Locked in a Room

[dishevelment]

Who: Everyone stuck in Pride HQ
What: This load of crap.
When: Nov. 1-5
Where Pride HQ
Warnings: Pg-13 minimum because Carnies. Tag if it gets over that.


Everyone got the same call-- and now we're all stuck in HQ with no hint of release in sight.

The reason? No one knows.

How are you coping?

Comments

Nov. 1

[honeywithpoison]

[ Richard watches her cry for a little while, quietly. A part of him is confused, uncertain. Wants to give her space (wants to leave her to her weakness). But the rest of him doesn't care that much about thoughts like that.

After a bit, he moves to sit on the couch, without speaking. Just nudging her gently to curl up against him - head in is lap, or more huddled, whichever she needs. Just making sure that, whatever demons her mind is providing, she's not alone with them. Not alone. ]

[gunslingerqueen]

[She doesn't notice him watching her, and nothing would change if she had. When really counts is that when he sits nearby her attention is finally moved from the pressure in her head.] Richard - [His name comes out mangled and strange, as if she's never said it or doesn't understand how the syllables work together.

So obviously talking is dumb, and she goes for the curling up route, taking a place against his side, and tucking her legs up, as if making herself smaller might help Richard encompass her.]

[honeywithpoison]

[ His touch is gentle, and he holds her close, not asking. Not yet. Just very softly stroking her hair, and even softer murmuring, ]

It'll be all right, Nariko. It'll get better.

[ Because it always does. That's how people are. It gets better. ]

[gunslingerqueen]

[It doesn't feel like it'll get better and that's why she shakes her head against him. But the little part of her that has more faith in him than in the rest of the world sort of clings to those words. It'll get better. Maybe not know, but later.

And, plainly put, it still takes a good while for her to stop sniffling.]

I don't [Her voice warbles, but it's easier to understand, now.] I don't want to be anyone but who I am with you, okay? Don't let that happen.

[She doesn't mean Richard, specifically, but rather their band. Their family. They've taken better care of her than her own mother ever did.]

[honeywithpoison]

[ Richard is patient. Well, he kind of wants to fidget, to tap his and against his knee, or the back of the couch, but some things are more important.

Her tremulous words make his mouth go thin and hard, however. ]

Nariko. We're a band. We're not going to give you up easily. Or at all. [ He soothes her hair back.

He almost asks who else she's trying not to be, but that won't help. Instead. ]

What do you like best? About here and now?