forum In Fair Verona // Modern Romeo and Juliet // Private RP - CLOSED

Started February 05, 2019 by @blue_topaz

tune

I pulled out the plates, looking up as I heard footsteps. A smile grew on my face as I saw Marina. “Hey…” I breathed quietly, self consciously running a hand through my hair.

"Hey," I answered softly, lowering myself onto the blanket next to him. "How're you?"

“Good…” I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Marina, a mix of both affection and embarrassment washing over me. She had dressed up a bit and I well… she said she liked the dorky look, right? I had attempted to flatten my hair back with water, but the curls had rebelled and loosened themselves. My glasses were sort of smudgy and my clothes were nothing special. Jeans and a sweatshirt with a light undershirt underneath.

I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, the side of my finger brushing up against one of my hoop earrings. Bashful, I looked away, swaying slightly in his direction.

“You—You look nice. Really nice.” I mumbled awkwardly. I probably should’ve warn something more fancy. I got caught up at the bakery. Romeo was fussing over me a bit.” I explained, attempting to spark conversation.

Red bloomed across my cheeks. Taking his hand, I risked a glance up at his strangely beautiful features. "Don't worry about a thing. You–You look cute like this. How's Romeo?"

My ears turned a bright red, the color pooling in my cheeks. “Cute, huh?” I murmured back, feeling dumbfounded at the thought. “That’s a new one. Er… Romeo’s fine. Just a bit fussy since I didn’t tell him anything.”

"Understandable," I answered, though my voice was softened by an odd, unfamiliar sense of shyness. "You're okay, though? Your parents weren't upset?"

“They didn’t care. Thought I was with Romeo.” I lied through my teeth, letting out a quiet sigh afterwards. One of the reasons I had chosen light and baggy clothing was the assortment of bruises decorating my ribs in vibrant purple splotches.

(Oh, Mercutio…)

A furrow appeared between my eyebrows. There was something off about his tone…

"Are you sure?" I asked carefully, studying his expression.

“I’m sure.” I sucked in a deep breath, avoiding her eyes and praying that I looked convincing.

"Mercutio…" I murmured, shaking my head. But I didn't push, knowing it would likely make the situation worse.

I sighed, knowing she’d caught on. “It wasn’t that bad. It’s be worse if I came home drunk.” I assured her quietly.

"Mercutio, 'not that bad' for normal people is very different from people associated with the mafia," I sighed, "That's something I learned the hard way. Where did they hurt you?"

I fell silent, fidgeting and avoiding eye contact at all costs. “It’s… It’s really not bad compared to some things. Romeo’s parents are way worse.”

"I don't care how bad Romeo's parents are at the moment," I sighed, "I care about how much you're hurt, and how I can help."

“Just a couple bruises, Marina. If… If I show you will that help ease your mind a bit? I don’t want to ruin—“ I gestured to the blanket. “Whatever you want to call this…”

"You don't have to show me if you don't want to," I consoled him, "But you should take care of the bruises when you get the opportunity to."

“Aren’t you just supposed to… you know… let ‘em do their own thing?” I raised an eyebrow at Marina, lightly resting a hand on my side.

"You can put different balms on them to help the healing process," I explained, "And so they don't hurt as much."

I stared blankly at her in response. “Put what on them?”

A chuckle made its way past my lips. "Cream, I guess."

“Never heard of that before.” I mused, gently rubbing my ribs.

"I'll bring you some tomorrow," I offered, wanting to help him somehow.

“Thanks.” I mumbled. “I’ll be okay though, don’t worry. It doesn’t even hurt to breathe.” I offered her a toothy grin.