|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 10:10 am
Henrik. Was. So. Excited. His home was clean. There was plenty of bedding, and he'd figured that maybe Preacher might want the bed since she was a little miss, and maybe Alec would take the ratty old couch. It was surprisingly comfortable, despite its age. Henrik would sleep on the floor - unless, of course, someone had other ideas. Maybe Alec would want to sleep on the floor, or Preacher, or Walls, Henrik didn't know he was just far too excited to even focus on one particular train of thought. He had plenty of food, too. Plenty of drink, as well. A veritable mountain of sweets. Henrik waited on the long road that led to his home, pacing back and forth as he continued to watch the direction from which Preacher and Alec were sure to come.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 11:45 am
Preacher felt a little lighter as she walked. Once again, she was in Alec's borrowed clothes - a tank top and shorts that were just a little too tight. But it was better than wrestling with the straps of her uniform. And it was hot. Preacher was more than a littl apprenhensiver about seeing Henrik, but she desperately wanted his advice. Alec was too close - she needed someone with a faraway perspective. Also, she wanted to watch and see how Alec and Henrik acted around each other. She hid a snickering smile behind one hand and jogged ahead, hair swinging behind her back. Turning, she called out: "Ya are so slow! Move ya skinny legs, Alec!" It was nice, if a little strange, to be away from the military compound. Waking up at NOT FIVE AM was truly glorious. In the distance, she could see a burly figure, wandering back and forth. "Henrik! Is that ya pacing about like a virgin on 'er weddin' day?" This was, of course, yelled with all the strength possessed in Preacher's lung. For such a small girl, she was very, very loud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 1:37 pm
Alec was good at running, being in the military had only helped that fact along. When Preacher teased the red head, he gave her an indignant little huff, and put a bit more gusto into his step. It wasn't just because they were going to see him and he was excited... Okay. That had everything to do with it. So when the pair burst around the corner, well rested and moving with purpose it was clear they were both glad to see their shared friend. While Alec didn't know Preacher was struggling, he was just glad to have the time to spend on leave. They both came to a skidding halt, Alec jumped in place when Preacher used her powerful lungs to call out. The force of her voice had startled him but did nothing to dampen his enthusiasm. Instead of screaming, he bounced in place giving a wave of greeting. "Hey! Don't look too excited now!" He was grinning nearly from ear to ear, nudging his long haired friend beside him before going to join the tall man's side. He was nervous, the conversation with Preacher yesterday was still in mind but for now he could just be happy to see his friend. Three long months had flown like nothing, their being back in Shiganshina was extremely surreal. The only thing missing was Axel..but given the way Preacher and he had fought this was likely safer anyway. Instead of worrying to much what his friend was doing around town, knowing Axel was in fact IN town, Alec instead beamed up at his tall friend. "Its good to see you again." The smaller male laughed happily.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 1:44 pm
"Friends!"The very instant that he'd seen little Preacher and Alec, Henrik had gone from a standstill to a half-jog so that he could meet them down the road. He very tactfully ignored Preacher's comment, and there was something that looked suspiciously like a blush high on his cheeks. He drew Preacher into a hug first, quick and brotherly - though he did lift her into his arms and well off the ground before settling her back down. Alec... Alec was given a huge, bright smile before Henrik hugged the redhead, big arms wrapping completely around the smaller young man. This hug lasted a little longer, and though Alec wouldn't be able to see it, Henrik closed his eyes and just continued smiling while he held Alec suspended against his chest. Finally he put Alec down and stepped away, his big hands resting on his hips. "Welcome to my home. Well. This is not my home, but it is close. I did not want you to miss it! It is hot today, how are you both feeling?"Sandwiching himself between them, Henrik looped one arm over Preacher's shoulders and the other arm over Alec's.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 2:39 pm
Preacher cursed when she was lifted. It was a strange sensation, like floating in a steel cage made of Henrik's muscles. Thankfully, he put her down quickly. Preacher scowled, but her scowl softed when she saw the gentle way he hugged Alec, the way his eyes squeezed close as if he opened them, all the happiness might leak out. Okay, so maybe, somewhere under the scars and street toughness, maybe Preacher had a little bit of a romantic in her. She couldn't wait to tease Alec about it. "Yeah, Henrik, let's get gone already. Ya two are slow as mud in January." A strange sense of foreboding had settled over her. She hoped the gentle giant would have some kind of advice to help her troubled mind. She bounced up on her tiptoes, voice serious. "Henrik, when we get ta ya house, I need advice or summat. Will.... will ya listen?" She didn't need an answer now, or even a lot of help, just someone to lend an ear. Someone who was removed from everything. And after, she wuold leave the two alone, and hope that Henrik's eyes wandered to Alec's bum again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 1:32 pm
Alec was lifted off the ground and quickly snaked his slender arms around the others neck, his own eyes closing for the duration of the firm embrace. It was certainly not a bad way to be greeted, nor did it go unnoticed how the older lingered. Preacher would get a firm swat later if she kept her teasing up, he swore it. Silently of course, as he meant no harm. Off the ground he was reminded how very short he was but at least it wasn't bad. After being gone for so many weeks, it was nice to be greeted by a familiar face he didn't see on a regular basis. "It's nice to see you too.." He quietly murmured, while still being held giving Henrik one more quick squeeze before his feet were back on the ground and walking arm in arm as a trio. They walked along the path leading towards the house. Alec swore he caught scent of what might be a garden. "Preacher, you're as impatient as ever, by the Walls." Alec scoffed, unable to fight the smile on his face. "You two need some privacy, I can sit outside while you chat I don't mind. It's really nice anyway." He shielded his gaze with one gloved hand for a moment getting a look at the dwelling Henrik had offered their being welcomed. A sense of purpose and belonging was a nice one, he certainly couldn't complain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2014 1:40 pm
"I will do my very best," Henrik swore solemnly, humor draining from his face. When it was serious time, it was serious time, and Preacher needing advice was very important. He would listen to whatever she needed to say, and hopefully he would be able to offer his view on things. If he had no advice to give, perhaps Preacher would feel better after getting things off of her chest. He squeezed his arms around the two of them before glancing down at Alec. "I do not mind if you stay," Henrik uttered softly, really not enjoying the thought of Alec removing himself from Henrik's presence. He'd only just gotten here. "Unless Preacher minds, of course, and then I will find you a chair and some lemonade and a big hat so that your cheeks do not burn and you can sit in the garden." He fell silent as they walked, and in no time they were at his modest cottage. "My home," he said proudly, finally releasing Preacher and Alec so that he could open the door for them. The house was spacious, one large room. There was a table, three chairs. A lumpy-looking green couch that looked incredibly old but enticingly comfortable. A pot-belly wood stove butted up against the back wall, and the bed dominated the far side of the cozy little cottage. There were old ratty rugs on the floor, and the sun warmed the room through the glass-paned windows. It was homey, warm, and undeniably Henrik. "I have food, if you are hungry now, and drink. Here, let me take your things. Preacher, you can have the bed if you want it, and Alec the couch, and I will take the floor unless you would rather sleep on the couch, or the floor -- ahh, I am so happy you are here!!" He looked like he was ready to come in for another hug, or burst into ecstatic tears, it was impossible to tell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:00 pm
Preacher windmilled her arms comically from where she was trapped under Henrik's arm. She imagined they looked like some crazed, six-legged beast. Scarier than titans, if less tall. "Ah, Curry kin stay!" She spoke quickly, peeking around the brick wall that was Henrik. As much as she needed advice, she also didn't want to muck up whatever was budding between her friends. Before she could speculate even more about Alec's feelings, they had arrived and Henrik ushered them inside. "Whoa Henrik. Ya got nice digs. Do ya ever get lonely, though?" She peered at the room. Cozy,. inviting, but surprisingly large. Yes, yes, it was definitely Henrik's house. Sighing a little, Preacher sat cross-legged on the floor. She waved away his offer of food; her thoughts were in too much turmoil to eat. Leaning forward, she placed both elbows on her knees and rested her chin in her hands. Yellow eyes watched Henrik and Alec as they moved about, a pensive, slightly melancholic expression creasing her features.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 6:45 pm
"I'd prefer to stay, so that's good to hear. I was just being polite." He added about as quickly as Preacher had assured him he could stay, giving the girl a quick squeeze as he still had his arm around her for that moment. A small sense of relief washing over him as he smiled at the pair he was with. "Oh I like it! You look like you have everything you need here." The scent of the others house was also some how fitting, like it belonged the way it was. Stepping away just a bit when he was released he wandered around the small home, grabbing himself something to drink in high spirits and rather cheerful even for the most part minus the fact his friend seemed so moody. Grabbing also a few things to nibble on the teen sat himself down on the sofa close to Preacher leaning over and lightly tapping her shoulder offering her one of the sweet things he'd grabbed and now had set lined up to eat as they chatted. "I'm glad to be over as well! Thanks for having us Henrik." He leaned across the worn sofa's arm, tapping Henrik's arm motioning for the older to come closer, Alec then nodded his head to Preacher in her grumpy demeanor. His gaze lingered for a moment on the other, his invading her space for a hug, nothing she couldn't shrug out of. "Alright, whats eating at you Preacher." No nicknames, or silly antics, he was concerned. Patient and forever kind, hopefully between Henrik's friendliness, generosity and Alec's own persuasion they could make a dent in helping her. The red head wasn't sure, but she'd been the one who wanted to talk after all. The least he could do was sit and listen and offer his support.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2014 4:02 pm
"I do not get too lonely," Henrik lied, clearing his throat as he made every attempt not to look into Alec's eyes. There was a ruddy color high on his cheeks, but if anyone mentioned it he would blame it on the sun. "It is a comfortable home, and I am very proud of it, and also I am very proud to have you visit. Well, not proud maybe, but happy."
He cleared his throat again.
"So tell me what is going on with you, Preacher, and I will see if I cannot offer you some very brotherly advice. It will be good advice, I swear it."
It made something in his chest twinge, having Alec in his home. He wasn't sure what it was, only that it felt right, and Henrik wasn't about to start questioning things.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:04 am
Preacher wasn't oblivious to the two weirdos pinging hearts at each other with their eyes, but she really really needed advice. When it came to Axel, she loved to hate him... or hated to love him? Her mouth twisted. That he made her feel certain things was clear; she shivered at the memories. But there had also been a sickly viceral sort of pleasure in fighting with him. Preacher had loved it - the feel of skin meeting skin, bruises blooming on ribs, on faces, her bite marks standing out against his skin. She swallowed hard. Taking a deep breath, she shot Henrik an utterly miserable look. "So Henrik, this is whatall been ahappenin'." And Preacher told him. She gained steam quickly, talking quickly, yet leaving no detail to mystery. No detail. Her voice was earnest and sincere, a start contrast to the type of words flowing out. Finally, she ran out of steam and just sat there, staring at her hands in her lap. She looked up at Henrik, lower lip trembling just slightly. Recounting everything had really taken it out of her. "Henrik, what do I do? I dun wanna be a doxy..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:09 pm
Alec's eyes had been on Henrik, and while mostly unaware of the extent to which the other may, or may not feel about him (he could have his hopes anyway) his attention was all for Preacher when she asked for the older man's advice. Without thinking he nuzzled against Henrik's arm, a sweet gesture of affection before he slid himself closer to the navy haired girl he'd proclaimed naught but the other morning to be like a sister to him, hugging her around the shoulders with a light squeeze and staying close to her resting his chin on top of the girls head for a long while before gently pushing her hands from her hair. Taking her long hair in hand, and with some amount of practiced skill (as Ashley had equally of long hair) began braiding the girls hair. Starting near the top at first, quickly sectioning off 3 even sections. Narrow fingers quickly working her hair, listening all the while as he was carefully moving her hair into a tight, neat braid. While it was a little large, Preacher also happened to have a lot of hair. From his wrist he tugged down a hair band, and finished tying off her hair. Dropping the now finished braid over her shoulder giving the woman one more squeeze with a hug before letting her continue to talk, sitting back to give her a little space. His eyes were wide as he listened to Preachers account..blinking once or twice in bewilderment. He hadn't known any of this was going on...it showed as his light blue eyes moved between both is friends unsure what to say. Her pained look was distressing, only imagining how Axel might feel. Thankfully at least Henrik was a some what neutral party, and older. Perhaps he had some more seasoned advice. All of this, it sounded complicated, more so than he'd even given Preacher and Axel's relationship credit. It was outside his spectrum of understanding. Opening and closing his mouth a moment his brows knit together only daring to speak once Preacher's golden gaze was on Henrik looking desperate. "It...sounds like first off you two need to sit down and Talk to each other. That's a whole lot of misunderstandings and miss-communication all in one. I've known him for years..he aint the type to just try for some one, and leave them because of rough past. You two fight like crazed titans instead of using your words.." he frowned a little going quiet chewing on his lip in consideration. Maybe he didn't have any experience, but he could be supportive at least.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 1:22 pm
Henrik tried not to look incredibly dazed as Preacher spoke, but he wasn't sure if he pulled it off. The more she talked, the more dazed he looked. The big man rose to his feet and went to lean against the thick wooden table. He waited until Alec stopped talking before he finally opened his mouth to speak, and all that came out was a rather pained-sounding, "Raaghh."
He spent a few moments looking like a dying fish: mouth opening, closing, opening, closing. Henrik gestured between Alec and Preacher, as though that alone might convey his thoughts. Finally he lifted both of his brows skyward, cupped his face in his hands, and let out a gruff grunt.
"Preacher. It is insulting to a man to assume you know what he is thinking. You do not know what Axel is thinking, not about you, not about anything. I think that Axel would never do anything to hurt you - and sometimes you are very... you do not think before you speak or act, yes? It is safe to say?"
This was spoken into his hands, muffled against his palms. Finally he drew his hands down his face.
"I do not see this scar when I look at you. Sometimes I think you are the only one who sees that scar, Preacher. When I am standing here and I am looking at you, I only see a pretty girl that is like a sister to me, who is confused by the way she feels for a man who also probably thinks nothing of the scar on her face. And maybe I also see a girl who is afraid of opening up just a little - which, I cannot blame her for, because she has not had the easiest life, my little sister."
He lifted his broad shoulders in a shrug.
"Axel is nice. He is a good friend. I also think that probably Axel is allowed to decide who and what he wants in a lady-friend. It is not for any of us to say what he deserves and what he does not deserve, little Preacher."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:13 pm
Preacher could feel herself relax slightly as Alec threaded his fingers through her hair. She was lucky, she realized. The her of years past could have never guessed that she would be sitting in a house, surrounded by people she considered friends. She was lucky, and suddenly, she felt ashamed on her troubles. Preacher was clothed, fed, she wasn't really whoring, and she was in considerably less danger of dying than before. Everything else was extra, extra baggage, extra whining, extra shame. She swallowed, throat suddenly tight. "I tried ta talkin', Alec," she said in a low voice. They had, hadn't they? But it always ended up in fights or agruments or other things. It didn't solve anything. She'd tried. Her fingers plucked fitfully at the hem of her shorts. Abruptly, she stood. "A-actually, I think I'mma go cool m'head back at tha lake. Now, Curry you stay here n' get ta talkin' to Henrik. I jus'..." She moved tot he door and quickly opened it. "Ya may be right, Henrik n' I dunno who or what Axel deserves, but nobody deserves somethin'... well, it jus' ain't me." A sliver of guilt threaded through her. "N'... I'm sorry 'bout kissin' Alec even though I know ya wanna," she said in a rush. With that, she slipped through the door and ran.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 8:48 pm
Alec wanted to say something further about her talking about, and namely too Axel, the head head had known the guy for nearly five years after-all, he liked to believe he knew a thing or two about him..but Preacher was already bolting for the door. A frown replaced his earlier smile he'd been wearing since the moment they showed up, now worried for her wanting to flee their company. "You have a key, if your sure." He reminded her, having given her a key to the family's home the first day back. Yet, suddenly any further expression of concern was washed away. Alec made a weird squawk like sound as she apologized for kissing him. It was almost ridiculous given the timing. "Please..be safe." Alec muttered morbidly embarrassed. He was blushing, looking flabbergasted she had brought the incident the morning at the lake into discussion. It had been unexpected, and born from awkward searching of the navy haired girls feelings. They both agreed it was weird, and had laughed it off, they had bonded like siblings not as lovers. There was no time to say anything else, she was gone, running away from them presumably to clear her head as stated. Turning his gaze back on Henrik he open his mouth, then quickly closed it looking sheepish-like unsure what to say for a long moment, taking a bite of one of the candies he'd grabbed from the large assortment provided. Only after he swallowed did he open his mouth to speak. "I should, uh likely explain huh?" He rubbed the back of his head sighing, nervous hoping he could explain the situation in a way that made sense worried some how this would upset the man he'd come to visit. Although he wasn't sure why he was suddenly so concerned. None the less the feeling persisted, wanting to clear the awkward air once and for all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
