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 Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 3:18 am
She wasn't prepared for the hug, but she didn't push him away. It was nice. This was one of those time that a hug was a good thing. Even if it was golem currently inhabited by the weapon of the person that hated you.
Sherry nodded as Chester started talking. She was determined not to cry, as she still wasn't entirely sure what the weapon was doing there, but she could listen.
"He did?" She asked when he was recounting the tale from the first time they met. "That liar," she muttered. He'd told her it wasn't him. She went quiet after that, though, since it seemed Chester had more to say.
She watched him when he smiled at her, waiting. If it's not because he hates me, then why? And then Chester was telling her the rest of his tale. Jake had a rough past. Check. Sherry had figured that one out early on. But the rest.... Pushing her away to protect her? How did that make any sense? Not any easier on him? Could have fooled Sherry...but....
Crap. When had she started to cry?
"I don't get it." She...didn't. Or she didn't want to. That might lead to hope, and....that would probably hurt.
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Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 8:59 pm
Had he gone too far?
He wasn't sure, but he knew Jake was going to give him hell if... when, he found out.
At least he couldn't read his mind. He had that as consolation, at least.
"Um, I..."
Oh shoot, she was crying. Chester fidgeted nervously, wondering if he should keep talking. Did he just make things worse? Should he... have even come in the first place?
... No, he decided on this. He wouldn't regret this decision. All he'd do was let her know exactly what was going on, and from there, it was up to Sherry to decide what she wanted to do. Whether she decided to continuing honouring Jake's request and avoiding him, whether she would seek him out to clear everything up... that would be up to her. If he ended up damaging things beyond repair... he would... hate himself for it, but at least she would know exactly what was happening.
"I'm sorry if this is a lot to take in all of a sudden, but... if I don't say it now, I fear it may never be known. Whether you want to keep avoiding him because he asks you to, or if you decide something else, ultimately, it's your choice. All I'm doing is letting you know exactly what Jake is thinking. He says something, but he means another, but there's some merit in what he's doing..."
He closed his eyes, letting out a heavy sigh.
"He's stubborn, reckless, arrogant... To be honest, these characteristics are enough to deter any girl from seeking out a relationship with him. I mean, who would want to deal with a brat like him, let alone date him? I think he knows that, which is why... he's acting this way. But then you came along, and turned his world upside down. He tried to push you away, but you resisted. He was a complete a** to you, but you still cared for him. You didn't treat him like a kid, or get fed up with him. You treated like a friend, an equal, and he appreciated that, but then... when he found out you had feelings for him..."
He shifted uncomfortably.
He keeps saying you remind him of someone. This girl named Catherine. He won't tell me what happened, but all I know is that she was killed. Not by his own hands, but because she got involved with whatever he was going through back then. He still blames himself for it, saying how if he had never met her, she'd still be alive, and he keeps blaming himself for that. The only thing keeping him going was some promise he made with her, I don't know what it is, but it's because of that he hasn't gone and killed himself, or done other stupid reckless things. I think he knows how reckless he is, and if you were to get more involved with him, it might end up hurting you... or worse."
He got off the bed and turned to face the trainee, shoving his hands into his pocket.
"I know I don't have a say in this, and that while all I can do is give the both of you advice, it is ultimately up to you two to decide your course of action, but if possible, I'd like to ask you not to give up on him. As he is now, he's already walking down a dangerous road, guilt and doubt plaguing him, and I fear if someone isn't there to pull him out of it, he may be completely consumed by despair. My words used to reach him, but I fear they're getting weaker and weaker. I don't know if our bond is weakening or if my words aren't reaching him anymore, but if this continues, he'll put himself in danger."
Taking a step forward, he clasped Sherry's hands, a desperate look in his eyes.
"I don't care what happens to me, but Jake... Jake means a lot to me, and I know he means a lot to you too. I don't want him to always remember the unhappy thoughts. He deserves some happiness. I know times are dangerous, and with these missions, you never know when you might lose someone, which is why I think it's so important to cherish the little time you have with the one you care for. Time is short. Humans don't live forever, and hunters, even less, which is why, if possible, I don't want there to be any regrets. If you really love him, don't hide it. I don't think there was anything wrong with you telling him, but Jake... he's stubborn. I don't want him to regret not spending more time with you if you should... die in a mission, NOT THAT I'M SAYING I WANT IT TO HAPPEN, but... my words won't reach him anymore. So won't you please help him? Will you please save him from despair for me?"
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Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 10:14 pm
Sherry sniffed. She also listened. She still wasn't sure why Chester was here telling her all this. Might as well, hear him out, though.
"But," she started when he went quiet again, "I.... He..." She took a few deep breaths, determined not to start crying. It was a lot to take in and a lot to think about. "How? He won't even talk to me. He looks at me like he hates. I can't even talk to him. And..." she almost didn't want to say it. All her fears, old and new wanted to come tumbling out. They were deep, secret things that only Armagnac knew, but, if what Chester was saying was true in any way.... "And," she repeated in whisper, "if there was someone else I can't...I compete or replace or..." She squeezed Chester's hands. "He refuses to have anything to do with me. I can't...I don't know what..."
"I want to believe you. But," she shook her head and stood. "I don't know what to do." She looked the golem in the eyes. "Is he really lying to me?"
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Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 11:47 pm
It seemed the more he said, the worst he was making the situation. But... what could he do?
"Sherry, if you want to cry, just cry. Don't hold it in, it'll only hurt more. I won't judge, I promise."
He was so frustrated he wanted to cry too. Could golems even cry? Here was this amazing, sweet, caring girl who wanted nothing but the best for Jake, and loved him for who he was, and he was throwing it all away, and for what? Self pity? Couldn't he see that pushing her away wasn't helping the situation?
"Sherry..."
He sat down beside her again, and pulled her close, tail wrapping around her while he placed a hand on the back of her head, gently stroking it.
"Don't you dare think you're not good enough. Don't you ever think of changing yourself to earn someone else's approval. I like you the way you are, and I'm sure Armagnac likes you the way you are. Jake... Jake is just a stubborn idiot, but if I could speak on his behalf, he wouldn't want you to change either."
He paused, wondering how much time he had left. Perhaps an hour passed already. Maybe more. Or maybe even less. He had completely lost track of time. He couldn't expect Jake to come here to get him, so...
But he couldn't leave things as is. For all he knew, he was making things... worse. He couldn't leave until he sorted everything out.
"Sherry..." His voice got quieter. "Do you remember when you stumbled upon that spar between Ofie and Jake? I guess it was less... a spar and more a slaughter, but do you remember when Ofelia turned on you and nearly hit you? Jake was so angry... even I started fearing for Ofelia's safety. He was angry because he wanted to protect you. He didn't want you to get hurt, so when Ofelia tried to hurt you..." he shook his head. "I'd hate to find out what would have happened if Before didn't step in, or... if you didn't show up. He can lie through his teeth, but when it comes down to it, his actions will betray his real emotions. He can't help but worry for you. He doesn't want to show it, which is why he acts the way he does, but deep down, I know he cares. Just... give him some time. I know waiting and being constantly rejected is hard but... I know... he'll open up. It's just a matter of when."
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 1:08 am
It was all so confusing. She wanted to cry, but she didn't want to cry. She wanted to believe Chester, but at the same time that would mean letting her defenses down again and the last time she did that it hurt.
So, she let herself be hugged. She even curled up into a little ball next to Chester on the bed, hugging him back. She cried, but if he ever told anyone she'd probably deny it.
She nodded a bit as he spoke. She would never change herself for anyone, that never ended well. But that didn't mean she didn't want to be good enough. If she wasn't good enough that was fine. That was that. But...Chester was saying...
"Wait," Sherry sniffed. "Protect me? That's what he was yelling about?" Sherry...had hoped that's what it was, but at the same time she'd been afraid to think it.
She hugged the weapon-in-a-golem tighter. "Are you telling me the truth of things?"
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 1:18 am
He smiled, patting her back as she cried her heart out.
"Yah, he's kinda blunt with words, but he was honestly worried. Don't forget, I hear everything." His tail raised, pointing at his head. "And what motive would I have for lying to you? I want nothing more than for both you and him to be happy. That alone is enough for me. Jake keeps thinking he doesn't deserve it, but he's been through so much... the LEAST he could is learn to accept it. All because that one time... he keeps punishing himself for it. He tries to make himself look selfish, but I know, deep down, he cares. He takes on this burden alone, and refuses to share it with anyone, but isn't that what friends are for? Friends share burdens. They share the good AND bad. He confides in me because he has no choice. Honestly, I don't even want to know what would happen if I weren't there. To be honest, I'm a little bit worried about him right now, since I'm not in his head... deterring him from negative thoughts..."
If he only knew.
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 1:25 am
Sherry shook her head. Just what was she supposed to do to with all of this information? If it was the honest truth, then... "What should I do. I feel like the mere sight of me offends him. I..." She clung a little tighter to Chester.
She had been ready to walk away, she'd have ever intention of respecting his wishes. Should that change? This...really didn't make things easier. She still wasn't ready to let her heart believe it, either.
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 1:35 am
No, he couldn't leave yet, not until he knew Sherry was ok.
He pressed her closer, arms wrapped around her in a protective embrace, as if doing this could chase away all her doubts and insecurities. If Jake only knew what effect his words and actions had... no. That was why Chester was here, to fix things before it became completely irreparable. When he got back, Jake was going to get an earful.
"I know this is a lot to take in so suddenly, but I promise you, I'm not lying. I would never dream of it. You can say Jake and I work well together because we're somewhat polar opposites. If he gets rash ideas, I talk him out of it. If I'm unsure of something, he gives me the confidence to believe it. Like the saying, 'Opposites attract', you're attentive, alert, caring, while Jake is blunt, rash, and assertive. You can make him pause and think about his actions, while he can give you the confidence to do things. If you ask me, I don't think there's a better match made."
He took a deep breath, closing his eyes.
"Do what your heart tells you to. Don't let what he says or do phase you. If you truly love him, you'll stay by him, no matter what. Even if he should love another, I know you'll still support him, but I know there isn't another. He's just being stubborn. I'll go talk to him, but please promise me you won't give up."
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 1:52 am
"I..." Sherry pulled back a bit, sitting so she could look weapon in the eye. "But I don't...I want to be there. I want to support him. I don't want to give up."
She sniffed, and wiped at the damn tears on her face. She was so foolish, crying over a boy. It just hurt, and didn't hurt. "He said he didn't want to see me. I...guess I just don't know what to do."
Sherry smiled. "Though I suppose I never did."
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 2:17 am
Chester smiled, reaching out to wipe her tears away also.
"That'a girl."
He let out a sigh, and turned to look around the room. Where was a clock when you needed one?
He turned back to Sherry, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't let what he says phase you. Even he can't control what will happen. Who knows, maybe there'll be a mission that'll involve both of you. It's not like he can completely avoid you, and even he should know this is beyond your power. He can't criticize you for something like that."
Reaching down, he took hold of Sherry's hand, and patted it.
"I, uh, by the way... I hate to seem insensitive, but... how long has it been since I came here?"
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 2:26 am
Sherry nodded. She still didn't know if this would change anything, even though it really should. But if Jake didn't want to see her, well, there was only so much she could do about it. Or nothing, really.
"Oh," she glanced around when he asked about time, "I don't know. Um..." She leaned over the bed, reaching for her phone. "Um..." she did a couple quick calculations "Not too much more than an hour." Had it really been that long? She showed the phone to Chester, so he could make his own determination.
Sherry gasped. "Armagnac. I have to find her before the time's up." She'd completely forgotten the weapon was running around unsupervised somewhere.
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 2:40 am
To be honest, he had completely forgotten when he came.
"Ah, that's a relief. I was worried I might have taken too long, and..."
He trailed off. It was... probably best not to mention Jake not wanting to come here. She had enough to deal with as is. When Sherry mentioned Armagnac though, he only stared, already putting two and two together.
"Wait, Armagnac's in a golem also? That means... she probably... went to see Jake..."
This worried him. He wasn't sure if leaving Jake alone with Armagnac would be such a good idea, but considering the two were pretty similar personality-wise and... hopefully they knew the rule about not damaging golems...
Chester seemed to be just as worried as Sherry.
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 2:44 am
Sherry wiped at her face again and nodded. "If you came here not long after logging you should be fine. And yes. Armagnac is....I don't know. I hope she didn't go to see Jake. I mean, I made her promise days ago not to hurt him, but...." Sherry looked at Chester.
"She keeps telling me how nice it would be to tear his innards out." Sherry glanced away. "I don't think she would...but... You didn't see her outside?"
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 2:50 am
Chester shook his head.
"No, I didn't see her, but... I'm pretty sure she went to see Jake... If you want, I can go and check?"
He patted her shoulder, as if to reassure her.
"Don't worry, I'm sure they're just... talking."
Despite the smile, he too was getting worried.
"Well, uh, I should go now. If I see her, I'll tell her that you're looking for her. Remember, don't give up."
He gave her a thumbs up, and left... leaving Jake's coat on her bed.
Whether it was on purpose or accidental... who knew.
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Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 3:08 am
"Um, yes. If you could make sure Jake's all right, that would..." she trailed off, certain she didn't need to finish the sentence.
"Yes. If...she's not back in a few minutes...I'll go looking for her. Time limits and all." She smiled at Chester as he left. She still wasn't sure what to feel, and worrying about what trouble Armagnac was causing wasn't helping. Though it was an almost welcome distraction.
Sherry sighed and glanced around the room. Armagnac had left things orderly, as she always did, but there was no hint of.... Sherry's gaze fell on Death Hunter coat on her bed. Crap. Chester had forgotten it.
Sherry reached out to grab it, and dragged it into her lap. Chester said Jake cared about her, and that he was being mean because he thought pushing her away was best. Just what...what was she supposed to do now? Sherry sighed, fidgeting with the collar of the coat. She just...didn't know what to think anymore.
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