Mara shook her head as she turned her gaze away from the back of the picture for the tenth time, at least. She had always known that someone was on the other side of the wall but she never thought about talking, or even meeting with them. And the idea that she would still be free to live her life, as she always had, was just as strange to her.
Darius looked away once more when the oven timer went off, taking the pizza rolls out and pouring them into his bowl. He made his way back out to the living room, sitting down on the sofa. When would he and Mara talk again? Even if he was having a hard time thinking of anything more to say to her at the moment, he couldn't help but feel the urge to take the picture down again and just… hang out.
Mara could hear some of the sounds from Darius’s side of the wall a little clearer through the picture than through the wall and was oddly thankful for that. Honestly, she wouldn't mind seeing him again. He had been nice company, even if she wasn't sure what to say to him.
Darius kept quiet as he ate, still looking over. How would he even know Mara would want to talk? Would she come out in some other place, or would she try to get his attention to move the picture?
Mara groaned, running her fingers through her hair as she looked back up at the picture again. She stormed over to her supplies and grabbed her climbing hook as well as a small bead. She walked back towards the wall and threw the bead at the picture, hoping for a big enough reaction to get Darius’s attention… If he was even in the right room.
Darius jumped some when he saw the moment out of the corner of his eye. He sat the pizza roll in his hand down, walking over to lift the picture away.
"Yes?" He asked, more afraid to admit he was glad to have the excuse to talk to Mara.
Mara smiled shyly at him when he actually responded. “I… Um, I know we just met but… would it be ok for me to say I got lonely?” she admitted.
Darius held the picture to his chest, his own blush coming to his cheeks.
"Yes, it's perfectly okay. I have to admit, me too…"
Mara sighed softly, almost in relief to hear that. “I don't really have much to say… I guess, living alone for a while… you forget how to talk to someone.” she said, a little embarrassed.
"Y-Yeah, I guess you do." Darius glanced away a moment, then back to Mara.
"But… Maybe we don't have to talk? It would be nice, to just hang out."
“That would be nice.” Mara agreed with a small smile up at him. “But if you want to ask me anything, I guess I don't have much to hide.” she added, shrugging briefly.
Darius chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"I'll let you know if I come up with any questions," he said in turn, offering a smile.
“Ok.” Mara giggled a little, nodding happily at their agreement. “And I’ll do the same.”
Darius moved to set the picture down, looking up at Mara and finally seeing the… Hook? That she had.
"Ah, I do have one- what's that?"
“Hmm? Oh, this?” Mara chuckled, lifting the tool up for him to see. “It helps me get around, especially when something is too tall for me to climb on my own.” she explained, holding the string attached to it. “I was actually thinking about using it to climb up to the picture if I couldn't get your attention with that bead.”
"Oh! That sounds really useful," Darius agreed. "But I was in the room when you used the bead, so I was able to notice it. I was wondering how you might get my attention for when we would like to hang out."
“It’s one of the first things I learned how to use.“ Mara chuckled again. “You… wanted me to get your attention?” she asked, a little surprised but happy at that news.
"Ah… Yeah, I did. I didn't really think it was appropriate to do it myself, seeing as it'd be an invasion of privacy… But it was a bit weird, you know? Almost like we were trying to act like nothing happened. Plus… It really is nice to talk with you."
Mara nodded a little, seeing his point. “I guess since you already know I’m here, there really isn't a point in me hiding anymore.” she agreed. “How about we leave the picture down except for at night and whenever you have company?”
"I think that's a wonderful idea." Darius sat the picture down, nodding with a smile.
"Much better, indeed."
Mara smiled back, glad that Darius liked her idea and feeling much less lonely than a few moments ago.
Darius hummed some, moving back to the couch and his food. Really, just having the way open helped him feel much better.
Mara watched him for a moment before taking her hook back to its original place and helped herself to a bowl of the soup.
Darius ate quietly, glancing up at the hold occasionally.
"So, how will we talk when I have to patch the hole up?"
“I don't know.” Mara answered as she had been wondering the same thing. “I mean, I have plenty of ways to get around so we can still see each other. But I doubt it will be the same as this.” she admitted.