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 Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:17 am
She was recovering; it was a slow, painful process with her learning how to throw punches and build up her stamina, but thinking about Mac no longer led her to tears. However, that ache in her chest was still here, and she often found herself rubbing or clutching at her chest to get it to stop. Secretly, she wondered if that ache would be there for a long time, seeing how it hadn't lessened since day one.
She also found herself wondering if anything would had turned out differently if she had been a little easier, a little more willing to play along with Mac's whims.
Sighing, she looked up at the sky, shivering at how cold it was; it was reaching that time of year where it was going to get colder... If only she had Mac now. She would be curled up in his bed, leeching off his warmth right about now, rather then walking to the cafeteria this time in the evening in order to get herself a cup of hot chocolate because she wasn't sure what else to do.
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:49 am
Evening time was Herryk's favorite time.
There was a sort of peace that seemed to settle across the Academy when the pumpkin sun dipped low in the sky. Herryk felt it too, and as of late he'd taken to spending the cooler evening hours near the main building of Amityville. It was kind of fun to watch the comings and goings of the boils and ghouls that attended the school. It was more fun than getting his butt whupped at the Gym, at least.
One ghoul in particular caught his eye -- Lizzy, was it? Lattice's friend. With a broad grin, he watched her pass by him. She seemed incredibly wrapped up in her own thoughts, and Herryk decided to shuffle after her. Maybe she needed someone to talk to? Sometimes talking to an almost-stranger helped. Or something.
"Lizzy? It is Herryk. Do you remember? From the field trip? Lattice introduced us."
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:57 am
Lizzy actually jumped when she heard someone call her name, and it took her a moment to process what the boil in front her was talking about - mainly because she caught herself staring at his very bare, very manly chest. Really. What would it take for boils in the school to cover up and protect the eyes of ghouls?
"Yes," She replied with an easy smile; how could she forget that man chest? Although the last time she saw him, there was a blond ghoul lying on that chest; if she remembered it right, that ghoul wasn't very clothed either, "How have you been? Oh! Care to join me for a cup of hot chocolate?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 9:01 am
Herryk smiled brightly at the ghoul. "Herryk has been well. Lizzy's kindness is appreciated." He lifted a broad hand to scratch at his jaw, perking when she asked him if he'd like to join her for this hot chocolate.
It actually sounded appetizing.
"Herryk would love to join Lizzy." He gestured at the building that housed the cafeteria. "How is Lizzy?" She looked distracted. Herryk opened the door for the ghoul and followed her into the building.
"Herryk has never had hot chocolate before," he admitted quietly, still smiling.
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 9:10 am
Okay, the way he was speaking in third person? So precious.
She couldn't resist giggling, beaming up at him when he held the door open for her; honestly, he reminded her a little of Petro when he's around her - a boil who was rather intimidating to look at, since they were tall and rather broad, but such a gentleman! She wondered if he liked using his fists too, seeing how Petro was a completely different person in a fight.
"Ohh?" She looked completely surprised at that, her eyes widening, "It's the best, especially on a cold day such as this one! You're missing out on a lot! Here-" She ushered him over to a table and gestured for him to sit down, "-I'll be back soon!" With that, she hurried over to the stall, ordering two cups of hot chocolate, even going through the effort of begging for a marshmallow mushroom to be put in before carefully bringing them over to the table, pushing one cup towards the boil as she wriggled happily in her seat.
"Try it!" She grinned, looking at him like she was waiting for his verdict, "Oh! Be careful though... It's hot."
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 9:36 am
Wide-eyed, Herryk peered down into the cup that Lizzy presented to him. It smelled sweet and, oddly enough, delicious. Herryk was an undead boil -- he didn't find pleasure in eating like other undeads might -- and this would explain why he'd never heard of hot chocolate before.
How bad could the drink be if Lizzy was drinking it?
Curiously Herryk pushed one fingertip into the drink, submerging the marshmallow mushroom into the rich depths of the chocolate. She was right, it was hot! He stuck his finger into his mouth. His eyes brightened.
It was delicious.
"Oh Lizzy," he mumbled as he started slurping down the drink. "So good."
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:00 am
When his face brightened, she giggled, clapping her hands together in glee before cupping them around her own cup, "Told you so! Nobody can resist hot chocolate, especially when it's cold!" Lizzy had a lot of luck finding boils who reminded her of puppies in one way or another - there was Mot, Shun and even Jericho... And now Herryk. However, her original puppy was... Was...
Her face fell for a moment as she stared into her cup, but quickly cheered up as she took a sip, determined not to let it bother her, "So... There was a pretty ghoul with Herryk during the field trip?" She titled her head, "Is she Herryk's ghoulfriend, maybe?" Somehow, she had slipped into his speech pattern... Without realizing it.
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:10 am
Herryk's laughter echoed throughout the cafeteria. "Herryk will never doubt Lizzy again!" He beamed at the ghoul, his brows knitting when he saw that brief moment of sadness wash over her. It was gone soon enough, and while Herryk's expression showed concern, the draugr wasn't going to push for answers.
Taking another monstrous gulp of hot chocolate, Herryk wiped his mouth on the back of his hand as he listened to Lizzy ask about Freya. Everything about the boil softened. His eyes grew brighter, his smile wider, his voice warmer. It was utterly and completely obvious that Herryk was in love with the ghoul that Lizzy spoke of.
"Oh yes," he said quietly, that wide smile growing just a tad bit shy. "Freya is Herryk's ghoulfriend. She is Herryk's everything. Freya is sweet and strong -- like this hot drink, almost!" No, exactly! "Sweet and hot -- fiery! Herryk would do anything for his Freya."
The draugr ran his finger around the rim of his glass, looking thoughtful.
"Freya means more to Herryk than anything. Freya is perfect." He lifted his gaze to meet Lizzy's, that shy smile broadening. "Herryk is planning a very special date for his Freya," he admitted quietly for no reason other than he was very proud of what he'd accomplished so far in planning that particular date out. He'd spent time asking about flowers from Tset, learning how to cook and what to wear from Calder... it had taken much time and effort, but Herryk wanted this date to be wonderful. As perfect as Freya.
"Does Lizzy have a boilfriend?" He chuckled, "Of course Lizzy does. A ghoul so nice and sweet as Lizzy HAS to have a boilfriend."
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:32 am
Ah, so her name was Freya! She listened to Herryk as he started to gush, the smile on her lips growing at how in love the boil was; it was obvious from the way he spoke about her that showed he would never hurt her... And Lizzy couldn't help but stare at him in admiration; sure, she knew that Shun and Mot would probably speak about their other halves that way too, but she had never heard anyone - but herself - talk of their partner out loud.
"Awww, a very special date?" She couldn't help feeling curious, leaning forward over the table, wishing to hear more, "Good luck with that! I am sure that Freya will enjoy herself!" After all, he seemed to be putting a lot of effort into planning this date!
The smile, however, was wiped from her face the moment he mentioned 'boilfriend'; it was hard not to think about something when it was presented to you in the form of a question like that... Months ago, she would have blushed and simply said no, but now... She looked up, seeing how gentle and sincere Herryk was, and couldn't bring herself to lie to him, even if talking about it made her feel sad.
"I had one," She smiled sadly, rolling the cup of hot chocolate between her palms as she stared into the dark liquid, "He was sweet - not as sweet or open about his feelings as Herryk, but he would hold me when I was scared and he was always there for his friends when it counted." Her voice grew softer, "He wasn't perfect. I think he was far from perfect but I love him for both his strengths and his flaws..." Love, not loved, "And he might make me cry at times, but I don't really remember those times very much when I think of him. I think about how warm he is, and how nice he smells, and the way he makes me giggle and smile... And I think that's what counts."
She paused, looking up before realizing that her vision was blurry. She blinked, quickly wiping her tears away with the back of her hand before blushing, "Ah, sorry, didn't mean to rant..."
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:45 am
Herryk nodded at Lizzy's question. It was different to speak to a ghoul of the things he'd discussed with Calder. Calder was a boil, so maybe that made it easier? Herryk wasn't sure, he only knew he didn't want to discuss much of the intimates with Lizzy because it would be... well, uncomfortable. Lizzy was so nice, and Herryk didn't want to bring up such a topic. "Yes. A very romantic date," Herryk divulged, falling silent with a small smile.
The draugr watched the ghoul carefully, his alert gaze taking in each and every nuance of her expression as she spoke about this boilfriend that she once had. He was confused -- the ghoul obviously still loved this boil that brought her such comfort and warmth. She still cared for this special boil that seemed to be perfect for Lizzy -- not perfect as a boil, but perfect for this ghoul that sat across from Herryk.
It made Herryk's chest hurt to see such a sweet and gentle ghoul cry. Lizzy was pretty, she was kind, she had a nice laugh. His brow furrowed for a brief moment as he carefully chose his words.
"Where is this boil now? Why is he no longer with Lizzy?" It was obvious that Herryk was having a tough time wrapping his head around this.
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:59 am
"The boil broke up with me, Herryk," She muttered softly, looking away briefly, like that would help her cope with the pain in her chest, "He said he didn't love me... And the way he said it made it sound like he never did... But I can't help thinking that he was lying to me..." Just thinking about it was enough to turn the waterworks on again.
"So... So if you love Freya, be sure to let her know," She nodded, looking up with a determined look on her face, "With lots of hugs and kisses and words and other things. Ghouls like to know these things."
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:07 am
The instant that Lizzy started crying again, Herryk rose from his seat and moved around to sit next to the pink-haired ghoul. He didn't give a jack about personal boundaries -- he rarely did anyway -- and promptly wrapped an arm around the ghoul's shoulders. He couldn't imagine being in Lizzy's position -- just the thought of Freya saying she didn't love him, that she never had? It was enough to make Herryk feel sick to his stomach. Drawing Lizzy in for a half-hug, Herryk made a small sound of distress.
"Herryk will go talk to this stupid boil," he said softly. "Do not cry, Lizzy. Please? Lizzy is too pretty to cry." He briskly rubbed her upper arm.
"Herryk tells Freya he loves her all of the time. Herryk bought Freya some stuffed owls, and Herryk is trying to learn how to cook so that he can make Freya food, and Herryk is always kissing and hugging his Freya." He fell silent, tilting his head to watch Lizzy with a worried expression.
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:25 am
Usually Lizzy was pretty bad with stranger-boil hugs, but Herryk was a puppy, and she had always accepted all puppy hugs. Besides, the hug was well-timed, because the moment she felt his arm around her shoulder, she shuffled closer towards him, "I'm sorry... We just got to know each other and Herryk had to see me cry... I even promised myself not to cry. No, no, I'm alright. There's no need for Herryk to go look for Mac..."
Inhaling sharply, she seemed to compose herself before looking up, smiling again, "I'm glad to hear that! Freya is a really lucky ghoul!" She would do anything to get it all back... Granted, only if Mac was lying about never caring about her.
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:39 am
Herryk had a weak spot for ghouls that needed help or protection. Despite being something of a proverbial gentle giant, Herryk would never turn down a ghoul that needed his help. He was careful with boundaries, though, and would never wish to do anything that might cause any discomfort. When Lizzy shuffled closer, Herryk merely tightened his arm around her while reaching for his cup of hot chocolate with his other hand. He took a long sip before carefully setting the mug back down.
"No, no. Herryk will talk to this ... Mac?" Herryk jerked his head in a nod. "For now, Lizzy must stop crying. Please?" He was relieved when she seemed to gather her composure. Tears were scary things.
"Freya deserves the very best," he said quietly, warmly. "Just like Lizzy, and just like all of the other nice ghouls at school."
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:47 am
"Yes... His name is Mac, but... Don't tell him that I cried? Please?" She answered softly, sniffing as she nodded at his request; reaching for her own cup, she held it in her hands for the warmth, "Okay, I promise. No more crying." She took a long sip from her cup and sighed contentedly, smiling a little at how sweet and delicious the drink was.
"Herryk knows how to treat a ghoul right," She giggled, feeling better already as she set the cup back down on the table, "If I can help Herryk plan that special date in any way, please don't hesitate to ask!" She could tell that it meant a lot for him to have the date go smoothly.
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