forum "the world is over-" "maybe, but its our world now" (large group - open 5/7) **PLEASE JOIN** (or at least look at...)

Started September 21, 2021 by @CaseyJ group

tune

(Im going to but butt in if you don’t mind: It’s also a painful pressure point because there’s a nerve there. So she’d also be in pain)

Thank you.

Jules studied her for a moment, listening to her patterns of speech. He was 95% sure she used sarcasm to seem strong and bold, so fear didn't push its way through. He was familiar with fear. Even if his memory was scattered, he could still recognize the fear that encompassed him on the first day he had joined the refugees. "You thought about it for a second." He looked at her from the corner of his eyes, his voice soft. If anything, many should notice that he was soft. In the reality of it all, he wouldn't be able to survive outside for a fraction of a second. People could easily manipulate and use him. But to those who didn't have a corrupt mind, they could see how innocent he was. Jules would never hurt a fly. He was probably the only individual you could fully trust in this world. "I have. I guess it is better to stay safe. Safety is a top priority." He shook up a bottle of liquid medication. "And I wasn't joking. My lack of sleep could cause harm to people."

He discarded the box of medicines and walked over to his desk. He gripped the edge of it, feeling the crushing effects of his internal clock. Shaking his head to ward off this feeling, he started to sort through the papers left on his desk. When the word outside reached his ears, he froze. He didn't know what the outside world was like anymore, and he didn't want to be curious. If only he could realign his memories. Jules shook his head slowly. "No. Only the scouts are allowed outside. People are brought to us if they're alive." He went back to his task, sorting out logs regarding stock and miscellaneous records.

(sorry imp just gonna quote this real quick I totally thought I had already replied to this my b)

Vienna glares for a second, not purposefully though. Only trying to figure out this guy. Who was he and how does he come off as rude and sweet at the same time??
It really confused her but she decided to try her best to ignore it.
Jules was right. She did think about it for a little more than a second. She dwelled on it…which she tends to do quite often. But Vi didn't know how to feel about him observing her close enough to know what she was thinking. Did he know she was from the government? Does he know anything about them and what they do to their scouts? Did he make an observation based off of that or based off of how she held herself.
At his last comment she jumps up to the desk hastily, getting out the journal.
shit i thought he was joking…she this is why i take everything seriously she thinks to herself as she flips through the pages of the book, pulling off the cap and jotting down what he had told her to. He was her boss right? That's what she saw him as anyway so she was sure as hell going to act like he was. And anyway, who doesn't like being respected and taken seriously?
Vienna had always wanted to be someone who held others respect and wasn't taken for granted. So she spends her whole life working up towards being an authority figure or at least someone people loved enough to listen to. Instead she had always felt like everyone around her takes advantage of her kindness and uses it against her. Either that or they just simply don't listen to her unless it involved helping someone medically.

3110 actually managed a smile, his gaze never seemed to leave Mark, his own eyes were a piercing, hawk-like in their clearness. He knew, logically that others were around, likely training weapons that could separate his head from his shoulders, but his eyes never wavered or glanced away. 3110 made a small show of lowering his gun, eyebrows raised with the small smirk on his face.

"There, how's that? Mr. Oh so grand leader, trusted by all who follow him. Your ideas are grand, you have aspirations, but no thought ahead of tomorrow. The government is trying to rebuild the world, help us all. You're blind if you can't see that." 3110's voice took on a note of harshness as he spoke, but tinged with pride. He genuinely believed that, and the work he'd been doing… It had to mean something, he was sure of it. If he was in power, surely he could change things… Right? He hesitated, then for good measure kicked the gun a few inches away with his foot, hands in the air, forearm with the numbers showing in their direction. He still smiled confidently, head tilting to the side with either a look of confusion or fascination.

"You didn't shoot me on sight, so I assume I'm being let go. You're too above it all to torture me for information I don't have.. Do I have to ask your permission to leave or am I good to go?" 3110 definitely sounded amused now, he felt oddly safe, even with guns trained on him. It wasn't like being back at the compound. He raised his head an inch looking defiantly at Mark, if he died, he died feeling like his own person. A dangerous taste of freedom he knew, but- Damn did it feel good. Feeling a tad cocky now, 3110 even ventured to give a small bow, his hands still technically held above his head.

Jules continued on with his work, watching her sudden movements. She was a hasty one. He could tell that. This girl always had what she was thinking painted across her face. He observed people enough to understand the emotions and thoughts their facial structures made. "No." He looked up from the pile of papers, watching her write what he had told her. "I know nothing of your past. I can't tell, and I don't remember what is happening outside anyway. I can tell through your face and movements. I can read your body language." He put the piles of journals under his desk, cleaning up the sorted piles of papers and put them in a divider. "You don't have to take everything seriously. Sometimes I do say weird things." Jules shrugged and gently took the journal and pen from Vienna. He put it on the desk, putting the pen back into the supply holder. "Don't be so ridged. Relax. That's an order." He said it gently not to spook her like a scared dog.

Jules smiled at her in assurance that it was safe until he heard the commotion coming from outside. He could recognize the voices distinctly, to the point he opened the heavy metal door, and walked down the dull, gray corridor. He rounded a corner, hiding behind a wall to not be seen. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw a very familiar refugee apply pressure to a nerve in the guard's arm. This was the same boy that Jules removed the tracker out of and disposed of it. He held a gun. Jules knew full well he wasn't a scout. He wasn't about to meddle and get hurt himself, but he could help the hurt guard and report the incident to the leader.

Vienna looked at him wide eyed as he spoke, though tensing up as he got closer.
Her breath was shaky and she struggled to swallow the closer he got.
She lets go of both the notebook and the pen the second he touches it, not wanting him to touch her. He creeped her out with the whole mind reading thing.
How did he know I was thinking that? this is ridiculous. she thinks to herself once again, not liking the fact that he was watching her so intently.
When he orders her to relax her eyes widen as she looks up at him, sure it was impossible to relax around him. Who was he? Some mind reading freak?
Vi does quite the opposite of relaxing and her whole body tenses even more thank it was before and she held her breath until he turns away from her, letting out a quiet breath.
She thought his voice was nice and soft, liking the way it was so gentle. But his words kind of freaked her out.
You would think once he left she would stay inside and enjoy the alone time. Or at least the absence of him.
But she decides to let her curiosity get the best of her and follow him out to the corridor and around the corner. "whats going on?" she asks him as she reached him now

Jules looked at her questioningly. He wasn't some all seeing god, he was only good at telling people's thoughts through body language and emotion. "Why are you so ridged? Did I do something?" He wasn't sure what he could have done. Noticing her eyes were the size of dinner plates, he instead gently gave her a hug. This always worked with his patients when they couldn't relax, how could it be any different. His touch was soft, and he held the scent of sweet milkweed. He let go when he felt her muscles tighten up further, giving her a sad look. He didn't know what he did wrong. Jules could hear the tiny breath she released when he turned to grab his satchel, going out the door.

Jules was aware the girl had followed him, her footsteps were not quiet. He wanted to tell her to shush badly, so they wouldn't be discovered. If she was from the outside. Why are her footsteps so loud?. It irritated him. A shiver ran down Jules spine when he felt her presence as he peered to look at Sean and Parker. He turned on his heel carefully, looking at the girl with a startled stare. "A refugee whom is not a scout has endangered a guard." He whispered. "And he has a gun. He's breaking many rules." Jules shook his head. "We have to go back before we get caught by him. We can take care of the guard later." He glanced back at the commotion and started his way back to the infirmary.

When he hugs her, she wanted to fight back and she tries to push him away as much as she could, panicking at his touch, hating it with every fiber of her being. But he had pulled away just before she was about to do something aggressive to get him off of her. It takes her a good while to recover from that, wanting to curl up in a ball and hide right then and there.
When she did recover, she mustered up the courage to follow him to tell him off but instead something interesting was happening. As she walked her footsteps were a little louder because she was a bit angry. Though she didn't think her footsteps were super loud as she always moved very softly and quietly.
She kept her distance from him, making sure to take a single step back with every one of his movements due to his actions towards her not even five minutes ago.
Though she nods in understanding, following him back to the room they were once in.
Once they were in the room, she glares up at him, trying to work up the courage to say something about earlier.

Sean glanced at the radio setting nearby for a moment before looking back at the door, "Leader had me stay back and finish the paperwork on being a scout, he always carries one of those folders around." He sighed before quickly grabbing her arm and jabbing his thumb into the pressure point so he could slip past and dunk through the door to get outside. He would have knocked her out, but he didn't need to break another rule.

She hissed in pain, holding her arm as she watched him. She moved to trip him up with her legs, moving to grab him by the back of his shirt collar with the arm that wasn't in pain and pull him back.
"You aren't a scout, why the heck do you want to go outside so bad?"

Mark glared at the man, silent for a few minutes, "3110? You do realize the world is like this because of the Government, that everything was their plan. They will kill you without a second thought" he shrugged, moving his pistol and shooting the man in the leg. "but you are free to go now, if you even make it back alive" he put his pistol up and turned around, picking up his papers.

Sean had hit the ground, rolling under the door and making it outside, avoiding her, he had managed to open it about a foot, which was enough for his small self to get through. He stood up, "Because I miss being a scout, even if it was for the gov, I got to go outside daily and I could play with my gun, believe it or not Its a waste to keep me inside, im the best shot you got and 'Leader' knows it." He said the name everyone used for Mark with sarcasm.

3110 shifted his weight once in the silence that followed his speech, his hands still held in the air. His eyes darkened again at the words 'plan'. And as Mark lifted his pistol and fired, all his muscles were tensed. Then, agony as the bullet ripped through muscles and tendons, narrowly missing the bone. 3110 gave a shout of agony, then crumpled to the ground, groaning quietly. He tried to blink the stars from his eyes, his vision and mind still a searing hot white with pain. He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but it felt like an eternity of hell, it was hardly a few heartbeats. The red-haired man took a few steadying gulps of air, and tried to calm himself, to an encouraging degree it actually worked. With another flash of pain he managed to sit up, resisting the urge to shout curses at Mark, he instead dragged his bag closer, rummaging through it for the make-shift medical supplies.

With a practice he wished he didn't have 3110 pulled out bandages, yellowed with age, but still managed to staunch the bleeding, he'd have to think about a splint later, when his mind still wasn't spinning. Realizing he hadn't said anything, he raised his voice, hoping Mark was still in hearing range.

"Very mature of you- Damn it-" He bit off his words, grimacing sharply. 3110 knew he had to get back to the compound, as he really, really didn't want to spend another night outside. Standing was agony, and he knew he couldn't bear to put much weight on his injured leg, 3110 managed to use his rifle as a sort of walking stick, growling as he did so. He was stubborn, and a little angry now, he had a point to prove and the will to prove it. 3110 didn't bother looking back, he knew he didn't have time, the walk back to the Government might very well kill him, but his eyes blazed with a sort of angry determination, and he began his walk. Purely out of an amused sense of spite, he even began whistling on his way back, a cheery tune his mother had taught him, a part of him hoped someone would hear.

Delilah heard gunfire, but she ignored it. Her job was to stay in position unless she saw someone come near the foot of the base, where she was. She scanned the horizon and blinked against the hot sun.

Nothing she thought to herself.
She would stay put, for now.

Mark rolled his eyes, he gathered up his team of scouts, looking through what they had found. Clothes, shoes, and some old books, he wrote that down. He had also written 3110's number down, marking him as a threat. Mark sighed, he was glad no one had radio'd him yet, after all it wasn't often he got to go outside. His team gathered up the stuff and started walking back, Mark staying behind to make sure everyone was with them.

3110 sighed, he'd made decent progress all things considered, but he knew he only had a little bit of time before curfew. He grimaced, not looking forwards to the punishments for missing it, especially with a hurt leg. He continued his slow limp forwards, steadily inching towards the goal, he could see the compound at this point, but he had only maybe a hour and a half before sundown, it was unlikely he'd get there in time. Despite the impossibility, 3110 pushed himself a little harder, going forwards at a marginally increased pace. The frontal gates were close, and 3110 grunted as another lance of pain struck his leg, he'd long since stopped whistling, conserving air and pulling his bandanna mask up to keep out dust.

Just.. A few more minutes, I can make it. 3110 thought, his mind starting to go slightly fuzzy with pain and exhaustion, the lack of sleep from the night before crashing over him like a tidal wave. He staggered a few more steps and.. His rifle butt hit a rock obscured in the dirt, and the man swayed for a moment, then tumbled into a heap without his rifle as a crutch. 3110 lay in the dirt for a long moment, too physically and mentally exhausted to move. He raised his head, sighing heavily as he looked at the gates. His last thought before he blacked out was annoyance, he'd been so close-

Though she nods in understanding, following him back to the room they were once in.
Once they were in the room, she glares up at him, trying to work up the courage to say something about earlier.

(I'm just going to quote the last paragraph)

Jules could feel she was on edge. He’d just made things worse. So much for trying to calm someone down. He watched the escape attempt, noting that it was Sean. He was too wary of the situation to do anything about him and hoped Parker would be okay. When he had slipped back into the room, he readied himself to be a witness. Things like this didn’t happen every day. He brushed off his clothes and watched the door as Vienna entered. Jules knew she was pissed, keeping his distance from the girl. He turned around and looked at Vienna with sad eyes. He didn’t look like his happy self, just a sad puppy. He slipped off his satchel and hung it on a hook. Jules went back to organizing the second stack of records to distract himself before he said anything.

“I’m sorry.” He managed to squeak out. “I thought it would help. It always does..” His voice held a tinge of sadness, but he was upset at himself rather than Vienna. His body shivered, and he laid in one of the recovery beds, waiting for leader to get back. Things were about to get messy, and he knew that. Jules was preparing himself for the next few days. The days of chaos and disorder.

---

Sean had hit the ground, rolling under the door and making it outside, avoiding her, he had managed to open it about a foot, which was enough for his small self to get through. He stood up, "Because I miss being a scout, even if it was for the gov, I got to go outside daily and I could play with my gun, believe it or not Its a waste to keep me inside, im the best shot you got and 'Leader' knows it." He said the name everyone used for Mark with sarcasm.

She glared at him, "why are you trying to sneak out if that's the case? You could clearly sign up to scout and show valuable you could be, but instead your breaking rules left and right just so you get a taste of fresh air. Without even bothering to ask anyone. Now I have to radio in to the leader that you broke not only one, but two rules heck maybe three." She sighed, rubbing her face.
"Not too late to come back inside, no one has to be notified."

(sorry eventually I'll throw my guy in here XD)

(Lol.mood)

Vienna wasn't thinking about being a witness or about the chaos that would follow. No. She was more concerned about talking to Jules.
She was hyping herself up in her mind with words such as "you got this" and "don't be a pu$$y. say something"
But she never got anything out until he started talking.
He was…apologizing? Saying sorry about that was the last thing she expected him to say after this. Did he think he was better than her by saying that or was he genuinely sorry? She looks up at him now, realizing how sad he looked. How sorry he was.
Vienna was never used to people apologizing and she was taught by her mother to never apologize to anyone else so saying the words "I'm sorry" were foreign to her. Not in the way that she didn't know what it meant. It was just so rare to hear someone say those words and actually mean it. Normally it shoed a sign of weakness but this almost felt belittling in a way.
She clears her throat "don't just make assumptions. Everyone is different" she says bluntly, her tone cold and a bit irritated.
"don't touch me and stop reading my mind. It creeps me out" she shivers, looking back to the door. Not knowing whether or not to change the subject to what they had just seen.
"anyway" Vi sighs, annoyed at both him and herself. "what do we do about what we saw" she asks

Jules pulled the sheets over him, clutching a pillow. He looked up at Vienna with sad, weary eyes. “I don’t-uh-read minds. I don’t have superpowers. What I do notice is…” He paused, unsure how he could sound less creepy. “You display what you’re thinking through your face and body language. That’s how I know. I-uh-I didn’t mean to seem creepy.” He turned away from her and closed his eyes, sighing shakily. “I won’t make any more assumptions. I was hoping I could calm you down. Make you feel less on edge. Maybe make a friend, but it seems I blew that out of the water.” He wasn’t expecting any pity from her. That wasn’t his intention. He wanted to explain himself. That's all. “I won’t come near you anymore, but that’ll make work hard.” Jules turned onto his back and looked at the ceiling. How could he fix this? He didn’t know. All he knew was he needed to stay awake long enough to report the incident.

Sleep was pulling Jules in steadily. His eyes teetered on the thin line between sleep and consciousness. He sat up, trying to ward off sleep. “We need to wait until leader gets back. Then we can tell him what we saw, alrighty?” He laid back down, his eyes heavy from the burden that was sleep. He tried to resist, but soon sleep pulled him into its land of dreams.

She lets out a heavy sigh, rolling her eyes as she pulls her hair up into a high ponytail, then looping it onto a bun and securing it. A few strands of curly black hair fall into her face, framing it just how she liked it.
Vienna sits down, looking up at the ceiling.
"you don't have to stay away from me…I'd like a friend too" she says quietly before he falls asleep
just don't hug me out of nowhere she thought to herself, looking back at him, watching as his mind drifts into what she could only assume was a better world than this.
She pulls her knees up to her chest, resting her cheek on her knee as it mushed into her face. She blinks a few times, her eyes staying on him as her mind wandered.
His intentions were pure she realized that now. But she also wasn't used to affection being shown to her other than from her own mother. How could she know someone's intentions were true to what they said? Anytime she would do that she would be sorely mistaken and honestly embarrassed.
Vi lifts her head and looks the other way as she realizes how long she had been staring.
gosh..now im the creep.
She thought about his looks for a little longer though, noting how attractive he was. Though she wasn't too focused on that as much as she was his demeanor. How he held himself and how he spoke meant a lot. If someone speaking to him weren't as wary and as paranoid as her, they'd probably fall head over heels.
Vienna tries her best to shake herself of her thoughts about him, trying to convince herself that she could trust him.

When Jules awoke from his slumber, he was filled with terror as he realized what had happened. His heart rate accelerated, and he sat up startled. He took a look around and noticed Vienna. Everything else appeared to be in order, and no one had entered. He couldn't possibly sleep during the day. When he had his own quarters, he was not allowed to sleep in the beds reserved for patients. Jules jumped out of bed as quickly as he could. He neatly made the bed, pulling the sheets up over the pillows and laying out the blanket. "I am deeply sorry about that." His response was breathy and he shook himself awake. "I'm not supposed to sleep in here." Jules walked over to the shelves where the medical supplies were kept. He had a strong feeling that something bad was about to happen.

On his desk, Jules placed three small containers. He arranged bandages, medicines, syringes, gauze, gloves, tape, tweezers, and scissors in each one. Things you'd normally find in a first-aid kit. He popped the lids on all three containers and stacked them on top of one another. Jules frantically scrambled around, preparing for the worst-case scenario. From his desk, he took a few journals. After his short nap, he seemed to have regained his energy. "So there we have it. In case anything goes wrong. Hopefully, this will relieve the discomfort in my stomach." He smiled as he looked at Vienna. She appeared to be much more at ease than she had been previously. He didn't dare to check the entrance by creeping out the hall and navigating the maze.