backdated to the 13th

[heloise]

[ Strange how it is when she tries to make amends that she ends up cutting all ties. It is inevitable anyway, or so she tells herself, at least then it isn't entirely her fault. (Maybe it is)

The mansion feels too far away all of a sudden, then she remembers she had come with a steed before and left it at the stable in her rush and now, halfway through the city, she can't imagine having to walk back or carry on. She barely manages to stop herself from crying into her palms when she remembers the tar, and feels even more frustrated by it. Why did she even come at all?

She remembers the phone only after sobbing like a mess there in the middle of the road for god knows how long. Wiping her hands on her skirt to try and clean them as best as she can, she fishes it out of her pocket to dial the only number she has. She doesn't know when she should start speaking or what if he doesn't hear? ]

Comments

[ofhope]

[ He recognizes it as tar as soon as it touches him, but the most that does is confuse him. Why tar? ]

The last time? For who?

[heloise]

[ She takes her time to let it out, shifting her hand in his to link their fingers. He doesn't seem to mind the tar. But she isn't sure if she should say who. What would he do? Then again, she did say no more. ]

Stephanie.

[ofhope]

[ It's not a surprise, as it had been one of his guesses. ]

Because of the strangeness going on at the castle, or me again?

[heloise]

[ She shakes her head against him, breathing slowly so she can compose herself. ]

It was always because of me, and her.

[ofhope]

[ Stroking her hair with his free hand, Joshua stares over her head while she answers. She's more distressed than she should be over someone who isn't family. He wonders if even she realizes how soft she is. ]

You already knew not to trust. What changed today?

[heloise]

[ Stephanie reminded her of a time when she isn't so guarded, Joshua does too, and maybe what she has always wanted was a chance to be lighter, brighter again. The feeling and not the person. ]

I tried, but she loves me no longer. I should have known.

[ofhope]

Why should you have? Is that why you're like this...? What did she do to you?

[heloise]

She did nothing.

[ Which is why she's like this. She was trying to clap with one hand and it doesn't work. She pulls back eventually, her sobs quieter at least though her eyes are still red. ]

Will you take me home?

[ofhope]

[ Nodding, he lets go of her hand so that he can reach down to sweep her up into his arms with an easy flourish. He cares as little as usual what the townspeople think today.

Unless otherwise requested, Joshua will start off at a simple walk. Some people just hate the idea of flight or too much speed. ]

[heloise]

[ She lets him, turning her head so she doesn't have to see where they are going. She is content this way anyway, this is already home as far as she's concerned. This is safe. ]

Am I noisy?

[ofhope]

[ Joshua shakes his head while glancing down to her. ]

Did you leave anything at the school?

[heloise]

[ That reminds her, and she turns to watch him a moment, as if that would jog her memory. ]

I was going to bring books from the castle. Maybe later, in the afternoon.

[ofhope]

After a bubble bath?

[ Seriously, what is with all the tar? ]

[heloise]

[ She manages a smile at that at least, huffing in amusement. ]

She was covered with it. [ Whatever this thing is. ] I hope it will wash off.

[ofhope]

[ Joshua does another quick survey of the sticky tar, trying to recollect what he'd seen and heard so far from the journal. It's hard, though, he cares so little what happens to most of those people. ]

It seems almost everyone is, except for us. Since this didn't come from our skin, I don't see why it won't wash off. It's Miss Stephanie Brown's problem, not ours.

[heloise]

[ She splays her hands in front of her to survey the damage, frowning to herself. All she wanted was to cheer her up, keep her company. Maybe she should stop her foray into good intentions. ]

A bubble bath, but only if you stay with me.

[ofhope]

As the lady wishes.

[heloise]

[ She frowns deeper, reaching to catch his chin so he would look at her. That was what Stephanie said too. ]

No, what do you wish for?

[ofhope]

[ He slows in his step, but only a touch, looking down to her. Hadn't they already been over this? All he can think of off the top of his head is something she can't deliver.

Otherwise, he's been plenty content lately. He might want a quick fix for the mansion, maybe. And, well, her being depressed or angry too often certainly puts a damper on things for him, some days more than others. ]

You to be happy. You were...more carefree when we met.

[heloise]

[ That always hurts. She can't be who she was before. Innocence is lost on both of them, didn't he say? ]

You said the parts I lost are good to lose.

[ofhope]

For survival, yes. But what's the use if you forget how to really be happy? You lost those parts, but if you still want to be happy, you can just create new ones. Make new memories and feelings.

Worrying too much about pleasing others just...drained you. Like healing. So now you can be free.

[heloise]

[ She lets go of his chin to brush her knuckles along his jawline, trying a small smile even if her eyes still feel swollen. ]

I was happy on Easter, happiest on your birthday, I though I would never know such joy again. So no more trying to please, no more for you too.

[ofhope]

[ That was probably his most memorable birthday, no question about it, though he's actually surprised to hear it stuck out in her mind.

But that isn't what he zones in on. No more trying to please them? Despite her plain distress, Joshua can't hide the sharpness to his smile as he gazes ahead at that thought, then back down to her. ]

Except for you? You still have a thousand wishes...

[heloise]

[ She tries to return the smile, muted for once. ]

Only about nine hundred more, I should think.

[ofhope]

Are you sure you don't want to make one now?

[ He slows even more, glancing over his shoulder in the direction of the castle where she had come from. ]