if he found out that Rowan had just up and left the pair to fend for themselves.
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Post by нσωℓ on Aug 15, 2016 15:26:58 GMT -5
Riley let out a tired sigh, smiling in relief at Arlo. Taking his free hand in hers she led him away from the group, and back to behind the house. No one should bother them there for a few moments, and every one surely had the courtesy to give them the short amount of privacy she asked for. For a minute or so the words didn't come easy, so she didn't force them. Instead she reached up and placed the flower crown on Arlo's head, a ginger smile as she admired the way he looked with it. With all the care she had Riley tenderly placed a hand on Arlo's cheek and pressed her lips to his in a soft, sweet kiss. The words came a little easier now as she backed up an inch or two out of his personal space. "I know it's only been a few months, and I know this world isn't so forgiving or kind anymore. But I just wanted to tell you how I feel. I thought it was important and I wanted you to know, and I wanted you to hear it from me rather than vague assumptions." She was rambling again, but she couldn't give up on what she was trying to say. "I'm falling in love with you, Arlo." Pausing for a moment her eyes began to search his face, looking for some sign of a reaction. "We've grown a little closer over these past few months and I feel like I can trust you when I say these things. I know you may not quite feel the same, and that's okay. I won't be hurt if you don't share these feelings and you don't have to say or do anything just because I'm saying this. I just wanted to tell you is all." "If there is some hope between us though, of being together... I wouldn't mind that." She didn't expect this to win his heart though, but she still clung to her own feelings. Riley peered up at him shyly, fingers running through the faded pink curls now resembling more of a stained blonde than any kind of pink. Her cheeks however, were surely pinker than her hair had ever been as she felt the heat rushing to them. She had never been pretty in the conventional way, her face always too boyish for the typical definitions but that suited her just fine. Eventually they'd decided they were beautiful and handsome in their own way, which superseded conventional standards in her opinion. Her only hope now was that even in this messy and dirty world they now lived in Arlo could find something of beauty in her, just as she'd found in him.
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Post by Tals on Aug 15, 2016 15:49:39 GMT -5
Alyona had smiled reassuringly up at him, setting the bag to the side and taking a glance to Quiet when the man gestured to him. It was then when she looked up at him once again, a sheepish smile and that of a nervous giggle escaping her throat as she slid her hands out of view. If he found out how she got the cut on her palm, he'd feel worse or even guilty.
"Thank you," she had said before giving a small but little shrug of her shoulders. "Jamal and I took care of ourself pretty well~ There was no problems at all," she stated as she let her nervous smile grow and eyes flickered away. "You did what you needed to do, and thats all that counts. Im sure Ash is probably thankful of your quick thinking." It was reassurance that filled her tone, rocking on her heels slowly as she spoke.
"No problems at all?" Borya had rumbled as the tall man looked on from the side, having gestured to the cut before earning a little squeak. "Hey! It was really no problem!" She had confirmed as her hands raised. Both palms were sticky, and one was more red than the other, giving that she was rather thankful the fabric covered her palm to hide the ugly marking she gave herself.
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Post by Tals on Aug 15, 2016 15:50:11 GMT -5
OH MY GOD
THE ARLO AND RILEY SHIP IS HAPPENINGH
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 18:18:40 GMT -5
Timothée seemed to realize immediately what Quiet was doing, and bit his lip nervously. He immediately felt bad for letting his mouth run the way it had, but there was really no stopping his nervousness as soon as Agnes had put him up to a task he was genuinely not prepared for. "Hey, look." He raised his own hands, trying to show that he meant no harm. "I'm not gonna do anything. Agnes is just uh, she's prickly sometimes." He scoffed faintly at that, though there was a bit of amusement in his voice. Agnes was prickly, especially as of recent. She'd have a usual routine of starting the day nice, attempting to be helpful and kind, only to burn out and leave the lasting hard work up to him to complete.
Tim glanced down at Quiet, and a little awkwardly, decided to sit as well. He was really no good at guarding was he? But this was a human after all, and if anyone knew the horrors of being a prisoner, it was certainly him, which allowed hesitant sympathy to immediately fill him. He also seemed to detect that the man wasn't going to say much to them, if anything, and so he attempted not to push- but being friendly while also being the only one speaking was an enigma to him. "I'm Timothée. Er- I'm new here, if you can't tell. Well- new-ish. I've been here about a month. I'd offer comfort by saying that these people warm up to strangers pretty fast, but then I'd be lying." He then gave Quiet a faint smile, but it awkwardly dropped. He had his gun in his lap- hardly attempting to show it off or look intimidating. Even he seemed to realize how vulnerable he was making himself seem, and quickly put on a more try-hard serious expression.
* * *
Jamal was a immediately put off by Ghost, only mumbling a short: "Right." in response to his comment, no real care in the word itself as his thoughts were now the forefront of his attention, buzzing with confusion. He'd wished the stranger would've given him something better to go off of, but immediately reminded himself that Agnes was just as much poor with introductions as this man was; not as threatening perhaps, but strange and off-putting all the same. He was thankful however once Shelley had spoken up, and gave her a toothy and half-bashful sort of smile at the cheeky compliment. He wasn't sure how to react around someone else who was so forcefully unaffected by the apocalypse, who'd somehow kept up a sense of normalcy. Jamal had fought hard for it himself, but it was always in response to others' oddities, and never in response to someone who was actually trying to preserve old world sentiments.
"Maybe." Was all he responded with, though his simple words never made him come cross as short of tired with her. Simply, he worked better without saying much. "It's open, but easier to see everything that way." He added with a nod, sounding factual and not necessarily defensive. It was a little hard to imagine Jamal on the defense at all, actually.
Once they arrived at camp he seemed to loosen up a bit more, and nudged Shelley as they walked along. "Would you mind if I met with my friends? Er- briefly." He nodded to Rowan and Alyona, giving them one of his signature muted smiles, as well as a thumbs-up with his free hand. He was immediately relieved to see them both looking pleasant enough to foretell that nothing severe had happened while they were gone.
* * *
While Wilhelm felt shitty in the sort of way most people felt after being metaphorically slapped in the face, he was also feeling restless. He had half the mind of apologizing for saying the words at all in order to resume their earlier happiness, but even he knew that was an impossible task. He was laying on his back, though his head was turned to the side in order to study Ash, his brows furrowed in worry. Perhaps it was easier to project his nervousness onto the other man than realize his own, which was at least a productive sentiment.
Will sat up, his hand touching his shoulder. He couldn't help but to continue to stare at his back, which was a mess of stitches, and bandages that were looking redder than he found comforting. "Hey, Ash," He began, making his voice slightly higher in pitch to try to convey that he was "alright", "If you need I can grab painkillers, or- or anythin like that." He bit his lip, drumming his fingers against the side of the bed. Really the offer was a question, an attempt to figure out if the other man wanted him away for a while or not.
* * *
Agnes blinked in surprise as Amelia made a comment about a storm, her interest in it drawing her away from her troubled thoughts in almost an instant. She stood up again and onto the porch to get a better look, shielding her eyes from the sun with a hand and holding tight to her weapon with the other.
As Amelia had predicted, there was a storm after all. It didn't even look real to her at first, and in a moment of confusion she almost believed that the redhead had somehow orchestrated it's arrival; each puffy cloud was dark and towering, high enough into the sky to get her to tumble back somewhat. What stretched beyond it was just... Dark. Thick heavy clouds that brought up dust into the horizon's sky, thanks no doubt to highspeed winds. The entire sight was a little alarming, especially considering that Agnes herself was mainly a northerner with no real experience to sights such as these.
It immediately filled her thoughts, and she gave a faint look of appreciation to Amelia for pointing it out. Of course, Agnes's occasional glances usually alluded others, it was mostly all she had to work with as communication was the last of the woman's strengths. "Perhaps we should go inside then..? Or- or tell the others..? Bolt down windows?" Her lack of an idea as to how to approach the oncoming situation became, in an instant, extremely clear.
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Post by maple on Aug 15, 2016 18:44:54 GMT -5
annika //
It was hard to ever feel like things were entirely normal, or to feel as if you were ever entirely safe. Despite the decent numbers in the group, there were obvious rifts and grudges that effected the dynamics to the point were Annika felt as if she truly couldn't trust everyone. And an itch, a horrible little nag of a feeling kept telling her that none of the peace would last. When in the past had it ever lasted?
Due to her stubborn willfulness, she also despised the way certain members of the group like to decide they were in charge. The way they ordered her around rather rudely, as if they were in some way superior. It wasn't uncommon for her to rebel against this, even though she had lowered herself to being somewhat of a helpful hand. Timothée, on the other hand, seemed so willing to please everyone (not that he was a push-over in any way); but then again, the young man was smart enough to know they had a pretty good thing going for them.
Still prickly and on edge, Annika closed her knife hesitantly, with a small frown.
[ this is sooooo bad... sorry i just wasn't entirely sure what was going on ! ]
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2016 18:52:48 GMT -5
Ash stayed quiet for a moment, not really sure what to say at all anymore. His previously jovial mood had evaporated into thin air, leaving him torn between wanting alone time and wanting Wilhelm to stay. He had been fighting back tears until now, but for some reason a sort of indifference washed over him that was all to familiar, as if the situation wasn't at hand and he was just a robot or something of the sort. "You can get them if you want, but I'm ok," he said quietly, although his voice lacked emotion. "A shirt would be nice though, it's kind of cold in here."
He remained on his side, and found himself studying the clouds of dust particles that swirled about in the barn. When he got like this he sometimes wondered if the world was real, and that maybe it was all just a dream or a simulation of some kind. He didn't like to dwell on the thoughts, but he couldn't really help it.
"Hey! You bunch of jesters! Half of you don't know me, but that's beside the point right now. There's a massive flippin' storm comin' in, and comin' in fast, so if you lot wanna get your [crap] together now is the time to do it!" Amelia tended to make decisions fast, and as soon as Agnes had suggested they tell the others, she was on her feet and shouting at everyone on the farm.
Isaac scowled up at her, wishing she would just sit down and let the farm's actual occupants handle the matters. He guessed that Amelia had only been on the farm for maybe a couple of hours, and thus had no place yelling at everybody else. "Would you shut the hell up?" He snapped, yanking sharply on the cuff of her cargo pants which knocked her off balance and sent her tumbling to the ground.
Amelia merely scowled at him, too used to his antics to really retort. "Anyways, yeah. Gather up everything that needs to be gathered and get your rears inside. I just hope we can be quick enough," she said, glancing back up at the looming clouds which were twice as close as they were before.
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Post by Tals on Aug 15, 2016 19:13:23 GMT -5
It was then Borya turned a dark eye to Amelia. His whole body straightened and a predatory snarl escaping his throat. The scars along his facial features twitched and contorted, teeth baring. "Listen here," he snarled threateningly as he stepped onto the porch and jabbed a finger in her direction. Friend or foe, new or acquaintanced, he didnt take orders unless given to by Arlo, or someone else he truly trusted.
"We, dont take orders, from new comers. If we feel, this storm is really bad, we'll head into shelter. Until then," he began when Devoss had gripped his arm. Borya twitched in his spot, evergreen eyes narrowed into slits like a wild animal. The taller of the men there immediately tensed up as he lowered his hand.
"Borya here... Has a point. Yes, theres a storm, yes itll rain hard. But its not anything new. If a tornado is forming, we can see that. As far as we know, its simply a 30 minute or so rainstorm. It wont hurt us," the dutchman stated seriously as he looked to Amelia. His lips had pursed, his titanium hair askew and his breathing at a calm pace, despite the way his forehead beaded with sweat. "Both of you... Calm down, realize that a warning has been said, what you both do, is up to you."
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