|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:54 pm
con't from shop thread
"Yes," she said, reaching up to rub at her face. Was the bruise really that extensive anyway? She knew she bruised easy. A door could have done it, really, it didn't have to be her brother. "It's exactly that, so we know about all the different kinds of demons and how they act."
The woman reached up to turn Brad's face to hers, even knowing it would remind him of the bruise. "Don't," she told him. "He's my dongsaeng. Sometimes he gets angry, that's all. And he tries, he really does. He's a good b- man," she corrected herself. He was grown now, her little brother. "It was an accident, and I said my fair share of bad things. It doesn't happen that often, and I'm older, I should know better, especially since I dragged up things he didn't want to talk about. I'm the one who made it go out of control. So don't." I love you, oppa, she tried to say, but she found herself choked up; she stepped quickly back to the desk where she had been when the two men had come in and covered her face with her hands. Hae-min could ignore them until they left, really she could, but she found herself watching them anyway. More specifically, Brad. Part of her hoped he would leave. The other part wanted to tuck herself back into his arms and cry...
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 10:51 am
A door knob could certainly leave a nasty bruise, but even as short as Hae-min was, Brad wasn't buying the excuse for one second. Even if she hadn't blurted the truth mere seconds before, he would not have believed the old 'door knob' tale. More baffling to his mind was that the young woman was protecting her brother. As if he had the right! As if she had asked for it! He gazed upon her earnest face and felt his heart constrict with his inability to help her, standing stock still as she moved back to the desk.
Neil felt like a third wheel, knowing that his issue had been resolved as well as it was going to be and that something else had taken hold over the conversation. He looked side-long to Astaroth, who seemed to have little interest in anything going on, her icy gaze lofting around the room as though bored. The Irishman sighed softly, settling his gaze on his older friend. "Bear, we've 'ought t'go."
Silence.
If the younger man had a dollar for each moment of silence that had been in his life for the past eight months, he would have been ridiculously rich. Neil rubbed his neck (which showed no sign of the bite, something he had forgotten to mention), not quite liking the tension his friend was displaying. "Why don't I go get th'truck and meet ye'out front?" His grey eyes were soft and understanding as the other's significantly darker orbs turned onto him.
Brad blinked, coming out of his own thoughts, giving a slight nod. The motion was without any words to accompany it, digging the keys out of his pocket and tossing them to Neil. He didn't know what else to do, so instead turned to Hae-min, taking a step towards her and spreading his arms experimentally to see of she would stay or flee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 12:20 pm
She moved her hands- of course Brad would have known she was watching, she scolded herself, he was extraordinarily self-aware like that- and watched Neil go. For a few moments, Hae-min stood behind her desk and argued with herself- did she want him to stay? not really, it put Tae-yul in danger, but at the same time, did she want him to go? no. Definitely not. Normally she could decide things like this, in what she usually thought of as the best way, in a moment. But this one, she didn't know what to do.
Quickly, she crossed the room back to Brad. "Don't be worried," she said, "He's trying, he really is. He even registered to go take a class. And..." She looked up at the rafters for her demon, but Maki was no where to be seen. It didn't occur to her that the look could be misinterpreted; Hae-min had, perhaps, forgotten that she had never told Brad that she didn't just help out at the shop, that she also was a summoner herself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 7:37 pm
Between the hesitance and her attempts at soothing him, it was easy for Brad to mistake her skybound glance as a nervous habit of worrying that the male in question was listening. With a gentle sigh, the man draped his arms around the smaller woman, hugging her dearly. "He's your brother, and for that I wont say anything against him." Not that he'd have to; the way he said 'brother' sounded sour and unpleasant enough to indicate his displeasure. "I wouldn't care who he is. No one should ever raise a hand against a woman...least of all you, Hae-min."
Of course he didn't believe she deserved it, or that she'd said anything to earn it otherwise. He enveloped the slight female against his larger frame, feeling ridiculously protective, as if the mere sight of Tae-yul would make Alex whistle in amazement at the brawl that would follow. The woman in his arms was all good manners and better intentions, well-meaning to a fault and honest in all she did. The bruise stood out like an ugly reminder that not everyone could appreciate such a rarity.
Another quiet sigh escaped him. "I'm sorry I couldn't be here for you," he murmured softly, his voice lost in the waves of her hair, his eyes near sorrowful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:01 pm
Clinging to Brad was easy. She'd done it what seemed like a million times before, enough that it wasn't embarrassing any longer. After all, hadn't she known him for a very long time now? From college, at least. Still, the way he talked... She shivered. Brad could be quite frightening, when he wanted to be. What he was saying wasn't how she had been raised, not at all, but if it made him happier and calm, she would shut her mouth and listen. (And wasn't that part of the way she'd been taught? She found it a little funny.)
Hae-min sighed softly, her black hair stirring with the breath. How did you tell someone they shouldn't be sorry, that you weren't their responsibility, not that way? That sounded okay, actually. "No, please don't be sorry." Could she really look up at Brad and tell him that as much as they called each other siblings, they weren't really, and it wasn't his duty to protect her?
No. She couldn't say that part, not to Brad. It would make her a hypocrite, because she enjoyed being his sorella to the peak of her abilities to be a good younger sister. Tagging along at his heels was enjoyable, made up some of her best memories in fact. So Hae-min couldn't tell him she wasn't his responsibility- she wanted to be.
"There isn't anything to be done about it now, anyway," she said instead.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:00 am
A soft grunt was his only reply, hugging the young woman. She couldn't see his miserable expression this way, or so he liked to think; he knew his restrictions, of how little he was actually capable of doing, which is why a confrontation with the infamous Tae-yul sounded absolutely divine. He could do something about that, and he'd definitely do something...
Brad shook his head to himself. He was not a violent creature by nature, but it was a very innate reaction to the idea of his precious sorella being hurt in any way, shape or form. It baffled him almost as much as it enraged him that anyone would strike out at her, especially over something as petty as words. He held no value in mere words, which is why actions - and the bruise on the woman's delicate face - spurred a reaction from him far more than any hateful threat could ever hope of doing. It was a double-edged sword with the Italian man; speak of rage without a second glance, or react and face dire consequences.
He sighed again after a time, speaking into her dark hair. "There's plenty to be done now, but...this is the best option, I think." Brad squeezed her gently as though to prove his point. "I'm allowed to be sorry for not being better for you. It's a terrible thing, Hae-min. If you saw a bruise on me, what would you do...?" The question was posed awkwardly but he meant it out of curiosity and concern; would she worry, or would she be a bigger person and move on?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:54 am
"I love my brother," she answered the grunt, turning her head so that the bruised side wasn't against Brad's chest. "Sometimes he just forgets we're not kids anymore." And he had been so horrified when he had seen the bruise. Tae-yul could be a b*****d, but every time her face twinged she could remember the way the blood drained from his face when he saw the discoloration. She was angry, yes, but... Maybe she was just too nice.
When Brad actually spoke, she slapped the palm of her hand gently against his chest. "There's nothing to be sorry for, oppa is the best oppa I could ever imagine," and it was true. "Don't say that." And then... There's plenty to be done now? No there wasn't; it had happened, she wasn't really hurt, not badly, and there was no reason for it to get carried on. Admittedly she would like it if Tae-yul would learn some control, but there wasn't anything Brad could do about that.
Hae-min had to think about the question he asked, though; she'd actually winced when he said it, because she knew what she would say. The diminutive woman would find out who did it and ream them out- and if they didn't look repentant enough after that, well. She didn't have to depend on her own strength, not with Maki. But she couldn't say that. Who knew but that Brad would act to follow the example she set in her words. "I would worry," she said, feeling like she had been bested at her own game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:51 am
The slap on his chest made his lips curl into a smile, unable to stop himself. The woman was so dainty in everything she did; he had to be mindful not to laugh, even if it was only because he thought her mannerisms were so endearing. Brad didn't want to upset her, not when she was trying so hard to alleviate his own negative emotions. His arms loosened around her, allowing her to move away if she so chose, otherwise taking the opportunity to lift his head and look at her. That quirked smile warmed into the barest hint of a grin, one he'd allow her to see, the tone of her voice eliciting such an expression from him.
"Hmm," was his intelligent response, and he did chuckle this time. Tilting his head to the side, he tried to catch her gaze with his indigo eyes. "I worry about the ones I love and care for," he said with a matter-of-fact voice. "Sometimes I'm no good at showing it, but I promise it's only because I want you to be happy and well, sorella. Let me care for you, if I can't take care of you." It seemed like a fair compromise to him. If she wouldn't allow him to be protective or otherwise steal her away like any good man should do, that she could at least suffer his fussing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:31 am
"I'm being very serious," she insisted at his grin. Hae-min had moved back, but only enough that she didn't have to look quite so high up to see his face. (So tall, she lamented. It was unfair.) Then she smiled back at him; he didn't seem so angry anymore. Maybe she'd done well at improving his mood. And of course he knew she was serious, she thought. It still felt nice to remind him.
She nodded, allowing her gaze to be caught. It seemed a little like a reprimand, so she blushed and looked down at the hem of her dress. "I'm sorry," she said, folding her hands in front of her and bowing a little. Truthfully, it didn't seem so bad to let someone fuss, especially a good friend like Brad. A little nonsensical, since... Well, anyway. She smiled at him, then looked at the door. "I'm sorry," she repeated, "Did your friend... leave?" His time couldn't be taken up all by her problems.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:25 pm
"I know you are," he reassured her, all smiles. It was true; she had improved his mood immensely, but she often could do such a thing without trying. Brad hadn't thought about it, but it was probably one of the many reasons they were so close, having the ability to bring a smile to the other when they were feeling low. Or livid, in his case, which was a rare enough occurance that her ability to calm him was more than welcome.
Another soft chuckle answered her apology. "No need, what's done is done, right?" A bemused expression ticked the corners of his mouth into a smile. At the mention of his 'friend,' Brad glanced towards the door, "He was getting the truck. We had to park and walk to find this place, but he'll be back any second." He pursed his lips thoughtfully, sliding his indigo eyes down to Hae-min, considering that she was likely working before they interrupted.
Making a lazy motion towards the door with his hand, he offered, "I can wait outside. I'm sure you have better things to do than fret over me fretting over you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:23 pm
"No!" She reached out and grabbed his wrist. Why would he think she wanted him to go? "I mean..." What did she mean? Stay with me came to mind, because she didn't want to be alone, not now. Could she really say that after what she had told him before? Even if she could, she didn't want to. Clinginess was not a good trait for a woman. "I'll wait with you," she said lamely, pressing the side of her face against his arm. "It would be rude of me not to." Then she looked up at him with a stubborn look to the tilt of her mouth. No way could he talk her out of this one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 4:00 pm
Dark eyes lighted on her stubborn features, so sweet on the well-mannered woman. He'd been a little caught off guard by the smaller hand around his wrist and had stopped moving at all, not even sure if he should dare to breathe or bat an eyelash. Brad nodded his head slowly, lifting a hand to gently clasp the one grasping his arm. He wanted to tell her that she didn't have to worry about being so 'polite' around him, that she could just relax, but it seemed rude. Which, of course, would make a massive hypocrite out of him, and therefore would not be spoken.
"Thank you," he murmured instead, a smile lighting his face as he squeezed her hand. "I appreciate your time, always." It was true. As much of a workaholic as he was and as often as she was helping around the store or otherwise busy, he didn't get to see her as much as he'd like to. It was uncommon enough for Brad to want to see people, so being unable to was a bit frustrating at times.
He turned his head to the door, thought better of it and looked back to the woman near by. "We'll just wait in here then, hmm?" The man had enough presence of mind to think that she may not want the rest of the city to see the results of a sibling disagreement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 4:12 pm
She nodded, giving him a grateful smile. Her oppa was so perceptive, and kind too. Hae-min hugged him again. "If you want to wait outside," she started to say, but then shut her mouth. She didn't want to go out, not without fixing her makeup first, and by the time that was done with Brad would probably be gone. Besides, he'd given her the perfect way to keep from letting any number of neighbors who knew her see, for now anyway. Doubtless they had heard the two siblings shouting before, though.
"In here," she agreed.
For a moment, she was quiet, just... basking in Brad's presence, she supposed. "Oppa," she said quietly, "Mr. Argyle seemed so nice. Why would he have too much negativity for tea lights or tapers?" Only bad people had that much negativity, she thought, looking up at him with a curious, uncertain smile.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 4:24 pm
Brad was content to stand with Hae-min as they were, silent and simply enjoying her company. As she started to talk again, he lifted his brows and looked to her face; her words reflected easily on his expression, which shifted from intent listening to something more stricken and perhaps surprised. His eyes lowered slightly, his smiles fading into something a touch sad and thoughtful. He had no right to say anything about his friend's personal life.
But...
His friend had lost control, had gone to such a great length for peace of mind. The Italian took in a slow breath, his words quiet and calculated. "He has lost many people in his life. He's always been good about keeping positive, but...this last time, I don't think he ever recovered." Brad paused, shaking his head. "No, I don't think he will, unless...well. Suffice to say that life has not been kind to him." It was probably all vague sounding, but he also didn't want to upset Hae-min by divulging too much information. He didn't want her to bear guilt when they were both just trying to understand where all his anger came from.
"He's a good man, victim of trial and circumstance. I'm proud of him for coming this far." He wasn't sure Neil would have agreed to accept help in the first place, which is why the older man hadn't tried to explain anything until they were well on their way to the shop. Initially dubious, Neil had conceeded that he needed help, and that alone made Brad believe that there was still some hope for him yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 4:34 pm
She closed her eyes as she tucked her hands into her sleeves. "That's sad," she whispered, almost to herself, then continued loudly and with confidence, "If you think he's a good man, then he must be." Brad had never made a bad decision before- the woman he married notwithstanding. That one, she felt was a shared bad decision between the two, not like she had said anything at the time... It hadn't really been her place.
A telltale rumble outside- she looked out, then back to Brad, and hugged him again. It sounded to her like it was almost time for him to leave."Tell Mr. Argyle I am praying for him, if you think it will help. If not, then don't, okay? I love you, oppa."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
