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Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:13 pm
The world is over. Everything that was is gone. There are stories about how life used to be. There are stories about times when people flew in airplanes across the oceans, when there were imported fruits from other countries and when some place called 'France' existed. Some people believe the stories. Some people don't. It doesn't seem to matter anymore if you do or you don't because the world has moved on. There are a few people who remember it as it was. The people who were young and useful when the world started on its happy trip to hell. What happened shouldn't have surprised the people then, but it did. They didn't know what to do. People say they can't be blamed, but they should be. If they had any idea of where everything would end up, I wonder if they would have done what they did. But maybe it doesn't matter. Maybe it had to happen.
See, before we started dancing down the highway to hell, there used to be this place called The United States of America and this other place called...Iran? Iraq? Irad? It doesn't matter, what it was called, but the important thing is The United States of America thought they were some badass motherfuckers. They thought no one in the world was better or could ever be better than them. They were some egotistical and idiotic people. Because The United States of America was not the hotshit they thought they were. No, no, no, this place didn't even sew it's own goddamn flag! They got everything they wanted from other countries. You wanted electronics? Yeah, Korea's got that. Cars? Japan is on it. Oh and oil? That was Iran/raq's job. What they called “The Middle East”.
This whole system was working just fine for them for...well, I don't know how long, the history has all been lost, but it worked for them for a long fucking time. But there were issues with “The Middle East”. They overcharged for oil, they formed terrorist attacks on the United States of America, and the United States of America kept returning to them. Because without the Middle East, there was no power. Nothing to run the Japanese cars and the Korean appliances. So the United States of America got scared that they would have nothing to power their toys and they invaded. The Middle East didn't care for that idea and they sent terrorists across the ocean to blow up everything big and important in the United States of America. That caused problems the United States of America couldn't recover from. Most of the healthy young males were overseas fighting and so the clean up after the attacks was nearly impossible. This was the start of World War III. I don't know why it was the third. I guess there were two others before it, but that might just be stories too.
Fuck, for all I know this whole history is a load of pigeonshit that someone repeated until everyone believed it. That's the name of the game these days. Repetition of lies under the guise of truth. But the present can wait. First you have to know how we got to this point. There was a lot of bombing from both sides during the war. Countries formed alliances and then most of them disappeared. The United States of America had always bounced back before, but this time was different. In the time of tumult and great need, the people lost the president to a mob of anarchists. Those guys went around the capitol district burning, maiming and killing everyone they blamed for the war. But when they were done, they just dissolved, went back to the holes they scuttled out of or were killed themselves. They were gone. And the country had nothing. There was nothing to run the toys, all the men were in the war and now there was no president. There was nothing. Just big empty husks of the burnt-out buildings and an over-all feeling of hopelessness.
But out of the darkness, came something everyone had some hope for. A new regime came to take the place of the dead. People generally wanted to believe it would help. Even the smart ones wanted to believe the new group had plans for good, but deep down they had to have known. How could they not? Look at what these people have done with the power they assumed! There had to have been some people, somewhere along the line who realized this wasn't going to work out like they thought. It's hard to say. When you ask people for the history of what happened that started our way here, they don't mind talking about it. But if you ask what happened when the new guys took over, no one will talk about it. Because they want to live. But I can tell you some things. I know that they are a force to be reckoned with. They have built themselves up and attempted to bring the world back to some kind of a norm. They have the electronics running again, but if they are Korean, they're just leftovers. There is still a very scarce amount of oil, so power has been changed to solar and nuclear, so the Japanese cars don't show up much anymore.
No, these days the government wants us all helping them. Everyone has to be useful, everyone has to have a job. If you don't, you're fucked. That's not a joke. The unemployed are useless, so the government gave them a purpose. No job and you are automatically the government's sex slave. I guess it could be worse. They could kill the unemployed. It all leads to death anyway. I used to have sisters. Shit..I loved them so much. We were a close family. But they both ended up the government's property. They let my sisters die. And when I tried to fight the system and tell them what happened to my sisters, they had my father killed. They said I was treasonous and he must be too, because I guess it's genetic or some kind of bullshit.
I'm still around though. I haven't given up my anger. I never let go of the hurt. It builds day by day while I sit in front of the microphone and send my illegal messages out over the airwaves to reach the ears of the masses. But I don't know how many I'm reaching. I've been laying low for a long time and it's time to come out and reap what I've sown. I need people with me to make any changes. I'm telling the people that they deserve justice, that the government is wrong and something has to be done, but I don't know if I really give a damn about any of that. I just want to see people pay for the family I lost. I refuse to give up until I get vengeance.
See, before we started dancing down the highway to hell, there used to be this place called The United States of America and this other place called...Iran? Iraq? Irad? It doesn't matter, what it was called, but the important thing is The United States of America thought they were some badass motherfuckers. They thought no one in the world was better or could ever be better than them. They were some egotistical and idiotic people. Because The United States of America was not the hotshit they thought they were. No, no, no, this place didn't even sew it's own goddamn flag! They got everything they wanted from other countries. You wanted electronics? Yeah, Korea's got that. Cars? Japan is on it. Oh and oil? That was Iran/raq's job. What they called “The Middle East”.
This whole system was working just fine for them for...well, I don't know how long, the history has all been lost, but it worked for them for a long fucking time. But there were issues with “The Middle East”. They overcharged for oil, they formed terrorist attacks on the United States of America, and the United States of America kept returning to them. Because without the Middle East, there was no power. Nothing to run the Japanese cars and the Korean appliances. So the United States of America got scared that they would have nothing to power their toys and they invaded. The Middle East didn't care for that idea and they sent terrorists across the ocean to blow up everything big and important in the United States of America. That caused problems the United States of America couldn't recover from. Most of the healthy young males were overseas fighting and so the clean up after the attacks was nearly impossible. This was the start of World War III. I don't know why it was the third. I guess there were two others before it, but that might just be stories too.
Fuck, for all I know this whole history is a load of pigeonshit that someone repeated until everyone believed it. That's the name of the game these days. Repetition of lies under the guise of truth. But the present can wait. First you have to know how we got to this point. There was a lot of bombing from both sides during the war. Countries formed alliances and then most of them disappeared. The United States of America had always bounced back before, but this time was different. In the time of tumult and great need, the people lost the president to a mob of anarchists. Those guys went around the capitol district burning, maiming and killing everyone they blamed for the war. But when they were done, they just dissolved, went back to the holes they scuttled out of or were killed themselves. They were gone. And the country had nothing. There was nothing to run the toys, all the men were in the war and now there was no president. There was nothing. Just big empty husks of the burnt-out buildings and an over-all feeling of hopelessness.
But out of the darkness, came something everyone had some hope for. A new regime came to take the place of the dead. People generally wanted to believe it would help. Even the smart ones wanted to believe the new group had plans for good, but deep down they had to have known. How could they not? Look at what these people have done with the power they assumed! There had to have been some people, somewhere along the line who realized this wasn't going to work out like they thought. It's hard to say. When you ask people for the history of what happened that started our way here, they don't mind talking about it. But if you ask what happened when the new guys took over, no one will talk about it. Because they want to live. But I can tell you some things. I know that they are a force to be reckoned with. They have built themselves up and attempted to bring the world back to some kind of a norm. They have the electronics running again, but if they are Korean, they're just leftovers. There is still a very scarce amount of oil, so power has been changed to solar and nuclear, so the Japanese cars don't show up much anymore.
No, these days the government wants us all helping them. Everyone has to be useful, everyone has to have a job. If you don't, you're fucked. That's not a joke. The unemployed are useless, so the government gave them a purpose. No job and you are automatically the government's sex slave. I guess it could be worse. They could kill the unemployed. It all leads to death anyway. I used to have sisters. Shit..I loved them so much. We were a close family. But they both ended up the government's property. They let my sisters die. And when I tried to fight the system and tell them what happened to my sisters, they had my father killed. They said I was treasonous and he must be too, because I guess it's genetic or some kind of bullshit.
I'm still around though. I haven't given up my anger. I never let go of the hurt. It builds day by day while I sit in front of the microphone and send my illegal messages out over the airwaves to reach the ears of the masses. But I don't know how many I'm reaching. I've been laying low for a long time and it's time to come out and reap what I've sown. I need people with me to make any changes. I'm telling the people that they deserve justice, that the government is wrong and something has to be done, but I don't know if I really give a damn about any of that. I just want to see people pay for the family I lost. I refuse to give up until I get vengeance.
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:07 pm
And so it was that this man in a long buttoned-up coat with some old jeans sticking out from under the hem, was walking along a crowded street. His pace was not fast, it seemed he had plenty of time to get wherever he planned to go. He glanced at the people around him and ran a hand through his hair in a futile attempt to tame it. It was an impossible battle to win, but he tried often nonetheless. His hands were thrust into the deep pockets of his coat and a five o'clock shadow graced his face. He was meandering, apparently without purpose, but in fact he was searching.
He didn't know for who exactly, but he knew he would when he saw them. Below his large coat, in case of trouble or danger, he carried a Ruger in a shoulder-holster. He wasn't about to leave the house unarmed. The world was to dangerous to be trusting like that. He stepped out of the flow of traffic, pulling one gloved hand from his pocket. He held a small piece of paper, it seemed and he was studying it with a look of intense longing and sadness. The paper meant something to the man. Enough that he stayed still to study it, forgetting those nearby for a little while.
He didn't know for who exactly, but he knew he would when he saw them. Below his large coat, in case of trouble or danger, he carried a Ruger in a shoulder-holster. He wasn't about to leave the house unarmed. The world was to dangerous to be trusting like that. He stepped out of the flow of traffic, pulling one gloved hand from his pocket. He held a small piece of paper, it seemed and he was studying it with a look of intense longing and sadness. The paper meant something to the man. Enough that he stayed still to study it, forgetting those nearby for a little while.
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:13 pm
Pedestrian traffic was heavy this evening. Foot traffic, rather. Nobody used the word 'pedestrian', except for fresh meat straight out of University, still stuck in the mindset of four safe walls and an academic vocabulary. Adelaide couldn't afford to think that way anymore. Her six month grace period after University graduation had expired two months ago, with employment still merely a frantically sought-after prospect. She knew she wasn't alone - on the University forums she had caught glimpses of other desperate pleas posted by her graduating classmates, beseaching their former instructors for some sort of networking entry or job oportunities; those pleas were always quickly removed by the admins. The Government would have a field day if posts like that were left unattended - no fodder for negative press could be left freely availible for terrorists trying to slander the Universities. At least, that's what the Government would say. Nobody would dare say such a thing aloud, but she doubted very much whether the Government was all that concerned about terrorists getting their hands on information like that. They were more concerned about other students seeing growing numbers of unemployment for post-graduates. University wasn't mandetory... for now. But if the rate of new students dropped any further because of whispered reports of a decline in jobs for fresh graduates, the Government might just decide to amend that.
Her pace quickened as she walked past the corner bar and club, crossing to the other side of the street. Those areas were frequently patroled by Badgers - privately hired Police, nicknamed Badgers due to their tendancies to try and badge every passerby who so much as looked at their paying establishment's front door. She couldn't afford to be badged. With her University permit expired, and unemployed status, the Badgers would be just as likely to pull her into their club and put her in a back room for anxiously waiting patrons of their establishment, as they would be to simply yell at her to move along for having too few funds to enter the establishment as a patron herself. The most terrifying thing about being unemployed wasn't the thought of losing her tiny closet apartment, or being out of money - it was the knowledge that as a branded "unemployed", she was fair game to anyone who wanted to take her aside and get between her legs for twenty-five credits. That was the law - anyone "using" was obliged to pay a fee (the Government's way of letting them earn their place to sleep), and to use protection. But if someone wanted to pay a fee, they could hire a professional escort. It was common knowledge that "users" rarely paid their "used"... but the Government wasn't concerned with the complaints of the unemployed. "They have the option to be employed and elimitate this risk," was their stance. But she had been searching endlessly since the first day after graduating - nobody was hiring. Because the closed borders had worked so well, and employment was made mandetory, the older generation had gone back to work, taking up all the spare jobs that might have been availible to her graduating class.
She stuffed her hands into her pockets, breathing out a long stream of misty air. Her leggings were "all weather", which helped at least keep the sting of the cool air off, but her fingers and face were red-tipped from the cold. Add to that her fair complexion and her white-blonde hair, and she looked a little less like the rest of the crowd than she'd like. She would have preferred to color her hair, or at least cover it. But head coverings were strictly probibited except in case of uniform requirement, and hair dye was simply too expensive to keep up with. Without employment for eight months, her credit account had already fallen dangerously low. There's no way she could justify using the remainder of her funds on cosmetic enhancement, even if it was to help her stand out a little less. The less she stood out at this hour of the day, the better. The mad rush of people on the street was primarily due to general work being let out for the day, and she was careful to avoid anyone's eye so as not to be singled out in the crowd. There's no way for the average passerby to tell her status - she's clean and well kept - but also unendingly afraid that someone would be able to read her face or her thoughts, and to mark her as unemployed.
Steping deftly out of the way to avoid bumping shoulders with a pack of surly-looking men, by the looks of it on their way to the bar she's put behind her, her blood froze for a moment as one of them looked back at her as they passed. She nearly bumped into someone else, another man standing off to one of the foot-traffic, looking at something in his hand. Probably his paycheck, she thought both wistful and bitter. The look on his face was pained - probably not quite enough to cover his expenses... but at least he had a job. Swiveling out of the way with a murmured "Sorry," she continued down the road, hoping and praying to make it to her tiny apartment unnoticed by anyone. Poor luck on the job-hunt aside, her luck with the law had been pretty good. By avoiding Badgers and staying in reasonably busy areas, she had avoided any trouble, to now.
Her pace quickened as she walked past the corner bar and club, crossing to the other side of the street. Those areas were frequently patroled by Badgers - privately hired Police, nicknamed Badgers due to their tendancies to try and badge every passerby who so much as looked at their paying establishment's front door. She couldn't afford to be badged. With her University permit expired, and unemployed status, the Badgers would be just as likely to pull her into their club and put her in a back room for anxiously waiting patrons of their establishment, as they would be to simply yell at her to move along for having too few funds to enter the establishment as a patron herself. The most terrifying thing about being unemployed wasn't the thought of losing her tiny closet apartment, or being out of money - it was the knowledge that as a branded "unemployed", she was fair game to anyone who wanted to take her aside and get between her legs for twenty-five credits. That was the law - anyone "using" was obliged to pay a fee (the Government's way of letting them earn their place to sleep), and to use protection. But if someone wanted to pay a fee, they could hire a professional escort. It was common knowledge that "users" rarely paid their "used"... but the Government wasn't concerned with the complaints of the unemployed. "They have the option to be employed and elimitate this risk," was their stance. But she had been searching endlessly since the first day after graduating - nobody was hiring. Because the closed borders had worked so well, and employment was made mandetory, the older generation had gone back to work, taking up all the spare jobs that might have been availible to her graduating class.
She stuffed her hands into her pockets, breathing out a long stream of misty air. Her leggings were "all weather", which helped at least keep the sting of the cool air off, but her fingers and face were red-tipped from the cold. Add to that her fair complexion and her white-blonde hair, and she looked a little less like the rest of the crowd than she'd like. She would have preferred to color her hair, or at least cover it. But head coverings were strictly probibited except in case of uniform requirement, and hair dye was simply too expensive to keep up with. Without employment for eight months, her credit account had already fallen dangerously low. There's no way she could justify using the remainder of her funds on cosmetic enhancement, even if it was to help her stand out a little less. The less she stood out at this hour of the day, the better. The mad rush of people on the street was primarily due to general work being let out for the day, and she was careful to avoid anyone's eye so as not to be singled out in the crowd. There's no way for the average passerby to tell her status - she's clean and well kept - but also unendingly afraid that someone would be able to read her face or her thoughts, and to mark her as unemployed.
Steping deftly out of the way to avoid bumping shoulders with a pack of surly-looking men, by the looks of it on their way to the bar she's put behind her, her blood froze for a moment as one of them looked back at her as they passed. She nearly bumped into someone else, another man standing off to one of the foot-traffic, looking at something in his hand. Probably his paycheck, she thought both wistful and bitter. The look on his face was pained - probably not quite enough to cover his expenses... but at least he had a job. Swiveling out of the way with a murmured "Sorry," she continued down the road, hoping and praying to make it to her tiny apartment unnoticed by anyone. Poor luck on the job-hunt aside, her luck with the law had been pretty good. By avoiding Badgers and staying in reasonably busy areas, she had avoided any trouble, to now.
Last edited by Sandkitten on Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:22 pm; edited 1 time in total
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Sat Mar 24, 2012 11:49 pm
A young-looking girl bumping into him drew Liam from his thoughts. He cursed himself for not paying better attention to what was going on around him and replaced the paper into his pocket. She had muttered an apology and ordinarily he would have left it at that. But after letting his eyes sweep over the crowd, he noticed someone who seemed interested in the girl. A shady looking man was following her from several feet off. Thinking at once of his sisters, Liam worried for the girl. He would follow her stalker and make sure that nothing bad befell her. She looked young and sweet and certainly undeserving of whatever that creep had in his head.
The man following the pretty blonde had heard her landlady mention that her rent was overdue, a good sign that the girl was unemployed. He had a job in mind for her. When she got close to her apartment, the man approached her, pinning her up against the wall. “Hey, little lady. Some little birdy said you don't have a job...is that right?”
Liam had stayed behind both the girl and the creep and was keeping an eye on the pair when suddenly the man rushed the girl and pinned her. He seemed to think the girl was unemployed and meant to take advantage of the situation. It didn't matter to Liam whether she was unemployed or not. What mattered was this girl needed help and he could help her, unlike his sisters. He hurried his pace to catch up with them and dispatch the creep.
The man following the pretty blonde had heard her landlady mention that her rent was overdue, a good sign that the girl was unemployed. He had a job in mind for her. When she got close to her apartment, the man approached her, pinning her up against the wall. “Hey, little lady. Some little birdy said you don't have a job...is that right?”
Liam had stayed behind both the girl and the creep and was keeping an eye on the pair when suddenly the man rushed the girl and pinned her. He seemed to think the girl was unemployed and meant to take advantage of the situation. It didn't matter to Liam whether she was unemployed or not. What mattered was this girl needed help and he could help her, unlike his sisters. He hurried his pace to catch up with them and dispatch the creep.
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Sun Mar 25, 2012 12:35 am
Adelaide didn't notice a tail while walking through the crowd; she was too busy worrying and watching the people passing by her. But after stepping out of the crowd off onto a side road, it became more obvious that she was being followed. As far as she knew, the landlady was only renting to one other person, and he worked nights - so he most certainly wouldn't be heading home at this hour. Her step quickened, and her heart jumped into her throat. She tried not to glance behind her, her hands shaking as she reached into her pockets for her keys. She had a vial of mace - a tiny keychain attachment, the only size available to civilians under the government restrictions - but the lining of her pocket snagged, and her shaking hands only made it worse. "Oh god, no no no," she murmured under her breath, still trying to fumble the keys out of her jacket pocket.
When the man touched her, the blood froze in her veins, and her muscles all tensed. The man's breath stunk of cigarettes and alcohol - not recent, but it was hanging on. And it made her want to vomit. His hands were on her arms, and where they touched her she was paralyzed. "N-n-no, I d-do, I have a University permit, you c-can't.." The rest of the sentence just wouldn't come out, the knot in her stomach quickly tightening into a painful stab. "You can't do this, get- get away from me! Please, get away from me!" Her mind reeled and closed in on itself. She'd done everything right - she didn't deserve this. It shouldn't BE this way. Her hand finally pulled free of her pocket, but the keys slipped from her fingers in their fumbling attempt to locate the tiny vial of mace. The man's body had her pinned against the wall just beside the door that would have meant safety, and her arms weren't in any kind of position to reach back and fend off her enemy. The law was on his side, she knew, her mind numbing. It shouldn't BE this way. "HELP! Please, anyone, help!! Please, let me go!!"
When the man touched her, the blood froze in her veins, and her muscles all tensed. The man's breath stunk of cigarettes and alcohol - not recent, but it was hanging on. And it made her want to vomit. His hands were on her arms, and where they touched her she was paralyzed. "N-n-no, I d-do, I have a University permit, you c-can't.." The rest of the sentence just wouldn't come out, the knot in her stomach quickly tightening into a painful stab. "You can't do this, get- get away from me! Please, get away from me!" Her mind reeled and closed in on itself. She'd done everything right - she didn't deserve this. It shouldn't BE this way. Her hand finally pulled free of her pocket, but the keys slipped from her fingers in their fumbling attempt to locate the tiny vial of mace. The man's body had her pinned against the wall just beside the door that would have meant safety, and her arms weren't in any kind of position to reach back and fend off her enemy. The law was on his side, she knew, her mind numbing. It shouldn't BE this way. "HELP! Please, anyone, help!! Please, let me go!!"
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Sun Mar 25, 2012 7:43 pm
Liam could see the creep had the poor girl pinned. He felt a surge of protective energy rise up inside of him. The girl being attacked reminded him of his sisters and he couldn't stand by and watch her be used. The law might be on the man's side, but the law was wrong. Even if this girl was unemployed, she didn't deserve this. His sisters had searched high and low for jobs. It was growing ever more difficult to find one and when they didn't...he hated to think about it. The thoughts it awakened filled him with rage that he usually had no outlet for. But now, he had a use for the anger stewing inside him.
Propelled by anger and adrenaline, Liam seems to appear out of the shadows, leaping out behind the creep and punching him in the back. The creep was about to turn around to see who was behind him, but the punch in the back caused him to first arch his back and then collapse forward in pain. Liam quickly took advantage of the man's vulnerable position by heaving a heavy fist to the man's neck. The man fell the rest of the way to the ground, curled up in an attempt to protect himself from further abuse. The position did nothing to help him as his face soon met with the boot on Liam's foot. Liam kicked the man again, then rested his foot upon the maggot's back.
“Listen to me and listen damn close,” His eyes were wild with his rage as he addressed the freak. “I am going to let you stand. You are going to leave, never bother this lady again and NEVER mention this to ANYONE. Am I clear?” He raised his foot slightly. The man nodded and whimpered. Liam leaned down close to the man, “That isn't a good enough answer! I SAID am I CLEAR??” The man nodded again and squeaked out a yes before Liam released him. The man ran off like the baby he was and Liam was left standing before the frightened girl, realizing he probably looks insane. He pushes his hair back in attempt to tame it and tries to remove that madman look in his eyes. “Uh...hello. Are you hurt at all?”
Propelled by anger and adrenaline, Liam seems to appear out of the shadows, leaping out behind the creep and punching him in the back. The creep was about to turn around to see who was behind him, but the punch in the back caused him to first arch his back and then collapse forward in pain. Liam quickly took advantage of the man's vulnerable position by heaving a heavy fist to the man's neck. The man fell the rest of the way to the ground, curled up in an attempt to protect himself from further abuse. The position did nothing to help him as his face soon met with the boot on Liam's foot. Liam kicked the man again, then rested his foot upon the maggot's back.
“Listen to me and listen damn close,” His eyes were wild with his rage as he addressed the freak. “I am going to let you stand. You are going to leave, never bother this lady again and NEVER mention this to ANYONE. Am I clear?” He raised his foot slightly. The man nodded and whimpered. Liam leaned down close to the man, “That isn't a good enough answer! I SAID am I CLEAR??” The man nodded again and squeaked out a yes before Liam released him. The man ran off like the baby he was and Liam was left standing before the frightened girl, realizing he probably looks insane. He pushes his hair back in attempt to tame it and tries to remove that madman look in his eyes. “Uh...hello. Are you hurt at all?”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:20 pm
Adelaide felt the man's weight jarring into her, and thought that the assault had begun in earnest. But then, just as suddenly, his weight was gone, and his hands weren't on her anymore. Over the rushing in her ears she picked up noise behind her, and only just dared to glance back over her shoulder before her knees gave out, and she slid down the wall, crumpled in a heap. Her mind raced - she could hardly process what was happening. She had screamed - and someone had answered. And the answer was brutal. Her attacker was being beaten to a pulp. Almond-shaped eyes wide with fright, pupils only pinpricks even in this half-light, she could only take in the basest of details about her savior. It was a man, tall, long coat. That was all. Shaking like a leaf against the wall of the building, her limbs felt like lead. She had learned this state in University - something called "learned helplessness". Like a bird caught by a cat - after being knocked about just long enough, even if the cat was shooed off, the bird would sit as if it were helpless, its instincts having told it that not struggling would be the most painless way to die. Eventually, if placed in the sun and left alone, the bird would come back to its senses and fly away. Adelaide could have recited this textbook definition for her savior if her mind had been about her. But her mind was too numb to even process the words being exchanged as she sat, shaking and staring.
When the man addressed her, she looked up, understanding that he was talking to her, even if she couldn't respond just yet. Her teeth weren't chattering, but that's only by virtue of her mouth being slightly agape - her jaw trembled just the same. This man could just as easily finish what the other had intended to start. But... now that her original assailant was gone, he wasn't displaying any signs of aggression towards her. Her blood still felt cold in her veins, but she tried to get a grip on herself. "I-I... I... I d-don't-" She clamped her mouth shut, swallowing, and tried again. This time, no noise came out at all.
When the man addressed her, she looked up, understanding that he was talking to her, even if she couldn't respond just yet. Her teeth weren't chattering, but that's only by virtue of her mouth being slightly agape - her jaw trembled just the same. This man could just as easily finish what the other had intended to start. But... now that her original assailant was gone, he wasn't displaying any signs of aggression towards her. Her blood still felt cold in her veins, but she tried to get a grip on herself. "I-I... I... I d-don't-" She clamped her mouth shut, swallowing, and tried again. This time, no noise came out at all.
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:41 pm
Liam looked down at the girl with understanding. Of course she couldn't get a sentence out. She had been attacked and a complete stranger appeared out of the shadows, kicked the ass of her attacker and then simply addressed her. She must be in shock over it all. Glancing around in case of unwanted attention, he leans in toward the girl and talks in a low, conspiratorial tones, “Listen, was that man telling the truth? Are you in trouble? If you trust me, I will help you. My name's Liam. I know it's asking a lot for you to trust a stranger, times being what they are, but I did protect you from that creep and I would do it again. I know how hard it is for people who are unemployed, especially women.”
He frowns as his face grows dark and sad once again. “It seems to me that you need somewhere to go and I can help you. I don't expect anything from you in return. Do you understand? I can keep you safe.” He offers his hand to her as if to say, 'see, no harm here', combining the gesture with a charming smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. “Whaddya say?”
He frowns as his face grows dark and sad once again. “It seems to me that you need somewhere to go and I can help you. I don't expect anything from you in return. Do you understand? I can keep you safe.” He offers his hand to her as if to say, 'see, no harm here', combining the gesture with a charming smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. “Whaddya say?”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Sun Mar 25, 2012 9:19 pm
Her tongue wouldn't work, but her ears were working fine. This stranger - this savior out of the shadows - was offering her... safety? For nothing in return? She couldn't take her eyes away from his, searching them fervently for the truth, her heart still pumping ice through her body. She'd never seen the other man's eyes, but she didn't have to - they wouldn't have looked like the eyes fixed on her now. Sucking in a chestfull of air, she breathed out her words, hardly able to get out more than a whisper. "M-my permit is expired. There just aren't any jobs. I don't know what to do." Her attacker wouldn't be likely to keep this incident to himself - he was within his rights under the law. With her apartment now marked, she wouldn't be safe here anymore. She was already late on her rent - the next step would be eviction anyway. And since this man had helped her... if she was caught, he would be in trouble too. He had to have known that before he stepped in on her behalf. But asking for nothing in return for helping her this time... and offering to help her again... it didn't make sense. Surely there had to be something he wanted. Nobody just went around doing charity work. Not these days.
"...I don't have anything to repay you... anything in my apartment that you want, it's yours." Her hands fumbled for the keys she had dropped, and she held them out to him. "I only have a few credits... I couldn't pay you for a safe place to stay." Her eyes finally broke away from his, lowering to the ground. "...but if you can really offer me safety, I have to take it. I can't find that on my own." After a moment of hesitation, she nodded. "I'll come with you, Liam. ...thank you." No matter what his price might be later, she couldn't afford to be put out on the street and left to the wolves. He was right - it was asking a lot of her to trust him, but really, what choice did she have? He HAD already protected her once - and he said he would do it again. That was more than the government was doing. It made them both outlaws, of sorts - but as far as it looked, being an outlaw was starting to sound like a better deal than being a law-abiding citizen.
"...I don't have anything to repay you... anything in my apartment that you want, it's yours." Her hands fumbled for the keys she had dropped, and she held them out to him. "I only have a few credits... I couldn't pay you for a safe place to stay." Her eyes finally broke away from his, lowering to the ground. "...but if you can really offer me safety, I have to take it. I can't find that on my own." After a moment of hesitation, she nodded. "I'll come with you, Liam. ...thank you." No matter what his price might be later, she couldn't afford to be put out on the street and left to the wolves. He was right - it was asking a lot of her to trust him, but really, what choice did she have? He HAD already protected her once - and he said he would do it again. That was more than the government was doing. It made them both outlaws, of sorts - but as far as it looked, being an outlaw was starting to sound like a better deal than being a law-abiding citizen.
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Sun Mar 25, 2012 9:30 pm
The girl trusted him enough to come with him. That was good for both of them. Safer, too. He offered her another smile, incredibly pleased by her choice. She needed safety and he could use the company. In time she might come to work with him in his cause. For the moment he wouldn't mention it. The girl was likely already suffering from all kinds of information overload. The last thing he needed was to completely burn her out. He shakes her head. “No, I don't want anything of yours. But if you do, you should get it before we go. He glances at the door to her building. “Do you need anything, Miss....?” It occurred to him that he didn't know how to finish that so he merely leaves the question hanging.
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Sun Mar 25, 2012 9:51 pm
She glanced up at him again when she realized that he was waiting for her to fill in the blank for him. "-King. Adelaide King." Her hand balled up into a fist around her keys, trying to prompt her mind into thinking about what she might need to take from her apartment. Somehow her legs found the strength to stand, and she balanced herself against the side of the building, fumbling again with they keys. Her eyes darted back up the street to try and ensure that nobody was watching, and she hurriedly forced her door open. Inside, the room was as she had left it in the morning. The whole place was only about the size of a large closet, with a couch instead of a bed, and miscellaneous belongings stacked in the corners. She grabbed a bag - her old school tote - and stuffed whatever clothes were within eyesight into it, then glanced around for her hygiene pack, grabbing that as well.
Abandoning her old schoolbooks, and the odds and ends she'd managed to hang onto to this point, she stepped back outside quickly and locked the door again. Mostly out of habit - she wouldn't be back for anything else. But if anyone came looking for her, it might lead them to believe that she planned to be back. Dropping the keys into the bag as well, she zipped it up without a word, shouldering it. "I'm ready." Ready to be gone, ready for something to change - ready for this nightmare to give way to something else. Maybe he could offer her the hope she had been missing.
Abandoning her old schoolbooks, and the odds and ends she'd managed to hang onto to this point, she stepped back outside quickly and locked the door again. Mostly out of habit - she wouldn't be back for anything else. But if anyone came looking for her, it might lead them to believe that she planned to be back. Dropping the keys into the bag as well, she zipped it up without a word, shouldering it. "I'm ready." Ready to be gone, ready for something to change - ready for this nightmare to give way to something else. Maybe he could offer her the hope she had been missing.
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:00 pm
Liam hopes the girl, Adelaide, is ready, but only time will tell. For the moment, he will have to take her word. He looks around again to be sure no one is paying them any undue attention. Satisfied that they are unnoticed, he turns away from her and motions back over his shoulder for her to follow. He leads her on what is clearly not a straight path to anywhere, hoping that she won't be alarmed by the weaving route. He can't afford to have anyone besides her following him at the moment. He can't have anyone know where he lives. He considers blindfolding the girl so that even she won't know, but looking over his shoulder at her sweet, innocent face, he's inclined to trust her.
He's sure to keep an eye on her every once and awhile looking over his shoulder at her to make sure she is alright and no one is bothering her again. He makes a sudden turn, urging her to follow still then slows a bit so she can walk beside him. He feels as if he should explain himself a bit. His tone is low and matter-of-fact as he addresses her, “I'm sure you know that we are both outlaws now. I wouldn't want the safety of my location to be comprised, so we are taking the scenic route. I hope that you go everything you wanted from your apartment.” He glances at her bag. “Would you like me to carry that?”
He's sure to keep an eye on her every once and awhile looking over his shoulder at her to make sure she is alright and no one is bothering her again. He makes a sudden turn, urging her to follow still then slows a bit so she can walk beside him. He feels as if he should explain himself a bit. His tone is low and matter-of-fact as he addresses her, “I'm sure you know that we are both outlaws now. I wouldn't want the safety of my location to be comprised, so we are taking the scenic route. I hope that you go everything you wanted from your apartment.” He glances at her bag. “Would you like me to carry that?”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
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Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:31 pm
Adelaide was shuffling after him without much thought as to where they were going - they were going, that was all she needed to know. The heels of her boots didn't make that much noise on the pavement, or dirt - since they switched back and forth between the two regularly. When he addresses her, she glances up, and then down again. "It's fine... I understand. I couldn't tell you where we are right now anyway." She keeps her tongue between her teeth while she chews on what she's thinking. "...I guess I always knew this might happen, but I was afraid to think that it really would. It just... it doesn't seem right that... I mean, I know I'm not employed. But... I tried. I don't know why I should be an outlaw after everything I did right." She readjusts the strap of her bag, shaking her head. "I'll carry it, there's not much in it." She shuffles along after him for another moment before adding a "-but thank you."
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Sun Mar 25, 2012 11:14 pm
Her words give him pause. He understands completely. His sisters tried too. They did everything they were supposed to. Good, law-abiding girls. And look how they were repaid. He frowned, a crease appearing on his brow where they knit together in his expression of mixed sorrow and worry for this girl. “I don't want to discuss anything else out here in the open. But as soon as we're there, I'll tell you what I know about being an outlaw and what's really right.” He offers her a smile again, “Oh, and you're welcome.”
He continues leading her down twisting trails for a bit before finally ducking down the stairs into an old subway station. It's a real relic of a building that's mostly in ruins. There are still trains parked and waiting for a bunch of commuters that would never come down here again. One of the trains is leaning off to the left at a rather extreme angle and down here in the abandoned and empty place, their footfalls echo through the eerie silence. A skitter of tiny feet and a few squeaks lets them know they aren't alone. There's a rat, or several down here as well. It might as well be their playground, really.
With a final glance around, Liam slips between the trains, offering her his hand so the girl doesn't trip on the debris scattered all about. Once on the other side, he goes to a door with a faded out sign that reads, “Em loy s O ly” He opens the door, which utters a squeak not unlike the rat they heard earlier. He holds the door for the girl, ever the gentleman at heart. It's dark on the other side of the door. “I'll get some light in a second. Go ahead and step in.” He grins boyishly, “If you still trust me.”
He continues leading her down twisting trails for a bit before finally ducking down the stairs into an old subway station. It's a real relic of a building that's mostly in ruins. There are still trains parked and waiting for a bunch of commuters that would never come down here again. One of the trains is leaning off to the left at a rather extreme angle and down here in the abandoned and empty place, their footfalls echo through the eerie silence. A skitter of tiny feet and a few squeaks lets them know they aren't alone. There's a rat, or several down here as well. It might as well be their playground, really.
With a final glance around, Liam slips between the trains, offering her his hand so the girl doesn't trip on the debris scattered all about. Once on the other side, he goes to a door with a faded out sign that reads, “Em loy s O ly” He opens the door, which utters a squeak not unlike the rat they heard earlier. He holds the door for the girl, ever the gentleman at heart. It's dark on the other side of the door. “I'll get some light in a second. Go ahead and step in.” He grins boyishly, “If you still trust me.”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Sun Mar 25, 2012 11:47 pm
As they move underground, she begins to glance around at the subway station. She's never been underground before - not even in a basement. The subways hadn't been functioning since before she was born, and she thought they had sealed up all of the entrances. The rats skittering about aren't all that unfamiliar, but she frowns at the sound just the same. The rats don't worry her quite so much, however, as the thought that they are underground. It's like they're voluntarily walking into a tomb. Not altogether too far from the mark - where there are rats, there have to be things for rats to eat.
When he disappears between the trains, his hand popping back out to help her through, she hesitates momentarily before accepting it and stepping through after him. After the scare earlier, she feels strange making voluntary contact with him. As soon as she's through, she takes her hand back quickly. She says nothing about it, but gives him a semi-apologetic look.
When he tries to usher her through the once-"employees only" door, she hesitates again, glancing back at him. His smile is very charming, she can't help but notice - but the dark rather unnerves her. "It's, um. It's very dark. And... underground." She chews her tongue for a moment again, and swallows. "I've never been underground. It's... very... uh, I'm afraid. It's not going to cave in on us?"
When he disappears between the trains, his hand popping back out to help her through, she hesitates momentarily before accepting it and stepping through after him. After the scare earlier, she feels strange making voluntary contact with him. As soon as she's through, she takes her hand back quickly. She says nothing about it, but gives him a semi-apologetic look.
When he tries to usher her through the once-"employees only" door, she hesitates again, glancing back at him. His smile is very charming, she can't help but notice - but the dark rather unnerves her. "It's, um. It's very dark. And... underground." She chews her tongue for a moment again, and swallows. "I've never been underground. It's... very... uh, I'm afraid. It's not going to cave in on us?"
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Mon Mar 26, 2012 12:29 am
His smile widens. He had forgotten that she never would have been in a subway before. It's not as if he had used the subway in his lifetime, but he recognized its potential when he first set foot in the place. The girl was already frightened once and here he was leading her into the underground without a warning. He gives an apologetic shrug, “I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. Of course you've never been in a place like this, have you? No, no, it won't cave in on us, I promise. Everything down here is solid.” He pats the wall in demonstration and nothing falls down, so he hopes that she won't worry too much about it. “If you prefer, just wait right here at the door. I'll get a light.”
With that, he disappears into the darkness on the other side of the door. She can still hear his footfalls and then the sound of him groping around in the dark for something. There is some shuffling and then the 'ffffffft' sound of a match being struck. The small flame illuminates Liam's face and hands as he moves the match to an old type of lamp.
The light is bright enough to light the small room he has led them into. The walls are the same dingy brick that was in the subway station but there is no more sound of rats. In here there is a large and exquisitely ugly armchair featuring some kind of puce and pink plaid fabric. The only upside to the piece is that the fabric is wearing to the point that is growing hard to see. Off to the side of the ugly chair is a small table with a second unlit lamp upon it. The only other furniture in this room is a squat bookcase, filled with books stacked in no particular order. Some are upright while others lay on their sides. The bookcase is in shadow, so the titles aren't visible to the her right now. There is a door on the other side of the room from where they are and empty sockets where bulbs used to screw into the ceiling.
Liam opens his arms out, gesturing toward the room. “Welcome to your new sanctuary. Don't be alarmed, this is not the only room. I've done a good amount of work down here, making everything the way I want it to be.” He offers another of his charming smiles. “I won't bore you with a tour now, I'm certain you're exhausted and just want to get to sleep.” He opens the door on the far side of the room, carrying the light along with him. He checks to make sure she is still with him and leads her through that door into a small hall which looks constructed of plywood. There is a calendar tacked to the wall as well as a picture of a happy looking family which includes Liam as a younger man.
Aside from these small things, the walls are blank and there is nothing but three more doors. He opens the one to the left and hangs the lamp from a hook in the ceiling. This room is plywood on two sides and bricks on the other. This is apparently his bedroom, as there is a mattress on the floor that has some blankets and pillows sitting on it. There is also a crate next to the bed with a book lying face down and open to a page. There's an alarm clock on the floor by the crate. It either fell or was tossed there, it's hard to say. The plywood in this room has posters pinned to it of old music artists, probably things Liam had since he was a boy.
He gestures again at the room around him. “It's a humble place, I know. I hope you don't mind the mattress is on the floor...There are pillows and blankets there and, oh!” It just occurred to him she might need the bathroom, “The bathroom is through the door right over there.” He points at another door on one of the brick walls. “I think that's everything, right? Do you need anything?”
With that, he disappears into the darkness on the other side of the door. She can still hear his footfalls and then the sound of him groping around in the dark for something. There is some shuffling and then the 'ffffffft' sound of a match being struck. The small flame illuminates Liam's face and hands as he moves the match to an old type of lamp.
The light is bright enough to light the small room he has led them into. The walls are the same dingy brick that was in the subway station but there is no more sound of rats. In here there is a large and exquisitely ugly armchair featuring some kind of puce and pink plaid fabric. The only upside to the piece is that the fabric is wearing to the point that is growing hard to see. Off to the side of the ugly chair is a small table with a second unlit lamp upon it. The only other furniture in this room is a squat bookcase, filled with books stacked in no particular order. Some are upright while others lay on their sides. The bookcase is in shadow, so the titles aren't visible to the her right now. There is a door on the other side of the room from where they are and empty sockets where bulbs used to screw into the ceiling.
Liam opens his arms out, gesturing toward the room. “Welcome to your new sanctuary. Don't be alarmed, this is not the only room. I've done a good amount of work down here, making everything the way I want it to be.” He offers another of his charming smiles. “I won't bore you with a tour now, I'm certain you're exhausted and just want to get to sleep.” He opens the door on the far side of the room, carrying the light along with him. He checks to make sure she is still with him and leads her through that door into a small hall which looks constructed of plywood. There is a calendar tacked to the wall as well as a picture of a happy looking family which includes Liam as a younger man.
Aside from these small things, the walls are blank and there is nothing but three more doors. He opens the one to the left and hangs the lamp from a hook in the ceiling. This room is plywood on two sides and bricks on the other. This is apparently his bedroom, as there is a mattress on the floor that has some blankets and pillows sitting on it. There is also a crate next to the bed with a book lying face down and open to a page. There's an alarm clock on the floor by the crate. It either fell or was tossed there, it's hard to say. The plywood in this room has posters pinned to it of old music artists, probably things Liam had since he was a boy.
He gestures again at the room around him. “It's a humble place, I know. I hope you don't mind the mattress is on the floor...There are pillows and blankets there and, oh!” It just occurred to him she might need the bathroom, “The bathroom is through the door right over there.” He points at another door on one of the brick walls. “I think that's everything, right? Do you need anything?”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Mon Mar 26, 2012 11:08 am
When Liam disappeared into the darkness, Adelaide's eyes grew wide again, silently willing them to quickly adjust to the darkness so that she could see where he'd disappeared to. In the moments it took between his disappearance and the match being struck, she'd begun to shake again, the fear of suddenly being alone in this dark, musty place welling up in her chest like water, trying to drown her. With the light returning her savior's sihoette, she breathed out a heavy sigh of relief. Ice pumped through her veins again, and she shivered, but stepped into the room, letting the heavy "employees only" door shut behind her.
The room isn't quite as small as was her apartment, but it's certainly emptier. When he mentioned that it wasn't the only room, she breathed another quiet sigh of relief - she wasn't sure she would trust that armchair to sleep her comfortably, nevermind him. And speaking of sleep, she realized suddenly with a yawn, she WAS exhausted. It had already been a long day, and the attack earlier had only given her a small amount of adreniline - there was simply no energy in her body to sustain that kind of high. Nodding silenly she followed him through the next door without as much hesitation.
The sight of the hallway made her nervous again, wondering how stable this plywood was, and what might be behind it. However, her attention was caught on the photograph hanging at one side. Glancing forward at him to see that he had already moved to another door, she quickly picked the photograph off the wall, tucking it into her pocket for further inspection later, the followed him into yet another room. The sight of a bed - even one on the floor - elicited yet one more sigh from her, but this one accompanied by a weak smile. The couch she'd been sleeping on had been a secondhand to begin with, and it had never afforded her quite enough room to stretch out. Letting the bagstrap slide off her shoulder, there was a quiet 'wump' as it hit the concrete ground, and she nudged it away towards the wall with her foot. "I can't think of anything else I'll need tonight... thank you. Really, I don't think I can thank you enough, for this, and for... before." Another shiver ran down her spine, and she hugged herself to try and stave off the chill in her blood.
She turned her eyes up to him again, an expression of gratitude almost completely masking the fear that still lingered in her eyes. This place had to be safe. She'd never so much as thought that such a place might still even exist, much less be transformed into housing for scofflaws such as themselves. She couldn't imagine that any kind of patrols would think to look for a place like this. It made her wonder how HE had found it - what sort of desperate man looked for shelter in the tomb-like underground of the city, home to rats and abandoned passenger transport? What else had he done, aside from saving her from someone taking advantage of his rights in a broken system? It seemed she must have other questions... but they would have to wait. She was just too tired to try and figure all of this out rignt now.
Glancing over at the toppled alarm-clock, she nodded to it. "I don't know if you want to take that... otherwise I'll set it. I'll try not to make much noise when I wake up, in case you're still asleep. Um... where will you be?"
The room isn't quite as small as was her apartment, but it's certainly emptier. When he mentioned that it wasn't the only room, she breathed another quiet sigh of relief - she wasn't sure she would trust that armchair to sleep her comfortably, nevermind him. And speaking of sleep, she realized suddenly with a yawn, she WAS exhausted. It had already been a long day, and the attack earlier had only given her a small amount of adreniline - there was simply no energy in her body to sustain that kind of high. Nodding silenly she followed him through the next door without as much hesitation.
The sight of the hallway made her nervous again, wondering how stable this plywood was, and what might be behind it. However, her attention was caught on the photograph hanging at one side. Glancing forward at him to see that he had already moved to another door, she quickly picked the photograph off the wall, tucking it into her pocket for further inspection later, the followed him into yet another room. The sight of a bed - even one on the floor - elicited yet one more sigh from her, but this one accompanied by a weak smile. The couch she'd been sleeping on had been a secondhand to begin with, and it had never afforded her quite enough room to stretch out. Letting the bagstrap slide off her shoulder, there was a quiet 'wump' as it hit the concrete ground, and she nudged it away towards the wall with her foot. "I can't think of anything else I'll need tonight... thank you. Really, I don't think I can thank you enough, for this, and for... before." Another shiver ran down her spine, and she hugged herself to try and stave off the chill in her blood.
She turned her eyes up to him again, an expression of gratitude almost completely masking the fear that still lingered in her eyes. This place had to be safe. She'd never so much as thought that such a place might still even exist, much less be transformed into housing for scofflaws such as themselves. She couldn't imagine that any kind of patrols would think to look for a place like this. It made her wonder how HE had found it - what sort of desperate man looked for shelter in the tomb-like underground of the city, home to rats and abandoned passenger transport? What else had he done, aside from saving her from someone taking advantage of his rights in a broken system? It seemed she must have other questions... but they would have to wait. She was just too tired to try and figure all of this out rignt now.
Glancing over at the toppled alarm-clock, she nodded to it. "I don't know if you want to take that... otherwise I'll set it. I'll try not to make much noise when I wake up, in case you're still asleep. Um... where will you be?"
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:05 pm
Though she's worn out and tired, the girl seems to be grateful for a place to sleep. Liam isn't sure if she trusts him completely, but it's enough for her to get a night's sleep. He didn't notice her take his photograph, which is probably for the best. He is very attached to it. She seems like she will be good company once she gets used to being here and with him. It takes getting used to becoming an outlaw and everything. He shakes his head, “You can use the alarm-clock, I can usually get up on my own.” He gestures with his head back over his shoulder. “I'll be on the godawful chair in the other room.” He smiles again, though he's thinking if she is going to stay here awhile he might have to find another mattress. The chair doesn't bother him that much, but sleeping on repeatedly would definitely lead to a pain in the neck at the least.
He moves past her, at a close range in the small room, and picks up the book from the crate. “I'm just gonna use the bathroom so I can get out of your way, ok?” He opens the door to the bathroom and turns to face the girl again with a bit of a sheepish look on his face, “You might wanna turn around...There's no light back here, I usually just leave the door open. I know it's not good manners, but I've always been alone.” He looks embarrassed, but from her position it's hard to say if he's more worried about the situation or what she'll think of it. Liam is definitely more worried about what the girl will think than anything else. Hell, he doesn't even care if she watches him piss, but it's not very gentlemanly and he tries to be a good guy because there are so few of them left.
He moves past her, at a close range in the small room, and picks up the book from the crate. “I'm just gonna use the bathroom so I can get out of your way, ok?” He opens the door to the bathroom and turns to face the girl again with a bit of a sheepish look on his face, “You might wanna turn around...There's no light back here, I usually just leave the door open. I know it's not good manners, but I've always been alone.” He looks embarrassed, but from her position it's hard to say if he's more worried about the situation or what she'll think of it. Liam is definitely more worried about what the girl will think than anything else. Hell, he doesn't even care if she watches him piss, but it's not very gentlemanly and he tries to be a good guy because there are so few of them left.
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:47 pm
Unconsciously, she'd held her breath when he passed within inches of her - the scare from earlier still had her shaken, though she wasn't thinking about it directly. She didn't have to dwell on the idea to see by the way he moved and carried himself that he was plenty strong enough to have beaten that man, and probably a few more, if need be. That would eventually help her feel safe, but for the time being, she still hadn't completely freed herself from the trembling of earlier. His change in demeanor when he explains the facilities, however, disarmed her, and she even managed a brief smile. Was he really embarassed at the idea of having to take care of business in front of her? She was an only child, so she'd never had to share a bathroom with siblings, but she'd certainly seen boys without their pants up. Still, she tured away and faced the wall. "It's alright - better to have a light than to have to aim in the dark, I'm sure." She rubed her arm and waited, trying not to shuffle her feet while she fingered the edge of the borrowed picture in her pocket. When she heard him zip up again, she took a seat on the edge of the mattress and pulled her knees up to her chest. "Thanks, again."
She watcheed him until the door closed after him, and then breathed out a heavy sigh, looking around momenarily at the room, wondering again with trepidation what was behind the plywood. Putting that from her mind, she drew the picture from her pocket, and studied it in the lantern's light. Liam was easy enough to make out, if only a bit younger. There was an older couple - his parents, no doubt - and what appeared to be sisters, given the familiar features between the three of them. She studied the picture for several minutes, wondering vaguely but not daring to fully form any real questions in her mind. The Liam in the picture had a slightly different smile than the one who'd rescued her - the one in the picture let the smile into his eyes. Her savior's smile was charming, but it didn't quite reach the eyes - not like in the picture.
Setting the picture on the crate, she fiddled with the alarm clock, trying to work out its functions, and finally set it for a decent hour of the morning. Removing her boots and coat, she laid them aside as well, then fished her bra out and set that on top of them. Undoing her hair, she ruffled it and let her scalp breath. Scooting further onto the mattress, she scooted herself down into the pile of blankets, straightening them out around her. The sheets weren't fresh, but they weren't ripe - he obviously believed in keeping up his hygene, even if he was living in a hole underground. She was thankful for it, pulling the blanket up around her shoulders.
First her body settled. Then her mind. And then, the tears came. She cried as quietly as she could, burying her face in the pillow and even biting it to keep herself quiet. Pulling the blanket up over her head, she blocked out the light from the lantern, and breathed deeply into the pillow until her body could take no more, and her mind went black.
Uneasy dreams of dark alleys and slow movement in the shadows haunted her unconscious mind. She saw her mother and father, but couldn't speak to them. She watched her apartment's paint peel off the walls from heat and neglect. Most disturbing, every time her back turned, something was there, brushing her, touching her, ready to pull her into the shadows. The city was a wasteland, full of monsters - only, men.
She woke up screaming, her legs tangled in the sheets from kicking, every bit of her slick with sweat. Her eyes couldn't pick up any outlines that usually appeared from the poorly-covered window in her room. The lantern had gone out, and it took her several moments to realize where she was. The screams became heaving sobs, the urge to try and claw her way through the darkness to safety overwhelmed by the fear of what might be in the darkness, so she balled herself up into the corner of the mattress against the wall and wailed into the blankets wrapped around her fists.
She watcheed him until the door closed after him, and then breathed out a heavy sigh, looking around momenarily at the room, wondering again with trepidation what was behind the plywood. Putting that from her mind, she drew the picture from her pocket, and studied it in the lantern's light. Liam was easy enough to make out, if only a bit younger. There was an older couple - his parents, no doubt - and what appeared to be sisters, given the familiar features between the three of them. She studied the picture for several minutes, wondering vaguely but not daring to fully form any real questions in her mind. The Liam in the picture had a slightly different smile than the one who'd rescued her - the one in the picture let the smile into his eyes. Her savior's smile was charming, but it didn't quite reach the eyes - not like in the picture.
Setting the picture on the crate, she fiddled with the alarm clock, trying to work out its functions, and finally set it for a decent hour of the morning. Removing her boots and coat, she laid them aside as well, then fished her bra out and set that on top of them. Undoing her hair, she ruffled it and let her scalp breath. Scooting further onto the mattress, she scooted herself down into the pile of blankets, straightening them out around her. The sheets weren't fresh, but they weren't ripe - he obviously believed in keeping up his hygene, even if he was living in a hole underground. She was thankful for it, pulling the blanket up around her shoulders.
First her body settled. Then her mind. And then, the tears came. She cried as quietly as she could, burying her face in the pillow and even biting it to keep herself quiet. Pulling the blanket up over her head, she blocked out the light from the lantern, and breathed deeply into the pillow until her body could take no more, and her mind went black.
Uneasy dreams of dark alleys and slow movement in the shadows haunted her unconscious mind. She saw her mother and father, but couldn't speak to them. She watched her apartment's paint peel off the walls from heat and neglect. Most disturbing, every time her back turned, something was there, brushing her, touching her, ready to pull her into the shadows. The city was a wasteland, full of monsters - only, men.
She woke up screaming, her legs tangled in the sheets from kicking, every bit of her slick with sweat. Her eyes couldn't pick up any outlines that usually appeared from the poorly-covered window in her room. The lantern had gone out, and it took her several moments to realize where she was. The screams became heaving sobs, the urge to try and claw her way through the darkness to safety overwhelmed by the fear of what might be in the darkness, so she balled herself up into the corner of the mattress against the wall and wailed into the blankets wrapped around her fists.
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:18 pm
After relieving himself, Liam and his book go out to the godawful chair to try and get some sleep. He knows his place enough that he doesn't need a light to get from one room to another, but he does need a light to read by, which he intends to do for awhile. He pulls a pack of matches from his pocket and strikes one against the strip on the back to light his lantern. With a light, he could read now, but he finds himself thinking of the girl. He's worried about her although she'll be safe here, she likely won't enjoy the place for awhile. It's a definite bachelor cave of a place and the only room he put a lot of work into his studio. He didn't see a point to making things look good as long as they functioned.
He wondered if she were the type of girl who liked pretty things and soft colors or if she didn't care one way or another either. But it had always seemed to him that girls cared more about how things looked than guys did. His sisters had both been that way. Although their tastes were not the same, they both laughed at his empty little room when they had all lived together. He sighed and turned his attention to his book. He wasn't interested in thinking about them right now. He reads for awhile before falling asleep with the book on his chest and the lantern still lit.
Screaming wakes him. But who's? He has to think about it a moment before he remembers the girl is here. She must have had a nightmare, for she couldn't be in any harm here. His lantern has gone out, but he hastily re-lights it and rises up off the godawful chair to go check on her. In his haste he doesn't notice the photograph missing from the wall. Ever the gentleman, he knocks first before opening the door and letting the light pour in on her. She's...crying now. He doesn't know how to help really, but he approaches her with caution. His voice comes out dry and cracking, “Miss...” He clears his throat, which seems to solve the problem, “Miss King...are you alright?”
He wondered if she were the type of girl who liked pretty things and soft colors or if she didn't care one way or another either. But it had always seemed to him that girls cared more about how things looked than guys did. His sisters had both been that way. Although their tastes were not the same, they both laughed at his empty little room when they had all lived together. He sighed and turned his attention to his book. He wasn't interested in thinking about them right now. He reads for awhile before falling asleep with the book on his chest and the lantern still lit.
Screaming wakes him. But who's? He has to think about it a moment before he remembers the girl is here. She must have had a nightmare, for she couldn't be in any harm here. His lantern has gone out, but he hastily re-lights it and rises up off the godawful chair to go check on her. In his haste he doesn't notice the photograph missing from the wall. Ever the gentleman, he knocks first before opening the door and letting the light pour in on her. She's...crying now. He doesn't know how to help really, but he approaches her with caution. His voice comes out dry and cracking, “Miss...” He clears his throat, which seems to solve the problem, “Miss King...are you alright?”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:51 pm
Her body wracked with sobs, ears rushing, she almost didn't hear the knock at the door. But she couldn't stop the sobs to answer, so she didn't mind when the door opened itself, bringing light with it. She was awake enough to be able to differentiate between the nightmares and waking life, so she didn't flinch away when he approached her. Her feet were sticking out from under the wad of sheets, her toes curled around each other, and she bit some of the sheets in an attempt to quit her crying. She'd woken him up, surely. It was a stupid thought, but this isn't how she wanted to come off - as a bawling baby in a corner. She tried to swallow and choke out some words, but they came out broken and... wet. "I'm s-s-s-sorr-rr-rryy, I c-c-couldnnn't sleep, I had b-bad dr-r-reeams." She sniffled and scrapped the sheets against her eyes, trying to wipe away the tears. "I'm s-s-still sc-c-aared." The man brought her light. He couldn't mean to do anything to her, or he would have come in the dark. The light wasn't bright, but to her, it seemed to be the warmest, most inviting thing she'd ever seen. Maybe besides the man who brought it to her.
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:02 pm
Liam offers an understanding smile. He remembers when he was a boy and had bad dreams and his mother had come in to soothe him. The terror of nightmares could seize the heart and mind of a person. And this girl had more reason for nightmares than anyone else. What she had been through was traumatizing. He sets the lantern on the crate by the bed, seeing as how the other lantern is still up on the hook. He crouches beside the girl and puts an arm around her, hoping that his attempt to comfort her won't upset her further. He holds the girl, remembering how safe he felt in the arms of his mother when he was boy and hoping she feels safe as well. “Shhhh...No need to apologize. You've been through a lot today. It's understandable that you would have some bad dreams. But they weren't real. This is real. You're safe.”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:21 pm
She jolted at first contact, but her need for comfort overpowered the fear. She squeezed her eyes shut again and pressed her face into his shoulder, pulling the sheets with her as she nestled into his hold. The sobs returned, but she didn't apologize again - he'd said she didn't have to. Nightmare images still flashed behind her eyelids, but she had something real to hold onto now. Letting go of the sheets with one hand, she pressed it against his chest, taking a fistful of his shirt to anchor herself in this place, unwilling to let the nightmares drag her back.
The crying eventually died down, and her breathing returned to normal, if heavier than normal - her nose was clogged now, so she had to breathe through her mouth. But the horrible images and feelings had subsided, and she was able to relax. Still leaning against Liam, her eyes closed, and her head lulled.
Snapping suddenly back to her senses, she jolts upright again, letting go of him. "I'm sorry." She sniffs, clearing her nose. "I didn't mean to keep you up. I'm sorry."
The crying eventually died down, and her breathing returned to normal, if heavier than normal - her nose was clogged now, so she had to breathe through her mouth. But the horrible images and feelings had subsided, and she was able to relax. Still leaning against Liam, her eyes closed, and her head lulled.
Snapping suddenly back to her senses, she jolts upright again, letting go of him. "I'm sorry." She sniffs, clearing her nose. "I didn't mean to keep you up. I'm sorry."
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
SharpestLife19 Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:29 pm
He holds her for as long as she needs him, realizing it's awfully nice to be holding another person again. He hadn't so much as shook another person's hand in all this time. He's not quite sure how long it has been, but it has been a very long time. It's a wonderful feeling, being close to the girl. She's warm and soft. He had forgotten how very soft a woman could be. But this girl looked awfully young. Maybe because she reminded Liam of his sister, but maybe it was just the way she looked. Or maybe she was really that young. He didn't want to ask, it was rude. And now wasn't the time anyway. When she jolts suddenly he smiles, “Anything for a damsel in distress. Would you feel better if I stayed in this room? Or do you want me to go?”
SharpestLife19- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
Re: Sharpen the Knife
Sandkitten Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:00 pm
Really, did he have to smile every time he spoke? It was... charming. Like he actually wanted to talk to her. It was disarming, and kind of... well, nice. Stupid thoughts were bubbling up in some part of her brain that didn't even have anything to do with the rational thought process. The night kept getting stranger and more ridiculous. But since he offered, she nodded. "If... you wouldn't... mind. I'm sorry, I don't want to make you sleep on the floor, since there's a chair, but... it might help. You could use the pillows, um, and the blanket." As long as she had the sheet, something to cover up in, she would be okay. Probably. Her head was kind of fuzzy - probably exhaustion. She was certain she'd wake up with her better senses about her in the morning - or at least she hoped - but the man was really looking like kind of a oddball night in shining armor. How ridiculous. "And, would you leave the lantern burning? The light helps."
Sandkitten- Posts : 359
Join date : 2011-09-22
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